About 30 more school days until summer break! As soon as school lets out, we're packing up the car and heading for Minnesota to drop Hannah off at camp. Then Joe and I have an entire week, alone together. Alone. Together. This is more exciting to me than any recent overseas trip we've taken. I really can't remember the last time we spent any significant amount of time together, just the two of us. I think perhaps it was a business/vacation trip to Madrid about six years ago. Yesterday I rented a cabin at a resort not far from where Hannah will be in camp...close but not too close! We won't see or talk to her for the entire week. Our cabin is beautiful and fully furnished with a full kitchen, jacuzzi, nearby pool, steps to a lake (with a nice beach), hiking and bike trails and not far from a town. No computers, no deadlines, no meetings, no issues! While we do travel quite a bit (and I'll never complain about this), most trips are a combination of work/vacation for Joe, but not this time. All vacation, all the time.
I received very good news yesterday. After a morning of various tests, I found out that what I thought could be breast cancer, isn't! ISN'T CANCER. Whew...I've been worrying about this since last October, but with all my back and surgical issues I had to push the thought from my mind. It was just too much to deal with all at once, but now I've almost completely recovered from spine surgery and the breast stuff is no longer an issue! ::big sigh of relief::
I thought I had more to say, but I don't! That's good! Life is quiet and that's a nice change.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Technology Frustrations and more
I'm frustrated and annoyed with almost everything Internet-related lately! What happened to the "bullets" option on my blog? I can't create a bulleted list anymore, or at least I can no longer find the option. Where is it hiding?! Facebook is pissing me off, too. If not for my game buddies some friends and family, I think I'd ditch it. On top of it all, my email is now acting up. I used to have the BEST spam filter but ever since I received an email last week (spammy, but sent by someone I know so I stupidly opened it), now all sorts of spam is getting through. I really like having only one email account, but I'm afraid I may have to open another to use as my friends/family account and leave the yahoo as the junk account. Dammit. I don't want to check two accounts...maybe I'll ditch the yahoo altogether, but then I'd have to change so many other things! Amazon, Ebay, PayPal, oh my! So many thingOnlines tied to my email I'd probably never catch them all. Although perhaps it would be a good time for changes, just like making password changes for security-sake, it's probably a good idea to get a handle on just what I'm tied to "out there." Untie some things. Lighten up and make things easier to manage.
Speaking of ditching things, we were contemplating switching from satellite to cable. Every time snow got on the dish this winter, we would lose our connection. Unfortunately there's a cable monopoly in our neighborhood and switching would be extremely expensive in the long run. Yesterday I called our provider to get a new remote to replace a broken one. The operator, for some odd reason, was being very solicitous with me so I took advantage and told her we were considering making the change. By the end of the phone call I had a free remote, a free DVR and free installation (only 5 bucks a month for the DVR service). Not too shabby. I know it's really nothing to them, especially since they keep me as a customer for at least another 2 years, but I'm happy...we wanted a DVR tied to the satellite since our TiVo went kaput.
I have nothing on the needles. Last week I finished a very cute neck warmer with yarn from lulubeans. It's come in handy since my neck brace is finally off..I threw it in the trash can in the doctor's office on Tuesday. It's still cool here and the cool breezy air makes the sensitive scar tissue hurt, so now I have a nice knitted piece that's just the right size, not too much hanging all over the place. What to knit next?? I have so much yarn, I definitely have to find something based on the yarn I already have. I'd like to try socks, but I have no sock yarn. I've been making "cozies" for everything from my cell phone to H's iPod. Maybe I'll make a cozy for my MixMaxter, haha.
Yesterday I went to the gym for the first time since even before the spinal troubles. I walked a mile on the treadmill and was wishing for a cot to lie down on by the time I was finished. I wasn't even going fast, but it totally wore me out. I'll go again today, tomorrow, etc., slowly increasing my speed. I had to dip back into the narcotics last night though, so I think I'll cut the time from 30 minutes to 20.
Time to shower!
Speaking of ditching things, we were contemplating switching from satellite to cable. Every time snow got on the dish this winter, we would lose our connection. Unfortunately there's a cable monopoly in our neighborhood and switching would be extremely expensive in the long run. Yesterday I called our provider to get a new remote to replace a broken one. The operator, for some odd reason, was being very solicitous with me so I took advantage and told her we were considering making the change. By the end of the phone call I had a free remote, a free DVR and free installation (only 5 bucks a month for the DVR service). Not too shabby. I know it's really nothing to them, especially since they keep me as a customer for at least another 2 years, but I'm happy...we wanted a DVR tied to the satellite since our TiVo went kaput.
