Black Squirrels, Movies,

Black Squirrels have always appealed to me and I love to see them scampering around. I decided to write about them and of course looked them up on Google, I now discover that they are basically the same as a grey squirrel but with extra pigmentation which turns them black, rather like no pigmentation would turn them white. I had always assumed, wrongly it turns out, that they were more or less exclusive to Canada, but they appear to be around the whole of the North American continent. I haven't seen them anywhere else, we certainly didn't see them in North Carolina. If you would like to read what Wikipedia has to say click here As you can see, there are also white squirrels, I think they are few and far between though, I certainly have never seen those. I guess they would be pretty in their own way as the black ones are. Much more attractive than the grey.

Last night I watched Kung Fu Panda, Matt disappeared, but I enjoyed it. I found the first bit a little silly, but once I got into the film, I liked it. As Matt will tell you, he thinks I am a big kid anyway. The film was PG rated mind you. This morning on TV we saw yet another segment about the new movie Australia which looks like it is going to be an absolutely superb film. The snippet they showed us this morning had me in tears as it was about a young man who said he wasn't "a black fella or a white fella" being, as we would call it, a half cast. There is a lot in the story about such youngsters being taken away from the people who loved them. He used a very aboriginal phrase "I will sing you to me". It stars Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, both Australians and apparently conveys the story of the country and their love for it. I really want to see the movie when I get the chance as it sounds absolutely wonderful. Another movie talked about this morning was Bolt, John Travolta, who plays the main part, was interviewed and was very funny. It is an animated film and Bolt is a little white dog. Another movie I shall be sure to see. especially after the excerpt they showed which was funny. You should have heard John Travolta barking. He was very good at it. He had everyone laughing. He also told us he is in high credit with his daughter because he sang a song with Miley Cyrus who is, of course, all the rage with the youngsters today.

I was talking about the Food and Drink magazine yesterday and will share their recipe for Devilled Eggs. Most of the devilled eggs one comes across don't really seem to be devilled at all, they should be fiery to the taste along with anything else which is devilled, that's what it means after all. This recipe looks as though it might be good and spicy hot, depending on how much wasabi you use of course.

Devilled Eggs

Devilled eggs are a favourite for many people. These eggs have a slightly Japanese undertone and the cucumber salad that accompanies them also has an Asian feel. Blanching the cucumbers gives them a vivid colour that they do not lose as they sit. Older eggs peel better than really fresh ones. Try peeling under cold running water if you are having problems with the white tearing.

EGGS
6 eggs
1/2 tsp Wasabi paste or to taste (go on be a devil)
1 Tbs finely chopped pickled ginger
2 Tbs chopped chives
salt and freshly ground pepper

 CUCUMBER SALAD
1 Seedless (English) Cucumber, thinly sliced (preferably using a mandolin as shown in the picture)
1 Tbs soy sauce
2 Tbs seasoned rice vinegar
1 Tbs sugar
1/2 tsp wasabi paste
2 Tbs chopped chives

 Place eggs in a pot of cold salted water. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove pot from heat, cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Drain and run eggs under cold water to cool. Peel. Cut eggs in half lengthwise. Carefully scoop yolk into a small bowl, reserving the whites on a plate. Mash yolks with a fork, stir in mayonnaise, wasabi, ginger and chives. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Place yolk mix in a piping bag and pipe filling back into whites, or spoon them in. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Bring a pot of water to boil. Add cucumbers, bring back to a boil and drain at once. Run cucumbers under cold water to stop the cooking and maintain the colour. Leave cucumber to sit in strainer for 30 minutes, then blot with paper towel to remove moisture and place in a bowl. Stir soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar and wasabi together in a bowl. Pour mixture over the cucumber and toss to coat. Place cucumbers on a platter or divide between individual serving plates and top with eggs. Sprinkle with chives. Serves 4 to 6.

 Have a great day.

