Fifty shades of green. A photo from last Summer at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, my favorite venue to relax and enjoy nature in New York.

 Italian rotelle or wheels pasta with original bolognese sauce. I added the basil: I just could not help it. It made for a more eye catching photo and a more savory dish. Just delightful.

 After a really nasty winter, spring is somewhat late this year. It's as if the trees are scared and very cautious to show their glorious leaves and flowers. Patience.

 A heavenly dish.Spaghetti with broccoli, shrimps and pomodorini.Just magnificent.

 My late and greatly missed zia Grazia, aunt Grace, on pne of her frequent visits to us in Sicily. She was like a second mother to me.

 A. nice. mixture of flavors and colors. Sausages fried with broccoli rabe or cime di papa, accompanied with mashed red potatoes. Nice comfort food.

 FINALLY, spring is here; let us. all rejoice.