I have nothing on the needles. Last week I finished a very cute neck warmer with yarn from lulubeans. It's come in handy since my neck brace is finally off..I threw it in the trash can in the doctor's office on Tuesday. It's still cool here and the cool breezy air makes the sensitive scar tissue hurt, so now I have a nice knitted piece that's just the right size, not too much hanging all over the place. What to knit next?? I have so much yarn, I definitely have to find something based on the yarn I already have. I'd like to try socks, but I have no sock yarn. I've been making "cozies" for everything from my cell phone to H's iPod. Maybe I'll make a cozy for my MixMaxter, haha.
Yesterday I went to the gym for the first time since even before the spinal troubles. I walked a mile on the treadmill and was wishing for a cot to lie down on by the time I was finished. I wasn't even going fast, but it totally wore me out. I'll go again today, tomorrow, etc., slowly increasing my speed. I had to dip back into the narcotics last night though, so I think I'll cut the time from 30 minutes to 20.
Time to shower!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Taking a Shower
I never thought I'd dread taking a shower, but here I am, finding ways to avoid and put it off. I really do need to shower today, and I will after I find every way to procrastinate about it (like writing this ridiculous journal entry). Hopefully no one is reading this.
Showering means taking off the neck brace (which makes me nervous). I have this ridiculous fear of slipping or dropping the soap, bending funny, then snapping my neck or shaking loose one of the screws in my titanium plate. Then there's the issue of changing my dressing which completely skeeves me out. First I have to construct a waterproof covering out of ziploc bags and waterproof first aid tape, then shower carefully, trying not to stand under the water too long. A little water usually gets under the dressing no matter what I do. When I'm finally finished I have to redress the incision, arghhhhhhhh. It just looks very icky.
I want an Oreo cookie.
I have a knitting project that's been on my needles for about 5 months. When I started it, I didn't have this spine problem...It started out as a scarf for my mom, but I made a small mistake which I didn't catch until about 20 rows after the error. I was too lazy to frog so just kept knitting because it's just a utilitarian scarf. My mom is probably the only person who would notice the mistake, so I decided to give it to H (she loves it, of course). Then spinal problems hit and the scarf has been sitting since I haven't been able to hold the needles. I picked it up again the other day and now I just have one more row then cast off!! A warm, cozy alpaca scarf, just in time for spring!! Oh well, I have a head start on next fall.
Alright, I have to go do this.
Showering means taking off the neck brace (which makes me nervous). I have this ridiculous fear of slipping or dropping the soap, bending funny, then snapping my neck or shaking loose one of the screws in my titanium plate. Then there's the issue of changing my dressing which completely skeeves me out. First I have to construct a waterproof covering out of ziploc bags and waterproof first aid tape, then shower carefully, trying not to stand under the water too long. A little water usually gets under the dressing no matter what I do. When I'm finally finished I have to redress the incision, arghhhhhhhh. It just looks very icky.
I want an Oreo cookie.
I have a knitting project that's been on my needles for about 5 months. When I started it, I didn't have this spine problem...It started out as a scarf for my mom, but I made a small mistake which I didn't catch until about 20 rows after the error. I was too lazy to frog so just kept knitting because it's just a utilitarian scarf. My mom is probably the only person who would notice the mistake, so I decided to give it to H (she loves it, of course). Then spinal problems hit and the scarf has been sitting since I haven't been able to hold the needles. I picked it up again the other day and now I just have one more row then cast off!! A warm, cozy alpaca scarf, just in time for spring!! Oh well, I have a head start on next fall.
Alright, I have to go do this.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
I didn't forget
I just knit my first row in about 4 months. I had a completely irrational fear that I forgot how, but I picked up the project I had set aside 4 months ago and knit, purled and slipped a few stitches all the way to the end of the row. I still have pain, and I don't know how long I'll be able to knit, but once everyone is out of the house this morning, I'm going to make myself a cup of coffee and sit down with my project and see how many rows I can do. I guess it's like riding a bicycle...I really thought I'd have to refer back to a tutorial, but when I picked up the needles I didn't even have to think about how to hold them or what to do with the yarn. My fingers knew precisely what to do and before I knew it, the row was finished. I'm relieved, especially since I just plopped down a nice sum on two hanks of lulubeans beautiful handspun yarn. I don't have a specific project in mind for it, but it was so lovely I knew I had to snap it up quickly. Perhaps I'll try to take a picture of it today before I wind it into balls. Hmmmm, where is my swift.....
