Pork Tenderloin, Baked Potato, Haricots Vert and Chocolate Almond Bread Pudding

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Stunning day today! Temps hit 70°F…  what a delight… bright skies… light breeze… no jacket required…  feeling like spring finally arrived ☀️🌹🪷

A whirlwind of sounds… bird calls… tweets… chirps… squawks… and melodies 🎶 driving through the neighborhood noticing teeny baby leaves opening on the maple trees along with tiny polynoses… splashes of bright pink cherry blossoms… white and purple magnolias… baby pink apple blooms looking like a flock of butterflies landed in one tree 🦋 

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam post kibble… lounging in the sun enjoying the warmth from the deck boards… the hubs drinking hot tea 🫖 munching oatmeal with raisins… banana 🍌 patrol along with iced coffee🧋for yours truly

Off for a quick visit with Princess Veronica 👸🏻  Mommy and Daddy… relaxing in the backyard… enjoying the warmth of the day…  munchkin snoozing in her bassinet… such a pleasure to chat with our son and DIL…  settling into their new family routine…  all feeling healthy 💖

Back home to attend to chores…  never ending laundry 🧺 a few calls 📞 finally scooting into the kitchen for some playtime 🙃

Picked up a Tsoureki (Greek Easter bread) at the market three days ago… perfectly aged and ready for bread pudding today…  delicious flavor of almond baked into the eggy bread… cubed 3/4 of the loaf 🍞 scrambled six extra large eggs with 1 c half and half… a pinch of salt and 2 level Tbsp powdered sugar… poured over the cubes and tossed to cover… added 1/2 c slivered almonds and 1/2 c mini semi sweet chocolate chips and mixed well… baked in a 9”X12” baking dish for about 35 minutes at 350°F until the top was golden brown 😋

While baking… marinating pork tenderloin in a mustard brown sugar mixture (3 tbsp spicy brown mustard, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1/3 tsp ground rosemary, 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar and 2 tbsp dry sherry) for about 20 minutes… seared in the cast iron until instant read thermometer reached 138°F Rested 10 minutes…  served alongside roasted haricot verts and baked potatoes with sour cream and butter…  and a glass of Line 39 Cabernet 🍷 the bread pudding making a delightful dessert along with decaf ☕️ for the hubs 

Seeing the folks in Ukraine 🇺🇦 finally getting out of Mariupol… shell shocked…  haunted eyes… feeling heartbroken 💔 #peaceforukraine

Seeing the infection rate climbing once again in America… the lockdowns in China’s major cities… we may feel done with the pandemic… but clearly covid isn’t done with us #GetYourJabOn  be protected… mask up and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Eggplant Casserole & Princess Veronica

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Glorious day… bright skies… puffy clouds… light wind… 65°F on the thermometer 🌡 Perfect day to be outside enjoying the garden 🪴 Robins and cardinals and blue jays… oh my! The cacophony of chirps… calls… songs and squawks… the music of the day 🎶  Driving through the neighborhood… cherrys, magnolias, dogwoods all blooming… maples with their bright spring green floretes… forsythias dressed in yellow and gold… the palette of spring 🎨

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam out on the deck… soaking up the sun on the warm boards… the hubs enjoying his cottage cheese and an apple 🍏 alongside his cup of joe ☕️ yours truly back on banana 🍌 duty with the daily grind🧋

Moving day for the lemon tree and gardenia… back out on the deck after wintering in the front foyer… giving them both a good soaking as they resume their places in the sun…  greenhouse warm and cozy…   seedlings grow taller and healthier…  radishes leafing out nicely…  snap peas growing taller…  delicate white flowers appearing where fruits will grow 🌱

Eggplant bonanza at the market this week… Dominican and Italian varieties… shared a couple with Mom… still having eight left… cubed up three… roasting at 400°F olive oil salt and pepper for about 30 minutes… just enough to soften 🍆

Supper tonite… eggplant casserole… roasted cubed eggplant layered on the bottom of a 10”X10” casserole…  covered with a thin layer of thick tomato eggplant sauce…  next a layer of ricotta cheese mixed with a scrambled egg… two heaping tbsp parsley and 1/2 c shredded mozzarella… topped the cheese with another layer of eggplant… sauce and finally shredded mozzarella… popped into the oven at 350°F for 35 minutes until heated through and bubbly…  a version of baked eggplant that was simple… fast and delicious 😋 

