Paul's Corner

The scone recipe is on there too!!

Dont know what happened above???? A bit of a glitch!

glitch is gone - thanks Cat!

Really enjoyed your programme Paul. Looking forward to seeing the next three and many others we hope!

Regards,
Christine

Paul--

Will check out the video--glad they have it mounted being I can't see the show here Chicago!

Keep on cookin'!

Paul, you rock! After a bit of wait for the video to load (drat dial-up access) I was able to enjoy a taste of The Food Trail. You look like you had a blast! Now if only The Food Network in the US would pick up your show. :o)

Hey Paul, just checked out your recipes on the Tasmanian segment and you certainly showed me how narrow my own tastes in food tend to run. (Should note I have sensitivity to shell fish . . . which accounts for some of it.)

Just curious, where did you get your interest in cooking, developing these recipes, so on.

(Noticed the "flora" plug in the minestrone ;))

Melody

I LOVE SCONES! I am going to make it soon.

Paul
I think you may an Australian Professional Dancer named Kym Johnson. She is on DWTS the US version. I think she was also in SB. She is paired with Jerry Springer. I don't know if you know him or not. He has a trash talk show here.

He wanted to learn to dance the waltz so that he could dance with his daughter at her wedding. When he and his partner Kym, did the waltz in the competition there was not a dry eye in the house, it was so moving. His daughter is legally blind and deaf in one ear. He is still hanging in there. The stars are really talanted this season having four pairs tied for first place.

I haven't had the pleasure of seing the video yet, but I plan to.

Love to all, take care
Marge

Marge, yes I know Kim as she was on DWTS here in Australia and partnered the winning celeb in Season three. We are now doing eseries five!!

NO she was not in SB as far as I know unless she was a child extra in one of the ballroom scenes. I am guessing that Kim would be in her early twenty's and as we shot SB 16 years ago.... you can do the maths.

I know of Jerry Springer and dont think much of his show - cant see any thing positive coming out of it?!

Let me know how you go with the scones.

Second episode is showing today so those recipes should be on the site soon.

Thanks for sharing the URL for the video. You guys seem to be having a lot of fun and it was fun watching it for me.

I love scones, still warm out of the oven with a good cup of hot tea, a good book to read or good company.

But today I'm going to bake a nut-chocolate cake for German conversation tomorrow afternoon. It's brilliant: I love to bake, the students like to eat the cake, I don't gain wait by eating the cake on my own, the students get exposed to more authentic culture, it makes them come back to conversation, helps foster a sense of community among those studying German and should have a positive impact on program building, and it all comes from things I love to do: baking, sharing, building meaningful relationships!

Looking forward to more interesting recipes!

That was supposed to be "weight" not "wait" saw that in the corner of my eye as I hit the "post" button. Oh, well, it's Sunday, spelling seems to be off.

Absolutely love Tasmania. Holiday there every Christmas and going to Strahan, Cradle Mountain & Launceston this year. But Discovertasmania web site just doesn't give enough info. They should check out the Food Trail website for Victoria - much better, with maps and names of all the producers & shops along the way.

What I was after was the name & location of the icecream man on this week's episode.

So ... loved the program, looking forward to more, but can we get a map/booklet/brochure that tells us where you've been and who all the people are.

So I made the cake on Sunday, had a piece of it later in the day, yum!, packed it into a tupperware container to take to work today, got it there until I got into my office. Somehow the lid had come off and the entire cake fell onto the floor breaking into lots of little pieces. Wonderful mess! There went that great plan but we still had a wonderful conversation today. Told them about what happened, we had a good laugh about it and are hoping for better luck next time. Perhaps greater disaster was prevented? people with nut allergies come to mind ...
Keep smiling everyone and have a great day!

PaulYour right about "Pam" being too young. I may have been looking at another celebrity bio.

Tried the scones, GRRRREAT!! I usually add raisins to my scone mix that orginated from our own "Western Washington Puyallup Fair" The fair started before my time but the scones were there from the start and cost a nickel. Now they are over a dollar each, but I usually get one or two.

Gran Mil
How is the follies going?

Take care & love to all
Marge

Paul, next to watching "Strictly Ballroom" for the umpteenth time, I love watching some of the cooking shows on our Food Network.

One problem: The ladies, like Rachael Ray, Paula Deen, and the "Barefoot Contessa" Ina Garner, (in my day it was Ava Gardner) always use butter, heavy cream, concoct fat laden meat recipes and desserts, and always use liquor in some of the recipes, or serve it with their finished meals!

