the end of Sept.

and the 3rd is in Jan. The weather is in the 90's.

I'm still seeing Patrick who is a strong 40 and this weekend have a date with a guy who started his own semiconductor chip co. He's 50 and divorced. No interest on my art there.On Mon. I have a dinner date w Tom who calls me from So. CA every day and will be back here for dinner then. He's old, 66, Bob's age. It's interesting to jump through the decades. I didn't meet Tom, I just wasn't interested.

I went to work out and get iced down yesterday. It felt good after the farmers market, especially when it's hot out.

I called to get the access number to be able to accept sub calls. I've gotten about 5 so far.
Putting in applications is a full time job not to mention Internet dating.

I want to go car camping in Big Sur. This is a beautiful time to go.

Backpacking is probable not a good idea. My back isn't up to it although my head hasn't gotten the message yet.

I've taken to making smoothies
plain yogurt
frozen raspberries or strawberries or some other
a bannana
whirl in the cuisinart go
the only problem is i replaced the bowl of my Cuisinart and its hard to get on and off.

Beer Battered Fish (this is the same batter I use for squash blossoms)

Heat 3 inches of oil in a heavy bottomed pot to at least 350 degrees.

Ingredients:

2 lbs of fish (thawed if frozen), I used cod but any firm white fish will do
2 cup all-purpose flour, plus 1 cup for dredging
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup beer (I stole T.'s Yeungling for this one)
Coarse salt for finishing

Directions:

•While the oil is heating mix the batter ingredients until just combined. This batter should be the consistency of pancake batter.
•Dredge each piece of fish lightly in the plain flour and then dip into the batter and place gently in the oil. Do not crowd the fish in the oil, you may have to cook in batches. Cook turning once until a nice golden brown.
•Drain on a rack or paper towels and serve immediately
Double Fried Sweet Potato Fries (Ceramic Canvas)

Ingredients:

2 pounds sweet potatoes
Salt, to taste

Directions:

•Pour oil in a deep fryer or heavy saucepan to reach halfway up the sides of the pan. Heat to 325 degrees F, use a deep fry thermometer to determine this.
•While the oil is heating, peel the potatoes (if you want to…I left the skin on) and cut into uniform sticks. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of ice water to release some of the starch and to keep them from browning.
•Dry the potato strips thoroughly, this will keep the oil from splattering (very important step as the sweet potatoes seem to hold more water anyway). Fry them in batches so the pan isn’t crowded and the oil temperature doesn’t drop. Cook for 3 minutes until they are soft but not browned.
•Remove the potatoes with a long-handled metal strainer and drain on brown paper bags.
•Bring oil temperature up to 375 degrees F. Return the par-fried potatoes to the oil in batches and cook a second time for 4 minutes until golden and crispy. Drain on fresh brown paper bags then place in a serving bowl lined with paper towels. Salt and serve immediately.

Labor Day

Ricardo and I took a picnic and went to see Love's Labor's Lost at the Presidio. It was a beautiful sunny day with a sight breeze and a view of the San Francisco Bay and Brisge.
O love the city and don't get up there enough. I'm glad we went.


So lucky to live here

The Sausilito Art Festival was going on over the bridge too.

I got 4 More sessions of pt AUTHORIZED.

mY BACK HAS BEEN BETTER LAST WEEK OR 2 i FELT DISABLED IN EARNEST.

Energy Bars Adapted from The Food You Crave by Ellie Krieger

Ingredients
•Cooking spray
•1 cup quick cooking rolled oats
•1/2 cup roasted sunflower seeds
•1/2 cup toasted wheat germ
•1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
•1/2 cup dried apples
•1/2 cup pecans
•1/2 cup pitted dried dates (I used ones with sugar but would like them without next time)
•1/2 cup powdered nonfat dry milk
•1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1/3 cup pure maple syrup
•2 large eggs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a 9 by 13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.

