I have become a Pinterest fanatic. In case you don't know what it is, it is a site that covers everything from recipes to crafts to shopping etc. All you have to do is sign up: pinterest.com and follow the instructions. And, it doesn't cost a dime.
You'll be surprised to find all the people you know and don't know that are Pinterest followers. I usually pin recipes on many different boards I created.
I know if you are not a Pinterest follower you won't know what the heck I'm talking about. But, I'll tell you it's fun.
I must have pinned (you'll find out what I mean if you sign up) dozens of recipes to try. Some I have already tried and probably will be dead before I can try all of them.
Now that I'm retired and have a little more time on my hands, I devote time for me for a change.  Believe me, I get nothing more than satisfaction by suggesting it might be fun for you, too.
So, here's to pinning on Pinterest, pinterest.com.

William J. Dunson, better known as Bill, passed away April 28 at Saratoga Hospital. Bill was 97.
Dr. Leo Hoge passed away May 4 at Wesley. Leo was 96.
The connections between these two men and several other Saratoga Springs High School, Class of 1933, is remarkable.
Throughout Bill's lifetime he had a long list of accomplishments including an outstanding career in the sport of horse racing for more than 40 years serving as a judge and a state steward at many tracks.
He also worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years and served locally as postmaster from 1959 through 1960.
But, Bill was not the only unique person in that class of 1933. Leo was another. He was a man that made a tremendous mark on the community as a medical doctor and as a doctor at the Knolls Atomic Lab for many, many years.
What was so unimaginable was several others who graduated from that class went on to make their own marks in this community. Among them were Supreme Court Judge William (Bill) Ford; Appelate Division Supreme Court Judge Michael (Mike) Sweeney; Nate Goldsmith, owner of the famed Mother Goldmith's on Phila Street (a regular spot for the locals); and Zoe Gass Flanagan, who owned and operated the Rip Van Dam Hotel on Broadway for many years after the passing of her husband, Bill.
 There are always talented people in a class, but these talented ones not only went on to higher learning, but returned to make their homes right here in Saratoga Springs. And remained close friends for many, many years.
The men always were seen together on the opening day of the track season having breakfast along the rail. Laughter was always heard coming from their table. And, Dr. Hoge, a photography buff, always had his camera by his side. It was so pleasant to know about their close relationships.
I'm sorry, I'm sure there were others that made wonderful strides in their lives but these were the ones I knew personally and will never forget.

How unique to go through life with these memories of the "good old days."

Impressions of Saratoga on Broadway often puts its stuffed horse named Travers on Facebook hidden in a special location.
Well, last Tuesday an adorable young lady came into Treasures on West Avenue to place Travers inside the store. Then people who have access to Facebook found it on the site later that day and the next. They then guessed where it was located. Several were right.
Impressions is a very impressive store with lots and lots of goodies. And, so is Treasures, which is a consignment and thrift store run by the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild.
Treasures has wonderful bargains. Impressions is also a store you shouldn't miss. It is located on the corner of Phila Street and Broadway.
All I know is I have to buy a Travers stuffed, cuddly horse from Impressions and I also have to continue to find great bargains at Treasures next to Wolberg Electric. I'm there at Treasures every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. if you'd like to stop in and say "hello."

Now that I have retired from writing the society column for The Saratogian for the past 25 years, I decided I couldn't just sit around the house - although I do at times. Anyone 79 needs to rest once in awhile.
I like my house clean, but that gets boring, too. So I decided to go back to volunteering at the Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild. Before I had some health issues and got so busy writing I volunteered in Same Day Surgery at the hospital for nearly six years.
But when the head of the volunteering staff asked me if I would like to be a greeter at Treasures I immediately said "Yes." It was right up my alley. I like people and being a greeter was something I was sure I could do.
So every Tuesday from now on, I will be seated by the front door and will say : "Hi, welcome to Treasures." My first Tuesday was last week. I was there from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and I loved every minute. It's no wonder because lots of shoppers stopped by for the great bargains and tremendous buys available.
Treasures is located on West Avenue right next to the Wolberg lighting store.
Please stop any time, but I'll be there on Tuesdays to say hi when you walk in the door. Can't wait to see you all.