Now, as I am "older" I must watch the cholesteral, the calories, etc., etc., so all I can do is watch these shows, and drool a bit..no, not a bit, A LOT! Well, come to think of it I drool watching SB also, but at least it doesn't play havoc with the cholesterol count!

Marge, "Follies" will be grand, if the cast stays well. One of my beautiful soloists is in the hospital, under observation. She told me to take her out of the show (Febr.) for she is so weak now.

I told her (Penny) I would not do that, we have 5 months before showtime, and I have confidence that she will be in the show.

In my last "Follies 2005" she sang "Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps", in English and Spanish, and she was marvelous, for in her heyday she sang professionally.

I have it on video tape, wish I could share it with everyone on PC. Evelyn, you have it, for you also filmed it when you and the gang were here!

When Penny came out on stage, she was wearing a black sequined jump suit that sparkled from the spotlight. She looked so grand, and gave a memorable performance! We pray for her recovery.

Then, my premiere Latin dance team who were very hot, cooled off after a spat, and SHE doesn't want to have anything to do with HIM, but HE wants to stay in the show and asked ME to ask HER
to give him another chance. SHE said, "no way, Jose," and that was that. HE will be looking for another dance partner...gee, where have I heard that before...???

Now, Marge, aren't you sorry you asked?

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

I can't believe I've been complaining forever about food trails got
wrapped up in my life and *&^$#(( !!!! missed it !! And my mother in law lives in Huonville and I'm guessing that some of the venison was from around there !! ( is that right Paul ?)
Please tell me you had some good Pinot and Bubbly- I love
Heemskerk .
I'm a bit " chicken " to try the recipes , maybe the Minestrone ( I'm a bit timid in the kitchen )
okay now ... hope everyone is well out there especially grandma mil.
I'm in the midst of helping with Cleo doing her dancing school movie instead of a concert ! ( heck ) so I don't know if this is the kind of the thing to do on here but if you're interested in seeing
an Australian Dancing school bits and pieces check out the " news " on www.janicebreen.com and look for the Bugs Life ballet
cleo is in a red tutu with her hands nearly in her mouth !
- The whole dancing school thing is such a world of it's own !
Has anyone got any cute , kitchy or amazing dancing school anecdotes ?!
cheers Amanda B

Gran Mil.
I will pray for Penny. I have positive thoughts for her. Sounds like your are really busy. Good, that's what keeps you young in spirit.

Paul
Our version of DWTS has had some chaos. One star dropped out, so all five couples will be back next week. Jerry Springer with his partner Kym Johnson is still in. I don't watch his show as I don't like trash talk shws. Seeing him on DWTS has shown him in a completely different light, as a parent to his daughter. It's been very touching seeing him in a completely different element.

Take care & love to all.
Marge

I know that this is off-topic and I don't comment much, but could I ask for prayers and thoughts for my son-in-law?

Last Tuesday he had arthroscopic surgery on his knee that supposedly went well, but now he's in hospital in the ICU with what they think is a blood clot, or maybe an infection. They can't figure out what's wrong, despite numerous tests.

He's only 40 and needless to say, my daughter and grandchildren are very upset, as am I.

If you would send him some healing thoughts, I would be so grateful.

Sally C.

Will do, Sally, if you send his name, Ellie will
gladly mention him at special Sabbath prayers in the synagogue.

Thinking of you and the family.

Love,

Grandma Mil

Dear Sally C.

I'm so sorry that you and your family have to go through such a difficult situation. I will keep your son-in-law in my thoughts and prayers and your daughter and grandchildren and you as well and all the other loved ones around you all, and also the medical team taking care of him.

Sending healing and loving thoughts to you all! Keep us posted on how things are going!
BIG hug to you,
Evelyn

In the pacific, Hurricane Paul is strengthening. Probably will hit Mexico. Well, your name made the Hurricane Season list for the pacific. What's weird is that on the atlantic, it is very quiet. What are your thoughts? By the way, I love the footage of the Food Trail. I thought it was cute when you said "May I have your 'seal' of approval?" Was that intended to be a pun?

Sara W

Hi Paul

Just thought I'd drop you a line to say Hi!

Hope you're well.
Love Clair.XXXX

Hi Everyone. Hey Paul! Do you guys celebrate Halloween out there?

