Herbed Gouda Omelette with Crispy Hash Browns and Crisp Green Salad

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...  

Rainy soggy most of the day...  late afternoon...  sun arrived and with it a gorgeous sunset.   Lots of birds out to revel in the sun...  mockingbirds squalking...  cardinals trilling to one another...  sparrows chirping...  gulls flying back to the sea overhead...  a hawk riding the thermals scouting for supper...   life returning to the land as the end of the persephone phase arrives.   Soon it will be time for seed planting...  the greenhouse quietly awaiting the arrival of spring.  

Coffee ☕️ oatmeal craisins and banana 🍌 gracing the breakfast table.   Dinner choices abound...  the hubs eagerly awaiting another serving of bolognese...  yours truly opting for lighter fare.  

Today a day off...  no appointments...  no calls...  a time to relax and recharge.  Spending time chatting with friends...  planning the weeks menu selections...  a new recipe for pork tenderloin in mustard sauce from ATK tantalizing the taste buds...  maybe this week?  The hubs descending into his workshop to work on his project of the day...  cleaning out the debris from the washing machine...  so lucky to have such a handy guy 🥰

Supper tonite...  a crisp green salad for the hubs to complement the richness of the bolognese...  Herbed Gouda omelette with hash browns...  flavored with garlic, onion and paprika...  made in a single layer in the oven and rolled onto the plate...  super crispy...  just the way we always want then at the diner... but never get them crispy enough.

J&J’s new vaccine approved today!  That’s great new for folks in rural areas who aren’t able to get to mass vaccination sites... a game changer...  when you are eligible make an appointment and #GetYourJabOn  until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  skate thought the market aisles...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What on your plate?   Thoughts?

Pappardelle Bolognese with Parmesan

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...  

Almost vanilla skies...  small swaths of blue peeking through the cloud cover...  temps 45°F...   brisk wind...  folks with collars up...  scarves apparent...  masks 😷...  the NYC covid variant has arrived...  20% of all new cases in just the past two weeks.  

Coffee ☕️ oatmeal with craisins and cinnamon...  bolognese sauce on tonites menu...  picked up some fresh pappardelle at the market...  tummy smiling in anticipation.  

The hubs is free...  no more brace needed per the surgeon...  physical therapist pleased with progress...  time to rebuild lost muscle tissue...  weight lifting beginning today 🏃🏻 Mr Sam has adjusted to kitchen life...  no stairs to climb...  just scraps to snatch if it falls to the floor 😸

Supper tonite...  pappardelle with bolognese sauce...  lots of lean ground beef...  onion 🧅 garlic 🧄 chopped tomato 🍅 wine 🍷 oregano...  basil 🌿 bay leaves...  thyme...  ground Aleppo pepper and a dash of lemon juice 🍋 for that hit of acid at the end...  topped with Parmesan and parsley...   so rich and flavorful with a nice poke of heat.  

J&J’s single dose vaccine received emergency use authorization...  several million doses expected to be shipped out in the next weeks...  needing only standard refrigeration...  a game changer...  when you become eligible make that call and #GetYourJabOn as soon as you can...  until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  slide though the aisles at the market...  limit all interactions and wash those germy hands 💕😷

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?    Thoughts?

Tilapia in Mustard Sauce with Lime... Tater Tots & Avocado and Tomato Salad

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Another day of azure skies...  bright sun...  temps in the high 40’s...  snow piles decreasing markedly leaving slushy mounds searching for unsuspecting pedestrians to soak ankles and feet...   critters out and about...  chirping...  swooping...  gliding...  climbing and digging...  hints of spring to come. 

Coffee ☕️ cottage cheese with black pepper and a cheese muffin...  off to the surgeon for the hubs interim evaluation.  The brace is history!!  🎉 No longer does he have to sleep encumbered...  strength still a work in progress...  another month or two of physical therapy to regain his former musculature.

Mr Sam recovering...   apparently suffering from a bout of vestibular imbalance...  resolving slowly.   Some days better than others...  two steps forward and one back all the way through.  

Supper tonite... tilapia filets in a mustard sauce with lime and parsley...  tater tots and an avocado tomato salad...  Sauvignon Blanc alongside...  missing the microwave...  on order till April 9th...  discovered the steaming wand on the espresso maker can reheat tea 😄 who knew?  Last of the hamantashen for dessert...  a treat 😋

A new variant of COVID-19 has been born right here in NYC...  apparently more contagious...  when you are eligible make sure to get an appointment and #GetYourJabOn until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  skate through aisles at the market...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 💕😷

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?  Thoughts?

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad & Hamantoshen

 Quarantine supper tonite...  Live from NYC...

51°F...  bright sun...  azure skies...  bit of a breeze...  sunlight pouring through office windows brightening smiles and warming human and cat alike...  outside folks taking walks...  light jackets...  jaunty steps...  elevated moods...  enjoying this much needed break from winters grasp...  Mother Earth has once again broken the back of winter...   but the fight isn’t over... yet...  and winter will howl anew before he retreats for the coming rebirth.