Place all ingredients except the syrup and eggs in a food processor and pulse until the mixture is finely chopped. Add the syrup and eggs and pulse until the mixture is well combined. It will resemble a coarse paste.

Transfer to the baking pan and spread evenly pressing in with your fingers. Bake until lightly browned and just done, about 20 minutes. Allow to cool for about 15 minutes and then cut into 24 squares.

These can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for about 3 days or wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months.

back hurts

my back is really bothering me
got my hep a and b vaccinations today.
since the gyn told me i had c i freaked and was so glad my other Dr said i did not have it. Kaiser fucks up again.
I think i need to swim more. pt is helping me strengthen my core. i roll to sit up and down to bed and a chair i use my legs and arms instead of my back muscles.
it is discouraging putting all these applications and resumes in. i was at the main lib on Mon using their computer to do an AP i needed to print off then made copies for all my stuff and drove it to Fremont.
the personal person had a sad bad look
haven't heard from them either.

food

>
>"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is
>the most requested column I've ever written.
>
>My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
>
>1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
>
>2. When in doubt, just take the next
>small step.
>
>3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
>
>4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents
>will. Stay in touch.
>
>5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
>
>6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
>
>7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
>
>8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
>
>9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
>
>10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
>
>11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
>
>12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
>
>13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey
>is all about.
>
>14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
>
>15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never
>blinks.
>
>16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
>
>17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
>
>18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
>
>19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to
>you and no one else.
>
>20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an
>answer.
>
>21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save
>it for a special occasion. Today is special.
>
>22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
>
>23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
>
>24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
>
>25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
>
>26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this
>matter?'
>
>27. Always choose life.
>
>28. Forgive everyone everything.
>
>29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
>
>30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
>
>31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
>
>32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
>
>33. Believe in miracles.
>
>34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't
>do.
>
>35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
>
>36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
>
>37. Your children get only one childhood.
>
>38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
>
>39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
>
>40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab
>ours back.
>
>41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
>
>42. The best is yet to come...
>
>43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
>
>44. Yield.
>
>45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."
>
>Its estimated 93% won't forward this. If you are one of the 7% who will,
>forward this with the title '7%'.
>
>I'm in the 7%. Friends are the family that we choose.





Pasta All'Amatriciana (How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman)

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 to 1/3 cup minced good bacon or pancetta
1 small onion, minced
1 (28-ounce) can whole plum tomatoes, drained
1 pound linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or other long pasta
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
Minced fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Place the oil and bacon or pancetta in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until the meat becomes crisp, about 10 minutes.
3. When the meat is done, remove it with a slotted spoon, leaving the fat in the pan. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until it browns. Turn off the heat for a minute (this will reduce the spattering when you add the tomatoes).
4. Crush the tomatoes with a fork or your hands and add them to the pan. Turn the heat to medium-high. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes saucy, about 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, salt the boiling water and cook the pasta until it is tender but firm. Drain it, toss it with the sauce, and top with the reserved bacon, the Parmesan, and the parsley. Serve, passing additional Parmesan at the table.

***This is really such a perfectly balanced dish! Salty, sweet and acidic all in one forkful. I did use whole wheat linguine instead of white and 2 can of diced and drained tomatoes.

***I calculated this without the Parmesan and Romano cheese as you can sprinkle this on yourself and it came out to 7 WW points based on 4 servings.

Mediterranean Lentils

DSC_0215

***Soak the lentils overnight

Ingredients:

1 cup lentils (green hold there shape better and are firmer)
2 thin leeks, whites only, washed well and chopped thinly
1 cup cilantro
2 tsp fresh mint, chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary (or 1/4 tsp dried)
pinch of fresh ground black pepper
2 tsp ground coriander
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
2 Tbsp fish sauce (called for 3 but I added less)
1 Tbsp best quality extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

Soak the lentils in plenty of cold water overnight.

