I have a sister who is so amazing and special, I have long said I want to be her when I grow up. But this is not about her. It is about my other sister. She is my best friend, is my sister by choice rather than blood and truly could not be more of a sister to me if we were born of the same parents. She is younger than me by several years but we are kindred in more ways than I probably even know. She has been my shoulder through the most wrenching and fearful moments of my life. She has been the ear who endured my tearful rantings though I know she just wanted to tell me to shut up and get a hold of myself...but she never said anything of the sort. She was honest but loving, supportive but direct and most of all, has always loved me despite myself. We have been through some crazy things, both wicked hysterical and painfully heartbreaking. We have shared so much it sometimes feels as though she has always been a part of my life...and for sure, she is part of me now. She knows my secrets and my joys. She knows me and I trust her with all that I am...and more importantly all that I am not. I can only hope I too, have been such a friend to her.
And to you now-Forgive my ignorance and the times when I am selfish. For not picking up the phone if you needed me. For the foolish mistakes I made and thank you for the times when you stepped in to fill the gap. For anything no matter how small which was less than you deserved from me, please forgive me...
My emotion for her cannot be measured in words anymore and that was inflated just over a week ago when I was witness to her becoming a wife...to a guy whom I love too. And they will soon be first time parents.
There is so much new in both our lives over the past several months...she is a wife and soon will become a mother; I have reunited with "the man who got away" and he is most certainly the love of my life as I always thought him to be...and sooner or later the past must give way to the new. These days she and I only see one another sporadically though we only live an hour apart. Life paths, love and new expectations often don't yield to our old life of laughter, music and time at the hearth and I must admit I can feel the absence of her.
Though we don't always agree, we have never had words and never once has there been a thought of what my life would be without her. Instead, she is giving me more of her to love. I am waiting with each new day wondering if it will be the one when I hear a voice tell me her child has arrived. As I type these words, my heart is full and my eyes swelling with emotion.
It is a privledge to be your sister...
I love you, JJ
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Lettuce all love...
Today I have nothing of circumstance to report but have been meaning to post this recipe since last week. You see, I am a huge lettuce wrap fan. PF Changs has ruined me for life! Ever since I had my first bite about six years ago, I have not only loved these little bundles of perfect yum and goodness, but now crave them all the time!
So what to do when the closest PFC is nearly 50 miles away? Make it yourself and use the man in your life as your guinea pig...and in my mind I said, "Yes, this will work!!!!"
Shortly after my discussion with myself and realizing having this type of exchange proves my craziness, I began. I sliced the pork ever so thin, combined it with all its friends so they could all hang out in a bowl together until I was ready to cook...Oh, did I also say this meal was prepared last Sunday...the day the Guitarist cleaned and let me relax all day...I still love that man! Anyway, back to the story~ So his reward for being the best guy on the planet? Drum Roll please......
Lettuce wraps to give PF Chang's a run for their money!!!! (I typed that in a sing song-y voice)
Wow, were they delicious! I am a very confident cook and get complimented a great deal for my food (not that I am bragging or anything because that would be wrong) but this surprised even me. Typically I need to make a recipe a time or two to tweak and get it just right but these are so easy and likely forgiving since I varied the recipe a bit and the result was truly award worthy...okay, maybe only in my mind but they were wicked good!
Try them and you too will fall in love~
Sesame Lettuce Wraps
Adapted from Korean sesame beef with lettuce wraps in the Sept Cooking Light, 2008
3/4 pound of meat, trimmed and thinly sliced- recipe called for flank steak but I had thin pork chops so I used them. You could easily use chicken too, which I will do the next time.
1/3 onion, diced-called for green onions but since I don't like them and had white onion, that is what I used.
1 TBS sugar-I used organic cane sugar but any will do.
6 TBS GF soy sauce-called for just two, but I like more and used LaChoy lite.
1 TBS minced garlic-I used the jarred kind...I know, but I was supposed to be relaxing, remember!
1 TBS toasted sesame seeds-I toasted my own so they had better flavor.
1 tsp sesame oil-I love this stuff and use it all the time in lots of things which would shock you!
