tag:dorisdear.com,2005:/blogs/today-march-6th-2017Today, March 6th, 20172023-01-13T12:02:10-05:00Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifefalsetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/71375592023-01-13T12:02:10-05:002023-10-16T10:51:09-04:00Happy New Year from Doris Dear!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/5d97608fdffcd50810868873dc288c5595e9d7a6/original/img-0400.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Holiday wishes from Doris Dear" />As the holidays come to a close, and the decorations start to come down, we get ready to celebrate the new year ahead. I adore this time of year snuggling under my quilt and sipping a hot coco with marshmallows just like Taffy would make <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/a0622f72cf3762aed7ee7fa0bf86b846667a8331/original/blizzards-snowfalls-in-new-york-city-history-5.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="winter baby" />for me. Life on Beach Road was always busy even when the snow was deep outside and the temperatures were chilly. Taffy used to tell tales of our first winter on Beach Road with me in my "pram" and her trying to roll that huge carriage through the snow! I remember the snow always being waist high and Duke out there shoving a path to the car. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/c56f57292dfa2fdd94f08523933d57eec5bca4de/original/taffy-duke-young.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="Taffy and Duke" />Of course celebrating New Years Eve was always a big deal for us. Believe it or not, it was NOT party time in the Rumpus Room. This was time for family. Taffy said it was that time of year when you spent time with the ones who really mattered, and that was family. We would all get dressed up for our family New Years Eve, Taffy in a fab dress and Duke in his forest green suit and wingtip Florsheim Imperials. We would watch TV all night and Nancy and I would fall asleep on the floor with our red TV pillows propping us up with a cozy blanket pulled up close. At the stroke of midnight mom and dad would make sure we were awake and have pots and wooden spoons ready for us. As we counted down to midnight we would all stand together at the front door and bang those pots and pans with everyone else in the neighborhood. Oh how I loved that moment. The family standing together, celebrating a new beginning banging on those pots and creating a chorus of "Happy New Year!" Then is was off to bed for a deep sleep and waking up in a new year full of possibilities. </p>
<p>We lived a good life and I thought we were very “fancy”… after all we had one of the first color TV’s in the neighborhood!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/2a973f655d04eba07ea3d8f3a7720eb50d307f65/original/img-2637.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="Color TV!" /> People would constantly drop by to see this new marvel. The ladies would all tell Taffy how lucky she was and that she had such a rich life. </p>
<p>We had our finger on the latest technology. The TV had a remote control that was called “The Space Commander”. It was truly a piece of space age technology … and you could “shut off the sound of long annoying commercials”! We would sit as a family and watch our favorite shows together through the years. "I Love Lucy", "The Flintstones", "Father Knows Best", "Bewitched", "The Brady Bunch", "I Dream of Jeannie"... just to name a few. Of course late night when Nancy and I were in bed, Taffy and Duke would watch "The Johnny Carson Show". There were many times I would drift off to sleep with the sounds of Marilyn Maye singing on his show! She holds the record for most appearances by a singer on the show ... seventy-six!!!!It was “family time” and we all loved it. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/34357a10a5d29f9abc45fa6b47bba4ce0ece0e26/original/a2hrt-1454515501-1569-list-items-tvdinners-polynesianstyle.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="TV Dinner" />Occasionally Taffy would make that marvel of the new age … the “TV Dinner”. Gosh I loved those! Once Taffy brought home the “Polynesian Style” dinner, and I thought I was in Hawaii! I remember it came with a small “tea cake”, which I wasn’t sure what that was, but how I enjoyed it! We even had special fiberglass aqua TV trays! We would sit in front of the TV eating our fancy dinner.Taffy and Duke would have a Mai Tai to match, and we would watch “Hawaiian Eye” on the TV. Robert Conrad and Connie Stevens starred in the show and I loved them in it. They both made a record album together where Connie sang the title song…it was played often in the rumpus room! We were also big board game players, Sorry, Clue, Monopoly and all the usual ones. Taffy would set the game up on the dining room table after dinner and we would play until bed time. A dish of ice cream always accompanied "board night" ... I liked the “Neapolitan” one. It was 3 layers with three different flavors, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Taffy would pour “Bosco” chocolate syrup over it (god I loved that) and add a dollop of whipped cream to finish. How I loved all those wintery family nights. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/01fcf687059ffc73737f776c41a41fc3932f4d62/original/bhg195901cov.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_none" alt="" />Of course, the “Bible of the American housewife”, Better Homes and Gardens, was always at hand and chock-a-block full of ideas to get ready for the coming months.We would soon be celebrating Valentine’s Day, followed by St Patrick’s Day, Easter and of course Mother’s Day in May. That meant we had a lot of crafting and decorating to get ready for! There was never a shortage of ideas and Taffy always wanted something new to make and do. </p>
<p>So, as I snuggle up in my blanket today and sip my hot coco, I remember all those marvy times I had growing up on Staten Island with Taffy, Duke and sister Nancy. I miss them and try to honor all they brought to my life each and every day. As we end this year, let us look forward and see a shining light ahead. Let us all see the glow of a bright future that we can make. Lift your glass at midnight and toast to new beginnings. Maybe it's time for some "sweet and sour chicken"! Stay Warm and...</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/34a5f96d9d7cc1e1cac8e8a0792903faf9b4cf8b/original/img-4111.jpeg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpeg" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="Happy New Year" /></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/63614332020-06-21T15:04:30-04:002021-05-13T22:12:47-04:00It's Showtime for Virtual PRIDE!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/76ce96e6f255984cd41e4169efaa9792ef5a8c0a/original/img-5026.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Hello all my Dears! </p>
<p>Well, we certainly live in interesting times! I hope everyone reading this is doing ok. Please stay safe and be mindful of others as we start to "open up" the world! </p>
<p>In the meantime, Doris is in the "Rumpus Room", having cocktails and making the most of life through those fancy Zoom calls (gosh... full makeup and hair just to talk to friends!), puzzle making (I feel like when I first got my Perfection game in the 60's), and spending time baking banana bread! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">The good news is... </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>NOTHING CAN STOP US FROM MAKING MUSIC!!!! </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">So set your clocks! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Tuesday, June 23rd, 7:15pm </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Piano Bar Live! Celebrates The Art of Drag </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Hosted by piano man Michael McAssey and co-host Michael Barbierie following New York City's 7 O'Clock Cheer. As you know, I love sharing stories of growing up with my parents, Taffy and Duke, and my sister Nancy, in Staten Island, NY. So join this fun evening and come along on my next stop in my journey, and hear some beloved stories, great songs, learn some fun facts and discover new ideas on how you too can be absolutely PERFECT! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Joining in with the fun will be <strong>Varla Jean Merman, Peter Mac as Judy Garland, Chuck Sweeney as Peggy Lee, Rosetta Stoned, Broadway’s Haley Swindaland a mystery guest! </strong></p>
<p><strong><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/af1194693da9b9eb0c1951cd1cc77fb24c174618/original/img-0059.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" style="text-align: center;" /></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Join us this <strong>TUESDAY, June 23</strong> at <a contents="www.facebook.com/PianoBarLive" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/PianoBarLive" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/PianoBarLive</a> or on PBL!'s new streaming outlet, <a contents="BroadwayOnDemand.com.&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.broadwayondemand.com/not-live/U9i3kB9wofQD-piano-bar-live?channel=current-live-schedule" target="_blank">BroadwayOnDemand.com. </a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Piano Bar is that special place where we can gather, entertain, support and create as we connect with live music. </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">And a big shout out to my darling <strong>Scott Barbarino</strong> for always thinking of his girl Doris! </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Hugs and Love </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large">Doris Dear </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> </p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/62945832020-04-25T18:06:34-04:002020-04-25T18:06:34-04:00Together we are Strong!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/c09f094c6f58061fda09af986596fe568d9bdc98/original/img-1990.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong>Betty Crocker says: </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong>"Don't worry about a crack in your nut bread, it's supposed to be there.</strong>.." </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Good ol' Betty C! Little did we know she would be our go-to model during an ever changing time in our history as humans. With everyone cooped up inside<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/bad18911192a26f030e5f9784c2e3968d3624c90/original/img-1832.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />, there’s been a natural uptick in “self-quarantine baking.” The top trending search right now is “how to make banana bread.” Well Taffy loved making "nut breads" and there is no better use for those black bananas you bought and never ate! Each slice, spread with sweet butter, takes me back to those times with mom in the kitchen. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Baking and food was always a family affair in our house. Both Taffy and Duke loved to cook. The Rumpus Room was full of food and cocktails every weekend. Taffy especially loved having a "Kaffeeklatsch" which was her late morning coffee with friends either in person <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/9543dceba2ef67de4124d850a431a9e3f055c49f/original/img-1834.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />or on the phone. She would make a pot of coffee and some "nut bread" and catch up with friends. It seems things have somewhat gone back to those simpler times. Sitting at the table together as family. Doing puzzles, cooking, reading and.... conversation!!! When we sat as a family at the dinner table we each took turns catching up everyone about our day. It was time for just us as a family. Together. Strong. Taffy always said we could get through anything because we were family. And believe me, knowing that throughout my life got me through many hills and valleys. We celebrated the good times and made sure we could get through the tough times. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/751130365894e67e5c49e4edbd25a23e2c51bcd1/original/img-1836.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">So where do we go next? I guess you could say it's time to smell the flowers. To look at what we have right now. Eventually times will change and we will be back out enjoying life in a different way. Taffy taught me that it's those little moments in life that make a difference. When I look back at life, I remember the quieter times with my family, the times when we were planting geraniums in the garden or sitting together watching "The Flintstones". <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/4f65d68c0e8929969e056228a509b3a90576665f/original/84040909-55bc-4a11-bba5-7cadc24ac299.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">So today we are building those quieter moments that will be remembered for a long time. Don't let them pass you by. Cherish these times now. Life has shown us it can change with a moments notice. Take the moment now and smell the flowers... be safe, be kind... </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hugs & love ... Doris Dear </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong><em>"I shall pass this way but once; any good that I can do or any kindness I can show to any human being; let me do it now" </em></strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl"><strong><em>... Etienne de Grellet</em></strong></span></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/60448452019-12-24T17:45:35-05:002019-12-24T17:45:35-05:00Remembering Christmas Eve...<p>Greetings all and happy Christmas Eve! </p>
