Antoinette's Sweets

Last night, I indulged in a sweet tradition with fellow Mensans at Antoinette's Sweets, a beloved institution since 1915. Our welcome spring ice cream social was the perfect excuse to savor one of their legendary sundaes.

I opted for the Nutty Butterscotch sundae—vanilla ice cream drenched in hot butterscotch sauce, topped with real whipped cream, and finished with a generous sprinkle of chopped nuts. It was pure decadence, the kind of dessert that goes straight to your hips (and is absolutely worth it!).

The evening was made even better by the company. Host Joe, along with Fred, Bill, and Lynne, made for a lively gathering. Joe and Lynne, always armed with quick wit and sharp humor, had me laughing throughout the night. It was also great catching up with Fred and Bill and enjoying the nostalgic charm of Antoinette’s.

Between the laughter, good friends, and amazing ice cream, it was the perfect way to welcome spring.

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley

Spoiler Alert! If you haven't read the book yet, don't read this post.  :)

Lucy Foley is back with another atmospheric mystery, and The Midnight Feast delivers on all the eerie, twisting suspense she’s known for. Set in a secluded Manor on the edge of a dark forest, the novel unfolds through multiple perspectives—Francesca, Owen, Bella, and Eddie—each bringing their own secrets and baggage to the table. The story jumps between 2009 and the present, slowly unraveling the tangled web of betrayal, guilt, and long-buried truths.

Foley’s decision to switch between perspectives worked really well here. Each character had a distinct enough voice that I never struggled to keep track—except when bouncing between the different time periods. I had to pause now and then to orient myself, but overall, the structure kept the suspense tight. And the Manor itself? A perfect backdrop. Its separation from the town made it feel elite and untouchable, but with the forest looming nearby, there was always a sense that something dark was waiting just beyond the trees.

If there’s one thing The Midnight Feast nails, it’s its characters being utterly haunted by their pasts—some literally, some figuratively, and some in ways they never even saw coming. Bella desperately needed closure so she could face her daughter without shame. Eddie carried the weight of his brother’s mistakes. And then there’s Francesca… absolutely unhinged from start to finish. Her past was soaked in blood, and her present wasn’t much better. The fact that she set fire to the Manor herself? Chilling. As for Owen, the poor guy married the woman who murdered his mother. Therapy. Lots of therapy.

The twists in this book were genuinely jaw-dropping. Jake showing up as a police officer? Did not see that coming. And the Night Birds? At first, I thought they were just some local legend. Finding out they were real—and that Eddie’s mother was one of them?  Wow. That was a wild turn. Foley did an excellent job of laying the groundwork without making the reveals too obvious. I never saw the twists coming, but looking back, they made complete sense.

As for the ending, I thought it wrapped up nicely. I shed no tears over Francesca and the twins dying in the fire. If these characters were real, I’d hope Owen finds peace, Eddie lets go of his guilt, and Bella and Jake get a shot at happiness.

Overall, The Midnight Feast was a gripping, eerie read with some truly shocking moments. Foley knows how to build tension, and this book delivers in spades. If you’re in the mood for a dark, twisted mystery, this one’s worth picking up.

Ms. Tabor's Famous Brownies

I don’t know why the kids rave about my brownies. They come from a box. I mean, who has time to make brownies from scratch? I’m a teacher!

So, I made the brownies for my friends Sue and Dave. They really liked them too. Which means there must be something I do that others don’t. That got me thinking—what exactly do I do differently from what’s on the box?

Each little thing isn’t a big deal on its own, but together, they must make a difference.

First: Pan Preparation

I only use an 8x8 glass pan, and I never spray or grease/flour it. Instead, I line it with non-stick foil. That way, the edges don’t get overly crisp from grease.

Second: Oven Temp & Baking Time

I always bump up the oven temperature by 5 degrees. If the box says 350°F, I set it to 355°F. And I always take the brownies out at the minimum baking time. If the box says 34 to 38 minutes, they come out at 34 minutes. I don’t care what they look like or if a toothpick comes out clean—minimum time, and they’re out.

Then, I set the pan on top of the stove, which is still warm from the oven, and leave them there until they’re completely cooled. The residual heat from the stove and glass pan keeps baking them just enough to be done, but not overdone.

Third: The Mix

I add ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry mix and whisk it in before adding the wet ingredients. Then, after mixing in the wet ingredients, I stir exactly 50 times with a metal spoon. Yes, I count—50 strokes, no more. Overmixing makes brownies dry and tough.

Finally: Cutting Them Up

Before I carefully cut them into 16 pieces, I trim about ¼ inch off the edges to remove the dried-out part that touched the foil. (Some people like that part, but I’m not a fan.) I use a chef’s knife for clean, even cuts.