Combine the items above and marinade for at least 1 hour, max 4 hours.
2 generous TBS of safflower oil-called for canola but you could really use any kind.
1 small head of lettuce, rinsed, drained well and left as whole leaves-I used iceberg but love bib for these.
The recipe called for kimchi but I prefer something much better! I made quick pickles of 1/2 a thinly sliced English or seedless cucumber, enough cider vinegar to cover them and a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar; stir and let sit until the meal is ready.
I also made jasmine rice to go with it...I cooked it as directed and once finished, mixed in a couple tablespoons of peanut sauce.
Cook the marinated meat in a hot pan or wok with safflower oil in two batches..fast and hard here so you get a good color on it without burning the garlic...mine was on medium high.
Serve in separate dishes or a large platter-
Meat
Lettuce leaves
shredded carrots
broccoli slaw
pickled cukes
peanut jasmine rice
Using the lettuce as a cup, spoon in a small amount of each and top with peanut sauce. I used a jarred one that was gluten free although I don't remember the name of it...sorry! Wrap your lettuce around and make a beautiful little package and eat with your hands like a taco.
I served the rice on the side...
Hope you love them as much as we did!
T
So what to do when the closest PFC is nearly 50 miles away? Make it yourself and use the man in your life as your guinea pig...and in my mind I said, "Yes, this will work!!!!"
Shortly after my discussion with myself and realizing having this type of exchange proves my craziness, I began. I sliced the pork ever so thin, combined it with all its friends so they could all hang out in a bowl together until I was ready to cook...Oh, did I also say this meal was prepared last Sunday...the day the Guitarist cleaned and let me relax all day...I still love that man! Anyway, back to the story~ So his reward for being the best guy on the planet? Drum Roll please......
Lettuce wraps to give PF Chang's a run for their money!!!! (I typed that in a sing song-y voice)
Wow, were they delicious! I am a very confident cook and get complimented a great deal for my food (not that I am bragging or anything because that would be wrong) but this surprised even me. Typically I need to make a recipe a time or two to tweak and get it just right but these are so easy and likely forgiving since I varied the recipe a bit and the result was truly award worthy...okay, maybe only in my mind but they were wicked good!
Try them and you too will fall in love~
Sesame Lettuce Wraps
Adapted from Korean sesame beef with lettuce wraps in the Sept Cooking Light, 2008
3/4 pound of meat, trimmed and thinly sliced- recipe called for flank steak but I had thin pork chops so I used them. You could easily use chicken too, which I will do the next time.
1/3 onion, diced-called for green onions but since I don't like them and had white onion, that is what I used.
1 TBS sugar-I used organic cane sugar but any will do.
6 TBS GF soy sauce-called for just two, but I like more and used LaChoy lite.
1 TBS minced garlic-I used the jarred kind...I know, but I was supposed to be relaxing, remember!
1 TBS toasted sesame seeds-I toasted my own so they had better flavor.
1 tsp sesame oil-I love this stuff and use it all the time in lots of things which would shock you!
Combine the items above and marinade for at least 1 hour, max 4 hours.
2 generous TBS of safflower oil-called for canola but you could really use any kind.
1 small head of lettuce, rinsed, drained well and left as whole leaves-I used iceberg but love bib for these.
The recipe called for kimchi but I prefer something much better! I made quick pickles of 1/2 a thinly sliced English or seedless cucumber, enough cider vinegar to cover them and a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar; stir and let sit until the meal is ready.
I also made jasmine rice to go with it...I cooked it as directed and once finished, mixed in a couple tablespoons of peanut sauce.
Cook the marinated meat in a hot pan or wok with safflower oil in two batches..fast and hard here so you get a good color on it without burning the garlic...mine was on medium high.
