Sunday, August 31, 2014

Priorities

Sometimes I suffer from tunnel vision.  I get so caught up in a task that it becomes a driving force.  If I don't get it done, and done now, the world will surely come to an end.  It is both a blessing and a curse.  Blessing?  If I said I would do it, I do.  Curse?  I forget there may be others whose priorities I completely ignore.  If it's true that misery loves company, I think this is not a unique affliction.  To a degree, we all find ourselves tunneling.  Well, maybe with the exception of Mother Theresa, but there has to be an exception to prove the rule. Right?  The impact is usually an unintended slight to the person ignored.  If you have heard me speak, you know I speak to the issue of failure, and the fact that no one can travel backward to undo a wrong.  We can seek forgiveness, we can learn from it, and we must move on.  And with any luck at all, the light at the end of the tunnel will be a little more awareness!  Just a Sunday thought from someone who loves you!

Saturday, August 30, 2014

Age...the time to discuss one's physical infirmaries!

As of 7:00 this morning, I started my eye drop regimen to prepare for cataract surgery on Tuesday.  3 drops in the morning, 2 at noon, 2 at 4:00 and 2 before bed.  Now remember, this is for an infirmity associated with age.  I'm lucky if I can remember I'm having the sucker removed, much less when!  So, being a person of modicum intelligence, I have made a checklist, and have it sitting next to the eye drops. Clever, right.  The only problem is, I have to remember to check the schedule.  I was only 1 1/2 hours late for the first noon drops.  But I got 'em! Now if I can make it the next three days, as assigned.  I thought piece of cake.  Then I read the rest of the instructions.  Continue this regimen for four weeks,  FOUR WEEKS!  By then I will either be a creature of habit, or blind because I forgot!  There is a second sign of aging (other than the willingness to discuss one's medical history), and that is to complain about prices.  $175.00 for three tiny vials of drops?  Really?  That's a lot of Chillada's! But the end result should be the ability to read without bruising my nose because I'm holding the reading material so close!  Worth the effort.  Stay tuned here for future updates...and say a silent prayer that I don't develop hemorrhoids!  Know you are loved!

Friday, August 29, 2014

It seemed like a good idea at the time...

Question.  Does anyone want cherry tomatoes?  Apparently, buying a six pack seemed like a good idea at the time.  After all, they/re such little things, they can't be a problem.  Unless of course, they all start to ripen at a time you are gone for a week.  And you can only eat so many while picking.  And there are enough for the neighborhood to eat for a week.  And there are still as many on the plants.  And oh crap!  Couple that with the fact that all the tomatoes decided to ripen at exactly the same time, so it was pick, blanch, peel, boil, and bag.  I know that I love tomatoes fresh from the vine.  I know that sometime in December when I want to pop a little tomato in my mouth I will regret writing this.  But today?  Not so much!  Enjoy the good things while you can, and know you are loved!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

GBIGTBBH

I can't begin to tell you how delightful it is to discover new things with people you love!  We've lived in South Dakota for years but have never seen the parts of the Hills we saw this past weekend...nor realized the impact of the spirituality involved!  Friends from New York and Iowa joined our good friends from Sioux Falls and us in the process, and seeing things through there eyes was also very moving.  Good byes this morning were difficult.  When it's long between visits, the time becomes amazingly sweet!  All this being true, it was good to get home!  There's something to be said about one's own bed, and it is good!  Guess this makes it a win, win, huh?  Enjoy what you can where you are and remember you are loved!

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

If it's a trip, there must be doggerel?!

And here it is!  Vicariously join us for a review of last week...and know you are loved!

Wednesday

The day? It was normal, some might say mundane
Jumped into the car...alas 'twas no train.
We're halfway across, look forward to pals
The Tapscotts do find us at Oasis called Al's!

In Wall we arrive and the Larson's are there
We're not yet complete, we wait New York pair!
To Rapid next morning we travel to find
Our Herschel and Fern...they're there!  Peace of mind!

Friday
The day does dawn early, to lands that are bad
Our first chance at hiking...a good time we had.
Home for the next nights, I give you no dodge
We unpack our goodies at Sylvan lake lodge!

Saturday
The poet he screwed up, to Madison flees
The others go hiking their bodies to please
To Harney, not likely, rain turns paths to mulch
And though it is Saturday, they do Sunday gulch!