And that’s it!

 

Professional Development

Today we had to complete mandatory training for New York State regarding our duties as mandated reporters. On days like these, our school principal brings out the wheel of prizes for the staff, with prizes ranging from "go outside and pick up three pieces of garbage" to "win a gift box". In the four years I have worked there, I've never won anything. Today I won a gift box. I feel so appreciated!

The box says, "Sometimes you forget that you're awesome so this is your reminder." It contained a recycle bag, a pen that says, "You're awesome!", a travel mug, and a bottle of semi-dry red wine. Life is good! 

Benchmarks

Proctoring has to be the most boring, teeth-numbing duty teachers have. To keep myself from completely going to sleep, this year I colored. I only use the colored pencils that have the names of the colors on them, and I only use the color names that make sense to me. I hope they turned out okay. I had fun doing it...I haven't colored in years! 

I worry about the future.

One of my students came up to me with a nosebleed, but he was laughing, and something just seemed ... off ... about the situation. I had to ask. I just had to ask. 

Umm... why is your nosebleed funny? 

<giggling uncontrollably> I let [another student] stick a pencil up my nose. 

Charlie the Butcher's Kitchen

There are few things better than a great meal shared with great company, and my recent dinner with fellow Mensans at Charlie the Butcher’s Kitchen was exactly that.

First, let’s talk about the food—because wow. The beef on weck was absolutely amazing. The beef was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. The kimmelweck roll was fresh, soft, and topped with the perfect amount of caraway seeds and salt. And then there were the onion rings—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and fried to golden perfection. Every bite was pure bliss.

Of course, a meal is only as good as the company you share it with, and this group did not disappoint. Joe, Beth, Suzanne, Bill, Kate, Lynn, and I spent the evening engaged in lively conversation, sharing laughs, and making great memories. There’s something about connecting over a delicious meal that makes an evening truly special.

I had a fantastic time and can’t wait for the next gathering. Good food, great friends, and a night well spent—what more could you ask for?

Peace...

 

Playing with ideas for graphics for the Mensana...

Poor Little Fishies.

One of my favorite things about Steven is I never know what he is going to say when I call. Sometimes, though, it starts out pretty ... disturbing.

Steven: I must clean up the Lake...of...Death!

Me: Er...lake of death? 

Yes. The Lake...of...Death!

You have a lake of death? 

Yes. 

<long pause>

Umm...

It finally happened, Bunny.

A lake of death?

Yes.

Umm...

Yes. The fish did not survive the winter.

Heavy sigh. He has a pond in his backyard with about 20 goldfish. They've lived for, I don't know, 10 years or more? They were large. And today, they were all floating. 

Poor fishies.

Bruce in the USA at the Riviera Theatre

My friend Lynn and I went out for dinner at Joe's New York Style Pizza followed by a short walk to the Riviera Theatre to see Bruce in the USA, a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. I completely forgot to take pictures (rookie mistake!), but that didn’t stop me from having a great time.

Joe’s New York Style Pizza was a convenient stop, but the food itself was pretty average. I ordered a cheeseburger combo with mayo and ketchup—except the ketchup was missing. The burger was just okay, nothing special. The fries, on the other hand, were the highlight—well-seasoned and perfect for dipping in blue cheese dressing. (If you’re in a hurry, Joe’s is a decent option, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat there again.)

If you haven’t been to the Riviera, they periodically host tribute bands for just $20, which is a steal for a fun night out. The venue itself is gorgeous, and while it seemed like they were having some sound issues—at times, the lead singer’s voice faded in and out—it didn’t take away from the energy of the show.

Bruce in the USA delivered a fantastic performance. It was great to hear songs I hadn’t listened to in a while, like Trapped and Badlands. The band did an excellent job capturing the spirit of Springsteen’s music, and the crowd was clearly into it, singing along with every song.

All in all, it was an awesome night of live music at a great price. If you get a chance to see Bruce in the USA or check out another tribute band at the Riviera, I’d definitely recommend it! The Riviera Theatre website is Riviera Theatre. Bruce in the USA can be found here.

credit to: bruceintheusa.com

Captain America - Brave New World

Steven and I saw Captain America - Brave New World. It delivers solid action, drama, and spectacle. It’s not groundbreaking, but it keeps the momentum going.

Anthony Mackie shines as Captain America, bringing both physicality and emotional depth. The action sequences are well-executed, with standout fight choreography. However, the story leans too much on familiar beats, making some moments predictable.

