Don’t take Thai on a picnic

In the summer months, who wants to sit inside a restaurant at dinnertime when the great outdoors beckons? What could be better than getting a carry-out or toting a meal from home and finding a picnic table in a serene setting with a view of a garden, evergreens, a lake, a river or at least away from traffic?

photo by Liz Cezat

My last three attempts at doing a picnic dinner were less than ideal. The first time, my boyfriend Keith and I took a little blue cooler packed with our homemade dinner of pasta and strawberry shortcake with real whipped cream and sought to find a picnic table along Hines Park, which is a 19-mile oasis of greenery in Wayne County, Michigan, with a sidewalk and bike lane that stretches from Dearborn to Northville. We drove for several miles along Hines before even coming across a picnic table. We got the last one overlooking Newburg Lake. It was near trees, which was cool, but it was a bit too close to the rowdy family next to us. So much for a romantic picnic.

The second time, we picked up fantastic Mexican food – a burrito this side of heaven and a couple of delectable grilled fish tacos from LasCazuelas in Southfield. We proceeded down the road to Catalpa Oaks Park, which is really a park designed for sports with very few trees. How is it that I missed the pavilion of picnic tables located on a concrete slab with no scenic view? Keith saw it and mentioned it to me, but apparently it didn’t register. After all, he is British and sometimes things get lost in translation. Seemingly clueless about that, I saw a set of short bleachers facing the softball field that no one was playing on. That would be our dinner spot.

I set a vibrant tablecloth upon the bench and we sat down on the lower bench facing the taller one that served as our table. Across the dirt parking lot, we could see the tall neighborhood trees. For me, a good park must have at least one grove of trees. This one was lacking a verdant tree canopy. A bonus was the group of 20 or so bicyclists that rode across the street from the park – providing us with some colorful entertainment in a blur of bright jerseys and toned legs turning the wheels. Another bonus was having a couple icy Bell’s beers in the cooler, complementing the phenomenal good eats.

 The third choice, and probably the worst, was my bright idea to get Thai carry-out from the Thai Café in Royal Oak and then eat it at the park near the library where a concert would be going on. My order of pad something or other was placed in an oblong Styrofoam container. Keith’s choice was more compact and served in a large Chinese take-out cardboard container. He carried the plastic bag with three containers – two entrees and a bucket of rice. Darn, they forgot the spring rolls.

Getting to the library, we heard no music, which was strange. There was no band set up and not a soul in sight, even at 7 p.m. I had gotten the day of the concert wrong. We had the mini park to ourselves.

The lush green lawn beckoned. Keith wanted to be by the narrow cement walk that bordered the spectacular garden area, so we could put our food down. The garden had a broad assortment of flowers of varying heights and colors – no mass plantings here. Good choice, I thought. We could set up our camp chairs and set the food down on the aforementioned vibrant tablecloth.

Keith could easily pick up his Chinese-style carton and nosh on his selection of chicken and hot green beans in red curry sauce. But I had an unsteady container of chicken, eggplant and cabbage soaked in brown sauce that had seeped out and left a reddish stain on the plastic bag. I couldn’t just pick it up and eat from it. The chicken and vegetables happily swam in the sauce and threatened to spill without advance notice. Did I mention that I had white jeans on? There was no way I was going to set that dish on my lap and eat from it. I would be walking around the hip town of Royal Oak where 60-year-olds are like dinosaurs to begin with, and broadcast my age by day-glow reddish spots on white jeans. “Look everyone, I can’t eat without making a mess.” Thankfully, that didn’t happen.

I spotted sturdy benches under a grove of trees (oh how I like trees), which seemed like an ideal place to set down the tablecloth and have it serve as our table. We moved our stuff and pulled our camp chairs up to the bench. (I am not making this up.) When the meal had been successfully eaten, I poured my leftovers into Keith’s empty Chinese-style container so we could carry it back.

