During a recent conference in Western Pennsylvania, I had a wonderful Smoked Salmon Mousse as an appetizer. It was a Chef's Special one evening at Helen's Restaurant at the Seven Springs Resort. The Mousse was light and creamy. It was served with pieces of crisply toasted & slightly sweet currant bread, along with cooked, sweet onions for a topping. While, the chef would not share his recipe (according to the not too friendly waitress), I decided to find my own recipe and try this for my Suday Small Bites. It was a hit with company last weekend, though there are definitely things I would do differently next time.

The recipe for Salmon Mousse came from Recipe Goldmine, and the recipe for Pickled Onions came from http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pickled_red_onions/

Salmon Mousse

1 T green onions,finely chopped
2 T plus 1/4 cup sweet butter,softened
2 - 5 oz. smoked salmon
1/4 Cup cream cheese
1/4 Cup Sour Cream
2 T Lemon Juice
1 T Vodka
1/4 Cup heavy cream,whipped

Saute onion in 2 T butter (I only used 1 T) until golden. Add Salmon, stir and remove from heat.Place Salmon mixture in processor. Add sour cream, 1/4 c butter, and cream cheese. Process until smoothe. Add lemon juice and vodka and pulse briefly to combine. Remove mixture to bowl and fold in whipped cream. Spoon into a mold or small plastic bowl.Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Serve chilled but not cold.

Pickled Onions

1 lb. red onions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 c white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar

Blanch onions in a saucepan of boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain in colander. Combine sugar and vinegar in another saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add blanched, drained onions to vinegar mixture. Simmer for one minute. Transfer to a glass container and allow to cool ( I added 1 small, boiled beet for color). Cover and refigerate. Will keep for several weeks.

I served the mousse on strips of toasted Cranberry Bread. The combination of sweet, tart and slightly salty (salmon) was really good! I would try to lighten this recipe next time by using whipped cream cheese, low fat sour cream, and less butter. I thought that the pickled onions were a bit too tangy - would probably dilute with some water next time.

Geez I don't know where August and September went,and today I find myself at Seven Springs Resort in Laurel Spring Pennsylvania for a conference until Thursday. When I get home, October will be more that half over! I have had such little time at home to establish a new routine and enjoy my empty nest! First we moved Jordan into school the weekend of 8/21. This was followed by a short beach vacation and then it was time to move Adam back to school.There was another (long planned) weekend at the Beach with friends (good company,lousy weather) followed by 2 weekends of Jewish Holidays. And then it was time for Family Weekend at Penn State (dare I say that I hardly had time to miss Jordan!That was a great weekend,shared with my friend Peggy's family as her daughter is also at PSU and Kelsey & Jordan were high school buddies as well as with Jordan's roommate and his family). Jordan is obviously happy and made a great college choice for himself, so how could I not be happy?During this crazy time we adopted a new kitty who we are trying to introduce to our high maitenance Boxer. Work has been busy with an interesting new project,but crazy with Contract Negotiations which continue despite the fact that we still do not have a State Budget!

This type of schedule is really out of character for us as we are generally homebodies. I thought that being busy would help me adjust to the empty nest. I think that the anticipation was worse than the actual event. I do miss the kids very much, but I like the peace & quiet too. The house stays neater,grocery bills without 2 young men are comical,and it is really nice to have conversations with DH that do not have anything to do with kids! I am looking forward to our Theatre supscription which begins next weekend. I would love to plan a weekend in New York, but I think that that will have to wait until Spring. I am so looking forward to being at home with nothing much planned until our trip to Isla over the holidays.

I really need to establish a routine for myself. There is no rush to have dinner by 6 so that the kids can do homework. DH is coaching H.S. Football so he is never home before 7:45. By the time we finish with dinner, I am ready for bed! I am reluctant to change my 7:30 to 4 work hours as I like that time at home to myself-- although I don't seem to accomplish much! I knew that I was on overload when I realized that I paid my AMEX Bill twice this month - once on the 5th and again on the 9th. A refund is on the way. I think that once I get home from this conference, I will bunker down and a new routine will evolve.