Visually, it meets Marvel’s high standards, though it doesn’t introduce anything new. Still, it’s a fun, action-packed ride that stays true to the character—just don’t expect the next Winter Soldier.

Exploring the World of Social Media

 

Social media has revolutionized how we communicate, connect, and share. Each platform brings something unique to the table, catering to different audiences and purposes. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular platforms.

Facebook: With over 2.9 billion users, Facebook remains the go-to platform for staying connected with friends and family. Its features include status updates, photo sharing, groups, and an ever-evolving marketplace. It’s perfect for those seeking a mix of personal connection and community.

Instagram: Known for its visually-driven content, Instagram focuses on photos and videos. From personal snapshots to professional reels, this platform thrives on creativity. Stories and posts cater to short-term and long-term content, making it a favorite among influencers and brands.

Twitter: If you’re after real-time updates and concise communication, Twitter is your playground. With its 280-character limit, it’s great for news, opinions, and viral trends. It also excels in connecting people through hashtags and ongoing conversations.

LinkedIn: A professional networking giant, LinkedIn caters to career-focused individuals. Whether you’re job hunting, showcasing your expertise, or learning from industry leaders, LinkedIn helps build and nurture professional relationships.

TikTok: Rising rapidly, TikTok is a hub for short, engaging videos. From dances to life hacks, it thrives on creativity and trends. Its algorithm ensures you discover content tailored to your interests, making it addictive for many users.

Snapchat: Popular among younger audiences, Snapchat revolves around ephemeral content. With disappearing snaps, quirky filters, and private messaging, it emphasizes quick, casual interactions.

While social media connects us in countless ways, there’s still something special about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail. It’s a timeless reminder that meaningful connections can take many forms—both digital and physical.

We Finished Another Book!

 

Teri and I finished another novel, and this one was just as enjoyable to read to her as the last. This time, we read James Patterson's Cross Justice. He's one of my favorite authors, and his writing style is easy to read aloud.

Cross Justice is a fast-paced thriller that takes Alex Cross back to his roots, uncovering long-buried family secrets in his North Carolina hometown. The novel blends intense action with a deeply personal investigation, as Cross juggles solving a brutal murder case while confronting painful childhood memories.

Patterson’s signature short chapters keep the momentum high, making this an easy page-turner. The dual storylines—one focusing on Cross’s family and another on a disturbing trial—intertwine cleverly, leading to shocking twists. The emotional depth adds weight to the narrative. The revelations about Cross’s past are particularly gripping, offering fresh layers to his character.

Patterson’s skill at crafting suspense keeps readers hooked. Fans of the Alex Cross series will appreciate the mix of psychological drama and high-stakes action.

Overall, I thought Cross Justice is an engaging thriller that delivers both surprises and emotional depth. While not the strongest in the series, it’s still a must-read for longtime fans and a solid entry in the Alex Cross saga.

The Things People Believe...

Miguel has a co-worker with a great sense of humor. A couple days ago, two of his students asked his co-worker where he worked. He told them he was a bottomless pit inspector. It's a classified job, and he is often on call. 

They believed him! 

He strung them along for two days. And no, these weren't little kids. One of the students is 20 and the other is 35, one going to school to be a PA and the other to be an environmental scientist. 

I worry about our future...

The Family Tree Restaurant

Good food and good company are a tough combination to beat. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at a restaurant I’d never visited before, and it turned out to be one of those afternoons you wish you could replay. I had a blast with Sue, Dan, Mike, Suzanne, and Lynn.

The Family Tree Restaurant is known for their classic Greek cuisine, but they also offer a variety of other dishes. I really enjoyed their Western Sandwich. But the real star? Their custard caramel. Creamy, rich, and topped with just the right amount of whipped cream, it was the kind of dessert that makes you consider sneaking back for seconds. Or thirds. 

The prices were as satisfying as the food. It’s not often you find a place where you can indulge without breaking the bank. Add a table full of friends, lots of laughs, and lively conversation, and it felt like a recipe for happiness. 

The Role of Technology in Education

Technology is reshaping education, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities for learners worldwide. From online learning platforms to virtual classrooms, educational technology is transforming traditional systems, making learning more accessible, interactive, and personalized.

Online learning platforms like Khan Academy, Coursera, and edX have revolutionized how students access knowledge. These platforms offer courses on virtually any subject, often free or at a fraction of traditional costs. Students can learn at their own pace, revisiting materials as needed, which is especially valuable for those balancing education with work or family responsibilities. This flexibility allows education to reach individuals who might otherwise be left behind by conventional systems.

