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A Whole Day of Eating

May 25, 2010 in Cooking and Baking, Drinking, Eating by Colleen | 4 comments

I’ve got a slew of recipes to tantalize your taste buds today.  Plus, apparently, a little alliteration.  Silly me.  I also have a whopper of a headache, a slight fever, an earache, and swollen tonsils, so if this wanders off into the territory of the bizarre, don’t be surprised.  I am not myself.

First off, oatmeal (sorry Sarah – I think you’ll like the rest!), but, though it may look it, it is no ordinary oatmeal.  No sirree, this is something special brought on by hunger, of course, a lack of bacon, an ugly banana, and a need for protein.

Ginger Banana Oatmeal

oatmeal

water

salt

powdered ginger

banana(s)

egg(s)

milk

Start making the oatmeal – add some salt and ginger, to your taste.  While that is going, puree a banana (I used my hand blender in a large measuring cup), add an egg (more if you’re making it for more than two people), and some milk.  Make it as thick or thin as you like.  Just make sure you mix it thoroughly.   Once the oatmeal is finished, add about one third of it to the banana mixture, and, again, mix thoroughly.  Then add this to the original pot of oatmeal, and stir, stir, stir.  If your banana was as ugly and sweet as ours was, you won’t need much sweetener, if any.  This is sooo good, like a breakfast pudding, but loaded with fiber.  A happy start to the day.

Now it is lunch time and spring time!  Perfect for asparagus, and mushrooms, and exclamation points!

Grilled Asparagus, Mushroom, and Cheese Sandwiches

Sliced Bread

mayo

Greek yogurt

creamy horseradish

Dijon mustard

salt

pepper

bite sizes of asparagus (cooked however you like – mine was roasted with EVOO, salt, and pepper)

sliced mushrooms (sauteed in a little butter or EVOO)

Havarti Cheese, grated (I learned this from Sarah – it melts so nicely!  I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of it before.)

Start heating up your pan over medium heat.  I use a Le Creuset that covers two burners.  It is the tops!  Make the spread -  I mix equal parts of mayo and yogurt (this makes it light and creamy), then add little bits of the rest until it tastes just right, being careful with the mustard and horseradish, unless you like to cry while eating.  Save when they are tears of joy, I am not keen on this.  Construct your sandwich, heat, and eat.  It tastes great with potato chips and a crisp apple.  Some sparkling apple juice or wine probably wouldn’t be bad either.

Tastes Like Sunshine Salad

One lovely Friday evening, we weren’t terribly hungry, and I had a small but beautiful assortment of produce in the fridge, but no lettuce or tomato, and stale heels of bread.  It’s a sunshine salad!

Tear up stale bread into bite sized pieces.  Toss in olive oil (not too much).  Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and crushed dried rosemary.  Toast in the oven until golden brown.  Allow to cool.

I roasted the orange bell pepper over the burner and put it in a brown bag to sweat.  Meanwhile, I diced an avocado and sliced some radishes.  Rub the skin off the bell pepper and dice.  Arrange everything nicely on a plate, drizzle with vinegar (I like white balsamic), EVOO, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Drink with the next recipe – we did, and it was marvelous.

We had half a bottle of red wine that had been sitting for a few days, not exactly good to drink on its own, so I made a zippy sangria-type beverage.  I got out a pitcher and muddled frozen blueberries and raspberries (about 3/4 of a cup?) with a little frozen apple juice concentrate (a tablespoon?), then I added some Grand Marnier (splash!), brandy (splash!), the red wine, and a can of sparkling water.  Man was it good!

Enjoy!

Aloha! Part III: Land

May 5, 2010 in Drinking, Eating, Exploring, Shopping, Traveling by Colleen | 3 comments

This final Hawaiian post is a long one.  Grab a beverage or a snack and sit for a spell, won’t you?  We’re starting out in Hale’iwa on the North Shore, the surfing capitol of the world.  There are lots of charming shops selling all kinds of goodness, and equally charming people.  We’ll definitely be back here.

Action shot!  The North Shore seems to be the shave ice capitol of the world, as well.  If I do say so myself, our combination of lemon, coconut, and vanilla was pretty darned awesome.  Soft, almost creamy, no ice crystals, and that touch of vanilla ice cream in the bottom of the cup was divine.

Anahulu stream bridge in Hale’iwa.  I love bridges.