Coffee ☕️ with hot oatmeal craisins and cinnamon warming the cockles along with the sun...  dinner votes all ayes for grilled chicken Caesar salad.   A days worth of phone and video chat ahead...  the hubs disappearing into his workshop for repairs and renovations.   Afternoon break... tea ☕️ with a biscuit...   a proper English afternoon pause.

Supper...  chopped romaine 🥬 leaves topped with diced cucumber 🥒 cherry tomatoes 🍅 red onion 🧅 seared spicy sliced chicken breast and Caesar dressing complete with mashed anchovies...  for that salty bite...  alongside a cheddar muffin...  a glass of Sauvignon Blanc rounding out the meal.  Wild Sweet Orange Tazo tea for the hubs with hamantashen for us both...  a sweet treat. 

And look who is waiting in the wings in case a piece of chicken should fall?  Mr Sam 😻

Covid vaccinations becoming more widely available...  J&J’s new vaccine to be approved in the US by weeks end... a single dose shot needing only simple refrigeration...  making a significant difference worldwide.   Covid variants still spreading across most of the US...  when eligible make that appointment immediately and #GetYourJabOn  ...  until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  fly through the market...  limit all interactions..,  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Hamentoshen... Happy Purim & Fridge Clean Out

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Thermometer in the mid 40’s...  gloves and scarf optional...  sun peeking out from behind clouds...  squirrels 🐿 busy finding nuts...  leaving teeny piles of shells scattered on the deck railing...  bird out in flocks...  chirping...  congregating...  reacquainting themselves with the neighbors.  Lots of folks out walking today...  taking advantage of the weather...  no need to huddle into jackets with only a light breeze. 

Coffee ☕️ oatmeal  craisins and cinnamon...  breakfast meeting to plan the day and supper.  PT for the hubs...  errands during his workout...  fridge clean out planned to use up all the bits and bobs of leftovers from the weekends meals.  

Following afternoon activities...  playtime in the kitchen!  Purim just around the corner...  hamentoshen...  a fun simple bake to celebrate the festivities.  Raspberry or Fig...  your choice...  orange juice and zest in the dough...  a snappy treat after our leftover meal of broccoli gratin...  chicken, sausages and mushrooms over brown rice...  zucchini pizza...  a few leftover French fries from White Castle for the hubs...  and a cheesy muffin alongside.

Covid variants continue to spread in the US...  when you are eligible make an appointment and #GetYourJabOn💉 until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  hustle through the market...  limit all interactions & wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Cheesy Muffins, Seared Spicy Chicken Breasts, Broccoli Gratin and Tzaziki

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Bi polar weather...  snowing & cold early...  warming slightly to heavy rain midday...  lovely orange sunset...  the Big Sloppy Apple now a slush farm as temps dip back to just above freezing overnight.  Gray snow piles littered with dirt lining streets...   pedestrians sinking ankle deep into the partially melted slop.  Temps expected to rise above 50°F Wednesday...  waiting impatiently for the mess to dissolve. 

Coffee ☕️ turkey and genoa sandwiches on rye for brunch...  hungrier than usual...  100% of ayes for a spicy chicken 🐓 supper.  The hubs descending into his workshop to continue sorting and cleaning...   work demanding attention and focus.  

Post work playtime arriving none too soon...  feeling a bit peckish...  cheese muffins fitting the bill perfectly (special thanks to Liz Gutter for the recipe) with plenty available for supper.  We so enjoyed the cauliflower gratin...  broccoli  🥦 gratin on the menu.   Seared the chicken in cast iron for a lovely crisp crust...  sliced and served alongside tzaziki...  a glass of Line 39 Cabernet to round out the meal.  

Today America passed a grim milestone...  half a million of us lost due to COVID-19.  Half a million families grieving loved ones taken too soon...  this is no time to let down your guard...  viral mutations from the UK, South Africa, Brazil and California spreading...  many are more virulent and have a greater mortality than the original virus...  when you are eligible rush to make your appointment and get your jab 💉 on...  until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  dance quickly through the market...  limit all interactions and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?    What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Smoked Salmon a Schmear and Capers on Rye Toast... White Castle Supper

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Sunday funday...  brunch with the hubs...  coffee ☕️ and a special treat of smoked salmon on rye toast with a shmear and capers...  deeeelicious!!  

Took chicken out of the freezer to defrost for supper...  scampering off to Mom’s for a visit and grocery drop from Friday’s market trip...  had a great stop...  time flying by...  coming home in the car and checked the hour...  later than usual...  time for a management decision...  off to White Castle...  junk food dinner...   picking up burgers...  fries and a shake to share...  wondering if the hubs will be pleased...  pretty confident.

Walked in with the prize...  big smiles all around...  a welcome break from normalcy...  twenty minutes later... full tummies...  happy faces...  and almost half leftover for another time (20 burgers in a crave clutch is too many 😂)

Productive weekend...  hubs on the march to straighten up his workshop...  yours truly on a decluttering bend...  excellent progress being made.