I am really behind with posting Sunday Slow Bites. I did make both the Avocado and Goat Cheese recipes.Need to find a smoked salmon recipe and one for Pecans, which is my ingredient for 10/18. Though I could be catching up now if I were at home, I will enjoy these 4 days in western Pennsylvania. I am about an hour from Pittsburgh, actually in the middle of nowhere. I often forget how rural Pennsylvania is. Seven Springs is a Ski Resort. The Folliage, though not at its' peak, is beautiful. Every room has a balcony, and I have a really nice view of the mountain.I suspect that the sunset would be beautiful if there was not such a heavy cloud cover today. Tomorrow, the conference is over at 1:30, and I am going to the Spa here with some friends. Looking forward to a hot stone massage!

Wishing everyone a good week!

This weeks' ingredient,Sun Dried Tomaoes, was selected by Amy. She has been focusing on healthy, lo-cal finger foods. This recipe is from Heidi Swanson's Blog, 101 Cookbooks http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/cottage-cheese-muffins-recipe.html.Heidi indicates that this recipe is from the book Vegetarian Supercook
by UK-based cookbook author Rose Elliot, whose recipes tend to strike a nutritional balance. As Heidi points out these muffins are not bready, they are more of a quiche consistency.Very easy to make, these muffins would go nicely with a Brunch Menu or they would make a nice lunch with a small side salad.

Sun Dried Tomatoe and Cottage Cheese Muffins

Pre-heat oven to 400. Line muffin pan with 9 medium size paper baking cups.

1 C plain or low fat cottage cheese
3/4 C Parmesan Cheese,grated
1/4 C Flour
1 C Almonds,finely ground
1 t Baking Powder
1/4 C sundried tomatoes (in oil), finely chopped
1/4 C Basil,finely chopped
4 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 t salt

Put all ingredients, except 1/4 C Parmesan Cheese, in a medium mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Spoon mixture into 9 medium cups (fill each about 3/4 way). Sprinkle remaining 1/4 C parmesan cheese over muffins. Bake 30 - 35 minutes until tops are golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature.

People rave about the Crab Pizza at Chickie & Pete's, a local Sports Bar famous for their Hardshell Crabs and Crab Fries. Since I love Crabs and Pizza, I decided to create my own Crab Pizza. It was really easy and very tasty. Here is what I did:

Pre-heat oven to 450. Spray a pizza pan or a Cookie Sheet with Cooking Spray.

(1) 9" Pizza Dough (I used a popular mix that required only 1/2 cup hot water)
2T Olive Oil
2T grated pecorino or parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves,minced
3/4 Cup Marinara Sauce
8 oz. lump crabmeat
1 T capers
1/2 to 1 t crushed, red peppers

Press dough into a 9" round on a cookie sheet or a pizza pan. Brush dough with Olive Oil.Spread with 2 - 3 T Marinara Sauce. Sprinkle with grated cheese and minced garlic. Bake on lowest rack about 8 - 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Add crab meat. Sprinkle with capers and red peppers. Drizzle with another 2 -3 T Marinara Sauce. Return to oven for another 5 to 7 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

My oven is usually takes at least the full amount of recommended time to cook. I cooked this for a total of 18 minutes. Though I like a crisp crust, this was a tadd too crisp. I think that 15 minutes would have been fine. We enjoyed this for dinner with a salad. If I were to make this for a larger gathering, I would use a large, square cookie sheet and cut it in to squares for serving.

I am really glad that I decided to participate in this Slow Travel Activity. This week's ingredient was Shrimp, selected by Cindy Ruth. It was fun searching for recipes. The Cookbooks that I have accumulated are geared towards family cooking which has occupied much of my last 20 years.I am making note of the Cookbooks used by others so that I can add to my collection. I relied on Epicurioushttp://www.epicurious.com/ to find a recipe:

Grilled Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

36 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2T Olive Oil
2T Lime Juice
2 cloves garlic,minced
Salt & Pepper to taste.

Prepare marinade and marinate shrimp for 2 - 3 hours.

Spray grill with cooking spray. Thread shrimp on 6 skewers and cook on medium-high heat about 5 minutes, just until opaque in center. Cool.

Serve Shrimp with Pineapple Salsa

1/2 Pineapple,peeled, cored and cut into 1/2" slices.