In Ukraine 🇺🇦  reports continue of multiple atrocities committed by Russian military against civilians #peaceforukraine

Covid infections climbing across the US as omicron spreads… thus far hospitalizations have not risen as quickly due to vaccinations and prior infections… fingers crossed that the trend continues #GetYourJabOn and practice self care… mask up… and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Eggplant Parmesan… Spanakopita… Rosemary Focaccia & Princess 👸🏻 Veronica

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Finally!!  Sunshine… bright skies… few puffy clouds… strong winds gusting up to 40mph and very low humidity…  feeling more like Colorado than NYC today…  such a welcome change ☀️💨 Our local wildlife feeling it as well… lots of birds flitting about… mockingbirds… robins… sparrows… cardinals… red winged blackbirds and starlings… mama squirrel still MIA… no visible evident of acorn 🌰 munching… however… lots of small tree branches scattered on the ground with nibble marks… she is nesting 🐿

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam feeling spunky with the improved weather… back and forth on the floor in the kitchen eyeballing whatever is on our plates… munching his kibble… waiting for a snippet… the hubs enjoying his hot coffee ☕️ with cottage cheese and an english muffin… your truly back in banana 🍌 mode along with iced coffee🧋

Packing up Mom’s groceries for with a visit with our new Great Grandma 🥰

Bringing along the iPad for picture viewing in larger format… the photos on her iPhone are smaller… harder for her to see… she enjoyed watching her new Princess 👸🏻 all dressed in matching hat and onesie… her name embroidered in pink letters 💝

Quick trip to the market on the way home… picking up supper… eggplant Parmesan… spanakopita along with rosemary focaccia… fast and delicious on this busy weeknight 😋  (photos courtesy of the market)

Ukraine 🇺🇦 continues to withstand horrific bombardment as the senseless war continues… feeling deep sadness for the people of Ukraine #peaceforukraine

Our smallest citizens are soon to become eligible for their first covid vaccine #GetYourJabOn and join the solution… mask up… and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Chicken Thighs, Tots, Haricots Vert… Meeting our New Princess 👸🏻

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Another sunless day… boooo… ending in a burst of showers… the plants are happy… wind picking up once again… blowing fallen tree blossoms into little piles of delight against the curb… robins and sparrows busily gathering nesting materials… mama squirrel 🐿 absent once again… lots of parents picking up their kiddos from school via car 🚙 to avoid the chilly breeze 💨 

Breakfast today… english muffin and cottage cheese for the hubs with his hot coffee ☕️  English muffin and munster along with iced coffee🧋as we wait with baited breath for our son and DIL to arrive home from the hospital with their newest addition… adorable Princess 👸🏻 Veronica 💖 just three days old… we are both so thrilled and excited to finally meet this little bundle of joy for just a little while… masks on 😷  mommy, daddy and baby exhausted… needing naps 🥰

Dropping the hubs off back to his shop… working on his latest project… spending time chatting with friends… sharing the exciting news… Great Grandma Cynthia (Mom) so excited to meet this new addition to the family 💞

Off to the market 🛒 for some badly needed supplies… now that the shared germs 🦠 have been defeated… time to restock the fridge and pantry (side note… our well stocked fridge and pantry were able to sustain us for two weeks… unable to shop for groceries while battling the bug… it was a good lesson in how much to keep on hand)  Found a bunch of bargain bags in the produce aisle… tomatoes, plantains, eggplant (both Italian and Dominican) zucchini, cucumbers, a random kiwi (?) lime and single carrot…in with the zucchini, corn and peppers… picked up other veggies and fruits for us and Mom… a few staples… dairy… deli…and of course, ice cream 🍦 

Zooming home… kind of late… the hubs helping empty the car… grocery  unpacking… grateful for leftover chicken thighs from last night… fresh haricots verts and tots to fill our bellies… the hubs enjoying his post supper tea 🫖 with cranberry apple lemon crumble… mint chip ice cream for yours truly 🍦

Incredibly grateful for the gift of family… the arrival of our new little Princess 👸🏻 and the freedom of democracy we enjoy in America… keeping the folks in Ukraine 🇺🇦 in our thoughts as they battle for survival #peaceforukraine

Seeing our new granddaughter reminding us of the importance of vaccination… keeping her and her Great Grandmother safe to experience this very special meeting #GetYourJabOn  Although your vaccine keeps you safe… it also keeps others from becoming ill as well #GetYourJabOn  be part of the solution… mask up… and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Chicken Thighs, Haricots Vert and Fried Rice with Cranberry Apple Lemon Crumble & Pea Flowers

