A Sunny Day

It's a double-edged sword, a bright, sunny day. The sun streams in and it brightens up the room, making everything look so pretty. The butter yellow dining room walls, the sage and thyme growing in the window... Oh! What's that on the floor? Dust? Didn't I just clean the floors last weekend? Why oh why! must every little flaw shine so brightly, so proudly, in the sunlight?!

I was perfectly content at dawn. A strong cup of coffee with Creme Brulee creamer, the morning news program on, the pups on their big pink fuzzy pillow in front of the fire. The beginning of a new day. I will continue on with my to-do list. Which project to work on? I went to my list, checked off a few projects that I took care of earlier this week, and looked for an easy one to work on.

I resolved to empty my roll top desk, weed through its contents, discard much, and replace in an orderly fashion. It feels great to put a big check mark next to another achievement. I'm in no hurry to begin a job search so I better stay on it!


accomplissement du jour = permission to enjoy time off!!

I'm In Love With A Boy!

That's right. I've fallen hard for this young man. Isn't he beautiful? And yes, he's Perfect. Soft fuzzy red hair, just like his Uncle Jay. He's a quiet baby and when he's awake, his eyes are open so wide, looking around, taking in his new surroundings.

I met him last Saturday at his Auntie Em's birthday party. He slept some, peeked around some through squinty sleepy eyes, had a beverage (thanks to Mommy!) and then went back to sleep. He leads a busy life. Yawn!

Truth be told, he'll probably look like his sweet, funny brother Elijah. And more likely, he will be smart and quiet in nature, like his mommy and daddy.

Once again, I'm a proud gramma!

Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Tonight I got an odd bug to make dessert. Roommate Joe and I had already eaten dinner, and Joe went upstairs to stare at his computer monitor, so I snuck into the kitchen, took 10 minutes to throw a hot fudge pudding cake together and popped it into the oven. It had been in the oven just 10 minutes when Joe came downstairs. "What's that? What's that smell? What's in the oven?" He can smell anything with sugar a mile away, I swear. I said, "It's dessert - and there's absolutely no peeking". Peeking wouldn't ruin it, but it would ruin my surprise. And 20 minutes later when I called him downstairs for dessert, he was like a 9 year old boy (as usual). I served it with a big scoop of Breyer's Vanilla Bean ice cream. Deeee-lish!

SPRING is right around the corner

I have recently joined the ranks of the unemployed. That's right, got my walking papers last week, via email. Tacky enough for ya? An email, after 6 years of employment. I spent an hour feeling bad. Boo Hoo.

I see unemployment checks and warm weather ahead! I started right away, making a list to work from. I plan to use this time to accomplish stuff. Check something off every day. I'm an organizer - love it. I'll clean closets, cupboards, laundry room.

"A place for everything and everything in its place."

I also plan to do some gardening, working out on my newly purchased Gazelle, and maybe even paint the front door, back door, and front porch floor.

CFS Sucks

Sometimes I can handle it without a thought. Sometimes it gets me so down I cry with frustration.

I knew it was coming. I haven't felt like cooking or eating all week. I stayed up an hour later the past two nights and now I'm paying the price. That's all it takes. Another day wasted on being sick instead of taking a vacation.

I woke up at 5:30 this morning, and I knew I still needed a lot more sleep. I felt drugged. I called work and said "It's a bad day. I'll try to be in later". My company is incredibly patient and understanding of my situation. When it was later I woke up, called work again and said "OK, maybe I'll be in this afternoon". I'm now thinking I won't be going in at all. Maybe taking the day off will recharge Lily.

I need a vacation.

Roast Chicken and Vegetables

What is more rewarding than putting a pan in the oven and in an hour it's a delicious dinner? Yum! I'm so glad my sister mentioned her roast chicken and vegetables last week. Tonight Roommate Joe and I collaborated on making that same meal. I butterflied and cleaned the chicken, peeled carrots, and rough chopped the onion and celery. Joe cut up the carrots and creamy little fingerling potatoes, and got out my smaller All-Clad roasting pan from the pantry. I lightly drizzled olive oil over the veggies, sprinkled them with herbs de Provence, salt, pepper, and mixed it all up to coat. I then placed the butterflied chicken on top of the veggies, drizzled it with olive oil and sprinkled it with season salt. I poured a cup of water in the bottom of the pan for a nice broth. Only an hour away (at 350*).

