Solar Impulse Plane, Age.

Sadly, due to bad weather conditions, the solar impulse plane had to land in Japan so that the Pacific crossing has been aborted. This is another shot of the plane, the wings are absolutely huge.

Matt keeps saying it’s not use and pointing out the drawbacks. He has never been remotely interested in future technology. He would have belittled the Wright brothers too I think. I think it’s a fantastic idea.

I don't care how old one is, it always makes you feel good to be told you don't look your age. I just popped upstairs in our building to give someone a copy of the obituary of a friend of theirs, we got chatting, and she said I was so much younger. When she realised I was only about 3 1/2 years younger than her she was flabbergasted and couldn't understand how I didn't have lots of wrinkles etc. It made me feel really good. It set me up in my self esteem. Now I will be going around with a swollen head for a day or two. Several people find it odd that I am as familiar with a computer as I am which again surprises me. I know others of my age and older who are pretty handy with computers. Come to think of it, I know another woman of more or less the same age as I am who doesn't look wrinkled either. I wonder if it's anything to do with the creams we use or just the luck of the draw. I tend to think the luck of the draw.

I had understood that a Mexican Mole always involved chocolate. Having checked with my favourite Mexican dragon I find that this is not so. That being said, here is a recipe for Asparagus Mole. This recipe did not come with a picture.


Asparagus-Mole

Recipe courtesy of Charles Maes, Owner of Canby Asparagus

Yield:about 1 1/2 cups
 
Ingredients
1 pound cut, trimmed asparagus
1 small garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 cup fresh (or canned) chopped jalapeno chilies
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 cup seeded and chopped tomato


Directions
Cook asparagus in small amount of water until tender. Drain well and shock in ice water. In a food processor, process asparagus and next 5 ingredients until smooth (about 30 seconds). Scrape bowl frequently. Remove from food processor and stir in onion and tomato. Chill thoroughly before serving with tortilla chips, cut vegetables, chicken or seafood.

Have a great day
 

Jeopardy, Rain, Solar Impulse Plane.

I learnt a phrase, which I thought was funny, on Jeopardy last Friday. Restaurant speak “nervous pudding” – Jello. Priceless. I have mentioned this is a programme I rarely, if ever, miss. I tried out for it a couple of times, but then I heard if you do get through, you have to pay for all of the trips to the various qualifying rounds which I would imagine, with hotel fees, etc. would amount to quite a bit of money and then, even if you get to be on the show, you might still only win $1,000 if you are beaten by the others. Not a gamble we could afford to take certainly. Maybe when I was a working girl, but not now.

It’s June. We finally had rain this weekend, I just am not sure we had enough for the farmers, or in fact for all the plants which have been suffering from a lack of water. We have all been feeling sorry for Texas and the dreadful floods, but I heard that they too have been suffering drought conditions in some areas. That to me is almost inconceivable. Some people are suffering weather extremes -  wanting the furnace one day and the air conditioner the next. It seems things are totally screwed up with the weather lately. The rain we got came with full on thunderstorms and loud crashes. Not a lot of lightening though. Saw a couple of flashes maybe. It wasn’t one of those good rains which consistently falls for several hours though, so I am not sure how much good it did. In fact we did have some more on Saturday night and Sunday morning so that will have helped. In the end it rained most of Sunday.

Interesting story on the news about a solar impulse plane which is being flown on trials now. It is presently flying across the Sea of Japan on its way to Hawaii which is the longest leg of it’s journey in an attempt to circumnavigate the world.  The pilot can only take a 20 minute sleep at a time. It has huge wings which carry the solar panels, much bigger than any existing plane, but it weighs less than an SUV. They have to be particularly careful about the weather.

Asparagus and Smoked Chicken Salad With Ginger Dressing

 New York Times.

• Yield 4 servings

Asparagus takes easily to many kinds of seasonings, so after you’ve tired of having it plain with butter or homemade mayonnaise, try this spicy dressing laced with ginger and chiles. Adding smoked chicken is a nice way to make a more substantial first course or light lunch. You can purchase smoked chicken at better butcher shops or online, but equally good is grilled chicken at room temperature, or cold poached chicken. I sometimes substitute lightly smoked ham or smoked slab bacon, simmered until tender.

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette:

• 1 large shallot, finely diced, about 2 tablespoons
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Salt to taste
• Generous pinch of cayenne
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• ¼ cup vegetable oil

For the salad:

• 1 pound asparagus
• Salt and pepper
• 1 serrano chile, thinly sliced (optional)
• ½ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
• ¾ pound smoked chicken, sliced
• 1 large lime, halved
• Basil, mint and cilantro leaves, about 1/2 cup total

Preparation

1. To make the vinaigrette, put shallots in a small bowl. Add vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt and cayenne and let steep for 5 minutes. Add ginger and garlic, then whisk in sesame oil and vegetable oil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
2. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Snap off the tough end of each asparagus spear, then cut each spear into 2-inch lengths. Cut thicker pieces in half lengthwise as necessary so all cut pieces are approximately the same size. Place asparagus pieces into boiling water and cook for 1 minute. Drain and cool under running water. Blot dry.
3. To make the salad, put asparagus in a salad bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add chile, if using, and crushed peanuts. Dress with half the vinaigrette and toss to coat.
4. Arrange dressed asparagus on a platter or on individual plates. Tear chicken slices into strips and scatter over asparagus. Drizzle a little more vinaigrette over the salad and give it a good squeeze of lime. Garnish with basil, mint and cilantro leaves and serve immediately.

Have a great day