Showing posts with label Ages 8-Adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ages 8-Adult. Show all posts

An Italian Family Christmas

table setting


family dinner

In my kitchen, surrounded with a blue curtain and blue placemat, folks gathered around the tables with moustaches and Burger King crowns for a family Christmas. One of our daughters came down with our special granddaughter the day after Christmas. Our son and his family joined us this year and we were able to do FaceTime with our other daughter and family. Technology is so wonderful for reuniting families. Do you use Skype? Photos for Blue Monday


Italian lasagna

Fortunately, Costco has large quantities of party food and supplies for purchase. I made my special sauce with our own canned tomatoes, homemade pesto and herbs, with Italian sausage. There were no vegans this year. All the pans of lasagna were assembled Christmas Eve night, so our hot meal was ready to enjoy, along with garlic bread and salad within 30 minutes. I love lasagna. How about you?

appetizers
Starting to set out the appetizers, I served several dipping sauces for garlic bread, along with Brie and apple slices, meatballs, shrimp ring and poppers. We all were grazing on munchies around noon.

Italian soda on the menu

I picked the "Italian Grapefruit" on Christmas morning...

"Il mio nome e Giorgio Pompelmo.  Che piacere visitare la vostra fattoria.  Grazie tanto y Buon Natale!"

Translation: "My name is Giorgio Grapefruit.  What a pleasure to visit your farm!  Thanks so much, and Merry Christmas!" 

Funny thing is that the lasagna is overpriced. If 1 euro = $1.32, then no one is going to pay $30. for a portion of the main course. We all chuckled over this but fortunately, today the Christmas dinner was free! lol Photo for Mellow Yellow Monday

Barefoot Books The Genius of Leonardo

Bimba Landmann's richly colored iconographic illustrations both illuminate this stunning life of Leonardo and create an air of mystery around this far-reaching genius. At once instructive and entertaining, the story is told by ten-year-old Giacomo, who comes to respect, love, and learn from Leonardo, his wise and eccentric master. The many facets of this towering genius of Renaissance Italy are explored in a book that will inspire everyone to search for their own greatness within.

A great biography with beautiful illustrations for children 7 years old - adult; a wonderful book!
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Visit Melanie for the one word blog buttons.

 Wishing you and your family a wonderful new year of praise in 2013.

Warmly,






“You can’t get a cup of tea big enough or a book long enough to suit me.” — C. S. Lewis
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And To All A Good Knight


About The Barefoot Book of Knights
 
You will read of tales about Knights from seven different countries, connected by the story of Tom, the Page. Tom learns values and skills of becoming a knight and is mentored by Master William, who tells him the stories in this book. Each story is adventurous, clever and highlights the good values and chivalry of the knights, especially bravery.


Book w/ CD editions include stories read by actor Anthony Stewart Head. Paperback w CD costs $15.99

For Ages 8 and up
It's retold by: John Matthews
Beautifully illustrated by: Giovanni Manna
Narrated by: Anthony Head

Recently I received a note from William of hazardousplayers.com
I had a fun-time on the site and spent lots of time there. It's good for kids and young adults.



KNIGHTTIME
"Each week The Hazardous Players offers up a new chapter in the adventures of good Sir Cottington and Sir Bratwurst.  Listen as they reluctantly stumble their way through the land of Udenland, while trying to avoid being eaten by any number of terrifying beasts. Along the way they meet several of the eccentric members of Udenland society who more often than not, prove a greater challenge than the terrifying beasts.
Fortunately for the knights they have with them the Henchwoods Guides, the essential guides for identifying the myriad of creatures and plants which pose a threat to their safety and generally well being.  Regularly the guide is updated with illustrations and facts about new discoveries, including everything from migration habits to the best way to avoid being eaten (usually involves running)."
                                                photo credit: KNIGHTTIME

You might want to stop by and listen to an interview  Finding Wonderland

photo credit: KNIGHTTIME

If you enjoy a good twisted tale, please visit the world of Knighttime, where things can get weird. You'll meet so many characters, like this one.

Sheriff Dogberry
And visit them on FaceBook:
Best,  

LadyD 

How To Bake Greek Roast Lamb

 How To Bake Greek Roast Lamb (ami psito) 

I remember as a child when Greek Easter came along, my mom would serve lamb for dinner. First we would go to the market the day before and purchase one leg (buti) of lamb with the bone not broken. She was so proud to make the purchase and to return home to prepare a delicious meal for her family.



Lamb has been the meat of sacrifice in Greece since time immemorial. They would sprinkle it with oregano and thyme that grew wild on the mountainside and prepare it with olive oil and lemon juice before roasting it over the fire.