Taking Mom for her second dose 💉 a week from Tuesday...  ours to follow a week from Saturday...  pleased to be doing our part to stem the tide of covid variants arriving from the UK...  Brazil...  South Africa...  and now California.  The faster we vaccinate the less mutations we will endure...  once eligible sign up immediately and get your jab💉 on...  until then...  double mask up...  dash through the aisles at the market...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 💕😷

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

 

NY Strip Steak, Cauliflower Gratin from ATK, Mashed Baked Yams, Salad & Almond Shortbread

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...  

Sun peeking through clouds...  a mass of Incandescent gas in the sky...  just a tad too far to grace us with its warmth...  chilly afternoon...  temps in the upper 30’s...  icicles formed over the last days crashing to the deck as their tethers melt...  gulls that ranged inland flying back to the ocean to feed. 

Coffee ☕️ cottage cheese with black pepper on the breakfast table today...  plans for continued decluttering on the menu...  the hubs heading to the basement...  straightening up shelves and discarding unused items...  third floor bookcases needing thinning...  we each head off...  working our agendas.  

Supper tonite...  NY strip steak...  rare...   mashed baked sweet potatoes...  cauliflower gratin from ATK...  a crisp green salad...  accompanied by Line 39 Cabernet...  almond shortbreads for dessert with Wild Berry Zinger tea for the hubs.  

Tomorrow a visit with Mom and grocery delivery 🚚 looking forward to spending time with her and her sweet aide...  our weekly time together...  masks on and distanced.   Second vaccinations 💉 on the horizon.   Anticipating her increased protection and safety.  

Covid vaccines 💉 having the desired effect...  new infections in NYC hovering just above 3%...   lowest numbers since November 2020...  a long way to go...  but moving in the right direction.  When you become eligible make that appointment and get your jab 💉 on...  until then...   you know what to do...  double mask up...   sprint through the market aisles...  limit all interactions and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?  Thoughts?

Chicken, Sausage, Mushrooms and Onions Over Brown Rice and Peas with Zucchini Pizza

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC... 

Persistent snow...  angel kisses from heaven a friend called it...  teeny flakes ending up as giant ones this afternoon...  the storms last gasp before moving on...   by sunset the storm finally ebbed.  It’s quiet...  deep cold freezing whatever melt accumulated into sheets of ice.  

Coffee ☕️ oatmeal with cinnamon and craisins today...  needing a hot breakfast to ward off the chill...   Mr Sam turning up his nose at his portion preferring his kibble to a warm meal.   Leftovers on tap...  fridge clean out...  market day.  

Dropped the hubs off for his hour at PT...  brought supper to DIL’s folks  recovering from Covid...  stopped at the market dashing though the aisles...  picking up bits and bobs for us and Mom’s groceries for the week.  Collecting the hubs... the snow flakes immense...  their visible patterns so pretty landing on the windshield.  Made it home just in time to escape the cold...  the storm exiting.  

Supper tonite...  leftovers from the weeks cooking...  roasted chicken...  oven roasted potatoes...  cooked sausages...  a few mushrooms and an onion needing to be used...  couple of zucchini...  some brown rice from our Chinese take out...  half a bag of frozen peas...   sautéed the onion in a good glug of olive oil...  added the shrooms until nicely browned...  scattered the chicken, sausages and potatoes...  poured over some white wine and steamed until hot and bubbly...  made its own delicious sauce which we poured over the rice mixed with remaining peas...  rice and peas heated covered in the oven (since our microwave died and the one on order hasn’t arrived yet) alongside roasted zucchini topped with mozzarella and Aleppo pepper flake for a poke of heat.

Brutal winter conditions still paralyzing Texas and many other states as the temperatures plunge...  the arctic blast enduring through the weekend.  Our hearts are with you...  we hope for a break in this severe freeze...  return of services and safe drinking water.  

Meanwhile vaccinations stall as storms slow delivery of supplies...  when you are eligible be sure to make an appointment quickly and get your jab 💉 on...  in the interim...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  dash though the aisles at the market.... limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Tex-Mex Ground Turkey with Salsa, Avocado 🥑 Sour Cream and Lime & Three Cheese Quesadillas

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Snow fell like baby powder through the day...  teeny flakes melting onto hair and skin soon as they touch...  piles of the white stuff mounded up in dunes aside of paths and sidewalks.  Small accumulations...   thank goodness...  only a few inches...   accompanied by bitter cold and wind.  Neighbors out shoveling...   chatting across fences...   waving across roads...  a glimpse of normalcy amidst a pandemic.    

Arctic blast gouging the US...  fourteen states currently experiencing rolling blackouts...  Texans dealing with catastrophic losses of power...  water...  food...  heat...  frigid temperatures expected to last through the weekend.  

Supper tonite a nod to Texas...  Tex-Mex style ground turkey over chopped romaine with salsa, avocado 🥑 sour cream and lime.  Three cheese quesadillas alongside spiked with Aleppo pepper 🌶 for a little poke...  satisfying on this chill winter night.  A glass of wine 🍷 rounding out the meal along with orange tea for the hubs.   

