Post-Holiday Wrap-Up

Still blissfully avoiding the mall. On the news, I saw some people were lined up at 6 a.m. outside stores Saturday. On a cherished day off from work, I won't be lined up anywhere at that hour. Repeat after me America, "it's not a bargain if you don't need it." On a chilly, rainy day, I was tucked inside with the candles, a book, comfy PJ's, a Golden Girls marathon (oh, those St. Olaf stories!), napping, dreaming, resting and rejuvenating - just what the winters are for.

I did acquire one thing. Can you believe this was by the dumpster when I went to bring out my recycling? I rescued it from a cruel fate in a landfill. It will look charming with pansies come springtime.


Brunch time! The Rutherford Pancake House has heavenly vegan breakfast offerings, but it's a bit out of the way, and eating at home is much more economical.

I do miss a number of things as a vegan, but scrambled eggs isn't one of them. Think of those battery cages. Try a tofu scramble instead. Saute an onion, add diced tofu and whatever veggies you have on hand, and season with turmeric, garlic powder and salt and pepper. Add vegan cheese if you have it, and it rivals almost any omelette.


Didn't slave away in the kitchen for hours. These tasty raspberry turnovers from Pepperidge Farm are delicious with a cup of coffee.



I was highly tempted to go back to bed Sunday, but with unseasonably warm temperatures, the park was calling my name. Fellow blogger and friend of animals Chessbuff at On Loving Animals shared his charming photos of Van Saun Park in Paramus, New Jersey. Here are a few of mine.

Magical bridges invite you for a leisurely stroll...



None other than George Washington is reported to have drank from the above spring.

Local groups like the Bergen County Historical Society connect you with the past. Check out their events page.

Doesn't this look like a lovely picnic spot? All that's missing is a thermos of hot chocolate or coffee in the winter (make that lemonade come spring and summer).

The Shelter Our Sisters' Pathway to Self Sufficiency. I was proud my friends and coworkers donated clothing swap leftovers to benefit this worthy group.

True for all...people and animals.


This hill, when snow covered, provides endless fun for kids with sleds, as it did in my youth.


In this CBS News story on nostalgia, Lemoyne College psychology professor Krystine Batcho observed that when something brings back memories, people are more likely to focus on people than items. "The things that people are most nostalgic for in their growing up years were simple things like having dinner with Grandma...or going camping -- as a family... Even if it's just getting together to have a simple meal, getting together to pray or whatever those experiences are that bring a family closer to one another." Something to remember during these trying economic times. People, not possessions, the soul remembers.

Visit your local park. Bring along a paper, a great book, your grateful dog, loved ones or just yourself.