You Heard Me!

New Year's Eve-1962-63 San Francisco   photos: Karin Kascher © 2009                             

First published: December 1995 Tiny Lights Publications paintings by Norman Rockwell photographs by Karin Kascher They’re back!  The holidays. One of Norman Rockwell’s merrily contented families enjoying a delectable feast pops into my mind when the approaching festivities are mentioned.  I can see someone’s Uncle Bob, sober as a judge, carving the succulent, evenly browned beast with white paper tassels atop the plump and juicy drumsticks. His calm and blissful expression is emulated by all the eager guests seated around the perfectly set table.  And who should appear through the swinging kitchen door but sweet Aunt Dorothy, white-haired and rosy-cheeked, wearing her simple, dark blue dress, dotted with tiny pink roses and a neatly starched apron.  She is proudly presenting her freshly baked pies to the sounds of oohs and ahhs, and respectful squeals of delight!   Come to think of it, when did dear Aunt Dorothy find the time to single-handedly ...

As cold temperatures beckon, the idle mind starts to wander- more than usual-  that is! The very thought of a simmering homemade soup and the smell of bread baking evoke a comfort that money can't buy!  Of course with the hefty rise in bread prices, making it yourself is an huge incentive. My mother and Aunt Rosi (Rosi Tante) both baked bread each Monday morning. My mother's bread was very, very substantial (think brick) and she never veered from her original recipe. My Rosi Tante had a much more nuanced depth in her bread making, and she tended to experiment with various types of flour and yeasts; resulting in a more tasty and palatable loaf.  I think there must've been a bread baking rivalry between them, but it didn't matter to me because, ultimately I was the one who had to take the sandwiches to school which my mother had baked.  And, ohhhhh!  Those were sandwiches!  Old ( Transylvanian ) school, that is.  Not everyone at Proctor Elementary School had 1-inch th...

About the only things moving today are my fingers. The days of cooking, shopping and preparing for the family feast have come to an abrupt and bloated end. They came, they ate and they helped to clean-up. It's amazing how much three college kids can consume! The truth be told, I have a difficult time sharing and delegating when it comes to my kitchen. I insist on doing it all-except for peeling the potatoes. My food prep-area is fondly called the Bermuda Triangle , meaning, STAY OUT! TO STUFF, OR NOT TO STUFF... This year, I turned my back on Martha Stewart 's tried-and-true recipe for Roasting the Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey. Frankly, ever since her unfortunate incarceration, it hasn't had the same caché . I've been using Martha's method for years, which involved reams of cheesecloth, immersed in m(p) ounds of butter and bottles of Chardonnay , culminating in a messy basting ritual every 30 minutes. So, after watching the Food Network 's knowledgeable c...

"The Man I Love" ! Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen-Live in Italy- 1961  A perfect interlude on a semi-gloomy day.... the bread is baking, the chicken soup is simmering and these guys are cookin'!

"Freedom has many difficulties, and democracy is not perfect, but we have never had to put up a wall to keep our people in, to prevent them from leaving us!" John F. Kennedy -June 26, 1963 And so, you say, the wall came down. A wall kept people in? Yes, those cold grey walls topped with concertina wire and guarded by a brutal and vigilant totalitarian military , so frightening that few dared to attempt to cross it. The tyranny and brutality of the Soviets seemed to be unbeatable; their oppression over the Eastern European satellite nations, mind-boggling. Secrets about neighbors, friends and even f amily activities were passed to Stasi officials to gain favor or special treatment, chipped away at the morality, civility and pride of a once cohesive and industrious people. Medicine, food, clothing and shelter remained at Post WWII levels, with rationing being the norm. All-the-while, their Western European counterparts flourished and enjoyed freedoms which,...

Doesn't this capture the whole feeling of Halloween? This is my daughter, Anika, at the tender witchy age of six. She is all of nineteen years now, and just as bewitching! William Shakespeare (1564-1616) from Macbeth [A dark Cave. In the middle, a Caldron boiling. Thunder.] Fillet of a fenny snake, In the caldron boil and bake; Eye of newt, and toe of frog, Wool of bat, and tongue of dog, Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting, Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,— For a charm of powerful trouble, Like a hell-broth boil and bubble. Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn, and caldron bubble. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The Zombies were having Fun! The party had just begun!" "They played the Mash! The Monster Mash! Tell them Boris sent you..." Being 100% Transylvanian (no kidding) makes this a special time of year for me, however, in Siebenbürgen (trans.Transylvania) each and every day might be considered a hallowed event! Burning a black candle for protection, wearing a necklace of garlic and watching out for ominous black crows is just a casual habit with moi.