FAS, Job Clubs, Food and Drink, Shrimp

I just wanted a picture up here so I put the Indigo Bunting in first place. This morning on GMA, they talked about a rare disease called, Foreign Accent Syndrome. There are dozens of cases even though it is rare, where because of some injury to the brain a person has started to talk as though they were from another country, with a foreign accent. Weird I'll tell you. On the show they interviewed one woman who sounded French, another British and a third Russian or possibly Scandinavian. GMA had recordings of the voices of all three prior to this happening, usually voice messages on phones etc. and they all had normal American voices prior to this happening. A lot of people say they are faking it, but they aren't. One woman (who sounds Russian) can no longer pronounce her daughter's name and had a hell of a job saying the name Phyllis. If you would like to read more click here to read what Wikipedia has to say about it. One of the topics this morning was The Great American Job Fair where they are helping people who have been laid off find jobs. GMA has formed a Job Club and are telling you how to start your own. The link can be found here for today at least. The theory is that it is very difficult to "go it alone" and a job club will help give all its members the support they need including maybe turning your hobby into something profitable. The more I hear about the current job situation, the more I am glad to be retired. Wot no pictures this morning, not really possible is it? Yesterday we went out to lunch. As I mentioned, the fire bells were being tested and were driving me mad, so we went down the road, I had an excellent pepper soup and Caesar salad, Matt had a half Reuben sandwich and Caesar salad. I had never had a Reuben til we came here, but I assume they are now available elsewhere. Because of the bells we went shopping, first to Vincenzo's which is a local delicatessen store where they have everything from everywhere. We bought some Brie de Meaux which I have raved about before, a huge jar of capers, (our local store only had tiny jars of tiny capers) some real Mascarpone (i.e. with no bean gum in it which sweetens it) and some grape (vine leaves) to make dolmas with for our Christmas party. We then went to the local LCBO (liquor store) and stocked up on wines as we had been getting pretty low. We also picked up the Food and Drink magazine that they issue several times a year and there are some excellent recipes in it, as usual, some of which we may be able to use for our Christmas party. Its going to be all nibbles and finger foods etc. as in Spanish tapas and Greek mezzes. One recipe I really liked the look of was Spiced Shrimp with Cool Citrus-Yogurt Dip. I think it was kind of meant as a midnight feast item after everyone has gone to bed except you and your spouse. You pop open a bottle of bubbly and eat these shrimp. Spiced Shrimp with Cool Citrus-Yogurt Dip This low effort dish is spicy-hot and sweetly cool like spending a winter's eve by a roaring fire. To get out of the kitchen faster, buy peeled and deveined shrimp and choose tail on for elegant gripping and dipping. Frozen shrimp are fine, thaw overnight in the fridge. 3 Tbs 2% yogurt 1 tsp sweet paprika 1 tsp ground coriander seeds 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper 1/4 tsp ground green cardamom seeds 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp lemon zest 1/2 tsp finely chopped ginger (don't use powdered, its not the same) 1/4 tsp finely chopped garlic 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tail on, approx. 20 - 25 pieces Kosher salt Preheat oven to 450°F. Combine yogurt, paprika, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cayenne, lemon zest, ginger and garlic in a large mixing bowl and stir until well combined. Add shrimp to yogurt mixture and marinate for 30 minutes in the fridge. Remove shrimp from fridge 10 minutes before cooking. Lay the shrimp out in a single layer on a lightly oiled baking sheet and season with salt. Bake in preheated oven for 6 to 7 minutes or until the shrimp turn pink and are just cooked through. Serve shrimp warm with Cool Citrus Yogurt (recipe follows) for dipping. Cool Citrus Yoghurt Dip Super simple and cooling, this pretty sauce can be made even prettier by using blood oranges, in season now (in Canada anyway my comment). 1/2 cup ful fat Balkan or Mediterranian style thick yogurt 2 tbs freshly squeezed orange juice 1 tbs freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tsp orange zest 1/4 tsp ground fennel seeds 1/8 tsp chili flakes Kosher salt Combine all the ingredients except salt. Stir well with a whisk. Season with salt to taste. Transfer to a serving dish and keep chilled until ready to serve. Makes just over 1/2 cup. Have a great day.