Sunday
Together again the preeminent hike
Though windy and coolish the view we do like
We're back down the mountain 'twas cool and 'twas sweet
And then there's that question...so bill, could you eat?

And just to thwart sarah this day isn't terse
Deservingly given it's own second verse.
You see import quickly when purple hit's eye
We clearly remember this day was for pie!

Monday
We pack our belongings and into the car
We travel to Custer it's really not far!
In absence, the bear and his little white dove
We sing to them loudly on leap based on love!

Tuesday
While holding my breath we encounter a bison
And soon there appear more upon the horizon
This day it is full but memory save
I conquered great fear and lived through the cave!

Wednesday
It comes quite full circle, the last hike is through
But maybe, just maybe, one more we could do!
Then on into Rapidq, museum so neat
And trip ends as usual!  We go out to eat!

This rhyme it's not able to mention it all
But mem'ries will linger we'll truly recall
A magical moment or boatload of joy
That started with Larson...a girl and a boy!

We cannot deny it, great work they did do
The smallest detail they thought it all through
Locations inviting, that's always the case
The way that they showed us?  Great love for each place.

Tomorrow comes quickly, twill be a short spell
Before we're together more stories to tell.
Thank god for the fortunes rained down from above
To say it seems simple but it's you we do love!





Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Bz--1. Claustrophobia--0


For those of you initiated in the phobias that beset me...I actually did Wind Cave...and survived.  Now let me explain how.  First, we were the only two to ride down in the elevator.  Everyone on the tour preceded us.  Once in the cave, we were always the last of the group.  The way out was supposedly never blocked.  Of course, had I bolted, I would have been completely lost and certainly died!  Deep breaths, an understanding wife, and the promise of a beer with lunch pulled me through.  I'm proud to say I did it!  I'm relatively certain I don't need to do it again!!!  The picture above is part of the box work ceiling in the cave.  I believe I heard them say it was indicative of this particular cave.  I thought it was cool...far too close, but cool.  Of course, the picture below was the first thing we saw upon leaving the cave.  Life is rosey, and you are loved


Monday, August 25, 2014

Oh beautiful for...

There is no doubt I am an itinerant optimist, a hopeless romantic, and an unflinching patriot.  When America the Beautiful starts to play, I begin to sing and that little flutter of pride wells up in my chest.  That being said, today was a visit to Mt. Rushmore, and I wasn't expecting a great wash of patriotism.  After all, I was just there a month ago.  The afternoon was delightful, and we left for supper.  Upon our return this evening, I was expecting more of the same.  Wrong.  The lighting ceremony had me enthralled, in tears at times, and emotional beyond expectation.  The film was moving.  But when the over 50 servicemen ascended the stage to help lower the flag, my heart swelled with such pride I was overcome.  We are, at our best, an amazing country.  We are the legacy of those who have gone before, and are given the daunting task to be that for those who follow.  Let us not let them down!  Let us be the beautiful...from sea to shining sea!  Thanks for letting this patriotic, romantic optimist spout off, and know you are loved

Sunday, August 24, 2014

The ascension!

Since last we talked...the tractor collectors were an absolute hoot!  They were so warm and welcoming!  I sat at a table of three couples, names unnecessary (you've figured out I don't remember them, right?) but who made me feel as if we had known each other forever!  The dinner was fine, the awarding of the 20 doe prizes was fine, the welcome from the president of the organization with the report on nominating and electing was fine, the report from the hosts of the winter meeting was fine (but I was getting a little antsy by then!) and the auctioning off of three items was well handled (but I was getting a little antsier), and when the purchaser of the quilt said, "sell it again", donating his money and letting the auctioneer sell it again, I was passed antsy to concerned.  Had I been the audience, I wouldn't have wanted to hear me speak, either.  However, they were amazing...cooperative in their part, and attentive to a fault.  When I finished, I felt good and I think they did too!  Then it was in the car, open the windows, turn the radio up, drink caffeine, eat peanuts, stop once, in Murdo, and back to the cabin by 2:45...am!  Up,at 5:30, breakfast, and surprise, ascend Harney peak!  The weather had precluded the, from doing it yesterday, so as lucky as I gave been in love, I was also lucky in weather.  My knees ache, my feet hurt, and try as you may, the smile on my face won't come off.  Après hike, it was pie and on to the Custer game lodge, where we will spend the next three nights and where there is Wi-Fi!  More smiling!   I will keep you updated, and know you are loved!

Ps...thought you might like to see a "little" of what we saw!


