Saturday, January 31, 2009
Anglyn Rose.........
Congratulations on a new baby girl. I think of your sister, Angie often. She was such a sweet person and always so good to my parents. That little girl has a special angel watching over her!!! (and so lucky to have an Aunt Joann.) Donnie must be thrilled! Tell your Mom we said, congrats and we love her name...
The Blog and Tadelles
Love your new blog. The Youngstown stories are great and makes me truly appreciate having grown up there. I have been trying various Tadelle (you called them Viscots) recipes so was very excited to see the Warino version-- I will definitely try it. I wish I had my Grandma Angie's recipe, but they never did write down many recipes then; they had made them over and over and knew it by heart. They say the sense of smell is most closely tied to memory, and nothing brings me back to walking into the back door of Grandpa (Lou) and Grandma (Ang)'s house then the wonderful smell of a large pot of sauce simmering on the stove and the floury, earthy homemade pasta (cavatelli, of course) drying on the cutting board.
Deb DeMarinis Lodico
Deb DeMarinis Lodico
First grandchild
Don't know who asked the question about the first grandchild. The first grandchild was my sister, Angie.
The first grandchild?
Was Nicky was the first grandchild?
I remember Nicky was big buddies with the guy who lived across the street from Grandma. His name was Lou Marinelli. I remember being over playing with Lou's son Joey, and becoming aware by via Joey that the man talking to his dad was my cousin. It was really unsettling. He would stop by to see Grandma now and then.
I remember Nicky was big buddies with the guy who lived across the street from Grandma. His name was Lou Marinelli. I remember being over playing with Lou's son Joey, and becoming aware by via Joey that the man talking to his dad was my cousin. It was really unsettling. He would stop by to see Grandma now and then.
What's it all about? ALFIE
I do remember Alfie having coffee every morning with Grandma. (probably "viscots" also!) Remember how long grandma's hair was when she would take it out of the bun to wash it? Was Angeline the first grandchild?
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Great Chase
Occasionally I was less than the best behaved little boy. No really, I was bad from time to time :-).
Given Grandma's age, sometimes she would call in reinforcements to discipline me. Mostly, that job fell to Uncle Blackie (although I think every one of my Aunts and Uncles had a crack at it).
Once he came over already in a bad mood that was further aggravated at having had to be called into disciplinary service for his mom. He was so mad I ran from him. I ran out the back door into the yard with him in hot pursuit. I shot between the bushes and into the neighbors yard (aka the "American") and he followed through the bushes, but he came out scratched up shirt torn and even madder.
I ran into the house and as he was about to grab me when I scooted under the dining room table (the table in the room we never used). The table had a trundle that I got over and out the other side.
He followed me under the table but got stuck on said trundle. Well, now he was REALLY mad. Just picture the scene for a moment.
Then he freed himself and came out spitting fire. I was kind of frozen by the situation and stood to face the inevitable. Grandma stepped between us realizing my pending doom and said, "No Blackie, leave him (me) alone."
Well, he was possibly as surprised as I was, but still breathing hard and mad. He sat down in the kitchen and I was sent to my room. After a bit I was summoned and got a mean talking to and he asked that I never do anything to make her call him again.
I did my best from that day forward, and really believe that was the final time he was called in. I still have that table downstairs in storage just because of this memory.
Given Grandma's age, sometimes she would call in reinforcements to discipline me. Mostly, that job fell to Uncle Blackie (although I think every one of my Aunts and Uncles had a crack at it).
Once he came over already in a bad mood that was further aggravated at having had to be called into disciplinary service for his mom. He was so mad I ran from him. I ran out the back door into the yard with him in hot pursuit. I shot between the bushes and into the neighbors yard (aka the "American") and he followed through the bushes, but he came out scratched up shirt torn and even madder.
I ran into the house and as he was about to grab me when I scooted under the dining room table (the table in the room we never used). The table had a trundle that I got over and out the other side.
He followed me under the table but got stuck on said trundle. Well, now he was REALLY mad. Just picture the scene for a moment.
Then he freed himself and came out spitting fire. I was kind of frozen by the situation and stood to face the inevitable. Grandma stepped between us realizing my pending doom and said, "No Blackie, leave him (me) alone."
Well, he was possibly as surprised as I was, but still breathing hard and mad. He sat down in the kitchen and I was sent to my room. After a bit I was summoned and got a mean talking to and he asked that I never do anything to make her call him again.
I did my best from that day forward, and really believe that was the final time he was called in. I still have that table downstairs in storage just because of this memory.
The Apartment
Not the movie....
Remember Uncle Nick had the big house down on Wick Oval that was split into many apartments for YSU students. I spent many Saturdays with him down there working around that house with him, largely to get me out from Grandma while Mom was at work. I leaned alot about how to fix things with him and did my best to help, although, most of what I did seemed to do just the opposite.
I remember once trying to haul out a nasty old rug getting the dry heaves from the smell and ulitmately creating another mess to clean up. We would come home and he would tell grandma and my mom about the day and there was a good bit of laughter about it. It could have been a sit-com. That poor guy.
Remember Uncle Nick had the big house down on Wick Oval that was split into many apartments for YSU students. I spent many Saturdays with him down there working around that house with him, largely to get me out from Grandma while Mom was at work. I leaned alot about how to fix things with him and did my best to help, although, most of what I did seemed to do just the opposite.
I remember once trying to haul out a nasty old rug getting the dry heaves from the smell and ulitmately creating another mess to clean up. We would come home and he would tell grandma and my mom about the day and there was a good bit of laughter about it. It could have been a sit-com. That poor guy.
The Pets
Chip was a dog my mom always talked about that was from long before me. We got that damn ceramic dog that was in the dining room as some sort of a monument to Chip. When I emptied out the house on Truesdale, Uncle Nick was furious with me for having thrown away the ceramic dog. He actually crawled into the dumpster after it, swearing at me the whole time. "Chip" was surely an appropraite name for that piece of bric-a-brac by then, as I and most of you had left our marks on it. Years later at a wedding he seemed to have forgiven me for the "Chip incident."I am told we had a weiner dog when I was born, purchased (or stolen from somewhere by my father). The dog was reputedly so dumb it was hit by a car as it didn't realize part of it was in the street as its front was on the devil-strip.
Alfie was our long-owned dog. She was a standard poodle, that was incredibly smart and even tempered. It would eat anything Grandma gave it, and worshiped her and my mom. My mom used to sing the song "Whats it all about, Alfieeee", and the dog would hooowl away.
The cat was named Pepe, and was fast as a bullet, and a great hunter. I saw that cat take a bird out of the air, leaping from the garage roof. Not sure she ever did it a second time.
I Remember Two Dogs
I remember Grandma having two dogs. The first one was reddish brown and I think his name was Chip. I maybe wrong on that one. The second dog was Alfie. The black poodle who liked to smoke a pipe and drink coffee with Grandma. So my guess is that there were two.