Educational apps have also become game-changers. Apps like Duolingo for language learning, Photomath for solving math problems, and Quizlet for study aids make learning engaging and convenient. Gamification—adding elements like badges, leaderboards, and levels—motivates students to practice skills in a fun and interactive way. These tools can complement classroom learning, catering to various learning styles and preferences.

Virtual classrooms have taken center stage, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams enable teachers and students to connect in real time, regardless of location. Virtual classrooms often include features like breakout rooms for group work, screen sharing for presentations, and integrated quizzes for instant feedback. This blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning creates a dynamic and versatile educational environment.

However, these advancements come with challenges, such as the digital divide, where not all students have equal access to devices or the internet. Teachers also need training to effectively integrate technology into their lessons.

Despite these hurdles, technology continues to democratize education, empowering learners and educators alike. By embracing these innovations while addressing their challenges, we can build an inclusive, adaptive, and future-ready education system.

Mexican Chocolate Chili

 Seriously good chili for cold winter days! 

2 T olive oil

1 onion, diced

1 t chopped garlic

2 lbs lean ground beef

1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies

1 packet taco seasoning mix

1 can diced tomatoes

1 jar (16 oz) Ortega Thick & Chunky Salsa

2 c water

1/2 c semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 c slivered almonds

1 t ground cinnamon

1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained

Heat oil over medium heat in large pot until hot. Add onion and garlic. Cook and stir until unions are tender, about 3 minutes.

Add beef, chiles, and seasoning mix. Cook and stir about 5 minutes or until meat is browned. 

Stir in tomatoes, salsa, water, chocolate chips, almonds and cinnamon. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer 45 minutes stirring every 15 minutes. Add beans, heat 15 minutes longer or until beans are heated through. 

Makes 8 servings. 

Garnish with crumbled taco shells, shredded cheddar cheese, cilantro and diced tomatoes

Prep Time:  15 minutes

Start to Finish: 1.5 hours

The Silent Corner - Dean Koontz

When I visit Teri in the nursing home, I often read to her. Her vision troubles have made it difficult for her to enjoy books on her own, and she deeply misses the joy of reading. She says my reading feels like listening to an audiobook, which she finds comforting and engaging. Sharing these stories together has become a special way to connect with something she loves. Recently, we finished Dean Koontz's The Silent Corner.

Dean Koontz’s The Silent Corner is a gripping thriller that introduces Jane Hawk, an FBI agent investigating her husband's suspicious suicide. As Jane uncovers a chilling pattern of other "voluntary" deaths, she stumbles upon a sinister organization using advanced mind-control technology. This discovery propels her into a high-stakes battle against extraordinary evil.

Jane Hawk is a compelling protagonist, blending intelligence, determination, and vulnerability. Her courage and resourcefulness make her relatable and admirable as she faces betrayals and deadly encounters. Koontz’s prose is dynamic and descriptive, creating vivid scenes and maintaining relentless pacing with short, punchy chapters that keep the tension high.

While the mind-control technology’s intricacies and philosophical implications might slow the pace for some readers, the story’s action and suspense outweigh these moments. The villains, though exaggerated, serve their purpose in creating a clear divide between good and evil.

As the first in a series, The Silent Corner effectively sets the stage for Jane Hawk’s ongoing battle while delivering a satisfying conclusion. Fans of fast-paced thrillers with strong female leads will find this book an engaging and exhilarating read, showcasing Koontz’s storytelling prowess.

 

And We Settled Down for a Long Winter's Nap...

 

My Mother's Wedding Dress

I ran across these when scrolling through my photos. This is my mother's wedding dress, worn on February 9, 1957, yellowed with age. 

 

Verity by Colleen Hoover

 

Verity by Colleen Hoover is a gripping psychological thriller with a twist of romance. The novel follows  a struggling writer who’s given the chance to finish a series of books by the famous but ailing author named Verity Crawford. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, Verity will not disappoint. The twists, dark atmosphere, and complex characters make it an unforgettable read. Just be prepared for some serious moral dilemmas—and don’t expect a comfortable conclusion.

A Haiku

Music plays softly
Crocheted threads weave through stillness
In peace I find strength

An Overview of Leading AI Systems

In the world of AI, there are a lot of tools out there. The leading AI systems are ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini. Each of these comes from a different company and serves a unique purpose, but all of them are designed to make our lives easier in different ways.

ChatGPT, created by OpenAI, is a general-purpose AI that can do pretty much anything—answer questions, write essays, generate code, you name it. It’s like a jack-of-all-trades. Whether you're looking for a quick answer or need help brainstorming ideas, ChatGPT is there to lend a hand. Its ability to generate human-like text makes it useful for everything from customer support to content creation.

