YMCA Gala 2015

This is an annual gala to benefit the YMCA – Fairfax County, which provides a variety of services—from childcare to summer camps to senior services—to residents of Fairfax County, Virginia.  I’ve been on the board since 2002 and roll off at the end of this year.  We’ve been attending this gala for almost that long and have fond memories of the event.  It’s the first black tie event the kids have ever attended (their first one was when they were 9 and 6).  It has also helped them to learn about philanthropy (and the etiquette of attending black tie events).
This year’s theme was “Finding the Superhero in Everyone.”  As usual, it was a wonderful event.  It’s held at the YMCA gym every year, and it’s always fun to see the gym decorated for the gala.  (It does also remind me a bit of a high school prom, but I have excellently wonderful memories of my high school prom, so that’s all right.)  Oh, and just for the record, I am the shortest person in the family.  Heels are the only reason that I’m taller than our daughter in the photo.  🙂
To find out more about the YMCA – Fairfax County, go to www.ymcadc.org/reston.

YMCA Template (87)

Book review: The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick

The Forever Queen (The Saxon Series, #1)The Forever Queen by Helen Hollick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“The Forever Queen” is the first book of two about Emma of Normandy, who married Aethelred of England (known as the Unready) and slowly transforms from a shy and timid girl into a woman of confidence and self-assurance who knows what she wants. And what she wants is to be Queen of England and to do the best she can for her adoptive country. Book #1 is the transformation of Emma with secondary characters including her first husband, her stepsons Aethelstan and Edmund Ironside, her sons Edward, Alfred, and Hardecanute, and her second husband, Cnut. Also starring in a prominent role is Earl Godwin, a stalwart ally and friend.
The events covered in this book are not well known–most know British history starting with William the Conqueror. The book is well-researched, and the author does not shy away from the violence of the time (although it is never gratuitous, it is often graphic).
In some ways, Cnut is the most fascinating character in this book, as he evolves from a Danish savage to a strong and respected English king. But the book is Emma’s story and her single-minded devotion to the well-being of England. I highly recommend this fascinating read!

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Dinner Party – November 4, 2015

We hosted a dinner party at our house last night on behalf of our kids’ school. It was a day of prep and cooking, and we couldn’t have done it without Jim’s nephew, Robert, who was a tremendous help.

Here is our dining room:

dining room

dining room

We served the following:

Thai Pumpkin Soup with Homemade Gougeres (unfortunately, all I have is a photo of the gougeres) plus a lesson learned: forgetting to set the timer results in seared gougeres, which are NOT edible (fortunately, I made a double batch):

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Dungeness Crab served on top of Un-Crab Cakes (the un-crab cakes are made with hearts of palm), and another lesson learned when you marry a Washington state native–Dungeness crab is the best crab in the world:

un-crab crab cakes

un-crab crab cakes

Asian Duck Cassoulet served with Asian citrus salad

Asian duck cassoulet

Asian duck cassoulet

and, finally, Chocolate Pots de Crème served with a dollop of fresh whipped cream

Chocolate Pots de Creme

Chocolate Pots de Creme

We had a really fun time cooking the meal. (Straightening up the house enough so that it was fit for company wasn’t quite as entertaining, but it was necessary.) All in all, I think it was a successful dinner!

Halloween 2015

You might think we were a bit too old for Halloween and trick-or-treating, but it’s our favorite holiday (and you are never too old to beg for candy).

The family Halloween photo featuring The Tardis, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, and Captain Cold:

The Tardis, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, & Captain Cold

The Tardis, Darth Vader, Chewbacca, & Captain Cold

Another one of the kids:

The Tardis & Captain Cold

The Tardis & Captain Cold

And just as full disclosure, Chewbacca was The Grinch at his office Halloween party.  Much more appropriate in some ways…

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