Truly, I had been tempted to dump the remainder of it into the nearest garbage bin because it had been so hard to eat. However, the next day, I was delighted with my decision to hold onto that leftover dinner because, I swear to God, it was even better for lunch. The sauce had marinated the chicken and vegetables overnight, so it was bursting with flavor. Aah, this is why people eat out. I could never make it that good at home. I was so happy that I hadn’t thrown it away.

Where will our next outdoor dining adventure be? Well, I decided to go one better. Since we’re so good at picnics, we're going to ramp it up a bit by going camping.

Are you swimming in the wrong circles?

The other day, I went swimming late in the afternoon at the community fitness center. It was a snow day for local schools and I found myself swimming with members of a local high school swim team. Since their school pool was closed, they had to venture out to seek water. Teens on a swim team are rip-roaring fast. As a middle-aged swimmer, I’m fast enough but can’t compete with the agility and swiftness of swimmers four decades younger.

Teens are incredibly energetic. They stop at the end of the lane to rest, but they are restless – jumping up and down on one leg or high-fiving each other. I felt newly energized just being around them. It was almost as if an osmosis transfer of energy was occurring.

There were four teenage boys in the next lane and a teenage girl in my lane. I gave her wide berth – we split the lane. But when  two other female swimmers came (one in her 40s, the other in her 20s) we ended up swimming circles. It all worked out, with the slower swimmers giving way to the swifter ones.

Contrast that to my usual swimming companions: mostly seniors, whose swimming style can be summed up as “slooooow.” Many don’t really know how to swim, but manage to get from one end of the pool to the other. They may be doing a one-armed back stroke; a fully extended back stroke – where they take up the whole lane by reaching as wide as possible with their arms and legs; or a breaststroke where they also take up most of the lane.

Being with people who move in the same energy circles is empowering. Are you associating with people whose energy levels match yours? Or, do you feel held back or out of your element because your friends or companions are out of synch with your stride? Taken further, do your friends and  associates lift you up or bring you down? If it’s the former, you’re swimming with the right people. If it’s the latter, investigate your motives for being friends with those who make you feel bad or are perpetually in a bad mood.

Are you trying to help them out of a tough situation…hoping their outlook will improve once they get over a hurdle? Or, are you stuck with people you really shouldn’t be with - out of habit? Have you ever experienced that dreaded feeling that someone doesn’t fit well in your life anymore yet you don’t know what to do about it?

This post isn’t intended to have you second-guess all of your friendships, but, by extrapolation, it does seem if your friends’ energy level is close to your own and their attitude is within the same sphere as yours, your friendship will be a better fit with a more lasting seal. (swimming pun intended). Now, go enjoy your day.

Take a break

I don’t know about you but my work benefits from much better clarity after I’ve had a break. It could be a swim, a walk in the woods or a vacation. I recently returned from a family wedding weekend and extended pre-and post- vacation that took me along the northern Oregon seaside, down into the central valley – (Wil-LAM-ette) is how it’s pronounced – into Vancouver, WA and beyond to the majestic Mt. St. Helens.

At each point, I explored the natural beauty, enjoyed the local food and spoke to anyone I could: restaurant servers, hotel workers, my rental van driver (Oscar), other tourists and even some students. I visited the campuses of Oregon State in Corvallis – situated in a farming community with a lovely mountain view – and Washington State in Eugene – more of a small city experience.

The spectacular coastline of Oregon.

While in Vancouver – my last day of the trip – I arrived just before dusk. I wasn’t sure if the city was safe; it was just over the Columbia River nestled in the shadows of an industrial type bridge. I was pleasantly surprised to see how clean and cool this town is.

I like to get the lay of the city when I first arrive so I can plan what to do that night or the next day. I drove through what I thought was the downtown area, then took a spin through the officer’s quarters (stately homes) near Fort Vancouver.  I drove along the river that extended about one mile south of my hotel and noticed a nice walking path that led to several restaurants and condos. Couples of all ages were clustering there. As a solo traveler, I felt a bit out of place going to these bustling locales without a date, friend or family member – so I continued driving.

