Spam, Farm, Bank, Accident, Emma,

I didn't think that could happen that when I had the comments on moderation, someone could get a spam comment through. Oh well, just have to stay vigilant.

Wasn't sure if I would get asparagus today or not. In the end, I was OK for asparagus but a friend wanted rhubarb and they hadn't got any. The weather was too cool I guess. At least I have  my asparagus and have made beginnings on pickling and canning some of my goodies. It was actually quite a pleasant day today, sunny but not too warm. I had to wait a while before I knew I could go to the farm but eventually off I went with Matt riding along with me. Nice to get out, beautiful countryside, even beautiful avenues to ride though close to home, at this time of the year, the trees are now in full leaf but it is all young and green and absolutely gorgeous. We are lucky to live on the outskirts of town in an area which has been built fairly carefully to conserve the gorgeous trees.

Tomorrow Matt gets his second PSW visit, from a woman this time, she phoned and is also doing an assessment to see just what we need. 24/7 help perhaps?

Before we went to the farm, I went into the bank to sort out my problems with Visa. I was the last customer allowed in today. Discussed what was going on and the woman said she would investigate, see what was going on and phone me. There has been some kind of screw up somewhere. I am supposed to be a co-signer but they have me as a secondary card, i.e. Matt is the primary card holder and they want to talk to him every time I call them. He doesn't have a clue what it's all about. Once I left - in something of a hurry to go to the farm, I backed into a vehicle and realised it was the SUV of a woman who used to be our foot nurse. (I didn't know where she was and had no time  She has changed her phone number and have only just got her cell phone so will call her and confess. It felt very gentle so hopefully no damage.

Just watched the new version of Emma by Jane Austin. Had a lot of trouble understanding them, but I enjoyed it just the same.

This is a recipe I am very fond of. As I frequently mention, if you buy asparagus from the farm, freshly picked, you do NOT need to trim the spears.

Asparagus and Endive Salad

1 lb fresh asparagus , trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
1/2 tsp grated orange peel
1 Tbs Juice, orange, fresh
2 Tbs seasoned rice vinegar
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs small shallots , minced
1/2 tsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/8 tsp black pepper
8 oz Belgian endive, fresh, head , cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch strips (2 heads)

1. Place 1/2 inch of water at the bottom of a 12 inch pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add in asparagus and cook until tender yet crisp, about 2 minutes. Place in strainer, rinse under cold water, drain, and pat dry with paper towels.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together the orange peel, orange juice, vinegar, oil, shallots, sugar, salt, mustard, and pepper until well combined.

3. Add the asparagus and endive to the bowl with the dressing. Mix well to evenly coat and serve.

Servings: 4

Source: dLife

Author Notes: Light and elegant salad combining asparagus and endive in a homemade orange Dijon vinaigrette.

Try using a sugar substitute instead of regular sugar.

Have a great day, stay well, stay safe.
 

DST, Guy Fawkes, Balconies. Pensions, Saturday Dinner, Bowling,

We forgot, or didn't really know, the clocks went back on Saturday night, for some reason they hadn't

been screaming it all over the TV and radio this year with the result that we had no idea. I vaguely remembered hearing something about it during the week but forgot about it. Just as well it is a Sunday. I just wish everything electric or digital would change themselves like the computers and the TV box. I have trouble with my watch every time, I forget what I have to do and it takes me forever to remember. Then I have to go round changing all the clocks in the apartment and Monday in the car too. Of course I haven't mentioned that Sunday being November 5th is Guy Fawkes Day too. Not sure how much that is celebrated in the UK any more. As a youngster I really enjoyed the bonfires and fireworks.

Having posted a picture of the new panels on our balcony railing we are now awaiting the final touches of the smoked glass at the top part of the railings. So much for all the naysayers who didn't think they would be finished this year. Yes, I was one. I think the windows will be cleaned by the super from something I overheard. I do hope so because it isn't a job Matt and I could manage. Sunday was mist and some rain so I am hoping Monday will be dry enough for them to work.

Monday morning we need to get ourselves to the bank to have Matt's signature witnessed on documents to prove to the British pension service that he is still alive and kicking. As I said to Matt this morning, it's odd we have had one or two such requests for him but not for me.

By the way I cooked the Parmesan Roast Potatoes, which I posted in October, for the second time. this time they were fully cooked and we both found them delicious. My bathroom scales weren't so keen on them though. I didn't do any kind of dip as shown in the picture. Just served them with lamb chops and sautéed cabbage which is one of our favourites. Of course Saturday we go the whole hog with wine and dessert so I don't suppose that my scales were keen on that either. Part of me says what does it matter at my age, part of me doesn't want to gain lots of weight.

Today being Monday, hopefully all four of us will be there for bowling and we will maybe win some points. After the last two weeks we need them.

I always enjoy shortbread although rarely eat it at any time other than Christmas/New Year's. These sounded an interesting change. I am not familiar with Coconut Flour but I do like the taste of coconut.

Coconut Flour Shortbread Cookies

Need new holiday cookies to add to the mix? These coconut flour shortbread cookies are deliciously

crowd-pleasing.

1/3 cup coconut flour
4 Tbs grass-fed butter
1 Tbs maple syrup
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 Tbs dark chocolate chips (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Cut butter in with the coconut flour using a pastry cutter or two knives, until the butter turns pea-sized.

3. Add in maple syrup and vanilla extract and cream into the dough until a smooth dough is created.

4. Divide dough into eight even amounts. Rolls each piece into a ball, place on a baking sheet, and gently flatten with the back of a fork.

5. Bake for 6-8 minutes, watching carefully so they don’t burn.

6. While the cookies are baking, melt the chocolate chips over a double boiler, or in the microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Pour the melted chocolate in a small plastic bag or piping bag. Once the cookies are naked and mostly cooled, drizzle the chocolate over the cookies. Allow the chocolate to harden before enjoying!

Servings: 8

Author: Deanna Dorman
Source: Paleohacks

Have a great day