Rinse and drain the lentils. Place in a large saucepan and cover with just enough fresh water to cover them. Bring to a boil. Skim any foam from the water and reduce the heat to a simmer.

Add the chopped leeks and cilantro to the lentils and stir. Add all remaining ingredients and simmer until tender-about 30 minutes.

Serve hot.

***I thought this was delicious! Sadly though the night that I made it all I had time to make to go with it was hamburgers! LOL. Not the best combo but I can assure you that they were delicious the next day for lunch!!!

the dog is gone

had an interview at an elementary school yesterday

dog is still here

2 neighbors have called to complain it was running in the street. It yaps and chewed through Lancy's leash 2x. he doesn't know how it walk on a leash and Emma visiting for 3 min isn't cutting it. He's up at 5, 7, wining all day out 3x I patched the spot. 3x times it once. cleaver sucker. He climbs a pallet and squeezes thru the 3rd board. I am not happy and neither is Lacy.

Went to the farmers market today. It makes me happy. They make crepes now. I like the ham and cheese with a sour cream, chive and mustard drizzle, the chicken basil, avocado and cheddar today was not my favorite.

I'm not sure the corn man told me to refrigerate it or not i think like tomatoes it disturbs the sugar, I think he said cold water. I'll let you know.
Finished another book in the series on Samual and pychics.
Now reading Parker's The Professional.

School start's tomorrow.
;-(

a dog

How is it that I have a dog staying with me? Lacy is not happy. "Fuzzy" belongs to Emma, my housekeeper.(seen above) In return for letting him stay in my yard, she will clean. Apparently she moved and can no longer keep him. He's managed to find his way out of the back. I was going to take him for a walk. Apparently he doesn't know how to walk on a leash. He is 4 and a hot dog. I left it on him and was changing and came out to the desk to see he has chewed through Lacy's leash. After 2 days he doesn't run from me any more when Emma is here but not to me either. When she shows up he run to greet her. My neighbor called to say he was out front. I didn't see him our from or in the back at 7 am either. Somehow he gets out, but gets back in too. The walks will be good for me.

Physical therapy has exercises for homework and core strengthening ones for the gym cycle, bike, arm pulls and thighs. Looks and feels like Suzanne Summer's thigh masters, I thought I'd me sore but I'm not so far. I can almost meditate with an ice pack and electrodes on my back. Just turn off the light and cover me up.

tests

I was sad. I went in for a mammogram, followed by an ultrasound then referred to the breast surgery center where I met with a BP to be told the tender nodule I have is a cyst. Benign. If it continues to fill and be more painful they can do a needle aspiration to drain the fluid.
We just seem to have a history of fibrocystic breasts, fibroadonomas in our family. Although with my grandmothers on both sides and paternal aunt dying of breast cancer I've been doing mammograms since 49 or so.

Physical therapy is good. I am learning to barrel roll to get up and put less strain on my back and other things,
I go early and walk the treadmill and bike either the recumbent bike which I will learn today or the regular.

Amusing?
I talked to Jim now he wants to see one another again....yes I missed him, but I told him I'd think about it. It hurt and upset me when he wanted to take a break and said we were becomming routine. Considering we were only to be friends what was that?

I make pickles badly but these were better.

Inspiration: A love for crisp pickles that still have a hint of cucumber, cucumbers from our CSA, and Mark Bittman's recipe.

Ingredients:

•1/3 cup kosher salt
•1 cup boiling water
•2 pounds small (“Kirby”) cucumbers, washed (scrub if spiny) and cut lengthwise into halves or quarters
•At least 5 cloves garlic, smashed
•1 large bunch dill, preferably fresh and with flowers, or substitute 2 tablespoons dried dill and 1 teaspoon dill seeds or 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
1. Combine the salt and boiling water in a large bowl; stir to dissolve the salt. Add a handful of ice cubes to cool down the mixture, then add all the remaining ingredients.