Photo: Imagno/Getty ImagesOct 14, 1932 Seems a bit of a dilemma; this pandemic influenza threat. We're all i n for it , no matter what! Even if I were to decide to get inoculated, it appears that only a small fraction of the vaccine has been s hipped to various states in the U.S.A. California h as 36,553,215 residents and only 836,900 doses of vaccine have been shipped. What's up with that? So, it looks like we'll have to do the usual excessiv e hand-washing, garlic wearing, avoiding- crowded-places-kind-of-stuff!

Dedicated to my dependable mail carrier, Shawn, who always has a biscuit for my dog Quinn!

Blue Airstream photo: Cam Fraser Jackson Rancheria is located in the Northern region of California in "Gold Country" at the foothills of the Sierra Mountains.  Warm days and cool nights make this a perfect camping spot.   The full moon rising cast ominous shadows on the low slung, silver-tipped clouds and the autumn temperatures quickly dropped, urging additional sweaters, hats and wooly socks. The steaming cups of coffee tasted mighty fine.   The following evening found us scampering for shelter as an unexpected  storm blew in.  Campfires were quickly extinguished and musicians packed up their guitars and I, my fiddle.  Rain, lightening and thunder swept across the campground as we hunkered down in our aluminum vessels. 

Andres Segovia, the astonishing Spanish Guitarist-b.1893-d.1987

My son, Michael's latest video, captures artist Eli Slaydon as he paints and creates in his Petaluma barn. Art for Show from Michael Lindemuth on Vimeo . Meet the artists this weekend! Art Exibition at Mare Island : Eli Slaydon and Sean Paul Lorentz Saturday, September 19, 2009 2:00PM - 9:00P Mare Island- Officers Mansion 900 Walnut Avenue Vallejo, CA Map Paint from Michael Lindemuth on Vimeo .

I'm finding that I need fewer and fewer words.... Seniya Simonova is a Ukrainian artist who creates all that needs to be said with her hands.

Here's a "mono" sound recording of the Lovin' Spoonful's 45 RPM hit record, "Summer In The City ". This is exactly how I remember hearing this smokin' hot tune! Warm Summer nights... riding around in a turquoise blue, 60's convertible Mustang with my girlfriends!

The world lost a great musician and innovator today. Sadly, Les Paul has passed away at the age of 94. A self-taught guitar player and electronics wizard, he developed and revolutionized the world of music. His invention of the solid body guitar, and the development of multi-track recording has influenced musicians the world over.  In fact, many young guitar players today,  may have no idea that their guitar has got Les Paul written all over it.  This wonderful man will be missed.

St. Germain-Rose Rouge

Doesn't this just make you smile?  Yesterday I took a little trip out to Point Reye's Station, a small community in Marin County, CA.  This is a photo of Toby's, a store filled with all sorts of goodies; local jam, honey, candies, fruits and vegetables.  Hay is sold in back.  

Here's another reason I detest public swimming pools.  Then again, no one would notice me in a bathing suit!  

My friends in England and Germany have complained to me of a dismal Summer thus far. Here in California we suffer from the opposite conditions; lack of rain. Regardless, here is an homage to RAIN! Live, in concert, Perpetuum Jazzile, perform Toto's Africa,  at Vokal Xtravaganzza 2008 (October 2008). Arranged by Tomaž Kozlevčar. Crank the volume, close your eyes and get blown away!

How lucky can I get! A bumper crop of sweet, juicy apricots...yum! I didn't even fall off the ladder. Update: After eating lots of apricots, making marmalade and sharing with the neighbors, I still had a few left over. Then I remembered that one of the most delightful taste treats I had in Austria was a liqueur made from "Aprikosen".  It is called Marillen Likör and is difficult to find ( in fact, the company went out of business), so I decided to whip up a batch of Apricot Moonshine. Vodka based, it will take a minimum of three months to ferment, but I can't wait to see if I came close to what I remember drinking.

