Tag Archives: Family

Farewell, My Not-So-Secret Garden

Eons ago when we moved into our current residence, one section of the backyard had a brick fireplace surrounded by a large American elm, two dogwoods, and a redbud that set off a burst of spectacular blooms every spring. After … Continue reading

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Repurposing with a Purpose

Yikes! Realizing I think like my mother once did is bad enough, but every now and then I take on the role of her mother, at least when it comes to Grandma D in the kitchen. For one thing Grandma’s … Continue reading

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A Little Garlic Between Friends

I will be signing my Italian-American family sagas and mysteries during the Collinsville, Illinois, 2016 Italian Fest at Spirito’s Groceria on Main Street, Fri, Sept 16, 10 to 5; Sat, Sept 17, 10 to 2. And to celebrate this year’s … Continue reading

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Tomato Sundae, Anyone?

I’ve written before about my friend E, caterer, farmer, and food preservationist extraordinaire who often challenges my ingenuity with summertime gifts of produce that require immediate attention to avoid spoilage. Such was the case several weeks ago when she passed … Continue reading

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My Knife Collection

I have this thing about kitchen knives. It began some years ago with a Christmas gift from No. 1 son M and family—a set of Henckel Knives and a hardwood block for storing the knives. Certainly sufficient for my culinary … Continue reading

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Marinara Sauce, My Way

Hubby D and I were driving home from our place at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks when my cell phone rang. It was my good friend E, who along with her husband J, have a successful year-round catering business, mostly … Continue reading

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Favorite Time for Creativity

Phew! We, as in Hubby D and I, have survived another holiday season. Son #1 and family came from two directions, Wyoming and Upstate New York, making Christmas extra special for the entire Giacoletto clan. To add to the ten-day … Continue reading

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The Family That Plays Together

Don’t get me started. I’ve written about Casalago before, our family retreat at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Casalago truly is a family affair, involving four of our five offspring and their spouses. Add to that the assorted offspring of … Continue reading

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Photos from the Past

Several days ago I received a letter from my cousin M who lives in New Mexico. Along with the letter came this copy of old photograph from the early 1900s, a solemn couple standing side by side and holding hands. … Continue reading

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