2. Add cold water to cover. Use a plate slightly smaller than the diameter of the bowl and a small weight to hold the cucumbers under the water. Keep at room temperature.

3. Begin sampling the cucumbers after 4 hours if you’ve quartered them, 8 hours if you’ve cut them in half. In either case, it will probably take from 12 to 24 or even 48 hours for them to taste “pickle-y” enough to suit your taste.

4. When they are ready, refrigerate them, still in the brine. The pickles will continue to ferment as they sit, more quickly at room temperature, more slowly in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week.


Notes: So easy, and a good way to use up those summer cucumbers. They're salty and tasty!

summer

old smoker, nice man Jim, 67,I miss him, which surprises me a bit. When did we get so old? saw him for 5 mo.

My wonderful friend Kim and I met for dinner after 3 yrs. We are in touch my phone and email but she is so busy at Cisco and her daughter and husband. We both felt it was too long and we are too valuable to one another to let it continue. We will make time regularly, what ever that is.She is estraigned (sic)unfortunately, over their parents estate from her sister and family now. I know how it feels to be cut off. Very lonely.
We had butter chicken on basmati rice. This is one of the things that is not too hot there. I once got 15.dollars woth of take out and had to feed it to Ricardo, I couldn't eat a bite, but I got walnut prawns.

went to get a breast ultrasound today as a follow up for the mammogram and tomorrow have a consult at the breast surgery center.

I like this gyn better than any other since my woman one married and left several tears ago.

Went to meet Frank at Aqui's tonight. Ass didn't call or show up. He did email 2 min before the meet.

I like this cool summer we are having.

my back has been hurting. I go for my initial pt session in the morning.

I lost 30 lbs. Have been swimming, walking, not eating much, sticking to salads, fruits, doing some yoga, aligning my chakra's and doing meditation and guided imagry every day. The pain and wellness center recommends it.

Have been appling for some sales things one teaching one librarian in sf and on in seattle.


eggplant is here

Toast cumin and sesame seeds together in a dry pan, and when they´re all fragrant and crunchy, spread them out to cool on a cutting board. Mix the aubergine puree with yogurt, salt, pepper and the seeds, and add mint or parsley or both or none.

Great stuff, to start a meal, to serve alongside a dish of lentils, with flatbread, or chips, or anything, really.

Make tacos
love those fish tacos on whole wheat tortillas and coleslaw but rather than spend 9 dollars for 3 at the farmers market
Masa Harina. They had it, but if you can't find it, you can order it online.


Ingredients:

•1 cup Masa Harina (will make approximately 6 6-inch tortillas)

•Eggs
•Shredded Cheddar
•Hot Sauce
•Optional: cooked sausage, vegetables, other taco ingredients

Instructions:

1.Mix Masa Harina with scant 1 cup hot water and a dash of salt. Once combined, cover and set aside for one hour.
2.When dough is ready, roll into 2-inch balls. Press in a tortilla press lined with wax or parchment paper.

3.Heat griddle to hot. Cook tortillas approximately 1 minute on each side. Keep warm in towels until other ingredients are ready.
4.Scramble eggs and season with salt and pepper.

5.Assemble tacos and enjoy!

I had some today at aqui's, a fresh mex place I love had a that taco their chips w black bean dip, humus, roasted tomato salsa, and more eggplant, baba ganoush
I also love the pork, carnitas from the luncheria, lunch truck, open till midnight with roasted green onion, tomatillo salsa, radishes. sour cream, acquante, avocado on freshly made corn tortillas.

This life is exhausting

Keeping up in lunch on Monday, Dinner on Tues, tea on Sunday. I need a calendar and a cell phone. On Sun. I was at Starbucks 3 times. First he was at the wrong one and I didn't have his number so went to get his number and redirect. I should have gone there at least I knew where he was. There are 4 Starbucks close by here.

