The Encore

February 13, 1930 – January 11, 2002

Today is the 19th anniversary of the death of my Dad, Alfred P. Chernick.

My Dad was a tool and die maker and he worked at Republic Aviation in our early life on Long Island, NY. When that plant closed he moved to Grumman Aerospace around 1965.

My Dad could do anything – he could fix anything, or put anything together, he was a master photographer and he won several awards at that.

He rescued my 1962 Ford Falcon several times when I was in college, he reseated the valves in the flat six cylinder engine over Christmas Break one year. He towed it home from the Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway with a rope when the clutch gave out suddenly.

Professionally his major accomplishments were working on the Lunar Excursion Module – we knew exactly how the US Team was going to get to the moon, land on it, take off and return to earth… we knew how it was going to work before they showed it on TV because he explained it to us.

He also worked on the to secret Stealth Bomber as well as many other important projects of the time.

He truly could do anything.

We lost him in early 2002 due to Alzheimer’s Disease and we have been walking as a family team in his memory and to help raise funds for the care and cure of this disease.

An incredible man and model for all of us, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Here we are January 6, 2021 – we are well into winter and it has been cold, about mid 30’s. Today it is about 36 degrees with a good wind, making being outside very uncomfortable.

I have been running on the treadmill in the basement for almost a month now…it was installed around December 10. I have been running 3 miles or more almost every day. It is a good quiet time to re-energize to start the day. I have recently been running 3.5 miles and I can vary the pace whatever is comfortable. This morning I ran a pace of 13’20” That is a little faster than I have the last few weeks. With the treadmill you basically control the pace so it is not an exact duplicate of running outside which I anxiously await being able to do in the warmer months.

I have recently been experimenting with making bread from scratch. My first two attempts were dinner rolls but they did not come out great. Last week I made Rustic French Bread, which came out great. Today I am making a Brioche bread. I will let you know later today how that comes out.

It is fun to try new things, especially in cooking and baking because you can actually appreciate the accomplishment as you taste and determine the degree of greatness you have created.

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This evening I will cook the pork stir fry that I have made a few times, it is very tasty and I got some pork tenderloin at the meat market yesterday.

Most importantly my hope is that everyone is safe and healthy and is being patient as we await the roll out of the vaccine. It is hard to plan and not know when it will be completely safe to start to engage with others.

Be safe!!!

As I look back at 2020 I am thankful for so many things… That is my first thought – Yes the horror of the pandemic has impacted us all, and some to the point of tragedy loosing loved ones or one’s health are very serious and unfortunate things, for which I am deeply sorry about. We must however move ahead and seize the new opportunities that present themselves to us.

So with a sense of joy I bid 2020 a final farewell – good riddance… to the awful pandemic….

There are many things that this pandemic drove goodness in people and I found a great joy volunteering by doing grocery shopping for people that could not get out due to the pandemic – I have met some amazing people through that exper.ience. I also continued to bake cookies weekly but since the group was not meeting in person I started delivering them to the neighbors. That was a welcome distraction to many of the people in this neighborhood…. The two young girls made a sign with their Mom thanking me for bringing joy at this difficult time…that sentiment was shared with me by several people.

There were other highlights – on September 21 I ran my first half marathon, that was after training since June, first here in town, then down in the Outer Banks and then back at the tracks around here. For the big day our son Paul came out to help me during the race. This was a huge accomplishment – and I have set my sites on a full marathon in the early fall 2021… the half marathon was virtual, we will see if the marathon this year has to be virtual, hopefully not.

With the pandemic and the cold weather I purchased a treadmill that we placed in the basement, I have been running on that almost daily to keep in shape.

Mostly I am thankful for my wonderful family, dear wife Megan, son Paul, daughter-in-law Gretchen, my Mom, sisters Virginia and Kathy and extended nieces nephews and great nieces and nephews. I am also thankful for all the friends we have… through the support groups, through work, and the general neighborhood… we support each other through all life’s challenges including the pandemic.

Friendship

Today I sent an email to the team thanking them for their hard work on behalf of our client, I got two very nice notes back, shown below:

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We took a break from it all the day after Christmas and headed to Morristown, NJ for a few days at the Hyatt Regency there.

We thought it would be good to do something different since the pandemic blew our holiday trip to Florida and time with the extended family to smithereens…… so to speak.

We arrived at the hotel on Saturday afternoon and had dinner at the Bare Burger in Morristown. We were the only ones in the restaurant at the time, they had a lot of people picking up orders though.

First thing on Sunday we ordered breakfast from IHop.

We then headed over to the Morristown Museum and saw all the exhibits, one the history of musical instruments we had seen previously. The exhibits were marked with maximum number of people and of course we had to wear masks the whole time.

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We had a wine and cheese lunch and then took a walk into town, we got to Swiss Chalet (about 3/4 miles from hotel) but it closed early on Sunday so on the way back we went to the Creamery and got tea and coffee for the walk back.

