Brakes, Bowling, Amanda Knox.

I/we are lucky we are still here. Some stupid female drove out from behind a car in a mall driveway, and across our bows. Matt had to slam on the brakes. Then once we got moving again, he realised the brakes had gone, so, not being far from the bowling alley, we limped along and parked. Decided we would call for help and get the car towed to Meineke where we have our work done.  I phoned the Emergency Service line and the woman first asked if we were safe. I assured her we were and explained we were at a bowling alley. She asked me lots of questions, now bear in mind I am in a bowling alley (she called it bowling place) and have changed into bowling shoes which, granted, she may not have known about. She wanted the VIN number, I told her it was in the car outside and I couldn’t get at it. She then wanted to know when our last service was (to qualify for assistance) I told her beginning of the month. She asked for the invoice number. I explained I didn’t have it as I was not at home. She asked me some more questions and wanted more information I couldn’t give her because, as I explained yet again, I was not at home. Grrr. However, they finally sent a tow truck which I had to pay for as I hadn’t got my VIN number. They will reimburse it. Only trouble is, when we did get home, it turns out that I didn’t have a copy of the qualifying email or the address where I should send the claim. I found that on the internet and by dint of various phone calls to various offices, managed to get the rest of the information I need, including having to send the claim to Boca Raton, Florida. No main office in Canada; that did surprise me.

All this was so frustrating, that when I started bowling, I was somewhat agitated and ended up bowling a high scoring game. Only time I did today though. Today was the travel league but we didn’t go for several reasons, my knee being one, and as our friend pointed out, just as well, it could have happened on the highway miles from nowhere which would not have been funny. Turns out it was a fluid line to the brakes which had gone – minor I thought, $271 I was told. I guess it would have happened sooner or later, but sooner because of this other driver.

I see the Italian court has has upheld Amanda Knox’s conviction. Many over this side seem to think she isn’t guilty. What now I wonder. Apparently they have an extradition treaty with the US.

The best Hushpuppies I ever ate were at a barbecue where Matt was cooking a pig and someone else was cooking the Hushpuppies and they were being handed out immediately. They are something of a staple in North Carolina, or at least, where we lived. So here is a twist on them from Cooking.com

Jalapeno and Bacon Hush Puppies with Chipotle Dip

Contributed By: julie, NY

 
Jalapenos and bacon spice up these cheesy, zesty hush puppies.

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 jalapenos, seeded and finely minced
1 cup yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup self-rising flour
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1/2 small onion, grated
1/4 cup chives, chopped
2 cups sour cream, divided
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, grated
1/4 cup Chipotle Tabasco
1 lime, juice and zest
Peanut oil, for frying

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oil in a deep-fryer or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F.
In bowl, combine bacon, jalapeno, cornmeal, flour, cayenne, paprika, onion, chives, 1 cup sour cream, egg and cheese. Mix well to combine. Drop heaping tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes each. Remove from the oil to paper towels to drain and season immediately with salt and pepper. Transfer to a serving platter or bowl and serve with the dip.

For the dip: Combine remaining cup of sour cream, Chipotle Tabasco, and lime juice and zest. Mix well to combine.

Have a great day