Way back in time women were not allowed to prepare this meat. The men were the chefs and would step into the kitchen to prepare the meat properly. I am glad that over time some traditions have changed because I love to bake lamb in my own kitchen. It is my pleasure to share our family recipe with you. Yasou!



Just as spaghetti sauce tastes different in each village by the Italians, so it is with the Greeks. One thing that seems to be in common with lamb recipes is the garlic. Don’t skimp on the garlic, that’s for sure!



Greek roast lamb is served well with pasta, rice or potatoes. I enjoy a Greek salad as well with my meal. The secret is to bake the lamb in a very hot oven at first and then lower the temperature. I sincerely hope you enjoy this recipe and may happiness and joy surround your table.
Yasou!

Ingredients: 

1 leg of lamb (9 lbs. or larger)
3-5 to 12 cloves of garlic, peeled and halved
1/2- 1 Tablespoon of salt
1/8 - 1/4 Teaspoon pepper
1 Tablespoon of oregano or more
1 Teaspoon of thyme
1 Tablespoon of spearmint flakes (optional) I use a little
2 Lemons, juice only
3 cups boiling water

Wipe meat and place in a shallow baking pan. With a small knife make four or more incisions all over and insert sliced cloves of garlic. Rub with salt, pepper, oregano and mint. Roast meat at 425 degrees F. for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F. and continue baking 2 hours longer, adding water in the pan. Add lemon juice the last half hour and baste lamb with juice. Skim some of the floating oil that accumulates in the pan and use the remaining liquid for gravy. If desired, remove the lamb from the pan and add parboiled potatoes, pasta or rice to juices in pan and continue baking the potatoes. Enjoy!


Barefoot Books offers:


The Adventures of Odysseus

Travel back in time to experience one of the greatest epic stories of all time. Once the Trojan war ended, Odysseus thought his journey home would begin. But what he assumed was the end of his adventure was truly only the beginning.

Also available in full-length story CD read by Hugh Lupton.
Ages 8 and up
Retold By: Daniel Morden, Hugh Lupton
Illustrated By: Christina Balit

 Dvd/Cd Sale $4.99 Was $19.99
http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com

Your comments are welcomed and encouraged! Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy your stay at Barefoot Books-LadyD
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Book Review: Fireside Stories by Caitlin Matthews

Fireside Stories

Tales for a Winter's Eve

Gather round the hearth to share these wintry tales. Drawn from countries and cultures all around the world, these eight stories express the magnificent and unique aspects of the winter season, and each story is preceded by an introduction with background information on its origins. 
Ages 5 and up
Retold By: Caitlín Matthews
Illustrated By: Helen Cann
About The Book:
Well-written, Educational, Multicultural, Stories, Great illustrations

When the wind starts howling and the days are noticeably shorter, it is time to stay inside and snuggle up with your children and read a good book! Starting around Halloween, Fireside Stories is the perfect book to read. The stories are well written and tell both young and old of holiday traditions from around the world. Children will love learning about other cultures and the stories act as a springboard for you to discuss your family's own holiday traditions and beliefs. 

A collection of stories woven into this beautiful hardcover book express the magnificent and unique aspects of the winter season. Caitlin Matthews lifelong interest in folklore and storytelling shows brilliantly through Fireside Stories along with Helen Cann's beautiful winter wonderland pictures. I especially love the colorful border designs that go with each special story!

By The Fireside begins with:
"When the nights grow long and the days grow short, when summer is a distant memory and the cold and darkness of winter an ever-present reality, it is good to sit by the fireside and tell stories." 
The Stories:
A Story for Halloween
The Lonely Boatman
Scotland
A Story for the First Snowfall
The Winter Cabin
Russia
From "The Animal's Winter Home" in Alexander Afanasiev's collection The Three Kingdoms: Russian Folk Tales, Raduga Publishers.
A Story for Christmas Eve
Schnitzle, Schnotzle & Schnootzle
Austria
From Sawyer, Ruth, The Long Christmas, Viking Press.
A Story for the New Year
The Cantor Of The Trees
Russia
From Eisenberg, Azriel & Leah Ain Globe, The Secret Weapon and other stories of Faith and Valor, Soncino Press.
A Story for Midwinter
The Twelve Brothers
Czech Republic
From Williams, Harcourt, Tales from Ebony, Nattali & Maurice Ltd, London, 1947
A Story for Twelfth Night
Babushka
Russia
From Robbins, Ruth, Baboushka and the Three Kings


