Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Rainmaker, Toyota, Authors and St. Paddy's.

Reading Glenda Larke's blog yesterday, it reminded me of a story. She Called her husband her personal cloudmaster, he watered the garden and then it would rain. Quite a few years ago, in North Carolina, we were there on vacation and some friends invited us to their daughter's wedding in the mountains. I had to go buy a dress as I had nothing suitable with me, Matt ended up borrowing a jacket and pants from the bride's father. We went up to Blowing Rock and Matt and I were to stay in a motel. People were worried about the weather for the following day as it was an outdoor wedding and it was obviously building up to a storm. I said I would bring it on so that by the next day all would be clear and proceeded to do my version of a rain dance in the parking lot. Within minutes, literally, the storm started, it went on all night, sheets of rain, lightening, thunder, wind, you name it. The next morning dawned bright and clear and we had a lovely sunshine day for the wedding. Am I good or what? You've heard of Injun' Joe? Well I am Injun' Jo *g*.
Toyota is still in masses of trouble despite all the efforts they have been putting into fence mending, every day we seem to hear of recalls for different problems. Then yesterday there was a news story about a man driving a Prius and the accelerator stuck so that the car became a runaway. Police were trying to help him and eventually managed to stop the vehicle. In an interview the driver said it definitely was not the floor mats as someone had suggested and that he would never drive that car again. Frightening experience, although, as Matt said why couldn't he turn off the ignition? I keep expecting to hear the head of Toyota has committed sepuku (ritual suicide) which is what the Japanese would have done at one time *g*. You can read about the runaway Prius here http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/runaway-toyotas-listen-911-tape-94-mph-san/story?id=10057602
I have just started reading a Trudi Canavan book. She is the author who won out over Glenda Larke for the Aurealis award this year. I figured Glenda writes such wonderful books, Trudi Canavan's must be super. So far I am enjoying the story which appears to be a trilogy The Age of Five, the first book is called Priestess of the White. I am not yet far enough into the story to be able to compare writers. It would, of course, only be my opinion after all LOL.
I commented before that St. Patrick's is on its way and here is a recipe from Eating Well for Irish Lamb Stew, don't know that is particularly Irish, we Brits eat it too, however, here it is and would certainly be a good thing to make on the 17th. I am including this picture of green beer as I thought it was such a nice, pretty green. Not sure what they use to make it green, I wonder if it would work for Scotch? I can't imagine regular food colouring would do the job.
Irish Lamb Stew From EatingWell: February/March 2006
Lamb stew is Irish penicillin: a rich stew full of potatoes, leeks and carrots that'll cure whatever ails you. In traditional fashion, nothing here is browned first, just all stewed together. To keep it healthy make sure to trim the lamb of any visible fat before you cook it. 8 servings Ingredients •2 pounds boneless leg of lamb, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces •1 3/4 pounds white potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces •3 large leeks, white part only, halved, washed (see Tip) and thinly sliced •3 large carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces •3 stalks celery, thinly sliced •1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth •2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme •1 teaspoon salt •1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper •1/4 cup packed fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Preparation 1.Combine lamb, potatoes, leeks, carrots, celery, broth, thyme, salt and pepper in a 6-quart slow cooker; stir to combine. Put the lid on and cook on low until the lamb is fork-tender, about 8 hours. Stir in parsley before serving.
Tips & Notes •Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 1 month. |
•Tip: To clean leeks, trim and discard green tops and white roots. Split leeks lengthwise and place in plenty of water. Swish the leeks in the water to release any sand or soil. Drain. Repeat until no grit remains.
Have a great day

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