a little bird told me

Is There a Cardiologist in the House?

2012-01-03T13:42:00.002-06:00

I suppose I could share this hollidays top meals. (when not sure what to write about, write about food)
Pretty much everything we ate this Holliday season was cooked in bacon grease or had bacon itself in it. The diet has been resumed since then. There was the frittata with bacon (natch) and poblanos and mushrooms. There was turkey chili (the onions were "sweated" in bacon grease). There was bolognese cooked with a bit of red wine ( same treatment of the onions). The were BLOATS. That's bacon, lettuce, onion, avocado, and tomato sandwiches.
In the next few months I have to lose about fifteen more pounds, an ordeal that is made more difficult by the frigid temperatures outside. Salads are well and good when it's hot outside, but when it's cold, not so much. When it's cold I want soups, thick creamy soups. I want quiche. With bacon. I want pasta with cream sauce. Alas, not gonna happen much this year. Back to the seventeen day diet for me. Phase one even. Ah, well. It was nice while it lasted.

---Little Bird attempts to get littler

New Year, New Post

2012-01-02T11:22:00.004-06:00

Things have been a'changin. First of all, once again, sorry for the prolonged absence. I got a wee bit busy. Mostly outside. Walking. Until I hurt myself that is. But I lost nearly forty pounds doing it. The walking, not the hurting.
Also? I am moving!!! To New Mexico!!!! This year!!! In July, but the purging of crap I don't need starts now. So all my STL friends should consider visiting soon.
Also also? It's my birthday! And it snowed! Thirty seven is the same age Mama Bird was when she made some big changes in her life. I have always thought that by the time I reached this age I'd know more about where I want to be in life. All I know is that there ARE big changes coming. The move, more weight loss, and a wedding to officiate. Maybe I'll find my purpose in New Mexico.
Stealing an idea from another blogger, resolutions. Specifically one word resolutions. Mine is Prioritze. What's yours?

------ Little Bird is flying south.

What I Did This Summer

2011-08-19T11:22:00.003-05:00

Sorry I've been gone all summer. I wish I could tell you that I was off galavanting around the world. That I had found a great job. That I had met the love of my life and was busy being swept off my feet.
None of those things happened. I went galavanting (by train) to Texas and Missouri. I went to a LOT of concert picnics. I made a ton of pesto (so much so that my stepfather actually got tired of it!) I didn't meet anyone special.
I did bake some cakes for a family and their kids, and babysit for them occasionally. Their three year old daughter apparently recently professed her love for me (I watch movies with her that she's seen a million times and I refuse to tell her what's going on when she asks for the thirtieth time "Where's her going?") also, I am the cake lady.
Perhaps I will figure out this fall something to write about. Perhaps I can get involved in something worth writing about.
Fall is by far my favorite season, there's a sense of anticipation in the air. The mornings are crisper, there is more hustle and bustle. The food is more... involved. Maybe I'll start posting recipes again, that at least would be something.

Little Bird has been remiss

P.S. The first recipe will involve bacon. The best bacon in the world.

Frustration.

2011-05-16T22:48:00.004-05:00

Once again, life at failblog has led me to make another serious post.
I was born with Neurofibromatosis. This is a degenerative disease. It is what will eventually kill me. Assuming I don't get hit by a bus first. I don't have health insurance. I can't afford it. I simply can't. What one insurance company quoted me, I wouldn't NEED the insurance! I could use that money (there was a $5,000 deductible involved) to cover nearly all of my doctors visits.
Most people who have met me wouldn't know about my condition if I didn't tell them. I'm lucky in that regard. Most of my issues area largely "invisible". But for crying out loud! What the fuck is wrong with trying to provide adequate health care to EVERYONE!? It's not like I get sick just so I can suck tax dollars out of anyone's pocket! There are so many people like me who fall through the cracks. There are so many people who are worse off than me.
There are so many people who think that folks like me are idiots and morons for saying that current health care is inadequate. They say that we don't know what we're talking about. I've lived the life. I know from what I'm talking about.
If there is a program out there to help me, they sure as hell make it as difficult as possible to get to. See, part of my issues include learning disabilities, which makes navigating the convoluted ins and outs of the system overwhelming.
It is in a word frustrating.

--Little Bird is fed up.

The Change

2011-04-07T22:21:00.003-05:00

So there was a recent question on Facebook about where you may have been on 9/11. I answered "at work". But there's more to it than that. I was working at a Whole Foods. It hadn't opened yet. I was hired to work in Specialty and Wine. We were still building out the store. It was maybe 9 am or so. I was outside smoking with one of the guys from the bakery department. We overheard the construction guys talking about the World Trade Center bombing. I thought they were talking about the incident years earlier. It did register that there were no planes in the sky, but not that I should be concerned about it. I went back inside, and ten minutes later all work stopped. TV's were rolled out, in several areas of the store. We all stood there entranced, shocked. Unable to move. Unable to think. My cell phone rang. It was Mama Bird, calling to find out if I had heard. I called my ex-boyfriend (former Navy) to make sure he was okay. It turned out that the Shift Manager of my store had an ex-wife. Her new fiance was on the plane that crashed into the Pentagon.
Nothing more got done that day. I couldn't even think straight.
I remember sitting outside, just before I went inside and found out the news. It was such a nice day. Warm, sunny, a few clouds here and there. It was quiet. Peaceful. And then it all changed.

--Little Bird remembers

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

2011-02-01T22:05:00.003-06:00

So, it's snowing here in Chicago. In fact, we're having a blizzard. I mean a full blown balls to the wall blizzard. They shut down Lake Shore Drive. Part of Wrigley Stadium's roof blew off (the press office). And we've had thunder and lightning. They are telling folks to stay inside. You think? That just maybe that it might be a bad idea to go outside for any reason?
My apartment faces the lake. And my blinds are knocking. The cupboards in the kitchen are rattling and the whole apartment is shaking. There are gusts of wind that are so loud it sounds like it take a couple of windows out.
So what to do when you can't go outside, and your cable goes out? Why, you make soup! What could be better fare during a blizzard?
I had gotten a rotisserie chicken yesterday, so after I ate my meal yesterday, I stripped the carcass and tossed it into a pot with water. Just enough to cover it. I had to let it simmer for 2 to 4 hours (I really don't remember how long I cooked it for), and froze it.
Today, I figured that I could add the leftover mashed potatoes from the other day and then puree it some more. I added shallots, garlic and some green onion too. Oh, and milk and sour cream. Topped with white cheddar, more green onions, crispy onions and of course BACON.
I didn't have a recipe to work from, so mostly this was just winging it. All in all, it was pretty good!

---Little Bird is trying to stay warm.

I want my MTV

2011-01-29T12:41:00.003-06:00

Nick has come back it appears. And it also looks like he brought the rest of the band with him. It hurts and has a bright red mark where I expect it to start bleeding again any minute. GRRRRRRRRRRRRR.
I do not want to have to have him removed again. I don't want to have to do it again later either. I want them to stay gone when I have them removed!!!!! I want to be able to afford the surgery. I want to be able to get health insurance.
Apparently I want for too much.
I have a few recipes, but somehow, now doesn't seem like the proper time to share them.
I will say though, that bacon and peanut butter go VERY well together. Something that was discovered while in the process of making something entirely different.

--Little Bird does not want the band back.

Material Girl

2011-01-10T15:25:00.003-06:00

The diet begins today.
Basically all I'm doing is NOT drinking beer during the week. And walking some more. And eating salads and a few sandwiches instead of pastas and meat-heavy meals.
Okay, I suppose that does sound like SOMETHING after all.
This came about after showing Mama Bird the pictures from New Years (actual paper copies, no digital ones just yet, so I can't show you). Next to Whirly Bird you can tell that Little Bird ain't so little these days. But, that is something I can fix. Also in the pictures I look positively Amish in comparison to my friends. I seriously need to re-think the turtle neck sweater as a "fancy dress" item.
In lighter news Mama Bird, her husband and I went out to eat on Friday to celebrate my birthday. SUSHI!!!! It was wonderful! The next day we went to CostCo and I bought myself a TV and an iPod dock/clock with some of the Christmas and Birthday money I received. Yay for being able to read the channel menu now! The next day Mama Bird and I went to Old Navy. Ostensibly for some camisoles for her. I figured I would check out the jeans for me, and MAYBE I would get some. I found my size, my style and my color immediately. The reason why I did not let go of the jeans even for a second while we traipsed about the store? The tag read 97 cents. That's right. The jeans were 97 cents. We thought it had to have been wrong, but I was sooooo going to try to get them for 97 cents. When we got to the register (Mama Bird could not find her camis) I pointed it out to the girl and she said that it was actually the right price, and omigod was I so lucky. AND they were 40% off!! I got a pair (the only one in the store at that price) for 58 cents. 58 cents!!!!!!
We went back and scoured the shelves for more priced the same, but there weren't any. I did also get a shirt that came to less than $5. A whole outfit for under $6. I should have bought a lottery ticket.
Recipes will be making a comeback here, in a few days or so. I need to look up some good ones to share.

--Little Bird is trying to live up to the name.

Take Me Home Country Road

2011-01-04T12:27:00.003-06:00

I'm sitting here, trying to not fidget myself into a nervous fit. In about an hour I leave for the train station. Because I must get there a couple of hours early. I don't know why I feel the need to be that early, I just do. The train will not leave early. I don't think it's allowed to do such a thing. But my neurosis (this one at least) mandates that I must be more than one hour early to the station. Mama Bird calls this "going airport". When she travels she feels similarly. But she flies. "Going train station" just doesn't have the same ring.

It's been a great visit, time spent cowering in the basement not withstanding. Good friends, good parties, Red Hot Ripplets (crack chips in my vernacular). I'm only bringing one bag of the chips home, I'm trying to be good.
For those not in the know, they simply can't be found in Chicago. I've looked. And they are my all time favorite potato chips.

I will be leaving the books I came here with at Whirly Birds house and borrowing a few others. Namely "There Eyes Were Watching God" something I read in high school. A closer look at the book indicates that the copy I will borrow is actually MY original copy from that high school!! Also borrowing "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo". That one I absolutely must return in a timely manner. There is a waiting list to borrow it apparently. I read fast so I should be able to get it back to her relatively soon. I just need to get a packing envelope and not use duct tape on it.

--Little Bird is getting flighty

Red, Red Wine

2011-01-01T16:53:00.005-06:00

Happy New Year Everyone! All four of you that read this. I hope a good time was had by all!

So yesterday was interesting. I woke up to tornado sirens in St. Louis. Where I am visiting my bestie, Whirly Bird. We spent a fair amount of the noonish part of the day cowering in the basement. It was 65 degrees. On December 31. Tornadoes in December are just plain wrong! And while there was no damage to Whirly Bird's house or even her neighborhood, there were several tornado touchdowns not too terribly far away. Of course, five MILES away is far too close for my comfort zone.

While we were sitting in the basement we decided that this summer I'm coming back to help her clean her basement and set up a "Preparedness Corner". Cooler, comfortable seating, first aid kit, that sort of stuff. If you have to be in the basement, it doesn't have to be uncomfortable!

Once the weather died down we got ourselves calmed down and ran the few errands we needed to to get ready for the evening. I'll go ahead and tell you, there was dancing last night. So that should tell you how I feel today.
We went to a bar/restaurant that specializes in vodka, burgers and sushi. It is not as gross as it sounds, and no, I did not partake of the vodka. If I had, I would have been down for the count by ten PM. I had wine. Red wine. So that should give you a hint of what the evening was like. Despite the hangover, I had a great time.

So now we recover from last night and prepare for tomorrow night. My birthday. And Whirly Bird's is a few days after that, so we are having a joint party tomorrow. I hope I survive it.

--Little Bird's liver is crying

Season's Greetings

2010-12-25T15:45:00.002-06:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!
I hope you and yours have had a good one, and that the New Year is happy and bright for all.
I'm having pizza rolls and beer tonight- and I'M THRILLED TO BE DOING SO!!!!!!

---Little Bird is taking it easy tonight!

More Ketchup

2010-12-20T17:12:00.004-06:00

So, it's been awhile. I've been both busy and not so busy. I've had no idea what to post. I'm thinking of going back to recipes, but not just yet.
This year's Christmas does not involve traveling to New Mexico. We are all staying home. And my step-sister is coming in to celebrate with us the day after Christmas. The day after that, I go to St. Louis to visit with a friend. And yes, I will be traveling by train. How else would I go?
Gift purchasing has been interesting. I still have to get Mama Bird and her husband. And one more gift for Whirly Bird. I have one of hers, and one each for my step sister and her daughter. I can't tell what they are here, as some of the involved folks read this.
There have been some problems with the tumors, and if they act up again in the next few weeks an appointment will be made. I will not go into detail here except to say that I have had surgery in the affected area before, and it was NOT fun. And that it was kinda gross. I'm sure I've discussed it here before.
It's cold here, and gearing up for another round of snow. Which is kind of sad tonight. There is supposed to be a lunar eclipse tonight. The first in 372 years to coincide with the Solstice. And it's overcast. Figures.

--Little Bird is preparing for the holiday

End of an Era

2010-11-07T18:57:00.002-06:00

Sometimes, things don't work out. Sometimes, things end. Sometimes, they were good while they lasted. Sometimes, you get to keep good memories. Sometimes, it's time to say goodbye.
Rooster and I have broken up. It was my choice, and I'm sorry it hurt him. But sometimes, it's just not there anymore.