We had dinner at Godfathers of Morristown, it was Italian food, I had lasagne and Megan had Pasta Primavera. We enjoyed the time out at a restaurant, with social distance and masks.

On Monday we had breakfast from the hotel snack bar which was not great.

We then went to Target in Hanover to pick up a few things we needed at home.

We again had Wine and Cheese for lunch.

We then took a walk into town and this time the Swiss Chalet was open and we had some snacks – coffee and tea, I had a mini Napoleon and Megan had a piece of Lemon Cake.

We had dinner from a Malaysian / Thai restaurant, they did not have indoor dining so we ordered take out – I had Ginger Chicken and Megan had Jumbo Shrimp – we also ordered Wonton Soup and Fried Dumplings.. the Dumplings were different than we had from Chinese Restaurants – it was thin and looked more like a fortune cookie, it was good never the less.

Today we returned home – I went to the Swiss Chalet for breakfast which was coffee and a danish for Megan and Tea and a Bagel with Scrambled Egges.

We had a wonderful time away together!!!

We wish all my readers continued happiness this holiday season and a Happy New Year…

As a friend said in her Christmas Card – Looking forward to looking back at 2020 from the rearview mirror……

Christmas Day was a little different, it was just the two of us.

As I wrote earlier we decided not to go to Florida this year and we could not go to Long Island as everyone is keeping to themselves.

We did have Secret Santa with Gretchen’s family over the FaceTime which was fun.

We also had fun exchanging gifts with each other.

As I noted yesterday one of the neighbors gave us a package of four Cinnabon Cinnamon rolls.

Well today Mike from up the street rang the bell. He had a tree the girls (with help of Mom) had made for use. It is always so special when the girls bring one of these little gifts. Mike said that the girls came over the other day but we were not home….. so he bought it over – it was so sweet and special they did that.

We had early Christmas with Paul and Gretchen last week.

Last night we had our friends and across the street neighbors over for desert,

I made the most wonderful chocolate cream pie the recipe for which I got around 1995 off the internet.. the secret is uses Cocoa and has bittersweet chocolate added at the end.. it is incredible.

Although it was a little hard we did have a nice time opening gifts and as a surprise we are going to the Hyatt in Morristown for a few days.

I wish all my friends happiness and a good time going forward, I know there are many out there struggling and I hope they can get the help they need…I am here to help if I can….

Be well and stay safe!!!

I packed up the last two boxes of Christmas Cookies, here is a sample of the boxes.

I distributed it to a neighbor around the corner that was not in my usual cookie delivery group and to one of the grocery ladies (Betty) who I never actually delivered to.

On Sunday I delivered to the neighbors here as well as the four groceery ladies.

To top off the Christmas Cookie Fun I had a Christmas Cookie exchange, which was my first time doing a Christmas Cookie Exchange.   I did this exchange with my friend Susan, we met at Paul’s Diner, which is about half way between our homes.  Due to the pandemic we stayed in the parking lot by our cars – she already had a cup of coffee and I went into the diner to get a cup of tea.

It was a nice warm day about 45 degrees.. so in our coats we were OK for about 40 minutes.

We enjoyed chatting and catching up as it has been a long time since we were actually together – early days of our career at Buck  (how many years????).

Here we are and our cookies

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It is wonderful to share the joy of baking of those around you, it is appreciated and keeps you connected, especially at this difficult pandemic – just to be able to say hello how are you means a lot to me and all those I am able to contact.

The fun continues… Nathan a young HS Football player came to the door with a box of Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls. A nice surprise from Renee, Jordan and Nate, thanking me for the cookies. This was also funny because my sister Virginia has been sending me pictures of the steps she was doing to make cinnamon rolls at home.

May you find joy in this holiday season.

There are so many things to be thankful for, family, friends, health and happiness.

On Sunday a little before 8:00 pm the doorbell rang. Thinking someone was dropping off cookies I unalarmed the house and opened the door. There were 7 people standing there – a flaming torch standing in the snow and another held by one of the people, one wearing a top hat! They started singing Christmas Carols…. it was such a surprise and pure joy to listen to these people singing with a Christmas joyous passion.

As they finished I asked them if I could snap a picture, to which they agreed.

Unfortunately I did not ask them who they were or where they were from. Yesterday, Monday I posted the picture on the Next Door Neighbor App and asked if anyone knew them. This morning, Tuesday I got a response from a woman Lecia G. who said one of them was a dear friend and she was so touched by my response. I told Lecia that I had cookies to share (privately), she responded that the friend has a house of boys and would be thrilled… she said she gave her my email address, which I had provided to Jessica.

I am hoping I hear from her so I can share some of my cookies.

A joy I have every year is sharing my cookies with others, this being a different time with the pandemic my usual outlets were not available so I packed them up in little packages and delivered to the neighbors and grocery ladies. Today I packed larger boxes to give to our closer friends and neighbors and for my cookie exchange with Susan tomorrow.