U.S. DWTS is pretty good this season. Although I do have to agree whole heartedly with you about Jerry Springer's t.v.show, he is absolutely adorable on DWTS. He's almost too humble, his dancing stinks, but gosh! he's so entertaining to watch when he does his routines. I agree that there are some awesome amateurs this season. I've been moved to actually find myself applauding while I sit alone watching it and feel pretty goofy! It's truly amazing what joy dancing brings!

Hey guys,
Long long long time. I know. Hey Auntie Mil. You "sound" great. I'd love to watch the show but for one thing I never watch TV anymore, no time and 2nd I do NOT need to watch anything about FOOD. I've lost 40 pounds and I'm still going so....
I'm happy to see some old friends in here. Everyone appears to be doing well.
My family is doing well. The kids are growing up way to fast. Two teenagers and oh my god. My hair started thinning. Take it in stride.
I work at UPS now at the corporate office in Atlanta. My hours are insane. But I can truly say I'm happy now. You know I was finally diagnosed with bi-polar and severe depression. My meds have me under control and I feel like a completely different person.
I'm especially proud of my kids though, they are becoming great individuals.
BTW, does that other site exist on yahoo or something where we posted our pictures etc.? I thought I might put some new ones up. However, I haven't a clue where it is.

A special hello to you Auntie Mil..

Tim

Thank you, Grandma Mil and Evelyn for your kind thoughts and prayers.

They still don't know what's wrong, but a least the blood clot has been ruled out by the vascular team. Now infectious control is seeing him and has him on steriods and antibiotics, but no diagnosis yet.

Now the grandkids are sick with fever, coughs and sneezes and have been home from school for the whole week.

The vet is coming next week to put our 12 year
old dog to sleep, as she can no longer walk and we have her on puppy pads, where she just lies and whimpers.

When it rains, it pours, yeah?

Mil, my son-in-law's name is John. Thank you and Ellie so much for your prayers.

Evelyn, thank you again, too.

Be well.
Sally C.

Well, no more Jerry on DWTS as of last night. Hope I'm not ruining the surprise for anyone, although, it's not really a surprise. lol

He made it as far as he did just because he was so fun to watch with his partner. I bet he glad to go home and rest his weary bones!

We've gotten 3 snows already here in Colorado. Man oh man. We still have leaves on the trees. We got dumped on last night.

brrrrr

HELLO PC FRIENDS,

TIM-Oh my gosh-you really do still exist!! Glad to hear things are looking up for you.

MY DEAREST MILLIE-Busy getting ready for the '07 follies? How are those grandchildren of yours?

MICHELLE #3-Where are you and how are you?

TO THE REGULARS AND NEW POSTERS-Hello.

PAUL-Where are you as well? There was a special on last night about Ayers Rock (spelling?) I told my older 2 that it is located in Australia-you know-where Scott, Fran and Tina Sparkle live-they were thrilledp-they wanted to know if we could go there and see you, Fran and Tina!!

I'm busy with my 3 girls. Just celebrated 14 years of wedded bliss on the 18th. And, went to my 20 year high school reunion. I serve on the committee of every reunion. Ya know-I had the best time. Got alot of compliments on my graying hair that is also getting lighter/blonder (it used to be dark brown). People ask who does it-I tell them Mother Nature!!

Dearest Tim,

Oh, my, it's been too long since we last heard from you!

It's a pleasure to learn that you are back to being that wonderful caring husband and father that we all knew you were in the first place.

Yes, the kids grow up quickly, relish those special moments! The fact that you lost 40 lbs. is just awesome, and don't worry about thinning hair, it goes with the territory!

Ellie and I are busy with "Follies 2007" coming in February. It's bigger and better than ever, with a cast of 45 and a backstage crew of 25!

Sally C., Ellie will mention John's name tomorrow. I hope that his condition is improving
each day!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Sally, I'm fairly new around here and haven't posted much, but your family is definitely in my prayers.

I know this is a bit off-topic, but is there a place (forum or such) other than here that Paul's fans chit-chat to get to know one another? I had joined the email list, but alas there haven't been any emails since I joined and made my initial post. I'd really like to get to know everyone without "spamming" on Paul's space. :o)

Dear Paul and PCers...

I correspond with an elderly friend from Melbourne, Australia. She is sharp and witty, and knows of my passion for Paul and Tara.

She wrote yesterday: "Paul Mercurio is a lot on TV. He is a judge on "Dancing With The Stars" (Australian), he endorses cholesterol-free margarine, and does "The Food Trail" through our state of Victoria.