3/4 Cup chopped,red onion

1/4 cup cilantro
2 T chopped, seeded jalapeno pepper
2 T Olive Oil
2T lime juice

Sprinkle pineapple with salt & pepper. Grill until just tender, about 4 minutes per side. Mix into the other Salsa ingredients. Serve with Grilled Shrimp.

The only changes that I made to the recipe was the addition of garlic to the marinade and the fact that I marinated the shrimp for 2 hours..Actually, I didn't even realize that the recipe did not call for marinating the shrimp until the next day!. The instruction was to brush the shrimp with the marinade before grilling. They were delicious and a big hit at a pool party later that day.Personally I found it a bit difficult to pickup the shrimp and pineapple with a toothpick. Next time I would use thicker pieces of pineapple, or I would use larger shrimp and serve them on a plate with Salsa on the side.

Continuing the tradition of Gratitude Friday started by Dianna of Creative Structureshttp://creativestructures.blogspot.com/2009/07/gratitude-friday-club.html"I am, as always grateful for my 14 best friends, the Club Girls from 5th & Porter.Way back in February 09, I started my Blog by describing our special bond/relationship. We have been friends since grade school and most of us still live within 45 minutes of each other. We have been there for each other through teenage crushes and heartbreaks, weddings, parenthood , a few devastating losses, sending kids off to school, etc.,etc. For the past 30 years, we have taken turns meeting at someone's house one Friday night each month.It is always a good time!

This week we celebrated Abby's Birthday at Scanniccio"s a local BYOB, with fabulous food. I forgot my camera so I have no pics. Their Stuffed Calamari over Linguine is one of my favorite dishes, as is their Sausage and Figs in a Balsamic Reduction appetizer. Though the food was amazing, it was time, laughs and conversation with special friends that I really cherish.

By far the highlight of the week was the wedding of one of the "Club" kids, Andrew C. Andrew and Lindsey met at the University of Delaware. Though they live in Maryland now, they spend a considerable amount of time in the Philadelphia area with Andrews' parents and extended family. Saturday was a perfect day for a wedding - sunny and warm, but not hot and not a cloud in the sky.Lindsey is one of the nicest, sweetest young woman I have ever met.

The Hotel was beautiful, the food was wonderful and the music was great. I'm sure that I burned some calories dancing, though my feet and my knees are not thrilled today. I finally got the hang of a new dance, the Cuban Shuffle, when the song was over. I doubt that I will remember it next time! A highlight of the evening was a surprise visit by 5 members of the Quaker City String Band. They are one of the most popular of the 21 String Bands that march in the Annual New Year's Day Parade. Lindsey planned this as a surprise for Andrew who marches in the parade with one of the Fancy Brigades. No Philadelphia wedding is complete without a dance we affectionately call the Mummers Strut.

Of course a very lively Mummers Strut (To the tune of When the Saints Go Marching IN) took place on the Dance Floor.

Though not the best picture, thirteen of the fourteen of us are in this photo. I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to share a great time with great friends this week!

I am most grateful this week for the use of my friend's Condo in Anglesea N.J., a small town which borders North Wildwood along the Jersey Shore. Down the shore is South Philly speak for the beach. Not having planned a summer vacation this year was really getting to me. I am one of those people who love everything about the beach and was really missing our annual jaunt to Hilton Head Island. Our dear friends, Helene and Gene bought this efficiency Condo about 9 years ago. Now with 3 grandchildren they have outgrown this place, and bought a small house in a nearby town. With the economy as it is, they have not yet sold the Condo and rented it to us for a pittance - jusy enough to cover the cost of utilities. It is small for the 3 of us and the beds are not the most comfortable,but we are at the Beach. I would prefer to be here longer than 5 days, but that is all that our schedules permitted and we are at the Beach! Ok, I'd also be happier if the weather was better. Thursday was a gorgeous day, warm & sunny with a beautiful ocean breeze. Friday we had torrential downpours on & off all day.Not sure what today will bring. It is still early - cloudy but not raining. At least we are at the Beach. Joe and Adam are just waking up at 9:30 a.m. and we are waiting to hear from our friends who are also in the same complex. One rainy day was ok. We visited Helen's new house and did some shopping in Stone Harbor, an upscale Beach Town right next to Anglesea. I am hoping that the weather Gods will smile on us today!