<p>Eve was a big event in our household. Taffy and Duke were lovers of the holidays and Christmas Eve was almost more entertaining than Christmas Day! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/5bf57325a7c95ed18bbc8888ab753412661a896e/original/img-6395.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpeg" class="size_s justify_right border_medium" alt="" />There was lots of preparations the week before. Taffy made sure all the decorations were in place, especially in the Rumpus Room. Taffy loved holly, all green and shiny with red berries. She would make garlands that would hang on the paneled walls and small wreathes for the windows. Lots of candles and fresh pine were scattered on the bar and the smell of cinnamon was everywhere. </p>
<p>Of course my sister, Nancy, and I were always transported by the pure magic of how the house <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/3bb719272a345995a718830a8efc96db82d0ee01/original/jubilee-and-dad-1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />sparkled that night. We would lay under the tree and stare up through the twinkling lights and German tinsel. We would lay there until mom and dad said it was time to put our red and green outfits on and sing carols in front of the tree. Duke loved this tradition. He would wear his red nightshirt and red nightcap and hold a big Christmas candle as we would sing as a family. It still puts a smile on my face when I think of those very merry moments with all of us singing slightly off key! </p>
<p>Then it was time for all our friends and relatives to arrive. Johnny Mathis would be playing on the <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/1ca488cd920bc0830fc43e9c74e12cd559e6ec5a/original/81ashekab0l-sl1500.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_medium" alt="" />phonograph while Taffy would be warming up her dance moves with me. We would giggle through the entire rousing rendition of Johnny singing "Sleigh Ride". </p>
<p>There was always plenty of food in the rumpus room as well. A buffet full of jello molds, dips and of course a relish tray since nothing says 'party' like celery and olives! The week before was spent making homemade 'spritz cookies'. We would dye the dough different colors and decorate the cookies with different color sprinkles. Nancy and I always ate too much of the raw dough which was too tasty to ignore. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/3a3ecc76a2ce4fe2a721b6c2288ff9e1cdcebaf6/original/feb81cbe9eff3aa237f6b34ada7d1f00-retro-food-vintage-food.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />People would arrive all dressed up and Nancy and I would sit on the stairs and listen to the clinking of the ice as the manhattans and whiskey sours were poured. Everyone was happy and giggling and celebrating the holidays in full fashion. </p>
<p>There was always a punch bowl this time of year. Something called a'Tom & Jerry' that was served in the most beautiful bowl and mugs. It was made ahead of time with some sort of batter. I was never allowed to taste it but everyone always seemed very happy wafter a few mug fulls! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/26bba5e08cc7f892242a6cb856bbceefb3820512/original/photo-7.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>Nancy and I would eventually be called down to the Rumpus room to sing a carol before we headed off to bed dreaming of Santa and his reindeer, but Duke always made sure we were awake enough to hear Santa on the roof! Of course we would leave a few of our spritz cookies out with a big glass of milk for Santa which he always seemed to fully enjoy. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/0d331a853a01f1d06ff1a4bee5cf6c475076c332/original/cookiesforsanta.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" /> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Taffy and Duke always made sure we had the most amazing Christmas. Even when times were tough, we never would have known. Duke worked hard to make sure we always had everything we could possibly desire and Taffy made sure our home was full of love. Nancy and I were best friends and many a holiday night was spent cuddling together watching "White Christmas" or some other holiday favorite movie on the TV. I cherish each and every moment I had with my family. This holiday season I especially will be embracing the memories of each of them knowing that because of them, I am who I am today. So lift a glass of milk and grab a cookie and remember all the people in our lives who made us who we are today. </p>
<p>To you and yours I wish you the happiest of holidays. </p>
<p>XOXO </p>
<p>Doris Dear<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/393614aac019dc90033f5c6fcfde599969aef37a/original/12-last-picture.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/59671352019-11-20T14:19:29-05:002019-12-26T12:30:56-05:00The Holidays Abound!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/2d8263efda844d7a5bc819a58be91f986bb035f2/original/img-6392.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /><span class="font_large">Taffy and Duke loved the holidays more than anyone I knew. They loved decorating for each time of year. November is when the paper maché jack-o-lanterns were put away carefully and our hand <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/35c72c625bc6cb9e7e09ed39c968b0931c3afc03/original/img-6196.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" />carved pumpkins were smashed and left in the backyard for the squirrels. Bowls of candy in each of our rooms were still overflowing from our night of trick-or-treating and the sugar rush was still lingering on! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Yes ... it that's month my Dear's! It's time to start talking turkey! First mom would set out her Pilgrim candles. Dad had bought them one day coming home from work in the city. At a time when they both worked hard to afford everything for their family, these little guys were a very special extravagance. They both loved those little candles and to this day they are a meaningful reminder each time I set them out. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/041c5dfd9f71ddee22d7c19261338d60caef6472/original/5c3fb059e937ea85ba4671ea3ed7a431.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Dad loved making his stuffing (never dressing!!!) and mom would start <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/388d9ac11e15c18f96e53011a18cb14a6e69ed39/original/1956-thanksgiving-pic.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />gathering new recipes to make from her bible... Better Homes and Gardens. Taffy always bought a huge turkey, at least 20 lbs. She loved having leftovers and serving us all what she called "Turkey-a-la-King" on toast points. I loved it and looked forward to having that warm delectable meal more than the Thanksgiving one. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Now, my sister Nancy, well she was the rebel as always. She only ate white meat from the turkey, while I was a dark meat eater. She would only have a small amount of gravy and disliked moms yummy petite white onions in white sauce! Blasphemy I say! When Nancy got older she decided to <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/a9995dc5f20c809515ea2606959f1a8f47405a43/original/img-6399.jpeg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpeg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" />make a hot ham for us instead of turkey! I was absolutely miserable that day. I could not believe we wouldn't have turkey. But oh that sister of mine. Of course it was absolutely delicious. She wrapped it in puff pastry and it was coated in brown sugar and maple syrup. Boy oh boy was that delish! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So many wonderful memories rush at me during this time of year. Memories I love sharing with all of you. This year is especially meaningful for me since I lost my sister Nancy in the spring. It was sudden and I still wake up wondering why. She was an amazing woman. The wonderful thing about doing my shows is that I get to share with all of my guests the stories and tales of my family. They live on with each moment on stage. I grew up in a wonderful, hilarious, loving family. So come on by to this years show where I have all new guests, new stories, new songs and lots of holiday cheer. Come celebrate my family and yours. Once again Doris Dear will be raising funds through "The Longest Day" initiative with The Alzheimer's Association. Come into the Rumpus Room with me on Dec 19, 20 & 21st at 7PM at The Triad in NYC. More Info is here: <a contents="The Doris Dear Christmas Show INFO&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.triadnyc.com/event/a3511ca5b204d20b727c20317c0b01aa" target="_blank">The Doris Dear Christmas Show INFO </a></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As we did last year, after the final show on Dec 21st, we will head over to Cafe Luxembourg<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/cd8d9c155397f807d27b7e7b58754e8151f44641/original/lux-logo.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> to sip Champagne and nibble on goodies! Please join us! Make a reservation by calling them at 212-873-7411. Make it for around 8:30pm and we will see you there! (mention you are with the Doris Dear Party) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Click on the poster below to buy show tickets!</span></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://tickets.vendini.com/ticket-software.html?t=tix&e=a3511ca5b204d20b727c20317c0b01aa&vqitq=dd969551-4735-4c5e-b6cc-21ccf16e972f&vqitp=54f97b89-9e96-44fb-997e-f19b23958f9a&vqitts=1574277355&vqitc=vendini&vqite=itl&vqitrt=Safetynet&vqith=757867c772d2470d058a148ede028e2d" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/300d8cb0c980536f3c2f2bcefda859174f9c9300/original/dd-xmas-2019.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/58341702019-07-23T17:46:44-04:002019-07-23T18:04:06-04:00Hot summer days and cool summer nights. <p><span class="font_large">Summers take me back to when I was growing up in Staten Island with my sister Nancy and Taffy and Duke (mom and dad). We were a very lucky family. You see we had a membership to Hillside Swim Club! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/6925e425a9df83cca747168b3f78bab28cebd886/original/hillside-badges.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="the membership badges of Hillside!" />Taffy and Duke were original founders of this magical watering hole in an underdeveloped part of the island, surrounded by deep woods and streams. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Mom would drop us off early in the morning and they would return later after work. We would have dinner at our table that we built in <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/0ef598c0f64cbbc0f362ddb09b3875a017e46bd2/original/nathanstimemagazinead1960.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />the picnic area gobbling up hamburgers and Nathan’s hot dogs. Dad said there was no better dog in NYC! He would bring a pot and boil sauerkraut with the dogs in with it. Then he would throw them onto the hot grill grate for a quick browning before laying it into that soft potato bun! Gosh they sure were good! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Most of the days were spent walking through the woods catching salamanders, picking wild blueberries and blackberries, and playing with friends. The little streams and brooks were always cold and crystal clear. It all seemed like a fairyland to me. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Sundays were days for "champagne picnics". All the families would gather early at their picnic tables, start the charcoal and pop bottles of champagne. Taffy loved her pink bubbles! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/790741e1d63a6da36c166f2e8fd3b3e7be4863e4/original/pink-champagne-for-dancing.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" />Duke would bring his favorite cast iron fry pan and cook up some of the best bacon and eggs I have ever had. The smell of that frying bacon permeated the woods where we all picnicked. Taffy would set the table with her hand made placemats. She loved yellow checkered ones. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/5c05ead075f39c836b04156c4a28bbe8838788ad/original/vintage-thermos-king-seeley-red-plaid-1-ba72cf4996aabe3761e7283f7aa48986.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">A thermos of coffee from her red plaid thermos set and toast made on the fire smeared with strawberry jam. The fire would be kept warm for most of the morning in case we got hungry and wanted something more. </span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">My sister, Nancy, would eventually get up onto the table and give her rousing rendition of "Chattanooga Choo Choo". It always made me giggle with glee to see her up there, arms spread giving a bit of boogie-woogie to our breakfast! Little did I know that it would be me who would make a career on stage later in life! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/fe1db1f517f16a7ebd3427cb4cc198a980a8b11c/original/img-2280.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="Taffy and Nancy!" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We would all head off to swim in the pool with friends while Taffy and Duke would become the center of attention at their table. Friends would gather round while bubbles were poured. We would spend all day and night there, barbequing all our meals. We could stop by the picnic table any time we wanted and Duke would throw on a burger or hot dog for us while I sat waterlogged from being in the pool for so many hours! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/5b9d6af1f18befb83b8ce137235fe5450a7668b9/original/56360510-10216122695035025-8676800709288525824-n.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="The swimmers of Hillside!" /> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Of course Taffy was always putting together some kind of special event for the club. Every year they would put on a show in the evening near the end of the summer. It was a sort of “Water Follies” for the pool set. One year it was a King Kong sort of production with Taffy playing the damsel in distress being chased by the ape. Another year celebrated the moon landing with Duke hooked to a wire over the pool walking through space! They were absolutely delightful productions that everyone cheered for and enjoyed. People would set up their folding pool chairs around the pool and the entire show would take place over the pool. A floating stage, wires above, divers underwater. It was such a magical thing to watch on a hot summer evening as the lightning bugs flickered in the distance. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">We would almost always end up falling asleep in the back seat of our yellow mustang convertible as we drove home. Bellies full of hot dogs and hamburgers made on the grill and of course the popcorn served at the show. Taffy and Duke always seemed so happy with their acomplishments. Mom loved how happy it made everyone to watch and Duke would ride home with a big grin on his face all the way home. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"> I would overhear the men say, “Boy that Taffy sure is a looker” or “gee that Duke really won when it came to wives!”. It made me smile. I knew Taffy and Duke were special even as a little child looking up at that Damsel in distress. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Happy Summer </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/7ac2134e2941a7eea966d07d5e7d6dd1b10b9bfd/original/img-4307.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="Taffy and Duke" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Love </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Doris Dear</span></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/56663462019-03-02T10:55:24-05:002019-03-02T10:55:24-05:00Doris Dear is Nominated!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/35ba245928165ae346c9ba651d940f7dfb558e8a/original/img-0712.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.png" class="size_xl justify_center border_none" alt="" /><span class="font_large">The sun is shining high in the sky and spring is slowly trying to take over New York City, I love this time of year and its new beginnings. Always a time of reflection for me. Of course that means remembering the 2 most influential people in my life... my parents Taffy & Duke. This month is the 4th anniversary of my mother Taffy's, passing.</span> <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/347277b82d5513ba608815dede6e573fc5fcb7ce/original/charity-ball-may-1955.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><br> </p>
<p><span class="font_large">Taffy influenced me deeply and in so many ways. If you have seen any of my shows, you have heard the stories and advice that she passed along to me. It's because of these 2 wonderful parents that I am the person I am today. I am forever grateful. And YES... that is a picture of Taffy and Duke heading out to a spring formal! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">So today, I would like to pass on a few tidbits of classic housewife rules that you may... or may not want to follow! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Make a home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax in body and spirit." </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Never complain if he doesn't take you out. Try instead to understand his world better." </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"When he arrives home, let him talk, this is NOT your time." </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">"Never greet him with complaints. Your problems are minor compared to his!" </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">You decide! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Doris Dear was nominated for a 2019 MAC Award! You can read about it <a contents="HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.playbill.com/article/broadway-princess-party-laura-benanti-norm-lewis-among-2019-mac-award-nominees" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Thank you everyone who has supported my shows over the past 4 years! It is truly a gift to be able to stand on stage and welcome you into the rumpus room. Taffy and Duke would have loved being there with us. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">If you haven't had time to see one of my shows here is a video of one of my songs from my Christmas Special. </span></p>
<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/Elsmfmv_-AM" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/59feb3bfbadcf44726f415d877475a059c4ab7a5/original/screen-shot-2019-03-01-at-4-33-24-pm.png/!!/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></a></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Hugs and much love,</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Doris Dear</span></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/56022832019-01-18T16:31:31-05:002019-01-18T16:31:31-05:00Turkey Time!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/a96fb1fe05e24fca472f5720d434557a0785abea/original/img-0277.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_medium" alt="" />Ahh November. When the air chills, temperatures drop and hot cocoa is a daily norm! I love this time of year, and so did Taffy and Duke, especially at Thanksgiving. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/2b01e75cc50a471ce4175254cb843f46eb9e925d/original/reynolds-home-11-01-1950-997-thumb.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>Of course it all started with the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Full of ideas for decorating and recipes for some yummy new things to try for dinner. The decorating changed year to year, but there was always one thing Taffy had to have out and that was her Gurley pilgrim and turkey candles! Duke had bought them on his way home from work when they were first married and they always had a place of prominence on Taffy’s corner hutch. I loved those little candles. There was a pilgrim boy and girl and a turkey. They were never burned! Oh no, Taffy said they were very special and were for display only. It was almost ceremonial how she would unpack each one, wrapped in tissue paper and then placed in its spot. Once in place Taffy just sat there at the dining room table and smiled at them, Dukes love reflected in her eyes. It always made me so happy to see how much they loved each other. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/0bb7c1ce2261831a8d5c1b6db74fe6699e555b10/original/4d7c7166ac86a7e2a476a84c36506740.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>Taffy especially loved any new ideas on how to cook the perfect turkey. One year it was inside a bag, another year butter under the skin, then it was high heat. Taffy loved “food science”! She often would walk through the Food Fair trying to decide on what to make. There were some dishes that were always present. We always had fresh made cranberry sauce made from whole cranberries. Never the gel in the can type. I still make them the same way, just like mom taught me. Her other specialty was her creamed white baby onions. How I absolutely adored those! She was truly an expert at making a béchamel sauce and then adding in the white peeled onions and slowly simmering them until that sweet onion flavor permeated the sauce. Mom made the gravy from the giblets. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/63758e1df22e8f4ef8c3c156f8bc1ac65c7833fb/original/db0bd0b99251284ddd80e408c8b3c624-meat-grinders-vintage-stuff.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" />I never really knew what “giblets” were but boy they tasted good! Taffy would go downstairs and get her American Meat Grinder with the green handle and attach it to the counter. After boiling the giblets she would grind those up, sauté them and then put them back in the roasting pan full of the cooked bits and fat from the turkey roasting. A little milk and flour and that gravy was all set. The stuffing was all Duke though. A week before he would go out and buy “a good white loaf” as he would say, and cut it up into cubs and put them in the big black speckled enamel oval roasting pan and leave them downstairs in the rumpus room to get stale. Then he would spend all day chopping celery, onions, sage and garlic and sautéing that until it was soft and then add stock and boil it all down to a rich broth. He would mix that with the stale bread cubs and then stuff the turkey with that. He said that making stuffing outside the turkey was dreadful and that was NOT “stuffing” that was “dressing”! Dukes favorite part was making biscuits. He used his moms cast iron skillet to make what he called “the perfect baking powder biscuit”. They were truly delicious with a slightly salty crust perfectly browned and ready for butter and a quick swipe through the thick giblet gravy. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/0ca616a3f9f86eabe567b74b94bd1b58168fbbfd/original/rockwellthanksgiving.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />Of course Thanksgiving was also about family… cousins, aunts and friends. Often times we would have dinner over our cousins house with what seemed like a hundred people! Everyone dressed up and brought their favorite dishes. I would sit in the living room and listen to all the giggling and laughter as the Manhattan’s and Whiskey Sours were poured. Of course a thick layer of smoke filled the air since everyone smoked A LOT! Later in the evening they all drank something called a “Stinger”. I’m still not sure what that was made with, but the volume level would get louder and louder until finally all the pies, either home-made or brought from Delicious Orchids in NJ, were served. Delicious Orchids became a regular excursion in November. It is located in Colts Neck, NJ and has been around since the 50’s. We would motor down to buy some yummy pies and of course get some apple cider and doughnuts to feast on the way home! </p>
