My first foray with fennel last week was to slice it thickly, coat lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar, and then roast on a cookie sheet until tender. (I could have done it on the grill, but decided to forgo the lighting of charcoal for just that.) I had been a bit unsure about it, since it tastes kind of like anise/licorice, but it was totally transformed with cooking! This week we sliced it thinly and sautéd it until tender, then tossed in the head of escarole that had been separated into leaves with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a wilted salad. That was also very yum, and Hubband and I both enjoyed the opportunity to try some new food stuffs we have never had before. The arugula has also proven to be tasty, despite my original concerns about the "peppery" taste. (Well, that and the fact that my oldest brother said he didn't particularly care for it. I worry if there is a green leafy food that he doesn't like; it might be dangerous. He has been accused of being part to mostly rabbit by several people.)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
A little of this, and a bit of that.
My first foray with fennel last week was to slice it thickly, coat lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with balsamic vinegar, and then roast on a cookie sheet until tender. (I could have done it on the grill, but decided to forgo the lighting of charcoal for just that.) I had been a bit unsure about it, since it tastes kind of like anise/licorice, but it was totally transformed with cooking! This week we sliced it thinly and sautéd it until tender, then tossed in the head of escarole that had been separated into leaves with some olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a wilted salad. That was also very yum, and Hubband and I both enjoyed the opportunity to try some new food stuffs we have never had before. The arugula has also proven to be tasty, despite my original concerns about the "peppery" taste. (Well, that and the fact that my oldest brother said he didn't particularly care for it. I worry if there is a green leafy food that he doesn't like; it might be dangerous. He has been accused of being part to mostly rabbit by several people.)
So, after over
seven months, it is finally over. A legal and legitimate process that all parties involved had the right to pursue, has finally come to a conclusion. I am glad it is over, I am impressed with the way it has been handled and the things that the state has learned along the way. I am glad that some rules and regulations are being reviewed and that some will probably be changed. That is all there is to say about that.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Well, that was exhausting.
Why was I so exhausted after such a normal amount of activity? This is why (sorry it is tiny and hard to read, I used my snipping tool but it will improve with clicking).
We had all kinds of heat advisories all day to stay inside in air conditioned buildings, go to public places if you don't have AC and you are elderly, young; heck, just alive.
Later on, after I had rested up and drank a glass of water and at least one of ice tea, I went out and tended to the million sixty-six plants on the deck.
It had actually cooled down a little by then, it was only 91° and "RealFeel" of 104°. Trust me, even that little bit was better.
But by about five thirty this evening we had a major improvement with some wind and stuff.
It went back up to 80° for a bit but has stayed nice and is back down to 77°; I can have the AC off and the door open. The animals are all happy because they can go out and hang out on the deck, which is where I am headed right now.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
This is a year
of a Great Conjunction.
I am sure most of you think of June 21st as the (here in the northern hemisphere) as the summer solstice. It usually is, but sometimes it is on the 20th instead (three times out of 14 years on that chart). Most years, ever since 1985, June 21st has been a day of a small conjunction, but I am sure there are several people out there who know this is pretty much intentional. As then Soon-To-Be-Hubband said when dates were being discussed, "What a great day for a big party." This year is only the fourth time in the last 24 that it has been the Great Conjunction of Father's Day, the Summer Solstice, and our anniversary.
As Hubband put it, "2 * 2 * 2 * 3. Gotta be magic, eh?"
Magic it is Sweetheart, without a doubt.
I am sure most of you think of June 21st as the (here in the northern hemisphere) as the summer solstice. It usually is, but sometimes it is on the 20th instead (three times out of 14 years on that chart). Most years, ever since 1985, June 21st has been a day of a small conjunction, but I am sure there are several people out there who know this is pretty much intentional. As then Soon-To-Be-Hubband said when dates were being discussed, "What a great day for a big party." This year is only the fourth time in the last 24 that it has been the Great Conjunction of Father's Day, the Summer Solstice, and our anniversary.
As Hubband put it, "2 * 2 * 2 * 3. Gotta be magic, eh?"
Magic it is Sweetheart, without a doubt.
Yesterday was a lot of fun,
Friday, June 19, 2009
Want to see what was in my mailbox today?
A while back I showed you the first apron in a series of aprons I have been making. That (pink and green) one was for a "Vintage Apron Swap" where the idea was to make (or buy) an apron from "vintage linens and/or pattern." The one I made was from an old tablecloth and some napkins that I had found at a consignment shop. Well, something happened to either the person that was making mine, or the package after it was mailed (which and what is unknown to me). All I know is that one day I had a message from the hostess that I had been assigned an "Apron Angel" and my package would be coming soon. Well, soon has turned into today, and I had a wonderful apron and matching hot pad from Solidia today. It is really wonderful and I love it! (Chan, you might want to look away. Why? Well, because it is, well, that color you don't like very well. It is an awesome apron though!)
She also sent a couple of recipes and one of them is for some cookies that remind her of ones her grandmother used to make, even though the recipe for those were lost when she passed away. I know how much I value family recipes and how hard it would be if a favorite was lost. I am so glad she was able to find this and then shared it with me.
I used it right away to unpack this week's CSA. This week we have Curly Endive, Arugula, fennel, French Breakfast Radishes, (the last week of) asparagus, and peppermint. It's a good thing they include some recipes every week; I have never had fennel before, either for cooking or to eat. I don't know if Hubband has, but unfortunately he will be missing out this week. I am sure there will be a chance to make it up to him latter.
I did make some Mint Water last night from some of last week's spearmint and will make some tonight from the peppermint to see if I notice a big difference. It is pretty yummy and refreshing, almost as good as ice tea! (Though I may well use mint water to make some ice tea for Sunday.)
I did make some Mint Water last night from some of last week's spearmint and will make some tonight from the peppermint to see if I notice a big difference. It is pretty yummy and refreshing, almost as good as ice tea! (Though I may well use mint water to make some ice tea for Sunday.)
Mint Water
2 quarts (filtered) water
about 20 clean mint leaves, chopped or torn coarsely
Combine water and mint in container and refrigerate overnight. Strain mint leaves and store water in fridge.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Partial recap of the week
I didn't do any Knitting in Public last weekend, but since there is a second chance, a friend and I are going to head north to the big city and hang out on the sidewalk at Knitter's Palette on Saturday. Hopefully the weather will be decent (as in dry and not to muggy/buggy).
As you may
"Blogland, meet Vet-Girl. Vet-Girl, meet Blogland."
Actually, I do believe that she has met the blog before to see pictures of Miss Oribel and see what DTE might be making noise about from across the room. She was pretty excited to have her very own name here and knew there was a really good chance she would need it. Yeah, she is sweet about indulging me like that, just like the other two.
I think I need to find out her shoe size and favorite colors (or at least if there are any she absolutely can't stand).
Last night's weather