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Yawn ~  another cloudy day here in the Big Apple 🍎 temps on the cool side near 60°F…  missing the sun and it’s warmth… our cardinal couple are back in the neighborhood… saw the female today collecting nesting materials… bright flash of red under her wings as she flew by… several robins nibbling insects and worms in the garden and lawn… haven’t seen mama squirrel for a couple of days… possibly tending to a new litter of babies… few folks out… too chilly for a walk with no sun and a stiff breeze ☁️ 💨 

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam gobbling kibble… the hubs munching a bowl of Cheerios with his hot java ☕️ same old iced coffee🧋no bananas to be had… long past time for a trip to the market 🛒 

Spending the day dusting and setting up the guest room… making it available for our son and DIL to use…. they have given an extra bassinet and bouncer to us for their use when here… along with linens and other necessaries… adding a rocking chair and pillows… it’s been over 30 years since there’s been a nursery in this house…  a delightful change to look forward to 💖

Supper tonite… roasted chicken thighs (salt, pepper, garlic, onion, turmeric, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano and a bit of olive oil… Marinated about 45 minutes) with haricots vert and fried rice (leftover brown rice, onion slices, garlic, celery, ginger, two scrambled eggs mixed with soy sauce, and red pepper flake) not pictured… baked acorn squash with agave nectar…

Dessert… cranberry apple crumble with lemon juice and zest… bright, sweet and tart… perfect combination 😋💕

Pleased to see Germany stepping up to aide Ukraine 🇺🇦  in their efforts to defend their democracy… feeling hopeful #peaceforukraine

Mom got her second Pfizer booster today… she is feeling well… no apparent side effects… we are grateful for the vaccine💉keeping her safe 

#GetYourJabOn and join those who are protected from serious Covid…

Mask up and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

VERONICA ARRIVES… and Nachos

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Sunless Monday… clouds rolling on in… sun unable to peek through… definite chill on the stiff breeze… temps barely crawling up to 59°F… feeling a bit muffled outside… birds quiet after the dawn cacophony… squirrels 🐿 staying inside their nests… folks snuggled into their upturned collars against the wind… stark contrast to yesterdays bright sunshine ☀️ 

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam scarfing up his kibble with a side of whey… the hubs cottage cheese and hot java ☕️ followed by a mini turkey wrap, sliced avocado, smoked Gouda chunks & hot tea 🫖  he was hungry today!!  Same old boring yours truly🧋and a few grapes 🍇 (thanks Mariya… they were delicious) 

Spending several hours on the phone 📞 today straightening out Mom’s bills…  being grossly overcharged by her oxygen concentrator provider…  calling the company and repeatedly being disconnected… on purpose… grrrrr.  Having to remind (for the 3rd time) several companies that we no longer own the Tucson house… please stop billing us for alarm, pest control and fire services NOT rendered… whew… for those of you helping out an elderly relative or friend… it has become apparent that overcharging those who may not be sufficiently aware of their finances… is now a common occurrence… it is the new graft 😠 please be mindful 😡 Keeping calm during these difficult calls… a trial in patience… time to scoot into the kitchen and play 😁

Supper tonite… NACHOS… what could be better after a day of aggravation without sun…  first layer… blue corn tortilla chips… follow by sautéed ground turkey (seasoned with onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, Cajun spice mix, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground coriander and cumin)  rinsed and drained black beans… roasted tomatoes (homemade in the fridge) 

Repeated for the second layer… and the third… topped with crumbled queso fresco and heated in the microwave on medium in three minute bursts until hot… topped with dollops of sour cream & diced avocado 🥑 Mmmm 😋 

Cold symptoms almost finished… an occasional blowing of the nose to clear out the remains of the now dead virus… YESSSS 🥰  Feeling energetic and healthy once again… hubs also done with the bug… we have vanquished the invader 🦠

Please to see our Secretary of State and Defense standing with Ukraine 🇺🇦 offering support in multiple arenas #peaceforukraine 

BA - 2 variant spreading quickly across the US…  not vaxxed yet? #GetYourJabOn  the vaccine is why hospitalizations and deaths are not climbing along with infections…  know anyone with polio? Smallpox? Vaccines save lives and eradicate disease… get yours today 😷💕