I can't wait for it to be done!!

A Hot Tin Roof

I've been bit by the Spring Fever Bug. Ouch! I am craving the warmth of sunshine on my face. I want to get my hands in the dirt and start gardening. I don't have a trip planned. How can I stave off this need for warm air and sunshine? It likely won't be warm and sunny here for two more months. I currently have no Valentine in my life, so I predict that a man is not going to suddenly crawl out of the woodwork and present me with an invitation, cruise tickets in hand! Oh dear.

Tonight, KFC for dinner! Is there anyone in the world that doesn't love extra crispy KFC?! Mmmm!! I've been hooked since high school when my good friend worked there, and she'd give me freebie dinners in exchange for a ride home from work at 10:00. Years ago, I went to a KFC that offers the "all you can eat" buffet, but there's no way I got my money's worth. All the yummy sides they offer are so filling, that you eat one or two pieces of chicken (plus biscuits, mashed potatoes & gravy, corn on the cob, baked beans, cole slaw...) and you're completely full!

I guess I don't have much to blather on about today. I know of a handful of people who do read my blog but don't leave comments. Feel free - I'd love to hear from you!

One For The Record Books? Wha???

We've been spoiled by our mild winter, and now that the 'real thing' has hit, it seems to me that everyone is in a tizzy about it. Even the weathermen are saying 'this is one to tell the grandchildren about!" as if it hasn't been this cold in decades. Not so. In my memory of winters past, this is a typical cold winter day. Zero Degrees. Since when is that something to get all shook up about?

I woke up early today. I let the pups outside to go potty, and stood right by the door so that they could come in the very second they were done. They're hairless, and they hate wearing doggy clothing, so they go out naked, even at Zero Degrees. Now that's something to make a big deal about. Imagine going outside naked on a cold day like this, just to go to the bathroom. Sure, they do sneak off and do their business inside when they can get away with it, but it's not often, and I can't say that I blame them. Just imagine even going outside fully dressed, but barefoot, walking down a freezing cold cement sidewalk. They've learned to walk on three legs, alternating which one they hold up off the cold ground as they go. Ok, so it's cold, but it's not 'one for the record books'. It's just cold. Stop making such a fuss.

But I digress.... (I enjoy saying that now and then)

All my weekend cooking plans have fallen by the wayside. I had planned on making a chicken tetrazinni for dinner on Friday night, but I found myself drinking Moscopolitan martini's until midnight. Last night I had planned a delicious pot roast dinner with buttered steamed carrots and creamy fingerling potatoes. Before Joe ran an errand I mentioned my dinner plan, but he said he didn't think he'd be hungry. Instead, he came home with Taco Bell taco salads. Don't get me wrong - I love those salads! I just don't think I'd pass up a pot roast dinner for one. Would you? That's crazy!

I woke up early today, inspired to do some kitchen work. I refilled many of my spice jars and bottles, refilled the two pepper grinders with a strong smelling new type of peppercorn. Last time I bought Tellicherry peppercorns because Penzey's review sounded so good, but in reality they were quite bland. The description of the India Special Extra Bold peppercorns caught my attention after having a mediocre experience with the Penzey's recommendation. Next, I got out all my spices and herbs to make a big quadruple batch of season salt. I have plans... again... to bake a pumpkin bundt cake with ginger custard sauce this afternoon. I've had this plan a few times in past weeks but it never comes to pass. I enjoy cooking so much more than baking.

So today I'm going to make a pot roast dinner. Tomorrow night, chicken tetrazinni. YUM!!

Swiss Steak and All That Jazz

Another blog I occasionally read helped me realize that I need to be posting pictures of the dishes that I cook and write about. I think she calls it food porn. Anyway, I'll work on that. Soon. Or, eventually.