A cute cottage for island living.

Smack-dab in the middle of the Dole Plantation.  I have never seen so many pineapples!

Highway 99 south to Honolulu.

Dining at the Kapiolani Farmer’s Market.  We indulged in an omelet with asparagus and island sheep cheese, super refreshing sparkling beverages, macadamia flower honey from Kaneohe, and abalone.  Despite being slightly worried that we were the only haolies in line for them, they did not disappoint: garlicky, buttery, slightly chewy, a bit like escargot.  What a pretty bit of “garbage,” as well.

The Kapiolani Community College (the location of the farmer’s market) has one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever seen.  There are a myriad variety of flowers…

And cacti…

And more flowers.  This was actually part of a hedge.  A hibiscus hedge.  It is paradise, after all!

This amazing banyan is the neighbor of the Iolani Palace.

The Hawaiian Crest, it reads:

Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka Aina I Ka Pono

The Life of the Land is Perpetuated in Righteousness

The grand entrance to the Iolani Palace.

Still pretty grand is the back entrance, where our tour started.

The barracks – can you tell Hawaiian royalty was deeply influenced by Europe, and, in particular, Great Britain?

What a fine porch to take in a luau…

Or wait for a tour wearing our special shoe covers.  No photos allowed inside.  Trust me, it was worth it.

Twin Palm trees and a beautiful view.

The state capitol building is unlike any I have seen before.  I really liked the architecture.  It is open to the elements,  with offices around a courtyard.  The handsome mosaic, reminiscent of the ocean, is at the center.

Also on the grounds of the capitol is this quite fine and modern rendering of the gracious and giving Father Damien.  A sainted man who cared for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those with leprosy (Hansen’s disease).  He worked tirelessly for sixteen years before contracting and succumbing to the disease himself.  Mahalo.

Greetings from his Majesty King Kamehameha, responsible for uniting the Island Kingdom of Hawaii.  You can see the real cape he wore (made of thousands of red and yellow feathers) as well as other gorgeous finery on the tour of the Iolani Palace.

The grand mausoleum of King William Lunalilo, elected popularly and by the legislature.

Lunch time at the Hawaii State Art Museum.  The restaurant was highly recommended by our tour guide at the Iolani Palace.  The chef takes a “local first, organic whenever possible, and with aloha always” approach.  It is mighty fine.

A tribute to Hawaiian Firefighters.  Mahalo!

The Honolulu Brewing Company building, circa 1900.  It actually went under a $25 million dollar renovation, but, quite unfortunately, I guess they used some super stinky wood sealer, and the building remains unoccupied.  Talk about a bummer.  It was, however, used in LOST, in some scenes where Charlie was meant to be in England.  This also reminds me, we had one LOST sighting on our island adventure.  In the airport on our way home, we saw Jack’s father Christian.  He is more handsome and shorter than I expected.  Go figure.

The Royal Hawaiian Hotel grounds.  As we were walking by, we saw a couple readying for their wedding ceremony.  What a place to tie the knot!  For my Uncle Chris, and a shout out to Rick, too: we couldn’t find the place you guys had a cocktail, but no worries, we indulged in more than one delicious tropical drink requiring an umbrella and a maraschino cherry.  We also had stunning views from the Punchbowl (see below).

Pineapple County Store

An Oahu icon, we had really good burgers and the equally good company of a local who dines here every night.

Leonard’s makes Malasadas, the best doughnut-like baked good I have ever tasted.  Trust me, with a particular fondness for fried dough, I have A LOT of experience in this area.  We tried them plain, filled with chocolate (like a really good pudding), and a silky coconut cream, of course.  Is there a Hawaiian term for Ooh la la?

We’re at the Punchbowl National Cemetery.  Located in a crater above the city, the cemetery is a stunning memorial to the sacrifices of our service men and women.  Lady Columbia holds a laurel branch and represents the grieving of all mothers.  Inscribed beneath her are the words of Abraham Lincoln:

“The solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”

Amen to that.

It is a somber place of gorgeous vistas, encompassing Diamond Head to Pearl Harbor.

The small chapel.

One of the marvelous maps detailing World War II battles.

A final view of the sea.

Mahalo much, dear Hawaii!

