I forgot to mention, I told you we had received a $10 from my insurance company, Thursday we received another one for $24. At the suggestion of ladydog I checked with them although I figured I knew what it was about, I was right, it is a deduction on their part for the fact that I am doing little or no driving at the moment due to Covid-19. I had to apply for it online. I assumed they would just reduce the premium, not send me cheques, but I am not complaining. I asked them about the fact that I didn't do much mileage anyway and they said get in touch with them in about 3 months, so I will remember to do so.
Today was a good day for us. First of all the PSW came and Matt went for a shower as docilely as a lamb. I had also said he had to have clean feet for the foot nurse this afternoon. Other than getting out some clean things I didn't have to do a thing. When I spoke to the company this PSW works for I asked if they could make beds, next thing I knew, he was saying goodbye and also that he had made the beds. Kind of straightened more like, but beggars can't be choosers.
Approximately 11:30 ladydog and Zoey arrived. They had picked up some kidneys I had ordered, plus Subs for all of us together with dog biscuits for Matt to feed Zoey. We have to restrain the pair of them or they will all go before they arrive almost. It was wonderful to see ladydog, first time since the beginning of the lockdown. Couldn't hug of course. She brought me a lovely bunch of flowers from her local farm store. Lupins, peonies, lillies, chive flowers, all kinds of things some of which I didn't recognise. Needless to say, we talked up a storm. She was telling me Zoey wasn't too keen on kids to which I replied "nor am I" then I got, but Zoey wouldn't bite them which you would. We both doubled up with laughter. Maybe she isn't so welcome after that comment. Hopefully she will make it again next week.
Just before 2 the new, to us, foot nurse came and now we have lovely feet again, well I do, Matt played too much soccer to ever have lovely feet again. Around Happy Hour, Kathy came to pick up her asparagus so we had a quick chat as well.
One bit of bad news, well kind of, my cardiologist is closing up shop at the end of the month so I have to get another one. Called my doc and they are going to call me about a referral on Wednesday. What a nuisance, especially as I am supposed to be having an EKG one of these days.
We had Shrimp Pad Thai for supper which was pretty good. I had some "green beans" with mine. I now have a good amount of asparagus frozen. I am also contemplating canning some more. All the time I have the water bath can in front of me plus one empty Mason Jar, I am tempted. I do need more jars though.
Asparagus With Grilled Melon Salad
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeds removed, and cut in 1/2-inch slices
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 Tbs chopped fresh mint
3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 tsp Calabrian chili paste
2 tsp fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 lb medium-thick asparagus, trimmed
Ricotta salata cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler (optional)
1. Heat a stovetop grill pan over medium-high.
2. Drizzle oil on the cantaloupe, and place the slices on the grill. Grill the slices, without moving them, for about 30 seconds, or until browned on the first side. Flip the melon slices, and grill on the other side for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly.
3. Cut the melon slices into 1/2-inch pieces, and place them in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, mint, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, chili paste, and lime juice. Mix well; set aside to let the flavors mingle.
4. Meanwhile, heat 5 tablespoons of water in a large skillet over medium. Cut butter into 8 pieces. When bubbles just start rising to the water’s surface, begin adding the butter to the pan, 1 piece at a time, whisking constantly to form an emulsion. When all the butter is incorporated, reduce the heat to medium-low to keep the temperature just below a simmer. Add the thyme and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and swirl the pan to combine. Add the asparagus to the pan, and toss gently to coat it in the butter.
5. Cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender all the way through when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Transfer the asparagus to a platter, and spoon the melon salad on top. Scatter a few shavings of ricotta salata over the salad, if desired
Servings: 4
Author: Giada de Laurentis
Have a great day, stay well, stay safe.
Today was a good day for us. First of all the PSW came and Matt went for a shower as docilely as a lamb. I had also said he had to have clean feet for the foot nurse this afternoon. Other than getting out some clean things I didn't have to do a thing. When I spoke to the company this PSW works for I asked if they could make beds, next thing I knew, he was saying goodbye and also that he had made the beds. Kind of straightened more like, but beggars can't be choosers.