<p>By the end of the night everyone was full, all the cousins were tired and we would pile back into Taffy’s yellow mustang convertible and motor home, full, happy and glad we have a big extended family to share the season with. </p>
<p>This Thanksgiving, enjoy your family and loved ones, and try to reach out to those who might be alone or without someone. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! </p>
<p>Hugs and love </p>
<p>Doris Dear<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/534101a150731fdd7c4d8fd195908b9e7fe1db9b/original/img-3663.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_xl justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/50291962018-01-17T21:13:28-05:002018-01-17T21:19:23-05:00Winter Time!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/aa3899327d0874b3d791e9a013c0076bbce29dbf/large/44f19a17c88bafa6e8fd126a1f7ad00b-radio-city-music-hall-life-photo-1.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_thin" alt="" />The holidays have passed us by and we are now in the deep throws of winter. I adore this time of year, it makes me want to snuggle under a chenille blanket and sip a hot coco with marshmallows just like Taffy would make for me. Life on Beach Road was always busy even when the snow was deep outside and the temperatures were chilly. I remember the snow always being waist high and Duke out there shoving a path to the car and building a snowman with me. Taffy, of course, was always ready with that carrot nose and hat to top him off! </p>
<p>It was comfort time inside with Taffy and Duke and even the rumpus room calmed down a bit! This was the time of year to stay inside and enjoy life as a family. We <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/565533415eecf2772feef5f7c1e36d92aea96eb5/medium/remote-spacecommand-1956.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />lived a good life and I thought we were very “fancy”… I mean after all WE had one of the first color TV’s in the neighborhood! People would drop by to see this new marvel where everyone looked orange and green. We had our finger on the latest technology. It even had a remote control that was called “The Space Commander”. This was amazing… and you could “shut off the sound of long annoying commercials”! </p>
<p>I loved TV. We would sit as a family and watch so many programs together through the years. It was “family time” and we all loved it. Occasionally Taffy would make that marvel of the new age dinner… the “<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/34357a10a5d29f9abc45fa6b47bba4ce0ece0e26/medium/a2hrt-1454515501-1569-list-items-tvdinners-polynesianstyle.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />TV Dinner”. Gosh I loved those. Once Taffy brought home the “Polynesian Style” dinner, and I thought I was in Hawaii! I remember it came with a small “tea cake” which I wasn’t sure what that was, but how I enjoyed it! We even had special fiberglass aqua TV trays! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/5b57d0aba8b46d2d11a6b5938a26d9cbcc97eae4/small/5d634374b83874d34c948c9c74bf8a6a-portable-desk-lap-tray.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" />There we would sit in front of the TV eating our fancy dinner. Taffy and Duke would have a Mai Tai to match and we would watch “Hawaiian Eye” on the TV. Robert Conrad and Connie Stevens starred in the show and I loved them in it. They both made a record album together where Connie sang the title song<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/d0f78b3a35f4fdd25eadecd1d2357f435f2dd739/medium/be8bf014fa00c9e8c88ee4e677fc3ae2.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />…it was played often in the rumpus room! I even read the ‘Hawaiian Eye” comic books! Nothing like a spy thriller in comic form in a Tiki setting! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/d4ea169188db280f81c2e0e08002a11685dd174e/small/hawaiian-eye001.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" />We were also <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/31fa40f0bc8782febaba763efc75e9c4c2e492c2/medium/pg16.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />big board game players, sorry, clue, monopoly and all the usual ones. Taffy would set the game up on the dining room table after dinner and we would play until bed time. We would enjoy a dish of ice cream...I liked the “Abbotts Neapolitan” one. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/8e8adc9429a7d0a94c96aae4e7b4dbbd8b187228/medium/il-340x270-1400311519-cupg.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/1d39c1f2a57f4bc3a8af75dcd928dd4e019bdcbb/medium/1481528872neopolitan.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />It was 3 layers with three different flavors, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. Taffy would pour “Bosco”<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/561b31df7d52f03f2b1f83025af8e4fafd7283a7/small/b3a33169a26377006624e26192a304de-chocolate-syrup-chocolate-flavors.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> chocolate syrup over it (god I loved that) and add a dollop of whipped cream to finish. How I loved all those wintery family nights. </p>
<p>Of course, the “Bible of the American housewife”, Better Homes and Gardens, was always at hand and chock-a-block full of ideas to get ready for the coming months. We would soon be celebrating Valentine’s Day followed by St Patrick’s Day, Easter and of course Mother’s Day in May. That meant we had a lot of crafting and decorating to get ready for! There was never a shortage of ideas and Taffy always wanted something new to make and do. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/84327523a60cfb0dec08dfe6b6566d30c109f314/large/22328df6878bf4f7a06a8d90a1220c62-garden-living-home-and-garden.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>So, as I snuggle up in my blanket today and sip that hot coco, I remember all those marvy times I had growing up and lift my marshmallow topped hot coco to Taffy and Duke. Stay Warm </p>
<p>Hugs and Love </p>
<p>Doris Dear</p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/49924202017-12-24T16:27:32-05:002017-12-26T10:35:53-05:00Merry Christmas from Doris Dear!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/e2fe0e4ae7ae0cf1b6815ad05567238dfdf2f499/large/f2c4b5cd-1bde-4709-bff0-eab181b8d03c-facetune-21-12-2017-12-41-32-1.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_thin" alt="" />As we approach Christmas Eve, I am transported to the many celebrations I have had throughout my life. I am a very lucky girl you know, I have been able to live a life full of amazing moments. I have a wonderful family and had truly one of the best mothers and fathers I could have imagined. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/3976ce24544f08fa92815861af8a55171a771ba3/medium/tumblr-m6otisq47q1rptme0o1-500.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />The holidays were always full of parties, music and food. Taffy & Duke loved celebrating the holidays with friends and family. It started right after Thanksgiving with finding the perfect tree and setting it up in the picture window. Taffy would get all the ornaments out of the closet and carefully place each one in the perfect spot. Each one represented something special. My diaper pin was one she loved to show me. She would tell me about what it was like having me in her arms and watching me grow up. She taught me so much. Each day is in honor of her and Duke. </p>
<p>She would then bring out the German tinsel that she saved year after year. Real tinsel… made from lead that you would have to hang one piece at a time. It was heavy and didn’t float like todays plastic tinsel. It <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/7a9d49872084342533a08c1c99b866f3c089c93c/small/1466567223084-2.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />hung “heavy”. It was beautiful when Taffy was done. Then she would sprinkle the tree with mica snow! Ah the smell of pine, mica snow and Pall Mall cigarettes always meant Christmas was close!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/4e4dd31b996eb68e675bf7d321ef64c569a27399/small/dscn7289.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" /> </p>
<p>Taffy of course took a ceramics class with the girls <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/d2b71d9c3ee8e57bc7896bc6ee2ed4c6dfa0dff6/small/img-1170.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" />and made a white Christmas tree with little pink birds on each point. I still have that tree today and it is always proudly displayed in my home. The rumpus room was of course fully decorated with pine boughs and a holly wreath. The wreath was made of plastic and had white edges on each leaf. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/1f68fbb2552015dd3a2159bd30d6764ad23ed0d3/small/il-340x270-1407176895-tce2.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" />I loved those shiny plastic decorations and Taffy loved the “miracle plastics” that modernized the housewives life! Taffy said holly meant that “friends were welcome”! She was right. Friends were always welcome in the Rumpus Room. Many nights were full of friends sipping the holiday favorite “Tom & Jerry”. It was an old-fashioned drink that they all loved. It is a concoction of brandy, rum and spices all whipped up into yummy holiday cheer! We even had a special Tom and Jerry bowl that Taffy carefully unpacked each year and proudly displayed. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/26bba5e08cc7f892242a6cb856bbceefb3820512/medium/photo-7.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>Of course every year we put on our Christmas aprons and made spritz <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/99d5cce7d7de5231fd679bf82a139d8ac8140603/small/c03e9394ccc6bbb14c7cc1e0007001e8.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />cookies! A delicious butter cookie dough (that I loved munching on when mom wasn’t looking). We would dye batches red, green or leave plain. We had a metal <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/96dedc23ffc81c62104baf179a58fcd686a72215/small/wearever-cookie-gun-1073421.jpg" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />“gun” that would push out the cookies in different shapes like trees, wreaths, stars and more. Then we would decorate them with colored sugars and little silver sugar balls. I loved those days in the kitchen with mom. Once when she was out shopping, I decided to surprise here with a homemade batch of cookies. I whipped up the dough which was totally wrong and ended up eating the entire bowl of cookie <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/ec99bddc3f006a691349460a7542694d48c3d31a/medium/6a00d83451ccbc69e201bb07c133a0970d.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />dough myself!!! </p>