I'm putting aside all thoughts of impending geopolitical gloom 'n'doom [ well, for a moment... ] whilst recalling the good ol' clueless days of Summer! This song stuck in my mind from waaaay back, when I was a pre-bikini'd, four-eyed "dork", who wanted to grow up to be as glamorous as Annette Funicello! The hair! The boobies! The men going ape-sh*t as she oils up "Moon-doggie" with suntan lotion in that positively, sexy, see-through, white fishnet bathing suit!

  The Beach Boys   sing Surfin' U.S.A . [1964] Even though it is claimed to be Chuck Berry's melody (thanks Chuck!), the Beach Boys made this song into an American rock'n'roll classic!  Listening to music performed live, as it used to be, makes one appreciate their raw talent. Another Beach Boys classic was,   Fun,Fun,Fun  !  All I can say is, kids, put down your iPhone /Blackberry/what-cha-ma-callit, stop texting for a moment, go outside and enjoy your Summer!                                                                                       

From this...                                                          ...to this! and he  deserve s every bit of it ...but that "Wall of Sound" by the Ronettes will live forever!!!     My sister Ericka and I had similar pairs of those "go-go boots" and I know we thought we looked pretty "boss" in them!  Never could get my flat hair to poof-up like that though...

The Sunflower-William Blake "Ah, Sunflower, weary of time, Who countest the steps of the sun; Seeking after that sweet golden clime, Where the traveller's journal done; Where the youth pined away with desire, And the pale virgin shrouded in snow, Arise from their graves, and aspire Where my Sunflower wishes to go!" Helene Grimaud B ach:  Chaconne in D minor, 1st movement

Here's another film that my son, Michael, crafted for a class assignment. He chose a location/setting that is close to his heart; his Grandfather's ranch, in Clearlake, CA. I think my father would have enjoyed seeing this very much.

Big Mama Thorton belts it out like a good Mama should! Buddy Guy on guitar (1965).

I got such a kick out this film-short that my son, Michael made for one of his film classes at San Francisco State University.  After living with a few clueless slobs, he finally gets it!

A couple of month's ago, I discovered Ollie playing violin and guitar with his awesome Volvo tractor.  Many of you may recall taking music lessons and using the oppressive metronome.  The metronome, for those who've never heard of one, helps a musician to practice and keep time. This often leaves little room for overt expression, however, it comforts those whose cultures (like mine) demand adherence to precise time-keeping and offers assurance by its restraints.  Ollie, who is of the Swedish persuasion, has an Osh B'Gosh® ability to play synchronized duets with his farm equipment.  Please... to listen to... the fantastic Mr. Ollie all the way through his video. He starts cookin' after the second set and finishes with a pulsating flourish! I may get my husband to restore our Cat DII so that I can have someone to play with!

I love trees just like the next guy. Rocks too. But seriously, what the f**k is wrong with these people? I see....pampered, egocentric and disturbed individuals; products of an over-indulged and egocentric society . Do these guys think they'll get laid if they cry lke a little girl? Do these women think they'll "hook-up" with one of these drum-beating wimps by shrieking like hysterical banshees? Odds are pretty good they will. Hey, if you think I'm intolerant and harsh, it's my blog, my rant and my politically incorrect opinion.  So there! *I apologize to my readers for using the F-word, however, as I often told my kids, use that word parsimoniously, as not to minimize its profundity. Again, I am a lover of trees, nature and I'm a vigilant recycler. These Earth First PETA types are unhinged loonies! Have a nice day.

Here's a story that will inspire anyone who may harbor the feeling that, they're too old or too whatever to pursue their dream. 47 year-old Susan Boyle shocked Great Britain last week in the "Britain's Got Talent 2009" contest. The never-been-married, never-been-kissed, unemployed matron, whose dream of performing in front of a large audience, courageously stood in front of a cynical and critical audience and belted out the performance of her lifetime. She said she wanted to make the audience rock. They certainly did: Susan Boyle on Britain Got Talent Here's S usan Boyle singing Cry Me A River in 1999 for a charity CD, which only sold 1,000 copies.

That's as far as I'll go with an April Fool's joke. When I was a kid, my dad would wake me up every April First and tell me that it was snowing! And every year I'd scramble out of my bed and run to the window, throw open the curtains with great anticipation, only to find that I'd been duped. The San Francisco Bay Area only gets occasional snow; maybe once every ten or fifteen years. But the big question remains. Why did I fall for the ruse every year! Duhhhhhh......