It appears at least two and possibly three or more tornadoes skipped across southern Minnesota Wednesday evening. Thunderstorms with strong rotation developed rapidly between 7pm and 8pm, producing large hail and tornado reports.
It looks like we might be in for more today.
For awhile Hubband and I hung out in the yard before the rain came, then we watched a poor plane be re-routed around the back side and fly in circles before giving up and heading for MSP
Later we hung out on the front porch and watched the lightening in the distance and the sparkly bugs in the yard. I am planning on some of Hubband's pictures of that showing up here soon.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
This one is a special
post for my favorite uncle, the one of wizardly adventures.
So Dearest Uncle, you should go here to see what I wish for you today. (Unless I am a little behind, in which case you know I mean it on time as well as today.)
So Dearest Uncle, you should go here to see what I wish for you today. (Unless I am a little behind, in which case you know I mean it on time as well as today.)
Friday, June 12, 2009
More sewing
I would have made the "flounce" part lined as well if there had been enough fabric, which would have made the whole thing completely reversible which is always a plus with an apron in my book. Next time I make this it will have that minor alteration.
This weekend marks the first of two World Wide Knit In Public weekends. It has always been the second weekend of June in the past and this year is the transition year to the third weekend in June. (More details at the link if you so desire.) So a little bit of thought where and when to knit in public is in order I do believe. I will be making sure I have my "handy-dandy-emergency-knitting-in-my-bag" with me today when I go to pick up our first CSA box from one of my favorite Farmer's Market vendors. Since pick-up time is from 4 to 9, I am thinking there is a possibility of a line to stand in. I am pretty excited to have a new apron and fresh spring veggies tonight; I think that will be a great combo.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Outtakes
Oh look! Here it is Thursday and I have pictures of dogs! Well, pictures that didn't make my personal cut for Blue Bandanna Day yesterday. You know the kind, ones with missing noses, missing heads, the one after the dog gets tired of being messed with and takes the bandanna off her head and you put it back on; you know the kind I'm sure. etc. Anyhoos, for those of you that like looking at dog pictures, here you go!








Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Well, I was going to tell
you a particular Oribel story for Whiskers on Wednesday today, but there has been a change in plans. I only had the story, as it just wasn't possible to get pictures at the time without ruining it all. I went out to get pictures of the story setting this afternoon, in hopes of giving reference points so it would make a little more sense, but something better than a story without pictures came along. (Are you all confused by now? Excellent, my mission is accomplished. Good-bye, have a wonderful rest of your day.)
Oh, what is that you are screaming? You still want Oribel pictures and stories, do you now? Well, OK then, I guess I can manage (just not the original one, remember?)
So this afternoon I was out in the yard, wandering around, and I just happened to have a camera with me (funny that should be the case). Naturally there was semi-domesticated-semi-wildlife in the yard with me. She was running about, checking out all sorts of stuff (and probably finding more slugs for me to pick out of her fur), and of course she had to go visit her Very Best Friend Forever Of The Moment.







There isn't a whole lot to add to the pictures, I think they pretty much speak for themselves. I do have a few videos of her climbing adventures, but thy are kind of pixely looking, so I'm not sure if you all really want to see them.
Oh, I will add that today is Portugal Day, and you all should head right over here to see how Sue and her gang are celebrating. (Plus, you never know who you might recognize hanging out at her place today!)
Oh, what is that you are screaming? You still want Oribel pictures and stories, do you now? Well, OK then, I guess I can manage (just not the original one, remember?)
There isn't a whole lot to add to the pictures, I think they pretty much speak for themselves. I do have a few videos of her climbing adventures, but thy are kind of pixely looking, so I'm not sure if you all really want to see them.
Oh, I will add that today is Portugal Day, and you all should head right over here to see how Sue and her gang are celebrating. (Plus, you never know who you might recognize hanging out at her place today!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)