PSWs, Lunch, Driving to the Farm, Supper, Barbra Streisand, Eagle?

Sorry to keep on about the PSWs but they are my major concern at the moment. This morning, Friday, Glen who has been with us several times, came at 9:30 ish which wasn't too bad. He also mostly remembered the exercises. The only trouble is, I won't be getting the same guy every time so I will have to teach them the exercises. No rest for the wicked.

I then had lunch, earlyish as I wanted to get mine over with so I could then do Matt's. He likes to eat at 12. I missed out on asparagus yesterday and only at lunchtime today did I remember we had missed out on bananas too, we normally have one every day. I am forgetting which day it is lately. I had some asparagus for breakfast and then finished up what I had in the house for lunch plus finishing up the food from lunch the day before. All scraps lately.

After lunch, we headed to the car and went to the asparagus farm. A lovely day to go for a drive and it is mostly country so quite a pleasant trip. Especially as they have re-surfaced a long stretch of the road we travel which makes it nice and smooth to drive on. Winters really screw up our roads here although, with global warming, I guess that will improve. Unless things change, that was my last trip for this year although they don't stop selling asparagus until July 1. I guess I could squeeze in one more trip, maybe.

For supper I made myself the salad I posted yesterday. Matt tasted it and didn't think much of it, I am so glad, I got to eat all of it. Well, I  more or less knew I would anyway, he has really gone off asparagus this year. I noticed, leaving the farm, that the corn is growing well and is looking good for August. ladydog will be pleased. Asparagus is not in her book, but she does love corn. Me, I love both.

Looking for something to watch on TV, I found Barbra Streisand on Rogers on Demand. I selected that for Matt to watch and intended to get on with blogging and Spanish. I don't much like her. Except tonight I thoroughly enjoyed the whole concert, it was excellent. It kept Matt happy too, he didn't know who she was at first but recognised her name. She was always one of his great favourites and tonight was no exception.

Matt saw a brief glance of what we believe to be the young Bald Eagle tonight. I missed it this time. It would be lovely if our little park attracted them to nest here next year.

Asparagus Guacamole

Excellent, I actually thought it was nicer than standard guacamole. It was light and the wonderful

flavour sweet flavour of asparagus just shone through. It really is delicious!

1 1/2 lbs asparagus, trimmed
1 Tbs reduced-calorie mayonnaise
1 Tbs fresh lime juice
1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
3 medium scallions, thinly sliced
1/2 medium jalapeno pepper, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/8 tbs Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp hot pepper sauce
1/8 tsp table salt, to taste
1/8  tsp black pepper, to taste

1. Bring large pot of water to boil.

2. Add asparagus and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.

3. Drain.

4. Place asparagus into food processor and purée until smooth.

5. Stir in remaining ingredients and serve.

Servings: 1

Author: Nat Da Brat

Have a great day, stay well, stay safe.
 

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.
 

Phone Consultation, Shopping, Nail Polish, Mail,

Well, I had a long talk with the geriatric doctor this morning although it wasn't 90 minutes by any manner of means. I think she may be able to arrange a little help for me, but of course the the C-19 business, not much will happen at the moment anyway. She has decided to try Matt on an anti depressant to see how that works for him, although, by the end of the day, no prescription had arrived. I will phone her team tomorrow morning. Apparently the girl who is phoning me on Tuesday morning is some kind of therapist, I am not quite clear, but she too may be able to arrange to help Matt. We will see what happens. Ladydog suggested I should make notes before I talked to the doctor, good idea, it was useful

Then, it was lunchtime so I threw a sandwich together for Matt and some noodles for me as I knew I had to go out and I was expecting a couple of deliveries later on, Avon and blister packs. I headed out to the liquor store, I realised I had forgotten about the bird droppings on the car so, as I had a coupon for the car wash, I went and got the car all nice and shiny again. I was heading for the bakery where I get my 7 grain buns and passed near where my pharmacy had moved to so decided to go visit them. On the way out, I picked up some nail polish and some disposable masks which I can carry in my purse if I need them at any time.

Haven't worn nail polish in a while, but I have been  taking Biotene for maybe 18 months and it seems to be finally paying off. I actually had to cut my nails a week or so ago, I haven't had to do that in a long time so I decided it was time to paint them again.

I then went to get my buns and headed back home with all my goodies. Later my Avon lady delivered my lipsticks (ordered them a while back) and I forgot to take keys for the mail box, duuh, I am awaiting two important things, a new Visa for me and a permanent parking accessibility plate for Matt, he has a temporary one at the moment. We don't need it because I have one, but if we need to travel with someone else, it is useful.

Tomorrow I plan to go to the asparagus farm in the afternoon, I believe they have some available although I gather not that much. One meal would be good.

Asparagus and Jalapeños Cornbread Muffins

3 Tbs coconut oil
1/3 cup apple sauce or reduced/cooked peaches
1 large egg
1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup gf flour (Bobs Red Mill)
1/2 tsp baking soda
Sea salt and pepper
1 red chili/ jalapeños, diced
1 bunch of asparagus, chopped BUT save tops for garnish.

Preheat oven to 350°F and coat muffin tin with coconut oil. Mix all wet ingredients together with peppers and asparagus. Mix dry ingredients together thoroughly and slowly incorporate into wet batter. Pour into muffin tins approx. 1/4 full. Finish with aspara-tops. Bake for 15/20 minutes until golden.

Author Notes
Good for up to 4 days fresh OR freeze for a couple weeks. Great with a fried egg, with preserves or what we did at home is use for sloppy Joe’s using Walter All Natural, Craft Caesar Mix.

Have a great day, stay well, stay safe.
 

July 4, Asparagus, Bambi,

To all my American friends, and relatives, I wish you a Happy 4th.

I actually now have two American relatives. Both cousins, and their spouses and children too of course. I know at least one friend who will be wearing earplugs over the majority of this holiday. I must admit we suffered a bit on Sunday as although there were official fireworks, there was some idiot setting off really loud banger which sounded close enough to have been on our balcony. Matt was already in bed and it woke him up. This was gone 11. More were lit around midnight.

Rushed over to the asparagus farm this morning and got a large load of the green stuff, weeds as Matt has taken to calling it. He does eat it but not with the same enthusiasm. This time this is definitely the last this year. However, I have now bought the ingredients to make some Egg Rolls so that will be my next project, in the air fryer of course. I also got an avocado for my other recipe.

Nothing much on TV tonight for us, so I put Bambi on and was informed it was a movie for children and not for someone Matt's age. I enjoyed it, I guess being 3 years younger makes a difference!! I am still in touch with my inner child!

Won't give you a recipe today, the majority of my readers will probably be barbecuing.

Have a great day and a super holiday.