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

Salmon, Asparagus & Spud with Chocolate Covered Macaroons

Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Sunless day… temps climbing a bit into the mid 50’s… quite blustery… sitting in the office surrounded by windows… watching the trees flail their arms in the whipping winds like folks trying to hold onto their scarves… oaks with blossoms dangling blowing pollen hither and yon…  neighbors out organizing garages… seeding lawns… laying out mulch… planting pansies… magnolia blossoms ready to pop 🪷

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam gobbling his kibble… hungry boy today… the hubs enjoying yogurt and a banana with his hot java ☕️ the usual🧋iced coffee for yours truly… and a tissue 🤧

Restful day 😂 making lunch…  mini turkey wrap for the hubs with his echinacea tea 🫖  Folding laundry 🧺 the ever present paperwork and a few calls 📞 Finally slipping into the kitchen for a bit of playtime 🙃

Matzo ball soup… using purple carrots 🥕 turned the soup a lovely color… covered the few remaining macaroons with dark chocolate tops…  the flavor reminding me of Mounds 😋 

Supper tonite… roasted salmon and asparagus with baked buttered spud… matzo ball soup and chocolate covered macaroons… the hubs enjoying his with a cup of tea 🫖 

Took a covid test last night… came back negative… Feeling improved today… less drippy 🤧 Throat less scratchy… hoping to be done with the entire experience by weekend 🤞

Glad to see the US and allies pitching in to assist Ukraine 🇺🇦 in its campaign to remain a sovereign country apart from Russia… the horrors of this war visible in lurid detail due to the bravery of reporters and civilians with cameras #peaceforukraine

Covid infections rising once again #GetYourJabOn and be protected from disease… mask up and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Chili Night

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Improving weather… temps creeping up into the mid 50’s… sun peeking out from between the clouds now and then…  blustery winds… spent the afternoon helping the hubs sop up the small amount of rainwater accumulating on the unfinished basement floor… couple of small puddles… few folks out in the chill… head ducked down into their jackets against the breeze… spring recess from school here in the Big Apple 🍎 Quieter streets without teacher and parents on the road 🚗 

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam gobbling up his kibble and side of whey… the hubs enjoying yogurt and the last banana (hitting the market tomorrow) with his hot coffee ☕️  iced java🧋on the menu with a turkey mini wrap… the hubs appetite much improved… scarfing a mini wrap as well 😁

Mr Sam spending the afternoon snoozing 💤 under the couch… no steady sun for him to enjoy… post puddle clearing tackling a craft project with the hubs before scooting off to prepare supper 

Chili night… red and white chili with ground turkey… 1/2 vidalia onion.. sautée till soft… adding in garlic… salt… pepper… sautéing a bit longer… ground turkey… cumin, chili powder, ground oregano, ground coriander, smoked paprika, Cajun spice mix and red pepper flake… browning the turkey… drained and rinsed can each of dark red kidney beans and cannellini beans… mix well… add in one 28 oz can of tomato purée and finally a beer… stir… bring to a boil… reduce to simmer… adding in one allspice leaf (thanks Nance Fowler) and simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes till thickened… best chili recipe yet… got it from a movie review for The Mexican… years ago… reviewer said, “don’t go see this move… stay home and make chili instead... hers a recipe” Delicious served alongside a Modelo Negro 🍻

Sad news… finally caught the hubs cold… drippy nose… post nasal drip irritating the throat… no fever… feel fine otherwise… no visit with Mom this week 😕 don’t want to get her sick 🤧 Will drop off her needs with the concierge instead 🤷🏼‍♀️ stinks… but we will get past it in a few days 

Russia’s bombardment of Ukraine 🇺🇦 continues day and night… heat aching for the people of both countries… none want this war #peaceforukraine

BA-2 variants spreading rapidly in large cities… mask up and wash those germy hands… not vaxxed yet #GetYourJabOn and practice self care 😷💕

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

Homemade Ravioli and Coconut Macaroons

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Clouds overhead… no hide and seek today… sun shielding her face from the Big Apple 🍎 Chilly temps barely making it into the 50’s… by evening storms arriving bringing downpours… wind gusts and microbursts… lightening and roadway flooding…  farther up north snow accumulating nearing 10”… spring on hold for a bit ⛈💨☔️

Breakfast for three… Mr Sam enjoying his kibble with a side of whey… hubs yogurt and a banana alongside his hot java ☕️  Iced coffee🧋as usual… a relaxing day indoors… a few calls… paperwork… Mr Sam snoozing on the carpet nearby… no sun to enjoy on his window perch 😽

Playtime in the kitchen today 🙃 early afternoon making coconut macaroons (special thanks to Dori Levy for the recipe… again)  Had to try one warm from the oven… incredibly delicious 😋  Having a couple of yolks left from the macaroons… what to make? 

