Awww thanks for remembering

Posted on July 23, 2013 by Mary Beth Frezon

Coming to my dashboard to check something else I see this in my comments list:

WP anniversary

Awww thanks WP folks for remembering when it all started with you. That’s a nice thing.

(and no, I don’t know anyone named Uslugi Podnosnik. Really.)

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It’s raining

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Mary Beth Frezon

…much better than the other night when I stepped outside just at dark and all I could hear was the track announcements and a moment later a lot of engines.

Tonight there is that low, growing sound which puts you in mind of every small wooden building you’ve ever slept in, ever woken up in the middle of the night in, hearing the sound of raindrops on the leaves of nearby trees, and the roof, and the dripping onto the welcoming earth. A steady but uneven sound, quiet, washing the leaves, running down the tree trunks, hanging onto the branches and the roof’s edge until it can’t hold on and falls again. The air is full of drops and the smell of the rain and the stir of the earth to meet it.

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Monday, back to work

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Mary Beth Frezon

Feels a little surreal but to be expected. Alternately overcast and sunny with a prediction of thunderstorms later. The continuing list of little chores and errands continues – add, get new spare SD card for camera.

Tonight I’ll have to put in some time cleaning and prepping veggies and fruit gotten the other day. Having just cleared out the freezer and frig, I would prefer to actually eat and enjoy the new purchases.

I’m close to the end of the audiobook version of Ocean at the End of the Lane and I will be quite sad when Neil Gaiman isn’t reading aloud to me in the car. As I recently confessed to Naomi, sometimes I hear Mr. Gaiman’s voice reading other things aloud to me. I can’t think of too much that wouldn’t be improved by his read aloud voice and style. I really enjoyed his new book but I’m enjoying the audio version even more. It’s unabridged but I wonder if it’s more like a director’s cut version.

I think that’s all for now. Still waiting for the birds to discover the new birdbath. As an enticement I moved a feeder nearby but that generally takes a day or two to find as well. We’ll see.

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From the Quote Box

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Mary Beth Frezon

In the arts, as in life, everything is possible provided it is based on love. – Marc Chagall

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Fun things to do with Broccoli

Posted on July 20, 2013 by Mary Beth Frezon

Cousin Lory had made a tasty slaw out of broccoli and it put me in mind of this recipe. Had to rummage a bit for it because I didn’t quite have the spelling right for Flammifero, but it’s from my old friend, Greene on Greens, 1984. I don’t see any particular reason why fresh bagged broccoli slaw wouldn’t work for this but just in case you wonder what to do with your stems and it’s not soup season, this will satisfy.

Hmmm he also has an awesome broccoli pesto recipe.

Flammifero (which means matches)

3-4 large thick broccoli stems (1.5-2 lbs)
2 small ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped
1 small clover garlic, mashed
1/4 tsp coarse (kosher) salt
2 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp red wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbs freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper.

Peel the broccoli stems and cut them into thin julienne strips, about 2 inches long. Place the strips in a bowl and add the tomatoes. Set aside

Mash the garlic with the salt in a small bowl until a paste is formed. Beat in the lemon juice, vinegar, and oil. Pour the dressing over the broccoli. Add the cheese and pepper to taste. Toss well. Chill at least 1 hour before serving.

Serves 4 to 6.

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