--Little Bird is solo, again

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T13:40:00.002-06:00

For the first year in I don't know how long, I'm not dressing up for Halloween. I just don't have the energy. Or the money so it kind of worked out. Last night Rooster and I went to Old St. Andrews Inn, a purportedly haunted bar here in Chicago. We didn't see any ghosts, but the food was pretty good and the beers just kept comin'. Word to the wise, Elephant beer by Carlsberg is on the strong side, and more than three of them might not be for the lightweights. Not that I am by any stretch of the imagination a lightweight. The bar also had live music and the band was pretty darned good. I would go back, and probably will.
Tonight I'll be watching either a scary movie or one of the multiple ghost hunter type shows on cable. Of course, I may just watch Abbot and Costello meet Frankenstein again.

--Little Bird is over the hangover

Succotash

2010-10-24T17:35:00.003-05:00

The newest things to report: A heart healthy cooking program, My folks finally get a decent TV, and I start yet another new medicine.
Okay, first things first. My step-father is battling high cholesterol so he wanted some healthy foods for dinners. And he doesn't want it to cost an arm and a leg. My folks had been buying stuff from the prepared foods section of Whole Foods, and that was pretty pricey. So I spent a day or two searching the internet looking for tasty sounding/looking recipes for him. I found around 30. I already had 10, so I think he's set for the next month. Seriously, I could cook one different thing every day and not repeat for well over a month (Sundays I get to be a little less strict about the menu). This ought to be interesting. I figure that by the end of winter, I'll be very very good when it comes to cooking vegetables. Very good. Due to practice alone.

The TV. For years my parents have been making do with a giant obsolete tube tv. The picture was fuzzy. The sound was awful. So they bought a new one. A flat screen! AND a blu-ray player!!! The picture is amazing. The SOUND is incredible. A few months ago my step-father accidentally purchased a few blu-ray disks (he didn't realize that they wouldn't play on the DVD player), so we popped one of those in to see the picture quality. One of the things that a person might never really want to see in the clearest possible picture is an extreme close up of Keith Richards' face. I'm just sayin'.

The pills. Tomorrow I start a generic version of Prozac. Budeprion has been relatively kind to me, but it costs over $100 a month and I don't have insurance to help with it. This new medicine is under $20 a month. The citalopram was less than $5, but the side effects were unacceptable. I read the side effects listed for this new pill, and they aren't all that great either, but they are also not evident in EVERY patient. Of course, they weren't for the last one either, but hey, I'll try it. If it helps, and doesn't cause painful or embarrassing side effects, I'll stick with it.

---Little Bird will be cooking up a storm!

Just a Note

2010-10-13T18:31:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone! Today's post is from New Mexico. It is sunny and cool and Mama Bird's B-day party was a rousing success. No cell service up here though. So if you haven't gotten a call from me (assuming you were expecting one) I can't do it.
Okay, on to the other thing I wanted to address. This is a blog. It is sort of an on-line diary. If you are not interested in the goings on in my life, you are not required to read it. However, if you're going to comment about how no one wants to hear/read about my issues, have the balls to sign your goddamned name. Even if it is a screen name. If you feel the need to say something, clearly you care. Also, if you know I won't publish it due to the fact that you are a fucking asshole, why comment at all?

--Little Bird says FY,YFF!

Irritations

2010-10-06T11:33:00.004-05:00

Hello! I'm back! I know I've been gone for what seems like forever. There have been... issues. Boy HOWDY, have there been issues. Let's start with the biggest one.
Several months ago I started a new medication. One that was supposed to help regulate mood and keep the brain chemistry in the right balance. I suppose it did those things, but at some expense. The list of side effects that came with the meds was daunting. And I ended up with some of the most awful ones. Extreme lethargy (we're talking tired ALL THE TIME). Increased sweating (as if I didn't already sweat too much). And last but certainly not least, diarrhea. Unpredictable, explosive, and extremely unpleasant.
The reasons I switched to it were because I wasn't happy with the medication I had been taking and also the new one was only $4. As opposed to the $96 I had previously been paying.
I stopped taking my meds. I stopped because I was tired of being tired. Because I couldn't go anywhere for several hours after taking it for fear of shitting my pants. I stopped taking them and then things started to get bad.
I got... irritable. Irritable like just-woken-up-haven't-had-caffeine-yet-PMS times like a thousand. It was... not fun for me. I can't imagine that I was much fun to be around. I wasn't sleeping well. I gained twenty pounds (which only irritated me more).
So the other day Mama Bird and I were discussing this and I made an appointment with my doctor. I get to see her in two weeks. In the mean time I'm going to New Mexico. A twenty four hour train ride sounds like just the thing for an irritated mess, right? Two days after I made the appointment it dawned on me that I could call my doctor and ask her if she could phone in a prescription of my OLD meds so that I wouldn't kill anyone on the train. She did and I've been taking them for five or six days now. Already things are better.
The meds I'm taking now are actually different from the old old ones. Before I was taking two pills in the morning and they were sustained release. This meant that I was getting a double dose in the morning and petered out to nothing in the evenings. The NEW old meds are the same drug, but one pill that is also sustained release, but sustained for the whole day.
The new meds cost $117 a month, and that's not great, but at least I'm no more irritated than the next person now.

I think I've explained the whole brain chemistry thing as it pertains to me before here, but I'm gonna do it again.
I have Neurofibromatosis (NF). And a non-verbal learning disorder (NLD). Because of the NF, the nerves in my brain are slightly compromised. Imagine that nerves are like electrical wires, and those wires have that protective sheath insulating them. Okay, the insulation on the wires in my brain? Full of holes. It's not supposed to be like that. Because it's like that, I use more of a specific brain chemical than I make. Because of all that, I have the NLD. Fun isn't it? The meds I take balance all that out. They slow down my re-uptake of the chemical, so there's enough to go around.
At least that's how I understand it. But my brain is wired weird, so I might be wrong,

It's possible that my lack of posting has been because of the imbalance I've been experiencing. We'll see.

--Little Bird is (re)medicated

Wherein I Wax Nostalgic

2010-07-23T00:08:00.003-05:00

This evening, rather late, I was struck with this indescribable urge to go outside. No reason. I just needed to go outside. So I did. And when I stepped outside the doors, I was struck. By the air. The smell, the sensation, the sounds. It's warm, but not hot. And the smell, ... have you ever put something made of iron in your mouth and tasted that sharp tang? That's what it smells like outside right now. It's humid, but not too humid. There's a certain sense of nostalgia outside right now that I can't really explain. It smells green outside. I don't know how to explain it. I love it. It is soooo nice outside that I would love to sleep outside if I could. If I could without being crawled over by about a million spiders.
Something about the quality about the air outside reminds me of being a kid. Nothing specific about being that kid, just being there. I cannot explain it - I know I said that already - but it's true.
It's like I'm here, in this moment, experiencing life. Being there, in life. So much of each day just goes by and I don't really think about it. But there are moments, like tonight outside, where you really feel life. I'm here in this moment and I am. Even the sounds of the night are important somehow. The dull rumble of traffic. The faint hum of insects. The even fainter hum of the air-conditioner condensers from all the nearby buildings. There are people out and about, talking. You can't hear what they are saying, just the babble of voices. But quiet-like. If I had better words to describe it, I'd use them.

--Little Bird is... in the moment

Ketchup

2010-07-21T16:52:00.004-05:00

So, yeah... umm... I've been gone awhile. No real reason for it. I haven't been super busy. I did go to a family reunion. But that was just this past Sunday. And Rooster and I went to go visit his parents in Michigan a couple of weeks ago for a weekend. But that still doesn't explain my absence.
But I have some new stories.
Roosters parents, his mother specifically seems to like me. She stole a set of salt and pepper shakers from her sister-in-law for me. AND sent me three boxes of Jiffy Pop stove top popcorn. Michigan was nice, the drive wasn't overly long, and it all went well.
The family reunion (my family) was not as bad as it could have been, and at the same time worse. My step-mother questioned Rooster to within an inch of his life. He was not amused.
Just before the reunion, my step-sister came to town. And I played host. Sort of. I stayed at Roosters.
I will revisit these stories to give more details at a later date. Hopefully not too far in the future.

--Little Bird has some 'splaining to do.

TMI warning

2010-05-23T17:06:00.003-05:00

The cottonwoods have exploded. There is white fluff floating everywhere. And allergy sufferers are hiding inside. This one is anyway. This would be a perfectly acceptable situation if there weren't a completely different source of allergy hell in my living room. My mothers cats have come to stay for a bit. Mama Bird and her husband are having some work done in their place, so the furballs are with me. And yes, I am allergic to them. I have not allowed them into my room, preferring to have one place to breathe freely. Except, I can't breathe right now. At least not easily.
I should say that I love the cats. I do. No, really I DO. But... I hate not being able to breathe. And the constant itching isn't really all that much fun either.
I spent a good portion of today (and yesterday afternoon) polishing Mama Birds bookcases. With car wax. Since they are made of metal, the car wax is less odd than it sounds. It took awhile. And tomorrow I get to put the books back. All of them. Have I mentioned that they have roughly elebenty million books? Most of them huge? No? They do, and they are. The upside of this is I will be able to breathe while over there. I might be wheezing after a bit, but it won't have to do with allergies.
About a week ago Rooster and I went to St. Louis to visit a few of my childhood friends and go to a graduation ceremony. While we were there, we lucked into some last minute invites to a wedding. One of my high school classmates was getting married and the friend I was staying with was the matron of honor. It was a beautiful ceremony, and the reception was lovely. But they really should have really put a limit on the number of glasses of wine one was allowed to imbibe. If they had, no one would have been able to take a terribly embarrassing video of yours truly dancing. Other than the fact that I can't dance, my friends all learned that I need a better bra.
Oh, and Rooster caught the garter. Whatever that means.
---Little Bird is trying to breathe.

Good Deeds

2010-05-03T21:34:00.004-05:00

Earlier this evening I went to the little convenience store in the building next to mine, for some mac & cheese (I was HUNGRY!)
I was standing in line holding my blue box of Kraft yumminess, and the guys ahead of me were asking a bunch of stupid questions and basically being idiots. Then some guy came up behind me and started putting his groceries on the counter, as if I weren't there at all. I was a little put off. And then one of the two idiots knocked a bottle of rum off the shelf. The clerk was WAAAAAYYYY too busy to take care of it, and I know him pretty well, so I went to the back and found a mop, a broom, and a "caution wet floor" sign. I mopped up the majority of the rum, swept up the bitty glass shards, and set up the sign. The clerk was so appreciative, he bought me a beer! I didn't do it for a reward. I didn't expect to get anything for it. But it was remarkably gratifying, nonetheless.
The farmers market (the one I like the most) opens Wednesday the 12th. The very same day I leave for St. Louis. I'm not worried, I'll catch it the next Wednesday, and hopefully I'll find morels. The one and only mushroom I like. I would like one of the most expensive mushrooms EVAR. Figures.
Plans for mothers day are under way. She wants a picnic. It's likely to rain though. But we have contingency plans.

--Little Bird is hoping for Morels

Warning, Blood Ahead

2010-04-14T15:21:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I bought a new pair of shoes. Ballet flats, in the exact same shade of brown/tan as my beloved backpack. I match! The shoes are from Land's End, and very simple. They are also very stiff. I wore them for about 40 minutes the day after purchase and promptly ended up with a very large blister on my right heel. No biggie really, I expected it to happen. So when I wore them around the house again the other day and experienced no problems, I figured I was in the clear and could now wear them to go to a friends house. I figured wrong.
I got to my friends house and had to take off the shoes, something I would have done even if I hadn't given myself new blisters. I padded around barefoot for a bit and then sat down to look at some magazine and just happened to glance at the heel of my left foot. I didn't think that blisters bled. At least not that much. my whole heel except for the bottom was smeared with blood. My friend ran to get bandaids and ointment (which never stay on once the shoes go back on for some reason) and I ran to get paper towels. And to look at my shoe. The heel of it was full of blood. Blood had actually seeped out to the outside along one of the stitch lines, just a bit. I wiped the shoe (and my foot) off and applied the ointment and bandages, and stayed barefoot 'til I had to go home.
I walked home very slowly.
So now I need a few of those super-special types of bandaids, and a few pairs of trouser socks so I can break the shoes in before I go to St. Louis next month. Because, I WILL break those shoes in!!
In other news, a friend has purchased and now painted his brand new condo. And whoever put up the wallpaper we took down should have their eyes checked. It was that bad. Cream, tan, brown, and metallic silver. In the kitchen. And you should have seen what the paper in the bedroom closet looked like. Who wallpapers a closet? With criminally bad paper at that!?
Tomorrow a friend from back home comes into town. She'll be staying at my place while attending some kind of networking conference pertaining to radiology technicians. Thrilling stuff, I'm sure.
It appears spring has sprung, but I'm not so sure. I half expect a freak blizzard to sweep through Chicago and bury us all in 5 feet of snow.

--Little Bird is ready for spring

Family, the ones who love you (supposedly)

2010-03-29T16:51:00.004-06:00

I have this aunt. She lives in Texas. I could probably stop there and at least two or three of you who know me would completely understand. But, for the other six or seven of you, I'll fill you in. The day after the health care bill was passed I called her to find out how badly she was taking it. See, she's VERY republican and religious to boot. She was not taking it well. In fact, she was in a bit of a tizzy. She thinks it is the very worst thing in the world, as now women will be able to get federally funded abortions. I don't think she has reliable information on the subject, else she wouldn't use that as her first argument against reform. When I reminded her that this bill means that now I can get insurance she said (and I quote) "I don't care about that". She went on to say that her husbands Medicare would be cut drastically as a result of this reform. And that she was tired of paying for other people's health care. Then she hung up on me.
Now remember, she's a very religious and LOVING person. Uh-huh. Suuuuuure. If she says so.
One of my other aunts is trying a different tack. She seems to be bent on driving Mama Bird into a crazed fit because the bill didn't go into effect (for me) RIGHT AWAY. She (the aunt) said she'd be mad if it didn't. She (also the aunt) voted for all the folks who were AGAINST HRC, and didn't want it passed in the first place.
Come July first I should be able to procure insurance. I cannot be denied. Legally. Because of my pre-existing condition I qualify for some help getting that insurance. I'm looking forward to feeling a bit more secure, and less stressed about the what-ifs surrounding my well being. I'm already less stressed about the whole thing.