Obesity, Autism, Me

Yesterday there were reports on recent studies of overweight children. They have found the majority of them have the arteries of 30 yr olds with advanced arterial damage. What a frightening thought. These kids are at risk of heart problems at a very early age, in their 30s or so. How can people get through a) to the parents and b) to the kids themselves. I have a friend who has two enormous children, they are technically adults now, but the pair of them are huge and no-one ever did anything about it. I believe they were fed too much when they were young, but they are now old enough to make their own decisions and neither of them appear to be doing anything about it. If you want to read more about this click here for the GMA article. Of course obese children are also at risk for diabetes and a host of other major illnesses caused by overweight. Having struggled with weight all my life, I am very concerned with this problem. Another fascinating segment on GMA this morning, was about a school which is making great strides with autistic children. Again if you want to read the article click here. They are giving the autistic children a way to communicate. Unfortunately it is a private school and costs quite a bit to send kids there. It is a wonderful programme apparently and really does wonders for these children. The young man in the picture is one of their students. They work by getting into what the children are interested in and not structuring their education. I wasn't too well yesterday, I developed a cough and ended up getting very little sleep on Monday night. Matt didn't get much either unfortunately. Then several other things got to me yesterday so I didn't go to my volunteering job but just stayed at home mollycoddling myself. I am better but not 100% today. So send good vibes my way please. I haven't got a cold exactly, but that picture shows how I was feeling. That's nice, just to cheer me up, they are testing the fire alarm bells this morning, this will probably go on all day so I think we will have to find a reason to leave. OK I will put my money where my mouth is and give you a Weight Watchers Recipe from their New, Complete Cookbook. Roast Beef Salad with Arugula A perfect recipe for making use of leftovers from a Sunday roast. Makes 4 servings 1 red onion, halved lengthwise and sliced 1 cup ice water 10 sun-dried tomato halves (not oil packed) 1 cup boiling water 1 tbs balsamic vinegar 2 tsp Dijon mustard Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 4 tsp extra virgin olive oil 8 cups arugula, thick stems removed 1 cup thinly sliced mushrooms 1/2 lb thinly sliced roast beef, cut into strips cracked black pepper to taste 1 lemon cut into 4 wedges Soak the onion in the ice water 1 hour; Drain and pat dry. Soak the tomatoes in the boiling water 2 mins; drain and pat dry then finely dice To prepare the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper; whisk in the oil, a little at a time, then add the tomatoes and beat in 1 Tbs water. In a medium bowl, toss the arugula with 1 Tbs of the dressing, divide among 4 plates. In the bowl, toss the onion and mushrooms with another Tbs of the dressing. Divide amonth the plates. Toss the roast beef with the remaining dressing and place on top of the salads. Sprinkle with the cracked pepper and serve with the lemon wedges. This is 4 points per serving. Have a great day.

Poppy Day

I have been 'remembering' for a very long time. When I was a kid, I didn't really know what I was supposed to be remembering, but as Remembrance Day started before I was born, I gradually learned what it was all about and stood, with others, for two minute's silence in respect for those who fought and those who gave their lives for our freedoms. It is tragic to see so many of those freedoms abused today. It just hit me this morning, in the States they call it Veteran's Day, we call it Remembrance Day but originally it was called Armistice Day and commemorated the signing of the armistice at the end of the First World War which was signed on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. Wikipedia tells you all about it. Today is the 90th anniversary of that day.

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved, and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders fields.

— Lt.-Col. John McCrae

Have a great day. I am sick this morning.