I've been going some writing as well as reading. I never really tried before but it pours out without effort.
Met 2 physical trainers to put me on a program of walking, the karate instructor with the body of steel says swimming is doing nothing for me bit it helps my back.
Speaking of my back it's been flaring up and I have my first PT apt. at the Pain and Wellness Center on Tues. I've been taking pills 3x a day sometimes. They put me to sleep and I was staying awake for most of the last 5 nights. Last night I picked one of my guys at the SF airport, about 45 min from home at 3. I dropped him at his car and didn't get home till 5 am. Just so u know, on the weekend McDonald's doesn't open till 6.
I like their sm wild berry smoothies. Parade had a free coupon and I mam hooked.
Yesterday and today that was all I ate along yesterday w a bowl of raisin bran and today w a cheese burger. I need to get to the supermarket and the farmers market. I slept thru it today and woke up at 6 and 1 and 6 and 12. weird sleep schedule.

Jim

Took my vacuum in, it needed a belt and lent me his, picked it up and brought it back. He liked to do things for me.

I will miss him as an unlikely, older friend.

I unconsciously said something about it becoming routine and he called yesterday and suggested we step back for awhile.

We don't have scheduled meetings, yes some dates but not any form of relationship but I /we enjoyed being with one another; and we both knew any future to be unlikely. I can't stand his smoking but I am still sad.

depressed i need some chocolate

instead went to dinner w ricardo for pad thai

Chocolate steamed pudding

Makes two generous deep ramekins, or three less bountiful ones (which is fine. remember that ice cream?)

Put 50 gr. of 52% chocolate and 50 gr. butter in a big microwave safe bowl. Give them one minute on half strenght, and then mix well with the wooden spoon. Little fingers willl interfere but let them. Butter and chocolate, what´s wrong with that?
beat in an egg, and add 25 gr. of flour and a pinch of baking powder. Mix well and put the mix into ramekins. Cover them with clingfilm and microwave on high for 60 seconds.
That should have a bit of sauce underneath, but if you prefer to have the thing cooked through so you can turn it out, then give it 90 seconds, and butter the ramekins.
(You might need a test run. Microwaves are notoriusly weird, and different from each other)

new fence

Prayers go out to Karen's Dad.


Happy birthday to my big brother, hermano mayor, Bob

Coming up on Ms. Emily Jean Wesley Phillips B.D. 8/5, born in 1972.

Getting a new side fence put in for 800 dollars. yikes. It's been down since I trimmed the trees in Oct.

The trees will have to wait.
I don't want to trim them anyway. cutting off the tops 16 ft. It's more than 3k.
Everything costs money.

getting the car washed. Giving lemons and t shirts as a tip instead of the tip they wanted for lunch or a good job.

called AAA thinking my battery needed a charge. I left it on in the garage for 2 days it's so quiet. Fortunately it was because I took the keys inside. I never do because I leave my purse in the garage in the car. Because I had helpers here I brought it in.

Ants are still driving me nuts. almost ate one this morning..ewwwwww, how can anteaters and apes eat them? They smell terrible squished and taste worse.
the smell alone will make u sick
I got bait to put all around the house.

Hopefully it will get them using grains. inside liquid bait and spray. i need to find their nest.
Since they came up through the floor in the bathroom, I sprayed them and think the nest is under the house near a toilet leak.

Blah

I'm thinking of going on a few road trips overnight to Pismo Beach. Morrow Bay and points south. He has an RV and likes to surf so that will get my back off the ground. That is an improvement. I'm getting too old and infirm and out of shape to sleep in a tent on the ground. Perhaps the last is the major reason.

Started dating 2 trainers who want to put me on a program, Swimming and walking and hour each isn't wnough. At my weight I need to do aerobics too and meditate and do some yoga. That's 5 or 4 hrs a day let's see what they have to suggest. So far it's also been natural supplements. No thanks.

Have been up all night for the last few.