Tonight I'm preparing Swiss Steak the way my mom cooked it when I was little. It's browning now, and it smells good. The wonderful aroma of beef browning makes my mouth water. Pieces of round steak, dredged in seasoned flour and browned on both sides in a small amount of oil in a big braising pan; dump a big can of diced tomatoes over the meat, cover and simmer on low until the meat is tender. It's a very basic, old school meal. Consider the options, now that we're become this fabulous Food Nation. You can add things like onions, green peppers, various seasonings to orient it toward Spanish, Italian, or even Chinese.

My take on tonight's meal - to the original recipe, add onions, herbs de Provence, Sunny Paris (Penzey's), and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Instead of the usual light fluffy mashed potatoes, I'm going to serve it with white rice, a nice background for the flavors.

OK, on to my weekend plans. Since I don't work Fridays, my weekend has officially begun. I'm going to Matty B's in St. Paul tomorrow night, a group of four of us, to listen to a darling little jazz singer named Katie Gearty sing with an excellent local band, Steve Clarke and the Working Stiffs. I've known Steve for several years, and he's won several MN Music Awards, best horn player of the year for running years, including 2006. His band has won awards as well. I'm really happy that Steve is giving Katie this opportunity, and I hope it will further her career. We're staying at the Crown Plaza Hotel, just a half block from Matty B's. It feels like a special event. We're having drinks at the hotel, then dinner at Fabulous Fern's and then a quick walk over to Matty B's. This is the closest thing I've come to a vacation in 18 months. Gotta make the best of it!!

Mid Winter Blahs

I just had the flu. I spent four days in bed, from Wednesday night until Sunday morning. I could have gotten a flu shot, but I didn't. No... I wouldn't need one; I wouldn't get the flu this year... No, not me!

Doesn't it feel good when you've been sick and suddenly you wake up and you're well? It's as if someone handed you a "Get out of jail free" card! This afternoon I showered, dressed, prettied myself up for the first time in days, and Joe and I went to Cub for groceries. It felt good to be outside.

It makes me excited, having my energy back, to cook some good meals this week. We bought ribs, round steak, walleye, and a big chunk of deli ham to go into my yummy Byerly's wild rice soup. I'm looking forward to making Swiss Steak with the round steak. I love it, made with tomatoes, which really tenderizes the meat. Big mounds of mashed potatoes, and steamed carrots really top off a good Swiss Steak dinner. My favorite wild rice soup recipe is a knock off of an upscale grocery store deli. Diced ham and slivered almonds puts it a notch above other wild rice soup recipes.

I haven't done any cooking worthy of note lately.
Perhaps I'll be more inspired this week.

More Please!!!

I'm a bit off my game today. No, let's just say it ---
I'm crabby. On Friday night I had an upsetting phone conversation with a man that I've known since I was 14 years old. It set the tempo for the weekend.

Tick-a Tick-a Tick-a Tick Tick Tick Tick....

A disturbing tempo.

After many years of wondering what happened to "him", then writing, and finally, reconnecting, I began to feel that it is possible to rewrite our past while intertwining it with today's reality...

Did I really want to spend the rest of my life listening to so much talk of football? I was willing to, but would I have been happy? I guess I'll never know. Would he adjust his life to include me and my two little pups, in exchange for a woman by his side for the rest of his life? I guess not.

It is 'the end'. He had a chance to spend the rest of his life with someone who really truly loves him, but he is stuck in a place he found himself in a decade ago - hurt by divorce. His wife cheated on him and then left him. He's still in that place, afraid to be hurt again. Damaged, carrying really heavy baggage. I will never understand why people carry it along with them, holding it close like a prized possession, like a velvet bag of treasures, it goes everywhere with them.

But No!! It's Crap!! Put it down, throw it in the ditch! Bury it in a field! Whatever you need to do to move on. Lighten the load for a more sparkling future. Why not feel the victory of defeating that stabbing painful heartache. The fear of heartache immobilizes some people, leaving them unable to move forward, to attain a happy future.

And so that you don't misread me, it's not that I don't understand how it happens. I do. I've had my share of hurt, cried many tears. Then I sucked it up and began my life anew. Twice. I'm stronger for putting the past right where it belongs; in the past.

Not coincidentally, this is my horoscope for today:

It's fine if others want to settle for the middle ground, but you see nothing happy about that. You know yourself, and you need more.

