Musings

Depending on how you count we received shot number 4 (of all covid shots) or shot number 2 (of booster shots) today.

I understand the labs are reformulating the shots that will be available this autumn to take into account recent variants. That means I’ll have a shot number 5, probably before the end of the year.

Also, today was chili day! Actually chili day number 2, as we had the first round yesterday. But with guac not avocado chunks. Variation is the spice of chili, you know.

Posted at 8:35 PM | 1 Comment »

This morning’s walk became a walk to the sea…which was really this fine overlook, and not an actual walk to the water. And perfect, actually.

Then there was prolonged party prep, well, truly only a regular amount, and not taxing at all.

The most golden decorations were brought by dear friends of the guest of honor. We figure Seattle shops are out of 2s at this point, there are so many graduations this weekend.

Posted at 11:30 PM | Comments Off on Busy day, in a good way

We had our first hyper-local produce today, as in, food from plants from the property. We added our mint and our chives to the (supermarket) salad.

Interesting striated cloud at the top of the photo. Plenty of sun despite the partial cloud cover; our sun porch reached a pleasant low 70s in the afternoon. Rain and mid-40s expected overnight, which is warmer than last night, which was clear and down in the low 30s. Well into the 90s down south, so we’re Very Happy to be here.

Posted at 7:24 PM | Comments Off on Tasty and temperate

Humidity and impending rain created an atmosphere such that I couldn’t face pulling ivy and the mattock work I’ve been doing for two weeks, so I opted to walk. Still humid. Still rain pending (in 49 minutes, professed my watch—and it was right). I’ve been sparing my ever-so-sensitive knees by not pounding the pavement with a daily walk, so I turned tables and headed out for haunts I haven’t checked up on lately. Mucho progresso at the neighborhood firehouse, and I’m sure the fire-folk will love the upgrades.

And our new favorite summer evening menu: salmon salad. Like this. With lettuce and tomatoes and a drizzle of “balsamic glaze,” a TJ’s prep that is made with grape must, and is yummy (thank you, Cuz, for introducing me to it!), although it may not sound yummy.

In short, a day of changed habits.

Posted at 6:47 PM | Comments Off on Habits

Trying to cut back on meat. This tofu baked with BBQ sauce was ho-hum, but passable.

Posted at 7:33 PM | Comments Off on No repeat

Since we heard fireworks last night, and not at midnight, I suspect there’ll be a concert of them tonight. I already hear distant, strange pops, which I’m crediting to a build-up to the expensive midnight ones. These are “neighborhood” noises, and not sanctioned events.

I’ll be trimming this basil for our New Year’s casserole, which is a non-traditional black-eyed pea and greens dish that I’m making up. I’m hoping that because I’m using the “regular” New Year’s Day ingredients, it won’t diminish their good vibes for the coming year. The casserole will have many veggies with cream, cheese, and a dusting of bread crumbs.

Posted at 8:58 PM | Comments Off on Looking forward

This was the easy one: no typical recipe details (e.g., teaspoons and whatnot) needed. Just halve grape tomatoes, skewer half, then skewer a piece of buffala mozzarella and a basil leaf, then add the other tomato half. Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic glaze (e.g., Trader Giotto’s).

Thanks to Cousin M for this….

Posted at 8:06 PM | 1 Comment »

Goodies…from the closest we have in our neighborhood to a French bakery.

Posted at 7:24 PM | Comments Off on Thirty-two

I combined leftover ropa vieja and new veggies and the last of T-giving—some broth, although you can’t see the broth.

I’m calling it ropa sopa—sopa meaning soup. I’m congratulating myself on my alliteration. 😎

Posted at 9:34 PM | Comments Off on Ropa sopa

My focus today was all over the place.

There was Pannonia and the Amber Road, which are related (Roman east). I also drooled over Jamie’s 15-minute meals; he does a great job creating big flavor fast—think blenders of yoghurt and cilantro and avocado and lime zest-n-juice and tomato puree (not for the same dish).

Posted at 7:03 PM | Comments Off on Variable focus