Pizzelles
Here is my Mom’s recipe for pizzelles that was requested. Nic and I asked her to make more because we didn’t get very many at Christmas. All Dad’s friends from Youngstown like Vince Blumetti , Joe Cregan, and my godfather, Tony Grohovsky, ate them all before we got enough. Maybe it will become our new Super Bowl tradition. Way better than Chex Mix!
Classic Pizzelles
3 eggs
¾ cups sugar
½ cup margarine, melted
4 Tablespoons anise extract
1 ¾ cups of flour2 teaspoons baking powder
2 Tablespoons anise or fennel seeds, optional
Preheat pizzelle iron. Cream together eggs and sugar, then add melted margarine that has been cooled and anise extract. Add flour and baking powder and mix until smooth. Add anise seeds and mix well. If batter is too thick add water a tablespoon at a time until it is the desired consistency. Using a teaspoon, drop one spoonful of batter on iron for each cookie. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Hint: My mom says to put the batter in a Ziploc bag and snip off one small corner (like a pastry bag) and squeeze out a teaspoon-sized dollop on the iron for each cookie. It gives you better control and is MUCH less sticky.
Classic Pizzelles
3 eggs
¾ cups sugar
½ cup margarine, melted
4 Tablespoons anise extract
1 ¾ cups of flour2 teaspoons baking powder
2 Tablespoons anise or fennel seeds, optional
Preheat pizzelle iron. Cream together eggs and sugar, then add melted margarine that has been cooled and anise extract. Add flour and baking powder and mix until smooth. Add anise seeds and mix well. If batter is too thick add water a tablespoon at a time until it is the desired consistency. Using a teaspoon, drop one spoonful of batter on iron for each cookie. Makes about 3 dozen cookies.
Hint: My mom says to put the batter in a Ziploc bag and snip off one small corner (like a pastry bag) and squeeze out a teaspoon-sized dollop on the iron for each cookie. It gives you better control and is MUCH less sticky.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Toilet Repair
I was talking to Aunt Rose the other day and she said “you have to tell the story about fixing your father’s toilet”. I said, “Sure” and hung up the phone. Toilet story…toilet story…what was she talking about? I slowly folded the phone and starred at it while I was attempting to remember. My thumb ran over the buttons on the phone when I noticed a giant U-shaped scar on my thumb. Thirteen stitches if memory serves. Yep, that’s it, the toilet story.
One of the last times I went to visit my dad he asked me to fix the toilet. He said “Tell you what; I’ll make some spaghetti while you replace the seal on the toilet tank”. Nothing is more appetizing than placing your hands in a 30 year old toilet and then eating a hearty meal. I said “Dad please, just call a plumber, please oh please? Those bolts are 30 years old!” Dad countered with “Oh come on you sissy, fix the toilet.” I went downstairs and got his socket set. I distinctly remember the ½ inch socket being cracked. I said, “Dad I can’t fix the toilet because the ½" socket is cracked.” To which Dad replied “Jesus Keee-ripes, when did you break the socket?” I replied “Dad, I haven’t lived here in like 9 years.”
Dad had the perfect solution, “get a hose clamp, tighten it around the cracked socket and it will be fine.” Well the clamp failed, the socket slipped and I cut my thumb in the toilet. There was blood all over the place; it looked like a horror film. I quickly wrapped my hand in a towel and ran up to my Dad. “Dad, I have to go to the hospital, I just cut my hand really bad.”
My father replied with “I went to all this trouble to cook you dinner and you’re leaving? Go to the cellar and get some dressing for the salad.” As I walked down the steps, I remember thinking “how am I going to wash the toilet germs off with one hand and eat?” As I looked the bottle of dressing I thought “Oh hell, it doesn’t matter, I’m going to bleed out before I even finish dinner.” I then checked the expiration date on the bottle of dressing which is something I highly recommend when eating anything at your parent’s house. The dressing expired a year prior…my stomach started to tighten. I walked upstairs and said “Dad, this salad dressing is a collector’s item, and we can’t eat it or we’ll die.” Dad opened the bottle, didn’t even sniff the contents. Not even a whiff. With no hesitation, he took a big slug of the salad dressing like he was drinking a Coke. “It is fine, you sissy.”
As I sat eating dinner, I thought “what are the odds of not getting an infection or food poisoning or bleeding to death.”
Well I finished dinner and went to the emergency room at the hospital. The doctor asked “This injury looks several hours old. Why did you wait so long to come in?” I said “If I tell you what happened, will you pump my stomach?”
Morris
One of the last times I went to visit my dad he asked me to fix the toilet. He said “Tell you what; I’ll make some spaghetti while you replace the seal on the toilet tank”. Nothing is more appetizing than placing your hands in a 30 year old toilet and then eating a hearty meal. I said “Dad please, just call a plumber, please oh please? Those bolts are 30 years old!” Dad countered with “Oh come on you sissy, fix the toilet.” I went downstairs and got his socket set. I distinctly remember the ½ inch socket being cracked. I said, “Dad I can’t fix the toilet because the ½" socket is cracked.” To which Dad replied “Jesus Keee-ripes, when did you break the socket?” I replied “Dad, I haven’t lived here in like 9 years.”
Dad had the perfect solution, “get a hose clamp, tighten it around the cracked socket and it will be fine.” Well the clamp failed, the socket slipped and I cut my thumb in the toilet. There was blood all over the place; it looked like a horror film. I quickly wrapped my hand in a towel and ran up to my Dad. “Dad, I have to go to the hospital, I just cut my hand really bad.”
My father replied with “I went to all this trouble to cook you dinner and you’re leaving? Go to the cellar and get some dressing for the salad.” As I walked down the steps, I remember thinking “how am I going to wash the toilet germs off with one hand and eat?” As I looked the bottle of dressing I thought “Oh hell, it doesn’t matter, I’m going to bleed out before I even finish dinner.” I then checked the expiration date on the bottle of dressing which is something I highly recommend when eating anything at your parent’s house. The dressing expired a year prior…my stomach started to tighten. I walked upstairs and said “Dad, this salad dressing is a collector’s item, and we can’t eat it or we’ll die.” Dad opened the bottle, didn’t even sniff the contents. Not even a whiff. With no hesitation, he took a big slug of the salad dressing like he was drinking a Coke. “It is fine, you sissy.”
As I sat eating dinner, I thought “what are the odds of not getting an infection or food poisoning or bleeding to death.”
Well I finished dinner and went to the emergency room at the hospital. The doctor asked “This injury looks several hours old. Why did you wait so long to come in?” I said “If I tell you what happened, will you pump my stomach?”