It goes on at length, but you get the picture. I'm not going to settle for a continuation of the relationship I thought I was in all these years. It wasn't what I thought it was. My mistake. I need more than a phone call when it's convenient, more than a visit when he's in my city. I am worth more than the drive, all those miles, just to be with me, more than a phone call, even if it's from the landline, when long distance charges apply!!!

Yes. I'm worth more!!

The Big Investigation?

It has come to my attention by way of rather passive-aggressive not-so-subtle messages, that if I, Lily, do not reveal all personal information when posting a comment on a random blog, the comments are (apparently) unwelcome. I have found an inconsequential blog or two that I peruse. Is the occasional comment inappropriate? Who do I think I am, leaving my opinions/thoughts/nonsense? Am I trying to infiltrate their blog culture? No, I don't think my intentions are quite so nefarious.

Until recently, I believed blogs to be here for the whole wide world to read, and comments are generally welcome, being of a civilized nature. There are numerous options, should a group of people wish to communicate privately. What does that indicate? Said people want to put their blog-thoughts out here for all to read, but no one is welcome to add a sentiment or two? Odd.

I execute my meager brain-dump here a few times a week, and I know that some people are reading it, but only one person has left his thoughts. Perhaps he has been assigned the onus task of The Big Investigation.

Who is Lily White?

The Incredible Lightness of Being (At Home)

You've likely heard the expression "Follow Your Bliss". My bliss is being at home. Because I have Epstein Barr Virus (aka CFS), I've had occasion to be at home, albeit sick, for two separate lengthy stretches, a five- and a six-month stretch. I never grew tired of being at home. I was often too weak to even drive myself to doctor appointments, and I slept 12 to 16 hours a night, plus a lengthy nap each afternoon, but all the while, I loved being home. I developed an appreciation for high thread count sheets, soft, downy cotton quilts, and a bed piled high with pillows.

My "Princess and the Pea" bed used to challenge the pups, too high, too difficult for them to jump up on. I've put an antique footstool at the foot of my bed, so that they have a way to get up there on their own. I believe they, too, have developed an appreciation for my luxurious bedding!

I've had friends tell me that they'd get so bored, they'd be crazy if they had to stay home in a similar situation. I don't know if I've ever in my life felt bored, but if I was, I know this --

I wasn't at home.

Last Night

Delicious martinis! So much fun! Being friends with the bartender has its repercussions. I woke up early, let the dogs out for their morning business, and went back to bed until noon.

The rest of the day has been great. I spent the afternoon perusing cookbooks looking for the perfect au gratin potato recipe. My sister emailed me hers, tried and true. In return I emailed her my carrot-potato bake recipe, Dad's favorite.

Tomorrow I'm making a ham dinner. I love ham. Not sure yet how I'll glaze it. I've heard that Coke makes a good ham glaze. Root beer too. Sounds strange.

I've narrowed my New Years Eve food decision down to prime rib or porterhouse on the grill, with creamy baby yukons, boiled, then each one smashed separately, and fried crisp in butter. Prime rib is my first choice, in part because there'd be leftovers.

It's been a nice evening. I just let the pups out and it's raining. I've had a fire in the fireplace, watched Law & Order, and did a little ym chat.

Saddam Hussein was hanged by the neck until dead today.

Back To Reality or A Fairy Tale?

The long Christmas weekend was wonderful, but I felt ready to go back to work today. When the alarm went off, I did NOT want to get up, but one good strong cup of coffee and I was ready to jump back into the daily grind. Plus... BONUS!!! A three day work week and another four day weekend!!!

And more late mornings, sleeping in, leisurely cups of coffee while reading. I love my cozy comfy big pedestal bed so much! Lots of pillows, 400 thread count sheets, comfy quilts, soft comforters. I'm the Princess and the Pea!

New Years Eve is next. I have two party invites. One sounds ok, the other, not so much. I'm thinking about staying in, renting a couple of good movies, and cooking some good food. A new pair of cozy pj's could push me over the edge. Maybe a nice rib roast or King crab legs? Both? Or instead of prime rib, maybe a big fat porterhouse and coconut shrimp with orange ginger sauce?

I can't decide!!! Maybe I should go to the party!!!