First Dog, Bowling, Saturday Dinner,

There was I worrying about who would walk the Obama's dog when the children couldn't, I discovered today there is a horticulturist (gardener?) who can walk the dog first thing. Apparently there is a staff of 80 in the White House. The first family have their own bowling alley, swimming pool and tennis court of course. Not to mention a running track. These were all installed for different presidents. There is also a secret children's garden so the girls will be OK. The family have to pay for their own food and for their guests unless they are official guests. So if its an official function presumably the Obamas can eat free too. I bet the logistics are a bit complicated. I wonder who does the cooking for the private family? Surely they don't have to hire their own chef? That would cut into his $400,000 a year quite drastically. I would like to have a private bowling alley; they probably wouldn't get a lot of time to practice but maybe I could become a whiz with my own alley. Oh, just occurred to me, it would be 10 pin. Well I guess one could have it converted to 5 pin. No problem surely. The alleys are the same its just the pin setting that is different. I remember one alley we used to go to years ago you could do either if you wished. The pins in 5-pin are actually 18 inches apart although from a distance they don't look it. The other day I actually bowled a ball which went right through between the middle pin and the one next to it, I've never done that before. I said "oh bother" and if you believe that ....... Saturday night's dinner was very enjoyable and mostly everyone ate everything. I started with my latest favourite, Onion and Black Olive Pissaladière, one of my guests didn't like black olives, but her husband did so he got extras. With the Texas Shepherd's Pie which was the main course I served Italian green beans in tomato sauce and for dessert we had bought Cannoli. I picked them up when we were in Costco the other day. They weren't bad, I had never eaten them before, but they were rather sweet and reading up on Cannoli, they should be crispy and these weren't really, having been frozen. I think the pastry part might be a tad difficult to cook so I don't think I will bother to try making them. What I need is a good Sicilian baker. Whilst looking for a picture of Cannoli I came across this great site about Italian cheeses which also includes a bunch of recipes for the cheeses including one for Cannoli filling although it says to use 24 mini cannoli shells so maybe one can buy them already made. I actually posted this recipe in March this year, but here it is again. It came from Cooking Light and every time we have made it, it has been very popular, particularly when we made it in Florida a number of years ago for the grandkids. However as I keep telling people, this recipe is mis-named. Technically Shepherd's Pie should contain lamb and if it contains beef, it is Cottage Pie. Texas Shepherd's Pie Serves 4 1- 1/2 lbs peeled potatoes, cut small 1/3 cup low fat buttermilk 1 oz butter 1/2 tsp salt, divided 1/2 tsp pepper, divided 1 lb lean ground beef 1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 cup chopped celery 1/4 cup finely chopped carrot 1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed 1 tsp instant minced garlic 1- 1/2 cups salsa cooking spray 1/2 cup or 2 oz reduced fat sharp cheddar 1 Preheat oven to 375 F. Cook potato and drain. Add buttermilk, butter and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper. Beat until creamed. 2 Cook meat in a large nonstick skillet over med heat until browned, stirring to crumble; drain. Return to pan. Add remaining condiments, onion, celery, fennel and garlic. Cook over med heat 5 mins or until veg are crisp tender, stirring frequently. Add salsa; simmer over med low for 10 mins. Spoon into 8 " square baking dish, coated with spray. Spread potato over meat. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake uncovered for 20 mins or until thoroughly heated. Have a great day.

First Dog, Cards and Wolves

I was talking about the dogs of the White House the other day and then on the news we saw the current White House Scottie - Barney - bite a reporter. The reporter has had a nice apology from Mrs. Bush apparently and had to have a tetanus shot (not rabies?). I have just discovered that Barney and Miss Beazley have their own web page click here and another page called Bushy Barney here. I didn't realise First Dogs were so important. They apparently also have a First Cat Willie as well. If the Obama's have a new puppy, we were wondering who will clean up after its mistakes!!! Come to that, who will look after it when the children are at school and take it for walks etc. The answer is, presumably, the servants at the White House. I can't see the President jumping up in the middle of an important meeting to go walk the dog. I am patting myself on the back because yesterday I made and printed all my Christmas/Hannukah cards, printed all the address labels and return labels (I put a something Christmassy on both) so now all I have to do is fold the cards and label the envelopes. The most expensive part is the stamps unfortunately. Especially as I have lots to send out of country. We won't be messing with them today as we have a dinner party tonight. I had trouble finding suitable wall calendars this year too, I used to buy the big calendar from World Wildlife in the States, but World Wildlife in Canada don't seem to do the same one. I eventually found Wolf calendars, which I like, through Avon, but they aren't doing them any more. Having searched the internet, I finally found myself some wolf calendars, one for the kitchen, one for the computer room so they are on their way. Matt and I both love wolves and my computer room is littered with pictures of them as well as pictures of grandchildren, I wonder if that says anything? Browsing through Reader's Digest Great Recipes for Good Health, I came across a recipe I like the sound of, Onions in Raisin Sauce. Onions in Raisin Sauce Serves 4 Here is a dish that can be refrigerated for several days and reheated at serving time. 1 1/2 tsp olive oil 3/4 lb small white onions, peeled 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 cup low sodium beef broth 2 tbs low sodium tomato paste 2 tbs raisins 1/2 tsp grated orange rind 1/4 tsp each basil and thyme, crumbled 1/8 tsp black pepper In a small heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat for 1 minute; add the onions and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until they are golden, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, wine, beef broth, tomato paste, raisins, orange rind, basil, thyme and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring often, for 20 minutes or until the onions are tender. Raise the heat to high and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thick, about three minutes. Have a great weekend

