Losing a dear friend and four-legged family member

Losing a much loved dog can break your heart, and this week, our family's collective heart was broken. Our daughter's family dog, Hazel, a Bernese Mountain dog, has visited so often, I felt like WE had lost her when she texted to say "Hazel just died," at 7:15 Sunday night. Even though life expectancy is relatively short for Bernese, we somehow thought Hazel would be super Bernese dog. She was a "super dog" just not in longevity. Our daughter wrote so poignant a message on Facebook, I cried once again and again and reading it now...again.

Making Christmas in southern Rhode Island

Christmas 2015

Finally getting the candles in the windows for Christmas in Newport,  I found myself opening five tiny doors at once today on the advent calendar; remembering when there was lively discussion every morning here, as to just whose turn it was and there never were enough doors and windows to go around.

Newport, oh, beautiful Newport, RI

It's June 2015, after one of the snowiest winters ever in southern Rhode Island. But the garden, after appearing quite wrecked late this winter, has recovered and is ready for your vacation this summer.

We have a new family hatched this early spring, born in our sun room gutter. Mama Mourning Dove is now on the lookout while fledgling gets the strength to fly away on his own.

Newport's summer just keeps getting better

Photo courtesy Chris Cameron 2012

After Newport's whirlwind summer with Tall Ships and America's Cup trials, the Volvo is upon us in 2015.

Baked stuffed lobster à la New England

Yesterday was National Lobster Day and all of New England is famous for its fresh fish. Here's a New England gastronomic favorite summer delicacy, an oh, so simple recipe for baked stuffed lobster. Because it is stuffed with the claw meat and scallops, it is also called Lobster 'Fisherman Style' in southern Rhode Island. The breading is light and not at all gooey. It's an easy recipe that can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until after cocktails.

Tasty hot crab dip appetizer

Looking for an easy hot crab dip, a canape spread your guests will remember long after your Super Bowl party? It's an old favorite party dip or cracker spread recipe right from the sea and very tasty! Adults and children alike love this appetizer. Easy to make, quick and simple to serve on melba toast rounds or freshly toasted baguette pieces  - cream cheese and crab canape spread appetizer.

Easy Lasagna rated best of 14 recipes

©Sharon Watterson

An old lasagna recipe handed down from a master cooker, uses Jimmy Dean's Sausage instead of hamburger. Several years ago, when a friend was ill and received 14 lasagnas from helpful neighbors, this one was judged the best! The sausage gives the Italian recipe favorite extra flavor and is simple to prepare for a group. The secret to this easy meal is to not overcook the noodles. Lasagna servings are easy to manage and don't fall apart when cut from the casserole. There's no better time than the Super Bowl to try out this winner!  Party recipe for about 15 servings.