Cathy Burnham Martin's Blog, page 10

Earnings

Photo by Gerd Altmann

 

“A fit body, a calm mind, a house full of love. These things cannot be bought – they must be earned.”

— Naval Raikant (1974 – )
Indian-born American entrepreneur & investor

Neil Diamond Tribute

We caught another great tribute show at the Lakeport Opera House. Jay White, who has Neil Diamond’s personal approval.

 

 

 

He presented the superstar flawlessly. Every gesture, expression, look, posture, and lyric.

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-22-25-20250721_161553.mp4

 

He’s been playing Las Vegas for decades, and it’s easy to see why his tribute to Neil Diamond gets people standing, dancing, and cheering.

 

 

 

Bravo, Jay. Keep the Neil Diamond legacy sparkling.

 

 

“Hope” Is Here

My second book in the new Life Seasonings series was released today. “Hope” is a great little go-to guide for anyone in need of a lift, a boost, a reminder that we can and should “hang in there,” despite challenging circumstances. Like “Perspectives,” “Hope” also has fun color photos and Notable Quotables and comes in paperback ($9.99) and eBook ($2.99) formats.

Over the Moon!

 

Sir Ronald and I have had grand fun seeking out new venues and hidden treasures. Last night we caught a true gem… the Over the Moon Farmstead Restaurant and BarN (not a typo).

 

 

 

But do NOT go there unless you like great food, brew, music, company, crew, and atmosphere, because they have them all! Just 30 min from Concord or the Lakes Region, they sit high atop a fabulous hill at 1253 Upper City Road in Pittsfield, NH.

 

 

 

We caught Chris Bonoli and Roy D performing in the BarN. Always entertainingly mahhhhhvelous.

 

 

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-20-25-Chris-20250719_181222.mp4

 

The barn menu features pizza, and we loved the Three Little Pigs!

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, the main dining room (with an awesome chef), has a superb menu also.

 

 

 

 

 

Plus, there’s a deck and a wide pastoral view.

 

 

 

Great spot to catch a sunset.

Something for Nothing

 

“We should not expect something for nothing, but we all do, and we call it hope.”

— E. W. Howe (1853 – 1937)
American novelist & editor

Thunder Rolled

 

A couple of nights ago, Sir Ronald and I watched a T-storm scream across Lake Winnipesaukee.

 

 

 

 

Sitting in the boat’s cockpit, the calm before the storm gave nothing away, but this baby was coming!

 A glass of wine. Some freshly made popcorn. Okay. I’m a sissy. Once it started pouring, I was down in the cabin. LOL.

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-16-25-04-20250714_184059.mp4

National Grand Marnier Day

 

Celebrate National Grand Marnier Day!

For Sir Ronald, Grand Marnier is his favorite after-dinner drink…

 

 

 

served in a large snifter, of course. I’ll take mine in Crepes Suzette, please. The classic French dessert is served with the famous orange liqueur flambéed, but there are other options.

 

Super Simple Crepes Suzette
6 pre-made crepes (homemade recipe follows, if you prefer)
Sauce:
½ c butter
¼ – 1/3 c granulated sugar
2 T fine, fresh orange zest
¼ – 1/3 c orange juice (fresh or purchased)
4 T Grand Marnier liqueur
2 T cognac or brandy, optional
1-2 T additional sugar

Garnish options:
Med or fine fresh orange zest
Warmed mandarin orange sections, whole or halved
French vanilla ice cream
Whipped cream

Melt butter in 12” skillet over medium heat. Whisk in sugar and orange zest. Constantly whisking, slowly drizzle in the orange juice. Continue stirring for 3-4 minutes till syrupy. (If not flaming the sauce, add the liqueurs here.) Reduce heat to low. Use 2 forks to lower each crepe into the sauce, turning to moisten both sides. Then place crepe on baking sheet, folding in half and in half again, forming a triangle. Repeat with remaining 5 crepes. Transfer all 6 folded crepes back into the skillet, overlapping as needed. Scrape any sauce collected on the baking sheet into the pan. Sprinkle the additional sugar over the top.

To flambé, add the liqueurs and carefully light with long-handled lighter. Use long-handled spoon to quickly spoon flaming sauce over the crepes for about 30 seconds till flames subside. Transfer crepes to serving plates. Top with remaining sauce from the skillet and garnish, as desired. Serve immediately. Makes 6-8.

KISS Tip: Instead of orange sections, you can also use thin peach slices and/or fresh raspberries for garnishing.

Homemade Crepes
2 lg eggs
3 T sugar
1/8 tsp salt
¾ c flour
½ c milk
¼ c water (or Grand Marnier, for extra flavor)
½ – 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 T melted butter
Additional melted butter for skillet

In medium bowl, whisk eggs till frothy and smooth, before whisking in sugar and salt. Gradually whisk in flour till well combined. Then whisk in milk, water, and extract thoroughly. Finally, whisk in the 2 T melted butter. (Batter can be refrigerated at this point.) To prepare, heat a 6-8” nonstick skillet over med to med-high heat. Brush with melted butter. Add 3 T batter and quickly tilt and swirl pan to evenly distribute batter. Cook just 45-60 seconds (edges will start to curl up). Use long spatula to flip crepe over; cook another 10-15 seconds. Transfer crepe to a baking sheet. Wipe out skillet lightly with a paper towel and lightly brush with butter again. Repeat process with remaining batter. Set crepes aside and make the sauce.  Makes 6-8 crepes.

KISS Tip: Substituting Grand Marnier for the water adds more flavor. Another option is adding 2 T finely grated fresh orange zest.

Surprise!

Photo by Josh Mills

 

“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.”

— Ashley Montagu (1905 – 1999)
British American anthropologist

Rod Stewart Rocks

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-12-25-01-20250711_211859.mp4

 

We caught Rod Stewart… again… in concert last night in Gilford, NH.

 

 

 

He had his typical entertaining costume changes every 3 songs.

As usual, his entire cast was fabulous.

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-12-25-03-2025-07-11-21.09.49-1.mp4

Insane how solid a showman Stewart remains… even at 80!

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-12-25-04-20250711_211836.mp4

The opening act was Cheap Trick.

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-12-25-05-Cheap-Trick-20250711_202114.mp4

But Rod Stewart and company just kept bringing it… each and every number was superb.

http://goodliving123.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/07-12-25-06-20250711_214140.mp4

Thank you, Rod Stewart for giving a lifetime of culture and class to us all.

New Release – Perspectives

Thank you to my many friends who have been earnestly asking when my next book will be released. In progress, there are several works, some entertaining and some intriguing, but they need more time than I have had. Unfortunately, circumstances over the last couple of years have not been conducive to writing, recording, or any other sort of creativity.

Thank you for your patience. Since Ron’s stroke in 2023, his increasing needs for my time have, understandably, gotten all my focus. We are glad to report that he’s doing awesome! So, while we are enjoying Lake Winnipesaukee, I am taking advantage of the relaxation time to launch a new book series.

Sooooo…. Today’s the Day! “Perspectives” is the first in my Life Seasonings series of little Go-To guides to simply serve up information that may be encouraging, uplifting, supportive, and even motivational. All books in the Life Seasonings series will be liberally sprinkled with fun and thoughtful tidbits, colorful photographs, and favorite quotations. (You knowwww I love those!)

Whether your tastes lean toward sweet, spicy, or savory, the Life Seasonings series presents something for everyone. “Perspectives” is available today in full-color paperback and digital formats.