<p>Christmas eve was reserved for family only. We would get all dressed up and Taffy would cook up a wonderful dinner. There were lots of hors d’oeuvres. Something was always molded… usually a new recipe she would find in Better Homes and Gardens. Followed by a scrumptious dinner made up of many courses. Usually a ham was the center piece of it all. Glazed carefully during cooking with a pineapple glaze that glistened in the candlelight on the table. Afterward was a delicious dessert. Taffy’s favorite was lemon galosh! It was made with lemon pudding, lady fingers and whipped cream. Gosh that “Galosh” was delicious! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/3a3ecc76a2ce4fe2a721b6c2288ff9e1cdcebaf6/medium/feb81cbe9eff3aa237f6b34ada7d1f00-retro-food-vintage-food.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>With our tummies full and a smile on our face, we would head into the family room. There was paneling on one wall (real wood Taffy would say!), and a mix of “new colonial” and mid century modern. Shag carpeting was wall to wall with plenty of Christmas decor everywhere. Duke would disappear into the bedroom to change into his Christmas outfit, which was a red nightshirt and matching cap. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/3bb719272a345995a718830a8efc96db82d0ee01/medium/jubilee-and-dad-1.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />Then we would all gather around the tree and sing Christmas carols with Duke holding the Christmas candle. It ended with us lighting the Christmas candle, smiles on our faces and ready for Santa to visit. We always had a good laugh. Cookies and a glass of milk were placed on a plate and off to bed we went. </p>
<p>Duke loved creating that perfect Christmas for us. In the middle of the night he would throw bricks on the roof of the house so I would think <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/ac787c1bce884629b0ef90eed67ddaa7c3b9a2b1/medium/bd6873993eb26889a3be632638a692c9-father-christmas-vintage-christmas-cards.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />it was reindeer! He wore a Santa outfit and made prints in the snow to the front door. He had jingle bells he would ring and a lot of ho ho hoing! I would peer out the window trying to get a glimpse of Santa but all I usually got was Dad’s well-placed Santa hat going by my window. </p>
<p>Christmas day was always exciting. Checking to see if Santa ate the cookies we made and drank the milk (he always did), followed by opening presents. Taffy and Duke always showered me with gifts. The latest toys, and a stocking full of chocolate and always a tangerine! During the depression money was scarce and giving an orange or tangerine was a very special gift and Taffy said it was important to always remember those tough times and celebrate that they made it through and live a good life now rich with many people and things. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/81b2a84cec976f6a957d6e3c0ae942a74f5d48f8/medium/tangerines-1087060-640.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />A big yummy breakfast with Dukes homemade biscuits, scrambled eggs and crisp bacon was always the menu which I loved. No one made better biscuits that Duke. Then afterward we would get dressed<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/15f5cb4ff68aa285c15da4b4b81b506231b8b431/small/26a710009817dfe59a8c0cb03a28e111.jpg" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> and do our yearly trek to see Grandparents and cousins. Those were full holidays that I truly cherish each and every year.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/342b26f888dd4abcb23c4570ec000c60403be03c/large/1953coctails.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>So as I hang my diaper pin on my tree, I remember all the marvy times I had in the past and how truly blessed I am to have the life and friends I have now. So to all of you who have been a part of my life I say a very big THANK YOU… and </p>
<p>MERRY CHRISTMAS! </p>
<p>Hugs and love </p>
<p>Doris Dear <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/5d97608fdffcd50810868873dc288c5595e9d7a6/large/img-0400.jpg" class="size_xl justify_center border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_xl">Want to give yourself a gift? Go to my Zazzle Store: <a contents="The Rumpus Room Store" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.zazzle.com/the_rumpus_room" target="_blank">The Rumpus Room Store</a></span></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/49265522017-11-09T19:02:57-05:002017-11-13T17:02:53-05:00Let's Talk Turkey!<p><span class="font_regular">Ahh November. When the air chills, temperatures drop and hot cocoa is a daily norm! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/bfde6eed5451ba16f9d920ddb0d757e256a231b3/medium/1946-american-standard-thanksgiving-kitchen432.jpg?1510269326" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />I love this time of year, and so did Taffy and Duke, especially at Thanksgiving. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/faac7161902b8debc040d9f5b18d1711c7616689/medium/4eef4ec052e40b156a2c1edb65019f73.jpg?1510269036" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Of course it all starts with the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens. Full of ideas for decorating and recipes for some yummy new things to try for dinner. The decorating changed year to year, but there was always one thing Taffy had to have out and that was her Gurley <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/83dfcd9ec05ce2f253aedcf8659a5a6d5aaba822/medium/a0f3abc5-cfde-4b3e-8b3e-343079c60068.jpg?1510270309" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />pilgrim and turkey candles! Duke had bought them on his way home from work when they were first married and they always had a place of prominence on Taffy’s corner hutch. I loved those little candles. There was a pilgrim boy and girl and a turkey. They were never burned! Oh no, Taffy said they were very special <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/0ca616a3f9f86eabe567b74b94bd1b58168fbbfd/medium/rockwellthanksgiving.jpg?1510269327" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />and were for display only. It was almost ceremonial how she would unpack each one, wrapped in tissue paper and then placed in its spot. Once in place Taffy just sat there at the dining room table and smiled at them, Dukes love reflected in her eyes. It always made me so happy to see how much they loved each other. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Taffy especially loved any new ideas on how to cook the perfect turkey. One year it was inside a bag, another year butter under the skin, then it was high heat. Taffy loved “food science”! She often would walk through the Food Fair trying to decide on what to make. There were some dishes that were always present. We always had fresh made cranberry<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/63758e1df22e8f4ef8c3c156f8bc1ac65c7833fb/small/db0bd0b99251284ddd80e408c8b3c624-meat-grinders-vintage-stuff.jpg?1510269326" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> sauce made from whole cranberries. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/552cb399207b30e7cd338fd47fa3ac84d1b8aa4a/medium/4d7c7166ac86a7e2a476a84c36506740-1.jpg?1510270750" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />Never the gel in the can type. I still make them the same way, just like mom taught me. Her other specialty was her creamed white baby onions. How I absolutely adored those! She was truly an expert at making a béchamel sauce and then adding in the white peeled onions and slowly simmering them until that sweet onion flavor permeated the sauce. Mom made the gravy from the giblets. I never really knew what “giblets” were but boy they tasted good! Taffy would go downstairs and get her American Meat Grinder with the green handle and attach it to the counter. After boiling the giblets she would grind those up, sauté them and then put them back in the roasting pan full of the cooked bits and fat from the turkey roasting. A little milk and flour and that gravy was all set. The stuffing was all Duke though. A week before he would go out and buy “a good white loaf” as he would say,<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/d6413801ac26ace54377dec1f6498e8fa7d58505/small/7d5c3cdd53fb5a6ac032e8bc88bc88af.jpg?1510610234" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> and cut it up into cubs and put them in the big black speckled enamel oval roasting pan and leave them downstairs in the rumpus room to get stale. Then he would spend all day chopping celery, onions, sage and garlic and sautéing that until it was soft and then add stock and boil it all down to a rich broth. He would mix that with the stale bread cubs and then stuff the turkey with that. He said that making stuffing outside the turkey was dreadful and that was NOT “stuffing” that was “dressing”! Dukes favorite part was making biscuits. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/4736ce32cb87e1b341df266b19a0c849a772dced/medium/f960191ffa58528ad424c51c205d571e-1.jpg?1510270750" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />He used his moms cast iron skillet to make what he called “the perfect baking powder biscuit”. They were truly delicious with a slightly salty crust perfectly browned and ready for butter and a quick swipe through the thick giblet gravy. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Of course Thanksgiving was also about family… cousins, aunts and friends. Often times we would have dinner over our cousins house with what seemed like a hundred people! Everyone dressed up and brought their <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/4e7e3d25e8d82d68ba92c3a2678e17e958f2932d/medium/scan0002.jpg?1510270961" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />favorite dishes. I would sit in the living room and listen to all the giggling and laughter as the Manhattan’s and Whiskey Sours were poured. Of course a thick layer of smoke filled the air since everyone smoked A LOT! Later in the evening they all drank something called a “Stinger”. I’m still not sure what that was made with, but the volume level would get louder and louder until finally all the pies, either home-made or brought from Delicious Orchids in NJ, were served. Delicious Orchids became a regular excursion in <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/388d9ac11e15c18f96e53011a18cb14a6e69ed39/large/1956-thanksgiving-pic.jpg?1510610169" class="size_l justify_left border_thin" alt="" />November. It is located in Colts Neck, NJ and has been around since the 50’s. We would motor down to buy some yummy pies and of course get some apple cider and doughnuts to feast on the way home! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">By the end of the night everyone was full, all the cousins were tired and we would pile back into Taffy’s yellow mustang convertible and motor home, full, happy and glad we have a big extended family to share the season with. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">This Thanksgiving, enjoy your family and loved ones, and try to reach out to those who might be alone or without someone. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Hugs and love </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Doris Dear</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/f3bfe15c9821024cde2b934ddcf0f3399cecf241/large/tg-2.jpg?1510269327" class="size_l justify_center border_thin" alt="" /></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/48774172017-10-04T17:08:19-04:002017-10-04T23:50:27-04:00This Devil Wears a Parka!<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/c2e7517548a67538283209c0a2df3c66faab869f/large/jack-and-jill-halloween-cover-1953-frontback.jpg?1507149810" class="size_xl justify_center border_thin" alt="" />October was always a fun, busy time in the Dear household! The cooler temperatures brought out the sweaters and light coats, as the leaves turned brilliant hues of yellow, gold and orange. Taffy and Duke both loved decorating for the holidays and Halloween was no exception! </p>
