Happy Pi Day!

A few years ago my oldest son bounded through the front door and said, "Happy Pi Day!" By the look on my face he knew I was puzzled.  He then asked me the date.  After gathering my thoughts I said, "March 14th" to which he said, "Get it? It's Pi Day not Pie Day". He went on to tell me that the ratio of a circle's circumference to it's diameter is 3.14 and during math class that day the teacher had brought in Moon Pies for them to measure (and eat) along with cookies and other round items.  Somewhere in the cobwebs of my brain I remembered that number, but didn't remember it's significance.  Oh well, it didn't matter because I knew exactly what we'd be having for dinner that night. Homemade Pizza Pi!

Pizza is one of my all time favorite foods.  Since I was born and raised in southeastern Pennsylvnia, just outside of Philadelphia, I am very partial and grateful to the wonderful Pizzerias around my old neighborhood for authentic Italian pizza.  Many of the owners of these shops were first and second generation Italian immigrants. From tasty calzones, stromboli and fettucini alfredo to delicious canoli's eating in any of these places was always a treat.  My two sisters who still live in my hometown continue to frequent Via Veneto's on Markley Street.  When I lived in North Carolina my other sister and I fell in love with Lorenzo's Pizza which took us way back home to our childhood.

So tonight in honor of Pi Day why not make a homemade pizza?  I sometimes buy premade pizza dough from the grocery store when I don't have time to make the dough myself.  I also have a bread maker which works beautifully.  You probably have some of the ingredients in your pantry and frig already. Just add some candle light, pull out your Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli or Pavarotti CD's and mama mia! That's Amore!

Basic Pizza Dough (Makes 2 12 inch crusts)
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
2 tablespoons olive oil

1. Dissolve yeast in warm water.  Let stand for 10 minutes.

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and olive oil.  Stir in yeast mixture.  When the dough pulls togeter, turn onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic for about 8 minutes.  Put dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turn to coat in oil.  Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. (About 45 minutes)

3.  Divide the doubled dough in half and either hand press or roll out and place on a pizza stone or pan.

4. Cover with sauce then add favorite toppings.

5. Bake @ 400 degrees for twenty minutes.

Over Fifty Years Of Friendship

My father turned eighty years old recently and we celebrated his birthday with friends and family at his favorite Chinese restaurant.  It was a surprise and my father, who is NEVER speechless, was dumbfounded.  It only took him a nanosecond to put two and two together and make his way around the room hugging and thanking everyone for coming.  It was one of the most moving moments I've ever experienced.  Most of the people in attendance have known my parents since before my brother, sisters and I were born.  That's over fifty years!  It was also heartwarming to see individuals in attendance who were forty years my father's junior.

Several people had the opportunity to give remarks on how they'd met my father and shared some funny stories.  The common thread that ran through everything the guests said was how much of a friend my father had been to them.  They could always count on my dad whenever they needed help or a laugh.  I'm happy to say that every word is true.

In recent years my father has sat by the bedside of  several friends as they've drawn their last breath.  I believe what comforted them most is that they knew that my father would continue to be there for their loved ones.  He is a loyal, true friend.  It's no wonder that my friends and the friends of my siblings call my father "Dad" or "Pop Corley".

My father has a great sense of humor.  I believe that's part of the secret to his long life.  My good friend and fellow blogger Theda recently blogged about the importance of laughter on her blog Tuesday Talks, check it out.  Since my father has such a great sense of humor I could have loads of fun with the goody bags for his party.  The goody bags contained homemade bath salts scented with eucalyptus oil.  One of my sons and I designed a label to place on the goody bags that read: "Andy's Tired Old Butt Soaking Salts".  Attached to the soaking salts was a card that had phrases that my father is known for saying.  He and all of his friends got a kick out of the labels.  Needless to say it was an extraordinary experience.

Celebrate Friendship!

Why not plan a get together with friends on a regular basis?  Mark it on your calender even if its every few months.  We're all so busy nowadays so advanced planning for most people is a must.  Make it a priority and it will be a priority.

I have many fond memories from when I lived in North Carolina.  I hosted a party every few months with a group of girlfriends.  Each party had a theme.  The object was to have as much fun as possible.  We always played at least one interactive game that included a prize.  We'd also do a simple project to take home.

My first party was Mediterranean themed.  The menu included hot artichoke dip with toasted Italian bread slices, Greek salad and Chicken Caccitore over pasta.  I served Pomegranite punch, assorted Biscotti and Tiramisu. Yes, it was a lot of food, but I love to cook!  You do NOT have to prepare anything that elaborate.  An alternative menu could be a beautiful salad topped with sliced grilled chicken, dessert and punch.  Stay within your comfort zone.  The point is to get together with friends and celebrate!

After dinner while we were still gathered at the table and the dishes were cleared, my good friend Sue introduced us to a game called the "Right Left Game".  The game is similiar to musical chairs except you pass a wrapped prize around the table instead of walking around chairs.  Sue told a fantastical story and every time she said the word "right" the prize was passed to the right.  Every time she said the word "left" the prize was passed to the left.  Whoever was holding the prize at the end of the story got to keep it.  Big fun!

The make and take project was bath salts.  I researched the ingredients years ago on the internet.  My kids and I used to make fragrant bath salts for teacher gifts.  This is a super easy project.  I got all the ingredients from the Dollar Store and Michael's Craft Store.  Give it a try!

SOAK AWAY

Bath Salts
2 cups Epson Salt
1 cup Baking Soda
*Fragrant bath oils
Large Bowl
Wooden Spoon
Clear cellophane bags
Assorted ribbons
Labels

Directions:
1.  Pour salt and Baking Soda in bowl and mix with spoon.
2.  Squeeze 10-12 drops of oil into salt mixture. Use more if needed.
3.  Mix with spoon until fragrance is well distributed. Be patient this takes a little time.
4.  Scoop salts into bags and tie with ribbon.
5.  Label.

*Oils can be purchased in the soap section of Michael's Craft Store.  Be sure oils are safe for use on skin.

Tip: Provide several bowls and spoons so each guest can mix her own salts.
       All measurements are approximate.