--Little Bird gets more political every day.

Blah, blah, blah....

2010-03-18T13:04:00.004-06:00

The drowsiness, it has not gone away. The nausea has gotten worse, though that's not a trade-off.
Things otherwise continue to do well. I have a guest coming into town in about a month, from St. Louis. So maybe she'll bring some of the coveted crack chips (I hope, I hope, I hope). I told her that's what I would charge her for giving her a place to stay for the weekend while she attends some kind of workshop. And the following month, I go to St. Louis. That same friend is graduating so Rooster and I are going, both to attend the ceremony and to buy crack chips. Once again it means a train trip. I'm getting better and better at planning these trips. I'm taking less and less stuff with me. This time it'll be a couple of long skirts, one pair of jeans and one pair of work-out pants. And only two pair of shoes. Of course there'll be the toiletry kit and undergarments and food to be brought along, just working on paring it all down a bit. I will also of course be bringing shirts. One cannot go to a commencement ceremony topless, that would be tacky.
You may have noticed I said "Rooster and I", yes he and I are doing well. Things couldn't be better actually! We spend quite a bit of time together, both at his place and at mine. I just can't wait 'til the weather warms up and we can get from one place to another without freezing. Also, there are more things that we can do around town when the weather is warmer. Picnics, walks, the beach, the park. When it's cold, all we want to do is watch movies. Inside. Cuddled under blankets. Which, don't get me wrong, is great fun! But we need to get out of the house every so often!
Last night was one of Chicago's sanctioned nights of drinking. I went out. I was home before midnight. It was kinda lame. There were a lot of people who just don't know how to hold their liquor. There are a lot of people who must have woken up hungover this morning. I wonder how many of them called in sick?

--Little Bird is getting that packing list ready

Ketchup

2010-03-03T12:39:00.002-06:00

Sorry about the prolonged absence. There has been all kinds of stuff going on. And some of it just couldn't be bandied about on the interwebs at the time.
First Rooster and I broke up. We later got back together and things are now better than ever!!!
Then I started a new medication. Which I was able to get at Target for $4!!! No more paying $94 a month for meds!
But! That new medication? Has some... interesting side effects. One of them is drowsiness. And today my dosage doubled (the doctor wanted to sort of "stair-step" me to the "right" dosage). So even though I'm practically mainlining caffeine, I still could sleep for a day or three.
Closets have been cleaned.
Dinner with the folks AND Rooster has been had. (Everyone survived)
More on some of these topics later. I think I need a nap.

--Little Bird has not fallen off the face of the planet

iClean

2010-02-05T13:03:00.005-06:00

I found out the other day that it might be possible to for me to hook my busted laptop up to my television set. All I need are some cables and maybe an adapter. Which I may already have. This will only work if the problem is in the screen and not the video card. I'm hoping for a $40 fix, instead of a $400 fix.
I think I also found out that I may be a touch OCD. If only in VERY slow cycles. I spent a goodly portion of yesterday clearing out a few drawers and organizing my movies. And my jewelry box. And then I made a schedule of when I'll clean what in the next week or so. I also have this odd desire to start scrapbooking. Something I've never been interested in before. A therapist would likely tell me that all this is some kind of attempt to impose order on my life. What you have to understand is, I hate cleaning. I hate organizing. Dunno why. Just do. The drawers in my room are usually catch-alls for all the random pieces of paper I accumulate. And pens. And cards. And beads etc. etc. (This is also likely some deeply rooted subconscious need being filled in some way.) I only get into organization mode once or twice a year. And usually it's not me who initiates it.
What's amusing to me about this is, this time I've been able to see it. And parse it. And even though I think I know what's going on, I still have the urge to organize. Maybe I should start doing some of this at night, since I'm not really sleeping anyway. Maybe I'll be done in under a week that way! Since getting up this morning I've already cleaned out two more drawers and plan on getting the rest of that set done today/tonight. Next up, the book drawer (under the bed and not in any way part of the drawer set I am currently working on).

--Little Bird is organizing... again

Verizon sucks, part III

2010-02-01T14:13:00.003-06:00

It just keeps getting worse. Now they say that there were TWO phones charged to us!! TWO equipment fees!! PLUS late fees and taxes on all of that stuff!!! That's right, taxes on items that we never ordered AND had removed from our bill. They seemed to think we should still pay the tax on the item even though the item did get removed. They say our bill is well over a thousand dollars now. So, Mama Bird had a rather lengthy conversation with someone over at Verizon's offices. We think we have it cleared up. We're still waiting on that bill. And they know for a fact that we will be taking our business elsewhere.
We think the second phone thing is a clerical screw-up due entirely to reporting it. That, or they're trying to get us to pay for as much as they can (real or invented) because they know we're dropping them. Either way, it sucks.
Learn from this fiasco, do NOT sign up with Verizon!!

--Little Bird is tired of it all.

Verizon sucks, part two

2010-01-28T13:48:00.002-06:00

So, the fraud department was supposed to take care of the problem and they seemed to do so. I stopped getting texts threatening to shut off my service at least. Until yesterday. I got the text and called Mama Bird. Needless to say she got a little upset and her voice rose a few octaves while we were talking. She called Verizon and lit into them. They had an explanation. Of COURSE they had an explanation. That explanation was in a word LAME. They said that the bill was actually somewhere around $500 because of an "equipment" fee. This is a fee that gets applied when you order a device and don't activate it. But, let's remember... we didn't order any device in the first place. Then they tell us that we have some late fees to deal with. But we STILL haven't gotten our bill!! It turns out that they either didn't change our shipping and billing address back to what it should be, or they did so incorrectly.
We are not going to have to pay any late fees. We did get that cleared up. I think. I hope. And as soon as that bill is paid, we are all getting new phones with a new provider.

There is other stuff going on as well, but nothing I can talk about here really.

--Little Bird anticipates an iPhone (maybe)

Verizon SUCKS!

2010-01-12T14:10:00.004-06:00

If you have a Verizon contract, you may be interested to know what has recently transpired in this birds nest. I have been getting phone calls and texts from Verizon, telling me that Mama Bird owes them lots of money. She hasn't been getting the calls, I have. And the person I spoke to wanted me to give them Mama Birds credit card number! As if I would a) have the credit card number and b) give it to ANYONE! As it appears, someone hacked her contract. Someone changed her shipping and billing address and then ordered a blackberry. The blackberry was shipped but never activated. That happened in November. Whoever did this did it via phone. To do this they had to know her account number, and her social. When Mama Bird tried to clear this up (via phone) she was told that she had to come in and show proof of identity, keep in mind whoever did all the changing did it via phone. This was a few days ago when it was FREAKING cold outside. And this little trip to the Verizon store took two hours. And nothing could be done until yesterday because the fraud department was closed for the weekend. Now, the blackberry has been blocked and can never be activated because Verizon did something using the blackberry's serial numbers. BUT the fact remains that the contract itself is not all that safe. My step father's contract and mine are just about up, for us to transfer to a different carrier will cost us nothing. For Mama Bird however, they want to charge her $155 to get out of her contract.
Mama Bird did some research and got the address to which the blackberry was sent. IT'S A VACANT LOT. So if the blackberry did get sent, who received it? And why didn't they activate it in NOVEMBER? We think it's an inside job. They would have access to her info and could do this fairly easily.
Verizon should let her end her contract WITHOUT incurring a fee, since this is an error on their part. We haven't heard back from the fraud department yet. They say it will take at least two weeks to clear up. This is unacceptable. At best we expect to not have to pay for the blackberry and any late fees having to do with unpaid bills, as we never got the damned bills BECAUSE SOMEONE CHANGED THE BILLING ADDRESS!
Needless to say, Mama Bird has been a little upset lately.
On a lighter note, Mama Bird, my stepfather and myself had my birthday dinner this past Sunday evening. We had spicy southwest steak tar-tare, a great big southwest style salad, guacamole and chips. It was delicious! I was given an apron from a restaurant in Santa Fe, Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" and another cookbook titled "How to Cook Everything". That last book has 2,000 recipes in it. I think I'll be set for some time now!

--Little Bird is going to be cooking up a storm

Satisfaction, I Got Some

2010-01-01T11:04:00.005-06:00

It's a bright sun shiny first day of the new year! Also, it's cold. Really cold. There's ice on the lake cold.
Last night was a nice quiet evening spent inside watching movies. And opening birthday gifts. My birthday is tomorrow, but Rooster thought I should open them last night. Season one of "True Blood", a collector's edition of "Monty Python and the Holy Grail", a set of salt and pepper shakers (green glass George Washington busts) and a CD from Starbucks (covered with thousands of teeny tiny birds). I'm very close to starting the "True Blood" marathon, and will now have to go find season two so I can stay current.
My father sent me a gift too. This is nothing short of amazing since we don't have the best of relationships. Mama Bird can attest to that being the understatement of the century. Anyway, my father sent me a set of Melmac (trademarked) cafeteria style (think 50's or 60's) tea/coffee cups, saucers, and dessert plates with a sugar bowl and creamer. It's all this great shade of lime green that will actually go perfectly with all my orange stuff. It's really cute and I love it!
I don't have any resolutions, I would likely break them in a week anyway. But I can say that already, this year is better than the last. Last year this time, I was alone. Last year this time I was depressed. This year I have someone to share time with, someone to watch movies with. Someone to just BE with. It's nice.
Last year's depression had little to do with being alone, and everything to do with being dissatisfied. Dissatisfied in general. The last part of this past year has been great, and it looks to only get better.
So I hope that everyone had a great New Year's, and that the coming year is the best one yet for everyone.

--Little Bird is satisfied

Bonfire, Bonfire, BONFIRE!

2009-12-25T12:00:00.004-06:00

Greetings from the high desert! I am writing this from Abiquiu New Mexico and it is COLD here. The train ride here was blessedly uneventful and the scenery (while it was light out) was pleasant. It snowed almost the whole way here. Or at least, there was snow on the ground almost the whole way here. The peanut butter filled pretzels were just right.
Mama Bird and I came to a deal last night. I won't make disparaging comments about her buying expensive, well made items ($40 socks, for example), and she won't make fun of how I tend to over prepare for travel. And the reason she won't make fun of my preparedness is we had to stay in Santa Fe the night my train came in. See, it snowed here. A lot. And the roads were horribly bad. She didn't want to be driving in that PLUS it would be dark before we go to the cabin. But, she hadn't planned on staying in Santa Fe, so she didn't have things like a toothbrush and toothpaste. Or lotion. I had all those things. Plus a few more (I also had a wine key that came in handy last night). I won't be making any more disparaging comments about her expensive well made things because I realized that I too tend to spend a lot for things that are worth it (I want a $30 garlic press).
Last night was one of the best Christmas eves I've ever had. It was cozy, we had good food, we sat around and sang Christmas songs. The church across the plaza from us has a bonfire every year. A great huge thing that has to be visible for miles. We had never been to it so we figured we would go this year. Midnight Mass was at 10, and so we kept peeking out the window, and sometimes walking over to the church to see if there was anything to see. Nope. So we finally figured that the fire would be lit after Midnight Mass, and we settled down in the living room to reminisce. Mama Bird got up to get something out of the kitchen and all of the sudden I heard her say "bonfire". I had to ask her what she meant and she said "bonfire, bonfire BONFIRE!" What we hadn't noticed was the piles of wood in front of the churches fence/wall. Quite a few of them in fact. And now they were all lit. It looked like the church itself was aflame. People were gathering and going in, and the processional was getting ready to go in. We were outside to watch them all go in to the church and watched the fires for a bit, but we didn't think we could stay up another hour to go see the big bonfire. We walked back to our cabin under a cloudless sky filled with all the stars you can't see when you live in a city. It was perfect.

I have just been informed that next year for Christmas, Mama Bird wants an axe.

--Little Bird is prepared for this

ORANGE!!!

2009-12-20T13:02:00.004-06:00

Christmas came to my nest early this year. My grandfather sent me a HUGE check, and that really helped me finish purchasing all the rest of the gifts I needed to buy for others (of course, now I am committed to go to a family reunion in the summer). I didn't manage to finish Roosters "craft gift" (a cross stitched throw pillow with his favorite Star Trek quote) and he already knows what it is as we have already exchanged gifts.
For Rooster I bought a leather messenger bag, it sorta has an Indiana Jones vibe to it and looks as if it will last forever. He also received the movie "Inglorious Basterds" and two tiny books - one of dirty limericks and another of weird factoids - both for the bathroom.
From Rooster I received the first season of "The French Chef" with Julia Child (!) and two sets of salt and pepper shakers, and then he blew me away with the totally perfect dove stick pin! It's a prop replica from the movie "For Your Eyes Only", and when we watched the movie, I saw it and told him I would love to find one of those because of this blog and my failblog name. AND HE FOUND ONE!!!! He totally gets brownie points for being so thoughtful!