It has been 18 years since I spent any time in Wildwood during the Season. It has certainly changed over the years. Many of the Do-Wop Hotels of the 50's have been bulldozed to make way for construction of private homes. Many, like the place in which we are staying, have been converted to condos. There are still many New York and Canadian license plates. Among the shore towns along this part of the Coast, Wildwood has always been the most affordable and a bargain for our neighbors from the North. There are many upscale restaurants and many more well heeled visitors mingled with blue collar families who are spending their annual week at the shore.

The ticky tack boardwalk remains unchanged. The 3 huge amusement piers are still crowded with families, games of chance, and stands selling funnel cake, french fries, carmel corn, and soft serve ice cream. A gazillion tee shirt and souvenir shops line the boardwalk along with a few Tarot Card Readers and Tattoo Parlors. IMHO, Laura's still has the best Fudge I've ever had and the best salt water taffys come from James.

This is a trip down Memory Lane for me. Growing up Jewish in South Philadelphia, familty vacations at the Beach meant going to Atlantic City, while Wildwood was a Beach vacation for Italian Families.. Since most of my friends were not Jewish, I spent many weekends during my late teens and early twenties in Wildwood. In the early 80's Joe & I discovered Hilton Head and we have really spent little time at the Jersey Shore. It is so much closer to home. Perhaps it is time to rediscover this stretch of the Jersey Shore! I can't believe that I forgot my camera! Think that I will buy a disposable one to take some pictures of the remaining hotels from the 50's, before they are bulldozed!

It is 10:15 a.m. and still cloudy. Time to wake up my friends and plan our day. Despite the weather, I remain grateful that I am at the Beach!

I am grateful that Diana of Creative Structures">Creative Structures started this weekly thread!

It has been a tough few weeks for me and I am so ready to leave for 5 days at the Beach. Thought that I would share this funny e mail. Though I am not sexist by nature, there is some truth to this e mail - at least in my house!

NINE WORDS WOMEN USE

(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.

(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something, and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing usually end in fine.

(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don't Do It!

(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)

(6) That's Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say 'you're welcome' . that will bring on a 'whatever').

(8) Whatever: Is a woman's way of saying F-- YOU!

(9) Don't worry about it, I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to # 3.

* Send this to the men you know, to warn them about arguments they can avoid if they remember the terminology.

* Send this to all the women you know to give them a good laugh, cause they know it's true!!!

To college, that is! It has been a hectic and emotional two weeks for me as I prepared to send Jordan off to college. I thought that Dorm Shopping & packing would never end. I had thought that I would be prepared for this as I had sent DS #1 off 3 years ago. Sending the "baby" off to college was far more difficult for me than I had imagined it would be. Random memories would flash through my mind at odd hours of the day and night, bringing tears to my eyes at the strangest times. I worried. Would he make good decisions without me being in his face with dire warnings? Would he find his way to class without my directions? Would he manage his time well without my asking him if his homework was done before he went out? Would he get enough sleep without my reminding him that he always gets sick when he tries to burn the candle at both ends?

My DH, friends and coworkers have been very patient & sympathetic with me . And, they have given me a kick in the Butt when I needed a reality check. Of course, the answer to those questions is yes, yes, yes, and yes. Though he is a social butterfly and a bit of a procrastinator,Jordan has always been a good student with a strong sense of right and wrong. He is ready to spread his wings and I have to let him fly. He is happy,excited and ready for College. I have to trust that we have prepared him well to deal with the inevitable bumps along the road - not easy for a control freak like me! In reality this is as much about me as it is about him as I face this transition in life. Though I think that the next few weeks will be difficult at times, I am actually looking forward to having some time to think about what I would like for myself, and having more time with DH again.

After some tearful (for me) goodbyes, we were off to Penn State. Perhaps one of the most difficult goodbyes for Jordan was to his beloved, Maddie!

