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?