A Toast to Health, Happiness and Prosperity for the New Year!

1/4/2017

Happy Happy New Year To All!!
Sending wishes from our Family to yours for health, happiness and a year of experiences that light up your heart! My husband Rocco and I spent the Christmas and New Years holidays in New York this year with my daughter Stephanie and son Stephen. We are so lucky to have Stephanie living in New York City (my favorite place) and hosting our Christmas festivities this year! Stephen flew in from Orlando and we truly had an amazing time visiting many relatives, friends both old and some new and the amazing backdrop of one of the most interesting cities in the World. From sharing old traditions on Christmas Eve and Christmas day to new and exciting experiences ringing in the New Year in Central Park came a heartfelt feeling of being Blessed !

My beautiful Family Stephen, Stephanie and Rocky

We began our Holiday on Dec 21st arriving in NYC Kennedy Airport at about midnight. The hustle and bustle of the City traffic was in full swing even at Midnight! You could actually feel like it was midday with the energy in the air....of course crisp and cold like I enjoy so I was thrilled! ;)
Our first day was spent Christmas shopping and then picking up some groceries as we had our first get together with some of my Daughters co-workers. Simple Rigatoni and meat Sauce, Salad and Garlic Bread with Mozerella Cheese and Roasted Peppers. Wine, Pasta, good conversations .... a great way to start the Holidays. Our son Stephen flew in the next day about 8pm and when he arrived we walked over to Grays Papaya and had a NY hotdog. A New York tradition and always open we laughed and munched thinking of all the gourmet and ethnic foods in New York and we're eating a hot dog at 9:30 but not just any hot dog rather enjoying a New York institution! Theres a sign outside the building that reads. "Let's be Frank...we want you to buy our Furters! " Ya gotta (LOL) love New York humor!!!

Sonny, our Nephew Dom, Rocky, Stephanie, me and MaryLee

My husband Rocco and his Brother Sonny

On Christmas Eve we headed for Penn station and took the New Jersey Transit to our niece and nephews house Peggy and Dominick and celebrated the Feast of the 7 Fishes. It was extra special this Year as my Husbands older Brother and his wife MaryLee were there as well. A wonderful evening sharing with our great Nephews Nicky and Dom Jr and his girlfriend Olga. Once again when you pair Delicious Food, Great Family with memories of Christmas Past and toast with a glass of wine your heart feels full! OK a beautiful Hallmark moment and now I have to share the casualty of the evening.......my Big toe! As my Daughter was sitting down on a bench by the table(to accommodate more people) it collapsed and the leg went through my shoe and smashed my toe so hard.....now picture this everyone is saying poor Stephanie who fell as well but they didnt realize the leg of the bench went through my foot. It was actually comical as I was screaming silently and then gave a big OMG get her off me soI was able to get some relief! I was so lucky as it didnt break the skin but bruised badly.....well anyway there was no time for theatrics as Peggy had just put a steaming bowl of Spaghetti and Clam sauce on the table and the pain was eased by an extra glass of wine that evening! ;) Along with the Spaghetti and Clam Sauce we enjoyed Stuffed Clams, Tuna Meatballs, Whiting, Smelts, Shrimp, Baccala Salad and Flounder.
At midnight we went to Mass at their Parish and that too was so nice. They had a tremendous choir and we sang all the traditional Christmas Carols. It felt so good with the cold weather outside and the organ playing O Holy Night and the Choir singing .... a very special evening indeed!

Peggy set a Beautiful Table and the Clam Sauce was Delicious!

My nephews Nicholas and Dom ,Rocky, my Son Stephen and my nephew Dominick

My niece Peggy, Me and Stephanie

Stephen and his Godfather Uncle Sonny.

Christmas Day we exchanged presents and then sat down to a delicious Breakfast of Eggs Benedict. After breakfast, I made two breads for dinner. A Lemon onion Focaccia and a zuccini bread. I had practiced both recipes and they came out delish! Peggy made traditional Ham with Mashed Potatoes and Baked Beans and applesauce ,and I made fresh stringbeans with garlic and fresh tomato. It all went together well and we had such fun visiting. Peggy's brother Gerrard was there with his wife Dee and son Keith and daughter Kaitlin and boyfriend Eric. It was such a relaxing Day and it seemed like we were laughing most of the day. Once again sharing a table with Family, Friends, and good Food and you can count your Blessings. Thanks again Peggy and Dom for a very Merry Christmas!
Our two week holiday in New York left us with so many memories to hold in our hearts. New Years Eve was magical watching the fireworks in Central Park. Where we were standing by the croquet court near 69th street you could see Times Square through a space between two buildings. We could make out the 2016 lights but at 12:00 our eyes were on the fabulous fireworks and I was blowing my horn like crazy. Its funny at Times Square you're in corrals while in Central Park everyone is just walking in masses and it was so much fun and all the people so happy and courteous to each other. We met the same type of crowds at the Rockefeller Tree but again a very nice woman offered to take our family picture and in true NY form took about 6 till we all agreed. I love when the person taking the picture likes to make sure they did a good job. So funny...........but truly memorable New York moments!