Morris
Spooked on Halloween
This evening I was on the phone with Uncle Joe and we were talking about the blog and laughing. I was telling him that one Halloween night, after the trick-or-treaters were gone (treak or treat lasted about 5 hours then,) the doorbell rang and my Dad went to answer it. At the door crawled in, pushing passed my father, Morris. It was an adult with this ugly baby mask on, crawling and crying and rolling all over the kitchen floor. It was funny, but then became kind of frightening. My father was a bit spooked because he had no idea of who this was... this baby had on a big white bonnet, long pj's and just kept crying and hanging on us. My dad finally said "Who the hell are you?" The baby lifted her mask...... It was Aunt Phyll Romeo.
Addition to the Turkey Story
Aunt Rose read Uncle Joe's story and laughed like she just heard it for the first time. (I can't tell you how many times I have heard that story.) She wanted to add that when Grandpa got home after walking with the turkey on the leash he said: "Sum a na bitch (the turkey) lost 2 pound!"
I also wanted to add that I would spend a week at Grandma's in the summer when I was in grade school (my summer vacation) and I cannot tell you how many times I climbed that Bing cherry tree that Dominic mentioned for those delicious cherries. My mother tells me that when I was little, I loved fruit as did Grandpa and even when my mother thought I had had enough, Grandpa would sneak me fruit. Great memories.
I also wanted to add that I would spend a week at Grandma's in the summer when I was in grade school (my summer vacation) and I cannot tell you how many times I climbed that Bing cherry tree that Dominic mentioned for those delicious cherries. My mother tells me that when I was little, I loved fruit as did Grandpa and even when my mother thought I had had enough, Grandpa would sneak me fruit. Great memories.
Best Breakfast Memories
Frequently, I would wake up to the smell of red sauce long simmering on the stove. Occassionally, I would make my way downstairs STARVING and Grandma would cook me breakfast in an odd manner.
See the stove was crowded, guests were over etc., so she would crack a couple eggs on top of the slowly simmering sauce, right into the grease on top of the pot, and cover the pot for a minute or two, then scoop out the eggs and a hunk of sausage onto a piece of bread, maybe even a couple of green beans or "coogotz" (zucchini,) depending on what was "around."
WOW, was that good!
See the stove was crowded, guests were over etc., so she would crack a couple eggs on top of the slowly simmering sauce, right into the grease on top of the pot, and cover the pot for a minute or two, then scoop out the eggs and a hunk of sausage onto a piece of bread, maybe even a couple of green beans or "coogotz" (zucchini,) depending on what was "around."
WOW, was that good!
Pop in the Wine Cellar
Remember the two "fruit" cellars, in the back of the basement at Truesdale? The one was home to canned goods, lots of tomatoes, Bartlett pears, eggplant in oil, dried sausage in oil, and peppers (hot). Those pears came from that tree in the back yard every other year. By the way can you name another yard on earth that had a Bartlett pear tree, a plum tree, a Bing cherry tree (I spent half the summer in that tree) and a peach tree all actively growing in it? I digress.
The other fruit cellar was larger and had been the wine cellar in days gone by. The parts of those vintages were still in that room.
Before Christmas every year, Uncle Morris would show up with a Coke truck and unload cases (like 25 of them) of pop and would stack them in the aforementioned fruit cellar. It was always very cool in there, thus the logic was they would be cold and ready to drink whenever needed (for the soon to come holiday gatherings).
I think the other thought was by putting the soda and mixers in there, they would be safe from a certain young boy.
They were wrong...
The other fruit cellar was larger and had been the wine cellar in days gone by. The parts of those vintages were still in that room.
Before Christmas every year, Uncle Morris would show up with a Coke truck and unload cases (like 25 of them) of pop and would stack them in the aforementioned fruit cellar. It was always very cool in there, thus the logic was they would be cold and ready to drink whenever needed (for the soon to come holiday gatherings).
I think the other thought was by putting the soda and mixers in there, they would be safe from a certain young boy.
They were wrong...
Italian Women are Tough
An elderly Italian man was dying in his bed. While suffering the agonies of impending death, he suddenly smelled the aroma of his favorite ravioli wafting up the stairs.
He gathered his remaining strength, and lifted himself from the bed. Gripping the railing with both hands, he crawled downstairs.
When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he leaned against the door frame, gazing into the kitchen, where if not for his death’s agony, he would have thought himself already in heaven, for there, spread out upon waxed paper on the kitchen table were hundreds of his favorite ravioli.
Was it heaven? Or was it one final act of love from his wife of sixty years, seeing to it that he left this world a happy man.
He threw himself toward the table, landing on his knees in a crumpled posture. His perched lips parted, the wondrous taste of the ravioli was already in his mouth.
With a trembling hand he reached up to the edge of the table, when suddenly he was smacked with a wooden spoon by his wife... "Back-off," she said, "those are for the Funeral…."
Joseph V. Warino
Sonny's Post
Sonny, your posting was great. Your very lucky to have a mom that does so many nice things for you. To top it off, she sounds like a wonderful cook! Please have her post her pitzelle recipe. I too love pitzelle cookies. I love to try new recipes as much as I love to eat!!!! I can't wait to try her "viscot" recipe and also Aunt Rose's recipe, I'm going to try them this weekend!
Joyce Warino-Palombaro
Joyce Warino-Palombaro
Four Joe Warino's
This was taken last week at the baptism of Joe Warino (Joey) son of Joe Warino (Lil’joe) son of Joe Warino (JoJo) son of Joe Warino (Uncle Joe)...
One Great Turkey Story!
It seems Grandma sent Grandpa out shopping one day for the coming weeks provisions. So after a long night of working, Grandpa headed downtown Youngstown to all his favorite grocery stores for a day of shopping. Having collected all his canned goods and non-perishable items, Grandpa stopped at the meat shop on East Federal, to buy a turkey. The store owner wrapped the turkey (live) with twine and handed it over to Grandpa for his journey home. After walking just a few blocks the turkey became restless, too restless to handle along with all of the other bags of groceries, so Grandpa stopped and reassessed the situation. Grandpa then unwrapped the twine from around the turkey, and carefully crafted it into a collar and leash… He then put the collar on the turkey, picked up his groceries, and walked the turkey home!!! One can only imagine the look on Grandma’s face and her trademark laughter as she watched Grandpa walking down Trusedale Avenue with a turkey on a leash!!!!!
As told by Joe Warino, Sr. (Uncle Joe)
As told by Joe Warino, Sr. (Uncle Joe)
Connie Warino
I thought I would attach a favorite photo of mine of my mother, Connie Warino. Any time I would be out with my Dad (Morris) and he would notice an attractive woman, he would turn to me and say "now that is a good looking woman" the woman always resembled the woman in this photo.Morris Michael
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
How To Create a Screen Name and Log Into Blog Sites
Hello!
Dominic asked me to post how I created an account, I tried to make it as easy to understand as I could and hope I did not miss any steps! Good Luck, it is a bit tricky if you do not have gmail or an already created google account!
1. Go to http://www.blogger.com/i.g?inviteID=835475738625473302&blogID=8504291977204026433 (this is the original link in the e-mail Dominic sent inviting you to join the blog).
