June 30, 2009

Supper was Yummy

Every once in a while, I manage to put together a supper that is so simple and delicious that I get downright excited - and wonder why I haven't done it before.

Just jullienned and lightly sauteed whatever veggies I could find in the fridge (carrots, onion and celery) in a cast iron skillet and added a pinch of coarse salt and tarragon. Then used this as the bed for some fish fillets baked with a light coating of of Ranch salad dressing -- straight out of the bottle and another sprinkle of tarragon leaves. Who would have thought?

“Opening her eyes again, and seeing her husband's face across the table, she leaned forward to give it a pat on the cheek, and sat down to supper, declaring it to be the best face in the world.” -- Charles Dickens 1812-1870

June 29, 2009

Lots of Water and a High SPF

Helped with a fundraising golf tournament, and it was another scorcher. We've now had seven consecutive days over 100. I'm all for record breaking, but not so enthusiastic about this one. At 103 degrees -- we once again broke the record from 1980.

"Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody." -- Mark Twain (1835 - 1910)

June 28, 2009

Another Door

"Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hate. It is a power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.” -- William Arthur Ward

June 27, 2009

HOT ENOUGH . . .

We've been breaking 100 and setting heat records for the last five days. I think we've topped 95 every day since the first week of June too. Definitely smart to curtail the outdoor activities for the most part.

I tried frying an egg on the sidewalk when I was a kid, and got fussed at for making a mess and wasting the egg. Now I'm the grownup and I'm paying for the groceries.

After about 30-45 minutes the egg did start firming up a bit, but it certainly wasn't anything I would have served to company. Probably should have sprayed the concrete with Pam before I started.

No worries about the mess. Lucy was happy to handle cleanup.

"What dreadful hot weather we have. It keeps me in a continual state of inelegance." -- Jane Austen

June 26., 2009

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us." -- Helen Keller

June 25, 2009

"Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should just live next door and just visit now and then." -- Katharine Hepburn (1907 - 2003)

June 24, 2009

"Never knock on Death's door: ring the bell and run away! Death really hates that!"
Matt Frewer, as Dr. Mike Stratford in "Doctor, Doctor"

June 23, 2009

Safety or Risk?

Put on your hardhat but get on with the job.

While shooting a hospital groundbreaking, I had to laugh when the contractor walked up and pointed out the only slightly muddy spot on the whole site. He saw me nearly slip on some loose dirt and said he didn't want me to fall. I thought that was sweet. But seriously, do I really look that fragile? It's not as if I haven't landed on my rear end in front of a crowd before --both literally and figuratively. I'm sure it will happen again.

The figurative falls hurt less and less as I get older, but the ones that find me brushing off dirt and checking for bumps, bruises, and broken bones really are a little harder to take. I suppose I'll just keep on taking my calcium because I have no plans to stop climbing up on things or lying down on the ground if it will give me a fresh creative perspective.

"When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth." -- Cynthia Heimel, Playwright and Author

June 21, 2009

Meet My Mom!

Not too shabby for someone who's - mmmmmm -- old enough to be my mother.

We met her this weekend, and had a wonderful time together. She was my winery buddy while Mike, who doesn't quite appreciate wine, was our designated driver. What a deal!

I thought it was a travesty that my own mother didn't have a profile picture for her Facebook page, so she sat still long enough for this whether she liked it or not.

Ulterior motive . . . I didn't have a decent picture of her either. Now I do.

June 20, 2009

Grape Creek Wedding

Our weekend excursion to Fredericksburg would not have happened if my aunt and uncle hadn't celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. It was so much fun to see the relatives and friends that have woven color and character into my life over the years.

After the party we stopped by a couple of wineries, a new experience for us. Our favorite was Grape Creek, where the staff was absolutely delightful -- and the wine was pretty good too. They were setting up for an evening wedding, and I couldn't resist grabbing a few images of the chairs lined up on the lawn.

My prayer is that this couple, whom I have never met, will also enjoy 50 plus years of joy and health just like Aunt Peggy and Uncle Jim.