Monday, May 23, 2016

Spring, Victoria Day, Fireworks,

I think spring has finally sprung. The sunlight was more visible than it appears in the picture.


Today is a holiday here. Victoria Day or often called May 24th weekend although it doesn't always fall on the 24th. On Saturday morning we received a notice saying the workers were going to start on the balconies (about time) on Tuesday and we should stay off the balconies and keep our windows closed during their working hours. That could prove to be a bit of a pain and might necessitate using air conditioners when not really necessary if it gets warm and apartments do tend to warm up faster than a house would.  I suppose the reasoning is the dust so then I wonder will the air conditioner bring in the dust anyway. Never ending problem it seems.

We have had a quiet weekend, holidays don't mean a lot when you are retired I'm afraid.  On Sunday our cleaners came to pick up my treadmill which, encouraged by Matt, I had given them. Bit of a monster but they got it out of the apartment without too much problem. As I am typing this, by the way, it is Sunday night and the fireworks have been going on for some time. I think they held the official ones in the parks  However we have heard fireworks on both Friday and Saturday and will probably hear more tomorrow. I have said before, I feel so very sorry for the animals, both wild and domesticated. I have jumped a couple of times myself because bangers have been let off close to us.When I was younger I used to enjoy fireworks with unfettered pleasure, but nowadays I no longer feel that way. I do agree, they can be beautiful to watch but our pleasure means fear for many animals and birds.

I have never tried this recipe, not sure if I can get sole round here anywhere, but I have never seen it. I imagine flounder would do just as well.

SOLE WITH ASPARAGUS

1 lb Asparagus
1 lb Sole fillets (4 pieces approximately the same size)
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Grated lemon or lime peel
4 Tbs Lemon or lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/8 tsp Black pepper
1 Tbs Chives, finely chopped
1 tsp Your favorite mildly flavored mustard

1. Cut asparagus into 3 inch lengths. Cook in 2-quart saucepan in lightly salted water for 5 minutes, drain. Set aside.

2. Season the skin side of the sole fillets with salt and lemon or lime peel.

3. Place asparagus spears at one end of each fillet.

4. Roll up fillets with asparagus spears inside and secure with plain round toothpicks.

5. Place in a 2-quart oven-save casserole dish liberally sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.

6. In a small bowl combine remaining ingredients and pour over fish.

7. Bake in a 400 degree oven for approximately 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

8. Baste fish every 7 minutes.

Servings: 4

Source: Produce for Better Health

Have a great day
 

25 comments:

  1. I feel much the same way about fireworks. When I was a child we used to have bonfires and fireworks on Guy Fawkes Day. Great fun for kids until something unpleasant happened like getting a lit jumping jack caught in your hair. It was an absurd time of the year to do it here with the potential to cause major fires and too many people were injured accidentally or doing stupid things so both bonfires and individual fireworks parties were banned. Now, apart from sparklers, they are only allowed as part of huge displays organised by professionals for big events like the Royal Agricultural Show or New Year's Eve. Much more spectacular but the noise is also huge and pets get distressed so the wild creatures must as well.

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    1. I believe they have banned Guy Fawkes bonfires and fireworks in the UK too Helen, except professionally arranged ones that is. I have some great childhood memories of Guy Fawkes Day though.

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  2. Hi Jo - yes me too re fireworks .. love seeing them - but too noisy - some of them are so loud.

    The sole wrapped asparagus - does look very good ... and good luck this week with the builders ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Very true Hilary, I was jumping out of my skin several times whilst sitting typing last night.

      Thanks, I'll need it. Today being a holiday they are not working, but tomorrow it begins again and we are not supposed to open our windows - that could get bad.

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  3. I'd say keep the blinds drawn as well if they are working on balconies in your area. Be weird to look out and see someone staring at you.

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    1. At the moment they are not that close Alex. However, you will be right when they actually start on the balconies of our wing.

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  4. That looks delicious with the recipe! Our dog never liked fireworks, in his later years we wouldn't go out to see them but would stay at home to comfort him.

    It will be nice when the work is done on your balconies; sounds like a bit of a pain though with the workmen there.

    betty

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    1. I haven't been to fireworks in years Betty, don't have dogs now, but I remember them being terrified. Odd, one of our dogs, you could fire a blank right by him (training) and he didn't flinch, but fireworks or thunderstorms he became a quivering wreck.

      It will be a long time Betty, not sure how long before they finish the two sides where we are, then they have to do 4 more sides. Think of a Y shape.

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  5. With all of the entertainment I have at my fingertips watching explosions in the sky isn't nearly as interesting as it used to be when I was a little kid.

    I've never tried making sole. I love the idea of wrapping it around asparagus. Will definitely have to try this sometime soon.

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    1. True, I had never thought of that Bryan.

      Sole is very enjoyable but very similar to flounder. We used to wrap it around tomato too. Haven't done that in years though.

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  6. Like you, I could care less about fireworks as I've aged. When the children were around I enjoyed their pleasure in them. I'm not a fan of sole when it comes to fish.

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    1. Funny isn't it Susan? and yet a lot of adults do enjoy fireworks.

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  7. When I ate fish, sole was one of the only ones I'd touch. You can get it no problem here on Cape Cod. That recipe looks great but I'm totally off fish, unless I can get Alaskan halibut. I don't like fireworks anymore b/c they scare my dogs.

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    1. Well of course where I live we are 1,000 or so miles from the ocean so unless it is imported, it is more difficult to get fresh fish JoJo. Much better than it was when we first came here though.

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  8. I've always felt for dogs during fireworks but I've never thought about all the others animals and birds. Particularly birds who would have nested for the night.

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    1. I hadn't thought of that Pinky, that they would have nested for the night. Makes it worse somehow.

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  9. That's a lot of fireworks if they've been shooting them off all weekend.

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    1. I think Friday and Saturday were personal fireworks but Sunday was organised shows at a couple of places around here Diane. We anticipate more tonight.

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  10. Jo, the sole with asparagus looks amazing, thank you sharing this. And I agree with you about the fireworks scaring the birds and animals. When my cat hears loud sounds he runs for cover, and I don't blame him, as I am not a fan of loud noises, either. Hope your Victoria Day is great. :)

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    1. You're welcome Linda. Yes, it is a pity to scare birds and animals this way.

      I'm afraid it's just another day to us.

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  11. Fireworks are beautiful, but way to loud. I feel for the animals too! Hubby says there's a filter on the AC, unless it's way too much and then it could be a problem. Hopefully the wind will be blowing in the right direction!

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    1. I didn't know about the filter Yolanda. Thank your hubby.

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  12. I hate when fireworks are just shot at random. Have had a few jump scares at home because of the people who live across our gully. And don't get me started on the past weekend and all the crazy loud music. I'm 31 and don't get why people think it's okay to make loud racket near residential houses. Anyway sorry about the firecrackers and the balcony work. At least it all has an end point or a break period.

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    1. I've had several more scares tonight Sheena-Kay. There was also an organised show again tonight by the sound of it as well as local people who are still lighting fireworks at 10:45. Hope they stop soon. I do agree with you about the noise.

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  13. I have no problem with the major fireworks that big places do like Canada's Wonderland but I wish they would ban the small fireworks that anyone can buy. My dog freaked out all weekend and i am always worried that one will land on my roof and start a fire. I have seen little kids handle the fireworks and stare at it while lit!

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