He visits orchards, cheese makers, olive groves,
vineyards, hotels, butchers, goat sheds, and seems to be an excellent cook. Wherever he goes he helps out..."

Well, Paul, coming from her, it's a great recommendation, wish we could verify all of this here in the US!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

HELLO PC FRIENDS,

SARAH-I don't know of any other sites to get to know other people. You're always welcome to email me and become email pals. You wouldn't be spamming if you posted here and got to know the people. Paul's Corner is not so regimented to only commenting on the topic he posts about. As long as we're not bashing or being nasty. Cat okays the posts first.

HUGS!
abeth

Hi everyone,

It's been awhile that I've been on. I was looking at the Food Trail's Tasmanian site and for some reason I couldn't download the DVD sample of the show but I'll give it a go again to see what happens. The pics from the show look great however and I will try that scone recipe myself b/c I love scones. Paul it looks fabulous!

Tim its good to hear from you again and to know that things are going well with your job and family.

Sally I hope things turn around for your Son-in-law and my condolences for your pet. I'm sorry.

Grandma Millie, I've been a bad chickie not calling lately but I'm glad to hear that follies is on its way and I know you'll get mad when I tell you that the dance couple story made me laugh. Hopefully the singer that is in the hospital will make a good recovery and knock everyone's socks off at Follies.

I have to admit that the reason I haven't been on is that I've been down in the dumps lately. I wont bore anyone with details but I took a risk (let go of fear and all that) and it didn't work out or I think it hasn't. Anyway,it was something that was important to me and I weighed a lot of my hopes and dreams on it. But life goes on and thats life I guess.

Anyway, I give all my best to everyone at the corner and to the BIG KAHOONA and his Food Trail! You go Paul!

Julie

Grandma Mil, that sounds like a high endorsement indeed!

Abeth, thanks for the offer of email pals and the information on how this space works. I've been a member of a number of forums (and even own/moderate one), and each has its own guidelines. Not knowing how things work here I didn't want to cause problems.

Julie, chin up! I can't believe anyone here would be "bored" by the details. Friends, either online or nearby, are always there when you need them - and right now it sounds as if you need a few shoulders.

Julie, my sweet, I will talk to you soon...

Julie lives not far from Ellie and me here in Florida. She has visited us in our home, but mostly we speak on the phone. She is beautiful, inside and out, and tall, with a complexion to die for! (Don't blush, Julie, it's true!)

Sarah, some time ago before security, spam, etc., etc., was not a problem, we could click on the underlined names of PCers after each post to get their email addresses.

Two years ago I had mentioned that my "Follies, 2005", was coming up, and 9 PCers wanted to come to Florida to see it and meet each other and Ellie and me for the first time!

Because we had each other's email addesses we could correspond or talk on the phone to arrange everything!

It was a fabulous weekend, and the ten, nicknamed
my fabulous "Chickies", have remained in touch, off PC.

They came from Holland, Ireland, Michigan, California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Florida!

Pictures were sent so that Ellie and I could recognize 2 of them at the airport, the rest found their way to the hotel where we met there.
It was all very exciting and memorable!

I coined the phrase, "they came as strangers and left as friends."

At the local Marriott Courtyard, where reservations were made, the rooms reserved were under the name of "The Strictly Ballroom Convention"

Each "Chickie" was sooo unique, it was a pleasure!

Evelyn took fabulous video of the weekend and the
production of "Follies 2005". What a souvenir!

(If it hadn't been for Paul and Cat this never would have happened!)

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Uh,I never was good at math...I left out my Illinois Chickie, Michelle. (Forgive me, darling!
I had a senior moment!)

That makes 11 Chickies with TWO from Florida!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

GRANDMA MIL-Have you heard from Michelle? I remember her from a long time ago-she was facing some health issues. I believe she always referred to herself as MICHELLE #3 on here. I look for her on the Corner and have even "yelled" out for her.

Grandma Mil, Sarah and Julie, thank you for keeping my family in your thoughts and prayers.

John is home from the hospital, but without a final diagnosis. He's on antibiotics, steroids and pain meds, so it sounds like sepsis to me and everyone else we talk to. At least he's home and his leg looks much better, so we're keeping fingers crossed.

Tim, what a nice surprise to see you. So glad life is good for you.

Anyone seen Peter? Are you still out there, my darling?