Approximately 11:30 ladydog and Zoey arrived. They had picked up some kidneys I had ordered, plus Subs for all of us together with dog biscuits for Matt to feed Zoey. We have to restrain the pair of them or they will all go before they arrive almost. It was wonderful to see ladydog, first time since the beginning of the lockdown. Couldn't hug of course. She brought me a lovely bunch of flowers from her local farm store. Lupins, peonies, lillies, chive flowers, all kinds of things some of which I didn't recognise. Needless to say, we talked up a storm. She was telling me Zoey wasn't too keen on kids to which I replied "nor am I" then I got, but Zoey wouldn't bite them which you would. We both doubled up with laughter. Maybe she isn't so welcome after that comment. Hopefully she will make it again next week.
Just before 2 the new, to us, foot nurse came and now we have lovely feet again, well I do, Matt played too much soccer to ever have lovely feet again. Around Happy Hour, Kathy came to pick up her asparagus so we had a quick chat as well.
One bit of bad news, well kind of, my cardiologist is closing up shop at the end of the month so I have to get another one. Called my doc and they are going to call me about a referral on Wednesday. What a nuisance, especially as I am supposed to be having an EKG one of these days.
We had Shrimp Pad Thai for supper which was pretty good. I had some "green beans" with mine. I now have a good amount of asparagus frozen. I am also contemplating canning some more. All the time I have the water bath can in front of me plus one empty Mason Jar, I am tempted. I do need more jars though.
Asparagus With Grilled Melon Salad
1 Tbs olive oil
1/2 small cantaloupe, peeled, seeds removed, and cut in 1/2-inch slices
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
1 Tbs chopped fresh mint
3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 tsp Calabrian chili paste
2 tsp fresh lime juice
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled
2 fresh thyme sprigs
1 lb medium-thick asparagus, trimmed
Ricotta salata cheese, shaved with a vegetable peeler (optional)
1. Heat a stovetop grill pan over medium-high.
2. Drizzle oil on the cantaloupe, and place the slices on the grill. Grill the slices, without moving them, for about 30 seconds, or until browned on the first side. Flip the melon slices, and grill on the other side for an additional 30 seconds. Transfer to a cutting board to cool slightly.
3. Cut the melon slices into 1/2-inch pieces, and place them in a medium bowl. Add tomatoes, mint, 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, chili paste, and lime juice. Mix well; set aside to let the flavors mingle.
4. Meanwhile, heat 5 tablespoons of water in a large skillet over medium. Cut butter into 8 pieces. When bubbles just start rising to the water’s surface, begin adding the butter to the pan, 1 piece at a time, whisking constantly to form an emulsion. When all the butter is incorporated, reduce the heat to medium-low to keep the temperature just below a simmer. Add the thyme and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and swirl the pan to combine. Add the asparagus to the pan, and toss gently to coat it in the butter.
5. Cover the pan, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender all the way through when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Transfer the asparagus to a platter, and spoon the melon salad on top. Scatter a few shavings of ricotta salata over the salad, if desired
Servings: 4
Author: Giada de Laurentis
Have a great day, stay well, stay safe.
It is about bloody time you had a good day. Most of it sounds lovely, and well overdue. Sigh at the new cardiologist requirement though.
ReplyDeleteI haven't bitten any children in a long time, but have had to bite my tongue more than once (mainly to stop me 'saying things' to their parents).
Can't but agree Sue. Yes, the cardiologist closing is a pain.
DeleteI do know what you mean about having to bite your tongue.
Hi Jo - that's a pain about the Specialist ... I just hope the new one fits you fairly soon. But good about the shower, feet etc and having your beds made ... at least it helps a little: 'all grist to the mill' or similar. Lovely that you had lady dog and Zoe visit ... makes a change - and those cheques ... small, but always useful. Take care - Hilary
ReplyDeleteYup, but not insurmountable I guess. Trouble is it might take a while for the new guy to see me. Yes, all of that helps Hilary. It was so nice to see ladydog and Zoey after all this time. Not often an insurance company sends you money.
DeleteThis seems like a very pleasant interlude in what has been a trying time recently. Getting together with Ladydog must have been a real highlight. Our own socialization processes will open up more, no doubt, and at the end of July we will be going to an eightieth birthday celebration - outdoors - for a dear friend of ours. We might try to get together with other friends in the meantime. We will see. Enjoy the weekend!
ReplyDeleteYou're so right David, very pleasant. You still have to be careful about the social distancing though. Mind you, if they are outside, it isn't so bad I believe. Enjoy your weekend too.
Delete