2. You will come to a page that says in black letters at the top: DOMINIC ROMEO HAS INVITED YOU TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE BLOG Warino Family BlogSite.
3. If you do not have a Google account: you need to click on the blue underlined words that say “ Create your account now.”
a. You will then be prompted to “Create a Google account” all you really need to do is type in your e-mail address, verify your e-mail address, create a screen name (this is the name that will appear when you write) and pick a password. (this is what you will use when you log into the blog, it is not going to change your actual password for email, so don’t be worried!).
b. You will then have to verify by retyping letters that they give you in green in the verification box, this is to prevent fraud. You also then need to checkmark the box “I agree with the terms of service” to proceed. Then click “Continue”.
4. Once a google account is created, you can then log in using the link in #1 (the link in Dominic’s invite). Your username is your e-mail and your password is the password you selected when you created a google account. Then click “accept invitation” and you are in!
5. If anyone wants me to do it for them, I don’t mind at all. Just shoot me an e-mail at allybaro@aol.com. Hope this helps!
Dominic asked me to post how I created an account, I tried to make it as easy to understand as I could and hope I did not miss any steps! Good Luck, it is a bit tricky if you do not have gmail or an already created google account!
1. Go to http://www.blogger.com/i.g?inviteID=835475738625473302&blogID=8504291977204026433 (this is the original link in the e-mail Dominic sent inviting you to join the blog).
2. You will come to a page that says in black letters at the top: DOMINIC ROMEO HAS INVITED YOU TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE BLOG Warino Family BlogSite.
3. If you do not have a Google account: you need to click on the blue underlined words that say “ Create your account now.”
a. You will then be prompted to “Create a Google account” all you really need to do is type in your e-mail address, verify your e-mail address, create a screen name (this is the name that will appear when you write) and pick a password. (this is what you will use when you log into the blog, it is not going to change your actual password for email, so don’t be worried!).
b. You will then have to verify by retyping letters that they give you in green in the verification box, this is to prevent fraud. You also then need to checkmark the box “I agree with the terms of service” to proceed. Then click “Continue”.
4. Once a google account is created, you can then log in using the link in #1 (the link in Dominic’s invite). Your username is your e-mail and your password is the password you selected when you created a google account. Then click “accept invitation” and you are in!
5. If anyone wants me to do it for them, I don’t mind at all. Just shoot me an e-mail at allybaro@aol.com. Hope this helps!
Viscots, my 2 cents
I have never had Great Grandma's (obviously) or Great Aunt Rose's viscots, but I tried the ones my mom made this weekend. I had them without coffee (or wine, since I am only 12.) They were a bit plain, but I liked the licorice flavor. I also tried the ones she dipped in sugar which I liked more. Mom put some in my school lunch and everybody wanted some even though they had never heard of them before. I shared a few with mixed reviews. I must say that I like the pizzelles she makes at Christmas time much better. They are crispier and sweeter.
Italian Game of "Morra"
I grew up watching a lot of Morra played on Truesdale. Denise did some research for the game and it is detailed below. Seemed like a lot of drinking occured with the games, doubt that had much to do with its popularity? ~Dom
Morra is a hand game that goes back thousands of years to ancient Roman times and is still popular in Italy today. In the Bible, it may have been referred to as "casting lots." In ancient Rome, it was called micatio, and playing it was referred to as "micare digitis"; literally, "to flash with fingers." As time passed, the name became Morra. The game was so common that in ancient Rome that there was a proverb used to describe an honest person: "Dignus est quicum in tenebris mices," which means, "He is a worthy man with whom you could play micatio in the dark."
There are two styles of play. Northern Italians play sitting while Southern Italian players stand and use their whole body and extend their arms to flash their fingers. The purpose of the game is to sharpen the mind while enjoying the company of friends. In the most popular version, players throw out a single hand, each showing zero to five fingers, and call out loud their guess at what the sum of all fingers shown will be. If one player guesses the sum, that player earns one point.
In another version one person is designated the "evens" player while the other is labeled "odds". Players hold one hand out in front and count together to three (sometimes chanting "Once, twice, thrice, SHOOT!" or "One, two, three, SHOOT!") On three, both players hold out either one or two fingers. If the sum of fingers shown by both players is an even number, then the "evens" player wins; otherwise the "odds" player is the winner. Since there are two possible ways to add up to three, both players have an equal chance of winning.
Apparently some variations of Morra involve money. The winner earns a number of dollars equal to the sum of fingers displayed. This might explain why some of the Uncles looked happy and others not so much!
Morra is a hand game that goes back thousands of years to ancient Roman times and is still popular in Italy today. In the Bible, it may have been referred to as "casting lots." In ancient Rome, it was called micatio, and playing it was referred to as "micare digitis"; literally, "to flash with fingers." As time passed, the name became Morra. The game was so common that in ancient Rome that there was a proverb used to describe an honest person: "Dignus est quicum in tenebris mices," which means, "He is a worthy man with whom you could play micatio in the dark."
There are two styles of play. Northern Italians play sitting while Southern Italian players stand and use their whole body and extend their arms to flash their fingers. The purpose of the game is to sharpen the mind while enjoying the company of friends. In the most popular version, players throw out a single hand, each showing zero to five fingers, and call out loud their guess at what the sum of all fingers shown will be. If one player guesses the sum, that player earns one point.
In another version one person is designated the "evens" player while the other is labeled "odds". Players hold one hand out in front and count together to three (sometimes chanting "Once, twice, thrice, SHOOT!" or "One, two, three, SHOOT!") On three, both players hold out either one or two fingers. If the sum of fingers shown by both players is an even number, then the "evens" player wins; otherwise the "odds" player is the winner. Since there are two possible ways to add up to three, both players have an equal chance of winning.
Apparently some variations of Morra involve money. The winner earns a number of dollars equal to the sum of fingers displayed. This might explain why some of the Uncles looked happy and others not so much!
Love this Blog!
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Thanks for including me in this blog. I am loving reading all the stories and I get teared up remembering some of the stories from nunnie and poppy telling me them all the time! Oh, and my mom telling me them, of course! I am Joyce's oldest, Ally. I have a picture of nun and pop and am trying to scan some of their wedding pics! Thanks for connecting everyone Dominic!Allyson Palombaro (Morris and Connie's grand-daughter)
Connie remembers...
Oh and I forgot to tell you.... My mom, Connie.... she remember's what ''AHT TA FAV OOT" means!!!! When I said it, her reply was "Joyce Anne"!!!!!
Joyce
Joyce
MODAY...
