Memorial Day 2010

This morning started out with an unexpected twist.  I couldn't get in to the Skidmore gym, which was supposed to be open despite the fact that the college is closed for the day.  So, plan B. I decided to drive over to the Saratoga Spa State Park and walk the loop that encirlces the Avenue of the Pines and the Gideon Putnam Hotel.  I parked in the hotel parking lot and, for the heck of it, decided to bring my camera along for the walk.  I thought I might see some pretty flowers to try the macro setting on, or some squirrels playing, who knows...  Anyway, the light was just beautiful this morning.  I walked at a quick pace (I thought, until I heard "behind  you" by a woman who quickly left me in her dust) but stopped every now and then when I was inspired to shoot. 

The walk along the Avenue was just beautiful.  The sun was pouring through the pines in ribbons of light, and I realized how glad I was that the gym doors were locked this morning.  I heard a lot of barking as I rounded the South Broadway end of the paved walkway, and wondered if I was coming upon a dog show.  Nope.  Today it was X-games for dogs.  There were many breeds, but Border Collies seemed to be cleaning up.  Vans were lined all along the walkway, all the doors open, as dogs waited in crates for their turn to compete. 

Headed back toward the Gideon Putnam Hotel, along the old Avenue of the Pines, couples on bikes passed by.  I think the hotel must rent out bikes because there were many.  I stopped to admire the golf course, and further up I was reminded of one of my first jobs as I passed the entrance to the Saratoga Tree Nursery.  I spent one spring break there pulling up and bundling pine tree yearlings.  It was as close to working in the fields as I ever want to get (probably because of that unfortunate fall off the back of a pick-up onto the gravel road).  Not my fondest memory. 

What I did enjoy about being out this morning was how friendly people are.  Most said "hello" or "good-morning" with a smile.  Compared to how much of my life is indoors -- at work, at home baking, even inside at the gym -- it just felt good to be outdoors and aware of how beautiful this area of the world is in the summer.  One such friendly walker was someone I recognized, not a friend, but a long-established anchor woman on local TV.  I've seen her out shopping on occasion and she is sometimes bothered by "fans" but today, she beamed a warm and welcoming smile.  I took her picture from behind but decided I wouldn't want anyone to post one of me, so I'm not posting it.

When I left the park, I stopped by St. Peter's Cemetary to visit my parents and to remember my dad for his service in the Army from 1941-1945.  As usual, I had a little conversation with my parents, telling them how much I miss them, how much I admire them and my gratitude for my father's service but more for his unabashed love for his wife and children, and overflowing adoration of his grandchildren.  I told them how much they'd have loved their great-grandchildren.  

 It's always emotional, my visit to the cemetary.  Selfishly, I asked for help with specific life challenges, saying "I know you have connections up there (I guarantee they are "up there").  I left telling them I love them.  The cemetary was really beautiful this morning, with Veterans' flags waving in the bright sunshine.  I'm so glad it is such a lovely day,  and that my camera came along with me.

The Spa, and I Don't Mean a Massage

This morning I was out early running errands and decided to head home through the state park.  The Spa, as it is referred to, is a vast park home to two golf courses, the Gideon Putnam Hotel, The Automobile Museum, the Victoria and Peerless Pools, The Spa Little Theater, tennis courts, natural geyser springs, and the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).  Driving the required 25 mph along the Avenue of the Pines, my mind is transported back to a time when I was a very little girl.  There was a previous Avenue of the Pines, now closed to traffic, a little farther south down Route 9, and it lead directly to the Gideon Putnam.  It was (and still is) a magical road, and when I was a very young child, neighbors Mary and Joe used to "borrow" me (they had no children and my parents had seven!) for occasional excursions here and there.  One of our regular stops was the Avenue of the Pines.  The reason it was so enchanting, for me, is that Mary and Joe told me that fairies and pixies lived in the trees.  I can still see those little figures in my imagination, Disney-esque miniatures that, in my mind, resembled Tinker Bell and the Lucky Charms leprechaun! 

Years later, episodes of my life replay as I take the short connection between Route 9 and Route 50.  In high school, my class (SSHS '72)  loved to gather at the Geysers.  We'd spend entire days there (some were senior skip days!) playing ball, walking barefoot in the stream, hiking through the woods, and cooking out.  Friends and I spent summer days at the elegant Victoria pool, sun bathing in the company of ballerinas from the New York City Ballet.  I remember thinking we had the best class ever, because everyone was welcome, we always had a great time, and it was so much fun just being with each other.  I can't drive through that area without thinking of the meaningful friendships that were formed and are still maintained despite years and distance that separate us from that time.