For my step-father I picked up a stainless steel liquid soap pump. He had this ugly plastic bottle on his bathroom counter. He has very good taste in the things he chooses to surround himself with so I thought that maybe he'd appreciate something a little less... fugly. I also got him a jigger for when he and Mama Bird make martinis, and some black gum. He always gets something black from me, it's a long standing gag with us. But I don't think I'll ever top the year we found black toilet paper!
To Mama Bird I gave a set of black micro-fleece base layers. Basically long underwear, but slightly nicer than that. She too, will get a cross stitched pillow. She has requested the quote from Alice Roosevelt Longworth -- If you don't have something nice to say about someone, sit right here by me. Yes, she already knows, and we looked up the quote together so it would be right.
FROM my parents, I received a 6 piece set of Le Crueset cookware!!!! A stock pot, a sauce pan, and a 4(?) quart french oven!! Each one has a lid (and the lids count as three of the pieces). And they are ORANGE!!!!!! I can finally throw away my old, beat up, no-longer-teflon-coated pots and pans!!! And the new pieces look so pretty in my kitchen with all my other orange stuff. I haven't cooked anything in them yet, but I will tonight.
Gift giving was done early this year with Rooster because I will be out of town on Christmas proper, and I wanted to share that moment with him. My family and I exchanged gifts early because no one wanted to lug a 6 piece set of enameled cast iron across the country, and some of the items might not have made it through airport security.

So now it's just one more day to go, and then it's onto a train and one week of quiet, crisp New Mexico mountains. I think I'll take fried chicken to eat, and I picked up peanut butter filled pretzels for snacking. Along with the soda, beer and propel packets. Maybe I'll find some candy of some sort to also bring along.
I've been packed for two days already because it's one of my little quirks, I want to be prepared. I don't want to forget anything. I always forget something anyway. Also, this train will be ridiculously packed, and I need to make sure I have what I need to have a pleasant train ride. Here's hoping I don't get stuck sitting next to a creep. Also, here's hoping I can get a window seat.

--Little Bird has achieved cookware nirvana

What To Pack

2009-12-10T11:01:00.004-06:00

Once again I am preparing for a trip to New Mexico. This year we'll be staying in a different place, one I've never been to before. And, once again, I'll be taking the train there. This is the 21 hour trip. Not the 27 hour one that always seems to turn into a 32 hour trip. Still, this trip requires some advance planning. Not just the usual packing stuff either. See, 21 hours on a train is a bit of a long time. And I leave right before Christmas. The train? It will be PACKED. Chances are they will somehow mysteriously over-book*.
So, what to bring on a packed to the gills train? Books. At least two and of different genres, because I will get bored with one of them at some point. My cross stitch stuff, the small hoop and maybe a pattern. Music, this year I have to use the personal CD player as both iPods are out of commission. The travel Scrabble game. Food. And basic amenities. These include wet wipes, hand sanitizer, a bitty bottle of Febreeze (try it once, you'll never travel without it again), a toiletry kit (remember, this is 21 hours I'm talking here), and slippers. I haven't decided if I'll bring the blanket and pillow, they take up precious space, but then they are really helpful once sleep is needed.
The food situation is still up in the air. I don't really know what to pack this time. Other than soda and beer. Propel packets are good, small and easy to pack, the water bottle is also a good thing since there are water fountains in each car, thus being free. Now, for actual food? I'm kind of at a loss. I might just pack a few Lunchables. That's what Rooster and I got on the way back home from St. Louis.
I'm open to suggestions.
* When a train over books, no one gets bumped off the train. Not even the extra person, assuming of course that they only over booked by two or three people. They just seat those extra folks in the observation/snack car until a few seats open up. That's kind of the cool thing about the train. All those stops, picking up and dropping off all kinds of different people. You never really know what kind of person is going to end up sitting next to you. Sometimes it's a great person (the trip back from Colorado on year was particularly nice). Sometimes it's a harridan (the trip back from New Mexico once was unbelievably awful). For some reason, I love to travel by train. I may be a glutton for punishment.

--Little Bird is getting prepared

Today

2009-12-04T15:38:00.004-06:00

The other day I called a friend, just to see what she was up to. Apparently not much, as she felt terrible. She said her stomach was really bloated (enough to look preggers she said) and that she had taken about 10 to 15 antacids. The first thing that went through my mind was, that that many antacids can't be good for a person. I told her that maybe she shouldn't take any more and possibly call a doctor. She didn't take any more. Neither did she call a doctor. She went out and had a glass of wine and a bite to eat. The next day she still wasn't feeling any better (this was after she did some work stuff) and spoke to a doctor. Today she is in the hospital having her appendix removed.
She has asked me to feed her cat and to bring her some things from her place. You know, reading material, reading glasses, and MAKE UP. There are cute doctors in hospitals you know.
It took me a bit to figure out just how to get to the hospital she's in. And it will take a bit more, once I actually get there, to find her.
I was told that the pain associated with her appendix was like shards of glass in her belly. I hope my appendix decides to stay nice and calm.
So now that I've finished cleaning my parents apartment, it's off to my friends place to feed the cat, gather some reading material, and her make up. What did you do today?

--Little Bird is on a mission

A Visit To A Padded Room

2009-11-30T13:30:00.004-06:00

Mama Bird and I got back late afternoon Saturday from our new Thanksgiving tradition. We decided while we were there that it would become our new tradition. The cottage we stayed in was perfect. A full kitchen (while small, was still bigger than my own), a fireplace in the living room and cozy furniture. Well, most of it was cozy (some of the chairs were less than comfy). The living room was upholstered! There was fabric on the walls and someone took the time to put piping along every corner, the top and bottom edges of each wall and surrounding each window and door. There was even batting under that fabric, so the walls were lightly padded. The bathroom had a half sized tub, something I don't think I've ever seen before. It makes sense though, you don't really need a full tub to shower in. And the Inn has a heated indoor pool just down the road, so you could soak there if the mood struck you.
The only bad things I have to say about the room are these; the fireplace came without any instructions*, and neither did the weird locking system for the front door.** Other than that, things were peachy! They left us fresh orange juice in the fridge for the next morning, and that fridge was large enough to hold all the perishables we brought with us.
* Ok, you might think that lighting a fire in a fireplace is pretty easy. And for the most part it is. But really, not everybody has much experience doing so. Mama Bird and I are both fairly proficient at it, but we still had problems. For one thing the flue was shut, and we did not know that until the fire was lit. The WHOLE cottage filled with smoke and we had to call maintenance to come help us out. I was on the phone with them while Mama Bird tried to do something about the smoke. If there were an audio recording of the whole ordeal, it would have been comedy genius.
** Again, you would think that door locks are pretty easy to figure out. This door lock was ... interesting. The door was unlocked when we arrived, and that was no big deal, we figured that was on purpose. However, once inside, I noticed that the lock was only accessible from the inside. There was no keyhole on the outside of the front door. It was some kind of deadbolt that while it certainly locked the door, was a bit odd. It turned out that if you left your cottage, say to go walk around the town, or drive to the next one to buy provisions, you locked your front door from the inside, and returned through the back door. That doesn't seem so bad, but the path TO that back door was poorly lit after dark and required a flash light to navigate.
All that aside, we had a great time. Again for the most part***. For dinner the first night we had butternut squash filled ravioli served with sun dried tomatoes, basil, shaved parmasean, and roasted pumpkin seed oil. It was... perfection. Just a tiny bit of garlic (fresh) and some italian seasonings to give it that little touch. For Thanksgiving dinner we went to someone else's house and had a full traditional meal. Turkey, stuffing, and veggies. I brought the mashed sweet potatoes and walnut green beans and for dessert I brought Ry's pumpkin cheesecake. All of those recipes can be found somewhere in the archives, and the cheesecake in the comments of "I Was On A Boat 'Yall". Everybody loved everything!
*** Put me and Mama Bird in the same kitchen and eventually tempers will flare. It never fails. But the food always comes out great, and we always get over it. I still maintain that there is some kind of catharsis to it.

---Little Bird has a new tradition

Grrrrr!

2009-11-22T20:39:00.003-06:00

My computer conspires against me. That weird little last post? Wasn't supposed to post like that. It was a draft. One that I had to save and abandon the computer so my step-father could get on-line. I've been having computer problems lately. A sick, twisted part of me hopes he has too. If he has, maybe we can get the damned thing FIXED!
So yes, the stitches come out Monday (tomorrow) and Mama Bird and I go to southern Indiana for Thanksgiving later in the week.

We are bringing food to a dinner we have been invited to. Two sides and a desert. Mashed sweet potatoes (recipe from last year about this time) and Walnut green beans (recipe also somewhere on here) and pumpkin cheese cake. That last recipe is from the comment section of "I Was On A Boat Y'all" , a relatively recent post of mine. The recipe is from a FailBlog friend, and looks fantastic!
The trip to New Harmony looks to be pleasant. Nice and quiet. We're bringing all the food we need as we rented a cottage and it has a full kitchen. The part I'm looking forward to is the fireplace. Reading and playing Scrabble. And maybe some cross-stitch work.
I'm working on getting everyone's Christmas gifts in order. This is not exactly an easy undertaking. I've got Rooster's figured out (I won't list them as he reads this site) and my step-father's gifts are also figured out. Mama Bird's are not yet decided and the crazy family is getting nuts. Spicy roasted nuts. I figure it's appropriate. There are a few other friends to buy for, but for the most part, I've got their gifts all worked out.
Other than that, I have nothing to report.

--Little Bird tries to work with her computer

2009-11-21T08:14:00.002-06:00

Update: The stitches are healing fine. I guess. They itch. But they haven't popped open or torn or anything that fall into the realm of uh-oh.

This year for Thanksgiving, Mama Bird and I are traveling to New Harmony, Indiana. As someone from FailBlog put it, it's about as close to not being in Indiana as you can get, and still be in Indiana. It's right on the boarder near the southern end.

Nick/ Cut

2009-11-16T15:59:00.004-06:00

So, today I had the little tumor-thing cut off my back. I named it Nick, after one of the Backstreet Boys. Subsequent tumor-things removed from my back will be named after the other band members. The doctor was very pleasant, and quite kind. He played music, I think to keep me from hearing what he was doing. Regardless, I heard the "snip" when he cut away the bulk of Nick. It was a bit disconcerting. Not nearly as disconcerting as seeing Nick, held between thumb and index finger four feet away from my body.
I have a few stitches that have to come out next week, and a few rules to follow in the meantime. Put polysporin on it, change the bandage, don't get it wet for twenty four hours, those sorts of rules. It twinges a little, and if it really starts to hurt I can take tylenol (I think it's weird that spellchecker has no problem with the word tylenol, but Avis is flagged). The only thing that worries me is when I sleep. See, I move around when I sleep. A lot. I don't want to aggravate the stitches anymore than they already are.
I do not have health insurance. So every time I need to have a tumor removed (or just a plain old check up) it costs a lot of money. Out of pocket. Most of my doctors have been really cool about it, offering some sort of price reduction to help out. This visit cost less than it could have, thanks to the doctor for understanding that no insurance and no job means parental payment. We still had to pay a lot though. Plus there was an additional $200 pathologist fee, to have someone look at it to see if it has anything to do with the dreaded "C" word.
Neurofibromatosis is a "pre-existing condition" that precludes me from most insurance. The places that WILL cover me want an arm and a leg in monthly fees and a HUGE deductable. It costs less to not have those fees. But, if any of my tumors (I have well over 40) should turn cancerous, I'm screwed.
Why does health care have to cost so much? Why isn't there a better system in place to help people who can't cover those costs?
I would like to encourage everyone who reads this (all four of you) to go to www.ctf.org and learn more about neurofibromatosis. The site explains things far better than I could. If you have any questions pertaining to my specific case, I'll answer as best I can.

--Little Bird is now Nickless

Disturbing

2009-11-06T17:20:00.003-06:00

Sometimes I disturb myself. Like with this little tidbit of personal information. I have several tumors, and when one has to be removed, it gets a name. A regular sort of name. The one that was above and slightly behind my right ear was Ralph. The one on the underside of my chin was Harry, because of the one lone hair it occasionally sprouted. The annoying one on my neck was Herman, and that's what my dad used to call me when he wanted to get under my skin. The group that was removed when I was 21 (discussed in an earlier post) we can call the Brothers Grim. And lastly the one on my face, right side, I've dubbed Arnold. Arnold wasn't really a tumor (hence the name... "It's not a toomah") but a cyst that abscessed and had to come out ASAP.
But the naming all started with Ralph. You see, years ago, when I was 22, I dated this guy. And his mother had a tumor in the exact same place. She had named it Ralph, because it had been with her for so long. So I named my matching one Ralph too. It was the only one to get a name before it had to be removed. So far all the names are masculine, and have some meaning behind them. So. What do I call the one on my back that is coming off on the 16th? I'm having difficulty thinking up an appropriate name for him.
I just remembered that I did name one other one that hasn't been removed yet, and not only that, it has a feminine name. Rosey. She's on my forehead. I also feel I should point out that all of these tumors are really small. Mole sized, but not moles. And they get removed when they start to act up.
Should I talk about food now?
No? Too soon?
Ok.
Sometimes other people disturb me. Like what my crazy relative told me yesterday. She lives in Texas (I know, I could stop there and you would still understand). She and I were discussing the incident at the military base not too far from her. The one in the news. The one where the officer lost his marbles and started shooting up a theatre. She informed me that the gunman was muslim, and that was why he did it. She went on to tell me that there has been talk of rounding up all the muslims in the U.S. and deporting them. That's right. She said it like this was a good thing. It worries me sometimes that crazy appears to run in my family.
I pointed out to her that we (as a country) can't really do that as we have laws about that sort of thing. You know, you can't discriminate against some one for their race, color, or creed. Civil rights. Basic rights at that. I also pointed out that this country was founded on freedom of religion (among other things). She seemed to think that it was perfectly alright to ship 'em all out because, you know, they all want to kill us. Forgetting that nearly every group has extremists and you can't judge an entire group of people by the actions of a few. She said it was part of their religion to try to kill us all. And by "us" she meant everyone who isn't muslim. THEN she went on to say that the saddest part of it all was that those people (and by "those people" she meant everyone who isn't christian - her brand of it at that) were all going to hell. Did I mention that she kinda scares me sometimes? I'm RELATED to this person! I share genetic traits with her. Luckily, that's about all I share with her.