My neighbor has a peach tree and they are almost ripe. I had one on my cereal.

oil

This is my 3rd day of cleaning the house inside and out. In addition, the toliet hose needed replacing on Sat.

I've tossed tons of recycling. and have 4 bags waiting for the can to be empty today. Jim lent me his vacuum and took mine in to get fixed. I would have just thought it needed replacing.

I got the oil changed too.

On Sun. at the farmers market my back went out. I coudn't carry cherries, zuchini, nectarines and apricots. Boy I've been into the drugs. they cut the pain but just mask the hurt.
After 2 yrs, workers comp is covering 6 sessions of physical therapy and this flair up.

Happy Birthday Dad

We took
did we give back?
children rarely do

cut the lawn

decided the straw growing needed water or it had no recovery possibility.

something is wrong with my auto sprinklers so I've been watering my the one u screw on the hose.

I need a new hose this one leaks.

My new mattress is about to arrive. I wondered should I change from a q from a K. Then there is the headboard and all the linen....
I'm ready to move into somewhere where I have a little yard no yard work, a maid comes to clean and It is 2 bedrooms. I'm in a downsizing and a tossing mood.

Met with my library ladies birthday group the day after the 4th. The library is sure cutting hrs and people. There is no money fireworks were canceled but there seemed to be some going off everywhere.

Made some corn, shrimp and new potatoes.

These ants are driving me crazy.

reading books

online is different. I kept trying to turn the page, rather than click the arrow. I prefer books in paper form.

My back exam got put off again. It's been over 2 yrs.


Scallop, Green Bean and Baby Red Spring Salad with Miso Dressing

The dressing is modified from Museum Cafes & Arts, a little gem of a book of recipes from museum cafes illustrated with gorgeous prints of famous works of art. The rest of the recipe we made up ourselves. Although I've listed the weights of the potatoes, scallops and beans we used, you should just buy what you think you need. The dressing will serve at least 6.

1 lb small red potatoes
salt and pepper to taste (just a tiny bit - the dressing is salty)
3 tbsp canola oil
1 1/2 lbs large scallops
Fresh lettuce
1/2 lb green beans
Miso Dressing (recipe follows)

Wash and dry potatoes well. Don't peel. Cut into half (or thirds, however you want, to uniform size) Toss with 1 tbsp canola oil and 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400 degrees, turning halfway, for about 30 minutes, or until browned and cooked. While the potatoes are cooking, make the dressing, wash and dry the lettuce. Steam the green beans over boiling water till warm, bright green and still a bit crisp. Drain and set aside. Remove cooked potatoes to a bowl and set aside while you cook the scallops.

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet until very hot but not smoking. Add the scallops and sauté until nicely browned, about 3-4 mins. Turn to the other side and cook one more minute.

Arrange the greens on a platter. Arrange the scallops, browned side up, on the bed of greens. Scatter some green beans atop the greens and place the potatoes on the side. Drizzle dressing over the scallops, beans and greens and serve immediately. Serves 4.

Miso Dressing

I happen to love this dressing, but if it's not for you, make my warm tarragon vinaigrette instead.

1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup white miso
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp wasabi paste
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup light soy sauce
1 teensy-weensy drop sesame oil (optional)
1 1/2 tbsp canola oil

In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients except the canola oil. Gradually whisk in canola oil.

Love the time of the year when stone fruit comes in

I went to the to the farmers market. Today was it . Especially apricots. The nectarines, peaches are still small, but the cherries are for the most part OK. The rain splits their skin easily.

Ants were swarming on cherry pits I left in the garbage when I left.

I also got 1 baskets of raspberries and one of organic strawberries. You need to buy organic carrots, celery and all the earlier ones listed.
I splurged and got some zucchini and flax seed bread.

School is out at the end of the week. Some schools already are.

On line S Meyers the author of the Twilight series posted her latest, The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.

i hear from my brother Michael that his grandson, Ben is being baptised in Charlotte. I got a card today and that will prompt me to get the others in the mail.

