Mother's Day, Car, More Car, Helpers,

I am getting a little tired of all the emails suggesting what I should send my mother, feed my mother, etc. etc. I wish they would have notes of some kind saying this person is too old to have a mother. It is getting somewhat annoying.

Then, I phoned the insurance company this morning and they are telling me the appraiser would probably write the car off because it is an old car and the repair bill might be more than it's worth. The garage say unlikely because a) the car is in excellent condition and b) it won't be a real high cost repair. In the $3-400 range not $1,500. Now I don't know what to do. I sure can't afford a new car and I want my independence. I would hate being without one. Besides which, even if I could walk much, everywhere I want to go would be too far away and taxis take forever to come. Guess I will have to pay the damned bills myself.

Not only that I still don't have a car. I know they are particularly busy at the moment and I was not exactly booked in. So Monday is the earliest I can expect it. I am somewhat teed off at the moment and I need to get away. Not that I know where I would go, but it would be nice just to get to Victoria St. Market at least. That is another thing, if I didn't have a car, I would not be able to get to Barrie's Asparagus Farm - taking a cab there would be ridiculous - that would really upset me, in the season I go there once a week at least.

Sarah will be coming on Saturday afternoon to do some housework for me, she is a godsend as is the woman who collects my shopping. I now am the proud possessor of some new sheets so I don't have to rush to the laundry once I have stripped the beds. I can take my time. I just am staggered these women are so willing to help, I think it is wonderful.

Simple and Citrusy Asparagus Stir-Fry

The trick to this citrusy stir-fry is to get your pan roaring hot before adding the ingredients, which

brings out all of the flavors in the aromatics while keeping the asparagus beautifully bright green and crisp

1 red chile (such as Fresno or Holland), thinly sliced, seeded if you prefer less heat
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 Tbs vegetable oil
1 lb asparagus, trimmed, thinly sliced on a diagonal about ¼" thick
Kosher salt
1 Tbs soy sauce
1 Tbs unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 medium orange, halved
½ cup cilantro leaves with tender stems
1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high until hot, 3–5 minutes (a drop of water should jump around in the pan). Cook chile, garlic, and oil, stirring constantly, until oil starts to shimmer and garlic just begins to turn golden, 60–90 seconds. Immediately add asparagus; season lightly with salt. Cook, tossing occasionally, until asparagus is just beginning to brown around the edges, about 2 minutes. Add soy sauce, butter, and 1 Tbsp. water and cook, tossing constantly, until asparagus is still crispy yet cooked through and coated in sauce, about 30 seconds longer.

2. Remove pan from heat. Finely grate zest from one-quarter of orange over stir-fry. Squeeze juice from one orange half over and toss once more.

3. Transfer asparagus mixture to a platter. Top with cilantro and sesame seeds. Taste and squeeze more orange juice over if needed.

Servings: 4

Source: Bon Appétit

Have a great day, stay well, stay safe and, of course, Happy Mother's Day.