Time to wake up the household.
Time to wake up the household.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Valentine's Day
I love Valentine's Day, despite the fact that it's a total Hallmark holiday. It's never been about lovers for me (in fact, I have no clue as to the original origin of the holiday), just about loving friends and family. And, of course, hearts and cupids and all that decorative stuff. I love it!!! Over the years, Joe has learned about my love for this day, and he pays more attention to this day than my birthday or any other holiday we may celebrate. This morning he and Hannah had all sorts of goodies for me...cards, a balloon, a heart-shaped box of very nice chocolate, a large tin of Garrett's mix (that ALONE was a huge treat), and the cherry on top...5 hours at a spa (hydrotherapy, massage, facial, manicure, pedicure).
I made dinner for the uncles, Joe and Hannah...balsamic-marinated, roasted chicken, boiled new potatoes with EVOO and fresh lemon, broccoli/spinach braise and an adaptation on a WWII chocolate "emergency" cake with fresh strawberries. I was able to get all the prep done for dinner, marinated the chicken and even baked the cake before I had to collapse back in bed (very bad pain tonight), so John finished cooking the dinner for me. I love that I can invite him over for dinner and he can take over in the kitchen, no questions asked. And he never minds (I've done this before to him). I love all my boys.
Oxycontin kickin' in.
I made dinner for the uncles, Joe and Hannah...balsamic-marinated, roasted chicken, boiled new potatoes with EVOO and fresh lemon, broccoli/spinach braise and an adaptation on a WWII chocolate "emergency" cake with fresh strawberries. I was able to get all the prep done for dinner, marinated the chicken and even baked the cake before I had to collapse back in bed (very bad pain tonight), so John finished cooking the dinner for me. I love that I can invite him over for dinner and he can take over in the kitchen, no questions asked. And he never minds (I've done this before to him). I love all my boys.
Oxycontin kickin' in.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Nigella Lawson's sweet corn chowder
I love her style...she's definitely bawdy and elegant at the same time. I think she's hilarious and love that she's interviewed on NPR so often.
Sweet Corn Chowder with Toasted Tortillas
Ingredients
6 cups frozen sweet corn, defrosted
3 scallions, each one trimmed and halved
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/4 cup semolina
6 cups hot vegetable stock made from concentrate or bouillon cubes
15 cups lightly salted tortilla chips
2 cups grated cheese
2 long red chiles, deseeded and finely chopped, optional
NPR.org, January 21, 2009 · The tortillas before were the soft flour ones. These are those crisp, crunchy corn-gritty triangles that somehow always feel like a guilty pleasure. Although having said that, I know only that "guilty pleasures" exist, but I have never seen the point of feeling guilty about pleasure. Rather, I see plenty of reason for feeling guilty about failing to take pleasure in things.
When I plan to make this, I tend to take a big pack of frozen corn out of the deep freeze at breakfast time, in readiness for a superquick, fantastically soothing, mellow-yellow, and very pleasing supper that night.
Use whatever cheese you like; mostly I go for Cheddar since I always have some in the fridge, but I am happy about using up other bits and pieces. If children are eating, it's wise to omit the chiles—unless they're being very annoying.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
2. Drain the corn and put into a food processor with the scallions, garlic, and semolina. Blitz to a speckled primrose mush; unless you have a big processor you may have to do this in two batches.
3. Tip this mixture into a large saucepan, add the hot vegetable stock, and bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and let the chowder simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, spread the tortilla chips out on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and sprinkle over the cheese. Warm in the hot oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese melts over the chips.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and put a small mound of cheese-molten chips into the middle of each bowl. Sprinkle over some of the red chile, if you feel like it, and serve immediately to very grateful people.
Sweet Corn Chowder with Toasted Tortillas
Ingredients
6 cups frozen sweet corn, defrosted
3 scallions, each one trimmed and halved
1 clove garlic, peeled
1/4 cup semolina
6 cups hot vegetable stock made from concentrate or bouillon cubes
15 cups lightly salted tortilla chips
2 cups grated cheese
2 long red chiles, deseeded and finely chopped, optional
NPR.org, January 21, 2009 · The tortillas before were the soft flour ones. These are those crisp, crunchy corn-gritty triangles that somehow always feel like a guilty pleasure. Although having said that, I know only that "guilty pleasures" exist, but I have never seen the point of feeling guilty about pleasure. Rather, I see plenty of reason for feeling guilty about failing to take pleasure in things.