A Story for the Return of the Sun
The Bag of Warmth
Canada
From "Legends of the Slavery Indians of the MacKenzie River" in The Journal of American Folklore
A Story for the Coming of Spring
The Cailleach Of The Snows
Scotland
Mackenzie, Donald, Wonder Tales From Scottish Myth amd Legend, Blackie & Son Ltd, London
Matthews, Caitlin, King Arthur and the Goddess of the Land, Rochester IL., Inner Traditions.
Book can be purchased at my market place for $19.99
http://ladyd.barefootbooks.com
So tell me, do you have a favorite? Although our nights here in California may not be as chilly as where you are, still it is an enchanting evening for me to gather around a warm fire and read to my Grandson. So very difficult to choose a favorite because each story is unique and special in its own way... I suppose just like snowflakes!
Happy Reading,
LadyD
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Classic Poems





I am thrilled with the arrival of my new hardcover book Classic Poems!
My all time favorite is The Owl and The Pussycat.
Introduced by Carol Ann Duffy, these 74 poems create an exquisite collection that traces our journey through life from birth to old age. Along the way, the works of some of the finest poets in the English language celebrate all kinds of human experience: the wide-eyed wonder and adventure of childhood, the magnificence of the natural world and the animal kingdom, the mystery of love and the tragedy of war.
Each page is superbly illustrated by Jackie Morris, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
According to the journalist Katharine Viner,
"Her poems are accessible and entertaining, yet her form is classical, her technique razor-sharp. She is read by people who don't really read poetry, yet she maintains the respect of her peers. Reviewers praise her touching, sensitive, witty evocations of love, loss, dislocation, nostalgia; fans talk of greeting her at readings 'with claps and cheers that would not sound out of place at a pop concert'".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Ann_Duffy

I read the book out loud to my husband. He loved it! Especially, The Owl and the Pussycat!
"And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon,
The moon,
The moon,
They danced by the light of the moon." Edward Lear

Read Alone: Ages 8-Adult
Read Together: Ages 6-10
Click Here, Classic Poems
Carol Ann Duffy
Carol Ann Duffy is an acclaimed poet and playwright who has also written many picture books. She has also written the introduction to The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems.

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/authors.php?aid=278


Within the fire consumes my heart
And in my heart there beats a bird
And in the bird there wakes an eye
— Classic Poems
Compiled and Illustrated by: Jackie Morris
Jackie has written and illustrated many books and has won international acclaim for the quality of her work. Among her best-loved picture books are The Greatest Gift, written by Susan Summers (Barefoot Books, 1997) and Can You See a Little Bear?, written by James Mayhew (2006).

http://www.barefoot-books.com/us/site/pages/artists.php?aid=123

For more about Jackie Morris, please visit her lovely site

http://www.jackiemorris.co.uk

Be sure and stop by her blog, lovely countryside and beautiful cats!

http://www.wethreecats.blogspot.com

Children's Literature Awards:
Recent praise:
National Parenting Press Gold Award Winner
2006 ForeWord Magazine Silver Medal Winner
"Children will meet some of the best-known poetry in English in Jackie Morris's 'The Barefoot Book of Classic Poems.' The bright watercolors and intriguing hints of story that Morris splashes across the pages make this an attractive venue for first encounters with the soon-to-be-familiar ... the more than 70 poems have enough range and allure to entice the young and the adults who read to them. Luminaries like Yeats and Poe keep amiable company with Ogden Nash ('The Tale of Custard the Dragon') and Alfred Noyes ('The Highwayman')"—The New York Times Sunday Book Review
"An appealing assortment of 74 classic poems that touch on childhood, animals and the natural world, love, war, and the stages of life. Overall, this is a sumptuously packaged collection, with many large, double-paged illustrations. Morris's watercolors on hot-pressed paper are romantic and spirited... its attractive design brings a fresh perspective to these poems and makes them accessible to a wide range of readers."—School Library Journal
" Stately figures and scenes in luminous colors provide rich backdrops for 74 English poems selected as much for their sonorous language as for their familiarity. Morris arranges her choices in, by and large, organic order... animals put in appearances too, from Blake's Tyger to Milne's 'Furry Bear.' Extending even to the endpapers, the flood of words and images in this sumptuous volume creates an uplifting experience for the eye and ear both. An ideal collection to give or share."—Kirkus Reviews
"This handsome volume would be a strong complement to other books of poetry available for children now, like Jack Prelutsky's humorous anthologies. These are the poems someone may have read to parents, from writers such as Eleanor Farjeon, W.B. Yeats, W.H. Auden, Lewis Carroll and Dylan Thomas, for example, elegantly arranged and illustrated. Imagine seeing 'Fern Hill' against a landscape of the "fields of praise" and the 'lamb white days.'"—The Chicago Tribune
"This wonderful book will be a treasured find for anyone who wants to bring beautiful, classic poetry into the schoolroom…I was glad to have found a compilation whose rich artwork so complements the richness of the poetry within. "-The Old Schoolhouse Magazine
Click Here, Classic Poems
View Carol Ann Duffy's Biography

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carol_Ann_Duffy


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