Flowers, flowers every where you look. Driving by homes, parks, gardens. I love them. They make me smile to look at them.

I've never stopped to think about this and why I love them so much, but now I think I must have inherited this from my mother's side of the family. They were a very important part of our life.

My grandfather was a florist, his brother was a florist and our cousins where florists. My grandfather opened his business in Brooklyn when he came from Greece. His brother opened his business in Albany where I grew up so there were always flowers in my life - summer and winter. We used to get bouquets from my uncle about every week at home.

Their other brother had a limousine service, so when we needed a ride and my dad was at work, the Iimo would come and take us for groceries, downtown for shopping or to church. I think I mentioned it in one of my columns.

When they took us to church there was always a small corsage for us.

My grandfather had passed away when my mom and aunts were young children, so their uncle was a very important part of their life. One of my cousins was getting married out of state where his fiancee lived and the family decided instead of driving several cars the limo would take them to get to the wedding and stay overnight. Of course there was a trunk filled with flowers for the wedding and to decorate the church. We went the night before and although I was quite young at the time, I can still visualize how beautiful the church was decorated and the big bouquet carried by the bride and bridesmaids.

Funny how you never think to put two and two together or how your surroundings influence you for years and years.

Auburn is offering all kinds of music this summer at parks, restaurants and clubs. I want to get to as many events as possible this year. Music is so great for relaxing, dancing and making you feel better. I read that Mark Doyle is one of the musicians. The Doyle family has some great musicians. Mark's father, Bob Doyle, used to play at my restaurant every week, and we were always busy, busy when he did. Mark's sister, Lisa, has a beautiful voice. She and Mark recorded a tape, and I have a copy. She wrote the song. Mark and Joe Whiting were at Hoopes Park earlier this month. We are lucky to have them entertain us.

Another plus for me to live across from Springside Inn is that they have music on the patio, weather permitting, on Wednesday and Friday nights. Bob Piorun played recently.

So how hard is it to not have to drive anywhere? Just walk across the street and hear great music. I'm so glad this has been my neighborhood for so many years.

My summer sorting project will have to wait while I take the time to be entertained.

We had a nice gathering at SS. Peter and John's to say good-bye to Mary Ann Ginnerty who was our soup kitchen coordinator. She moved out of state, and we are going to miss her big time.

Hope your summer is the greatest and all is well with everyone.

My ethnic recipe this week is Italian. It's for a special salad called pasta tortellini, and it was given to me by Sandy Smith. My other recipe this week is for warm pork and fruit salad.

Today's blooper

My blooper today is a “people blooper.” I have a friend who is an avid Scrabble player. A friend of hers told her about a new neighbor she had who was from out of town and didn't know anyone yet but loved to play Scrabble. She introduced them on the phone, and after several phone conversations, my friend invited him to come play Scrabble. On the day he was coming, she had an unexpected visit from a few family members and while they were there the phone ran. Her son answered and being a smart alec said “Good evening, this is the butler, may I help you.” The caller hung up. The family thought it was so funny. My friend realized who it must of been because she was expecting the call so she called him and explained. He thought he had the wrong number because he figured anyone who had a butler certainly wouldn't be expecting him to come over and play Scrabble.

Diana Sobus, of Auburn, specializes in making ethnic foods.

Pasta Tortellini

2 packages cheese tortellini cooked and drained

2 cups broccoli, chopped

1 1/2 cup celery, chopped

1 1/2 cup carrots, chopped

1 large sweet red pepper, cut in strips

1 medium onion, chopped

1 can artichoke hearts (not marinated)

1 cup pitted black olives

Arrange on a large platter.

For dressing:

1/2 cup wine vinegar

1 package Good Seasons Italian Dressing

2 tablespoons grated cheese

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons basil, chopped

3/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Warm Pork and Fruit Salad

Makes 4 servings

1 pound boneless pork loin, thinly sliced

1 head Boston lettuce or green leaf lettuce

2 pink grapefruit, peeled and sectioned

1 1/2 cup seedless green grapes, cut in halves

2 kiwi, peeled and sliced

For dressing:

1/4 cup grapefruit juice

2 tablespoons raspberry vinegar or red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 teaspoon poppy seeds

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard

Put ingredients in jar with tight fitting lid; shake well.

Spray skillet with vegetable oil cooking spray. Add pork slices and stir fry for 4-5 minutes until done.

Arrange four plates with lettuce and fruit slices, top with equal slices of pork. Spoon dressing on and serve immediately.