It got later and later, and darker. Turning onto one street, I felt my rental car hit something in the road. I was going to get out and check but couldn’t find a good place to pull over. Then, when I saw my “check tire pressure” light come on – I knew that I had to pull over quickly and take a look. Fortunately, I was back in the downtown area and pulled into curbside parking.

I really didn’t know if it was safe but there were two bus stops nearby – so at least people were coming and going and it was well lighted. I got out and checked the tire – lo and behold, it was completely flat. Surprisingly, I didn’t panic. I got out my AAA card and called. First spoke to the Michigan agent and then was transferred to the Washington agent. It went pretty smoothly. The Washington agent wanted to know if I preferred to be updated by a phone call or text. I chose text.

Within five minutes, I got a text from a tow truck driver, who said he would be there shortly. He texted again, saying he was on his way. It took a total of about 20 minutes from my talk with the Washington AAA agent until the tow truck driver arrived. I was amazed. Funnier yet, the driver said that he would have been there sooner but he was finishing up with another job. I’m thinking, “This guy arrived incredibly fast. I’m so grateful.” By the way, he also said, “I’m David and I’ll be your car repair guy tonight.” I laughed at the great twist on the restaurant server greeting. He changed the tire – replacing it with the dreaded doughnut, which would limit my travels. He said not to go faster than 50 mph or further than 50 miles. Knowing that I had to head back to the airport the next day, I decided to call it a night.

As luck would (or wouldn’t) have it, the last place that I could eat dinner – the hotel restaurant – closed at 10 p.m. and it was just after that.  A dinner of a banana and some old wheat crackers sufficed. I was so grateful that I didn’t go hungry, as many do.

The lesson here is to explore and be open to new experiences. And, be grateful for things that go well because so much can go wrong.

Now, it’s back to work. I look forward to some exciting writing projects and if they involve travel – so much the better.

Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday

Washington D.C. – weekend of Jan. 19-21, 2013 

Martin Luther King Jr. monument, Photo by Liz Cezat.

I had a fantastic long weekend in Washington D.C. Seeing two of my four brothers and their families, spending quality time together and touring historic sites was a winning combination. I love being on the go and this was a busy, fun and historic weekend.

Aside from the unforgettable inauguration events, another highlight wouldn’t have been possible without my brother Phil’s persistence. Upon learning that I hadn’t seen the Martin Luther King Jr. monument, he was determined that I do so. The problem was – with the MLK holiday only two days away – the monument was very crowded.  We circled around the sweeping boulevard near the monument yet there was nowhere to park.

I said, “Forget it. I don’t need to see it.” However, Phil persisted. He found a parking spot about 1-1/2 mile away and said, “Look, it’s right there,” pointing across the Tidal Basin. “We’ll walk together.” How could I resist? Despite tired feet throbbing in my old New Balance shoes, I gave in. (I had beat myself up repeatedly about not having brought my Merrill hiking shoes and Merino wool socks.)

Midway to the monument, Phil said, “Keep walking. I’m going to drive over to the fish market to get salmon for dinner. I’ll pick you up at the monument after you’re done.” I wasn’t really thrilled with that decision but agreed.

Seeing the monument from afar made it seem closer than it actually was. (Recall the sign on your rearview mirror that says, “Objects are closer than they appear.” In this case, it was the opposite.) I trudged on and eventually arrived at the monument.

It was about 4 p.m. and the late afternoon sun cast shadows, making it hard for me to see. I was trying to take pictures of the quotes engraved in the marble wall while dodging or bumping into people that I didn’t see due to those shadows.

Martin Luther King Jr. monument, Photo by Liz Cezat.

I snapped some pretty good photos of the quotes that resonated with me. I got to thinking that this man – Martin Luther King Jr. – was a minister whose words not only inspired people but transformed a nation, first through awareness then through concerted action. As that understanding seeped in, it awakened me. Tears welled in my eyes. Thankfully, I was wearing sunglasses to hide them.

I leaned against a short stone wall that stood between the Tidal Basin and Martin Luther King Jr.’s figure emerging from a massive stone. I watched families taking pictures of their loved ones in front of the giant replica of this legendary civil rights leader. They looked happy and hopeful.

