The Sparrow, Authors, 8th Blogiversary, Bowling.

Pinky Poinker recommended a book to me when I was rabbiting on about Stranger in a Strange Land called The Sparrow by Maria Doria Russell. I duly borrowed it from the library only to realise I had already read it as well as the sequel. The name didn't ring a bell at all but it was a very good story and I am sure I blogged about it. However, if I did, I can't find it using the search bar on my blog. I have so many books on my plate, as it were, at the moment, I don't want to read it again but I do remember quite a bit about the story and recall it was about space exploration and the very odd things which happened to the explorers when they got to another planet. As I recall, the principal character was a Roman Catholic Priest, in fact the expedition was organised by a Jesuit order because the SETI programme (searching for Terrestrials) had picked up music from a specific planet, Rakhat, close to Alpha Centauri. If you like sci fi books, you will certainly enjoy this one. Now I want to read it again, but it will have to wait.

Right now I am reading a Brandon Sanderson novel - Shadows of Self - which is part of the Mistborn series which I read a while back. Another very good read. The only trouble with Sanderson, he spends a lot of time lecturing and teaching and not enough time writing, IMHOP anyway.  A bit like George R.R. Martin who's books I gave up on long before the series came on TV. I got fed up with him bumping off his characters anyway. I watched a few of the TV shows on DVD and wasn't all that keen. People are probably throwing up their hands in horror.

Don't think I have mentioned that last month I completed 8 years of blogging. I started in October 2007. At the beginning I blogged every day but eventually cut out Sundays and then made Saturday into just a recipe day. So October 26 is my blogiversary. I must remember that in future.

Now I have to remember to psyche myself up - it's Thursday so that's how I have to bowl. I wonder if it will work. Wish me luck.

I was looking for something different to do with broccoli the other day and came across this recipe. I didn't actually try it at the time, but I think this sounds a very nice change for broccoli.

Mediterranean Roasted Broccoli and Tomatoes

Eating Well

This dish of roasted broccoli and tomatoes is tossed with bright Mediterranean ingredients just before serving.

4 servings, about 1 cup each |

Ingredients

• 12 ounces broccoli crowns, trimmed and cut into bite-size florets (about 4 cups)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 10 pitted black olives, sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons capers, rinsed (optional)
• 
  

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 450°F.
2. Toss broccoli, tomatoes, oil, garlic and salt in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake until the broccoli begins to brown, 10 to 13 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, combine lemon zest and juice, olives, oregano and capers (if using) in a large bowl. Add the roasted vegetables; stir to combine. Serve warm.

Have a great day