Random Notes from the Sandwich Life

1.  I went to visit my mother last night.  My cold is still bad so I had to wear a mask which then kept steaming up my glasses and of course made it hard to blow my nose.  My mother was grumpy, ready to tell me black was white so I must confess I didn't stay terribly long.  Longer visits over the weekend I promise....

2.  I feel a bit better today but tired from not much sleep.  It felt as though every time I was ready to drift off I'd have to blow my nose or cough.  I'd lean over toward the bedside table to get some tissue and every time I tried to lay back Owen had somehow rippled over to where I had been sleeping.  Amazing talent.  While Debbie is here she is using his room so he's sleeping with us for the week.  Kind of nice to have an excuse to cuddle despite the rippling.....

3.  Ate some wonderful lacinato kale last night---we must grow some this year.  I gotta say I don't understand cooking kale.  I see recipes where you're supposed to braise it for 30 minutes or more and I just don't get that.  Whenever I've tried that I think it tastes sort of tinny and bitter.  But just kind of stir-fried in a hot pan for a few minutes?  Well that's wonderful.  I did it in just a bit of olive oil and garlic--and then sprinkled a little sesame oil over it at the end....served it with brown rice and red cooked pork.  And as good as the pork and rice were---the kale was the star for me.  Anyone have words of wisdom about cooking kale for a long period of time....I'm just not sure I see the point.....

I know, I know....yet another picture of kale....it's just so damn PRETTY!

 

4.  Plans for the weekend you ask?  Hmmmm.  Sunday afternoon birthday party for the boys....visits to my mother....  I suppose we could do something productive but hell....I'm just not all that inspired...  I'm thinking of perusing paint chips, seed catalogues and thinking about fun meals to cook for Debbie before she leaves.....what about you?

5.  A current favorite.....