Stephanie says

I seem to talk a lot about free shipping.  It's because I'm parsimonious by nature, a family trait my brothers and daughter share. Living in a remote community in a remote state, I order many products on-line because it's easier than actually going shopping, and I'm all for easy. Besides, I've loved deliveries since I was a child when it was thrilling to open the mailbox and find a mystery box inside.  A mystery because in a child's sense-of-time, the order was placed so long ago I'd forget just what was ordered.  Unless it was shoes.  I wouldn't forget shoes.  Red Keds slip-ons for example, ah.  But I digress.  I was lured into an Amazon Prime trial membership with not only free shipping, but free two-day shipping.  I love it.  I probably should quit poking fun at Terry for his penchant for overnight shipping.  Or not.  Anyway, I signed up and my order was on the way.  Then I realized there were more items I needed, so in ...

In a remarkable feat of electronic wizardry, I streamed movies from my computer onto my t.v.!  I was so impressed with myself.  All it took was one cable, but still...  I had the cable and I hooked it up - so kudos to me!  I have a trial membership in an on-line service with an enormous selection of movie and t.v. series available, but to quote The Boss, "57 channels and nothing on" holds true.  After much scrolling I came across a trailer for "Transparent," a series I'd been hearing about and decided to give a try. Result: 10 episodes (the entire first season) in an epic binge t.v. session.  The IMBD description, "A n LA family with serious boundary issues," was a major understatement.  The story develops as a 60ish professor comes to terms with being trans gender and coming out to his adult children.  It's complicated and it was fascinating to watch and think about gender definitions and just to empathize. Maura's kids are wild, highly ...

Something new for Meatless Monday.  Dinner anyway as I had a beef burger for lunch...  I made this extremely easy recipe tonight and it's quite good.  I added one tablespoon curry and may amp that up next time.  Alas, my cilantro was wilted; cilantro doesn't last around here mostly because it slimes up before I get around to using it all.  I had no success growing it.  Yet. 1 cup whole coconut milk 1 - 2 tablespoons curry powder* scant 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt 1/2 large red onion, chopped 1 medium garlic clove, chopped 1/3 cup water 4 ounces firm tofu, cut into small cubes (optional) 1 cup green beans, cut into 1-inch segments 1 1/2 cups cauliflower, cut into tiny florets 1/3 cup cashews, toasted a handful of cilantro, loosely chopped Bring half of the coconut milk to a simmer in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Whisk in the curry powder and salt, working out any clumps. Now stir in the chopped red onion and ...

Sounds from the kitchen of cutlery clinking and pans clanking while I'm still snuggled in bed is so companionable and somehow cozy. Fried Egg over chips with cheese sauce and salsa  

A dear friend’s father died recently and the onus of sorting through his personal effects has fallen to her.   She happened upon a cache of love letters, (written after her parents divorced,) to her father from several women - and then some letters written by him, returned when he and the woman parted, (okay an aside here from me: is that not a weird and antiquated custom?   I doubt it happens anymore although there was a time when one saved every relationship memento, and when the relationship failed, returned them all in a churlish act of disdain.   Take that, you bastard.   See how I treasured you.)   So my friend is telling me highlights from the letters.   She actually read them.   And the replies.   And I’m hooked, although horrified.   What child wants to read parent’s love letters?   Maybe love letters between one’s actual parents - if they’re not too graphic.   Let’s toss out those with a sketch of a studly guy rid...

I had TWO back-to-back dental appointments today so I was in great need of comfort food for my dinner, (more than one person of late has deemed me a big baby, something I have never denied.) I've been contemplating reducing my meat intake and managed to retain this focus even though my lips and the tip of my nose are numb.  Big baby, indeed.  Cashews and coconut milk in the pantry resulted in a search for recipes with "coconut milk and cashews" and the following is one that caught my eye.  Another with tofu and curry is slated to follow.   Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese - it was interesting.  I'll have some for lunch tomorrow, when presumably my taste buds will be fully engaged...  Just saying.    Photo by Lindsay Rey Print Prep time 10 mins Cook time 10 mins Total time 20 mins   Super Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese Author: Lindsay Rey Cuisine: American Serves: 4-5 Ingredients ...

This is from a blog I follow:  www.mynewroots.org  written by Sarah B, a Certified Nutritional Practitioner.  The blog is very scientific - which I find very interesting.   I went in search of a silicon loaf pan in Roseburg.  Three different stores and not one to be had.  I so love the ease of on-line shopping with purchases delivered to my door...   Turns out the parchment was overkill The Life-Changing Loaf of Bread Makes 1 loaf Ingredients: 1 cup / 135g sunflower seeds ½ cup / 90g flax seeds ½ cup / 65g hazelnuts or almonds 1 ½ cups / 145g rolled oats 2 Tbsp. chia seeds 4 Tbsp. psyllium seed husks (3 Tbsp. if using psyllium husk powder) 1 tsp. fine grain sea salt (add ½ tsp. if using coarse salt) 1 Tbsp. maple syrup (for sugar-free diets, use a pinch of stevia) 3 Tbsp. melted coconut oil or ghee 1 ½ cups / 350ml water Directions: 1. In a flexible, silicon loaf pan combine all dry ingredients, stirring well. Whisk maple...

I’ve been thinking about my mom and her relationships with men.   Specifically her marriages; three times, fine men all.   What are the chances of that?   Seems unlikely but it was true for her.   My dad died in a logging accident when she was 37, leaving three teenagers in his wake.   She married Neil five years later, a lapsed Catholic priest, born in England.   He was the only grandfather my daughter knew, and he did it in style.   They were married nearly 20 years before he died, leaving her a widow again. Her last husband was Bob Bourson.   I spent much time with them but I didn’t realize how well suited they were until after my mother’s death (smoke, smoke, smoke them cigarettes…) one specific conversation with a neighbor stands out - who asked if Mom and Bob were married?   Yes, eight years.   Because Helene was always so affectionate while referring to him.   Like a girlfriend more than a wife. Hmmm....

Blue Apron - you know the name, right?  A food service that delivers a recipe and all the ingredients right to your door.  Interesting idea.  They also provide the recipes gratis.  So I thought I'd try this one.  And as I live in North Douglas County, a very rural environment with extremely limited grocery market inventory, this would have been a good one to have delivered.  No Mexican Crema in my market so I went with sour cream.  And since I had a sharp cheddar in the fridge, I skipped the Monterey Jack Cheese.  The end result may have suffered.  Just don't know.  Ingredients 8 Ounces Ground Beef ¾ Cup White Quinoa 1 15-Ounce Can Diced Tomatoes 1 Cup Black Beans 1 Green Bell Pepper 1 Red Onion 1 Bunch Cilantro Knick Knacks 3 Ounces Monterey Jack Cheese 1 Jalapeño Pepper ½ Cup Mexican Crema 2 Teaspoons Mexican Casserole Spice Blend (Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chile Powder, Garlic Powder & Cayenne Pepper) Makes 3 Servings...

Bacon Freshly shredded potatoes Grilled to perfection Perfecto