I think I'm experiencing blog overload. I've actually had experiences where instead of being "in" them, I was thinking about how I would describe it on my blog. That's weird. At least in my opinion. And I can't even remember what those thoughts were. Duh...
Another weird thing... my brother has a link on his blog to my friend's blog. Read that again MY FRIEND. Okay, not that I'm possessive or anything, but I don't even know HOW to put a link to somebody's blog on my blog ... or I would. Ah well, sigh. Maybe somebody will read this, realize how pitiful this is, and tell me how to do it, because I haven't figured it out. I also happen to hate computer manuals as a whole because they are so dry, so boring, and well, not in my language.
I'm getting the shopping bug ... I'm beginning to itch for a long day of spending 'quality' time with another person whose shopping style is compatible to mine [I can go for long stretches, are you willing to let me try on 10 different shirts, then go out and get another pile of 10?]. I don't know why this is considered quality time, but I used to do this with my mother when I was younger, when I lived in the same hemisphere, that sort of thing. And I loved it. It was just her and me. For the day. So while we were shopping we'd be talking about all sorts of stuff... quality time, there ya' go. And I miss it. My dad was also a crucial part of this process. He was an EXCELLENT observer. When we returned home, with purchases - and exultant at how much money we'd 'saved', he'd sit down, ask us (or at least me, I can't remember how fully my mother participated in this ritual) to show or try on each item, and then he'd guess how much it cost. And he'd get excited at the good deals, and talk about how good something looked on me/us and where I/we could wear it.
Well, in any case, good memories. I miss my family.
Yes, we did enjoy shopping, didn't we? Do you think we will have the opportunity to do this (but differently) in Haifa? I want you to show me all the fun and funky places you have discovered. Can you tell I am getting excited?
I have be enjoying myself here in Fort Wayne, Indiana (yes, you read that right) cooking for the youth Ruhi Intensive. They are doing book 4 and Danio is the faciliator, so a double treat. He is coming back to Cleveland with me on Monday to stay overnight before either going home or up to visit Charlotte and Guy-Claude.
I have been having so much fun, doing recreational cooking. There is one guy here, Ben, who's love of food reminds me of Nae a bit. He is a real pleasure to cook for because he is so appriciative of what I have made. Robert Rhines is here too and made Pialla (sp?) last night for dinner. Amazing. We have a bunch of vegatarians and a few with other special dietary needs which makes things interesting. I made a vegatarian chili that I am going to record here so I don't forget what I did and I can access it when I get home. (What a lie! I could also write it on my little pad of paper in my purse. The truth is I want to share it with you guys, so you will tell me how wonderful it is.)
1-2 T oil
2 onions sliced
2 red sweet peppers cut up
2-4 carrots sliced
the heart and leaves of celery (optional, Nae)
Saute all this until it is looking soft
4 cups of chick peas
4 cups of kidney beans
4 cups of black beans
2 cups of corn either frozen or canned
All these should be partially but not fully drained
4 cups of chopped tomatos (canned is fine)
1-2 cups of cashews, but try not to get all the salt in the bottom
4-6 T chili powder
1 t cinnoman
1/2-1 t cayenne
some salt
All this is to taste, of course. Simmer until the flavors are blended. Serve on corn bread (or with cornbread), shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced black olives, shredded lettuce, salsa, diced avacado. I think that does it. It was really good.
I would have put this on my blog, but I only know how to get there from my own computers and I am currently at the Fort Wayne (no, actually Abloite) library.
Maman, thank you for the recipe, and yes we'll take you to neat finds in Haifa ... :-)
I love how you and Daddy don't even talk about me coming home to visit you in November. It's all "I'm so excited about visiting you!"
Hmm, I'll have to think about that one...
What! when are you coming in November? Will you be there around thanksgiving?
No promises, but we're going to try... :-)
Yes, yes, I am excited about you coming to see us in November (or whenever) but we are not exciting here. I think it is the difference between doing and seeing. a bientot!