Keep Portland Weird

April 20, 2010 in Drinking, Exploring, Gardening and Nature by Colleen | 2 comments

This is the slogan on a much admired bumper sticker here in Stumptown.  Despite it’s lack of originality (copied from Austin, Texas), it certainly fits the bill.  Portland is an interesting place.  We are a pretty liberal city, except when it comes to taxing beer.  We have LOTS of strip clubs.  We make and drink a lot of beer and coffee.  We love sustainable everything, and reduce, reuse, recycle.  We like bicycles and ride them plenty.  We are  friendly, kooky, and somewhat unpredictable.

This past Saturday is a perfect example.  We joined a group of friends to watch the opening game of our football club, the Portland Timbers.  We met up at Kells, ate good food, drank some Guinness, and then loaded onto a double decker bus that would take us to the match.  This cheery green bit of Ireland had a bit of its magic, too, bringing out smiles in passengers and observers alike.  On said bus, I met a guy wearing a “Poop on Stoops” t-shirt.  I learned through a rather lively conversation that he was not, in fact, advocating delinquent behavior only slamming the name of the Texas Longhorn’s rival coach.  Alrighty.

At the game, I saw firsthand how football (soccer) fans, who are normally mild mannered adults, morph into wild and woolly supporters, flipping off referees, vigorously waving flags and scarves, chanting obscenity laden cheers, all while consuming copious amounts of beer (for more read Among the Thugs – slightly dated, still relevant, and very educational).  It was crazy and comical, and our team won!

Being who we are, the we decided to partake of a Whiffie Pie instead of drinking further.  One pint of Guinness is enough for this gal.  The hubster said it best – like drinking a loaf of bread – delicious, creamy Guinness bread!  So we walked from Kells and over the Hawthorne bridge.  In a particularly dim section of our walk we saw an inebriated trio coming toward us.  I held onto my wallet and hoped for the best.  I need not have worried, for all they wanted from us was a sincere opinion.  “Did you think David Bowie was hot in Labyrinth?”  Seriously.  Since I do not watch puppet movies and the hubster would never ever admit to another man’s hotness, they were sorely disappointed in us.  Sigh.

Upon reaching our final destination and while sharing the sweet goodness of a cherry Whiffie Pie, we were rather taken aback when we saw a bearded lady, also buying a pie.  She wore a long skirt, had long beautiful hair, and a full goatee.  Will wonders never cease.  The cherry on top of our evening was a man riding a bicycle that seemed to be an advertisement for a strip club.  Wild Party A Go Go!

I love you, Portland.  Stay Weird.

p.s. In contrast, I am showing you some pretty flowers from the garden – Belle de Nancy lilac, dogwood, and my favorite red tulip.  I love springtime, too.

The Same Wavelength

February 24, 2010 in Drinking, Eating, Exploring, Loving, Remembering by Colleen | 3 comments

Have I ever told you about how the hubster and I share a preternatural ability for wanting the same thing at the very same time?  And not just once in a blue moon, either.  It is a rather regular occurrence and doesn’t stem from nineteen years of being a couple – it’s happened all along.  The most memorable and thrilling example occurred rather early in our relationship.  We’d been dating for a few months, and I knew, deep in my heart of hearts, that this man was IT, I-T, IT, so, as we were lying in bed one morning, I asked him to marry me.  Never one to lose his temper, and much to my surprise, he slammed his fist on the bedside table and said, “I was just going to ask YOU!”  We laughed, kissed, and hugged, and knew we were off to a great start.  The same goes for moving to Oregon.  I got it in my mind that we should leave Colorado.  Lo and behold, on the very afternoon I decided to tell the hubster, he came into our apartment and said, “I think we should move.”  Magic.

So, it should come as no surprise that we were both itching to go for a drive in the country this past weekend, to do a little something different, decide to eat at one restaurant, hear about another equally enticing one and (without mentioning a word so as not to disappoint the other) want to eat at said establishment rather than the first, only to discover that the first restaurant was closed for a private party, and we both got what we wanted again (insert giggles and smiles here).  Life really is grand, especially when you are on the same wavelength.

McMinnville, our delightful destination, is a neat town or maybe city?  It has a population of 32,762 (I am trusting the sign and my memory of it are both correct), with some great architecture and restaurants.  Being in Oregon wine country, there are lots and lots of places in town to sample the delicious fruits of their labor.  As serendipity would have it, we just so happened to be there on the monthly art walk and wine tasting, buying a bottle of Coelho Pinot Noir and some blackberry honey, too.