Fresh three cheese ravoili… rolling out the dough…  making the filling (ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, grated Romano an egg and a couple of tbsp parsley) cutting out the dough circles… brushing on the egg wash… a tiny dollop of filling on each ravioli… folded and pressed to seal then left to dry on a floured sheet pan for 30 minutes… the repetitive activity so soothing on this dreary day…  waiting for the water to come to a vigorous boil… sliding in the ravioli for a quick 4 minute bath… just 12 at a time… and onto the plate… a light dressing of good olive oil… black pepper… parsley and Parmesan… first time making them… and not a one opened in the water… so pleased… they were delicious  

Dessert… macaroons… and decaf ☕️ for the hubs… who is feeling much improved (YAY) on day 8… 

The bombardment in Ukraine 🇺🇦 escalating as Russia tries to subdue the spirit of its western neighbor…  our hearts ache for the Ukrainian people… and the Mom’s in Russia who’s sons have unnecessarily died in this war 😢

#peaceforukraine

BA-2 variants have increased once again in the US #GetYourJabOn  and help put an end to this pandemic… mask up and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Matzo Ball Soup, Stuffed Cabbage with Sautéed Corn & Zucchini, Cheesy Grits with Sausage and Asparagus & Flowers

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

A happy Passover… 

A joyous Easter…   

Remembering reasons to be grateful 😊

Spring… the celebration of life returning to the Earth once again… the bountiful blessings of the Great Earth Mother…  given to us in exchange for our careful tending of our home 🌎 

Sunshine and warmth gracing the skies… temps in the high 60’s… a bit blustery through the afternoon… mockingbirds calling… sparrows chirping… blue jays squawking… robins hopping about in the grass nibbling bugs and worms… starlings in the trees gorging on ripening buds 🪷 Across the avenue our neighbors magnolia tree almost ready to bloom it’s magnificence… dogwoods and cherry blossoms gracing the avenues 🌳 

Breakfast for three… hubs opting for eggs on an english muffin… Mr Sam eating kibble and lapping from his fountain… iced coffee🧋and a few moscato grapes 🍇 incredibly sweet 😋 A delightful walk with Mariya breaking up the afternoon… admiring the blooms in the neighborhood… spotted a local puss out for a stroll 😽

Hubs is improving… PCR test reported negative with caveat that mild covid may not show on test… be guided by exposure and symptoms… so… 🤷🏼‍♀️

Supper last night and tonite… matzo ball soup… stuffed cabbage… sautéed fresh corn with red pepper flake… sautéed zucchini with salt & black pepper…  cheesy grits with parsley and cheese sausage and roasted asparagus…  a glass of Prosecco alongside to celebrate the holidays 🥂🍾

BA-2 and variant infection rates rising here in the US… great time to #GetYourJabOn  be part of the solution and practice self care

Russia amping up attacks in Ukraine 🇺🇦 our hearts ache for their people enduring this unnecessary war #peaceforukraine 

Ever grateful for our democracy here at home in America 😷💕

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

Shrimp, Chicken, Rice & Broccoli… Matzo Crack & Stuffed Cabbage

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

The cooking continues… todays extra warm temps nudging 80°F 🌡 back door to kitchen open… delightful breeze keeping the cook cool 💨 By afternoon clouds arriving bringing heavy rains and wind… temps dropping into the 60’s within hours… Mr Sam snoozing in his box under the microwave on his warming pad… suddenly awakened by the pitter patter of rain on the awning… coming out for a sniff at the back door then returning to bed 📦 

Breakfast… a quick iced coffee🧋and off to the races… the hubs and Mr Sam already watered and fed… time to make the stuffed cabbage 🥬 Defrosted the whole frozen head in a bowl on the counter overnight… easier to peel and roll... making the rice… mixing in the onions… eggs… spices and herbs… stirring the sauce… crushed tomatoes… brown sugar… lemon juice and zest… salt… pepper… adding in a good shake of smoked paprika for a bit of depth of flavor… cooling the rice on a sheet pan… FINALLY ready to assemble…