Spring Heels, Books, Avon and the Sun

There was a segment on Good Morning America about these shoes with springs instead of heels - they even have high heels with springs too. The presenters all put these shoes on or another kind which have a similar affect but are supposed to strengthen your leg and butt muscles. They looked rather weird but it certainly puts a spring in your step and that isn't just a pun. They were jumping quite high with them on (the sports shoes not the high heels). A member of the audience said it was difficult to get your balance at first, she had been wearing them for a while. I would think high heels with springs could be somewhat dangerous I don't know about difficult. I wonder how many twisted ankles we will see. By the way, I am thoroughly enjoying Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson, his concept of magic is quite different. I can see why he was chosen to finish the last Wheel of Time book now Robert Jordan is no longer among us. Jordan had started a spin off series from the Wheel of Time books, I wonder if any of that will be finished or that will be it. Such a pity. Whatever kind of job Sanderson does, I fear it won't be the same. Another segment on GMA was about Avon and how well the company is prospering. They said for $10 you can become a rep (its $20 in Canada) and make a fortune. Not true. I am an Avon rep and I know several women who never really made very much from it at all. On the other hand I also know some women who make a very nice living selling Avon. I learned today that the company began 122 years ago as a perfume vendor, I guess other makeup was gradually added over the years and nowadays they sell all kinds of things, clothing, kitchen gadgets, household accessories. It is a fact that Avon makeup is better value for money than other well known names plus it can be delivered to your door. The weather has been absolutely fantastic lately, it was so hot in our apartment yesterday we had to put the air conditioner on. We don't get too much sun in the summer: on our balcony but not into the rooms, but in the winter, the sun absolutely pours in and when its as strong as yesterday, who needs heaters. Today I thought I would give you a fish recipe from Reader's Digest Live Longer Cookbook. The picture shows seared salmon (couldn't find poached with spinach) however the only difference will be the slightly paler colour of the salmon and I think, better flavour. Poached Salmon on a Bed of Spinach Salmon, rich in health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids, is served atop spinach for a colourful and nutritious main course. Serves 4 1 lbs spinach, trimmed and rinsed 5 Tbs lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1/2 tsp grated lemon rind 1/4 tsp each salt and black pepper 2 tbs plus 2 tsp olive oil 3 Tbs red wine vinegar 4 samlon fillets or steaks (6 oz. each) 2 Tbs minced shallot 2 Tbs minced fresh tarragon or chives, or 2 tsp dried. In a 10 in. skillet, place the spinach with just the water that clings to its leaves. Cover and steam over moderate heat, tossing occasionally, for 3 - 4 minutes or until wilted. Drain; refresh under cold water to stop the cooking and drain again; gently squeeze dry and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon jice, mustard, lemon rind and 1/8 tsp each of the salt and peper. Slowly drizzle in 2 tbs of the oil, whisking vigorously until well blended and set aside. Fill a fish poacher, shallow 10 in. skillet or flameproof casserole with 2 in. water. Add the vinegar and bring to a simmer. Gently place the fish in the simmering water and cook, covered, over moderately low heat for 4 to 5 minutes for fillets, 6 to 7 minutes for steaks, or until the fish just flakes when tested with a fork. Meanwhile in a 10 in. skillet cook the shallot in the remaining oil over moderate heat, stirring, for about 2 minutes or until softened. Add the spinach and remining salt and pepper and cook, stirring for 3-4 minutes until heated through. With a spatula, carefully transfer the fish to a platter lined with paper towel to drain. Divide the spinach between four warm dinner plates and top each with a portion of salmon. Whisk 1/4 cup of the poaching liquid into the dressing and spoon over the fish and spinach. Sprinkle with the tarragon. Have a great day.