I am really enjoying this blog. It is really bringing back so many funny, sad, happy, but most of all, wonderful memories. What about on Sundays and Holidays when all the "boys" would go outside and play (excuse my Italian spelling..... I don't have Italian Spell Check!) MODAY...... They would go outside and yell out, "uno" "duo" "seeeeeeeeeta".... then some "blurrrrrrrrrr" would be said. Then they would come in the house... some happy..... some not so happy... but always ready to "mung" again. Wow, how blessed we are to have had, and have, such wonderful people in our lives!!! Oh and by the way Joann, the picture on the slide show of grandma feeding the goat a bottle... I saw Uncle Vic!!! Man, was he a hottie!!!! He looks like Clark Gable!!! Aunt Rose, thank you for the "Viscot" recipe! I will pass on the TRIPE, which I always thought was chicken fat, but my dad loved!! YUCK! My mom, Connie Warino is enjoying this also. I read it to her every night. She has gotten some real laughs. She said to say hello to everyone!!!
Joyce Warino-Palombaro
Joyce Warino-Palombaro
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Viscots
When it comes to viscots, nobody does them better than Aunt Rose. I have had the pleasure of growing up on Aunt Rose's Viscots!!! As was stated, the greatest treat during every Christmas and Easter Holiday, in my humble opinion was having one of Aunt Rose's Viscots. And if you don’t remember, Sunday mornings, Grandpa Warino breaking the pretzel shaped cookie into small pieces and placing them in his coffee, only to savor with each sip, than your not a Warino!!! No other cookie on this earth has left such a memory etched on my brain. Aunt Rose made some viscots special for our Lindsey’s wedding in 2007. The caterer, not knowing what to do with them , put them in a basket in the bar area. They were gone in minutes!!!! Now I’m hungry for one, or two!!!
Joseph V. WarinoTripe
Grandpa loved tripe, but Grandma didn't like it and wouldn't make it. So Rose cooked a big batch for him, stewed with tomatoes etc.
As he was sitting down to eat some, Blackie came in to visit. He said, "Aahh, mushrooms" and Grandpa said, "Have some." So Blackie sat down and was served some. Not being told what it actually was (Note: this was not uncommon on Truesdale!)
He took a big chewy bite and said, "What the hell kinda mushrooms are these?" and Grandpa laughed and laughed at him. Grandpa teased him about the tripe from then on ....
Aunt Rose
As he was sitting down to eat some, Blackie came in to visit. He said, "Aahh, mushrooms" and Grandpa said, "Have some." So Blackie sat down and was served some. Not being told what it actually was (Note: this was not uncommon on Truesdale!)
He took a big chewy bite and said, "What the hell kinda mushrooms are these?" and Grandpa laughed and laughed at him. Grandpa teased him about the tripe from then on ....
Aunt Rose
Recipe for Viscots
Aunt Rose does not really use a recipe as she knows it by heart but she has found the recipe that she made and used and has given and verified it is correct. Here it is:
Viscots
Mix and set aside:
2 pkgs rapid rise yeast
2 tsp sugar
1 & 1/2 c warm water
In large kettle mix:
6-7 cups flour ( not evenly measured)
1 tsp salt
4 TBSP fennel ( approx)
2 sticks melted margarine
4 large eggs
yeast mixture
Put large kettle of water on to boil. Knead mixture and let sit for a while ( approx 15 min) and knead again until soft dough ( might help if put oil on your hands.) Roll piece of dough into log and shape into pretzel ( approx size of palm of hand.) Let viscots sit on kitchen towel to raise approx 15 -20 min (usually make about 12-15 at a time.) Place 3-4 viscots at a time into boiling water until they rise to the top. Drain on kitchen towels. Bake at 350 on ungreased baking sheet approx 25 min until golden brown. Delicious warm, cold, soft or hard. Store in zip log bags to keep soft. Makes at least 4-5 dozen.
Viscots
Mix and set aside:
2 pkgs rapid rise yeast
2 tsp sugar
1 & 1/2 c warm water
In large kettle mix:
6-7 cups flour ( not evenly measured)
1 tsp salt
4 TBSP fennel ( approx)
2 sticks melted margarine
4 large eggs
yeast mixture
Put large kettle of water on to boil. Knead mixture and let sit for a while ( approx 15 min) and knead again until soft dough ( might help if put oil on your hands.) Roll piece of dough into log and shape into pretzel ( approx size of palm of hand.) Let viscots sit on kitchen towel to raise approx 15 -20 min (usually make about 12-15 at a time.) Place 3-4 viscots at a time into boiling water until they rise to the top. Drain on kitchen towels. Bake at 350 on ungreased baking sheet approx 25 min until golden brown. Delicious warm, cold, soft or hard. Store in zip log bags to keep soft. Makes at least 4-5 dozen.
Misplaced Shoes
This story is as per Aunt Rose telling me it earlier tonight:
Grandpa usually had to walk to Center Street to work. One morning he was ready to go to work and Grandma had been rushing around to make his lunch etc., and he was running late. He couldn't find his shoes.
So he was going aroung the house looking....
"Sam na bitch" "Sam na bitch" "Where are my damn shoes!!!"
Grandma got frustrated with him and said, "What! How am I supposed to know what you did with them or where they are?"
Then they both looked down and realized she was wearing them....
Aunt Rose
Grandpa usually had to walk to Center Street to work. One morning he was ready to go to work and Grandma had been rushing around to make his lunch etc., and he was running late. He couldn't find his shoes.
So he was going aroung the house looking....
"Sam na bitch" "Sam na bitch" "Where are my damn shoes!!!"
Grandma got frustrated with him and said, "What! How am I supposed to know what you did with them or where they are?"
Then they both looked down and realized she was wearing them....
Aunt Rose
You know your from Ohio:
You know your from Ohio when it’s 10 degrees outside, there are winter storm warnings plastered all over the TV and radio, (calling for 5-8 inches of snow) and you take the family out for a ride in the car just to see how really bad it is. Tonight just may be one of those nights!!!
Joseph V. Warino
THE Chicken Story
Grandpa James (Egidio) dressed up nice to go and meet Grandma. This was beginning of their courtship.
He wanted to make a good impression so so he stopped to pick up a gift to take for the visit, I believe she (Fanny) was living with her brother Jim (see earlier posting; "think sour"). Rather than flowers or chocolates, James, ever pragmatic, picked up a live chicken to take to his date.
Of course to add complexity, James had no car. So he rode the bus. Picture him in his suit, with a hat on, holding a live chicken around its neck.
So he got on the bus and found a seat. It was apparently crowded on the bus and there were not many seats available. So he sat down next to a well-dressed woman, whom it seems was less than happy at his seat selection and choice of "gift." The chicken it seemed was stressed by the journey and the grip James had on its neck. At some point during the bus-ride the chicken pooped, right on the woman's leg.
Well she was not happy. James apologized over and over (scuze, scuze) to her and used his hanky to wipe off the poop, which made matters worse it seemed. Finally, he was asked to leave the bus and did so. Now he walked to his destination with his bird.
Arriving late, he came into the house and Grandma, noted a very strong smell. Being poor it had not occurred to James to get rid of the hanky. So there stood James, introduced to Fanny, hot and sweaty from the walk, with a half dead chicken in hand and smelling like chicken-shit. What a catch...