Wishing you a joyful Christmas and Happiest of New Year’s.

May God richly bless you!

We had early Christmas with Paul and Gretchen on Saturday, December 19, 2020.

This is a tradition to do this weekend since they have been going to Florida for Christmas for a number of years now. We have gone to join them for the last three or four years but this year we elected not to go due to the COVID pamdemic.

Part of this routine is that they would do all of their shopping for each other and us and have them shipped here.

In October a box came addressed to Gretchen, see below, it was an Air Fryer which I assumed was for Paul.

So Paul and Gretchen came out early afternoon on Friday the 18th.

After we had a delicious steak dinner they went upstairs to start wrapping.

A while later Paul came down and asked for the box addressed to Gretchen, I said I would get it… so I went to the basement and got the box and brought it upstairs…. as I was brining down the hall Paul was approaching and I told him not to look… so he turned away… I brought the package in to Gretchen and quickly left.

Well yesterday morning we opened the gifts… after we were done with all the gifts except two bigger boxes, Paul brought one of them over to me… and said it was for Megan and I. So I opened it… and to my great surprise as I opened it – there it was the Air Fryer.…

I went hysterical laughing.. I looked at Gretchen and I started to roll up little balls of wrapping paper and throwing them at her……

We were all on the floor laughing hysterically.. I don’t think the four of us laughed so hard anytime in the past….

You never know when some surprise is going to hit you and this one was a doozie of a knock out punch of surprise….

Do you have a crazy Christmas Surprise that got you to the floor laughing, share in the comments if you do…..

May all of your holidays be joyful – and have some fun mixed in!!!

One of the necessities of life is eating… one of the chores, one may say is cooking. However, cooking (and baking as well) can be pure joy.

With a little practice and following recipes can go a long way to tasty and very satisfying. Sharing recipes is fun with friends is fun and very exciting.

Tonight I made the Pork Tenderloin Stir Fry, recipe below. It was absolutely outstanding and incredible delicious.

Ingredients

• 3/4cup Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
• 2tablespoons cornstarch
• 2tablespoons soy sauce
• 1tablespoon natural rice vinegar
• 1tablespoon packed brown sugar2tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1lb pork tenderloin, cut in 1/2-inch strips 
• 1 tablespoon chile garlic sauce (tomato paste is good substitute)
• 1teaspoon finely chopped fresh gingerroot
• 1cup thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms
• 1cup thinly sliced bok choy
• 1cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seed

Hot white rice, lime wedges, green onions and chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for serving

1. In medium bowl, mix broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, vinegar and brown sugar. Beat with fork until smooth. Set aside.

2. In 12-inch nonstick skillet or work, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Swirl pan to coat sides with oil. Add pork; cook 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until cooked through. Add chile garlic sauce and gingerroot; cook 30 to 60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant. Transfer to bowl; cover and keep warm.

3. Wipe out skillet. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and bok choy; cook 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until tender and browned. Add red cabbage; cook 30 to 60 seconds longer or until softened.

4. Return pork mixture to skillet. Stir sauce; add to pork and vegetables in skillet. Heat to boiling. Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes or until sauce is thickened. Stir in sesame seed. Serve with rice, lime wedges, green onions and cilantro.

This is just one example of how exciting cooking can be. of course not all recipes render accolades like this one but the accomplishment of creating something you never created before is a wonderful feeling.

Try never to be afraid to try something different, I had previously never tried bok choy and now I am a big fan.. and fresh red cabbage.. WOW….

Have some fun try something different.. you will surprise yourself!!!

Sharing your cooking is the best feeling as well!!!

Happy Cooking (and baking)!!! Enjoy!!!

The Christmas holiday is quickly approaching. Nine Days and counting.

We will have our early Christmas this weekend with Paul and Gretchen here at our home in Succasunna, NJ. We look forward to that special time every year.

Of course this year, the year of the pandemic has forced us to stray from our traditions the last few years. We have spent the Christmas Holiday in Florida and spending Christmas Day with Gretchen’s family. It always was a very nice time and the change of pace and weather always is a good break from the cold winter here in NJ. Due to the pandemic we will not be traveling to Florida this year.

We are thankful that vaccines are being rolled out, it will be several months before they reach us as higher priority people get the vaccine first. But the return to normalcy is around the corner. This is very good.

The Christmas cookies are all baked and stored in tins, I have started to give them out to a few people that I won’t be seeing for a while and will distribute to the neighbors and the grocery lady friends this coming weekend. I purchased little decorative baggies to make the presentation a little more decorative.

I am also going to do a cookie exchange with my friend Susan this year, for the first time, which will hopefully become an annual traditition.

While this year may be different than we expected or wanted for this season, we are thankful for our health and the health of our family and friends.

At this very special time I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas (or Happy Hanukkah) and Happy, Healthy New Year!!!

I wish God’s blessings on you all!