When I plan to make this, I tend to take a big pack of frozen corn out of the deep freeze at breakfast time, in readiness for a superquick, fantastically soothing, mellow-yellow, and very pleasing supper that night.
Use whatever cheese you like; mostly I go for Cheddar since I always have some in the fridge, but I am happy about using up other bits and pieces. If children are eating, it's wise to omit the chiles—unless they're being very annoying.
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.
2. Drain the corn and put into a food processor with the scallions, garlic, and semolina. Blitz to a speckled primrose mush; unless you have a big processor you may have to do this in two batches.
3. Tip this mixture into a large saucepan, add the hot vegetable stock, and bring to a boil, then turn down the heat and let the chowder simmer, partially covered, for 10 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, spread the tortilla chips out on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and sprinkle over the cheese. Warm in the hot oven for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese melts over the chips.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls and put a small mound of cheese-molten chips into the middle of each bowl. Sprinkle over some of the red chile, if you feel like it, and serve immediately to very grateful people.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Eggplant Parm
I want to try this...putting it here for safekeeping:
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1/2 cup egg whites (about 4 large egg whites)
1 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original); ground to a breadcrumb-like consistency in the blender
1 cup canned tomato sauce w/ Italian flavoring (such as Hunt's Tomatoes Sauce with Basil, Garlic & Oregano)
1 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese (I'd be willing to use low-fat cheese here in exchange for a few more points...I think the fat free stuff tastes nasty)
1/4 cup reduced-fat grated parmesan-style topping
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Optional: dried Italian seasonings (basil, oregano, etc.)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice ends off of eggplant, and cut it lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips. Use a paper towel to blot eggplant slices on both sides (to remove excess moisture). Spray a large baking pan with nonstick spray. Season crumbs with garlic powder, salt, pepper and, if you like, additional seasonings. Coat eggplant slices on both sides -- first with egg whites, and then with Fiber One crumbs. Place slices flat on the baking pan, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, flip slices over and bake until browned on both sides (about 10 minutes longer). Remove pan from oven, but leave oven on. Spread 1/4 cup of sauce over the bottom of an 8" X 8" baking dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange half of the baked eggplant slices evenly over the sauce. Continue to layer ingredients evenly in this order: sauce (1/4 cup), mozzarella and parm topping (half of each), sauce (1/4 cup), eggplant (remaining slices), sauce (1/4 cup), and cheeses (remaining amounts). Cover dish with foil and return to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until heated throughout. Allow to cool slightly, and then cut into quarters. Enjoy! MAKES 4 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1 generous portion (1/4th of recipe)
Calories: 170
Fat: 2.5g
Sodium: 872mg
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 13g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 15g
POINTS® value 3*
Ingredients:
1 large eggplant
1/2 cup egg whites (about 4 large egg whites)
1 cup Fiber One bran cereal (original); ground to a breadcrumb-like consistency in the blender
1 cup canned tomato sauce w/ Italian flavoring (such as Hunt's Tomatoes Sauce with Basil, Garlic & Oregano)
1 cup shredded fat-free mozzarella cheese (I'd be willing to use low-fat cheese here in exchange for a few more points...I think the fat free stuff tastes nasty)
1/4 cup reduced-fat grated parmesan-style topping
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
Optional: dried Italian seasonings (basil, oregano, etc.)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice ends off of eggplant, and cut it lengthwise into 1/2-inch strips. Use a paper towel to blot eggplant slices on both sides (to remove excess moisture). Spray a large baking pan with nonstick spray. Season crumbs with garlic powder, salt, pepper and, if you like, additional seasonings. Coat eggplant slices on both sides -- first with egg whites, and then with Fiber One crumbs. Place slices flat on the baking pan, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, flip slices over and bake until browned on both sides (about 10 minutes longer). Remove pan from oven, but leave oven on. Spread 1/4 cup of sauce over the bottom of an 8" X 8" baking dish sprayed lightly with nonstick spray. Arrange half of the baked eggplant slices evenly over the sauce. Continue to layer ingredients evenly in this order: sauce (1/4 cup), mozzarella and parm topping (half of each), sauce (1/4 cup), eggplant (remaining slices), sauce (1/4 cup), and cheeses (remaining amounts). Cover dish with foil and return to the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, or until heated throughout. Allow to cool slightly, and then cut into quarters. Enjoy! MAKES 4 SERVINGS
Serving Size: 1 generous portion (1/4th of recipe)
Calories: 170
Fat: 2.5g
Sodium: 872mg
Carbs: 29g
Fiber: 13g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 15g
POINTS® value 3*
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