--Little Bird is soon to be carved

Train Stations

2009-11-04T14:51:00.006-06:00

The train station in St. Louis is pretty new. And fantastic when compared with the last two they had. Oh, yes, St. Louis has a Union Station. But they turned that into a mall and a hotel. About 20 years or more ago. When the mall was new, it was really cool. Now that mall only has crap. And the hotel doesn't see half the business it used to. So while St. Louis had a great new mall, they still needed a downtown train stop. So they purchased and assembled one of those "temporary" buildings. The ones that on a smaller scale are often used as garden sheds. It was drafty and cold in the winter, and overly warm in the summer. It was referred to by locals as the "Amshack". So someone decided to build a new station stop. Same kind of building, only this was about 20 yards east and faced with bricks. It was still called an "Amshack". Finally someone (I assume someone else this time) realized that this stop is the first impression that many people have of the city. And rolling up to a tiny metal shed doesn't send the right message. Also, the station(s) were/are right near the new ballpark and the hockey arena, gotta keep up appearances! So now the station is bright, clean and has actual food vendors instead of vending machines. And the bathrooms aren't scary at the new place (I honestly don't know what the restrooms in the older places looked like, I could never bring myself to enter them). The new station is nice! The new station makes it easier to tell the difference between the normal people and the crazies.
To explain, the old place was a dump, and anyone can look crazy in a dump and everybody sort of blends in there for some reason. But in the new place, the crazies stand out. There was this guy there Monday. When he wasn't constantly moving from seat to seat, he could have looked normal. Except then he got up to wander around and a security guard turned around and the guy (let's call him Mr. Green) made a mad dash for the nearest available seat. It turns out that he'd been there awhile and been something of a problem. We watched this charade play out a few times until finally the guard told him (and his brother who did nothing to control Mr. Green) that he had to stay seated. In ONE seat. That's when we noticed that Mr. Green was a wee bit... twitchy. I was a bit worried that he would be on our train, but luckily he was taking the bus (Greyhound also uses the station). Other than that, the train experiences this trip were entirely uneventful.
The turducken has arrived!!! A ten pound hunk of birds within birds, along with some creole stuffing. The company that assembles them also sent along a canister of creole seasoning for any other dishes you might be making go go along with the bird(s). So this weekend it's off to get the rest of the necessary items. Green beans (in a can, ick) for the green bean casserole (also ick) and the other stuff for it. The stuff for the mashed potatoes and the mashed sweet potatoes and a few foil pans to cook and transport the food from my place to the staff lunch room. Here's hoping my cold is gone by then and I don't infect the entirety of my building maintenance staff!
Other than that, I have nothing new to report. Unless you want an update on the state of my cold. Which I strongly suggest that you don't.

--Little Bird will soon be cooking a big one

I'mmm Baaaaaack

2009-11-03T13:28:00.003-06:00

So, the trip to St. Louis went well! The costumes were great! Whirly Bird went as FLO from the Progressive commercials, and totally looked the part. My Julia Child costume looked eerily accurate (when I was standing next to the 5 foot 2 inch Whirly Bird that is). Rooster's revolutionary war british officer was fantastic. And Whirly Bird's beau went as an OB-GYN, with an offer of a free exam, that night only advertised on the back of his lab coat.
The night was cut a bit short by the cold that Whirly Bird and her beau both had. But we still made it out to some parties and bars. It wasn't too cold, but it was cold enough that we needed jackets.
We got to stop by a few neat shops the next day, and catch up with some of my old friends. I also got to pick up some of my favorite St. Louis foods. Red Hot Ripplets (Old Vienna) and Pasta Crunchers from a local restaurant.
Whirly Bird is a kind a generous hostess, she shared her home, her food AND her cold with us! I've been teasing her about that for the past two days. It's not her fault, I'd have gotten a cold anyway. It's how it works.
We did get to introduce Rooster to some only-in-St.-Louis delicacies. Like Imo's Pizza. With the cheese that sticks to your teeth. The cheese that (legend has it) was invented in St. Louis. Also the super thin cracker style of pizza the town is known for. Some local beers, and Steak n' Shake. I know, Steak n' Shake isn't St. Louis only, but I don't know where any are near me, so I only get to go to one when I'm there. Next time we'll take him out for toasted ravioli and find some gooey butter cake. And Vess soda.
Today I am all about the not doing anything. I am popping Advil cold and sinus like candy (every 4 hours or so). And drinking gatorade right now, trying to keep hydrated. I want to sleep. All day. Rooster wasn't too keen on that idea, but suffered through it for a while. But he had to get back to his place before the buses get packed. Poor thing has to go to work tomorrow. Yes, Rooster got the cold too. I can't even begin to tell him how sorry I am about that.
We took the train there and back, and it was an uneventful ride. No real delays (ten minutes doesn't count). We had plenty of food both ways (we picked up lunchables for the way home). There were no screaming children, nor creepy neighbors (on the train at least, the station is another story for tomorrow).

--Little Bird is staying in the nest today

I Was On A Boat, Y'all

2009-10-28T09:07:00.005-06:00

Jetskis are unpleasant machines. In my opinion at least. They are loud, they create a dangerous swimming environment, and they are loud. Yes, loud enough to complain twice. Also, unless they are on, they don't move in the water so well.
Allow me to explain. Yesterday a friend of mine was scheduled to take his boat from Chicago to Portage, Indiana. And he wanted to have a second set of hands on board, just in case. So he asked me to help. This being a chance to go for a spin on the boat, and of course enjoying that friends company, I agreed to help.
Before we could leave, however, we needed to drop off a jetski at a harbor just two or three harbors south of where the boat summers. So we attached a line to it and off we were. As soon as we got out into open water (past the breakwater) we sped up a little. And the line connecting the jetski to the boat... snapped. When we looked back we didn't see it and at first thought it was merely covered by the wake. So we had to circle around it a few times while I tried to reach out and snag it with the boat pole/hook. In order to do this we had to actually hit the damned thing to get it to sort of slide along the side of the boat so I could reach it.
Once it was secured we continued on our way, at a much slower pace. And as we turned a corner of the other harbors channel, the line snapped AGAIN!. This time we got it much faster, as the water was calmer and I resorted to looping the line around the steering column. Word to the wise. Don't attempt to tow a jetski by attaching the line around the steering column. The damned thing flipped over and we ended up towing it upside-down to the nearest dock. And I was so afraid we were going to damage the thing somehow, I got the pole out again and reached out to snag it and pulled it in -by the pole- and held it that way 'till we got to that dock. Once there we attached a whole new line to it and turned it upright. The owner of the jetski was waiting for us and we made the drop-off successfully. With a minor bonus of my getting to hurl a few life jackets at the guy. I officially hate jetskis now.
After that it was no problem. We pumped out the head (had to be done), and off we were. The trip across the lake was nice, if slightly bumpy. The marina we were headed to is down this small channel, kind of hard to see. The building near it used to be painted green. But now they've painted it beige, so it looks like all the other industrial buildings along the lake. It took us a bit to figure out exactly where we were going. Once in the channel the choppiness stopped and we had to go pretty slow. As we got close to our slip, I was standing on the bow, getting ready to throw the line to someone on the dock, and a beautiful heron flew across the channel, right in front of us. It was incredible! I have never seen one that close, and certainly not that close in flight. It was really quiet back there, and so peaceful.
Once docked it was a mad dash to get the boat ready for dry dock. Stuff to be put away, other stuff to be emptied. All the food on board had to come off, and oddly enough, all the booze stayed on board. We got a ride from one of the dock employees to the train stop and took the train back into the city. And while on the train we drank champagne, a tradition I'm told. Every trip back from taking the boat in for the winter he drinks champagne on the train. (Though I must say, we didn't drink champagne the first time I helped with this voyage, that time we ran out of booze much earlier in the evening (while at dock, we weren't boating and drinking) and had resorted to try drinking straight vermouth. Sweet vermouth. I do not recommend it.)
So, because of yesterdays excitement, I am beyond sore today. I hurt. And I have a LOT of stuff to get done before Thursday night.
I'll leave you with a question; what is the last voyage of a season called? Not a ships final voyage, but just the last one of the season.

--Little Bird survived

Catharsis

2009-10-22T10:46:00.002-05:00

Last night I was trying to think of a topic to write about for today. And I had a fantastic idea. Right before I fell asleep. No, of course I don't remember what it was. That would be silly. And unlikely to boot. So I'll just muddle on here, and see what I can come up with.
My trip to St. Louis is coming up, and the weather just keeps getting worse. I hope it's at least DRY this year. Rain would put a damper on things (no pun intended).
This weekend I am making a birthday dish for Mama Bird (birthday was while she was out of town) and I haven't a clue how to make it. It's that dish she had at that restaurant in Taos. The dish is Chiles en Nogado. I've found several recipes for it on-line but every time I tell her about them she says it's not the right thing. That hers was breaded. So this ought to be an interesting experience. I think the yelling in the kitchen is all part of the cooking experience anyway. It's cathartic. At least that's what I'm going to tell my step-father the next time he complains about our yelling.
Thanks to everybody for the container ideas for traveling with spices! I'll figure something out, I have some time left. I did realize that I need at least two containers by Thanksgiving, when Mama Bird and I go to New Harmony. For those that don't know, New Harmony is a tiny little town that has a lot of history to it. We like the quiet. And the quaint, antique-y feel the place has. We're getting a "cottage" this time (we haven't been in YEARS) so we can cook our own meals. The real plus side is the place has a fireplace. We get to sit in front of the fire and stare at it. While that might not sound like fun to everyone, for a couple of city-bound nerdy types, it's absolutely heaven. When we go to New Mexico, we stare at the fire there too. It's like taking a step back, and getting away from all the hustle and bustle. Stopping and taking a breath. Meditating. The fire is like a focus. It's always changing, but always the same.

--Little Bird takes a breath

Valley of the Dolls

2009-10-15T16:26:00.004-05:00

Taking a cue from Nancy over at nancynall.com, I bring you this story from my childhood.
When I was very young I wanted a Barbie doll. All my friends had them. My cousins had them. But, alas, these dolls were not allowed in my house, by edict of Mama Bird. I know now why she didn't want them around. But I still don't agree with the ban on them. When I was eight or so I took it upon myself to buy my own damned Barbie doll. The western/cowgirl Barbie (I think I was still harboring dreams of becoming a Dallas Coyboys Cheerleader. Remember, I was born in Dallas, I couldn't help it.). She came with the hat and boots and a tiny rubber stamp that was a kiss mark. I was so proud of myself for getting it myself (I used my Christmas money) and my grandmother had no problem with me buying it. Mama Bird made me return it the next day, unopened, unplayed with.
Mama Bird thought that I would develop an unhealthy body image if I had Barbies around, what with their enormous boobs and microscopic waistline. That I would think that was how I should look. That I would somehow become as acquisitive as the dolls "character" (C'mon, the bitch had everything).
Eventually Mama Bird cracked, and for valentines day when I was about nine or ten, I got my first ever Barbie doll. Pink 'n Pretty was the version. She came with both a dress and slinky pink pants. I was over the moon. More Barbies followed that one and I ended up with quite a collection. Because you can't just have one. She's got to have friends. And boyfriends too.
I never thought I would look like Barbie. In fact the ones that I thought the prettiest weren't because of their figures. There was a tropical something or other friend of Barbie's who's name was Miko or something like that. Her facial features were exotic. And a few years later there was a strawberry blonde with green eyes I thought was pretty. I wanted her hair. Not the body shape. I wanted to wear make-up, and be a rock-star. Or a clothing shop owner. Or a vet. Barbie had sooooo many jobs over the years.
Because I had a few of them, and it was my constant desire to make everything the way I wanted it to look, I drew heavier make up on them. I tried to crimp the hair of one of them (yes, I had a crimper) and melted it all away. When I got even older I turned them in to punk Barbies, drawing tattoos on them and cutting up their clothes.
I don't think Barbie is the best role model for little girls. But I don't think she's the worst either. I think that if parents take the time to show them how ridiculous she looks, kids will be just fine playing with Barbies. Dolls are for make-believe. Pure fluff. Not for reflecting reality. That being said, I think the Barbie computer games and "movies" are awful. They make no allowances for pure imagination. And they totally push the "I must have every thing Barbie I can find" attitude.
I am able to look at Barbie now and make fun of her. More for the consumerism aspect of her and her world. You could take virtually anything, paint it pink and write Barbie across it and it would sell like hot-cakes. That's the part I totally agree with Mama Bird about.

--Little Bird does most emphatically NOT look like Barbie (and is still quite content)

Mixed Bag

2009-10-14T09:19:00.004-05:00

It is cold here in Chicago. Nasty cold. The windy kind of cold that wouldn't really be so cold if it weren't for the damned wind! Every year about this time I am reminded that while I own elebenty million coats/jackets (seems like it anyway), I do not own the right kind of jacket for this kind of weather. A windbreaker with fleece lining. Maybe a little bit of batting in there for extra warmth. I have wind breakers. I have fleece jackets. But one does not fit so easily under the other. So, maybe this year I'll finally get that holy grail of jackets.
In the plan for today is SOUP! (What else would you have expected from me?) But I'm switching up the recipe. I'm making a butternut squash soup, just not exactly according to the book. I figure I'll roast the squash, then simmer it in broth with onion and seasonings. Once the squash is really tender, I'll add some cream and puree the stuff. If it works, I'll be sure to tell you what exactly I did (if I can). If it doesn't, I'll.... I'll... figure something out.
Mama Bird and Co. are in New Mexico again. I'm only slightly jealous this time. They've been on the land, they've been to a party (Mama Birds birthday was Sunday), they had to get pulled out of a ditch. Dirt/gravel roads don't really have a shoulder, just ditches. Luckily, no one was injured, not even the car. They're there for a few more days, enjoying the quiet and the views. I used to think that the desert (in this case the high desert) would be an ugly place. Dry, barren, with nothing to see. It is dry, but that's the only thing I got right, and even that was only half right. There is a small river near where we stay, and a reservoir big enough to go boating on. There are colors in the mountains that you might not expect, pinks, yellows, and deep reds. When the sun hits them at sunset, they're amazing. (I'm told that they are equally amazing at sunrise, but I can't confirm that. I don't get up that early unless forced to. And then I'm so bleary eyed and cranky, the landscape is the last thing I'm paying attention to.)
I recently figured out that the tomato tart might not be the best idea to cook for Whirly Bird and her boyfriend while I'm in St. Louis, so I need some suggestions. Got any?