Is it Really Alzheimer's, First Dog

There was a segment on Good Morning America about health and misdiagnosis of Alzheimer's. Apparently there is something called NPH or Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (basically water on the brain) which gives similar symptoms to Alzheimer's but can be treated. If you would like to read more about it click here for the GMA website plus a link to another site. This is something useful to know if you have aging parents or are aging yourself. Another segment was about the White House Dog, apparently Obama promised his children they could have a puppy now they are off to the White House. The Americans are now all putting in their two pence about what kind of dog should be chosen. Apparently one of the most popular First Dogs over the years has been a Scottie. I've never owned one, but they always seem like a cute little dog. Yesterday we went to Costco which a friend calls the $300 store because one always spends a lot there. We didn't spend quite that much but... We bought lots of meat, ground beef, stewing beef, chicken on and off the bone and so on as well as some lamb chops. They have really good lamb chops there. We had some for supper last night and have another meal in the freezer. Its not that easy to get really good lamb chops here as lamb is not the most popular meat. As with any food which I get rarely, I don't mess about with them, we just broil (grill) them and eat them as is although I do like a little mint sauce with mine. One of the friends who is coming to dinner on Saturday can't stand lamb so I always assure him that is what I am cooking for him. On that note I thought I would share a recipe for lamb steaks or gigot which is in my Three and Four Ingredient cookbook. Gigot of lamb is something we certainly don't see very much round here. There is a butcher at the market who specialises in lamb, I have never checked there, but his lamb is all fresh and consequently very expensive. I buy lamb's kidneys from him which are, conversely, very cheap and sometimes I buy stewing lamb which is quite expensive. Lamb Steaks with Redcurrant Glaze This classic, simple dish is absolutely delicious and is an excellent, quick recipe for cooking on the barbecue. The tangy flavour of redcurrants is a traditional accompaniment to lamb. It is good with new potatoes and fresh garden peas tossind in butter. 4 large rosemary sprigs 4 lamb leg steaks 5 Tbs readcurrant jelly 2 Tbs raspberry or red wine vinegar From the storecupboard Salt and ground black pepper. Remove the tips of the rosemary and chop the remaining leaves. Rub the chopped rosemary, salt and pepper all over the lamb. Preheat the grill (broiler). Heat the reducurrant jelly gently in a small pan with 2 Tbs water. Stir in the vinegar. Place the steaks on a foil lined grill rack and brush with a little of the redcurrant glaze. Cook for about 5 mionutes on each side, until deep golden, brushing with more glaze. Transfer the lamb to warmed plates. Tip any juices from the foil into the remaining glaze and heat through. Poor the glaze over the lamb and serve, garnished with the reserved rosemary. Have a great day.

Obama, Guy Fawkes,

Obama made it - I did find out before I went to bed, wasn't sure all the counting etc. would be finished by that time. This morning everyone is talking about the elections. Apparently something like 40% of Democrats turned out to vote and low 30s% of the Republicans. More fool them. Or maybe they didn't like either candidate. They reckon Sarah Palin will be fighting the next election in four years time when she has had more experience. Today, in the UK, is Guy Fawkes Day when, according to history, a bunch of conspirators led by Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament when the king was attending. They were caught in the act and now people burn his effigy on a bonfire and send up fireworks. Not sure when such a pagan tradition began, but it is usually a fun evening. Mostly people celebrate it at the weekend these days, rather than during the week.