I see some new names here, so would like to say hello. Everyone is like one big family here, so I'm sure you'll enjoy your stay.

To old friends, it's nice to hear from you.

Thank you all again for your thoughts. Be Well.

Sally C.

Grandma Mil, if I may ask, where in FL are you? I grew up in Dunedin (West Coast, central), lived in Cocoa (East Coast, central), Tallahassee, Tampa and Clearwater. :o) (Oh, and most of those addresses were after I turned 18! I moved around a lot!)

I know how you felt meeting your online friends from all over. The website/forum I run is actually run with 11 other women. We are all fans of Tolkien's works, and that is how we met one another. I have had the utmost pleasure of meeting 3 of them in person, and talking to one on the phone for several hours. Two of them have stayed with me at my home here in VA. Oh, and we also met up with other members of the forum in Boston 2 years ago for the LOTR Exhibit. Everytime I come face-to-face with any of them its like we've known each other forever - lots of laughing, crying and hugging.

I was quite happy when I found this website earlier this year. I'm a late-comer to the entire SB phenomenon, and sadly I seem to have damaged my DVD without knowledge. (Gee, maybe I should ask for a replacement for Christmas? LOL) Cat, you do a great job maintaining the site, and Paul, thank you for sharing bits of your life with us here. :o)

Ok, I've babbled long enough... see what you all have started? You've created a monster! (Speaking of which, Happy Halloween to those who "celebrate" it!)

Dear Sally C.

So glad that John is home and mending! I hope that those prayers from all over helped! Our best wishes for his complete recovery!

Sarah, we live in south Florida, Broward County,
in Coconut Creek, west of Ft. Lauderdale and south of Boca Raton.

We live in a huge gated retirement community for over 15 years. This place has given us many opportunities to join the many activities here.

My passions are my movies nights, which I host once a month, and my big variety show "Follies 2007" which I mentioned before. We don't play cards, we don't play golf or tennis, but showtime is more exciting than any of them, in my estimation!

We rehearse twice a week, and on Jan. 2nd go into our big Theatre for final rehearsals until we open in February!

Your Tolkien group sounds great, so you know the pleasures of meeting people in person or on line!

Shalom and Love,

Grandma Mil

Sally C., great news that John is home! My continued prayers for his complete recovery!

Grandma Mil, your retirement community sounds wonderful. Movies night and Follies! To me it sounds like you have everything you could wish for!

Hi, friends. It's been far too long since I've been here. My life has been busy and a bit stressful this past year, but I'm hoping things are settling down a bit.

Sally C., I wish you and yours peace and better times ahead. Please remember to take care of yourself.

Thanks for the phone call, Mildred! I was so happy to hear your voice (which sounded wonderful). You made my day!

It seems there are a lot of new people here on PC, but I still recognize a few of the names. I hope all of you are well and happy. That goes for you, too, Paul!

With love,
Michelle (in cold Chicago)

Hi to all my friends here! I hope all is well with you.

Sally, I'm sorry I'm a bit late with this, but I promise to keep John in my thoughts and prayers. I wish him complete healing and an end to all the worry for your family. Love to you, Sally.

Tim, I was so happy to read all your good news! I wish you continued success and happiness in the future.

Millie, the memories of that wonderful weekend will always stay with me! You were so good to us all and ensured that everything flowed so beautifully. I'm sure Follies 2007 is going to be as amazing a production as the last. Best of luck!

Julie, even if the risk didn't work out, you still confronted the fear and that is always a positive move. I'm trusting that there is something even better waiting for you down the line.

Paul, it is an absolute joy to read about all the good things that have come to fruition for you. You deserve each one of them and more. The photo of you & your girls is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us.

A warm welcome to all the new people here!

Hello & love to Evelyn, Abeth, Marge, Inn, Dhiana, Diane, Linda, Monika and to everyone else I know here.

Special hello to my friend in Chicago and of course, to the Purle one downunder.

Love to all,
Mary

Ive been away from here for toooooooo long! Sorry I havent responded to some questions!

Great to hear from you Tim! Thank you for dropping by to say hi and let us know how you are getting on. Are you and your son still tapping at all? I am very glad to hear life for you is going well - congratulations my friend. Oh - my hair has started to thin also, it's a bummer isnt it? But not much you can really do about it but enjoy the ride!

Julianne, I will have to get back to you re the ice cream man and where he is - he does make great gelato!!

