What's Up Today

[Deely]

Thanks Bergy for the thumbs up on the yard and the book recommendation. I checked out the book on Amazon and that's one I'll be reading soon!

[Kchurchill5]

Deely looks great! You did a nice job.

Glad you are enjoying the porch. I love sitting out by the pool as well. I love to eat out by the pool. We get the typical pm showers often; so, sometimes not possible.

Been slow on many sites these days; not just here.

SOS, here. Work, yard/garden work, this and that. Missed my trip to Busch Gardens due to car battery issue ... still ongoing - long story. Otherwise, pretty mundane around here.

Heading down to the keys next month; and St Augustine too; but, short weekend trips.

I go up to St Augustine, fly kites (mom and Dad were big kite flyers), the big stunt kites. And, visit where their ashes were spread. Just a nice yearly trip. The Keys, just go down to dive and see the area; I usually get mangos at Pine Island on the way home. Then, planning CO in November or December. I'm going to camp on the way out; I have a new back of the truck tent, should be fun.

That's it here! Hope everyone is doing well!

[Deely]

Thanks Kc, It'll look better after everything fills in some. We spend a lot of time out there.
Oh I love the Keys. When my parents lived in N. Fort Myers we used to take the ferry down and stay for a few days. We've only been to St. Augustine once for just 2 days. but it was like a stroll into the past...a beautiful city!

[Bergy]

Happy Trip Happy Holiday Deely

[Kchurchill5]

I'm looking forward to a couple of short trips. They are nice because they are quick, inexpensive; but, can be a nice get away.

I was hoping to go to Argentina to ski again; but, my friend is tied up. He used to snowboard professionally; now, he works in promotion for a company. So ... he is booked solid.

Then, BC, but, expensive; and, my friend lives just 20 minutes from 6 resorts in CO. Also, FREE room, board, and food. Besides, it will be a fun road trip.

Yes, the keys are fun; different, but, fun to visit. I know a couple of divers and charter captains; so, looking forward to hooking up with them too.

[Shadows1]

Finally I am back, house house got hit by lightening and fried my computer. I am . using my wife's kindle to be here now! We are OK but most of our electronics are gone including the water heater!

[Bergy]

Lee that is terrible - Glad you are both okay. Even though it is expensive electronics can be replaced (perhaps slowly) but human lives can't. Do you have Insurance?

[Kchurchill5]

Shadows, so sorry to hear. I have had similar problems. Wiped out my stove, TV and AC 2 years ago. Luckily I had a home warranty; but, what a pain. Especially with your water heater, so sorry to hear that.

I hope you get everything back and running.
I have just been busy with work; and the usual stuff. Nothing too much going on right now.

[Kchurchill5]

I do have a couple of things going on.

Me and 3 friends are throwing an engagement party for a good friend of ours. We are having a wine and cheese party for 30; focusing on wine and cheese. But there will be a few other nibbles.

One friend and I had a wine/cheese tasting today at a local shop; and, got a good education on pairing. Also, picked up all the cheeses and wine for Sunday's party.
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I also got nominated by one of the ladies I cook for who is on the board of a Green Growers Group in town.

There are 50 average cooks, personal chefs, etc; and, 50 professional restaurant cooks.

Each week, we all get 2 baskets of farm fresh local ingredients 3 days a part. My baskets come Wed and Sat.
We will get a total of 8 baskets over 4 weeks; and, we are to make 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners, and 2 desserts.
We are to make a meal or dish for 4 people; and, they can not be family members.

Also, we have no idea what is in each basket; and any basket can be used for any course. We are just supposed to use as many of the basket ingredients as possible. We can also use 3 other ingredients and any spices. But, the basket is the main ingredients.

The winner gets a cruise, lots of cooking utensils; and, a years work of farm fresh baskets each week.
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So, my first basket ... I did lunch; but, served for dinner. I still called it lunch. I made a fresh zucchini and summer squash soup, basically broth based; cooked with fennel, leeks, onion, scapes. Then, strained and just a hint of cream and fresh farm egg. Topped with a tomato coulie and fried small bits of prosciutto. Plenty of fresh herbs as well

I also did a panzanella salad, local bread from our farmers market; roasted eggplant, peppers, onion, cucumber and fresh tomato. Finished with a local citrus vinegar and olive oil dressing. Again, sorrel, lemon verbena, basil, baby kale; and other herbs.

My lady was very happy; and, everything turned out really good.
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This is sort of like a chopped box ... but NO 30 minutes. We will see what box #2 brings.
And, it is really fun.

The people who taste the food email their comments to the board members. No idea who we did until the last box.

[Bergy]

KC Sounds exciting - You have a great start that meal sounds Mmm.

I am watching Master Chef on TV where the contestants get a box of goodies and then have to prepare whatever the judges say. Started out with 20 chefs - now down to 14. Fun twists in it. None of the contestants are professional chefs