Saturday, August 23, 2014

No service? What do you mean, no service!

So, a day late will still do!  As I sit here in our rustic cabin, a deer grazing just outside our door, the Black Hills rising around us in majestic splendor, the fact that there is no internet service doesn't seem so bad!  Joy would be a hearty breakfast and then ascending Harney Peak with our sojourners on this trip!  Alas, such will not be the case.  Instead, I shall jump in the car, head all the way across the state, and speak to a group of antique tractor collectors!  That may sound to you like lose, lose.  No Harney Peak and 800 miles of travel in one day.  Actually, it is a national convention, with lots of chances for lining up speeches, and it could rain today so Harney peak is questionable at best!  So it's breakfast, car, laugh, learn, love, and leave a legacy, car, and back for breakfast tomorrow morning!  Life is good, and you are loved!

Thursday, August 21, 2014

Iconic

If you have never seen a Wall Drug sign, you don't get out much!  What a stroke of advertising genius!  Being a casual observer of this phenomenon, imagine my excitement at finding the penultimate and final signs!  Walking to supper last night!  A quick visit affirms the two most salient advertising points:  coffee is indeed a nickel, and the ice water is free!  Truth in advertising!  And of course, with my friends who are loved, I do share!



Penultimate 


The last sign before you are there!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

A "regular" day

The littlest things in life can make the most difference.  We're on our hiking trip.  We have a 16 year old puppy.  The only plausible alternative was to board her with the vet (whom we love) or in the kennel (which is a very nice place) but in both cases, she would be caged and alone for the greater portion of each day.  Neither of us was comfortable with either solution, but of course, said nothing.  Enter Amy, Rocci's groomer.  When we mentioned we would kennel her, she immediately informed us that her mother was a dog sitter, and why didn't we use her.  Of course, she did live in Sioux Falls, but since we were headed to Rapid City, that was. to a problem.  We called.  She said yes.  Have you ever felt like a huge weight had been lifted from you shoulders?  Rocci will have human contact!  She will have a house to live in and a wonderful woman to feed and pill her.  Cool.  In fact, we've already had a message from Juanita (or Saint Juanita as we now call her) to say that Rocci had managed to go outside, do her thing, eat her food, take her pill, and settle in.  Way cool!  Now, I wonder if she'll want  to come home?  Hmmmm.  Little things!  Know you are loved!

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

It was "the worst of times!"

Those of you who know me know my absolute delight with anything Dickens.  Not.  You also know that by nature, I look for positives in situations.  TALE OF TWO CITIES notwithstanding, this morning was the worst of times.  Having eaten something that didn't agree with me at breakfast, we went looking for a particular type of ginger ale for our trip.  Just as we were at the farthest point in the store from the bathrooms, that which I had eaten decided it should evacuate my body...explosively.  I did my best effort of sphincter control, but perhaps the most polite way of putting this is...cleanup in aisle three.  Thankfully, the bathroom was available, and thanks to the wonder of cellular technology,  my understanding wife headed for home and brought me a different outfit.
I'm sure in the not too distant future, this will become a humorous anecdote.  Today, it's just the craps!  Admit it, it brought a smile to your face!  Know you are loved!

Monday, August 18, 2014

As promised...

I am always enamored with creativity...whether it is artistic or verbal.  As we went for our virginal green-line light rail ride, I anticipated the end of the line...Union Station.  Grand building, but the glasswork was a thing of beauty.  Would you agree?


Of course, I am also captivated by the tenacity of those who fish!  The only way I ever survived was a good book and a lot of beer.  Such may...or may not have been the case with the gentleman below, but I loved the way he looked...singular...focused....


Finally, upon our return on the Johnathon T. Paddleford, the lights of St. Paul beckoned my lens!  The focus?  Not so hot!  The colors, not so distinct.  The allure?  Amazing!  Find the beauty, the stamina, and the alluring items in your life!  And pursue them with the knowledge that you are loved!



