August has left us, and Labor Day has marked the start of fall. There are still so many events planned, its hard to decide when to go. As many as I have the opportunity to, I guess.

The Blue Lights reunion at Emerson Park was wonderful. Many thanks to Dr. Dr. Joseph Karpinski again for making it possible.

The Olympics was certainly a humongous event and was presented to sell on TV. It was almost like being there.

We had a great race, the Downtown Mile, that is so very, very popular in Auburn. I was pleased that Chris Mason did so well. His mom and I are friends. We worked together for many years.

I was looking at the picture in the paper of three children petting a 13-foot long, 70-pound snake at the Frontenac Fun Day in Union Springs. I can't even imagine being brave enough to pet a snake. The only time I was close enough to pet a snake, I stood frozen in my tracks from fear, and it was only about one-foot long and probably just weighed a few ounces.

I did my usual Labor Day weekend thing already. I gathered all my white outfits and shoes to pack away for the winter. I know people wear white past summer now, but it was a tradition years ago to stop wearing white after Labor Day until Memorial Day. My mother was a strong believer in that, and habits are hard to break. Besides I like wearing my fall clothes and then my winter ones for a change. I have relatives and some friends who do the same thing.

The Italian American Club had its bus trip to Turning Stone Casino last week. I was not able to go this time, but my friend who went said they had a very good time. It was a fun trip. It always is. I'm not much of a gambler; I enjoy watching the gamblers. And I really enjoy the delicious buffet they have. They also feature such good shows.

I don't know how many of you are early risers, but I am, and the first thing I've noticed this past week is how dark it is out until nearly 7 a.m. and then of course how dark it is in the evening around 7:30 or 8 p.m. It's that time of year already? Unbelievable. I guess I'm a fan of summer's long days.

I'm not the only one who thinks that this summer went faster than any other season. I've heard it a couple of times and even read about it. Now if we all concentrate on September and October having beautiful weather and lots of fun things to do, then maybe our winter months will go fast, fast, fast.

It's TomatoFest time this weekend.

I was involved with the TomatoFest for many years as I've mentioned in my column. I was on the board. I loved working it, and I always attend it every year. I understand that this year they will offer a taste of the tomato dish that was the winner of the cook-off they have already had for this year. The winner was a roasted tomato soup and was made by Nadine Vande Walker. I am so glad they will have copies of the recipes available. This event was organized 23 years ago to raise money and collect food for the needy. A great, great idea. Melina Carnicelli did a wonderful job putting it together and organizing it for many, many years. I was pleased to be a member.

Another thing that has pleased me very much was an article in The Citizen paper that says that food stamps are being accepted at farmers markets to get summer vegetables which is a healthy option for low income people. That is wonderful to hear.

I hope everyone has a good fall season and good health to enjoy it.

My ethnic recipe this week is Jewish and was given to me by Vivian Rothschild. It may be used as a main course or served with meat or poultry. Thank you Vivian. It's especially great with brisket or roast beef and a side of applesauce.

My other recipe is right on time for blueberry season.

Today's blooper

My blooper today is actually my blooper. When I came back from Ocean City, I put a Greek recipe in my column for “paximadia,” which is biscotti. A lady stopped me in the grocery store and said she forgot to copy the recipe and would I mind sending her the Biscotti recipe. I did, at least I though I did. We saw each other again the following week and she thanked me, and said she couldn't believe how much it tasted like the Italian Biscotti recipe. We discussed it, and I had sent her the Italian Biscotti recipe by mistake. We did laugh about it. I still can't believe I did that. When you have a zillion things to think about that must be what can happen.

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

Potato Kugel

Makes 6 to 8 servings

3 eggs

3 cups grated and drained white potatoes

1/3 cup potato flour or matzo

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

3 tablespoons grated onion

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

Beat eggs until thick.

Stir in potatoes, potato flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, onion and oil.

Turn into a greased 1 1/2 quart baking dish or casserole.

Bake in 350 degrees oven until browned, about one hour.

Serve hot.

Lemon Blueberry Muffins

Makes 18

2 cups flour, divided

2 tablespoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

3 tablespoons grated lemon rind

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup butter, melted

2 cups fresh blueberries; plus extra for toppings

Heat over at 375 degrees.

Grease muffin tins very well. Set aside 1/2 cup flour.

In large bowl, mix remaining 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and sugar. Add eggs, lemon rind, milk and butter, stirring just enough to dampen flour (batter will be lumpy).

Quickly combine flour with blueberries, and toss to coat.

Gently stir blueberries into the batter. Spoon batter immediately into muffin tins; fill each cup 2/3 full. Top with a few extra blueberries.

Bake 30 to 35 minutes.