Seeing the monument was monumental. I got it. Martin Luther King Jr. figuratively moved a mountain of prejudice and oppression. Now, everyday people come to this memorial to pay tribute to the man and the trail that he blazed for our benefit.

The next time Martin Luther King Jr. holiday comes around, don’t just look at it as another day off of work, an extended weekend or day of sales at Macy’s. Rather, reflect on what this man has done for each and every one of us. His vision and fight for equality of races, world peace and prosperity for all is something that we must hold dear in this generation and for generations to come.

Get more nature into your life

 A stroll along Lake Huron in Michigan on a frosty winter day.

When was the last time you took a walk in the woods? Strolled a beach at sunrise? Took some gear - a bike, skis, running shoes, roller-blades – and found a trail to explore?

Nature keeps us grounded.

Communing with nature is more delightful to me than dining at a five-star restaurant. It stimulates all the senses. It’s food for my heart - I often find myself saying, "I love this place.” Nature rewires my brain – at times I find solutions to perplexing problems that have troubled me. The majestic scenes of towering mountains, verdant pine trees, a pattern of stones in a rocky path ... all these visions become absorbed into my soul and my psyche.

Whether it’s immersing myself into the cool, clear water of Lake Michigan on a hot day or trying to get my footing on a tricky rocky path along Mount Rainier, touching – the feel of the place – further makes it an indelible experience. Listening to the sounds of nature – the roar of a waterfall, the tweeting of a bird, the soulful sound of a frog … these add to the wonder of being in a natural setting.

You don’t have to travel far to get immersed in nature. Heck even NYC has Central Park. Check out what’s around your neighborhood and in your community. One of my favorite places to walk is at a nearby school complex that is close to a track yet also has woods and a pond.

While everyone else is at the mall battling crowds to get the latest technology gadget as a gift, why not go to a local park or woods and just explore? Set a new tradition for the holiday season – infuse some nature into the crazy focus on consuming, buying, rushing and never having enough time to do it all. Let in a breath of fresh air with a walk on the wild side. Report back on your experiences – what did it do for you?

How to grow the U.S. economy

I'm not an economist or a politician, simply an American who wants the best for our country and its people. Here are some of my ideas to get the economy humming again and put people back to work.

1. Fix the infrastructure: roads, bridges.

2. Build mass transit where needed (metropolitan areas where traffic is a headache).

3. Private/public investment in sustainable innovation: indestructible road surface,  health care advances, etc.

4. Better ways to connect buyers with sellers (internet market places).

5. Export more goods.

6. Maintain dominance in industries/products that are in demand and pay workers a living wage.

7. Provide ways for people to stay in shape: pools, parks, courts, playing fields. (This will give them energy to be active and stay healthy.)

8. Promote culture – make it an integral part of life that is easy to access for people of all economic statuses.

9. Nutritional classes and cooking classes for all.

10. Free mentorship for small business owners. (combination of private/public sector)

Life is good

The great thing about getting older is that you know what you want. You know what sports you are good at and what you like to do for fitness. Give me a pool and a tennis court, a scenic place to walk or hike, and a bike path with no cars and I’m a happy camper. You know what kind of food you like to eat. You know which friends to call when you want to go on a double-date or out to lunch; play tennis or watch a baseball game; attend a concert or go to the art gallery; or just sit on your porch and have a great conversation.

Hopefully, you have a job or business that you enjoy. One that not only pays the bills but allows you to live the lifestyle that you makes you happy. Is happiness overrated? I have found that happiness is the side effect of working hard, playing hard, making plans, setting goals and reaching them, being with loved ones on a regular basis, and doing all the things that I like to do as often as I can.

When life becomes too much to bear – consider this: Are you in prison? Are your movements limited by someone or something?  Are you impoverished? Are you alone or just lonely? If these things don’t apply, then maybe you just need to look at the bright side. Appreciate. Enjoy. Savor what you have on a daily basis. Then you will recognize that “life is good.”