Sunday, August 17, 2014

Adrenaline

From time to time, I forget the rush of performing in front of people.  Will I remember?  Will they listen?  Will I make a fool of myself...on purpose or by mistake?  And then, I'm there, and the words come out, and the character appears, and I am comfortable.  Lots has to do with the preparation.  Lots has to do with luck.  And lots has to do with the knowledge that I am the only one who knows what is supposed to happen. And if it doesn't, I will still be the only one who knows!  That's settling.  For a moment in time, I have the ability to warp out of bz and into another person.  But here's the funny thing!  I'm always grateful to come back.  I can think of no other way to say how lucky I am to be where I am, when I am, and with whom I choose!  LIG!  And YAL,

Saturday, August 16, 2014

Phryday Phood on Saturday...again

Sometimes, I just get so excited I forget what day it is!  This is a good thing.  It would be a shame for you to miss this blueberry delight, however!  The combination of flavors is extraordinary...just like you!  Make the crust with vodka instead of water, and throw in a little blueberry flavoring, and listen to the raves!  Bon appetit, and remember you are loved!

CRUST
  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons (about) ice water
FILLING
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 egg, beaten to blend
  • 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
TOPPING
  • 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) chilled unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

preparation

FOR CRUST:
Blend flour, butter, sugar and salt in processor until coarse meal forms. With machine running, add water by tablespoonfuls until clumps form. Gather into ball. Flatten to disk. Wrap in plastic; chill until firm, at least 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F. Roll out dough on floured surface to 13-inch round. Transfer to 9-inch glass pie plate. Trim edge to 1/2-inch overhang. Fold edge under and crimp. Freeze 10 minutes. Line crust with foil; fill with beans or pie weights. Bake until sides are set, about 12 minutes. Remove foil and beans.
FOR FILLING:
Mix first 6 ingredients in medium bowl to blend. Mix in blueberries. Spoon into crust. Bake until filling is just set, about 25 minutes.
FOR TOPPING:
Using fingertips, mix flour and butter in medium bowl until small clumps form. Mix in pecans and sugar. Spoon topping over pie. Bake until topping browns lightly, about 12 minutes. Cool pie to room temperature.

Friday, August 15, 2014

Magic

There is something to be said for a magical mystery tour, especially when it's not sung by the Beatles!  The road trip today was to visit friends in Minneapolis, and we were given a plethora of options for activities!  Being totally inept at making decisions, we simply said surprise us.  They have.  Minnehaha falls and park. (The fish tacos?  To die for!) The green line light rail with a tour of the train station (pictures to follow!) and tonight, a sun-down dinner cruise on the Johnathon Paddleford.  It should come as no mystery that a day with friends is the best tour!  The results are never a surprise!  Know what impact you have, and know you are loved!

Thursday, August 14, 2014

I'm not quite sure what it is...


But I know I like it!  During one of our walks, we stumbled across this delicate little flower, heroically making it's presence known in a field of singularily unspectacular surroundings.  The pureness of its white petals drew the eye centerward toward the brilliant display of yellow and green.  It sat there, posed if you will, for us to discover and enjoy.  We did...both.  Come to find out, it was neither rare, or for that matter, singular.  We rounded the corner and saw several...each a stunning white with eye-grabbing centers.  While breath taking, they lacked for me the appeal of that unique blossom.  Maybe it's because we all possess purity and brilliance, but it gets lost when surrounded by others?  Sometimes we simply need to separate from the bouquet and stand alone?  We need to find that perfect spot where once in our growing season, we are the lone star on the stage?  Possess that undefinable quality that is unexpected, unknown...but truly likable?  Just a Thursday thought.  Of course, it could just be a flower...  Know that you are loved!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

The unexamined life...

Yeah, well...whoever made that statement didn't keep a Google calendar.  As I looked ahead to examine, I was greeted by an event, or multiples, every day in the near future!  I tired as I contemplated all that is to be done.  For ever so split a second.  And then I smiled, reveling in the fact that most included time with people we love, and most were things we GET to do, not have to do.  More importantly, we CAN do them!  Had my yearly physical this morning.  Got an A+ from my doc (who, as far as I'm concerned, walks on water!).  A shot in the knee, which approaches miraculous results, a frozen spot on my nose, and most importantly, another year before a colonoscopy!  Wipe the grin off my face, I dare you!  So, I guess what whoever talked about examining my life meant is true...having done so, life is most definitely worth living!  Keep busy, love what you get to do, and always count on the fact that you are loved!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Comfort

It's a Monday morning, and I sit snuggled in a comfortable recliner, the dog at our feet and the woman I love at my side.  Two I-pads are fired up as we catch up on the world around us.  Looking forward to bridge this afternoon and dinner tonight in Brookings with the jungle stud and his Amazon temptress.  What makes it so comfortable?  41 years of experience!  As we celebrate yet another year of each other, I am amazed at how blessed we are!  According to Les Mis, "to love another person is to see the face of God!"  Thank God!  May you find that face, and know you are loved!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Mature canine, new tricks

