A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS POEM

Please, let us not forget the thousands of soliders who risk their lives to bless us with the freedom to celebrate the magic of Christmas. God Bless you and your families for the sacrifices you make each and every day on our behalf! XOXO

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS POEM 

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

And to see just who in this dwelling did live.

I looked all around, a strange sight to see,

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No stockings on the mantle, just boots filled with sand,

On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of every kind,

A sobering thought came alive in my mind.

For this house was different; it was dark and dreary,

It was the home of a soldier, I could see that most clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

His face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

Not at all how I pictured a Soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I’d just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

Then I realized the families that I saw this night,

Owed their lives to soldiers who were willing to fight.

In the morning ’round the world, children would play,

And grown-ups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

But they all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn’t help but wonder how many lay alone,

On a cold Christmas Eve in lands far from home.

The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to one knee and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,

“Santa don’t cry, for this life is my choice”.

I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more,

My life is my God, my country, my corps.”

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,

But I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

As both of us shivered from the cold night’s chill.

I didn’t want to leave him, on that cold, dark night,

This guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,

he whispered, “Carry on Santa … It’s Christmas Day … All is secure”.

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas my friend … may God bless you this night.

Travelista73: Savour Paris's Bûche de Noël

During the holidays I must admit that I feel a little jealous for those who live in Europe and are able to enjoy a stroll through the magical Christmas markets of Alsace, purchase freshly roasted chestnuts on the streets of Paris and Rome, enjoy a warm pot of Vin Chaud or mulled wine as they refer to it in London, and sit by a warm fire in Switzerland.  

Yes, Europe is filled with many wonderful traditions and celebrations during the holidays. From glorious nativity scenes and midnight mass, to magnificent meals fit for a king, there’s something festive in the air that still has a sense of the true meaning of Christmas – a time to relax with loved ones, give thanks and celebrate life!

Maybe someday I’ll go back and stroll through the streets of Paris at Christmastime in the company of a loved one. Sit and devour a delicious slice of Bûche de Noël at the celebrated Paris pastry shop Ladurée, while enjoying a warm cup of Hot Cocoa. Wouldn’t that be lovely……

Bûche de Noël, also known as a Yule log in North American, became popular on French tables in the early part of the 1900s, when Christmas became more of a secular holiday. Today, this Christmastime dessert is prepared by renowned pastry chefs in Paris’s luxury hotels, as well as world famous designers.

Travelista73: Welcome to Provence

“There could be nothing more calming than to spend your evenings in the woods, being rocked to sleep to the melodious sound of the wind in the trees...”

This calming vision is one that soothes me when I’m feeling down or overwhelmed by life; it also continues to inspire my lifelong dream of owning an old cottage in the heart of the Provencal countryside.

While looking into properties in Provence the other day, I came across a lovely B&B that stole my heart. Drenched in sunshine, a square courtyard benefiting from the shade of a large plane tree, a small fountain trickling water from the source, dry stone enclosures, chirping cicadas, and nestled in the heart of the vineyards of Beaumes-de-Venise —welcome, you are at The Clos Saint Saourde, Provence.

Located in an extraordinary area, opposite the Dentelles de Montmirail, 30 minutes from Avignon, parts of the buildings—which date from the 18th century—have been carved out of the adjacent rocky landscape. The imaginative interiors have been thoroughly integrated into the natural décor and honor the historic architecture of the structure. The Clos Saint Saourde is a little slice of luxury on a historic Provencal farm – think lavender-scented breezes, buzzing cicadas and rolling vineyards at its doorstep.

From here it’s just a quick trip down the road to the villages, where guests can pick up a bottle of sweet Muscat, a loaf of fougasse, and from Vigier, one of the 150 cheeses for the perfect picnic lunch. Save room for dinner: two Michelin-starred restaurants- Le Grand Pré a Roaix and Le Vivier a L’isle Sur La Sorgue-are just a few minutes away.

What truly stole my heart was the “La Grange” which is an independent house with its own private swimming pool. It is so pretty! The terrace offers majestic 360ª vistas of the Dentelles de Montmitaille, Mont Ventoux and the Vaucluse plains.

La Grange comes with all the character and charm of the main house, plus added privacy if you are a group or couple looking to get away from it all, de-stress and enjoy the wonderful things the La Grange and the local area has to offer. The only way for me to describe this little piece of heaven is “Perfection”.

Travelista73: Le Clos Saint Saourde

Le Clos Saint Saourde is a little slice of luxury on a historic Provencal farm – think lavender-scented breezes, buzzing cicadas and rolling vineyards at its doorstep.

Recipe of the Week: Arugula Salad with Prosciutto and Oyster Mushrooms

One of my favorite salads to eat at Italian restaurants is an Arugula Salad with Prosciutto and Oyster Mushrooms. In this elegant salad, sautéed oyster mushrooms are lightly tossed with arugula and topped with thin slices of prosciutto and Pecorino Toscano.

The flavors and textures of the ingredients beautifully complement one another, resulting in a delicious salad that can easily be served as a main course for lunch accompanied by Italian cheeses, crispy breads and fine wine. Enjoy!

Ingredients for 10 Servings:

·         1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

·         1 pound oyster mushrooms, thickly sliced

·         Salt and freshly ground pepper

·         1/4 cup aged balsamic vinegar

·         1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

·         4 inner celery ribs, cut into 2-by-1/4-inch matchsticks, plus 1/4 cup celery leaves, for garnish

·         10 cups baby arugula (10 ounces)

·         6 ounces Pecorino Toscano, shaved with a vegetable peeler (1 1/2 cups)

·         6 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma

METHOD 

1.    In a large non-stick skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper. Cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a bowl and let cool. 

2.    In a large bowl, whisk the vinegar with the lemon zest and the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Add the celery matchsticks, arugula and mushrooms and gently toss. Transfer the salad to a large platter or bowl, top with the Pecorino Toscano, prosciutto and celery leaves and serve right away.

Pairing Suggestion: This wonderful salad pairs beautifully with a cool glass of Sauvignon Blanc.

Travelista73: Inspire Romance at the Hotel Santa Caterina

The infamous wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries may have lasted only 72 days but I’m sure their 4 day honeymoon at the elegant Hotel Santa Caterina will remain in their hearts forever.

The beautiful, family-owned Hotel Santa Caterina sits high on a hillside facing the sea and the town of Amalfi. It is stylish and luxurious with service to match - guests ride an elevator down to the hotel’s private beach, for the ultimate storybook Italian-coast experience.
Situated at the summit of an extensive property which begins along the Amalfi Drive and tumbles down to the water on a series of bougainvillea cascades, the property is covered with vast lemon and orange groves covering numerous natural terraces.

The picturesque splendor of this cliffside hotel overlooking the Mediterranean is practically guaranteed to inspire romance and is the ideal way to show the woman you love just how much you love her!