She used to laugh and say, "there was something about him..."
He wanted to make a good impression so so he stopped to pick up a gift to take for the visit, I believe she (Fanny) was living with her brother Jim (see earlier posting; "think sour"). Rather than flowers or chocolates, James, ever pragmatic, picked up a live chicken to take to his date.
Of course to add complexity, James had no car. So he rode the bus. Picture him in his suit, with a hat on, holding a live chicken around its neck.
So he got on the bus and found a seat. It was apparently crowded on the bus and there were not many seats available. So he sat down next to a well-dressed woman, whom it seems was less than happy at his seat selection and choice of "gift." The chicken it seemed was stressed by the journey and the grip James had on its neck. At some point during the bus-ride the chicken pooped, right on the woman's leg.
Well she was not happy. James apologized over and over (scuze, scuze) to her and used his hanky to wipe off the poop, which made matters worse it seemed. Finally, he was asked to leave the bus and did so. Now he walked to his destination with his bird.
Arriving late, he came into the house and Grandma, noted a very strong smell. Being poor it had not occurred to James to get rid of the hanky. So there stood James, introduced to Fanny, hot and sweaty from the walk, with a half dead chicken in hand and smelling like chicken-shit. What a catch...
She used to laugh and say, "there was something about him..."
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Another Chicken Story
I have always been an animal lover. When I was a little girl, I received a Peep (small baby chick) for an Easter present. I took very good care of it and it grew into a chicken. Things were fine until my chicken escaped one day. Mrs. Mezzacappi, our neighbor, was sweeping her sidewalk and my chicken pecked her on her leg. She screamed and Dad came running...so embarrassed. Dad told me that my pet would be much happier living on "the farm". Years later I was recalling what had happened to the chicken and Dad admitted that the farm was on Truesdale Avenue! That's right, Grandma cooked my chicken!!! I didn't speak to my Dad for a week.
Chicken Parts II
Jeanne, your post is sooo funny. I remember Grandma would cook chicken blood and "the boys" would act like it was steak. Can't say I ever tried that. I recall Uncle Morris did a fair amount of hunting and would come over with rabbits and mushrooms from his trips.
In the summer I would routinely be rooting around the freezer for a popsicle and end up pulling out a skinned rabbit always frozen in mid-leap. And my mom wondered why I never believed her when she told me "it's chicken".
That said, I am a big fan of rabbit now, but haven't run across any buckshot since I ate it on Truesdale.
In the summer I would routinely be rooting around the freezer for a popsicle and end up pulling out a skinned rabbit always frozen in mid-leap. And my mom wondered why I never believed her when she told me "it's chicken".
That said, I am a big fan of rabbit now, but haven't run across any buckshot since I ate it on Truesdale.
Chicken Parts
It's so great of Dominic to start this blog and help the family reconnect. It's Sunday and I'm roasting a whole chicken and as I was getting it ready I remembered what my Dad used to tell me about Grandma. He would talk about what a great cook she was and how she could make something out of nothing...much like him. He told me Grandma would cook chicken necks, chicken wings, chicken feet, chicken gizzards, chicken livers and chicken hearts. He loved it all. Dad said he was in his twenties before he knew that a chicken had a body!! Just wanted to share.
Happy Birthday Aunt Rose. You look great!!
Happy Birthday Aunt Rose. You look great!!
Viscots
I just read and showed my mother, Aunt Rose, the postings about the viscots. She does not recall that recipe. That might have been what she was able to determine (years ago) was the recipe that Grandma used (Gram did not actually use a recipe) but the recipe has evolved, and what she does today is similar but different. She only makes them once or twice a year and the next time she makes them I will try to pinpoint exactly what she uses and pass it on. Grandma Warino would love this conversation about her viscots and the fact that her grandchildren are interested in making them. What a tribute.
The Stove
Do you all remember the huge stove in Grandma's basement?
It had a 6 burners and a warmer on top, two ovens and a broiler that steak houses would envy. It was really very nice. One of "the boys" bought it used to replace the stove that was down there. The downstairs stove was where the canning was done in the summer, lard was rendered, and where should would bake bread (as she made like 50 loaves and a few pizzas per "batch;" all the ovens, upstairs and down, were busy).
The thing is, this stove was really big, how big you all failed to realize until it was in the driveway. There was no way this mammoth cooker was going down the basement steps.
So over a weekend in combination, Morris, Nick, Blackie, Joe, Pete and I think I remember Gary in the mix as well, deconstructed the basement stairs lowered the behemoth down into the basement, installed it (and new freezer) and rebuilt the stairs (re-using the same wood!)
I can't adequately put into words what I witnessed that weekend. The highlight being Nick, Blackie and Pete working side by side in that cramped basement. Priceless!
That's the weekend I learned how to swear....
It had a 6 burners and a warmer on top, two ovens and a broiler that steak houses would envy. It was really very nice. One of "the boys" bought it used to replace the stove that was down there. The downstairs stove was where the canning was done in the summer, lard was rendered, and where should would bake bread (as she made like 50 loaves and a few pizzas per "batch;" all the ovens, upstairs and down, were busy).
The thing is, this stove was really big, how big you all failed to realize until it was in the driveway. There was no way this mammoth cooker was going down the basement steps.
So over a weekend in combination, Morris, Nick, Blackie, Joe, Pete and I think I remember Gary in the mix as well, deconstructed the basement stairs lowered the behemoth down into the basement, installed it (and new freezer) and rebuilt the stairs (re-using the same wood!)
I can't adequately put into words what I witnessed that weekend. The highlight being Nick, Blackie and Pete working side by side in that cramped basement. Priceless!
That's the weekend I learned how to swear....
Viscots~~~That's Them!!!!!
Well thank you very much for your research on finding the "Viscots". I will always remember the viscots at Grandma's. Dom, one time when we were all sitting around the kitchen table, my father, Morris got this funny smirk on his face as Uncle Blackie walked in.... You were probably about 5 yrs. old and my dad told you, that you should offer Uncle Blackie a viscot as he walks in the door, showing you how to throw it like a flying saucer..... (of course he told you this when Grandma wasn't in the room) Uncle Blackie walked in and you did as Uncle Morris showed you, hit Uncle Blackie in the head with the viscot and he caught it in his hands. We all started laughing...... but little did we know Grandma came back into the kitchen..... and we heard "DOMINI"..... my dad was laughing hysterically along with Uncle Blackie...... he said something in Italian to Grandma and she burst out laughing....... The uncle's really did get you into a lot of trouble Dominic..... Denise, thank you for your hard work in making the viscots...... you must be a great cook!!!!!! They look beautiful!!!!!