Serve in separate dishes or a large platter-
Meat
Lettuce leaves
shredded carrots
broccoli slaw
pickled cukes
peanut jasmine rice
Using the lettuce as a cup, spoon in a small amount of each and top with peanut sauce. I used a jarred one that was gluten free although I don't remember the name of it...sorry! Wrap your lettuce around and make a beautiful little package and eat with your hands like a taco.
I served the rice on the side...
Hope you love them as much as we did!
T
Monday, September 15, 2008
Rest, renewal and the best guy ever!
The past few weeks have been especially difficult for me...My mother is not in good health and although I do not, at this point need to provide her with daily care, I do take her shopping, run her errands, take care of her finances and am the only go-to she has. Although I love her and am dedicated to her, the job is not an easy one. The load is heavy on my life and heart but it must be done and this I have accepted. I am typically fine but when other stresses of life present themselves, like they have lately, I can only hold out for so long until I cave like a soup can...meltdown like a candle...basically just crumble under the weight of what I need to carry for those I love.
And I did precisely that on Saturday night...the poor Gutiarist. He is such a caring and loving man. He listened to me rant and rave, cry and cough and sputter through my emotions and for the most part just said "I will begin to do more to help you"...and he did precisely that. On Sunday while I made brocolli and cheese omellettes for breakfast he made a list of chores and then went to task cleaning, doing laundry and trying to get the water out of our basement...Oh, did I tell you in the midst of all this, we have a small flood? Luckily, nothing of circumstance was affected but we could do a scene from "A river runs through it," though I doubt the ceiling is high enough to get a good cast of your fly...Anyway, my boy let me nap while he moved the furniture, swept up the dog hair and straightened the house. How special he truly is!
Today I feel rested for the first time in weeks and I owe it all to you, Baby.
Thank you~
And I did precisely that on Saturday night...the poor Gutiarist. He is such a caring and loving man. He listened to me rant and rave, cry and cough and sputter through my emotions and for the most part just said "I will begin to do more to help you"...and he did precisely that. On Sunday while I made brocolli and cheese omellettes for breakfast he made a list of chores and then went to task cleaning, doing laundry and trying to get the water out of our basement...Oh, did I tell you in the midst of all this, we have a small flood? Luckily, nothing of circumstance was affected but we could do a scene from "A river runs through it," though I doubt the ceiling is high enough to get a good cast of your fly...Anyway, my boy let me nap while he moved the furniture, swept up the dog hair and straightened the house. How special he truly is!
Today I feel rested for the first time in weeks and I owe it all to you, Baby.
Thank you~
Saturday, September 13, 2008
A silent smile...
This morning through the rain, we mourned a lost friend. A man well loved, a husband for many decades over, and father to a daughter who stands before us today as a lovely woman. He was nearly ninety but only known to us for a mere two years. Everyone called him Noisy. Which would make you laugh if you had known him as he rarely said a word. You see, it had grown very difficult for him to hear over the years but from what I understand, he was a man of few words even before his hearing failed him, but he always sat by, content and smiling...Never seeming to feel slighted or lost as the swirl of our patio conversations went on around him though he couldn't really join in much.
He is part of our extended/adopted family of neighbors who are now dear to both of us and he will be greatly missed by many... but through the sorrow of losing someone so cherished there is a spot of light and happiness. When I called the Guitarist to tell him of our friend's passing he said this..."Well, at least now Noisy can hear." After talking to our friends I understand his doctor said the same.
So with that thought in mind, "Bless you, Friend and rest well. Thank you for making those around you smile. We raise one to you and will miss you under the canopy!"
Us.
He is part of our extended/adopted family of neighbors who are now dear to both of us and he will be greatly missed by many... but through the sorrow of losing someone so cherished there is a spot of light and happiness. When I called the Guitarist to tell him of our friend's passing he said this..."Well, at least now Noisy can hear." After talking to our friends I understand his doctor said the same.