Covid still on the march... vaccinations 💉 outpacing new cases...  when you are eligible sign up and get your jab 💉 on...   until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  scamper through the market...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Winter White Bean and Sausage Soup and Biscuits

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Ineffective sun...   34°F on the thermometer...  stiff breeze...  cold blowing through jackets...  last day before storm arrives tonite into Thursday with 6” to 8” of snow and bitter cold.  A few brave souls out for walks today...  huddled into heavy coats...  faces hidden behind scarves shielding noses from the chill wind.

Made a foray into the greenhouse...  growth at a virtual standstill...  radishes...  turnips...  beets...  tiny baby lettuce...  collards...  leeks...  rosemary and thyme...  all alive...  survived the persephone phase thus far...   gave them all a big drink of tepid water...  steam rising from their soils as they drank in the moisture.  Another couple weeks and seed planting begins indoors...  getting excited to begin the process once again. 

The hubs getting better each day...  strength and elasticity slowly returning to the thigh muscles...  showing signs of being housebound...  spent part of the day vacuuming and straightening up his office...  productivity helping him to feel accomplished.  Mr Sam regaining his appetite...  eating more of his kibble...  as well as human proteins...   less dependent solely on canned food...  still exhibiting some wobbles and soreness.  

Supper tonite...  Winter White Bean and Sausage Soup...  thick...  hearty and warming...  served with buttered biscuits...  a glass of Sauvignon Blanc alongside.   Made enough to share with our recovering family...  Andrea stopping by to pick up and deliver to her folks...  as well as for herself and Mark.  A successful day of work...  and time to play in the kitchen...  it’s all about balance 🍜 🤓

Folks in Texas...  the Midwest and South getting pummeled by snow...  ice and the arctic blast pushing temps into the single digits...  without power heat or water in some counties...  this has become a national emergency...  we send our hopes for an easing of the weather and a resumption of utilitiy services to these devastated areas 🥺

Covid vaccination supply being assailed by storms and cold...   when eligible sign up for your shot 💉and get your jab 💉on.   Until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  brief dashes to the market...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 💕😷

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Rotisserie Chicken... Asparagus with Parmesan... Oven Roasted Potatoes... Sautéed Mushrooms and Asparagus Stems

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

February thaw...   47°F sunny...  mild...  felt like spring for a few hours...  birds singing...  chirping...   hopping about the trees...  squirrels standing on the deck rail nibbling acorns...  little piles of shells remaining...  snow melted away in spots...  grass visible for the first time in weeks...  made sure to be outside today...  enjoying the brief respite from winters arctic blast...  the remainder of the country in the deep freeze 🥶 all of us under threat of more ice and snow to come.  

Coffee ☕️ eggs over easy with toast and a banana for breakfast...  discussions of dinner veering toward chicken...  one of our favorites.  After work took the hubs to PT...  his appointment late afternoon...  ran a couple of errands...  then hustled home to prepare dinner.  Mr Sam asking for snacks while chopping potatoes and asparagus...  slicing mushrooms...  finally giving him a piece of turkey to munch.  

Supper tonite...  rotisserie chicken...   roasted asparagus with olive oil and Parmesan...  oven roasted potatoes...  sautéed asparagus stems with mushrooms and garlic...  alongside a glass of Sauvignon Blanc...   a piece of crystallized ginger and echinacea tea for the hubs...   anti viral insurance after PT.   

Covid vaccinations on the rise...  34 million receiving at least one shot 💉...  over 12 million fully vaccinated...  when you’re eligible make that appointment and get your jab 💉 on!  Until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  sprint through the market...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What on your plate?   Thoughts?

Meatless Monday... Cucumber, Garbanzo Bean, Red Onion & Beet Salad with Queso de Friér

 Quarantine supper tonite...  Live from NYC...

Vanilla skies...  light drizzle...  thermometer 35°F...  chilly damp day...  schools closed for the holiday...  no one out...  few cars on the road...  too miserable for even squirrels and birds to venture forth.  

Coffee ☕️ oatmeal with cinnamon and craisins... warmed the tummy...  no supper inclinations...  instead a trip to the store to purchase a new microwave...  our 35 year old machine finally warming its last dish.  Spent a bit of time researching quality and price...  settling on a newer version of the same unit.  Off to the store...   Presidents Day sale...   the machine back ordered about a week...   excellent price...  worth the wait.  

Mr Sam doing a smidge better each day...  less wobbly...  the hubs improving as well...  the brace keeping the knee steady while permitting flexing...  stairs becoming easier...   neither of us suffering any ill effects from our vaccines 💉 at all...  arm discomfort cleared up and fatigue eliminated with a good nights sleep.

Supper tonight...  meatless Monday...  a crisp salad of cucumber...  garbanzo beans...  red onion...  beets...  & basil... in a balsamic vinaigrette...  on the side queso de friér...  pan fried...  unfortunately no browning this time...  pan wasn’t hot enough...  flavor delicious though...  topped with basil and a bit of olive oil.  A glass of wine 🍷 rounded out the meal...  green tea for the hubs... dessert a slice of banana cake.

Dangerous weather effecting two thirds of our country these next few days...  please folks...  if you are in the path of these storms...  hunker down at home if possible...  make lots of warm soups...  stews... chili and hot teas.  