As we age, we sometimes lose the desire to be technologically ept.  What we know is good enough to get by.  Why cloud our understanding with new and unnecessary things?  Other than a blatant generalization, in the case of the mature canine next door, it's a full blown fallacy!  She wanted mobility.  She has an I-pad.  She wanted to communicate.  She has an e-mail account.  She wanted to play words with friends.  She plays.  Today, she wanted to be able to click once to get to this blog to be completely entertained and inspired.  (My words, not hers!). But her tech support didn't know how to do that, and quite truthfully, her tech support ain't on the bottom of the age totem, either.  To pass something on, one needs a working knowledge of what to pass.  Ergo, this mature canine had to learn a new trick as well!  Chalk one up for the coots.  With any luck at all, she can click once on her I-pad and read this directly.  Cool!  Now all I have to do is live down the mature canine comment!  Keep learning and know you are loved!

Saturday, August 9, 2014

Sometimes, it's about the rest

It rains.  It's absolutely gorgeous.  Just what the weatherman promised and the tomatoes needed.  Of course, it's been doing it off and on for two days now, but it is still fantastic.  You see, life has been a little hectic lately.  We've been on the go for a while and just sitting, watching the rain is recuperative.  Can't run.  Already rode.  Supper is in the crock pot.  The freezer is defrosted, and now, it's time (to realize the back door was open and dry off the floor!) to sit back, close my eyes, and enjoy the sound of the rain!  And that's the rest if the story...except to remind you you are loved!

Friday, August 8, 2014

It's Phriday...it's Phood!

A gray and misty day...just the perfect sort of day for easy bread!  Of course, any day is a perfect day for easy bread.  Give it a try and know you are loved!

Onion Dill Casserole Bread
1 Tbs. dehydrated minced onion2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup water1/2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups small curd cottage cheese2 eggs
3 Tbs. butter1 cup quick or old fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour2 Tbs. dill seed or fresh dill weed
2 pkgs. (1/4 oz. each) dry yeast1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar 
Heat onion, water, cottage cheese and butter to 120 degrees.  In large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar, salt, baking soda, eggs and warmed mixture.  Mix until completely blended (3-4 minutes)  Add 1 1/2 cups flour, the oats and the dill seed and continue mixing 3-4 more minutes.  Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly doubled (about an hour).  Punch down.  Place batter into two greased deep 1 1/2 quart casseroles.  (I use heavy Bundt pans!). Brush tops with melted butter.  Let ruse uncovered in a warm place until doubled (about 45 minutes).  Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.  Remove from casseroles.  Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with coarse salt.   Cool on wire rack.

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Fruit or vegetable?

As the season quickly approaches, the age old conundrum once again raises it's ugly visage.  I speak of course to the question of the amazing tomato.  Botanically, at least according to Google, it is technically a fruit.  I'll spare you the ovarian reasoning.  However, in it's use, it isms vegetable.  How is this possible?  BTCOOF,T.  (Beats the crap out of me, Tilda!)  what I do know is there is no other fruit/vegetable that is so uniquely good when picked from one's own garden.  Store bought just don't cut it.  The first bite of that first ripe tomato is pure bliss.  The season isn't long enough, and there is no such thing as a glut of fresh tomatoes!  Bring 'em on!  Sliced, whole, cooked...bring 'em on!  Our cherry tomatoes are producing.  They will suffice until the big honkers are ready.  Then watch out.  I wonder if there is such a thing as lycopine overdose?  Who cares.  I figure if I eat enough of them, I will get my daily requirement of fruit and vegetables.  Tricky, huh?  Enjoy the fruits of the season, and know you are loved!

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

The sporting mystique

Okay,  you know you know that jock is something I wear, not something I am.  Our two televisions at home are usually turned to movies and sports, and I can tell you what's playing on HBO...does that narrow it down?  Anyhow, we were at a Twins game last night, celebrating the neighbor's 80th birthday.  They won in a spectacular fashion, and I found myself immersed in the process.  Even a non-believer can be converted with the right amount of beer, peanuts, and friends.  I'm not saying the tv will get changed, but I'm not averse to this "live" experience again!  Enjoy whatever you enjoy and know you are loved!

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

It had to happen...

