Spring Heels, Books, Avon and the Sun

There was a segment on Good Morning America about these shoes with springs instead of heels - they even have high heels with springs too. The presenters all put these shoes on or another kind which have a similar affect but are supposed to strengthen your leg and butt muscles. They looked rather weird but it certainly puts a spring in your step and that isn't just a pun. They were jumping quite high with them on (the sports shoes not the high heels). A member of the audience said it was difficult to get your balance at first, she had been wearing them for a while. I would think high heels with springs could be somewhat dangerous I don't know about difficult. I wonder how many twisted ankles we will see. By the way, I am thoroughly enjoying Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, his concept of magic is quite different. I can see why he was chosen to finish the last Wheel of Time book now Robert Jordan is no longer among us. Jordan had started a spin off series from the Wheel of Time books, I wonder if any of that will be finished or that will be it. Such a pity. Whatever kind of job Sanderson does, I fear it won't be the same. Another segment on GMA was about Avon and how well the company is prospering. They said for $10 you can become a rep (its $20 in Canada) and make a fortune. Not true. I am an Avon rep and I know several women who never really made very much from it at all. On the other hand I also know some women who make a very nice living selling Avon. I learned today that the company began 122 years ago as a perfume vendor, I guess other makeup was gradually added over the years and nowadays they sell all kinds of things, clothing, kitchen gadgets, household accessories. It is a fact that Avon makeup is better value for money than other well known names plus it can be delivered to your door. The weather has been absolutely fantastic lately, it was so hot in our apartment yesterday we had to put the air conditioner on. We don't get too much sun in the summer: on our balcony but not into the rooms, but in the winter, the sun absolutely pours in and when its as strong as yesterday, who needs heaters. Today I thought I would give you a fish recipe from Reader's Digest Live Longer Cookbook. The picture shows seared salmon (couldn't find poached with spinach) however the only difference will be the slightly paler colour of the salmon and I think, better flavour. Poached Salmon on a Bed of Spinach Salmon, rich in health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids, is served atop spinach for a colourful and nutritious main course. Serves 4 1 lbs spinach, trimmed and rinsed 5 Tbs lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp grated lemon rind 1/4 tsp each salt and black pepper 2 tbs plus 2 tsp olive oil 3 Tbs red wine vinegar 4 samlon fillets or steaks (6 oz. each) 2 Tbs minced shallot 2 Tbs minced fresh tarragon or chives, or 2 tsp dried. In a 10 in. skillet, place the spinach with just the water that clings to its leaves. Cover and steam over moderate heat, tossing occasionally, for 3 - 4 minutes or until wilted. Drain; refresh under cold water to stop the cooking and drain again; gently squeeze dry and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon jice, mustard, lemon rind and 1/8 tsp each of the salt and peper. Slowly drizzle in 2 tbs of the oil, whisking vigorously until well blended and set aside. Fill a fish poacher, shallow 10 in. skillet or flameproof casserole with 2 in. water. Add the vinegar and bring to a simmer. Gently place the fish in the simmering water and cook, covered, over moderately low heat for 4 to 5 minutes for fillets, 6 to 7 minutes for steaks, or until the fish just flakes when tested with a fork. Meanwhile in a 10 in. skillet cook the shallot in the remaining oil over moderate heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes or until softened. Add the spinach and remining salt and pepper and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes until heated through. With a spatula, carefully transfer the fish to a platter lined with paper towel to drain. Divide the spinach between four warm dinner plates and top each with a portion of salmon. Whisk 1/4 cup of the poaching liquid into the dressing and spoon over the fish and spinach. Sprinkle with the tarragon. Have a great day.