Tips from the hubs...  industrial plumber...  If you lose power and have no heat...  open the cold water taps to allow dribbling hopefully keeping pipes from freezing.  Be careful with propane heating units to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning... and the same with generators too close to the house.

Inoculations proceeding...  demand outpacing supply...  when you become eligible don’t wait...  make that appointment and get your jab 💉 on...  until then you know what to do...  double mask up...  short market trips...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Valentines Day Supper... Banana Cake with Cinnamon Crunch Topping and Leftover Chinese Food

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...  

A quiet Valentines Day...  last nights freezing rain melting away with  35°F on the thermometer...  gray skies...  haven’t seen the sun in days...  no one out on this dreary Sunday save a few dog walkers hustling along huddled into coats...   scarves wrapped around faces against chill winds...  even the dogs hurrying along...  their nails clicking on the cold cement.  

Rested up in the morning...  coffee ☕️ scrambled eggs with smoked Gouda and onion rolls for brunch...  late day excursion to the market then off to Mom’s to delivery groceries and spend time socializing masked and distanced.  She is back walking her laps twice daily...  fully recovered from her sore knee...  no apparent adverse reaction from her vaccine 💉 Tuesday.  

The hubs relaxing...  leg elevated...  brace supporting...  keeping an eye on Mr Sam...  less wobbly today...  his appetite excellent.  

Came back from Mom’s a bit late...  leftover Chinese food from last night on the menu...  eggplant 🍆 broccoli 🥦 chicken 🍗 brown rice 🍚 in a delightful sauce served alongside pork dumplings 🥟 made for a quick and filling supper.  Dessert a banana cake with cinnamon sugar crust...  moist and tender...  wild sweet orange tea for the hubs.   Our Valentine’s Day relaxing and pleasant...  ready for the week of storms ahead.  

Covid infections still present throughout the US...  variants from the UK, South Africa and Brazil spreading fast...  when you are eligible sign up and get your jab 💉 on!  Until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  short market trips...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Chinese Food and COVID Vaccines 💉

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Today was the day!  Made the one hour drive out to the vaccine site and got our jabs 💉 on!  It was such a happy experience...  everyone giving and getting the vaccines in great spirits...  smiling...  all the recipients feeling like we won the lottery 🥳  a cold gray day...  28°F at the warmest...  snow...  freezing rain...  sleet...  all taking turns throughout the day.  No matter...  we were to thrilled to care.

Coffee ☕️ and oatmeal with craisins and cinnamon to start the day...  both of us nervously excited.  Vague discussions of supper inconclusive...  to pumped to focus that far ahead 😂   Arrived early for our jabs 💉 quick in and out...  stopped for burgers 🍔 and a shake to munch in the car on the drive home.   Two hours post vaccine feeling a bit of soreness at the vaccine site and somewhat sleepy.  Took a power nap and a couple of hours later both of us feeling ready for food.  Ordered in from a local Chinese take out...  enjoyed our supper with a delicious full leaf tea courtesy of Xouxie Que...  

thanks so much...  it was a perfect accompaniment to our supper 😋

Our family is once again whole...  no one hospitalized...  recovery well on the way.  We are incredibly grateful for all the love and support ❤️

Mr Sam’s appetite has returned... his balance improves daily.  The hubs getting stronger and more able to ambulate... his physical therapist pleased with the progress he is making.  

Inoculations outpacing new covid infections...  52 million doses of the vaccine 💉 have been administered in the US...  1.6 million per day...  soon as you are eligible get your jab 💉 on!!  Until then...  you know what to do...  mask up...  short market trips...  limit all interactions...   and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What on your plate?   Thoughts?

Tilapia in Mustard Sauce, Glazed Plantains in Agave with Lemon, Quesadillas

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...  

Vanilla skies...  temperature in the high 20’s...   luckily only a light breeze...  few folks out and about...  dogs in sweaters hustled by their owners huddled into jackets, scarves, hats and gloves...   quiet streets...  too cold for outdoor activities.

Coffee ☕️ meeting brief today...  cottage cheese with black pepper for the hubs...  Friday...  fish day...  in between work...  dropping the hubs off for PT...  errands...  banking...  post office...  few chores needing attending to...  Mr Sam wobbling around the kitchen...  appetite increasing.   Got a chance to chat with DIL’s Dad at home today!  Skin color looks healthy...  still needing supplemental oxygen...  O2 sats much improved...  appetite excellent...  hydrating well...   recovering nicely 🥰

Supper tonite... tilapia fillets dressed in mustard sauce...  plantains glazed with agave nectar and lemon juice...  quesadillas...  Sauvignon Blanc alongside and mandarins for dessert.  Simple...  flavorful...  😋

Covid vaccinations still outpacing new infections...  when eligible make an  appointment and get your jab 💉 on...   until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  short market trips...  limit interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Pollack Cakes, Tater Tots and Green Bean and Mushroom Bake with Frizzled Onions

 Quarantine supper tonite...  Live from NYC...  

Another dose of snow overnight...  covering the 5’ piles of dirt and ice with a lovely layer of fresh powder...  tiny pairs of footprints across the front yard...  a squirrels hops...  by early afternoon melting sidewalks...  saving us from shoveling...  the lack of breeze making the air comfortably cool.