Cabbage core and small leaves on the bottom of the pot… each package rolled and tucked carefully into its place… pouring a bit of sauce over each layer as the pot fills to the top… 36 rolls completed… topping off with more sauce…simmering for about 2 1/2 hours… Kitchen smelling delightful… the scent wafting through the house…

On to the most fun part… matzo crack… if you know… you know… laying out the matzo… making the toffee… baking it off… adding the chocolate… then chopped walnuts and a tiny sprinkling of Himalayan pink salt atop… into the fridge to stiffen up… cutting it Into bite sized pieces… oh the temptation as it calls me from the fridge in its tub (special thanks to Dori Levy for the recipe… again… we can’t stop eating it!!)

Passover and Easter fast approaching… much of the food ready…  quite possible that our Seder will be cancelled… hubs still congested… lots of nose blowing and sneezing… tired but no temperature 🤒 not well enough for company… will deliver goodies to Mom for her supper… some to the kids as well 🤷🏼‍♀️  Grateful that we are both able to celebrate… even with the hubs sniffles 🤧  Still waiting on PCR results from yesterdays test 🤞

Supper tonite… a bit tired after all the cooking of the day… quick meal of shrimp… leftover rice from the cabbage… a bit of leftover chicken… broccoli… served alongside a crisp glass of Prosecco 🥂 

To all celebrating holidays this weekend… Passover Seders… Easter brunches & dinners… let us all count our blessings that we live in America… let us not forget those who have no where to sleep and little to eat during this season of rebirth… those who endure war and bloodshed must not be forgotten 😷💕

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

Chicken, Broccoli, Cheesy Grits and Strudel

 Vaccinated supper tonite... Live from NYC…

Another spectacular day in the Big Sunny Apple 🍎 Temps in the high 60’s… bright blue skies… light breeze… cherry trees and dogwoods blooming… their stunning pinks and whites lining the avenues in brilliant color… daffodils… crocus… grape hyacinth… a gracing yards and gardens with their magnificent hues 🪷

Breakfast for three… hot java ☕️ for the hubs along with his scrambled eggs, breakfast sausage and english muffin… that man can eat!! Iced coffee🧋and banana 🍌… Mr Sam enjoying his kibble an a snack of cheese 😽

Hubs cold symptoms the same… congestion… runny nose… sneezing… no fever… rapid test at home negative… went for a PCR today to be sure…  took a walk this afternoon followed by a nap 💤 

Packing up Mom’s groceries and goodies… bringing her a pot of mini daffodils… such cheerful flowers… scooting solo over to her place for delivery… mask on just in case… sliding glass door open… only stayed for a brief visit… making sure we don’t share any germs 😕

Feeling energized today… leftover filling from the chremsels… prune… walnut… orange marmalade… a bit of cinnamon and sugar added… a perfect strudel filling… egg wash and a shake of sugar atop… made for a delicious dessert 😋

Supper tonite… chicken breast tenders seasoned with garlic and onion flake… Penzey’s mural of flavor seasoning blend (thanks Marcia Sussman we love it) salt pepper and the remaining egg wash all in a zipper bag to marinate for 20 minutes then shaken with a mix of seasoned panko and regular bread crumbs… baked on the lowest oven rack near the heat (crisped up the bottom) for 20 minutes then 10 minutes on the top rack (to brown the top) came out really crunchy and not over cooked!  Served alongside roasted broccoli and cheesy grits… creamy and delicious 🥰

SThe war in Ukraine is having unintended consequences… Sweden and Finland now seriously considering joining NATO… previously neutral… Russian troops massing for another round of attacks #peaceforukraine 🇺🇦 

BA-2 variant… stealth covid… has been popping up… increasing infections garnering attention #GetYourJabOn  prevent hospitalization and serious complications… mask up… and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Ravioli with Roasted Tomatoes and Parmesan

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Super spring day!  71°F on the thermometer 🌡 Bright sunshine ☀️ soft breeze… perfect spring weather… squirrels 🐿 out in force digging in the lawn… little holes everywhere… glad to see them removing possible volunteers so we don’t have to pull them out 🙃  Unfortunately we lost our robin tenants… the beginnings of a nest built under the garage eve atop the exterior lights blew away in the last storm ☔️ thus far no new construction 🚧 