The actual move-in was very well organized. Jordan thinks his roommate is awesome, and his room is quite comfortable though quite small. The weekend was actually fun. I ran in to a few old friends who were dropping kids off and met many new parents who were also dropping off kids. I spent much time with my friend, Peggy who is the mom of one of Jordan's friends. We all shared many laughs as well as some tears. It was nice to know that I was not the only one on an emotional roller coaster.While I wish that Penn State was not designated the #1 Party School, I do believe that every school is a party school. I will have to trust Jordan to make the right decisions and to take advantage of the many opportunities available to him at this great school. Though it was difficult to say goodbye to Jordan this morning, I am glad to be home.

I have much to be grateful for:

Jordan is a great kid and he is doing what he should be doing

My friend & neighbor,Irene, who accompanied me on this journey since Joe was at Football Camp. I would not have wanted to do this move-in on my own.

The support of my family & friends

The Department of Health who arrived at work this morning for their annual,unannounced survey.I will be much to busy to wallow in pity this week. And since they arrived on Sunday, they will finish on Wednesday which means that my long weekend at the Beach will not be impacted.

That Adam is still home for 1 1/2 weeks

That Family Weekend at PSU is just 6 short weeks away :)!!

That I will have some time for myself!

Creative StructuresCreative Structures">Creative Structures

Continuing with the Gratitude Friday posts started by Diana of Creative Structures, ">Creative Structures,it is nice to spend some time thinking about those things for which I am grateful.

This weekend we will pick up a coffee table and lounge chair from the home of my second mother. Jean Tallarida is the mother of my best friend ,Carol. We have been friends since 7th grade. Jean has been in a Nursing Home for 4 years. At 89 her body is quite frail, but her mind is sharp and she is still quite spirited. She has decided that it is time to sell her house and disperse her treasured belongings.I am touched and delighted that she wants me to have her favorite lounge chair and a very old coffee table that I always admired, along with a serving platter that belonged to her mother. I will think of her often as we enjoy these things in our home.

I have many fond memories of Jean and her tiny,postage stamp house for which I will be eternally grateful. As a teenager I found refuge in that house from my parents turbulent marriage.Our friends usually gathered there before going out on the weekends,since Carol wasn't allowed out until the dishes were finished and she was a very slow dishwasher! Jean was always full of advise, had a great sense of style and a great sense of humor. She also had very strong opinions about the place of women, and for that I am grateful that she was not my mother!

As an adult, I spent many hours in her kitchen. She took great pleasure in feeding me and anyone else who was around. Jean taught me most of what I know about cooking as well as where to buy the best bread,sausage,cheese,produce etc.,etc.Of course her cooking lessons came with advice on being a good wife and mother.Though she never approved of my working after my kids were born, she always tried to be helpful .Every Thanksgiving, she would go to Ted's to buy sausage for my stuffing as well as clean and cook my Escarole for soup "I know you are busy,so I thought I'd do it for you".At 89, Jean is still opinionated and free with unsolicited advice.This drives Carol crazy, but I have always taken it in stride - smiled and did what I pleased. My own mother was the same way! Carol and I often joke that it is "either Jean's way or the wrong way"!.

I am really grateful for the memories of that little house on Winton Street. The table and chair will help keep that memory alive. Most importantly, I am really grateful that Jean is still around voicing her opinions and giving advice!

I am really glad to continue the Gratitude Friday tradition started by Diana of Creative StructuresCreative Structures">a href="http://http://creativestructures.blogspot.com/2009/07/gratitude-friday-club.html">Creative Structures. We had a short,but horrific, storm late this afternoon.Though I just finished cleaning my flooded basement, there are several things for which I am grateful this week.

1. We are able to plan a trip to Isla Mujeres over the winter break

2. Lesfaye, a fellow slow traveler who has graciously answered my many questions about Isla.

3. I was able to find a place at the Beach for a few days at the end of the month.

4. I earned 6 CEU's at a long,somewhat boring conference today.( It was supposed to be Ethical Considerations in withholding/withdrawing nutrition and hydration.Turned out to be more than I'll ever need to know about Speech Pathology & Dysphagia. Only 24 more CEU's needed!

5. Adam did quite well on his GRE's

6. It was a relatively quiet week at work.

7. Had a great time/dinner with 18 friends from my days in Hospital Social Work. Hadn't seen some of them for 14 years. It was really good to catch-up.