<p>We couldn't wait to rush over to the Richmondtown “Old Home Day”. Richmondtown is a authentic original town and farm museum complex <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/c4052c111131d8bc5623b7ee93e5797e74f513c8/medium/img-1285.jpg?1507149810" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />featuring treasures dating back to the 1600’s. A wonderful historic site on Staten Island full of colonial buildings manned by locals dressed in period garb. Old Home Day, which Taffy was a committee member of, was always a big highlight of the season. This is where we <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/1452007673a11099647174748d953f472bdc515d/small/img-2810.jpg?1507149813" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />purchased our pumpkins from a large field full of all shapes and sizes as we sipped the fresh pressed apple cider the colonial men would make as you waited. I loved this day, watching women make homemade bees wax candles as we sampled home baked goodies. </p>
<p>When we arrived back home, it was straight to the kitchen table to start designing and carving our wonderful orange pumpkins. Taffy designed great faces each year and was a master carver back when the only thing we had was a sharp knife and Dukes hacksaw! I remember the year he decided to pull out the electric drill to make the eyes and we all laughed and wondered why we hadn’t thought of that before! Of course a candle was placed inside and in the evening we set them out on the front stoop to light the way for goblins and ghouls. We also had lots of cardboard Halloween decorations that Taffy loved to hang up. I especially loved a certain pumpkin that was dressed in a sort of jester like costume. I loved changing his arm and leg positions each day as if he was doing a dance.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/9c77f755eea05b33de22bb9e3402d1834cf896bc/medium/fd61fefa22c7d2899a46f6ccadd041a6.jpg?1507149807" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> This year,</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/bfe759c301aa08e7a461c6bdde17c455d4ccf79e/medium/18halloween.jpg?1507149807" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>Taffy also bought me my paper mâché pumpkin to collect my sugary goodies. Oh how I loved that container. It still decorates my shelf along with my other máché Halloween collections each year. Taffy would buy an assortment of little Halloween bags to fill with candy for the trick or treaters on Halloween night. How I loved those little bags with the bright orange and black graphics of ghosts, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/9f5c2118b1ebdb577e7c1e4be7ac0541b75b0c4c/medium/vintage-trick-or-treat-bags-2.jpg?1507149809" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />devils and black cats on them. Taffy, Duke and I would fill each bag with precisely the same amount of candy in each, and then fill the large green bowl with them. I remember it like it was yesterday. </p>
<p>School was out and I was finally old enough to have a “real” Halloween costume. Mom would take me to Whitman’s Candy Store in Great Kills Village! I marveled at the Ben <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/0a13e50bd717a59f1ab163ee045eeeca125c98ed/medium/23a2f420bb38f1ffa7e2053993b14fe7-vintage-halloween-costumes-retro-halloween.jpg?1507149808" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />Cooper Costumes in those really cool boxes with the cellophane windows that showed the mask hidden inside. I wanted to be a Devil. Mom said yes and I grabbed it quickly before she could change her mind. When we got home I had to put it on right away. It was one of those fake satin one-piece jumpers with a printed design on the chest and ties in the back to fit all sizes. The mask was frightening. His face was red with an evil grin and horns sticking out of the top of his head. </p>
<p>As the month continued on, the anticipation of the “that day” would almost make me go crazy. I would read my new "Girls"<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/9e2a4c7dada4fed63eca3e295d0616f8b1b18d15/medium/549866c1d118622641c299cabf232a9e.jpg?1507149810" class="size_m justify_right border_none" alt="" /> magazine to get some ideas for parties of the season. I couldn’t wait to become a devil and collect candy from the neighbors doorways! Some of my friends graduated up to wear the costume of the grown up kids… the “Hobo” outfit. Black top hat, flannel shirt, baggy pants from their father, oversized shoes and an old cigar. Then they burned a cork and rubbed the black all over their faces. A pillowcase would be for the candy and the requisite sock full of flour to fight the evil ones! I remember watching “Meet Me in St Louis” and the scene where the kids all go out for Halloween and make a huge barn fire in the middle of the street! Imagine if they did that now! Then little Margaret O’Brian throws flour in the face of the neighbor and is celebrated as being brave. I dreamed of having that same kind of night with my friends (well, minus the burning furniture!!!).<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/a8aa5d0bcc5962452d6a7823bca2389eb4e5912a/large/6ac923072f1ac6c739ad4bea67c95d87-halloween-scene-funny-halloween.jpg?1507149808" class="size_xl justify_center border_thin" alt="" />I was so excited to show off my wonderful devil costume to all my friends. It fit perfectly and I loved how when you spoke behind that plastic mask you could hear yourself echo a little bit. It also had a certain smell about it that was comforting for some odd reason. Taffy and Duke took pictures and then it was time to depart. The bell rang and all my friends were ready. Just as I was about to head out the door, Taffy decided it is way too cold out and maked me put a coat on over my costume and a wool hat on my head. UGH! OH NOOOOOOOO! I was so upset. I argued with her, but Taffy always won. With my head hung low and frown under my mask, I went out into the spooky cold night. This Devil Wears a Parka tonight!!!!”. The fall leaves were crunchy under my feet and the wind was howling slightly, a perfect spooky night! Despite the coat… which I immediately took off and wrapped around my waist, and the hat which I stuffed into my pumpkin, it was a wonderful Halloween with friends and a pumpkin full of yummy gooey delights. </p>
<p>I still love to dress up in costumes. I have moved on a bit from the ones in the box, but nothing is more fun than stepping outside my “normal” self and being a Superhero or anything else that fits my fancy! </p>
<p>So as Halloween month is upon us once again and I adjust my Batgirl mask, I take a deep breath and step out the door. I strut my purple boots down the pavement with my partner and friends at my side. The wind blows through my hair and I think to myself… I bet mom would have told me to wear a parka and a hat! </p>
<p>Hugs and love</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/7c3bf8e2a853efbbdc908156ac28e96f1594f193/large/img-0205.jpg?1507151223" class="size_xl justify_center border_thick" alt="" /></p>
<hr><p> </p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/48578342017-09-20T12:21:24-04:002017-09-20T13:42:46-04:00Just some Joe!<p>Fall … shopping for notebooks, pencils, fountain pens (6th grade gave us ink!), binders, a lunch box<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/407f7f3a58aecd642e0e1def8f53bea1579482e1/small/41e12d3a3c0018d16e0cad445137811f.jpg?1505918794" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> (I always favored the sci-fi TV show versions) and coffee. Yes… coffee…! I know, not the usual on the list for a young girl heading out to start school in the fall, but let me explain. </p>
<p>My father, Duke, was my idol. He was <span class="font_regular">handsome</span>, strong physically and mentally, and the best father a girl could wish for. Family was everything to him. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/727970b1fa92edfe016caac4b130c6299689fe13/small/img-0918.jpg?1505918799" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />Whether it was his daughter, his wife or his extended family of brothers and in-laws, Duke was always there for everyone. When his brothers left this earth before him, he sat by their side, bathed them, helped out the families and never wavered from his support. He adored his mother (she was a strong willed woman, but that could be a story for another time!!!) and his father was someone he always felt he needed to prove his worth to. Duke was a father most people dream about. Oh yes, he had his faults, he was human, but he always tried to do what was right, and succeeded... most of the time. </p>
<p>Duke went to the University of Miami. He was a sportsman and played football and basketball for them. It always amazed me he did so well in sports since he was only 5’7, but he made up for any lack of height with expertise. He never finished college, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/b0d714b4f59b2ad1c1611280b5f2e6308202b8ca/small/img-1544.jpg?1505919072" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />but instead signed up for the Navy. He was a doctors assistant on a Naval ship, but never got deployed. After the war, Duke worked for Bell Telephone Company in Brooklyn, <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/8bfb985a77bf03f7b038efd01d5296699b507ec8/small/hires-1939-logo.gif?1505919348" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />hanging lines for the company. His father, POP, who had a seat on the Stock Exchange until he was well into his 80’s, told him to “buy as much stock as they will let you” when he started the job. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/54a0eb65b9d07f98fd95b29efc5163205d05ce25/small/sc005263a9.jpg?1505918799" class="size_s justify_right border_medium" alt="" />He followed his dad's advice and that gave my parents some financial freedom later in life. Duke believed in the plight of the working man in NYC. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/ea37cebeb7b24263d676f387ca4b58047c411e8d/small/sc005291a8.jpg?1505918797" class="size_s justify_left border_medium" alt="" />He was vocal and loud, but always got noticed being so handsome and well spoken. He was a leader and eventually became Vice President of his union. I remember the day he received his “Diners Club” card. He came home beaming from ear to ear. We went out to “The Riviera Chateau” <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/c1dbd36f7dbc20a6cd695f9bef0f1a7897735b18/small/7b8890ff2278aa2ea61e37ac14d4a420.jpg?1505923506" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" />for dinner that night to celebrate! It was the fanciest restaurant on Staten Island! Duke in his green skinny suit, Florsheim Imperials and short hair, looked like something right out of the “Mad Men” TV show. I got to enjoy my first ever “Chicken Kiev” that night and felt like I was the most important girl in the room. You could see how proud Duke was to be able to take his family to something so “fancy”. </p>
