Reading and Writing

Today the air was full of ozone and I am very tired.  We are in the mid-90’s, temperature-wise today, but tomorrow, we’ll get more wind and plummet down to the LOW 90’s. J

One of my daily habits is to go read the news on Google News.  I like to be able to pick and choose from what publication I read about certain topics.  Plus, you can customize what news you get; for instance I pull in articles related to Mesa, Arizona. 

As I became less fearful of the initial Esophageal Cancer diagnosis, I added a section to Google News to bring me all the articles about it.  This is a double-edged sword in that I get many obituaries, but also get to read about new treatments and find out about other people and how they are progressing with this cancer. 

One thing I was surprised about was the number of people that through the progression of the disease lose their ability to talk.  I would truly be hurt to lose my power of speech, but worst of all would be to lose the ability to sing.  Despite my lung disease having robbed me of a lot of lung capacity, I still enjoy singing, after a fashion.  Singing lifts your spirits and makes your outlook on life so much brighter. 

But, that’s something I’m not going to be concerned about.  If it happens, I’ll find something else to lift my mood.  I’ll paint more!  I’ll write even MORE!  I’ll play more World of Warcraft!

We just had a lovely dinner of Asparagus, Ahi Tuna and Texmati Brown rice with rye and barley.  I really, REALLY love asparagus.  When we were young, we used to have Sunday breakfast after church at my two Aunts' house.  In the spring, Aunt Lottie would walk us down to a neighbor whose back garden was filled with asparagus and we would be able to pick enough for that night's dinner.  It was a major treat, as it wasn't often in those days, that asparagus was affordable, OR available.  I think it's still one of my very favorite veggies.

Here's a closer picture of my mom's sundial.  Those petunias are growing like weeds; very colorful and lovely weeds, though. :)  And all that riot of lavender in the background is very fragrant verbena. 

Take care, all... have sweet dreams!

Saturday, Bright Day

My friend, the sun, is out this morning, already blazing away.  I think yesterday was around 80 degrees and that's the forecast for today, as well.  It's just after 7:30AM and it's gorgeous outside.  How can you not be excited to step out into your garden and be able to grab an orange to have with your breakfast?  Heaven!

Yesterday, I decided that I would just randomly grab two cookbooks from my collection, and choose a recipe or two from each and that's what we'd cook this weekend.  And thus, I chose a roast chicken recipe from Nigella Lawson, and something called "Dinner in a Loaf" from a quite whacked out, spiral bound 'community' cookbook someone found in a thrift shop.  Today we'll do the chicken, and pair it with her gratin of potatoes and mushrooms.  I need to head over to Sprouts and see what's available in the fresh veggies arena.  I would LOVE to add some celery root to that gratin; just sounds really good to me.  Or we could top it with some blanched asparagus.  See, I definitely have my appetite back. :)

As for that "Dinner in a Loaf," we'll be adding a bit more nutrition to the original recipe that is essentially ground beef and Velveeta. :D  I'll have to think on that one, but we're good at that sort of thing.  I'm thinking roasted chilies, and maybe some shredded spinach, and ... goat cheese!  Dang, I'm hungry.

Didn't get a call from the PET Scan place, so if they don't call on Monday, I'll call the doctor and he can raise some hell.  He's not a big guy, but when he gets going, he can be pretty scary. :D  I love him to bits.

Ok, I'm going to grab some of my muesli, add some dried cranberries and walnuts and have a good breakfast.  Love to EVERYONE!

Stuffed Mushrooms

Tonight, especially so we can turn on the oven, we're having stuffed mushrooms, and steamed asparagus.  I know the sisters are using the George Foreman Grill to make some kind of meat product.  I may or may not have a bit of that; we'll see how I feel. :)

You know, this is probably our fifth or so George Foreman Grill.  Whoever convinced that man to market these products was a genius.  They really are amazingly useful items.  Sure, you can get the same thing from Cuisinart, and pay a heck of a lot more, if you want.  Ol' George has been good to us.  Besides, George Foreman is one cute ex-boxer. :)

My dad and I used to watch "Thursday Night, Boxing from the Olympic" Auditorium, that is, in Los Angeles.  Daddy had been a boxer back in his teens.  But he gave it up; he didn't like beating people up for no good reason.  Give him a REASON... well.... :) 

I think the stuffed mushrooms are almost ready, so I'm off to sup.  Love and hugs to all.  Be safe this New Year's Eve!