See? If you cheat on your way up, God’s gonna cool you down.
LOL
Just kidding, don’t hate on me. I initiated this search originally (left photo) as a concerned lover of Beantown, NOT a disgruntled Colts fan. Which I am also.
Even the ads are getting sarcastic, check out the one on the bottom of the page that I got a screen shot of (right)
God bless you, Boston and surrounding areas. Stay warm and safe! I can’t visit soon enough, its one of my favorite places on earth, snow or no snow.
I can’t believe it- this will make two months in a row that The Mom and I have made it out to a theater venue. Last year we thought it would be a great idea to try to see some production each month and we got in a grand total of ZERO. Hot Damn, mom, we are on a roll!
I’m actually the tag-along on this trip with my parents as they already had plans with their marvelous friends to go see Rogers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.” Off I drove to meet them at the Welk Resort for the show. This is a great theater, not a bad seat in the house! We all really enjoyed the production, I mean, really- you can’t miss with classic American musicals, can you?
This is the best thing in the world for me, I never want to go out in the evenings. I have long said that I turn into a pumpkin after 7:30 PM. There is a fabulous Mom’s Club at my church, and I usually don’t make our Mom’s Night Out each month. I’m just too pooped! The Husband, thoughtful man, encourages me to get out in the evening with friends, but I rarely do. Even The Boy and The Girl, when they were younger and emerging independents, tried to reassure me that they were fine home alone. I never intended to be the hovering type, I just liked being home with my family, and still do. And actually, I’m pretty sure the kids just want a night at home by themselves to binge watch on Netflix with microwave popcorn… thanks for getting your brother hooked on “Arrested Development,” dear daughter.
The Husband has a group of friends that buy each other coffee a couple of times each week. At least. It takes all their strength and willpower to stick to only a couple visits per week at this favorite coffee shop. Honestly, we wonder what they put in the coffee as it is ridiculously good.
Every time I come up the stairs to his office I chat a bit with Bill, the security officer, and think, “This guy needs a coffee!”
I brought the Coffee Club their Americanos today, and brought one to Bill, too. I’ve been meaning to do this for a couple of years, at least. Can I take a second to reiterate how glad I am that I picked up this project for the year? I am making myself remember to do little things for, and say thanks to the many people in my community that do so much for everyone and my family.
Thanks, Bill!
I did something unexpected- I bought a completely different style and color in clothing than I would normally pick out for myself. I’m not too crazy about getting new clothes or shopping in general, but the Shopping Stars were all in alignment: everything I wanted was on sale, the sizes were all just right, everything even matched and actually looked cute! This never happens for me. Surprised and delighted, I bought them and headed home with a couple of lovely skirts and tops quite different from what I already own.
Have you ever stuck with the same style of clothing, year in and year out?. Maybe kept the same haircut for five, ten years or even more? I have. Boy, I remember one year when on a whim, I found a new hair stylist and gave her the go ahead to give me a whole new do- EVERYONE noticed. I felt like a million bucks! I had never done anything like it before, but ultimately was completely happy that I took the risk.
There’s a lot to be said in defense of our comfortable routines- life is easier when we know we like, when we know how to plan ahead to purchase on seasonal sales, or to stock up on our family’s favorite items. Even knowing the quickest route to the usual shopping center makes a big difference when we have work to attend to. Routines are good. But… sometimes we all need a little change to the usual look. Or food, or pastimes. Or (fill in your own challenge in this spot).
A little shake-up is good for the mind and the soul.
Chayote squash. I’ve seen it in stores my whole life but never knew what to do with it. A couple of weeks ago The Mom-in-law decided that we should pick up some when we hit Pancho Villa Market, mentioning that she hadn’t made it in a long time, but wanted to give it a try again.
Really, for the amusement factor alone, this was easily worth it- pick up a new vegetable and give it a go. Even if everyone hates it, you get the fun of watching the people you lovingly serve it to make all sorts of faces, either politely trying to hide their distaste or the outright look of disgust at the thought of trying something new.
It’s good to be the cook!
I finally gave mine a go tonight (it is a harder squash and kept well in the fridge for two weeks), preparing the squash the way she served hers-
simply sautéed until tender with onions in butter and olive oil.
The family’s comments and observations included the following:
-Chayote’s texture is different from other squash, like zucchini, yellow or crookneck… it is more firm, like that of a sautéed apple, maybe?
-If you don’t care for the softer texture of summer squash varieties, chayote is a good squash to try as it is much firmer and not seeded.
-Its flavor is very much like zucchini, only more strong. And a bit sweeter.
-This would pair well with a squeeze of lemon and maybe some chopped, fresh dill.
One chayote was enough for the four of us to enjoy a taste testing, but I would need two for a proper side dish, for sure. The chayote was an overall hit, and we will definitely be cooking it up again.
branching out... on a limb 