<p>Duke worked hard but always made sure his family had everything. Each morning he would wake up to his clock radio at 6am. He would hop in the shower and I knew it was time to wake up when I smelled the British Sterling <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/a687b097663e3d5060a4ae3f6229665d814b4ce9/small/british-sterling.jpeg?1505918799" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />after shave that Duke loved. I would slip on my pink quilted robe and matching slippers and paddle my way out to the kitchen and wait for him. Mom would still be in bed, this was a time for just father and daughter. Duke would grab the can of Savarin coffee and he would let me use the can opener to pop it open. I remember that rush of air as the vacuum seal was released. The smell of those rich dark brown grounds was like heaven to me. Duke taught me how to fill the Blue Cornflower percolator <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/83df509202385d4d10e0a0ed493f912b63d3e639/small/49cccf78fbf3530f704372354e8da869.jpg?1505918794" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" />with grounds and water and set it on the gas flame. He knew just how much to let it perk. Then he would set up his white coffee cup and saucer, pour himself a cup of joe, get me a Flintstones glass of orange juice,<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/bb0f296b664fb6cf9d2c370e4a603c8e2f21c111/small/s-l1600.jpg?1505918797" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" /> light up a Pall Mall cigarette and sit at the table together. This was our time. Just me and dad. Together. We would talk about how well we slept, what I had planned that day and he would always end with how much he loved me. There I was, sitting at the table with my idol, my dad, and he was all mine at that moment. I didn’t have to share him with anyone else. Duke never seemed stressed or unhappy. Later as an adult, I realized that he went through some tough times. The phone company went on a long strike and he went to work at the Drakes Snack factory in Brooklyn to earn money. I never knew. All I knew was that he arrived home many nights with a box full of yummy Ring Dings, Yodels and Funny Bones! Duke did whatever it took to give his family everything. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/9bd07ec724a855ce1ebc2139e8178ca21446dd40/small/drakes.jpg?1505918915" class="size_s justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>We lost Duke in 2000 to colon cancer. He never gave in to it. He was determined to not allow the cancer to stop him. He would play golf and tennis several times a week no matter what. I was spending time with him in the hospital one day, when he grabbed me and told me he was proud of me and all I achieved in life. Then he slid into a deep sleep he never woke from. </p>
<p>I miss my dad. He was “The Perfect American Father” in my eyes. So as I grind my Arabica beans in my automatic expresso maker, the <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/f4b7e02456dd7420e4b72667680b7b35299cc3e7/small/img-7605.jpg?1505919248" class="size_s justify_left border_thin" alt="" />smell of those grinding beans is rich and deep. Somehow, though, it can’t compare to The Savarin Coffee and the rush of vacuum packed air that filled my nostrils each morning in our little kitchen on Beach Road standing besides the first man I ever loved. </p>
<p>NEVER forget </p>
<p><em><span style="color:#ff00ff;">Hugs & Love</span></em></p>
<p><em><span style="color:#ff00ff;">Doris Dear</span></em></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/48149362017-08-15T15:25:40-04:002017-08-17T08:38:52-04:00Supermarket Sweep!<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/f5154f10eb3e1a8fffbfbaa3138af12196fd061d/large/17-food-fair-1951-annual-report.jpg?1502823786" class="size_xl justify_center border_medium" alt="" />I absolutely adored going to the supermarket with mom. It was a time when “Supermarket” really meant SUPER!!! It was much more than just food, it was a place to catch up on the gossip of the day and show off to the neighbors. </p>
<p>Mom would get all dressed up. Full skirt, starched blouse with a stand up collar, perfectly coiffed hair and always a beautiful pump to set the whole outfit to perfection. I, of course, would be dressed in a miniature version of mom and I had to have a purse to match it… Taffy taught me well! Off we would motor to the Food Fair, park the car and stroll in graciously as if the only thing on our minds were a roast for this evenings dinner! </p>
<p>Like clockwork we would slowly make our way through the aisles. Taffy loved the latest technology in food. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/2c94587265f614535d2be6e773aeb40d268f7209/medium/tvdin17.jpg?1502818112" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />When frozen dinners hit the market, we of course were the first to try them. From meatloaf to sweet and sour chicken...it was all contained in one easy to serve foil tray. Fried Chicken seemed to be a popular entrée, and I loved it! “What a miracle” Taffy would exclaim! Of course always having her finger on the pulse of things, Taffy quickly had fiberglass folding TV dinner trays with brass legs ready for the 3 courses contained in that aluminum foil tray! As we sat in front of the TV watching The Flintstones, we dug into our dinner. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/13f1467014e1eb6ae184beab8c305d25aa26e417/medium/3.jpg?1502818114" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />Of course our trays had eagles on them since Taffy was currently into the “colonial” craze that was sweeping the interior decorating world! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/69bab88a18eb9395ab2479260cda13c6f922ed2a/medium/img-6816.jpg?1502885073" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></p>
<p>As we rounded the corner to the meat department Taffy would always wave a hello to the butcher, Joe, who was always there to carve a scrumptious roast for us. This was the perfect place for the gals to gather. Butchering took some time, so all the wives could catch up on the latest. The gals would tell tales of happenings and gossip from the neighborhood and brag about how well their husbands were doing at work. They giggled a lot through their kidskin gloves and told each other they were “terrible”! One by one they would get their roasts from Joe and make their way to a new isle for shopping while the others would continue until their time was up. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/768dc920113bbedf522e99ebd1cf148dedd7b0b5/medium/f770f4b1f836b61c74fa6dbd14fc0d23.jpg?1502822631" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" />I was always excited when we turned the corner to the cereal isle! It was like going on a safari full of pots of gold, lions, kilted men and … CLOWNS!!! There they were, leering at me... SUGAR SMACKS!… I shuddered in fear. Those clown faces, several different ones, stairing off those boxes of sweetness. I always asked mom to speed up as we passed them! Thank god for “Big Otis” nearby to keep me safe. Big Otis selling “the brawniest, brightest oat cereal of them all!” Who knew “bears” were a thing back then.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/87e498c55bed074d2422fff3f806fe2b9cfee5f8/medium/6a00d83451ccbc69e201b8d09a658d970c.jpg?1502818112" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> Unfortunately, it didn’t really sound very delicious. Then I saw it… something I had to have. Something that would satisfy this little gals sci-fi dreams of a brighter tomorrow… SUGAR JETS! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/935302113474a6d36305dc97c2af7e9b1ee19de0/medium/472d00e5b1041e5b650ae6312b338e14-1.jpg?1502824826" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />Sugar coated puffs that could make me fly! Since sugar was the second ingredient, it was no wonder I had all that extra energy the box said I would have!!! Even better was that it said it was "fun for snacks". It was even recommended by Betty Crocker herself! How could a housewife in training ask for anything better than that! </p>
<p>We would continue through the isles, checking for new products to bring home and try. Mom said the boil in a bag veggies were really a life saver. Creamed corn in a bag… what next… a nuclear oven!? The one new product Taffy never liked were those “potato flakes” in a box. She said it was fake and nothing could beat good potato’s peeled at home, boiled until fork tender and then mashed with good butter, whole milk and salt. She would buy a bag of “good ones” and they would be kept on the cellar stairs because it was dark and cool and would keep them from sprouting. </p>
<p>We sailed through the registers with ease and Taffy never missed an opportunity to say hi to the checker and ask her if she had heard any new gossip!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/644c788ac2192cfad82c2b98dc42017404c7a904/medium/checkou.jpg?1502818115" class="size_m justify_left border_thin" alt="" /> The handsome “bag boy” filled our brown paper bags with the days purchases and then escorted us to the car and placed them in the back seat. I always thought those boys were so good looking in their creased trousers, white starched shirts and long white aprons. A quick ride home and Taffy was ready to start the evenings dinner. Of course, Taffy, like clockwork, prided herself on making a roast beef dinner every month. Slices of onion, tooth picked on top of the roast, a heavy helping of salt and pepper for added flavor and even a shake or two of Accent. Accent was a marvel and seemed so exotic. Taffy said it was what gave “oriental” food its yummy flavor.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/e32340ee40c910038e2fe587d9573305b1dad188/medium/1953-womans-day-ad-accent-flavor-enhancer-2.jpg?1502823926" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /> Next was the big pot for boiling the potato’s and a smaller one for the creamed corn in a bag. Taffy never slowed down. Things always went smoothly in the kitchen. Taffy’s household was a prime example of the perfectly run home. Duke walked in the door at 6pm sharp. Taffy had a whiskey sour ready for him as we all sat down to a marvelous dinner. Duke beamed as he dug into his favorite meal. After finishing up, it was time for Taffy and Duke to enjoy a cup of coffee and a Pall Mall cigarette before heading into the living room to watch some TV. Duke knew that Taffy’s dinners were always full of flavor and perfect! Thank god she had the Supermarket! </p>
<p>Hugs and love </p>
<p>Doris Dear</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/a3f1fff1091e27a68c80a5e9a363d0d756ac97b6/large/supermarket.jpeg?1502818115" class="size_xl justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/47768672017-07-13T13:25:37-04:002017-07-20T10:41:26-04:00Summer on the Island!<p><span class="font_regular">What a wonderful start of summer I had. Just like Taffy and Duke, I motored out to the island and enjoyed ten fun filled, sun soaked days at the beach, chasing waves and digging up sand crabs just like we did growing up. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/61c2f33d901a11963cd92b63c32ef745c47c91dd/medium/large-letter-greetings-from-beach-haven-nj-1958-800x511.jpg?1499893676" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Taffy and Duke loved the beach. They looked forward to escaping to the sandy shores of<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/0b4d20f2bcf6c8ec39a1f518aa1cb57456aca96b/medium/8d3b08ee40140fa5b7244dfeb436c6b9.jpg?1499893675" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" /> Long Beach Island each summer. We would load up the car and motor down the Garden State Parkway in our new Mustang convertible with the top down and Taffy in a big hat and colorful scarf. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Inevitably we would get there just as our stomachs told us it was time for lunch. We would pull into "Wida’s" and order up our first lobster of the season! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/e8174941e9a970b7243e0af5920b3cab99e6bef7/medium/pict3.jpg?1499893673" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" />Oh how I was fascinated by those huge claws and dripping butter. Duke would crack those shells and Taffy would show me how a lady removes the meat! She was so delicate and managed to get every last bit out. Of course Taffy and Duke sipped a cold frothy beer and I enjoyed my sugary Shirley Temple. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/1dcefcce1080a18ef9cf98a4c261e145322c838b/medium/shirley-temple.png?1499961403" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Then it was back into the car to arrive at our rented house on the beach. Walls covered in Knotty Pine with the smell of salt and the grind of sand under our feet. How I loved these vacations! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Mornings always started with Duke making us bacon and eggs with freshly made donuts he would get each morning at "Marvel's Supermarket". </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/6520f1e4b40ce6da454fa5ce363ceb1b52773187/medium/e4003bdd4d96b1011a18a236a304a6bd-vintage-patio-beach-color-1.jpg?1499962175" class="size_m justify_right border_thin" alt="" />That was followed by a set up on the beach with large colorful umbrellas with long fringe, blankets, towels, baby oil and lots of cigarettes! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I of course had my latest chapter of "The Happy Hollisters" <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/fd6d55355de374b59e620d9a4fbf9a4e357bad5e/medium/happy-hollisters.jpg?1499966560" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" />with me ready to read. How I loved the adventures of this happy family. This years pick was "The Happy Hollisters at Sea Gull Beach". </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Mom and I would collect shells and she would teach me how to make necklaces and beaded ankle bracelets to give to the lifeguards sitting watch over us! Always the fashion plates, Taffy would hit the beach in only the latest fashions. This summer it was a “Catalina Sun Struck” polka dot bikini and Duke in his short shorts. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/c42e92062f87c5a49c367607d7b9ed65442775b2/large/swim.jpg?1499893676" class="size_xl justify_center border_medium" alt="" />They would always turn heads! What a truly beautiful couple. Taffy had her hair cut in a pixie style that summer (all the rage) and bleached white! She looked like something right out of vogue. Mom and Dad would set up the cribbage board and play for hours laughing and telling stories with friends that would drop by the blankets. It always seemed everyone waited for Taffy and Duke to arrive. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Early evenings would be a something I really looked forward to. We would hop in the car and drive over to Bay Village to walk around the shops and of course drop by to see the "Lucy Evelyn Schooner". <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/eacc597c61eab3753dcd6dad71a6758276c8be71/medium/72f64fd84649a06ad39dff8608e85725.jpg?1499960852" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" />It seemed so big to me back then. It was a shipwreck of sorts with a small museum inside. Sometimes we would get there at the right time and hear the “Wharf Rats” perform. Of course near by was the "Country Kettle Fudge" shop where Taffy would get a large helping of dark gooey chocolate fudge and a small piece of vanilla fudge for me.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/6e7e063a8b9b96a1540e1ec4ae6b3a6f5f5a8371/medium/john-maschal.jpg?1499963778" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="John Maschal the " /> That shop smelled so good with all that boiling sugar! A quick stop at the trampolines where we would all laugh bouncing up and down like monkeys and a quick wave at the Robot in front of "Hartman Go-Carts", then homeward ho!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/7c75afa9cae92710bd3bb691f84e6bce0f701957/medium/autorobotthen-1.jpg?1499893674" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" /> Taffy always brought our own sheets and they were crisp and comforting that first night. Waves crashing on the shore lulled me to sleep each night, box fans humming in the background, as Taffy and Duke would welcome friends in and serve up whiskey sours and cigarettes! </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">It always made me a little sad leaving. But our last night was always spent at a “fancy” dinner at “Howard’s”, sitting in large oak chairs eating French fried lobster tails with drawn butter. Even with my sunburnt lip, it never stopped me from chowing down! <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/6a24caec898ac810730f77f9c9c8baf26c45f62c/large/howards.jpeg?1499965454" class="size_xl justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><span class="font_regular">I treasure my summers with Taffy and Duke and now I still carry that same cribbage board with me to the beach and move my little wooden pegs around just like Taffy and Duke taught me! </span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular">Have a wonderful fab summer!</span></p>
<hr><p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/291d344535748091f2eba485d2f2d1c240117847/medium/facetune.jpg?1499965185" class="size_m justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 82px; left: 24px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span><span style="border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; text-align: center; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; font-size: 11px; line-height: 20px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml;base64,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); background-size: 14px 14px; background-color: rgb(189, 8, 28); position: absolute; opacity: 1; z-index: 8675309; display: none; cursor: pointer; border: none; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; top: 82px; left: 24px; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat;">Save</span></p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/47032422017-05-10T08:14:35-04:002017-05-10T09:43:14-04:00Today, May 10, 2017<p>Mothers </p>
<p>Taffy was beautiful. At an early age she stood apart from the rest. Her picture at 16 years old shows a movie star face. A slight smile that warms a heart. She was destined <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/e0760126928bb33659d19f079eca6d45cbf0c438/medium/young-mom.jpg?1494418175" class="size_m justify_right border_medium" alt="" />to be a star. She became a model, walking the runways of French designers and salon modeling for many of the wealthy "swans" of NYC. She drove a yellow Pontiac convertible. Everyone on Staten Island knew Taffy. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/347277b82d5513ba608815dede6e573fc5fcb7ce/medium/charity-ball-may-1955.jpg?1494418359" class="size_m justify_left border_medium" alt="" />Then she met Duke. Life changed. He made all her dreams come true. So much so she gave it all up to become a housewife and mother. It was everything she ever wanted. They were a beautiful couple. She was never happier than being a mother and raising her family. She never looked back. Taffy had a life full of love, friends and family. </p>
<p>I remember when she taught me to make sugar cookies and how to color white sugar to decorate them. She taught me knitting, needlework, cooking, crafting and most importantly how to be the perfect Housewife. </p>
<p>Taffy was never embarrassed about just being a housewife. To her, it meant she had the greatest job of all. She was strong willed and she fiercely protected her family. She would never give in when it came to protecting her family. She had rules and laws changed to make sure her children and others were protected. She was everything! </p>
<p>I used to watch her rule a room. She was always the life of the party. Her smile was infectious. When she and Duke danced the lindy her face lit up and their smiles said it all. Taffy was like no other. </p>
<p>As we come into the second Sunday of May otherwise known as "Mothers Day" I salute you Taffy. I salute everything you did to give me the life I have now. One that is full and rewarding on so many levels. I would be nothing without all you gave up and did for me. </p>
<p>Want to hear more about Taffy? Come see me at Feinstein's/54 Below this Friday, May 12th at 9:30pm and my "Mothers Day Special: Like Mother Like Daughter" click here for tickets: <a contents="INFO AND TICKETS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://54below.com/events/doris-dears-gurl-talk-salute-taffy-ray-deforest/" target="_blank">INFO AND TICKETS</a> and use code DORISDEAR35 for 35% off a main dining room seat! <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/49fc44933caded268ca673bc9cf917dc61084f54/large/dorisdearmothersday35.png?1494418408" class="size_xl justify_center border_medium" alt="" /></p>
<p>Hugs and love </p>
<p>Doris Dear</p>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/46562542017-04-03T14:43:40-04:002017-04-03T16:12:24-04:00Today, April 3, 2017Well my Dear's, it seems that spring has sprung finally and the sun is shining bright through my windows looking out on the Hudson River. All of my houseplants have started to spring into growth and the basil seeds have been sown in the hydroponics! Technology is simply wonderful isn't it! Those little seeds will grow enough basil for me to make it through yet another long winter... thank god for pesto! <br><br>Things really have changed haven't they? Taffy, my mother, lived for her magazines to show up in the mail box to find out what was new and great. She poured over those pages and got new ideas each month. Now it seems you go to this thing called "Google Search" and the world of information is at your fingertips. It seems though that so much of that information isn't especially accurate. When it comes to food recipes especially things seem wrong! No one has time tested the recipes or spent much time in the kitchen trying it out.<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/240825/8756624f6fd17a0f77d02dd42a526b4438698d76/medium/img-3451.jpg?1491244872" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><br>I spent years on TV preparing food and I wrote all my own recipes. They were tested over and over and made sure they were correct by me and my staff. It seems that this just isn't the case much anymore. What would taffy have done without her "Better Homes and Gardens"? She would not have had that great grapefruit jello mold recipe to share with us all. A yummy concoction of grapefruit slices, crab, shrimp and red jello! Oh my DEAR'S, it was delish... and healthy too (or so they said).<br><br>Of course this time of year is time for my time tested and yummy RED VELVET CAKE! This is one of my most popular recipes. I love this cake and it makes a great presentation if you spend just a little bit of time decorating this frosty beauty. Traditionally, red velvet cake is iced with a French-style butter roux icing (also called ermine icing), which is very light and fluffy, but time-consuming to prepare. Cream cheese frosting has become the most popular these days. <br><br>Interested in making your own? Try my recipe published here:<br><br><a contents="Doris Dear's favorite Red Velvet Cake" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/red-velvet-cake-recipe" target="_blank">Doris Dear's favorite Red Velvet Cake</a><br><br>Happy baking DEARS!<br><br>Love<br><br><em>Doris Dear</em><br> Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewifetag:dorisdear.com,2005:Post/46182032017-03-06T11:20:39-05:002017-03-06T11:20:39-05:00Today, March 6th, 2017<span class="font_large">Good day all my <em><span style="color:#ff00cc;">DEARS</span></em>! <br><br>The sun is shining high in the sky and slowly spring is trying to take over New York City. Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of my mother, Taffy's, passing. Taffy influenced me deeply and in so many ways. If you have seen any of my shows, you would have heard all the stories and advice that she passed along to me. So today, I would like to pass on a few tidbits of classic Housewife moments to you.</span><div style="text-align: center;">
<br><span class="font_large"><em>"Make a home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax in body and spirit."<br><br>"Never complain if he doesn't take you out. Try instead to understand his world better."<br><br>"When he arrives home, let him talk, this is NOT your time."<br><br>"Never greet him with complaints. Your problems are minor compared to his!"</em></span><br> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="font_large"><em><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="rVZYtXgBxZE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/rVZYtXgBxZE/0.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rVZYtXgBxZE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="200" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></em></span><br> </div>
<div><span class="font_large">Until next time... have a wonderful day!<br><br>Love <br><br><em><span style="color:#ff00cc;">Doris Dear</span></em></span></div>Doris Dear, The Perfect American Housewife