Little Bird is on a quest

Here Fishy, Fishy, Fishy

2009-10-09T12:56:00.005-05:00

My bestest friend ever (the one I've known for 17 years now, and known from now on as Whirly Bird) came in to town early Tuesday morning. WAY early. 4 a.m. early. She and her boyfriend slept on the inflatables out in the living room while I went back to bed and got some more sleep. Later that day I had to run an errand so they went to the Museum of Science and Industry, to see the U-505. It rained. Of course it rained. In spite of the rain a good time was had by all and we spent much time after errands and nazi u-boats sitting around talking.
Whirly Bird gets her name from the fact that she teaches pole dancing classes (therefor she "whirls" around the pole). Also she and I are actually veeeerrrrrryy distantly related. She is the most fun, thoughtful, and caring person I think I know. She knows more about me than anyone on the planet. Thankfully, she did not share all that knowledge with my movie friend (who we will now refer to as Rooster). At least not the embarrassing stuff.
Wednesday morning we got up and went out into the city. We stopped at La Perla (just to browse) and decided that, at best, we could afford maybe half a bra. A bra and panty set there costs more than some mortgages! And no, I am not exaggerating! From there it was through Millennium Park and up the lake path to Navy Pier. After lunch we walked around the outside of Navy Pier, the weather cooperated and it was lovely. Now, when we were walking on the north side of the pier, Whirly Bird's boyfriend and I were talking and she was pretty quiet... until.... WB's boyfriend saw the splash of a large fish and commented on it. I , of course, missed it entirely. All of the sudden, we hear this quiet little voice say "Here, fishy, fishy, fishy, fishy!" There was a moment of silence while we processed what we had just heard. We laughed so hard we nearly fell in the water! Whirly Bird is like that, you never really know what she might say. Or do. And that is one of the many reasons I love hanging out with her!
That night we all went out for mexican food and that was when she and her boyfriend met Rooster. Rooster and Whirly Bird's boyfriend got along great which is good because Whirly Bird is hosting myself and Rooster over Halloween later this month, back in St. Louis. I can't wait!

--Little Bird plays hostess

A Misunderestimation

2009-10-05T13:49:00.003-05:00

Bread takes a lot longer to make than you might think. A LOT longer. Hours longer! And apparently you have to pray. At least according to the recipe Mama Bird and I used. Mama Bird decided yesterday was the day to bake bread and found a recipe to use. We got the ingredients along with a few other items we needed for the rest of the meal and a next few days. And eggs. When we got home she read the recipe to me, and we decided to sit and rest a bit before starting the cooking process. After all the soup we were going to make wouldn't really take all that much time and the bread, well the bread should be a snap! (Oh how I wish there were a font for sarcasm!)
The first thing about this bread recipe I noticed was the fact that it tells you to pray during the kneading process. The second thing I noticed (when I finally read it myself) was that there is no ingredient list. I know that I don't always include one, but this recipe appeared to NOT come from someone's personal blog (there is too a difference!). Then sometime later as we were actually making the bread we noticed that this was a really lengthy project. Mix, set aside, knead, set aside, punch, set aside, divide, set aside, put in pans, set aside, bake, set aside. Every time we "set aside" it was a 20 minute to 1 hour wait, with two minor exceptions. It took us FOUR freaking hours to bake two loaves of bread! I mean it was good bread, and we learned that my metal mixing bowl could be used as an impromptu loaf pan, but really? Four hours? Maybe we should have prayed.
The soup was creamy potato & leek. And that also was a learning experience. For instance, you need to not let it cook for, say, four hours. And if you do, you will need a lot of milk to help thin it out once all those potatoes release all that starch into the broth. Seriously? The mixing spoon stood straight up in the middle of this stuff. It was more like slightly runny mashed potatoes than soup. Hence the milk. Again it tasted great, but clearly we need to try again another time. I don't think there'll be any complaints about that! Once again, I think it needs bacon! Maybe as a crumble topper.
My best friend from back home is coming up for a visit tomorrow, waaaaaaay early in the a.m. I'm looking forward to seeing her again, and then again at Halloween when I go visit her!
This year's costume is in the bag (no literally, it's all packaged up and ready to go)! I'm going to dress up as Julia Child (I can't remember if I mentioned that or not). And If I can ever figure out the posting pictures thing I will post some from that trip. I will be joined on this trip by a friend, and am very much looking forward to that too!

-Little Bird was not compelled by the power of prayer

As Per Request

2009-09-30T12:05:00.004-05:00

Apparently, the word "soup" means different things to different people. To me, "soup" means pretty much anything that must be eaten with a spoon (cereal and ice cream being obvious exceptions). Stew is essentially a soup as far as I am concerned, so is bisque. My step-father, on the other hand, equates the word "soup" with "broth", which is another thing altogether. "Broth" is the stuff that when you add stuff to it, becomes soup. At least, that's how it works in my mind. So when I offered him some of the roasted eggplant parmesan soup I made yesterday, he was expecting something a little less.... hearty.
Have you ever had eggplant parmesan? This was like that but more liquidy. It definitely needs to be eaten with a spoon, but this stuff is a meal unto itself. You could have it with bread, and I would recommend that, but you don't need the bread to fill out the meal like you might with a "thinner" soup. My step-father was surprised that it was so filing and informed me that he very much enjoyed it. He had two helpings, so I think it was a success.
I used the recipe from "The Daily Soup Cookbook" and only tweaked it a little. And most of the soups look fantastic in that book, if you like soup, and can find the book, get it. It's well written and has interjections of humo(u)r throughout.

Roasted Eggplant Parmesan Soup

3 medium eggplants, halved
3 large tomatoes
2 Tbs butter
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 shallot, minced
3 celery stalks chopped
2 Tbs thyme leaves
2 bay leaves
2 Tbs kosher or coarse sea salt
1/4 ts cayenne
4 to 6 cups vegetable broth or stock
1 (28oz) can whole tomatoes, drained and diced
1 (3-inch) hunk of parmesan rind
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Cut one of the eggplants into 1 inch cubes, spread the cubed eggplant, and the other two eggplants (halved) AND the tomatoes on a baking sheet coated with non-stick spray. Brush the veggies with olive oil for good measure. ( The book didn't say anything about peeling the eggplants or the tomatoes so, I didn't) Roast in the oven for about thirty minutes.
Remove from oven and when you can touch them without burning yourself, core the eggplant halves and puree the centers, then cut the remaining shells into cubes (1 inch).
Melt the butter in a large stockpot (think 6 qts plus) over medium heat. Add the onions, celery, shallot and one of the garlic cloves and sweat until just translucent.
Add the thyme, bay leaves, salt, and cayenne and stir well, you want to coat the vegetables.
Add the eggplant cubes, and puree, and the tomatoes both roasted and canned, and the parmesan rind, AND the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
Remove from heat and add both the basil and the parmesan.
Remove the bay leaves and parmesan rind before serving.

The above was adapted from the one in the book. I added my tweaks, since that was how I made it.
Today's endeavor? The poblano corn chowder. With minor tweaks (I can't find all the ingredients).
It's a good thing soup freezes well. I think I need to set up a sort of soup-schedule. Make a few different soups one week, freeze it in small(ish) batches and use when needed. It really only is good for a month, so two or three different soups ought to do it.
I think next week I'll try the Cheddar cheese with potatoes and bacon!

--Little bird aims to please

Soup On The Brain

2009-09-28T15:20:00.003-05:00

The weather has turned cold again, so thoughts have turned towards soups. After making the tomato basil soup, and the french onion as well, I realized I like making my own soup. It tastes better than the stuff in cans. So this week I think I'll try a roasted eggplant parmesan soup. And maybe a poblano corn chowder. I have a cook book that is devoted entirely to soup, and I think I've really only made one of the recipes in it. And that was chili, so it's time to get my money's worth out of the book!
I've also made those tarts again, the new one- the one with the apples and brie, turned out incredibly good. So good I cannot make it again. So good, it likely has 5000 calories per whole tart. But Mama Bird and I picked up some more veggies at the farmer's market to try still more variations of the tart. Leeks, sweet red peppers, mizzuna (we have no idea how that will turn out) and eggplant. The eggplant probably won't make it to the tart, but rather the soup.
This past weekend I went to a friends house and we made pot roast, a dish that I normally don't really like all that much. It turned out pretty good! We started out with what looked to be a 5 pound chunk of chuck roast and added potatoes and onions and carrots. You know, along with the beef stock, wine and spices. He (the friend) now has enough food to last the rest of the week! Of course, he also made chili the next day. Not my chili recipe but his own. The words "Melt Your Face Off" appear in the title of his version of chili. I'm a little afraid to try it.
I haven't been getting my 4 hours a day in the kitchen in every day, but this Thanksgiving ought to help me average it out a bit. So will Christmas. Did I mention that this Thanksgiving I'll be roasting a Turducken? I will be. For the staff at my building again. One of the guys on the staff buys the ingredients, I cook it and he keeps whatever leftovers are, well, leftover. For this service I have asked for a $40 gift card to Sur La Table. That way I can get some more fun kitchen gear. I will also get to have some of the Turducken, something I have never had the opportunity to try. It ought to be.... interesting.
Yesterday Mama Bird and I went to IKEA. Amazingly we spent little more than an hour and less than $100!!! And we are already talking about going back. I'm sure my step-father will request to be left out of that trip. There are stlll some things we need to get, and a few items we just plain want. Really, one should only go if one has a set list and amazing will power. And really good walking shoes.

--Little Bird is grinning

When Tomatoes Attack

2009-09-17T18:29:00.003-05:00

The past few days have been an extravaganza of tomatoes. Canning tomatoes, oven roasting (or attempting to) tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato basil soup (fabulous) and then, the best thing EVER. Rustic tomato tart. Hand made pastry crust (1 &1/3 cup flour and 9 tablespoons of cold butter, plus just a bit of water) topped with ricotta, chopped thyme, oregano, italian parsley, and basil, shredded caramelized onion cheddar, tomatoes (both fresh and roasted), and MORE of the cheddar. All baked at 375 for about half an hour. I got one piece. I took the whole thing over for my folks to have for dinner, asking that they leave me some. Apparently it went over so well Mama Bird had to stop my step-father from finishing it off! And I just ate the piece that was left me. It was like pizza, but better. Soooooo much better. I wish I had made another one! This Sunday I'll try a variation, same crust with brie and apples and watercress. I intend to use that cheddar again too. If you have access to a Trader Joe's, that is where the cheddar was obtained. And, dear GOD, is it good! I highly recommend it for any number of dishes. A grilled cheese sandwich with that cheese would be just this side of heaven. And no, not THAT type of grilled cheese sandwich! Ooh, and add bacon! That would be drool inducing!
See, last weekend Mama Bird and I got it into our heads that we would can tomatoes. Our plan was to go to a farm and pick 'em ourselves. Well, life got in the way of that plan so we got our tomatoes at the farmers market. All 25 pounds of them. Yes, 25 pounds of tomatoes. The idea was that we could can them and then make chili and pasta all winter without resorting to cans from the store. Interesting thing about tomatoes, they cook way down when you can them. We need at least ten more pounds to even try to make it through the winter.
But just since Sunday (I also made chili - with the help of a friend - that day) I have logged about 15 hours in the kitchen. I didn't do much today but warm things up for my meals. This coming week I have a few more dishes I'd like to make, and at least one of those Mama Bird wants to try. She never got any of the french onion soup, so that's on the list. Any diet plans I had have flown right out the window.

--Little Bird is getting fat, again.

It's a Learning Experience

2009-09-04T12:41:00.002-05:00

As with everything in life cooking is a learning experience. Sometimes you don't know until you taste what you've made to know if it turned out right. Other times you can tell right away what you're doing wrong. The learning curve varies.
Fried green tomatoes is one of those things that you figure out right away what's wrong. So last night when I made them, you could tell which ones were done first, and which ones were done right. To make them, one must dip the slices in egg and milk, then in flour and bread crumbs before frying. But they were not coming out as fully breaded as I wanted. So I dipped them in those things twice, and lo and behold! Perfectly fried green tomatoes! I did the same thing with a couple of kosher dill pickle "chips" and they were even BETTER!
Also learned last night was that if you add a bit of milk and some minced cucumber to sour cream and onion dip (made from scratch) you get a reasonable approximation of ranch dressing. Who knew?

--Little Bird keeps learning

I Love The Smell Of Onions In The Afternoon!