A clever and beautiful arrangement of flowers.

I think he liked it.

La Rambla – Tapas for dinner.

Our beautiful dining partner.

I prefer his company.

Time to go!

A Chinese-Irish Kind of Day

January 12, 2010 in Drinking, Eating, Exploring, Gardening and Nature by Colleen | 3 comments

The Portland Chinese Classical Garden, in celebration of ten years in the heart of the city and the changing of its name to Lan Su (Garden of Awakening Orchids), offered free admission for ten days, starting after the new year.  The hubster and I took advantage, as we hadn’t visited the garden since it’s inaugural season.  It was as beautiful and tranquil as I remembered, and quite thankfully, they limited the number of people in at a time, so it did didn’t feel at all crowded, save in the line out front.

The flow of water creates the unique shape of a Lake Tai Rock.

The dragonfish swallows all evil influences and protects the building from fire.

I have always admired paths like these, so beautiful and precisely laid.  And, just in case you were wondering, no one stepped on my blue suede shoes.

Bamboo is a friend of winter, bending in storms, but not breaking – a reminder of perseverance.

The Chinese believe that a view within a view creates the illusion of infinite space.

The Yin reflection of the sky is mirrored on the Yang of the earth below.

I have always loved this sign, but it would not be our final stop for lunch.

Being who we are, we decided an Irish meal at Kells was on order.  Fish and chips (the BEST), soup, and salad.

And, of course, a little Guinness, too, with hard cider to make a Snakebite.  A fine winter day.

Hey brother.  Happy Birthday!

You Can’t Have One Without the Other

December 5, 2009 in Celebrating, Cooking and Baking, Drinking, Eating by Colleen | 5 comments

My friend Carolyn and I hosted a party and gift exchange for a group of our best girlfriends.  I came away with  an adorable flower brooch – just my style.  It was a fun evening of chatter, drinking (delicious cranberry punch), and, of course, eating.   I contributed artichoke dip (Bridget’s favorite!), cranberry pecan cookies with a white chocolate glaze, and the best mint filled sandwich cookies I’ve ever tasted.  EVER.  This is saying a lot.  I am very particular people!

This mess is totally worth it!

Mint Sandwich Cookies

- adapted from Martha Stewart Holiday Baking  2002

1 1/4 cups flour

3/4 cups cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup sugar

10 tablespoons butter

1 large egg

Peppermint Cream Filling

1 1/2 candy canes (six inch size)

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup vegetable shortening

3 cups powdered sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla

For the cookies

Preheat oven to 375.  Grease two baking sheets, set aside.

Into a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt; set aside.  In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and butter until light and fluffy, about two minutes.  Add egg – beat to combine.  Slowly add the flour mixture, beating until dough is well combined.

Divide dough in two, so it is more manageable.  Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface, to about 1/4 inch thickness.  Cut with a 2″ round cutter and space about 1 1/2 inches apart on the greased baking sheet.

Transfer to oven and bake until cookies are firm, about 10-12 minutes, rotating baking sheets halfway through.  Cool cookies completely.

For the peppermint cream filling

Pulverize the candy cane until it is nearly all powder.  I kept it in its wrapper and whacked it with a hammer – satisfying!  Cream butter and shortening until well combined.  Gradually add the powdered sugar and pulverized peppermint, beating until light and fluffy.  Add the vanilla, and beat to combine.

Place cream filling in a pastry bag fitted with a coupler or a sandwich bag with the corner cut off, and pipe about 1 tablespoon filling onto the flat side of half the cookies.  Place remaining cookies on top, and gently press on each to squeeze the filling to the edges.  It’s a good idea to match up cookies with their best mate to avoid having uneven looking cookies.  Makes about 30.

Enjoy!

I’ve Got Nothing

August 21, 2009 in Drinking, Exploring, Reading, Shopping, Spotlighting by Colleen | 3 comments

Seriously.  I cannot think of a single movie, book, or bit of musical genius to highlight, so, instead, poor grammar, random thoughts, and silliness will rule this post.