It's never too late to give a person you admire a pat on the back. I'm talking about my good friend and president of Dogwood Stable in Aiken, S.C., Cot Campbell.
On Jan. 16, Cot was given the prestigous Eclipse Award of Merit for "lifetime achievement in the thoroughbred industry" at the Beverly Wishire Hotel in Los Angeles.
As his recent newsletter stated "it puts him in the heady company" including our favorite lady of Saratoga: Marylou Whitney.
Cot and his wife of 53 years, Anne, adore coming to Saratoga each summer not only for racing their horses at Saratoga Race Course, but for taking in all that our city has to offer including SPAC, and the many excellent restaurants. Their special favorite is Chez Pierre on R0ute 9 about 7 miles north off Route 50 (the arterial).
But with all this gladness, there is one fly in the ointment at least for this blog writer. One of my favorite people is Mary Jane Howell, who was Dogwood Stable's newsletter editor since 1998. Mary Jane was always helpful when I needed any kind of information during my long career as a writer and society columnist with The Saratogian. And, she also came to Saratoga during the race meet.
Mary Jane has my best wishes as shes takes a big leap to pursue a bigger dream - writing a young adult novel. She will continue to live in Aiken. She owns two thoroughbreds. "I have loved horses all of my life, and to be able to devote my time to writing this story is a fabulous feeling," she said in the recent Dogwood newsletter.
So, I sign off by giving a big hand to both Cothran "Cot" and Mary Jane. I only wish I could fill the shoes of the Campbells and Mary Jane. Life is good.

Guess what? I received a huge, beautiful bouquet of flowers, mainly roses yesterday. Ok, so you say "so what, it must have been her birthday or an early Valentine's present." Well, you're all wrong.
The bouquet of flowers were unexpected, but wished for 20 years ago. In my farewell write-up about retiring after 25 years ago as The Saratogian's society columnist, I mentioned that a doctor from Pennsylvania had asked me to dance at one of dozens of galas I attended.
He used to swing around the dance floor with any woman he asked in a non-traditional dance move. I was one of them. All it got me was two broken bones in my little finger and a cast up to my elbow. To make matters worse it was my right hand, my writing hand. I did manage to get my job done - on time - but it wasn't easy.
The bottom line was the doctor sent me a get-well card. And, in my final goodbye I wrote that the least he could have done was send me flowers.
Well, some 20 years later he did. I was amazed. And he even called me to let me know he was honored that I recalled the incident and put his name in with other noted stars such as Ginger Rogers, Bert Parks, Walter Cronkite and Andy Rooney.
All I will say is they came at the best time since I am going into the hospital tomorrow (Wednesday) to have a new battery put in my pacemaker.
Thanks Doc. As you said in the card that arrived with the flowers: "Better late than never."
Amen!

One thing I love to do is gather and try new recipes. Now that I am home after retiring from writing my Inside Saratoga column in The Saratogian, I am reverting back to one of my loves, cooking.
Actually, I'm stretching it a bit. I love to bake more than I do cook. But cooking is a necessity; baking is not. I subscribe to Taste of Home, Food Network and HGTV magazines. The first two are especially good for recipes and the latter one for decorating your home.
I've tried several recipes, mainly from Taste of Home, that are easy and delectable. I've used more printer paper than the average housewife I'm sure.
One recipe in particular I drew from my collection of recipes. It's not baking, but a simple, but delicious recipe for using up leftover beef (roast beef, pot roast etc.)
It is called Beef Strips in Wine. I gave this one to Marylou Whitney and she enjoys making it as well.
Here it is:
Beef Strips in Wine
Use any leftover beef and adjust the recipe ingredients to fit the amount of beef.
Saute the beef in 1/2 stick of butter until coated. Remove to a plate.
Mix 1/4 cup of parsley
1 tsp. garlic powder or garlic salt
1/2 tsp. oregano and dashes of other spices you would like. Be inventive.
Add 1 small can of tomato sauce (I use Hunts or Progresso) and toss in the spices
Mix in one small can mushrooms (can use fresh but it takes longer for them to cook)
Put the meat back in with the other ingredients and add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of red wine.
Simmer for about 15 minutes until slightly thickened. Or add a little cornstarch to thicken it to your liking.
Pour over cooked rice or a small of amount of cooked egg noodles. It's just as tasty on its own. Enjoy!
Just remember to use your imagination when making this recipe. It is delicious and can easily be adjusted to your liking.
I know this isn't a recipe to be used in baking, but I'm all about easy, tasty recipes.
Anyone who would like to share one of your favorites just add it to the comment section at the bottom of the blog.
Happy indulging.