Then we have Claude, developed by Anthropic. Claude’s main selling point is safety and ethics. The team behind Claude has designed it to be more careful with the responses it gives, reducing harmful or biased output. It’s built with the idea that AI should align with human values, which makes it a great choice for high-stakes or sensitive environments where you want to be extra sure the AI stays on track.

Next up is Copilot, a collaboration between GitHub and OpenAI. If you're a developer, Copilot is a game-changer. Powered by OpenAI’s Codex model, it helps generate code, suggest improvements, and even debug. It’s like having a personal coding assistant that can autocomplete lines of code, saving developers tons of time. It works in a variety of languages, making it a go-to for anyone writing code.

Lastly, Gemini is Google’s latest offering from DeepMind. It’s designed to handle both text and images, making it a more advanced, multimodal AI. If you're looking for something that can analyze text, generate images, or do both at the same time, Gemini is the tool to turn to. Google is clearly aiming to push the envelope with this one, integrating it across their suite of tools for an all-in-one AI experience.

In short, while ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and Gemini all offer powerful AI capabilities, each one brings something different to the table. Whether you're chatting, coding, or looking for something more advanced, there's an AI for you.

It's a Little Warm in Here

The temperature in my classroom. I thought I was going to faint.

Advancements in AI in 2024

In 2024, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have reached unprecedented heights, fundamentally transforming industries and daily life. One of the most significant developments is the improvement in natural language processing (NLP), enabling AI systems to understand and generate human-like text with remarkable accuracy. This has led to the widespread adoption of conversational agents in customer service, education, and healthcare, enhancing user experience and accessibility.

Moreover, generative AI models have evolved, allowing for the creation of highly realistic images, videos, and music. These tools are not only revolutionizing content creation but also fostering creativity among individuals and businesses alike. In fields like marketing and design, companies leverage AI to generate innovative ideas and streamline workflows.

Another crucial advancement is in the area of machine learning algorithms, which have become more efficient and capable of processing vast datasets in real time. This efficiency is enabling breakthroughs in predictive analytics, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions with greater accuracy.

Ethical considerations have also taken center stage, prompting the development of frameworks to ensure responsible AI usage. Transparency, bias mitigation, and user privacy are now integral components of AI systems.

Additionally, collaborative AI, where humans and machines work together, is gaining traction, enhancing productivity across various sectors. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on society will only deepen, offering both exciting opportunities and challenges that demand careful consideration. The trajectory of AI in 2024 exemplifies its potential to reshape our world in profound ways.

For My Friend, Teri

 I could not have done this, and definitely not so quickly, without Mike's help. 

My friend Teri had a stroke on June 20th that necessitated a craniectomy and left her partially paralyzed. On July 10th she was moved to sub-acute rehab, and on August 29th was moved to long-term care at Elderwood Nursing Home. I'll have more to say about Elderwood later, but for now I asked her what her favorite color is and got my big brother on the phone. 

Mike coordinated the colors and purchased the yarn, and I crocheted this in record time. It is big enough to cover a hospital bed, which is unfortunately just what Teri needs right now. 

I am hoping desperately that she will have some recovery after a cranioplasty. What she is doing now is not 'living' by any stretch of the imagination. 

Doing the Laundry

 

For Damari's Mom

 

My Baby Got Married

 

I don't think they slept the night before... Welcome to our crazy family, Sarika. 
Miguel is a very lucky young man. 

Meteor Shower!

 

My Head is Going to Explode

It has been a VERY interesting couple of weeks!  Last week, I took a class for my Google Level I Certification. We covered: 

• Google Slides
• Google Chrome
• Google Web Store
• Gmail, Calendar, and Meets
• Google Groups
• Google Forms
• Google Sheets
• Google Docs
• Google Drive
• Google Classroom
• Google Sites and
• YouTube

This week, I took a class for my Google Level II Certification. We covered: 

• Screencasting
• Chrome Extensions
• Gmail Templates
• Creating, Sharing, and Embedding a Calendar
• Creating Appointment Slots
• Google Maps, Google Earth, and My Maps
• Google Sheets Functions
• Publishing and Protecting Sheets
• Creating a Sparkline
• Creating and Using Pivot Tables
• Creating Surveys and Quizzes
• Google Forms Digital Differentiation
• YouTube Studio, Playlists, and Channels
• Google Docs (more in-depth)
• Blogger

I had No Idea Google offered so much for educators! I have to sign up for the exams, each of which is three hours. Hopefully I can knock out the Level I exam this week and get the Level II exam done before school starts. 

Twins are a-Comin'!

One of my co-workers is having twin boys in October! A benefit of being laid up for a while... I've completed the first of two baby blankets.