One of my first jobs was as a day camp counselor.  A few days every week, we took our little charges to the Spa Pool (formally called the Peerless Pool) for swimming lessons.  Then the campers and counselors would stay for the day.  I can still smell the french fries from the concession stand.  There was something about a hot sunny day, a cold pool, the faint smell of chlorine, the scent of Coppertone, and aroma of french fries just out of the hot oil that bring me right back!  It's an odd concoction of sensory memory, but I love it!

When my children were little, at first we lived in a couple of small apartments.  We loved the Spa Park for picnics and time outdoors.  We had no money, really, but happy memories were made there.  It was a great way to spend a day without having to spend a lot of money on entry fees.  Our water park was the Peerless Pool and the Geyser stream.  Our amusements were the playground and the natural surroundings.  Our food court was a picnic table and a basket filled with simple things -- a loaf of bread, jars of peanut butter and jelly, a pitcher of lemonade, and cookies.

Next time I drive through the park, I'm going to park my car, get out, take a long walk, and revisit some of the happiest memories of my life.

Photo credit: http://robynandgreg.com/images/avepines.jpg

Fried Calamari, March Madness, and the First Day of Spring!

What a difference a week makes.  Spring arrived officially this afternoon, and as if to magnify its arrival, the weather here in the Saratoga Springs area is spectacular!  Last week it was all rain and mud and muck, and this week it is warm breezes, sunshine, and dry terrain!  I can't tell you how  happy this makes  me!  March Madness is here with enthusiasm as well.  My boyfriend Russ just watched his beloved Villanova lose to St. Mary's, and he's gone off to take a nap in defeat.  I, on the otherhand, watch basketball with no investment.  I just enjoy watching any underdog achieve something never thought possible.  I love all those come-from-behind scenarios.  The movie "Hoosiers" is one of my favorites.

March Madness has me thinking about food people eat while watching basketball.  I've been in pubs and bars watching basketball games during this annually frenetic time, and I think of "bar food" when I think of basketball -- wings, Irish nachos, pub fries, calamari.  The Stadium Cafe in Saratoga Springs has the best calamari I've ever had.  The rings are tender, sweet, and crunchy at the same time, served over a pool of a sweet yet tangy tomato marinara, with no tenticles in sight, yikes!).  I was not eager to try calamari the first time.  It took a little leap of faith but I gave it a shot and learned to appreciate it as a unique appetizer.  I don't have the Stadium's recipe, but I think you'll find Giada DeLaurentis's version more than acceptable!

There's still more than half a week-end left to enjoy this spring's arrival.  Katie and Bill just left to take Henry to the Saratoga Spa State Park.  I'm just loving the sun streaming in my kitchen windows.  I've shed the cold months of winter like an old, heavy coat! If I can just get the warmer months to take their time and linger, I'll appreciate every minute. 

Giada DeLaurentis's Fried Calamari

Ingredients


Vegetable oil, for deep-frying
1 pound clean squid with tentacles, bodies cut into 1/3- to 1/2-inch-thick rings
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons dried parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 lemons, cut into wedges
1 cup simple tomato sauce, recipe follows or jarred marinara sauce, warmed

Directions

Pour enough oil into a heavy large saucepan to reach the depth of 3 inches. Heat over medium heat to 350 degrees F. Mix the flour, parsley, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Working in small batches, toss the squid into the flour mixture to coat. Carefully add the squid to the oil and fry until crisp and very pale golden, about 1 minute per batch. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried calamari to a paper-towel lined plate to drain.
Place the fried calamari and lemon wedges on a clean plate. Sprinkle with salt. Serve with the marinara sauce.


Simple Tomato Sauce:

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 (32-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
2 dried bay leaves
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional

In a large casserole pot, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until soft and translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add celery and carrots and season with salt and pepper. Saute until all the vegetables are soft, about 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and bay leaves and simmer uncovered on low heat for 1 hour or until thick. Remove bay leaves and check for seasoning. If sauce still tastes acidic, add unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon at a time to round out the flavors.
Add 1/2 the tomato sauce into the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Continue with remaining tomato sauce.

If not using all the sauce, allow it to cool completely and pour 1 to 2 cup portions into freezer plastic bags. This will freeze up to 6 months.
Yield: 6 cups
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes


Recipe and Photo Credit:  Food  Network: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-calamari-recipe/index.html