2009-09-02T13:41:00.004-05:00

There is such a thing as too much/many onions. If you've seen Julie & Julia, you have an idea of what too much/many onions looks like. Last night I made french onion soup. The recipe called for SEVERAL POUNDS of onions. There is no way I was chopping 6 onions. I barely made it through the two (huge) onions I did chop. The onion fumes were so strong I was blinded by tears before I was done with the first onion. I had to go to another room to wipe my eyes. But I finished and threw them in the pot with AN ENTIRE stick of butter. Mmmmmmmm! Once they were done, (a deep yellowy color) I added the tablespoon of flour. Slowly, just like the recipe said to. Why is there flour in french onion soup? I have no idea. But it was in the recipe, and didn't seem as objectionable as six onions, so in it went. After that, it was just a matter of adding beef broth, again, slowly. I didn't have enough beef broth as it turned out so I had to get a can of it (concentrated) and add that. Now, I didn't put as much water in (to balance out the concentrate) as the can said to, but it turns out I didn't need to. I also made the croutons that go in this soup. Slices of baguette, soaked in garlic and chive butter, then baked. Gruyere was the cheese the recipe called for, and was perfect! I had a friend over for dinner and we decided that the soup was perfect! We each had two helpings and my step-father ate ALL of the leftover soup for lunch today. Making it made me realize something. I will never buy french onion soup in a can again. I will only make it the hard way. There's a bit of an ego boost when you make it yourself, and it turns out the way you wanted it to. It's not just the food that tastes good, the success does too!
So today, the dish will be roasted fingerling potatoes, served with a dollop (on the side) of sour cream and onion dip/sauce. I'm going to roast some chicken breast too, so it's more of a complete meal, but it's the sauce that's the experiment.
No, I am not working my way through a cook book. I'm just trying to cook (really cook) every day. And I'm trying to cook some new things. Things I may not ordinarily try. Chances are, if it's not something that really appeals to me, my folks will love it! I've made things before that I despise (beets for example) for Mama Bird, simply because she likes whatever it is.
I'd like to ask again what your favorite recipes/dishes are. I need some ideas!!!

---Little Bird has a plan

Fresh Is Best

2009-08-31T13:05:00.005-05:00

Last night the temperature dropped to 48. In AUGUST! It had been kinda chilly all weekend, so when I was trying to come up with what to serve for the regular family Sunday night dinner, I was thinking fall type things. And then Mama Bird and I went to the farmers markets, to a booth that was selling tomatoes for a dollar a pound (if you bought more than 5 pounds). So of course we bought 5 and a half pounds! That of course meant we were going to have chili. So we then had to figure out the other things we needed. Onions, cilantro, and chilies. The beans we used were from a can, but we don't really know where to find fresh beans, or rather, the right type of fresh beans. Anyway, using my canned beans (from Whole Foods, 4 cans red kidney, and 2 cans black), and the 1 and a half pounds each ground chuck and ground pork we started the chili. Sweating the onions and some garlic (picked up at the market the week before) first, then adding the meats. I mix my own spices for this dish and those came next. Following that comes the tomatoes. Now, before we could add them to the chili, we had to skin them. To do that you dip them in boiling water for about a minute and the skin just comes right off. So with our now skinless and chopped up tomatoes we add those and the two whole red chilies and the diced jalepeno. We had purchased some beef broth to add if the chili was too dry. Five plus pounds of tomatoes provide ample amount of liquid, just so you know. The beans get added last and only after everything has simmered for about thirty minutes. Once the beans are added it's another twenty minutes or so and it's ready to serve. We had ours with a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, and chopped green onions. Oh, and queso fresco. It was divine!
It's true that when you use the freshest ingredients your food tastes better. This most certainly proved it.
So now I have an entire container of beef broth to use. Tomorrow I'm going to another farmers market and buying onions. Yellow onions to make french onion soup. I'll need to pick up some gruyere cheese to smother the top with, but that's not a problem. We also have a bunch of fingerling potatoes to use. Those we intend to roast with salt and pepper (a little olive oil too) and serve it with a little side dollop of sour cream that has green onion, chives and a smidge of garlic.
Yeah, I'm back on a food kick. After I told Mama Bird my plans she sighed and said "I'm gonna get fat". She won't.
Also at the markets this past weekend, one of the booths had giant bunches of basil for only a dollar each. We bought three. In addition to the two we had gotten at a different booth earlier. Basil is hard to find at the other booths now, so when we first saw it we jumped on it. And then we found it for cheaper (and better quality) we decided to make a ton of pesto and freeze it. You can freeze pesto for up to three months, and I'll keep making it as long as I can find basil at the market. I have to keep that freezer stocked!
Everybody has favorite autumnal foods, what are yours?

--Little Bird is back in the kitchen!

It's The Little Things

2009-08-28T17:16:00.003-05:00

This is a question for the women who read this. All three of you.
What do you keep in your purse?
A wallet, sure. And in that wallet are credit cards, money and ID. I bet your keys are in your purse too. A hairbrush, some make-up, perhaps a phone. Anything else? Anything that you value?
If you keep anything at all that you value in your purse never, EVER hang said purse from the back of a chair when you are anywhere but home. It will eventually get stolen. Then you have to replace those things. AND whoever took your purse now has your home address and your keys. That's worse than having to replace all that stuff.
My mothers purse was stolen yesterday. Right off her chair. People saw him, but didn't realize what he was doing. Most of the stuff is replaceable. But (and here's where it gets kinda sad) the only hairbrush she had was in that purse. It was a really good hairbrush, the kind of thing you have for years. Of all the hairbrushes she has owned, this was her favorite. So when her purse was stolen she couldn't even brush her hair. Something so simple, so everyday. Her stolen purse interrupted her very basic daily life.
After she came home (my step-father and I took care of cards and keys) she and I went to get her, among other things, a new hairbrush. As soon as she got out of the store she ripped the brush out of it's packaging and brushed her hair. You could literally see her start to feel better. Reclaiming that little tiny part of her life made a difference. It was... moving to see it happen.

Salsa with Corn

1 ear sweet corn
2 large tomatoes
1 serrano pepper
1 smallish red onion
cilantro

Roast the corn (on the ear) after brushing lightly with olive oil. You can also put it under the broiler, but keep an eye on it. It will need to be turned a couple of times.
While the corn is roasting, chop the tomatoes into pieces smaller than a half inch. You can leave the skin and seeds in or not, whichever you prefer ( I like to leave them in).
Remove the seeds and membrane from the serrano pepper and discard them.
Dice the pepper finely. Be very careful not to touch either your eyes or your nose until you wash your hands very carefully).
Dice the red onion, again you want really small pieces.
After coming back to the kitchen after wiping your eyes from the onion fumes, start removing the stems from some cilantro.
You can add as much or as little as you like, but you don't want the stems. I recommend chopping the leaves a bit as well.
Mix all these things together and allow to sit so the flavors really mix.
If the corn is done by this time, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool. When it is cool enough to handle, remove it from the ear with a knife (or one of those nifty corn "zippers"). Allow the corn to cool completely before adding to the mixture. You can eat it right away, or put it in a sealed container and chill overnight. Serve with corn chips or heat it up and serve over chicken.
It's a great mix of spicy and sweet!

--Little Bird with a public service announcement

On Windows And Jets

2009-08-12T13:41:00.002-05:00

I've learned an interesting lesson this past week. If the windows are open at my folks' place, I can stay with the cats for a longer period of time. I now know why my step-father ALWAYS has a window at least cracked! We had a heat wave here in Chicago recently and I had closed the windows and turned on the a/c. I itched. I sneezed. I turned off the a/c and opened the windows today. It's not as bad this way. And the heat wave seems to have passed.
My folks are extremely lucky to not be in town this weekend. The air show will be here. Fighter jets and freaking HUGE planes will be buzzing our buildings for two days. I hate the air show. And they are doing practice runs all week. Nothing says "good morning" like an F-15 (I have no idea what kind of plane it was, so I'm using a name I know) screaming past your window at 8 am. I should point out that they are at roughly the same height as my windows too. It sounded like the thing was going to come crashing into my living room. I wasn't at my folks' place so I couldn't tell you what the cats did. But I can guess. They must have freaked. And hid in the closet. And I know one of 'em puked.
Why do we even have air shows? Friday morning about a million people will descend on my neighborhood and trash it. The maintenance guys are putting up the orange hurricane fencing now in an effort to keep them off the grass. They'll have to post one guy up on the sundeck to keep non-residents out. If we have to have air shows, why can't they be out in the 'burbs?
Other than that, it's been slow around here. With the folks being in Europe for a bit, and not due back for a few more days, there's not all that much to do. The markets are nice, I live off of them nearly exclusively. Which means the food is good. I've been walking (primarily to the markets) and I have somehow managed to lose some weight. I am now down ten pounds from the starting point. When I reach my goal I'll tell what that was, but not before.
The ice cream ball is getting a little use, but not too much. I don't want to gain weight, I want to lose it. Nor have I used the fry daddy. To be honest, I'm a little afraid of it. I don't want to start a fire. Or burn myself. And I regularly burn myself on my oven so you can imagine what damage I could do with the fry daddy.

-- Little Bird itches, a bit

Having a Ball

2009-07-30T19:54:00.004-05:00

Ok, so I went to another concert in the park yesterday. It was a glorious evening, not too hot, not chilly. There was no rain to soak the grass (and therefor my blanket). Since it was just me, I only took the blanket and some food. And a bottle of wine. I made a salad of roasted corn and grape tomatoes, this time with chives. And of course, pesto. I brought a book so I could relax and read while enjoying the music. Not too far from me was a couple with a few kids. About 30 minutes before the music started the kids (boys) were running around giving themselves noogies while shouting "NOOGIES!". I think perhaps they were unclear on the concept. Shortly after that a small group of people set up camp behind that family. That family was joined by a couple more adults and a couple more kids as well. Then four more adults and a kid. Then one more adult and about three kids. The people who had sat behind them moved so the family could have more room. That family kept growing. And someone brought hula-hoops. By this time there were sooo many people they were standing right next to my blanket. So close in fact, that in order to get past the standing adults, the kids were running on my blanket. Then the music started. And. They. Did. Not. Shut. Up. The adults in the group all moved to one area and chatted away while the kids started to hula-hoop. Right next to my head. Those folks that moved earlier suggested I might want to do the same. I very much agreed and they helped me do so! It was so kind of them! I offered them some of my pesto and salad, but they had brought their own feast and declined. Not five minutes after I moved, the guy in the kind group got whacked in the head by a hula-hoop. Twice.
I wish I could tell you about the music, what little I heard sounded like the score to a really good movie. The kind with sweeping scenes of fantastic vistas. But so much of the music was drowned out by yelling kids and yammering adults. Once again it bothers me that what is most memorable about last nights experience (other than the fantastically helpful, thoughtful group) is the sheer inconsiderateness of the family group. A concert is not the place to hold a family reunion. There are other people there who have come to hear the music. I don't think I'll go alone again. I'll go with someone or a group and let them pick the spot since I seem to have rotten luck at it.

In other news, my ice cream ball came in today!!! And yes, it has been christened. I made Strawberry-Orange sorbet. And it was great! It only takes about 30 minutes plus whatever time blending your ingredients before putting them in the ball's canister. I'm gonna make real ice cream this weekend.
Also planned for the weekend, pizzelles. To be formed into little cups to hold the ice cream. I also plan on making french fries (finally gonna use that fry daddy) and then spraying those with truffle oil. I figure I'll use every gadget I own this weekend.
One of these days I plan on making a meal where nearly every aspect is made from scratch. Veggies with an onion dip, the dip being made from sour cream and onions and parmesan. Pasta (by hand) with a pesto cream sauce (no surprise). And either sorbet or ice cream. If I got really adventurous (and planned ahead, waaaaay ahead) I could make bacon vodka and make bloody marys with it. No, the morph into Martha is as yet incomplete. But I'll keep you posted.

--Little Bird can't picnic alone anymore

Hey Pesto!

2009-07-24T11:00:00.004-05:00

So it's been sorta busy around here lately. My step-sister was in town, and there has been more walking, and farmers markets, and pesto.
About two weeks ago I decided to make pesto. The hard way. With a mortar and pestle. Using an entire bundle of basil from the farmers market. It should be known that nearly every stall at the market has a different sized bundle of basil. I found the biggest, for the best price. This yields about 2 to 2 1/2 cups of pesto. And takes over an hour to make. I am now making the stuff at least twice a week because my step-father likes it so much. I think he may cry when the farmers markets close for the season. That or he's gonna have to learn how to grow basil in an apartment, because I will surely kill any plant I try to grow.
The foods prepared over the past two weeks have been: Fennel, green bean, and roasted potato salad, pesto, Tex-Mex chicken salad, pesto, mixed green salad with sun-dried tomatoes and mozzarella, pesto, caprese with pesto instead of basil (that one was just for me and was spectacular), Salsa, bean dip, yogurt dip, and more pesto.
I picked up a new cooking magazine when I went to the new Whole Foods up in the Lincoln Park area. And have made four of the recipes so far. And there are at least twenty more that look like something my family would like. The magazine is awesome and I want a subscription! It's Fresh, from Fine Cooking, and appears to be a "best of" type deal.
But what else is amazing is the new Whole Foods! It is beautiful. I never thought I would ever refer to a grocery store as beautiful, but Oh My God is it ever! If you live in Chicago you must go experience it. There is a BAR in the grocery store. There is a cafe AND a wine gazebo. The store is huge, the cheese department alone is bigger than most store's entire dairy departments. Go, just go. You'll see what I mean.
Tomorrow I will be preparing a picnic that will include a new bean dip recipe, that salad with the sun-dried tomatoes, bread, and caprese made with pesto. I love summer and the opportunity it affords me to cook with FRESH ingredients!

Pesto

One bundle basil
One - two cloves garlic
Parmesan- Pecorino Romano blend cheese (grated)
Pine nuts (raw)
Olive oil

Start with just a few leaves a little of each of the rest ingredients if using a mortar and pestle. Smoosh it all until smooth and bright green. Keep adding bits of everything until the bowl is too full to work. Keep putting the excess in a container off to the side until all basil is used. Then put it all back in the mortar and smoosh it around some more to really blend it together.
I can't really give you exact measurements, but the finished product should be bright green with darker flecks. Just keep at it 'til it looks and tastes the way you want it to. You can add sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste as well.
Now you can also make this in a food processor. That pretty much just entails putting all the ingredients into the machine and pressing "Puree". Pesto can be frozen for up to about two months. But tastes best if used immediately. And it's even better when simply used as a spread for bread. My step-father practically eats it with a spoon, by itself.