Sally C I am sending JOhn my positive thoughts for his continued recovery and health.

Yes we do celebrate Halloween here in Australia but I am dead against it!!!!!! It is a traditon born in America (or possibly Germany and transported to America?) it is not an Australian tradition but retailers are trying to make it one so that they may cash in on it. It does make me cross! My daughters have asked to go trick or treating and I wont let them.

Congrats on 14 years of wedded bliss Abeth!!

A warm welcome to Sarah too and keep on posting if you wish.

Julie perhaps the lesson was to let go of fear and in doing so you are better for it even if what you wanted to eventuate from your leap of faith didnt work out. I know I surrender often and take those leaps of faith and do so understanding that the result of the leap may take me anywhere at the universes whim - that is what a leap of faith is. To not know the out come, to risk the safety and security of knowing where you will land that is true letting go of fear. Now you have made the leap and taken the risk look for what you have gained, not lost. If you took the leap expecting an outcome but didnt get it you neeed to ask yourself was it worth it, would you do it again? That wonderful saying "a life lived in fear is a life half lived" applies if you dont live fearlessly you live fearfully - it is a choice each of us must make.

It is time I started a new post but there are too many things running around my head - which is why I havent been in lately!

Hi Paul and everyone else,

just to comment on your "speculations" re. the origin of Halloween, as far as I know, not in Germany. We certainly didn't have Halloween, when I grew up there and it's coming in as an American product for money reasons. I don't like Halloween to begin with; it always "interferes" with my birthday ... We do have carnival in Germany where we dress up in costumes, but that's in February right before lent, and the traditions are rather different.

hello to everyone ... need to get ready for work.
Love to all!
Evelyn

Halloween

I think it was originaly called "All Hallows Eve" I rember t from somewhere. If I remember I will get back and lt you know.

Take care, and love to all
Marge

Dear Sally,

how is John doing? Sorry about my forgetfulness earlier this morning. I was in a rush, but I've been thinking about you all. Any noticeable improvements yet?

Happy weekend to all!
Evelyn

Bonjour, Paul~

I have been aware of you for some time, yet only did the search for "you" via IMDB (I am also there)this morning after watching SB (of course) and recognizing our vast similarities. I am a chef, a homebrewer, live virtually sans fear, and also dance. Not in any way comparing us to one another, but I do recognize that not many embrace all their talents and skills at full measure, which I have always done and you clearly do.

I am Basque Gypsy, and dance the Paso Doble, but more intensely, I prefer free-style gypsy form, which most resembles Belly Dance blended with a bit of sensuality and slow, focused movements. Just feels right. I have not ever danced to anything choreographed professionally. I am sure I would lose my natural "flair" :)

Regardless, kudos to your many accomplishments. I would love to exchange beer recipies (I seldom use a recipe, but would make an exception for you! LOL) with you sometime. I did read that your beer wont be coming to America soon, but I hope that changes. I am not much into the commercial brands, far preferring the rich aromas and flavours of homebrews. I am an afficianado of sorts of the heavy-headed lagers and stouts, but do enjoy a light ale and the occasional double bock.

As for Halloween, it originated as a Pagan Holiday, based on the seasons (Yule=Christmas, Beltaine=Easter, Samhain=Halloween, etc) and was not originally a candy and costume oriented event. That is in fact an American commercialism, much like Christmas nowadays. Funny, how anything that can make consumers consume vast amounts of anything becomes such the hype. Oh well~

I was born in the Great Pyrenees Mountains of Spain, and return there often. The Basque Culture is thinning, and yet the heritage itself remains strong. We are intriguing people that live life with full potency... I dance like I breathe, make beer like it is all there is to inbibe, cook like I am loving those that eat my foods... from the inside out... and sing like you danced in SB.. with all my heart. I embrace my talents, and wish softly that I could see your show. I just moved from Hollywod, CA to Bon Secour, Alabama (risky, eh? hehehehe, geographically they are polar opposites, and equally so culturally!). I started writing novels (vampire series, www.VampireMemoires.net) that are being optioned for movies, which is fun.

This post has been far longer than I anticipated. I mainly just wanted to say that your family is beautiful... your dancing, inspirational... and your outlook... refreshing. I appreciate you on all your levels. So many kudos to you~

I would love to coorespond.

Elisandrya

A big thank you to Paul, Mary, Evelyn, Mil, Sarah, Julie and Michelle (Chicago) for all of your loving thoughts and prayers. John is doing much better now. He's getting around a little on crutches and his demeanor has changed into a more positive one now that his pain is subsiding.