Our coffee ☕️ meeting today accompanied by mini pancakes 🥞 a treat for us both...  all aye votes for a fish supper...   sides undetermined.  A busy day planned...  chores needing to be done...  work (working from home = always being able to go to work...  regardless of the weather) the ever present pile of paperwork...  gah! 

DIL’s Dad is home...  improvement continues...  still battling exhaustion...  able to ambulate with assistance...  balance returning...  appetite on the rise...  lots of hydration...  still needing supplemental oxygen but O2 sats looking much better...  we are out of the woods and feeling hopeful for a full albeit slow recovery 🥰

Mr Sam getting a wee bit better each day...  still wobbly at times...  appetite near normal...  lots of begging for snacks...  a few loud meows 😻❤️

The hubs recovery coming along nicely...  PT twice weekly...  brace working well for support...  walking more easily...  minimal discomfort and swelling post PT ♥️ 

Simple supper tonite...  breaded pollack...  tater tots...  green bean and mushroom bake with frizzled onions atop...  served alongside a lovely glass 🍷 of Cabernet...  the last of the coffee espresso chip ice cream for dessert 🍨 

Appointment for covid vaccines Saturday confirmed today for the hubs and yours truly...  nervously excited for our 1st doses...  looking forward to beginning our adventure toward safety...  doing our part to help America fight the pandemic.  The news today revealing there will be enough vaccine for 300 million Americans to get theirs no later than July 2021.  

Do your part...  as you become eligible make your appointment...  let’s all work together to defeat this virus 🦠 and bring our people together in health.  Until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  short time at the market...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 💕😷

How was your day?    What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Burger Night

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Azure skies...  few clouds...  the calm between storms...  squirrels out and about...  digging in the snow...  scurrying up and down tree trunks...  leaping from branch to branch...  flocks of birds chirping...  calling to one another...  glimpses of life.  

Morning coffee meeting... hubs enjoying cottage cheese with black pepper...  a banana and Irish breakfast tea for yours truly...  unanimous votes for a burger supper.

In between sessions delivering additional groceries to Mom...  no ill effects from her vaccine 💉 save a bit of soreness in the upper arm.  She is so pleased...  happily awaiting her 2nd dose in 3 weeks.  Her 32 year old  grandson...  also vaccinated yesterday...  feeling healthy as well. 

DIL’s Dad home from hospital...  exhaustion...  still on oxygen...  lost weight...  drinking LOTS of fluids...  appetite returning...  the covid battle is brutal...  Pray that no one you love ever has to deal with this disease...  week 3 and still fighting to recover.

Supper tonite...  onion rolls with Munster cheese...  ground beef burgers...  remoulade for the hubs...  dijonaise with lime for us non-spicy folks...   romaine leaves and a lovely glass of Cabernet...  coffee espresso chip ice cream for dessert.

South African Covid variants spreading rapidly in several states...  UK variant spreading in most states...  vaccinations still outpacing infections 10 to 1.  Make that appointment as soon as you become eligible...  get your jab 💉 Better to have a vaccine than be in hospital battling this horrific disease that has stolen nearly half a million American lives...  until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  short market trips...  limit all interactions...  and wash those germy hands 💕😷

How was your day?   Whats on your plate?   Thoughts?

Spicy Chicken Cutlets with Black Beans Glazed Plantains and Avocado

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

Mom got the jab 💉 today!  A dose of Pfizer in the left arm...  no ill effects...  just a tad sore.  She was ecstatic...  all smiles behind her mask.  On this cold damp rainy day...  after a 75 minute drive...  each way...  she began her voyage to safety from Covid 🥰

Coffee ☕️ and cottage cheese with black pepper for the hubs this morning...  iced latte and a banana for yours truly...  hubs heading to PT...  the drive out to vaccinate Mom on the horizon...  few supper discussions...  simply in agreement to have leftover spicy chicken cutlets.

Our family rejoices...  DIL’s Dad is home!!   A long road ahead...  still requiring oxygen supplementation and battling exhaustion...  but on his way to recovery...   feeling blessed 🥰😇

Supper tonite a nod to Cuba and Puerto Rico...  black beans...  spicy chicken cutlets...  glazed plantains...  avocado and lime.   Served alongside a celebratory glass of Sauvignon Blanc...  with tea and Girl Scout trefoil cookies for the hubs.   So warming and comforting on this miserable weather day 🥑 🍗 

Many of you have received your vaccine 💉 many more needing to schedule your first dose...  at this moment vaccines are outpacing  new covid infections 10 to 1...  lets keep up the great pace...  and in the interim...  you know what to do...  double mask up... new variants are more virulent and more contagious...  shorten time at the market...  limit interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Meatless Monday’s... Penne with Broccoli, Eggplant, Sautéed Mushrooms, Roasted Red Pepper and Romano Cheese & Refurbished Ladies Desk

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...  

Bright blue skies...  cold temperatures...  never got above 30°F...  brrrr...  