I know it's nice to get things in the mail, but it's become as expensive as the object to mail, I crudely, rudely. would rather send a check, or as crass and more limiting, a gift certificate.
I do want pictures.

I still haven't seen any from Gwen's wedding yet. Nor did I go. Nor is she talking to me then or now, why would I go?

Back from Trinidad

The weather was icky, cold, rainy, foggy, drippy. I had a shabat dinner with Earl, lit the candles and he said the prayers and I learned you don't blow them out. We had dinner earlier so we had wine, ie grape juice and challa with salt. We went to see Victorian Ferndale and toured the cool Victorian houses in Eureka. He goes to the temple to study and pray all day Sat., as a converted Jew.
Then, I went to the farmers market for Marilyn, that finished me off. It's harder shopping from a list and when I wast some snap peas I get some, she puts 5c, I get 3 cups, she puts 5 bunches of small carrots I get 5 early but not small carrots not exactly the same, at the coo[ she says get me a c of pine nuts, well I know that they cost 36. dollars and she will flip since she sent me back once with bonito flakes, peanut sauce guerre cheese and feta cheese to look for french goat cheese feta in a liquid tub like mozzarella. It takes forever. You don't know where the refrigerated flax seed extract or the cumin is and assume she wants it ground. It wore me out the first time. The second time was after we shopped for baby clothes. By the time I shopped it I was ready to take over the handicapped cart. I hope she kept and realizes soon I spent 180. for her. I'm ready for my refund.
I couldn't wait to get out of there this morning. she wanted me to stop on Oakland to drop off the baby clothes for her grandson. I wonder if she has any idea what shape I'm in after driving 6 hrs. Then to stop in rush hr.?
She asks to much.
She once asked me to do some research and I did it and called the place long distance to discover she had done it too because she wants it faster or doesn't believe your heard her or it will get done. Tell me once you don't need to write it down, or remind me, if I commit I will do it.

I found 4 cute onesies for Ben. I hope they fit they look so small. I washed them in ivory snow and rinsed them twice.


Sicilian Shepherd's Tomato Pasta with Fresh Ricotta

Inspiration:
Lynne Rossetto Kasper of The Splendid Table on NPR


Ingredients:

•1 15-ounce container creamy whole-milk ricotta cheese
•2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
•1/4 to 1/3 cup coarsely chopped salami (such as soppressata or Genoa)
•2 stalks celery with leaves, chopped
•1/2 cup chopped carrot
•10 large fresh sage leaves, snipped
•1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley leaves, snipped
•2 medium onions (about 1 cup), chopped
•1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•2 large cloves, garlic
•1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
•3/4 cup dry red wine
•1 tablespoon tomato paste
•1 28-ounce can and 1 14-ounce can whole tomatoes, drained and cut up
•1 pound penne rigate or bucatini pasta
•6 quarts boiling salted water

Instructions:

1.Let ricotta come to room temperature. In a 12-inch skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the salami; cook to release a little of its fat. Stir in the celery, carrot, sage, parsley, onions, black pepper, and salt. Reduce heat to medium; cook and stir until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
2.Stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute. Add the wine and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes. Cook, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until thick.
3.Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain in a colander.
4.Add the pasta to the sauce and toss together over medium heat 2 to 3 minutes or until heated through. Spread about one-third of the pasta in a warm serving bowl. Top with one-third of the ricotta. Layer in more pasta and ricotta, then the remaining pasta; finish with a few spoonfuls of ricotta. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes:

Soffritto is literally a "sautéed base" and is the building block for tomato sauce. This pasta dish features the best of pasta, cheese and tomatoes all in one place. Lynne Rossetto Kasper, author and radio show host of "The Splendid Table®," is fond of this dish. Use the sweetest, creamiest ricotta cheese you can find. Soppressata or Genoa salami add a pleasant amount of spice to this pasta dish; you can find these varieties at a gourmet food store.