Some people may think that we're crazy for living in California, what with the potential earthquakes and human disasters; so-called fruits and nuts", however, you can't beat the weather most of the year.  Even in the Northern part of the state, where, believe-it- or-not, it snows, it is only a temporary occurrence.                                                               Silver Sunset                                                     photos by Karin Kascher ©2009 Friday Night Listening Pleasure... The Gypsy Kings: Hotel California

photo: Karin Kascher © 2009 Here are two divergent homages to the Rite of Spring.  The first is a photo that I surreptitiously photographed on my mother's porch.  I call it, Spring Love on Astro Turf® . The video below is a brilliant performance of the The Rite of Spring (Le Sacre du Printemps), Part IV (Glorification de l'Elue through Rituelle des ancestres), by one of my favorite composers, the audacious  Igor Stravinsky and performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic and conducted by Esa-Pekka Salonen, October 23, 2003 To hear one the other four movements, you can click on the YouTube Icon and choose. They're all terrific!

This woman is an unbelievable powerhouse of talent and soul!  Before I actually heard Amy Winehouse sing, I'd only read about her drugged-induced escapades and narrow brushes with the wrong side of the law and paparazzi.  The second video is one in a series of songs whereby she sings in an office without much, if any acoustical accoutrements.  I truly hope that she finds the strength to overcome her demons, because I, for one, am "ga-ga" about her! I love this woman! ... plus , she mentions Tanqueray® in this song.  Pass the Schweppes® and twist of lime [clink-clink].

Rolling across the Golden Gate Bridge is always a challenge and towing an Airstream trailer is an added thrill!                                      Sunset at Pismo Beach, California Some of you have asked me about the Airstream Rallies.  Here are a few photos from the California Silver Sisters Rally , March 6-8, 2009 at Pismo Beach, CA, which I  attended.  As a rule, there are no rules!  We all just get together, eat lots of food, experiment with wine, vodka, gin, tequillia, etc. and talk endlessly about our aluminum trailers and travels.  No two Airstreams are alike! Each owner has decorated the interior to their liking, old or new.   The newer Airstreams are very cool; many are built with very slick new materials, such as bamboo and LED lighting. Airforum Rallies often have older Airstream models dating back to the 1950's.  Our Airstream is a 25 ft. 1978   International Tradewind and came with all of the brownish 1970's plastic interior.  The outside is the shiny alumi...

Whenever I hear that we're heading for the next Great Depression I wonder how this generation will cope. Listen and watch as 93 year-old Clara Cannucciari teaches us how to cook a typical meal from her Great Depression family kitchen and recants her stories of the struggles and joys that she experienced as a child.  Clara's webblog If you enjoyed this cooking lesson, check out her other videos , which were filmed by her grandson Christopher Cannucciarri .   Her Sicilian Christmas (Cucidati Fig &Nut) cookie episode and her Poor Man's Feast  are especially wonderful.  With each video Clara sprinkles her cooking with nuggets of wisdom and honesty about the  hardships of those years, yet she remains  joyful and delighted to share these treasured recipes and memories. What a wonderful spirit! You can also listen to this song, Blue Moon , written by Rodgers & Hart in 1933 and performed by the great jazz violinist Stéphane Grappelli in 1990, with Martin Taylor on guit...

Thank you NASA for this incredible photography This weeks muscal link: Marianne Faithfull - The Ballad of Lucy Jordan

Nina Simone -Harlem, 1969 If you get a chance, take a listen to, I PUT A SPELL ON YOU . Now, that, is what I call a soulful singer!

And now, ladies and germs, for your enjoyment....

 I WILL SURVIVE! Sadly, my mother, Helena, passed away this past Christmas Eve. It was a drama of CSI proportions, as were most of her 81, tumultuous, Transylvanian émigré years. Finding her deceased on Christmas day, after the sheriff was forced to kick in her door (she was too paranoid to give me a key to her house), proved to be, beyond surrealistic. She had not planned to die, so left no directives for her demise and protected her fortress with stunning effectiveness. The Walnut Ranch in Kelseyville, CA This past Sunday, we all drove to my parents’ walnut ranch to ceremoniously scatter her ashes. While waiting for my sister’s arrival, our dog, Quinn, who relishes the freedom of running at full-throttle and chasing squirrels and rabbits on the rural expanse, was romping with my son, Michael's  golden retriever, Millie. The two dogs were madly chasing each other and then attempted to jump up and over a retaining wall made of stacked obsidian rock (coo...