Varmint prints in the backyard snow... a possum or raccoon looking for a meal...  squirrel prints too...  their tiny paws barely making a dent.  Whatever remained on the ground has frozen solid since yesterdays storm...  bitter cold this morning...   18°F... 🥶

Hot coffee ☕️ oatmeal with cinnamon and craisins today...  getting back on track...  meatless Monday on the menu...  the hubs not thrilled but  acquiescent.  Mr Sam wobbling about the kitchen during our breakfast meeting...  the occasional meow contributing to the discussion.  He seems more energetic...  still unbalanced.  

The hubs spent the afternoon in his workshop...  brace on...  completing the refinishing of the ladies desk...  came out stunning...  he is becoming a master carpenter...  adding the wooden facia board beneath the keyhole...  sanding staining and waxing the entire piece...  so pleased with the results 🥰

Excellent family news...  DIL’s Dad coming home from hospital tomorrow ❤️ we are grateful beyond measure for the slow but steady improvement...  still needing supplemental oxygen...  but out of the woods.   Once again...  immense thankfulness and gratitude for all your positive thoughts...  prayers...  well wishes and good vibes...  YOU have made an enormous difference...  we will never forget ❤️❤️❤️

Supper tonite...  meatless Monday...  oven roasted eggplant and broccoli...  sautéed mushrooms in garlic and olive oil...  tossed with roasted red peppers arugula and penne in an olive oil black pepper grated Romano dressing...  so comforting on this bitter night. 

Tomorrow another storm approaches...  a wintry mix of snow and rain destined to be a messy day...  regardless...   taking Mom for her first vaccine 💉 She is excited...  as are we...  an end to the isolation on the horizon.

Covid variants are spreading fast... doubling every ten days...  please folks...  when your eligible schedule your job asap...  until then...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  shorten the time at the market...   limit personal interactions and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Hummus and Chips... Spicy Chicken Cutlets and Summer Squash Pizza... Cream Puff Shells with Coffee Espresso Chip Ice Cream

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...  

Super Bowl Sunday!  What an odd day...  rain until mid morning...  followed by snow...  coming down in earnest from noon till about 4 pm...  flurries through late afternoon...   sunset and clear skies by days end.  Was it time to wear the rain coat?  Nope...  get out that snow shovel 😂

Sunday brunch called for pancakes and coffee on this unusual weather day...  hubs had several project to complete...  of course, mounds of paperwork await attention...  and so the day progressed...  snow piling up outside eventually leading to us both shoveling...  many hands making light work... all finished in just under an hour... the fluffy large flakes easy to dispose of...  neighbors outside waving and calling to one another as we all worked to clear sidewalks and driveways.

Supper tonite...  game side...  olive tapenade hummus with wavy chips... spicy chicken breasts with summer squash pizza...  Sauvignon Blanc to accompany...  cream puff shells filled with coffee espresso chip ice cream...  and a football pool with the kids...  everyone a winner! 

Excellent news on the home front... DIL’s Dad beginning to see and feel the improvement!  Doctors told us he will be returning home for continued recovery once his oxygen needs are normalized!  We are ecstatic! It may take time, but he seems to be out of the woods...  a HUGE thank you to all for your support...  prayers... well wishes and good vibes... YOU made a difference ❤️

Covid continues to spread throughout the US...  please folks...  as you become eligible for the vaccine 💉 make an appointment for your shot...  until then...  double mask up...  shorten time in the market...  limit interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

London Broil with Latkes and Garden Salad topped with Grated Salt Cured Egg

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC... 

SUCCESS!!   Finally secured appointments for vaccines for Mom and us!  Mom on Tuesday and we are scheduled for Saturday...  couldn’t be more relieved to feel that lifting of pressure...  the light at the end of this very loooong tunnel...  fingers crossed that all goes as planned.  

Bright skies...  light breeze...  mid 40’s...  comfortable with only a jacket...  squirrels digging little round holes in the melting snow sniffing out nuts...  birds chirping...  life returning to the little blue ball 🌎 

Coffee ☕️ and oatmeal with craisins and cinnamon today...  100% of votes for a meat and potatoes supper...   spent the afternoon with Mom...   hubs came to visit as well...  sporting his brace and a slight limp...  expecting another winter blast tomorrow.  Stopped off at the market on the way home for last minute items...   filled up the car...  storm dropping about 5” or so on the Big Frigid Apple 🍎 

Super Bowl menu planning completed during our breakfast meeting today...  appetizer...  hummus... celery sticks and oven toasted chips...   main...  spicy chicken tenders...   summer squash pizza...   glazed plantains...   salad and vino to accompany...   leftover cream puff shells filled with coffee chip ice cream for dessert...  of course...  final planning left up to the cook...  which could change at a moments notice 😂

Supper...  London broil...  rare...  potato latkes...  crispy outside soft inside with a sprinkle of Himalayan sea salt to finish...   green salad with roasted red peppers, cucumbers, Kalamata olives and grated salt cured egg yolk on a bed of romaine leaves...   Line 39 Cabernet to accompany...  dessert a scoop of coffee espresso chip ice cream 🍦 

DIL’s Dad

making small improvements over the last days...  still in hospital...  still fighting exhaustion...  all positive vibes gratefully welcomed ❤️

Covid variants in most states across the US...  more virulent... more contagious...  the only way we get through this pandemic is to work together to stop the spread...  please folks...  double mask up...  shorten those visits to the market...  limit interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

Tilapia in Lemon Olive Oil Sauce with herbs and Roasted Red Potatoes with Red & Green Salad

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC... 