MY HOT CREATIVE MIND

My big challenge this week - How do I incorporate all these party leftovers into good meals? I feel I've done myself proud, three for three!!

ARTICHOKE DIP:
I had a large amount of artichoke dip leftover. I reheated it in a saucepan, thinned it with half & half, butter, and stirred in a cut up boneless skinless chicken breast and bright green frozen peas. Served it over fresh linguine with garlic bread, and it was HEAVENLY, if I do say so myself!!

FRESH SALSA:
I also had a large bowl of my fresh chickpea salsa. I started with a cooked boneless skinless chicken breast, cut up into bite sized pieces. I put a large flour tortilla in a pan with a small amount of hot oil, sprinkled it with chicken pieces and a good amount of the salsa, topped high with shredded cheese. I turned the heat down low so that the tortilla crisped up nicely and the cheese melted. QUICK AND DIRTY!!

JALAPENO MEATBALLS:
Reheated and piled deep onto a big sub roll, topped with barbecue sauce and cheddar cheese, put into the oven for awhile to crisp up the roll and melt the cheese. Served with crunchy crisp kettle chips. AWESOME!!!

MEAT!!!
I'm becoming desperate to sink my teeth into a big rare piece of beef. I might fix myself prime rib on Christmas day. No company, no event - just me and my prime rib with spicey horseradish sauce. Perhaps a baked potato loaded with butter. Yum!!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST -
Yesterday I went Christmas shopping for the first time this season. Today I'm going to Galleria in Edina to power shop. If I don't give myself much time, I take it more seriously. I have that quality often given to men - I work great under pressure!! ONWARD. . . SPEND!!!

With A Little Help From My Friends...

Last Friday I had my biggest baddest party ever! Awesome!!! I had help from a couple of great friends, making it a huge success. The house was jam-packed, wall to wall people, from 7 p.m. to the wee hours of the morning. For music, I had an 11 hour playlist - a great variety set up by Roommate Joe. The table was piled full of jumbo shrimp, meatballs in jalapeno sauce, artichoke dip & French bread, fresh chickpea salsa & chips, deviled eggs with blue cheese and bacon, salami, veggies & dip, huge olives stuffed with garlic, blue cheese, sun dried tomatoes, and almonds. We ate good and enjoyed beverages!!! As the night turned into morning, we could certainly see evidence of my party pals enjoying themselves!!! The party was a big hit.


The week before the party I met a nice guy at my favorite bar. He took me to dinner a few nights later, and I invited him to the party. He just sat quietly, all evening. The only time he left his seat was to refill his wine glass, and then he went right straight back and sat down again. I ordinarily date guys who make their way around the room on their own, quite comfortably. As the host of the party, I was busy answering the door and introducing everyone around. I was kept busy playing my role the right way. I knew just an hour into the party, that it won't work. I need someone with more energy, vitality, self-confidence to carry him through the awkward moments.

In sum, the party was an absolute blast, a riot. It was worth all the effort. I look forward to my next party. I don't know if I can top this one, but I'm going to try!!!

My Party Is Right Around the Corner!!!

Tonight I put up my Christmas decorations. I've decorated the fireplace mantel with garland, lights, and ornaments. It looks so pretty! I arranged a centerpiece for the dining room table - a big white candle inside a hurricane surrounded by pinkish-gold ornaments, all sitting on a big round glass tray. I still need to put the tree up. I'm going to put it out on the front porch this year. That way it can be seen both from the inside and the outside. That way I don't have to rearrange the furniture in the living room. It has to all be done by Wednesday, so that I can focus on cleaning and cooking for the party. Thursday is designated for cleaning and Friday is for food prep.

Friday night is for good cheer with friends!

My Favorite Crispy Chicken Wings

I've been a little under the weather this week, causing me to miss two days of work. I have CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and sometimes it knocks me down, usually when I'm under too much stress. The Christmas Cocktail Party I'm throwing for my friends (Dec 15) is taking its toll on me. I love entertaining, but I over-stress about it being perfect. I'm enjoying the prep process: the planning of the food and beverage menu, the decor of my home, and even the cleaning. It's extra stress, something that my body seems unable to manage, but when the first guest rings the doorbell, I know that I'll be so glad I did it.