Thanks for the memories,
Joyce
Thanks for the memories,
Joyce
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Smaller Batch of "Viscots"
After re-reading the “Viscot” recipe below and having a bit of experience baking bread, it occurred to me that this recipe must make a HUGE batch of treats! This might be the reason you always remember them being around! Curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to make a smaller batch to see if reducing the amount of the ingredients would still make a decent cookie. According to Dom and my boys, they turned out well. Here is the recipe for a more reasonably-sized batch (1/6 of the original recipe) of “viscots.” For the record, it still made 6 dozen small cookies.
Taralli Baresi
1 teaspoon dry yeast (½ package)
½ cup warm water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons margarine, melted and cooled
3 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon black pepper, ground
½ teaspoon anise extract
1-2 Tablespoons anise or fennel seeds
Preheat oven to 425o. Melt margarine and let cool. Put yeast and water in a cup and set aside to bubble. Cream together eggs, sugar, salt and cooled margarine. Add in remaining ingredients and mix, then add yeast mixture and mix again. Place on floured surface and knead well. Set aside 10-20 minutes. Roll into thin logs and form into pretzel shapes. Drop in boiling water. When they rise to the surface, drain on clean towel to cool and dry briefly (a few minutes.) Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Taralli Baresi
1 teaspoon dry yeast (½ package)
½ cup warm water
2 eggs
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons margarine, melted and cooled
3 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon black pepper, ground
½ teaspoon anise extract
1-2 Tablespoons anise or fennel seeds
Preheat oven to 425o. Melt margarine and let cool. Put yeast and water in a cup and set aside to bubble. Cream together eggs, sugar, salt and cooled margarine. Add in remaining ingredients and mix, then add yeast mixture and mix again. Place on floured surface and knead well. Set aside 10-20 minutes. Roll into thin logs and form into pretzel shapes. Drop in boiling water. When they rise to the surface, drain on clean towel to cool and dry briefly (a few minutes.) Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
Note: Because they are not very sweet, I tried my own variation on a few viscots. After draining the viscots on a paper towel, I dipped them in sanding sugar (which is coarser than regular sugar) and baked them as above. They came out with a light sugar crust and were a bit sweeter to eat. Try it and let me know what you think.
Fanny's "Viscots"
In answer to Joyce’s request, I am posting the recipe for “Grandma’s Viscots.” This hand-written recipe was given to Dom on one of his trips to Youngstown. I believe it is Aunt Rose’s handwriting.After doing some research, I found that these cookies are also known as “Taralli Baresi” and can be purchased pre-made from several companies on the internet. Marias' Taralli Inc. in Brooklyn seems to have the largest following. The cookies came to the U.S. with immigrants from the Puglia Region of Italy where Fanny grew up. Taralli Baresi is a cross between a pretzel, and a bagel. It's an unsweetened cookie, savory biscuit. They are to be enjoyed with a glass of wine, coffee or by itself!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Speaking of Cookies
The cookies I was talking about where made to look like pretzel's or circle's. They had fennel seeds in them and grandma always had them at her house.
I love the picture of Aunt Rose on her birthday. God bless you and you look wonderful! Dominic the slide show is great!!!!! I think my mom has some pictures, I will find them and then I will have one of my kid's scan or do whatever you do.......
Joe, I love the story about the FOXES. Your dad came over to visit us and told us the story. We were crying!!!
Hope everyone is doing well! This is great!!! Once again Dom, thanks for all your work. Oh Dom, I just saw Jean Cohen today. Do you remember her? Jean and your mom worked at Sparkle together. She was talking all about your mom and we did have some good laughs.
Joyce Warino-Palombaro
I love the picture of Aunt Rose on her birthday. God bless you and you look wonderful! Dominic the slide show is great!!!!! I think my mom has some pictures, I will find them and then I will have one of my kid's scan or do whatever you do.......
Joe, I love the story about the FOXES. Your dad came over to visit us and told us the story. We were crying!!!
Hope everyone is doing well! This is great!!! Once again Dom, thanks for all your work. Oh Dom, I just saw Jean Cohen today. Do you remember her? Jean and your mom worked at Sparkle together. She was talking all about your mom and we did have some good laughs.
Joyce Warino-Palombaro
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Coffee and Cookies
I just got off the phone with Aunt Rose, we laughed so hard about this story I felt I should post it. Grandma used to tell this story to embarrass me. Here goes....
Grandma had some lady friends to the house. I think the group included Minnie Williams (her first husbands sister whom we always needed to show our best for). It was, as Grandma hoped , to be, a "nice visit", read you behave and make me proud. They even used saucers! However she asked, it sunk in and I was as good a little boy as I had ever been (I really was :-) ).
Coffee and cookies, lots of chatting and I was quite in the front room. Somehow a cup feel to the floor and broke. Hearing it I exclaimed "aht ta fav oot" , this was the Italian term I heard Grandma say a 1000 times when something went wrong. Clearly the true translation had escaped me...
I looked up to see four very stern looks from four very Italian women. Grandma grabbed me and was about to spank me, until it became apparent to her that I had no idea what the word/phrase meant. She blushed and all of her friends laughed and yelled "AHT TA FAV OOT".
It could mean anything, I dont really know. But be careful who you say it in front of.
Grandma had some lady friends to the house. I think the group included Minnie Williams (her first husbands sister whom we always needed to show our best for). It was, as Grandma hoped , to be, a "nice visit", read you behave and make me proud. They even used saucers! However she asked, it sunk in and I was as good a little boy as I had ever been (I really was :-) ).
Coffee and cookies, lots of chatting and I was quite in the front room. Somehow a cup feel to the floor and broke. Hearing it I exclaimed "aht ta fav oot" , this was the Italian term I heard Grandma say a 1000 times when something went wrong. Clearly the true translation had escaped me...
I looked up to see four very stern looks from four very Italian women. Grandma grabbed me and was about to spank me, until it became apparent to her that I had no idea what the word/phrase meant. She blushed and all of her friends laughed and yelled "AHT TA FAV OOT".
It could mean anything, I dont really know. But be careful who you say it in front of.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Porcase Safari
Mary Phyllis was not home (I know it's now Phyllis, but that was/is my mom's name and I have never been adjusted to the change, sorry!)
I went to visit Aunt Rose with Grandma. The two of them got to talking/cooking and I found my way to Mary Phyllis's room. She had a bazillion stuffed animals.
So I set them up in order of a march across the floor. The lions led the march, followed by the mighty elephants, there where many of those....
Then, in order of size or ferocity the march was arranged. I spent hours (it seemed) arranging the animals just so. Then when my masterpiece was nearly complete in the doorway was Mary Phyllis.
WOW, was she mad! You see the animals all HAD just the right spot before I began my safari with them .
I went to visit Aunt Rose with Grandma. The two of them got to talking/cooking and I found my way to Mary Phyllis's room. She had a bazillion stuffed animals.
So I set them up in order of a march across the floor. The lions led the march, followed by the mighty elephants, there where many of those....
Then, in order of size or ferocity the march was arranged. I spent hours (it seemed) arranging the animals just so. Then when my masterpiece was nearly complete in the doorway was Mary Phyllis.