We had to put down our 13year old Akita on Friday, unexpectedly. She couldn't get herself up with her back legs, kept falling and whimpering, so we knew something was very wrong. Our vet said she might've had a stroke but with her age and hip problems with her breed, it was hard to tell exactly. It was better to put her to rest than to leave her suffering so. Not a good time for the family, especially the grandkids, but we are coping.

Love to everyone and thank you again. Be well.
Sally C.

Actually, Paul, the tradition of trick or treating at Halloween was started in Ireland, then migrated to Scotland. I know many newspapers here ran surveys testing how people feel about it nowadays. It's definitely turning around and not being as popular as it once was. I think most people go to parties (the premise being that it's safer?), but we just don't do any of it. We go out to dinner to avoid the candy beggars, or to the local Borders (bookstore - good chai, good reads), or we stay home and watch Arsenic and Old Lace. A must-see for Halloween!

-Melanie

While the roots of Halloween are in many countries, including Ireland and England, the holiday as it stands today is very much American.

While Halloween is more popular than ever, trick-or-treating is dropping off slightly, which bums me out! I love Halloween, and I love decorating the yard and handing out candy to the kids. I can understand not wanting an American holiday imported by retailers. I hear the attempt was made in France, and got stomped in a couple years.

I was very surprised to hear your girls wanted to trick-or-treat--must be very recent! Bill's first experience with Halloween was over here.

I'm hoping the slide in trick-or-treating is just a slump, but we have such a culture of fear over here that I doubt it. Unless television news disappears.

Thanks Cat, and I love your Halloween pictures on your site! Of course my girls want to go trick or treating because they get LOLLIES (candy) and they have wanted to do this for the last ten or so years. So the Halloween commercialism has been working away slowly here, it is even a bit of a thing in schools - dress ups etc Its a global world we live in for better or worse.

Sally C Glad to hear John is better and sorry to hear about Akita!

Elisandrya thank you for your post, I had a look at your web site and you certainly seem to have many fingers in many pies! I wish you luck with all your endeavors! Hopefully one day my beer and my cook book will be available in the USA - of course I will have to make the beer and write the cookbook first and I am sure I will do so soon!

I agree with you Cat, the handing out candy to kids is fun, and the bit of culture of fear and television news, although I think the chances of those disappearing is about negative 100 or worse.

Sally, I'm glad that John is doing much better and his demeanor improved. that should also positively impact his healing. I'm very sorry for the loss of your beloved pet. Mine is going on 16 and every once in a while I think about what it would be like having to let go of her, but she's still very frisky and active, so I'd rather not think about that and tempt fate.

Love to all!

SALLY C.-I must have overlooked the post about John-glad to hear that he's doing better. And, I'm sorry to hear about your dog. You've had quite a time of it lately and I hope that things starting looking up for you and your family.

Sally, I'm also glad to hear that John is doing better and I'm sorry about your dog. Its the sad part of having a pet that pets don't live as long as humans and we forget that sometimes. But I hope things will look brighter soon.

Big Kahoona, I want to thank you very very much for those words of wisdom and I'm not just saying this but it really made me feel a lot better.

Truly the whole point of living a life without fear is not to be afraid to take those leaps of faith regardless of the outcome. and that is something that I have gained. I didn't think of that before that even if it didn't work out I have still gained something out of it.

Thank you Paul for those wonderful words.

And on a different note...will you let those girls just have fun!! You forget what you were doing when you were their age hey! So let them have their lollies!

my best to all,

Julie

Sally, so happy to hear that John is doing better! It is sad to hear you've put your Akita down. I had neighbors in NY with an Akita and he was sweetest thing. I hope that your family will have some happy times now - you've gone through enough!

I'm not big on Halloween. I think its cute to see the little kids dress up, but where I live there isn't any trick-or-treating. (I am waaaaaay out in the country.) I think the commercialism has gotten out of control, and that is most likely why I'm not as fond of Halloween as I used to be.

Paul if you write a cookbook I will find a way to get it in the US! (I have a friend in Australia, I know she'd happily send it to me.) I'd love for your brew to make it here too... and I have some patience... so I will wait...