With that said, I haven't done any cooking lately. One night of KFC and a night of leftover chili (still excellent!) - that's all my kitchen play has amounted too.

Tonight I plan to make a big ol' pan of seasoned, oven-fried, crispy, whole chicken wings. They get real crisp in a 400* oven for close to an hour. I shake them up in a bag of seasoned flour. The seasoning - I 'wing' it each time I make them. Ok. that was dorky. I often start out with season salt (my own blend) and go from there, adding cinnamon, five spice powder, barbecue blend - any or all of these, and more. The wings always turn out good, if I do say so myself! I sometimes serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce or a teriyaki sesame sauce, but most often I eat them 'as is'. Delicious!!!

Brown Sugah (just like a young girl should)

Brown Sugar Pork Chops, I mean.

Which is what I prepared for dinner last night. Nearly 3" thick rib chops, coated in a barbecue spice rub, then browned in olive oil. Next, each chop topped with brown sugar, a little ground ginger, then lightly sprinkle a good quality soy sauce over all of them. Cover the pan and put it in the oven for about 45 minutes. So easy you don't even need a recipe. I did, however, find this on allrecipes.com. This meal was so full of oooooh's and aaaaaah's, it's a sure thing I'm going to cook it next time I invite a date for dinner. Yum Yum.

And speaking of dates... I recently had a relationship end. It seemed to start out with real potential, him pursuing me, asking me to lunch, followed up with many evenings out together, seeing each other 3 times a week, and being invited to his company Christmas (or to be PC... Holiday) party. After a few weeks of bliss mixed with several red flags, it's over. I don't mind, not so much. The red flags flapping all over the place made me well prepared for The End. No harm no foul. Just an ending, with no official ending. He went out of town for business, called me once on his last day, left a message saying he was tired and would be driving back the next day instead of that night. I didn't return his call. I called two days later, left a message, and now, he hasn't returned my call. I guess that's what you call drifting apart. I call it "so ovah".

And more on dates - I've chosen a date for my holiday party. I am having Lily's Groovy Holiday Party on Friday, Dec 15. I will provide wine, vodka, and my Groovy Lemon Drop Martini's. My peeps can bring anything else they'd like to drink. I'm in the process of coming up with a simple & delish appetizer menu. I'll take the day before the party off to prep and clean. I've sent out 25 or 30 invitations (Evite.com), and so far half have responded "yes" with the exception of one "no" and one "maybe". I'm looking forward to Lily's Groovy Holiday Party.

The Best Chili Ever

That's right --- Ever! Ok, I mean that I made.

I made chili last night; vegetarian chili with beef. That cracks me up, but I'm rather easily amused. It's packed full of yummy stuff like cannellini and kidney beans, onion, celery, carrot, corn, black olives, tomatoes... and ground beef. So it's not really vegetarian. But it's still the best chili I've ever made!!!

Today I picked up new lenses for my glasses. The old lenses were just slightly scratched and I could have them replaced free of charge, so I did. I'm hoping this puts a stop to the headache. Maybe scratches in the lenses are causing the headache. Maybe it'll take a little time for my eyes to adjust to the now-missing scratches. Then will it stop?

Because I was delayed in arriving home, the pups were doing the pee-pee dance when I finally arrived. They were crying "Mommy!! We don't have opposable thumbs!! Please open the door and let us outside!!" So I did. It's so cold out.

And now they're asleep in front of the fireplace. How I love my puppies.

Broadway Pizza

Ever since I was a young girl, Broadway Pizza has been my all time favorite. I recently learned the secret to their fabulous crust, and gave it my best shot last night. It turned out SO yummy!! I made two pizzas, and my roomie and I devoured one of them. Leftover pizza for breakfast!! YES!

Sausage
Onion
Black Olive

What could be better?

I used the bread machine to make the crust. Takes 90 minutes. While I waited, I sauteed the onions and cooked the spicy hot Italian sausage. I rolled the dough out on the pizza peel, piled on the toppings (no sauce, just plenty of chopped fresh tomatoes, sprinkled on the herbs and heaped on the cheese. 15 minutes later I was eating pizza!!