WOW, was she mad! You see the animals all HAD just the right spot before I began my safari with them .
Stingray Preparation
The Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church Cookbook (copyright 1968) says that after the stingray has been deep fried, that it should be placed in a crock and covered with equal parts of vinegar and water along with 20 vials of saffron which has been boiled for 45 minutes. The crock is then covered tightly and set aside until Christmas. Perhaps if we start now it will be ready for the next feast of the 7 fishes!
What do you want for Christmas?
When I was somewhere around 8 years old, Grandma asked me what I wanted for Christmas. There was a toy that I had seen I wanted so bad I could taste it. It was a replica of a Corvette Stingray, a scale model that was remote controlled. Perhaps the first of this sort?
So I told her with all the control I could muster over my exuberance " I Want a Stingray". She smiled and laughed (as always) and said that's so much money.
Time ticked away and Christmas Eve came. The dining room was packed and with all of the other seafood Grandma proudly placed a plate in front of me and said "Buone Natale." I didn't recognize the dish and asked "Grandma what is this" she beamed at me and said, "its Stingray Domini".
God I miss her.
Note: She always left the "c" off my name when she said it ....
So I told her with all the control I could muster over my exuberance " I Want a Stingray". She smiled and laughed (as always) and said that's so much money.
Time ticked away and Christmas Eve came. The dining room was packed and with all of the other seafood Grandma proudly placed a plate in front of me and said "Buone Natale." I didn't recognize the dish and asked "Grandma what is this" she beamed at me and said, "its Stingray Domini".
God I miss her.
Note: She always left the "c" off my name when she said it ....
Watch Out for the Foxes!
During Dom's recent visit to Youngstown , an old memory was rekindled..... Many years ago, Dom stayed overnight at our house and Brother Gary and I decided to introduce Dom to my mom's Fox wrap. ( picture this, two real foxes connected together head to tail with feet dangling ) that was used in the day, as a scarf / accessory... As Dom was heading off to sleep, Gary held the fox wrap in such a manner making it appear as though it was peering around the corner of the bedroom door scaring the S%#$*# out of young Dom....... During Dom's recent visit, the Foxes made another appearance, as I edged them around the corner of the bedroom doorway.... the reaction by Dom was golden!!!!! Watch out for the foxes!
Joe Warino, Jr.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Happy Birthday, Aunt Rose!
Aunt Rose is celebrating her 89th birthday today! She now lives with me (since February 2007) and is doing very well. I will write more later and maybe get my son, Vic, to scan pictures for everyone to see. Thanks Dominic.Love, Aunt Rose and JoAnn
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday Mornings
For a long time Uncle Joe and Aunt Doris used to come and visit on Sunday Mornings after church. Breakfast was comprised of saltines and provolone cheese, among various other things. Uncle Joe use to carve the cheese into shapes of things to prompt me to eat it. Some of them actually looked like what he said they were, but mostly the cheese was a vehicle for his inimitable humor, "This one's a sock," he would say and I would oblige as his straight man and reply "What?" Then he would say, "It's a sock in the nose if you don't eat it!" He would give me quarters to hold against the cold frost on the window and pull it away to see the imprint of the coin. Those were really good visits.
DeMarinis Family
Dom this is a fantastic idea!
My father is going to enjoy reading this so much. The other son of Ang and Louie was my Uncle Don, whose real first name was actually Anthony. Both he and my Uncle Paul have since passed away.
My father is going to enjoy reading this so much. The other son of Ang and Louie was my Uncle Don, whose real first name was actually Anthony. Both he and my Uncle Paul have since passed away.
My father tells many stories of the Warinos and their care and compassion after such a tragic accident. Whoever posted that about being presented as cousins could not be more correct. Family is born of love not always by blood.
Keep up the great work and I will try to dig out some pictures and some of my grandmother Ang's great recipes -minus a soup bowl of flour- LOL!
Jenette DeMarinis Garbarz
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Your slow learner computer cousin!
This is great and I really appreciate your hard work.
Do you remember the round things that grandma would make with fennel seed, and you dip (soak) them in your coffee. I think Grandma made them around Easter time. What where they called and does anyone have the recipe?
Again Dom, thank you so much for all your hard work!! This is great!!
Joyce W. Palombaro
Do you remember the round things that grandma would make with fennel seed, and you dip (soak) them in your coffee. I think Grandma made them around Easter time. What where they called and does anyone have the recipe?
Again Dom, thank you so much for all your hard work!! This is great!!
Joyce W. Palombaro
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Relatives
The last time I was in Youngstown there were a lot of questions about how the Warino's were related to the Mashiska and DeMarinis families. Here goes for an explaination to the best of my knowledge.
Grandpa was married once before Grandma. He and his wife had a daughter named Philomena. His wife (name unknown to me) died giving birth to a baby girl. She was raised by the wife's parents. She eventually married and gave birth to a son, John. During birth she died. John was raised outside of the Warino family, but with close ties. Essentially, John Mashiska and I (likely you too) shared the same Grandfather, James Warino.
The Demarinis story goes like this: Ang and Louie Demarinis were very good friends of Grandma and Grandpa. They had three sons, Paul, Lou. and Don. Ang and Louie were in a terrible automobile accident and were essentially bedbound for some months following the accident. Grandma and Grandpa moved them into their home and took care of them and their children until they were able to care for themselves. Bear in mind this was during a difficult time and the Warino house was already pretty full.
Both of these families were always presented to me as cousins by Grandma. They are as real a family member as any I have as a result.
Grandpa was married once before Grandma. He and his wife had a daughter named Philomena. His wife (name unknown to me) died giving birth to a baby girl. She was raised by the wife's parents. She eventually married and gave birth to a son, John. During birth she died. John was raised outside of the Warino family, but with close ties. Essentially, John Mashiska and I (likely you too) shared the same Grandfather, James Warino.
The Demarinis story goes like this: Ang and Louie Demarinis were very good friends of Grandma and Grandpa. They had three sons, Paul, Lou. and Don. Ang and Louie were in a terrible automobile accident and were essentially bedbound for some months following the accident. Grandma and Grandpa moved them into their home and took care of them and their children until they were able to care for themselves. Bear in mind this was during a difficult time and the Warino house was already pretty full.
Both of these families were always presented to me as cousins by Grandma. They are as real a family member as any I have as a result.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Grandma's Bread Recipe
25 lb. bag of flour, less one soup bowl
2 cakes of yeast
water
That's it, good luck!
Note: I remember the soup bowls, but I don't have any idea how much flour that one translates to. Seems like it was enough to reserve for flouring the work surface as she rolled out the dough.
2 cakes of yeast
water
That's it, good luck!
Note: I remember the soup bowls, but I don't have any idea how much flour that one translates to. Seems like it was enough to reserve for flouring the work surface as she rolled out the dough.
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