Remember, remember the 5th of November Gunpowder, treason and plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason Should ever be forgot.

We used to bake potatoes in the bonfire which always came out black and burnt on one side and totally undercooked on the other side. They tasted good just the same. At the yacht club which we ran for a number of years, we used to collect money and then pick up a load of fish and chips for everyone. Today we are going for a med check, which means taking all our medications and chatting to our pharmacist. So gotta get cracking. I don't normally make cookies, but I just might have a go at these, they sound really good and pretty simple. Once again from the Three and Four Ingredient Cookbook. Chocolate Petit Four Cookies Make these dainty cookies as stylish after-dinner snacks. If you do not have any amaretto liqueur, they will work well without it. Alternatively, you can substitute the same quantity of brandy or rum. 12 oz carton chocolate chip cookie dough 4 oz. plain (semi sweet) chocolate 2 Tbs Amaretto from the storecupboard 1/4 Cup butter Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the cookie dough packet. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/2" thick. Using a 1 " cutter, stamp out as many rounds from the dough as possible and transfer them to a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for about 8 minutes, or until cooked through. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely. To make the filling, break the chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl with the butter and liqueur. Sit the bowl over a pan of gently simmering water and stir occasionally, until the chocolate has melted. Remove the heat and set aside to cool. Spread a small amount of the filling on the flat bottom of one of the cookies and sandwich together with another. Repeat until all the cookies have been used. Have a great day.

Elections, Volunteering, Dinner, Blue Birds

You should see the lines, they go on for ever. They are expecting a record turnout. At least they have a good day for it, mild and dry so that all these people waiting to vote won't be freezing or wet. Of course there is nothing else being talked about on TV this morning and I am surprised to see there are still ads running. I wonder why they don't stop that on election day? In Europe you will probably find out who won before I do as I will be in bed by the time the results are announced. Today is my volunteering day. I haven't been for a while, first it was our elections, then I was sick, then Matt had to go to the doc and we only have one car. I'll have forgotten what I was taught. Last night I invited some more friends to dinner on Saturday, so we have to put our thinking caps on again. I think we have decided two courses, not sure about dessert yet. On our son-in-law's blog (see link this page) in the comments section, he mentioned that a Kingfisher's colour is actually caused by refracted light, this made me think of the Indigo Bunting which we used to see regularly in North Carolina. That too was a bright blue bird, but it is apparently actually non-coloured, but the refracted light makes it look blue. I don't understand the science behind this, but it is fascinating. We used to spend hours watching the birds in our back yard where we had feeders, nesting boxes and a drip water bowl - the dripping attracts more birds apparently. I don't really understand how a Cardinal can be red with real red feathers and an Indigo Bunting has no colour in its feathers. Now I am looking this up and find that there is no blue on a Blue Jay either. This sounds like refracted light only works in the blue spectrums. I understand refracted light is "bent" light, but how it can produce such beautiful blue colours is beyond me. What about the Eastern Bluebirds I wonder. Having done somemore googling it appears that the blue pigmentation in birds is usually caused by light refraction - a quote from the Shenandoah Audobon page says : As with other blue-hued birds, the Blue Jay's coloration is not derived by pigments, but is the result of light refraction due to the internal structure of the feathers; if a Blue Jay feather is crushed, the blue disappears as the structure is destroyed. This is referred to as structural coloration. The primary comment there is "other blue-hued birds". I guess crushing the feather stops light refracting through it. I understand it is a similar thing to the blue of ocean water which, if you bring up a bucketful is totally clear. I have just finished reading The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss, I enjoyed it, but it was slow reading. According to my author friends, it is full of what they call "tropes" i.e. situations which occur again and again in novels. I never knew about tropes, but I think it is what makes me put down a book every so often because I know exactly what is going to happen and I can't be bothered with it right then. I still enjoyed the story and will certainly read part 2 when it becomes available next year. I keep hearing people saying they have bad colds or bronchitis - early this year maybe. I always recommend a hot toddy. I just found a simple recipe for one in the Three and Four Ingredient Cookbook so I thought you might like to have it. Rum and Star Anise Hot Toddy Hot toddies are normally made with whisky but rum works really well too and produces a deliciously warming drink that's perfect for a cold weather evening - or even a winter afternoon after a hearty walk out in the freezing cold countryside. You can also flavour this toddy with different spices such as vanilla pod (bean) or cinnamon stick. Serves Four 1 1/4 cups dark rum 3 Tbs caster (superfine) sugar (in North America regular sugar is fine enough) 1 star anise Pour the rum into a heatproof jug (pitcher) and add the sugar and star anise. Pour in a scant 2 cups of boiling water and stir thoroughly until the sugar has dissolved. Carefully pour the hot toddy into heatproof glasses or mugs and serve immediately. Have a great day.