Bridget and I went to the Bagdad last night to see what could, quite possibly, be the worst film I’ve ever seen in a theater.  I won’t glorify its distasteful and utterly stupid badness by revealing the title, for that would amount to free advertising.  Anyway, about one third of the way through, I leaned over and whispered to Bridget, “Do you want to go to Goodwill?”  Were it not for the fact that she was midway through a glass of wine, I think we had some serious potential for an early exit.  Now I’m trying to remember if I’ve ever actually left a theater before the film was over.  I don’t think so; Buddy, have we?  However, this does remind me of the time I saw Henry and June at the Mayan (it’s so Aztec like) in Denver.  I observed a couple leave early for quite a different reason.  If you haven’t already seen it, rent it and you’ll know, too.

After the Bagdad, we went to Powell’s, and I bought books I hope to enjoy.  Please think good thoughts because I have had some duds this summer and haven’t finished any of them.  Here’s hoping these will satisfy:  Bergen Evans’s Dictionary of Quotations, Donna Tartt’s The Secret History, and Christoper Buckley’s Losing Mum and Pup. If the latter is anything like the raucous and witty good time of Thank You for Smoking (film version – I never read the book), I think I will like it, despite the slightly morbid subject matter.  In any case, it will be fascinating to read about what it was like to have William F. Buckley as a father.  I remember watching him on television (Firing Line) as a child, rapt.  I never understood a word he said (then, not now, I’ve grown up some), but, boy, did I love to listen to the man speak.  He certainly had his own way.  Here’s a link to a good example – Buckley in His Own Words.

What more can I tell you? A decaf Americano with heaps of half and half at the Fresh Pot after a satisfying book search (in which there was much discussion about who will buy the book with the cool cover AND remember the conversation if a divorce is ever required) and romp on Hawthorne with one of your best friends in the world is a marvelous way to end an evening out.  Marvelous, I tell you.

Oh, yes!  Thanks for the comments on the new blog header.  I thought it was about time I showed our actual red roof, and I liked the light that evening, so there you go.  Have a super weekend!

Nocino

July 14, 2009 in Drinking, Making by Colleen | 1 comment

A few weeks ago, while noshing on a salad at the New Season’s deli, I read an article in MIX magazine about a couple who throw a Nocino making party every summer.  I felt a pang of envy as they described it – bringing friends together to have a barbecue and shake the backyard walnut tree to gather the green pods before mixing it all together to make the beginnings of a delicious liqueur.

Frankly, it made me wish we had kept looking for a country home, one where we would have enough room for a walnut, hazelnut, another apple, another cherry, as well as more blueberries, raspberries, and whatever else my heart wants to grow.  I know I like city life too much for that, but if I could find a way to squeeze in a couple of nut trees, I’d be one happy camper, and not just so I could make booze.  As much as I’ve written about it lately, I’m no lush.  Maybe there are dwarf varieties?  I need to do some research.

Anyhoo, to the nocino.   It sounds like it is right up my alley – highly flavorful, a little sweet, always good, like the  tawny port, sherry, Galliano, and Absinthe I adore.  I enjoy having a very small glass (the hubster teases me about this), sipping it over the course of an hour.  I let the liquid sit on my tongue, imbuing my mouth with goodness before it warms by throat and belly.  I am also big on making Kir, a white wine (or the Royale with champagne) and liqueur mixture very popular in France.  Practically every restaurant and bar serves it, and we’ve had many varieties – the typical black currant, as well as raspberry, peach, and chestnut.  Oh so delicious and summery.

So when we had the rather good fortune of coming upon a walnut tree at a park on our adventure this weekend, I was tickled pink.  I wouldn’t be able to have a party on such short notice, but at least I could give the liqueur a try.  We picked what we needed and bought the necessary supplies on the way home.

40 green walnuts, picked early enough so they are easily cut with a knife

2 cinnamon sticks

6 whole cloves

zest of one and a half lemons

2 1/2 cups sugar

1.75 liter bottle of vodka

Rinse and pat dry the walnuts.  Apparently the juice of the walnut makes a permanent dark stain, even though the juice is clear initially.  I wore gloves and grubby clothes and used the underside of my cutting board, just in case.  Cut the walnuts into quarters with a sharp knife or cleaver.  Be careful, especially if you picked them a tad late, like me, as some of them will be a little hard and shoot across the cutting board.  The Italians recommend picking the nuts on June 24th – a magic night before San Giovanni when medicinals are at their peak.