8. Finally, I am very grateful that it is Friday!!

Started by Diana of Creative Structures, I am joining others in listing those things for which I am grateful this week.

1.Thanks to a Z-Pack, I am finally shaking this cold/sinus infection!

2.My $71.00 Parking Ticket,related to the towing scam back in May, was dismissed in Traffic Court on 7/20.

3.I am almost finished Dorm Shopping for Jordan, and...

4. Boys (at least mine) are not too fussy about decor.

5. After two hours and several phone calls,a competent woman in the Office of Employee Benefits at the Phila. School District told me how to get the Insurance Waiver that Adam needs for Penn. (he made a mistake completing the waiver online and it was denied).
6. I guess I am grateful that just a second ago Adam told me he will be taking a Cab to his friends 21st Birthday Party at a Bar downtown. I would have offered to drive him, but I am not sure that I will be awake at 11:00 p.m. when he goes out! His 18 year old brother is happy to pick him up at 2:00 a.m. since it extends his curfew. It was soooo much easier when they were younger!

7.Finally, I was most grateful to lounge away this steamy day at the Swim Club with Friends.

Following Dianna,Creative Structures, Kim and Amy here is a list of the things for which I am grateful this day!

1.My family & friends who are both my foundation & inspiration , and the reasonably good health of all!

2. That my husband and I are gainfully employed during these difficult times, at jobs that we love (well, most of the time anyway).

Today, I am especially grateful that:

-I think that we have found a dog sitter, so that when the kids are at school we will not be homebound!
-Tonight we will attend the wedding of the daughter of an old friend. It will be nice to catch up with old friends and wish Katie and Mike a lifetime of happiness.
-I did not have to stress over what to wear to the wedding tonight.
-Despite the humidity today my hair is only mildly,not totally, frizzed for tonight.
-DH has lost 35 lbs. and is sticking to his diet!
-I found this idea for a reasonably quick and meaningful blog entry.

South Philadelphians like to decorate for everything, and Graduation is no exception! Our block celebrated 4 Graduations this June.

There was Jordan

My next door neighbors had 2 Graduates to celebrate

Another High School Graduate a few doors away

There were many Graduation Parties, including ours, this month. I was much too busy to take pictures at our house party (note to self: hire servers next time!). My next door neighbors had an old fashioned block party to celebrate their two Graduates. It was a blast. I have never seen my street without cars parked on both sides. All cars had to be off the street from 4:00 p.m. til midnight (for once, Jordan had a choice of parking spots when he returned from another party at 12:30 a.m.). A huge tent went up in the middle of the street.

Plenty of Beer & Wine flowed all night for the Adults

There was plenty of food to feed the 100+ guests and they were Dancing in the Street ,late into the night! The DJ was under the Blue Tent on the sidewalk.

A good time was had by all - even the few neighbors who grumbled about having to move their cars!

A fabulous day celebrating a fabulous group of young people. There were many smiles and cheers and an equal amount of tears as this group of 113,who have been together since 5th grade, face the reality of moving beyond the walls of Masterman to Colleges/Universities throughout the country. They have supported each other through the usual developmental challenges as well as through some major life crisis over the years. They come from every section of the city and from all walks of life. Differences are recognized and celebrated. Their academic and extra-curricular achievements are amazing.. Thanks to a school administration and a faculty that jump through hoops for these kids, they are well prepared academically and socially for the next phase of their lives. This is no easy feat in the Philadelphia School District!

I was as excited as the kids today, and oh so proud of Jordan who won the John Smythe Memorial Scholarship .
Jordan's zest for life is contagious .He is the Sunshine of our Lives. We are humbled and honored that Jordan was chosen to receive this scholarship.

For anyone interested, I will post a few of my favorite photos from today!

Four Best Friends!

Friends

Forever Friends: Ariel, Jordan and Jackie. Jordan & Jackie have been together since Nursery School. Ariel ( & Ava, who was missing) joined them in Kindergarten.

As their Class Sponsor said, this was an exceptionally close class with a tremendous sense of school spirit and pride. Every Senior Class has a Motto and it seems fitting to end with theirs. 09..........................NUFF SAID