One More Day, The Green Mile, Dinner

Tomorrow night it will be all over bar shouting. I am so pleased. I didn't realise til the weekend that this has been going on for 21 months, not a year as I so blithely believed. No wonder we are fed up with the campaigning. We caught an Obama ad this morning, if he could achieve what he promises, he will be a brilliant president, but wait for the excuses - I can't do this because... He says he is going to end the war in Iraq, responsibly, to pay for all his new tax cuts, etc. Pipe dreams. We have been told that their polling booths work wonderfully for small numbers, but they are expecting a massive turn out which might mean lots of problems. Good luck America. Last night we watched The Green Mile with Tom Hanks and Michael Clark Duncan as John Coffey. We have seen it before, but decided to watch it again, what a wonderful movie it is. James Cromwell was in it and I will never see him without thinking of the movie Babe where he played the farmer "that'll do pig". We didn't realise the movie went on so late, obviously the ads extend it considerably, but it didn't finish til about 12:30 a.m. so I didn't get all my beauty sleep. Mind you I spent most of yesterday asleep anyway, Saturday evening, when we had dinner guests I started a migraine, began a sore throat and finally woke at 3 a.m. with an allergy. I took anti-histamines which proceeded to knock me out. However, I am better today. I always get worried with a sore throat as I have a tendency to get a lot more problems once I have begun with the throat. This time it didn't happen I am delighted to say. The dinner party went very well however, and I made the Pissaladière which turned out very well except for my oven the timing was wrong and needed to be about 15 minutes instead of 20-25. The pastry was a tad overdone. Matt and I finished it off for lunch yesterday. If you want to check the recipe again, I published it on October 21, this year. After that we had London Broil, the recipe has been posted, but I'm not sure when. I then followed it up with a Turkish Orange Cake, also posted. I am gradually working back through my blogs adding the name of the recipe I post to the Labels. Somewhere or other, one of my guests got the idea there were anchovies in the Pissaladière and as she doesn't eat fish in any shape or form, she was a bit concerned. Not sure where she got that idea from. One thing you will notice, I didn't bother to make a circle. The pastry was bought and didn't allow for a big enough circle according to the recipe so we decided to leave it oblong. Worked fine and looked just as good, tasted even better. I get a little magazine from Kraft called Healthy Living, it is specifically aimed at people with diabetes. I thought I would share one of their recipes which is a bit like a chicken satay. Asian Chicken with Cabbage Slaw Serves 4 1/4 cup Kraft smooth peanut butter 1/4 cup Kraft Signature Asian Sesame Dressing 1 Tbs grated fresh ginger 1 Tbs water 4 small skinless, boneless chicken breasts 2 cups shredded savoy cabbage 1 large carrot shredded 2 green onions sliced Preheat oven to 350°F. Beat peanut butter, dressing, ginger and water in medium bowl with wire whisk until well blended, set aside. Mix cabbages and carrots in a large bowl. Add 1/4 C of the peanut butter mixture; toss and coat. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Place the chicken in single layer in shallow baking pan; brush with remaining peanut butter mixture. Bake 20 mins or until chicken is cooked through. Cut into strips. Spoon cabbage mixture onto serving platter; top with the chicken and onions. Have a great day.