Beautiful azure skies...   virtually no breeze...  temps in the mid 40’s...  smelling like spring...   delightful day...  took the hubs to PT...  ran errands...  enjoying the warmth and sun...  no scarves or gloves required.  

Coffee and the last of the English muffins for breakfast...  they are a delight toasted...  crunchy...  buttery...  found out they’re called crumpets in the UK...  how interesting!   Discussions of supper finally settling on fish...   after all...  it’s Friday 🐟 

Mr Sam still hobbling around with his injury...  a teensy bit improved today...  he tends to overdo losing his balance...  poor little kitty 😿

Our family member continues in hospital...  exhausted...  seemingly stable...  we wait for his body to heal from this virus...   positive thoughts gratefully appreciated ❤️

Supper tonite...  fish, of course...  tilapia in a lemon olive oil sauce with herbs...  served alongside roasted red potatoes and a bright green and red salad adorned with Kalamata olives...  sliced roasted red peppers...  sun dried tomatoes...  red onions and cucumbers over romaine leaves... a crisp Sauvignon Blanc rounded out the meal...  the hubs enjoying tea and Girl Scout cookies for dessert ☕️ 🍪 

Demand for vaccines currently outpacing supply...  all efforts to secure a vaccine 💉 for Mom yielding no results...  continued efforts will eventually pay off...  in the interim you know what to do...  double mask up...  short visits to the market...  take walks outside on warmer days...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?   What on your plate?   Thoughts?

Penne with Broccoli Rabe... Tomatoes... Parmesan and Sausage

 Quarantine supper tonite...   Live from NYC...

And the sun shone...  and the snow began to melt...  and the people were happy 😃...   temps rose into the low 40’s today...  outside it felt warm on the face...  no wind... all bundled up in coats, scarves and gloves...  ran an brief errand enjoying the brightness...  sun reflecting off mountains of snow piled in streets and on lawns...  the cold air unable to stem the warmth of the burning orb.

Coffee ☕️ meeting conversation vacillating between family worries (covid patients condition) and supper considerations...  time to use up some veggies nearing the end of their lives....  and by the way... what’s for dessert?  

Mr Sam fell in the basement and injured his back left hip and leg area...  he is very sore and now confined to the kitchen (no stairs) or living room (same floor) when we are about...  he is able to walk on the leg but it gives out now and then.  He will have a bit of a wait until he fully recuperates.  We are spoiling him silly with attention and extra love.  (Any vets willing to give advice???)

Supper tonite was a mash up of veggies nearing the end of usefulness roasted in the oven ...  broccoli rabe...  grape tomatoes... mixed with sliced sausage...  penne...   dressed in olive oil, black pepper and Parmesan.  Served alongside Line 39 Cabernet... It was hearty and flavorful...  didn’t stress the cook at all...  just exactly what we needed on this worrisome night.  Mr Sam snacked on sausage bits following his own dinner...   still able to walk over to the kitchen table and give us those soulful eyes 😽

Covid variants have now been found in our area...  trying without success to schedule Mom and hubs for a vaccine...  not giving up!  Glad to see Johnson & Johnson’s one shot vaccine 💉 apply for emergency use authorization today...  they’ve committed to 100 million doses in the first quarter of 2021...  that could be a game changer for us all.  In the interim...  you know what to do...  double mask up...  limit interactions...  and wash those germy hands 😷💕

How was your day?  What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?

English Muffins... Black Bean Chili with Crisp Green Salad

 Quarantine supper tonite...  Live from NYC...  

We have dug out!!  Finally...   three days after being pelted with the abominable snow man ⛄️ we are free!   Sanitation has stopped plowing the streets and the driveway is clear ❄️ 

Last night English muffin dough sat in a warm spot atop the kitchen radiator...   today...  time to bake.  Stove top baking...   a new interesting experience...   cast iron skillet and a cover to create a little oven...  the glass top to our chefs pan serving perfectly...  raised up on two small wooden blocks giving extra height for rising and a visual reference for browning.  Spread with sweet butter...  they were a delight.   Special thanks to Judy Lacher for taking the first dip into the English muffin pond and referring the recipe.   

Supper tonite the remaining portion of our black bean chili with a crisp green salad adorned with sun dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers and Kalamata olives...  avocado and lime...  whole wheat dinner rolls split and toasted in the oven accompanied.  Sauvignon Blanc our beverage of choice.  Tea for the hubs along with a couple of yummy Girl Scout cookies to finish.  

Our family member still in hospital...  steady...  fingers crossed for improvement over the next days 🤞 Covid vaccines 💉 difficult to come by...  a new vaccine from Astra Zeneca showing promise 🤔

Double masks folks...  this is not a drill...  limit interactions and wash those germy hands 💕😷

How was your day?   What’s on your plate?   Thoughts?