Notes:
This was a new twist on pasta sauce- I really enjoyed it. It's amazing how much better homemade sauce tastes. This was a fairly easy recipe as long as you don't mind chopping some vegetables. You could surely make the sauce ahead of time. Before eating, boil the pasta, warm up the sauce, and toss together.

Memorial Day

I had another lovely date with Patrick on Thur,, eve.
My friend Jose was coming up from Fresno and was in an accident so I made other plans to see Patrick on Sat. afternoon and Dave for dinner Sat eve. Jim took me to lunch and to see Sex in the City. I love those movies and Ricardo and I went out for Persian food on Sun.

On Mon I had brunch with Frank. A chance to see how the other half lives in a perfectly restored house in Willow Glen, an area I love. Then I noticed 2 cars and after brunch he told me he was married. Very rich and feeling neglected. No thank you. Men do not do well alone.

I am leaving to go N to Trinidad to see Marilyn and a man named Earl,who lives in Eureka to hike the Lost coast and hopefully enjoy some dry days. He is a Jew who is in temple all day. Sat.
Marilyn's liver is messed up cuz of her meds. She is very sick.

Her son Jesse is also off on a parinoid, schitzophrenic bi polar binge and off meds, He is sure his baby born in Dec, to his Japanese born wife, is not his and is beyond scary mixed with his rants. He needs to get on meds. again, This is compounded by the fact that noone told Yukari that Jesse had this history, as does the baby now.

ick


Okay, I could have gotten really fancy there and told you that I made Tilapia en Papilotte, which I did but I really want you to try this and figure this title might not intimidate you and you could see how truly easy this recipe is!

I am submitting this recipe to Marye at The Restless Chipotle who is helping to change the way people think about fast food. It DOES NOT need to come from a box to be fast food! To see what she is trying to do and to check out all of the the wonderful entries from her last round of Real Food….. Real Quick up head to her site!

In total I think this took me about 5 minutes to pull together and that included going outside and cutting the herbs for it.



Tilapia in Parchment adapted from and inspired by Heart homecooked

4 Tilapia fillets
4 sprigs each of thyme, oregano (1 sprig of each for each pouch)
1/4 cup packed basil leaves, thinly sliced
8 slices of thinly sliced lemon, 2 for each pouch
4 tsp of butter, 1 tsp for each pouch
coarse salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

•Preheat oven to 425F.
•Wash fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Season well with salt and pepper.
•Place fillets on top of cut parchment paper (ehow.com and latimes.com have excellent "en papillote" step by step instructions) and top with butter, lemon wheel and herbs. Seal the pouch and cook for 10 minutes.
***you can skip the butter if you are watching your weight. I added about 1 tsp of olive oil to mine instead of the butter and it is a 4 Point recipe based on a 6 oz. piece of fish.

moving the washer

Jim helped me move the washer to get a book I dropped behind it out. Boy is there a lot of stuff back there from a box of nails to my book. Now I need to return it and don't know wherre it is.

Schedules are changing here. Was to meet Patrick so I told John no, then Patrick canceled for a study group so I met Joe, or tried, for whatever reason, he was not there. I got some for french onion soup and came home. I canceled John on Friday to see Roy. Hopefully John will come on Sunday. Too much scheduling and Derick is coming tomorrow for breakfast and next week.

I am going to meet yet another John. She is an ex pilot and retired USArmy and not works for the tanl people and goes to yhe Gulf still. He must be in super shape He's talking about biking tonight in the whatever. My bike was bought in 1972 and is a Raleigh 5 speed. Joe got the 10 but they are heavy racing bikes with thin tires and I know since I haven't used mine in years it needs to have tires replaced. I could barely ride it with Jayleen. I am in no shape to ride with either Patrick who had seversl", or John. They have to have fancy expensive mt. bikes or super light something or other.