Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Voice Change, New Supers, Desk Mat,

Very odd, on Monday afternoon, at the bowling alley, Matt started losing his voice, then it came back again but very deep. At one point he said something to me when I wasn’t looking in his direction, and I had no idea who was talking to me. Monday evening it was better, Tuesday morning entirely cleared up. No idea what caused it, he didn’t have any signs of a cold or anything. Matt quipped at one point that maybe he had grown up at last!!!  Actually it wasn’t a bad sound at all.

Bluebird ApartmentsWe finally have a new superintendent in our building. I do hope he and his wife stay with us for a while and are good at their jobs. I feel so sorry for the assistant who has been lumbered with the whole job for a lot of the past year. Our last super was only here for a few months – we liked him/them but have heard a couple of complaints. I understand they don’t get paid enough by the realtor who runs our building. I don’t know, but a free apartment is worth quite a bit of money these days. Over $800 a month anyway, apart from anything else they may be paid. The hours are very long though and being an old building there is always a lot to do with problems all over the place. Bluebird apartments was built in 1974 (marked on the sidewalk) the year before we came to Canada. Hey I have just realised, my anniversary of emigration is coming up at the end of the month. 37 years. Should celebrate. Matt came out a month before me, so his anniversary has passed.

Having got our flu shots done, we decided to stop in a Wal-Mart’s for some computer matunderwear for the old man. He forgot when we were in NC and of course paid more for it here. We then went into Staples and much to my surprise they had computer chair mats ranging from $24 up. I bought what I wanted for about $40 and am now sitting on it quite comfortably. The previous one had lasted 10 or 11 years so didn’t owe me anything. The only thing is, I looked on the internet before and found mats costing $120 or so, no idea what I was looking at and knew I couldn’t/wouldn’t have paid that kind of money before. Not mine, but gives you an idea what I’m talking about. On the way home we called at our pharmacy and also at the grocery store where I bought a pumpkin and plan to make some soup in the very near future. I haven’t made any in years so I’m really looking forward to it. Have to get my stock pots out to cope with such a large pumpkin.

This is an odd little recipe, it purports to take 25 minutes to prepare so would be a good quick meal. I don’t know about the diet coke though, strange ingredient. It is certainly simple enough.

Salsa Chicken

By CindiJSalsa Chicken When I was doing Weight Watchers and the boys were home, I got really tired of fixing 3 sets of meals each night. When I came upon this recipe - ... Ingredients:Servings: 4

Directions:

  1. In 12 inch skillet, cook chicken over medium high heat in UNSEASONED pan (do NOT spray with PAM or add any oil or butter).
  2. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Chicken will stick a bit to skillet when turning but that is ok.
  4. Cook till just brown- you want a bit of color.
  5. Add the entire jar of Salsa and the can of Diet Coke.
  6. Reduce heat to medium low- and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, covered.
  7. Remove lid, turn chicken and continue to simmer until sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
  8. When ready to serve, squeeze juice from 1 fresh lime over the chicken.
  9. I serve this over yellow rice (I just add turmeric to my rice when cooking- adds nice bright yellow color!).
  10. Do not use regular Coke as this will turn out too sweet.
  11. I promise--you cannot taste the Diet Coke.
Have a great day
Jo



8 comments:

  1. One of our favourite restaurants on Fuerteventura makes coca-cola chicken ...using regular coke and soy sauce. They also do a Jack Daniels sauce for steak which I think had mustard and soy with other spices .. both delicious!

    I might try this one with diet coke and hot salsa. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I must admit I would have thought regular coke would be less sweet, but the author says not. If you try it, I will be interested to hear what its like. Not sure if I will give it a go or not. We don't keep any kind of cola in the house.

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  2. No way mats should cost that much.
    And that recipe sounds awesome!

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    1. Its a very heavy duty plastic with spikes to hold it into the carpet.

      I thought it sounded good, hopefully Sue will try it.

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  3. Coca cola is a tenderizer and adds a deeper color and flavor. Sounds weird but taste good.

    Hey, that's a great deal on office mats. I think I'll check out our Staples. I need one too.

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    1. Didn't know that Sia. Interesting. Maybe I will give it a go. Will certainly be different.

      For you it will be cheaper as you are in the States. Don't get the cheapest mat, get a good thick one it will last you a long time.

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  4. I'll try it at the weekend Jo as I don't normally have cola in the house either - will let you know what the verdict is.

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    1. OK Sue. I am presently up to my ears in pumpkin. Had forgotten how much work it is to prepare one. I can't cut them, Matt has to do that.

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