The string is broken.  And I do apologize.  Somehow, yesterday just got away from me.  I thought about you during the day, but never got around to writing.  Then, last night, I had every intention of filling you in on the trivialities of my life, and fell asleep.  It was a good sleep.  Restorative.  Dream-less.  Non-drug induced.  I guess what I'm saying is, if I had to choose between sleep and writing...ZZZZZZZZZZZZ!  But today is a bright new day.  The garbage sits by the curb, ready for the city to do its magic.  Of course, I don't remember whether today is a recycle day or not, so it sits out as well, only to have them place a gentle reminder on the receptacle if this isn't its day!  Although I am certain it will not begin "How could you be so stupid?", it will make a point.  I'm on my second load of clothes for the day, my coffee sits in front of me as I write, and somehow all the mundane things of life in the Zubke home just seem right.  Yeah, I could stand to lose a couple pounds.  The basement could be cleaned.  The gardens could be weeded.  The neighbor's yard could be mowed.  Or, we could take off this morning, mowless neighbor and sister-in-law in tow, and head for a Minnesota Twins game tonight.  An adventure.  Diet, clean, weed, mow, or adventure.  I vote E!  I'll report back on the results.  If I don't fall asleep!  Know you are loved!

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Summer...cold

There are inconsistencies in life!  Some call it Karma.  Some call it luck.  Some refer to it as the giant roulette wheel in the sky.  Me?  Well, I just pray to god I don't get what I deserve.  That being said, Mother Nature has a little surprise for me.  A summer cold.  It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood and all I want to do is sit on the davenport and feel sorry for myself.  Well, that's not totally true.  I want to sit on the davenport, feel sorry for myself, and have Cathy wait on me!  We men are such animals when it comes to handling crap like this.  I cough.  I snot.  I swear.  Yeah, I know it will get better.  Yeah, I know I should suffer in silence.  Yeah, I know that breathing through clogged sinuses is better than not breathing.  These things I know.  But it's just not fair that it happened to me!  Now understand, I just heard EVERY student I ever had inhale deeply and say, "whoever said life was supposed to be fair?"  (Sometimes those bon mots come back and bit you in the butt!). And they're right.  So I shall take my drugs, force fluids, sleep when I can, and whine like the sniveling baby I am!  Take care of you and know you are loved!

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Those were the days

What a delightful visit we just had with a former student.  He messaged earlier this week and asked if he could stop by.  Of course, the answer was yes!  Up on his Harley he arrived, and we sat and talked for over an hour.  We're up to speed on his life, and it has been successful!  He's a husband, a father, a policeman, a radio announcer, and a delightful adult with whom it was a pleasure to reconnect!  He left with a little fudge and a great deal of appreciation for his visit!  Understand, it had been 40 years since I had him in class, but it seemed like only yesterday!  There is very little that compares with the realization that we managed to teach him without ruining him!  It's with pride and humility that I remember those days and realize that while they were the days, these ARE the days, and they are amazing!  Celebrate who you are NOW and know you are loved

Friday, August 1, 2014

Phrenetic Phriday Phood

As I have aged, my taste buds have changed.  At forty, I would never have ordered pasta.  At fifty, I did.  At forty, I would not have eaten spicy food.  At fifty, I did.  At forty, I would not have eaten hamburger helper.  At fifty, I would not have eaten hamburger helper.  At sixty five, I will NOT eat hamburger helper!  But oh, how I love the spicy sweet pasta recipe for today!  Give it a try and know how much you are loved!

Curried Pineapple Chicken
2 chicken breasts, cubed 
1 Tbs. Olive oil
2 tsp. curry powder (divided)
1/2—1 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 cup cream
1/2 cup butter
3-4 oz. parmesan cheese
1/2 cubed red pepper
1 medium onion, cubed
1 small can pineapple chunks, drained
Cooked  penne pasta
Directions:
 Heat olive oil, 1 tsp. curry and the cayenne pepper until hot.  Add chicken and stir fry until done.  Remove.  Add vegetables to pan and stir fry until crisp tender.  Return chicken to pot.  Remove from heat, but keep warm.  In microwave, combine cream, butter, and remaining curry.  Microwave until butter is melted and mixture is very hot.   Return chicken mixture to stove.  Add pineapple chucks.  Pour hot curried cream over chicken mixture and heat thoroughly.  Pour not chicken over hot cooked penne pasta and toss with parmesan cheese.