Autumn at This Old House

  Blogging used to be a daily thing around here - When I picked up my editing job again for a local publication I  let it fall by the wayside, admittedly.  There's just so much time in a day that I  am willing to give up in order to sit in front of a computer screen. For those of you who still drop by and join the conversations, I thank you for your time and sharing of views. 

   The blog was originally a way for me to document the restoration of This Old House here and people loved watching the transformation. I was happy to share. Some idiot on the internet started leaving really odd and sometimes nasty comments so I deleted the whole thing out of fear.   Never let fear get the best of you -  I regret it to this day, and cannot retrieve the archives... I tried and tried again.... Anyway.. I tell you this because there is a new project on the horizon, a renovation that I will share here shortly. Stay tuned...  I was going to start another blog on the transformation, but instead I'll just keep tabs on it here.  Lets call it... Once Upon A Tide... 

   Have you peppered your home with autumn yet?  I love acknowledging the seasons with their hues, the natural elements brought inside and some whimsy too. This year both my children have places of their own and I have handed over some of the fall and Halloween decor so they can do the same.  They both appreciated the effort when they were younger and it appears they will continue the traditions as well, does my heart good to see it. 

     My son and his girlfriend adopted this beautiful kitten last week. They are head over heels in love.  Her name is Lily and she adores them just as much.  So many cats and dogs at the shelters all across the US - consider adopting when you add a pet to your family.  You are indeed saving a life. 

   Mom has been at a cottage on the water for the last two weeks of summer into fall.  We've enjoyed a few amazing sunset dinners on the deck, located on Long Island Sound... doesn't get any better than that.

 Speaking of dinners.. this dish has been going around facebook in video form - Chicken Caprese- I don't have the recipe but followed the video and will put it in simple terms below... easy, delicious, and good for you.

Chicken Caprese -  Put some olive oil in a large pan, saute chicken cutlets (or breasts but we prefer the thinner cutlet) in oil six minutes each side or until nicely browned, salt and pepper each piece when you begin.  Remove chicken after browned/cooked on both sides and add balsamic vinegar and chopped garlic to pan. Sautee for a minute and add halved cherry tomatoes... simmer for five minutes, add chopped basil, place browned chicken cutlets over the tomato mixture, place slice of fresh mozzerella on top of each chicken piece, place cover over pan to allow cheese to melt over chicken... remove cover and serve with warm toasty garlic bread.   YUM!