Put walnuts, spices, zest, sugar, and vodka into a large glass container, covering the walnuts.  Cover and shake well.  Store for six to eight weeks, shaking every few days.  It will get darker as the days go by.  Mine is already much darker than when I started on Saturday (it was almost clear).

When you are ready to bottle, remove the walnuts and solids with a slotted spoon, remembering that the liquid will stain.  Strain through cheese cloth or coffee filters into glass bottles.  Cap or cork tightly, and allow to sit for another month or two.  Apparently, if you’ve got the patience to let it sit another year, or two, or even three, it is something quite special.  I think I’ll make my batch to have now and later.

Variations – some call for the combination of orange and lemon zest, orange on its own, the addition of star anise, and vanilla.  The amount of sugar also varies.  I didn’t want mine too syrupy, so I used half a cup less than the average recipe and a little more vodka.  Finally, some recipes say the mixture should be left in a sunny spot, others a cool, dark one.  I opted for cool and dark, so the cats can’t knock it over.  I think it is as diverse and special as the people who make it.  I sure hope so…

Inspired

May 20, 2009 in Cooking and Baking, Drinking, Eating, Inspiring by Colleen | No comments

A couple of weeks ago, the G-Man and I went out with our good friends Bridget and Eric, something we’d been wanting to do for ages, but every time we tried, it didn’t work out.  Wouldn’t you know that this was one of those last minute arrangements that comes together perfectly?  I love when life places all the little ducks in a row and I benefit from it.

Our first stop was Bridget’s mighty fine choice, the Gilt Club, where we enjoyed stellar service from an uber cute and funny waitress and a super fine happy hour menu (I love adjectives!):  A Moscow Mule (kapow!) served in the copper cup and an Appletini (made with real apple, no frightening neon green concoctions) were the beverage highlights.  We also got some delicious salads, cute mini burgers with drippy gruyere cheese and yummy fries, and  manchego cheese fritters that I insisted on calling cheese balls.  “Come on Eric, taste the balls, they’re delicious.”  I know, sometimes I’m beyond silly and bordering on impossible.  It’s my way.

After that, we walked two short blocks to the Augen Gallery where we enjoyed Morgan Walker’s exhibition Rodeo Combinations.  Here’s where I struggle a little bit to describe it:  Not quite whimsical, but there is certainly great humor in it (I laughed!).  I like how many of the paintings are a story for which the viewer chooses the length.  Gaze for a moment at the title and the composition and receive the Cliff’s Notes version.  Stand a bit longer and the the tale grows longer, more textured, and complex.  Speaking of texture, that’s something else I like about the paintings, I think he must load his brush with a lot of paint and then make very small brush strokes because the canvasses are not at all flat, but very much the topographical versions of the stories he’s telling.  Yet it’s not too much either.  There’s a subtlety to it.

One of the highlights, I might add, wasn’t even a painting, but a blueprint of thought.  Morgan, over a period of a year and a half,  wrote down connections between philosophy and surfing that included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronald Reagan, Wittgenstein, and, of course, Gidget.  To say I was inspired is putting it mildly.  I love getting glimpses into people’s minds.

Finally, speaking of inspired, these are salads I made after the one that I had at the Gilt Club.  Their version didn’t have steak on it, but I needed some protein.  It is a mouth watering combination of baby greens, watercress, peas, shaved fennel, grapefruit, and pine nuts, tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette.  The post card is from Morgan’s show, and since it is called Rodeo Combinations, I’ve got to say, “Giddy-up!”

Deluge

May 4, 2009 in Celebrating, Drinking by Colleen | 1 comment

Well, I did not get my wish for Saturday.  I did not get this sky.  The rain came precisely at 2:00, stopped after about fifteen minutes to start again about an hour later in a crazy melodramatic deluge akin to something one sees in cinema: sheets, torrents, and thunderclaps, oh my!

Thankfully, despite the rain, the afternoon social was a success.  Yay!  There were twenty-five cheery guests, each eager for snacks of every stripe, lemonade and some for whiskey, too, myself included.  Have I mentioned how much I love whiskey?  Indubitably – with Coke, lemonade, orange juice, tamarind soda, a splash of sparkling water and cherry juice, with a cherry on top – quite fine.

We did get to spend a little time out on the patio before it turned vicious, admiring the garden and enjoying the good company of neighbors.  I feel wonderfully blessed to know and be in the presence of such fine, kind-hearted people.  Life is good.

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