Quick breakfast🧋and 🍌 the hubs and Mr Sam on their own… off to Lidl for a last shop before the holiday cook begins in earnest…  stock finished and frozen for soup… chremsels completed and frozen yesterday… last few ingredients on the list… and Mom’s groceries… todays round up… to be delivered tomorrow 🛒 

Supper tonite… fresh cheese ravioli with roasted tomatoes, black pepper and Parmesan… quick and delicious 😋 served alongside a crisp glass of Vinho Verde 🥂

Covid infections climbing in the northeast… take time to practice self care and #GetYourJabOn  avoid hospitalization… mask up… and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Pernil and Red Cabbage Slaw

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

Bright blue skies… few clouds strung like fraying cotton across the horizon… light breeze… temps climbing into the high 50’s… a foraging flock of sparrows… robins… starlings and a couple of cardinals gracing the backyard today… munching insects (thank you) and gathering grass seed (glad there is extra) digging in the soft soil of the herb garden… leaving tiny little footprints on the slate walkway 🐾

Breakfast today…  hot coffee ☕️ with yogurt, berries 🫐 and a banana 🍌for the hubs… iced coffee🧋and a banana 🍌 and a drop of yogurt and kibble for Mr Sam 😽

Too lovely a day to stay inside… dropping by the USPO… sending off the taxes… sooo glad that’s over!  Popping into a couple of spots…finishing up errands…  back home in time for a delightful afternoon walk with Mariya… post walk tea 🫖 with the hubs and delicious chocolate chip banana pecan muffins (by Mariya) made the afternoon fly by 🧁

Supper tonite… pernil… pork shoulder cooked low and slow… four hours in the slow cooker on high… fat side up… two hours in the oven at 325°F…  finally 15 minutes under the broiler to crisp up that chicharrón... boned (at home) butterflied… seasoned liberally with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, Cajun spice mix and smoked paprika… served with red cabbage slaw (shredded red cabbage… shredded carrots… diced red onion) in a dijonaise dressing… served alongside a Guinness 🍺🐷

Russia preparing to surge troops into Ukraine once again… committing atrocities and murdering civilians #peaceforukraine 🇺🇦 

As Shanghai locks down it’s residents over another covid 🦠 spike… and builds a quarantine wing to hold thousands… BA2 variant cases are beginning to rise across the US… this is the time to practice self care #GetYourJabOn   mask up and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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

Eggplant Lasagna Naan & Salad & Chili Night

 Vaccinated supper tonite… Live from NYC…

And it rained… and it rained… and the trees drank in the life giving water… and the flowers bloomed in joy… the birds bathed in celebration… and the humans wore galoshes and slickers carrying umbrellas ☔️ as they collected their children from school 🏫 

Breakfast on this rainy day… hot java ☕️ yogurt 🍨berries 🫐 and a banana 🍌 for the hubs… iced coffee🧋and a banana 🍌 for yours truly…  Mr Sam enjoying his kibble and our company 😽

It’s tax time y’all… April 15th is next Friday… make sure those forms are filed in plenty of time for refunds or payments… spent the day reviewing  Mom’s tax documents… making sure I’s are dotted and T’s crossed… the IRS not being the friendliest of organizations…  tomorrow onto a review of ours… then off to the USPO sending in those icky payments 😩 Speaking of USPO… get those forever stamps folks… prices going up to $.60 for a first class letter soon 📬

Supper tonite… warming comfort food… eggplant lasagna with toasty naan and hydroponic lettuce salad 🥗 Last night’s chili so comforting on a rainy evening as well… 

Eggplant lasagna… such a delicious vegetarian variation subbing long 1/4” slices of roasted eggplant 🍆 (roasted on parchment with olive oil salt and pepper) for the noodles… sandwiched between layers of ricotta (mixed with egg and parsley) and homemade tomato sauce… shredded mozzarella sprinkled lightly over each layer of ricotta then generously over the top… baked at 350°F for about 35-40 minutes until bubbly… easily serves four when made with two medium eggplants 😋

Heartbreak in Ukraine 🇺🇦 as Russian troops decimate towns and cities murdering civilians and looting homes and businesses…  video from the wreckage showing uninhabitable ruin 💔🖤 #peaceforukraine

Covid BA2 variant spreading rapidly through the US… time for self care… vaccinations keeping folks out of hospitals and lessening severity of symptoms #GetYourJabOn  be part of the solution… mask up as needed and wash those germy hands 😷💕

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