So with that thought in mind, "Bless you, Friend and rest well. Thank you for making those around you smile. We raise one to you and will miss you under the canopy!"
Us.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Apples, friends and a shout out to the 'Z' Family...
Have I forgotten about all of you out there? Rest assured, I have not, so do not panic, which should make me laugh as no one has even read my blog yet so I am really just talking to the voices in my head...but I am still here.
You see, my friend Autumn has come to visit and I have been taken in once more. She is enchanting and full of charm. She shows up on a whim and it only takes a few minutes for me to remember how much I adore and miss her when she is not here. She brings with her a comfort which reminds me of cashmere and homemade bread. She is bright and warm; serious and purposeful but all the while, moves with grace and elegance. She always looks flawless with her deep red and gold skirts flowing like wisps of fire on the breeze. You see, life looks different with Autumn around. She brings new life to my flowers long worn from the summer heat and the dog frolics larger and leaps higher when she is around; the world new but still familiar and I have to smile as my senses come alive with awe.
I have known her all my life. Yes, she is my friend...dear and true. She never lets me down or disappoints me even though she can change her tune on a dime and will vanish just a quickly as she arrived. You see these are all elements of her and I am her loyal companion...
Until she leaves again, Winter taking her place.
PS: A wonderful dose of gratitude to the 'Z' family for a great time on Saturday. Thank you for making me feel like part of your clan!
Autumn Chicken Apple Salad
8 chicken tender strips with your favorite GF poultry seasoning
cayenne pepper, a pinch
parsley, I used dried as that was all I had
onion and garlic powder, a pinch of both...about 1/4 teaspoon
salt and pepper
1/2 cup broken pecans
2 med diced apples
1 cup GF mayo or Greek yogurt
Bake seasoned chicken for 15-20 minutes at 350 and remove and cool. Chop apples (with or without peel is your choice) and put in large bowl. Break pecans with hands and add to apples.
Sprinkle with remaining spices and add hand torn, cooled chicken. Mix with half of mayo or yogurt and add more until it is the right consistency for you...I like mine a little on the less is more side and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Chill for at least one hour and serve atop broccoli slaw or a crusty piece of GF bread.
YUM!
You see, my friend Autumn has come to visit and I have been taken in once more. She is enchanting and full of charm. She shows up on a whim and it only takes a few minutes for me to remember how much I adore and miss her when she is not here. She brings with her a comfort which reminds me of cashmere and homemade bread. She is bright and warm; serious and purposeful but all the while, moves with grace and elegance. She always looks flawless with her deep red and gold skirts flowing like wisps of fire on the breeze. You see, life looks different with Autumn around. She brings new life to my flowers long worn from the summer heat and the dog frolics larger and leaps higher when she is around; the world new but still familiar and I have to smile as my senses come alive with awe.
I have known her all my life. Yes, she is my friend...dear and true. She never lets me down or disappoints me even though she can change her tune on a dime and will vanish just a quickly as she arrived. You see these are all elements of her and I am her loyal companion...
Until she leaves again, Winter taking her place.
PS: A wonderful dose of gratitude to the 'Z' family for a great time on Saturday. Thank you for making me feel like part of your clan!
Autumn Chicken Apple Salad
8 chicken tender strips with your favorite GF poultry seasoning
cayenne pepper, a pinch
parsley, I used dried as that was all I had
onion and garlic powder, a pinch of both...about 1/4 teaspoon
salt and pepper
1/2 cup broken pecans
2 med diced apples
1 cup GF mayo or Greek yogurt
Bake seasoned chicken for 15-20 minutes at 350 and remove and cool. Chop apples (with or without peel is your choice) and put in large bowl. Break pecans with hands and add to apples.
Sprinkle with remaining spices and add hand torn, cooled chicken. Mix with half of mayo or yogurt and add more until it is the right consistency for you...I like mine a little on the less is more side and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Chill for at least one hour and serve atop broccoli slaw or a crusty piece of GF bread.
YUM!
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