Hi Paul, Love your work (Food Trail in particular). Could you pass onto your Tasmania series camera operator congratulations on some magnificent photography? More please!

hello!!!
I found this canal of contact.
I am very happy therefore.
I am of Brazil and I do not know to say English.
I hopeful wait its book and its beer here in Brazil.
We are excellent drinkers of beer.
it forgives the errors of English
kisses happinesses

Hello to my PC Friends.

When it rains, it pours at our house! John looked like he was doing better when he came home from hospital, but now he's suffering from depression and is reluctant to talk about it with a professional.

The compensation carrier is refusing to pay his hospital bills and that is holding up his application for temporary disability payments, so we have no money coming in other than what I make, which is nowhere near enough to pay the bills.

On top of that, John and my daughter had to cancel their second honeymoon to Disney World next week because John is still not up and about. It's a shame, too, because they had planned for this all year and were so looking forward to a vacation without the kids.

Our Newfoundland (dog) is lost without his companion and cries almost constantly, going from room to room looking for our other dog. He constantly needs to be with someone and being a big dog, I worry that he'll knock one of us over in his need to be touched and petted. We don't know what to do about him. Does anyone have any tips on what to do for a grieving pet who's lost their companion?

Please keep us in you thoughts and prayers that things will work out. We need all the help we can get at this point in time.

Thank you all so much for caring. Be well.
Sally C.

Dear Sally,

I will most definitely keep you all in my thoughts and absolutely best wishes to you all. I wish I could give you a big hug in person, as you really do need it and the "internet hug" just doesn't seem to be enough, anyway, VERY BIG INTERNET HUG to you. Now if only I knew what would lift your spirits, and John's and your dog's, I'd send it your way, perhaps a little sunshine to brighten your day, a shower of love to affirm the positive in life.
The only thing that comes to mind for your dog, to get him a new pal, but I don't know when the right time for that would be.

Lots of love to you and your family and may brighter, financially securer, happier and healthier days be ahead of you!
Evelyn

Sally, I am so sorry to hear things are not as good as expected.

Is the insurance company (or whomever is responsible for medical compensation) giving a valid reason for not paying? Perhaps someone at the hospital mis-coded something. I hate to admit that it does happen. (I worked in the medical billing field for 3 years.) My only suggestion is to keep on them - and on the doctors/hospital in case it is something they messed up! (Just a hint: medical diagnosis codes and procedure codes can be looked up online which is a huge help since most of the numbers they use mean nothing to the average person.)

As for your Newfoundland, sometimes the only thing to help the greiving is to introduce another animal. I'm not sure that is the route you are looking to go, but it is the only thing I can suggest.

As always, your family is in my thoughts, and I'm winging positive vibes your way!

Sally
I'm sorry to hear about John and then loosing your dog. In 2004 I lost my two Pekinese, Gizmo and Lucy within two weeks of each other. They had unrelated health issues. Gizmo died in his sleep and I laid with Lucy on the living room floor all night and she told me in the morning that she wanted to go. She was special, as she came to me the day after my husbands memorial service. I just knew my Husband sent her to me. Of all the dogs I have had she was very special. Two nights later I'm om the internet, at 2:00AM looking for another pair of Pekes. I found a Peke-a-Pom. Her little face just jumped out at me from her picture. I got her the next day. She was called Princess, but I renamed her Cricket. I have now had her for two years. She is enough of a dog to take the place of two.

My advice, Sally, is to look on the internet for rescue groups, or animal shelters for another comnpanion for your Newphie. Of all the cats, dogs, horses and rabbits I have had, they seem to find me, even if they are in a shelter.
I keep looking at the shelters in my area and I may pick up another pet, if there is a communication between us.

For John's depression, I would advise is to get him a "happy light" I have one and it's about 12" by 18" and is very bright. I use mine in the winter when we have a lot of rain and darkness.

My prayers and mental hugs are with you.

As for the doctors what are treating your son-in-law, it's called practicing medicine. I have been there.

Paul,
Isn't it about time you started a new blog?

Take care & love to all
Marge.

Sally,

I was so sorry to hear that you and your family are still having to deal with so many challenges. Sometimes, it really does feel like we are being pushed to our limits, doesn't it? All anyone can do at a time like that, I feel, is walk through as best you can and try to trust in the cycle. And in good things to come. The wheel has to turn, eventually. I'll trust in that here for you.

It must be especially difficult for John, having to deal with being unwell along with the concerns he must have. My thoughts go out to him tonight.

Know for sure, Sally, that I will continue to keep all of you in my prayers. Take good care of yourself.

Love to you,
Mary