--Little Bird eats fresh

Don't Read If Easily Disgusted

2009-07-06T20:55:00.003-05:00

So, last week I had a medical scare. It turned out to be nothing of great significance, but was disturbing before I went to the doctor. It started out with a lump on the back of my neck, just inside the hairline. This was on say Monday or Tuesday. Wednesday it erupted. It oozed. I apologize if you've just eaten. It continued in this vein for a couple of days. Sunday Mama Bird looked at it (again) and the two of us had a discussion on the possible reasons for the ickiness. I thought it might have been an exploded tumor (it's happened before) or a spider bite from a venomous spider (also happened before). Mama Bird thought it was ringworm. We discussed the possible places I could have come across the last two. Monday I noticed that I now had a growing lump lower on my neck, in the back. I went on-line again and figured that my lymph nodes were swollen. The posterior cervical lymph nodes to be exact. So Tuesday morning I called my doctors office and spoke with whoever it is that answers the phone there. I made clear that if MY doctor was unavailable, I would be MORE than happy to see whoever else that might be there. I also told him the three things we thought it may have been. According to him, at the time of the call my doctors day was full, but he'd ask if I could see someone else. Not even twenty minutes later I got a call informing me that my regular doctor would be able to see me 45 minutes later. So I walked over to her office. Yes, I can turn this into a loooonnnggg story. Good news: the prognosis is none of the three choices. It turns out to be a decidedly unhappy hair follicle. Really unhappy. The bad news: I am currently taking clindamycin four times a day, 300 milligrams each time. I have to wake up at 2 am in order to do this. And I can't lie down for at least a half hour after taking it. I read the side effects and was not terribly worried, but didn't know why I couldn't lie down for half an hour. I looked on-line again. I found a site where people were telling their horror stories. I haven't had any of the most noted side effects, but then I have been obsessively good about the half hour rule. Even for the 2 am dose. And that seems to be making the difference.
That's really about it for this week. Oh yeah, I've started bike riding again. Not that that has anything to do with anything.

--Little Bird is on a schedule

Picky, Picky, Picky!

2009-06-26T18:24:00.006-05:00

When I was a child I was an extremely picky eater. My list of things I would consider eating was short. I liked Mac & Cheese, ham & mustard sandwiches (ick, I know), hot dogs with ketchup only (or the cheese filled kind, plain), rice with butter, and spinach. I liked salads, but smothered them in "Creamy Cucumber" salad dressing (btw: eleventy million internet points to anyone who can tell me what they changed the name to, I LOVED that stuff and I can't find it anymore). I'm sure there were other things on that list, like cheez puffs, but I gave Mama Bird fits when I was a kid. Now I am still a picky eater, but soooooo much better than then. I used to hate - hate - HATE guacamole! Now I love the stuff and would gladly work avocados into my daily diet if I could do it and not gain 300 pounds.
It's kinda funny, I have photographic proof that I was picky as an infant (orange goo, every where but my mouth. I think it was mushed carrots- cooked). It wasn't until I was in my late teens that I tried, under great pressure, sun dried tomatoes. Which of course are now a staple in my diet. In fact, very little of what I eat now is anything I would have even considered back then. Feta cheese? No way. Squid? Ha! Dream on! Green beans? Don't make me laugh. I love these things now. Not prepared any old way mind you, but hey, at least now I'll consider them.
The best part of being picky is now that I cook for myself, and for my folks too sometimes, is that meals have become enjoyable. Food isn't a debate anymore. If I make it, I know I'll like it. And if there are requests for things I won't eat, I will make my own stuff for me, and theirs for them - within reason. Take last night, we have a house guest currently. A friend of my folks, but staying in my place. We all had dinner at my folks place. And I cooked. We had chicken salad and this avocado-citrus-fennel salad. I personally hate fennel (and anise too) so I made a separate thing for myself substituting radishes for fennel and a slightly different dressing. Since I am the odd man out, it's really no biggie. If Mama Bird had been cooking she would have informed me that I needed to bring or make my own substitution.
The Salad:
Ok, this one is difficult to explain. For a more detailed recipe go look it up @ Whole Foods.

2 avocados, pitted and halved
1 bulb fennel halved and sliced thinnly
1 orange, the segments separated and the membranes removed
1 grapefruit, the segments separated and the membranes removed.
snow pea shoots
1 tablespoon orange zest
3 tablespoons orange juice (from that orange up there)
1/2 teaspoon (I think) fennel seeds, crushed
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon shallot, finely chopped

In a bowl mix the fennel and the pea shoots and shallots, set aside
On a plate place the segments of citrus in a rough circle, and the avocado half in the center.

In a small bowl mix the vinegar, the fennel seeds, orange zest and juice together. Add the oil in slowly.
drizzle this on the avocado and citrus - not very much at all.
Toss the fennel and shoots with some more of the dressing, again, not too much.
Mound that into the avocados, spilling over the sides is fine.
Drizzle the rest of the dressing over the whole thing.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I think the next time I do this I'm going to use red bell pepper instead of fennel for myself. The radishes weren't one of my better choices. It was OK, but not great.
Were any of YOU picky eaters? (She asks all 4 of her readers)

--Little Bird has a hunger

Tchaikovsky in the Park

2009-06-10T21:00:00.004-05:00

Tonight I went to Millennium Park for the season opening of the Music Festival. Tchaikovsky. Beautiful music. I went to Trader Joe's and got the fixings for a nice picnic. Tzatziki, hummus, pita chips, kalamata olives and wine. I packed my mini cooler and my roll-up table and my beach chair. Thankfully I also brought my picnic blanket which I used to keep my legs warm as it ended up being quite chilly. I went by myself, and was all set to enjoy a nice evening of good food and better music. Alas, no one told the tools who sat near me that some people go to these things to ENJOY THE FUCKING MUSIC. They were loud. They were obnoxious. They were REALLY obnoxious. Then when they were leaving (early, much to the delight of those around them- several people got up and moved away from them), one of them kicked a volley ball. Hard. Straight at my head. It was surreal. I saw him pick up the ball. I saw him kick the ball. I saw the ball hurtling towards me. I managed to get my hand up and block it. I was told by those around me that they were amazed I managed to do so. The wife of the kicker said, and I quote, "nice block." After nattering on about how they just like to enjoy themselves she did say something to the effect of "sorry about that". My response? "Well, thank you for that." In the most insincere voice I could possibly muster. What if I hadn't been looking in that direction? What if my back was turned?
And see? The part about this that truly pisses me off isn't that I narrowly avoided a volley ball to the head. No. It's that I spent 2+ hours at the park all set to enjoy the music in a wonderful outdoor setting and all I can think about is how wretched these people were! Did I mention they were old enough to be my parents? I almost cheered when they left.
I am hoping that this weekend, when I go back to the park for the NEXT concert in the season, it is less irksome.
The music WAS beautiful. What I heard of it anyway. The opening piece was Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op.23. I recognized it, and had never known the composer. I think I actually teared up a time or two, the music was that beautiful. I know, I'm a sap. I've come to terms with that.
Also, I saw something I wouldn't have expect to ever see. A woman walking down the street, BOTH of her feet in casts. The kind you can take on and off as you need to. It was... odd to say the least.

--- Little Bird can block, well, apparently

Of Trains and Crocs

2009-06-08T20:34:00.004-05:00

It's official. I am a nerd. I just watched the first few minutes of "The Big Bang Theory" and one of the geeks (the head geek) is particularly excited about an upcoming train trip. And he knows to much about the route. Sigh. It sounds way too much like me. And seriously, the rest of the guys are like nearly every other guy I've met on the train. Well, OK, I've met a few guys that were very likely convicted felons too. That being said, I still prefer train travel to plane travel. I don't claim to really understand why.
My weekend house guest was lovely. We had stir-fry and much wine. Then it was mexican food with some of her other friends that live here. Friday, we spent pretty much the entirety of the afternoon at the beach. It was the best afternoon I think I've had in a very long time. Also, the best part of all of that? I DID NOT HAVE TO WEAR MY BRIGHT ORANGE CROCS!!! I did however have to wear my earth shoes. To the beach. It was slightly weird. All in all it was a good time. I did realize that I have issues with the beach. I will almost always be the one in long pants.
That's all that's new, except for the fact that I did pound the crap out of the new shoes with a hammer and they are nearly wearable now. The blisters are almost healed!

--Little Bird has accepted the truth

Blister Woes & Fungus Among Us

2009-06-02T20:47:00.003-05:00

OK, first things first. The nail thing? Not cancer. Might, MIGHT be a tumor. A very very specialized type that has a name that is 18 syllables long and that I couldn't begin to say, let alone spell. This type of tumor is associated with Neurofibromatosis. Apparently. I was prescribed an anti-fungal/cortisone cream for now. And have to wear a cotton glove, the cream and Vaseline on that hand/finger for about ten days. Goody. If, in two months there is no change (or there is a bad change), we figure something else out. I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.
The doctor was very nice, and actually seemed to listen to what I told him. Something that isn't always known in a doctor. I happen to have a zit or two right now and he didn't comment once on them. Brownie points to him! He did ask me if I had any skin issues to report or ask him about. And when I said that I didn't, he didn't even blink. Everyone gets a zit now and then. Nothing new about that.
Now. The other portion of todays post. The blisters. Those shoes I bought? They came in the mail yesterday. Being me, I had to put them on and go for a walk. A two mile walk. Think about that a moment. New - BRAND NEW- shoes + two mile walk = MASSIVE BLISTERS. I cannot wear any shoes that have any sort of back on them. I had to cut up my crocs (the strap off the back) in order to make it to my doctors appointment. I do not like to wear those "shoes" outside of the house. For reasons you can understand, I hope. So. I had to go buy burn pads, these wonderful soothing pads designed for burns, scrapes and bites. You know, areas that are missing skin. These are made by 2nd Skin and I love them. I use one for both ankles (cut in half) and then slap a huge band-aid over that. I can hobble around with this set-up.
Of COURSE this would all be the day before my bestest friend comes into town! This would never happen when I have no plans. I will have to venture out into the streets and BARS of Chicago in my screaming bright orange crocs. Can I tell you how much I am not liking my footwear options for this week?
The shoes will not be worn until there is once again skin on the backs of my ankles/heels. I may ask the dry-cleaner in my building (who knows a shoe repair guy) to see what can be done. I think the ankle support area is just really stiff. I am considering taking a few whacks at them with a hammer. To sort of "distress" the "leather". Mama Bird may have issues with that idea. We'll see.

--Little Bird WISHES she could fly!

These Shoes Are Made For Walking

2009-05-27T21:43:00.004-05:00

And the walking continues. To the point where I am tired most of the time. And it is likely to get worse. I just purchased (via e-bay) a pair of MBT's. MBT's are weird looking walking shoes that have nearly completely rounded soles. They are supposed to work nearly all your leg muscles AND your core muscles. I tried a couple pair on at a store in town and they feel odd. They're not the most attractive shoes around, but if they work the way they're supposed to, they'll be worth the $170 I paid for them.
Plans are in the works for my step-father's birthday dinner. I'll post the recipe after, assuming it turns out the way we want it to. Gifts have been purchased and wrapped. On top of all this a good friend from St. Louis is coming into town in the middle of next week. AND the concerts will start next week at Millennium Park. At least the ones I want to go to will. This means that picnic season is upon us.
I really don't have much new to report. I get up, I walk, I come home and eat something, I go either walk some more or ride my bike, I come home and relax for a bit, then I go walk some more. I'm averaging about 6 miles a day right now. With those shoes that are due to come in the mail soon, it'll be even MORE effective. I figure by the end of July, I'd better have fabulous legs!

--Little Bird is gonna walk all over town

P.S. I'll post a recipe soon, really I will.

Seventeen Miles to Ravioli

2009-05-17T19:09:00.004-05:00

The walking. THE WALKING! Damn, am I tired from all the walking! NINE miles yesterday and eight today. And any benefit from either day ruined by tonight's dinner. We MADE ravioli. It was only a matter of time before we progressed from linguini style noodles to something more advanced. These were stuffed with ricotta and basil. We served them with a cream sauce and added tomatoes orange peppers and chives to the sauce. I am now very full and disinclined to move much.
We haven't started the canning yet, but really, there isn't much available at the farmers markets TO can this early in the season. But I am more than ready to attempt to use that giant pot. It's 21 quarts!! My biggest stock pot is 5 quarts, and looks like an infant next to this behemoth.
The warmer seasons are upon us, and in about two weeks the fireworks start. Literally. Every Wednesday and Saturday over Navy Pier. I'm just waiting for the concerts at Millennium Park to start, I have a bunch of ideas for new dishes to try out. And those dishes are best enjoyed at picnics. One of these dishes will have me venturing into Greektown to find decent pita bread. Another will have me making my own crackers. Yes, the transformation into Martha is nearly complete. I think the transformation will be total sometime after I move to New Mexico, which will be in a few years or so. I refuse to wear pale blue oxford shirts with khakis though.
My bed is looking very comfortable right now, and my stomach is very full, so I think it's time for bed. Or at least time to sit and rot my brain with lots and lots of bad TV.

--Little Bird is too full to leave her nest right now.

Wild Wild Weekend

2009-05-11T10:14:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was odd. Saturday Mama Bird and I went for our usual 7 1/2 mile walk. We were discussing what we were gonna do for dinner on Sunday. And what she and her husband were gonna do for dinner that night. While we were discussing this we passed a re-sell-it shop and I saw a pasta pot that I wanted. It was orange, and from a distance appeared to be Le Cruset, a brand I covet deeply. It was not the brand I so desperately desire, but we did see (and purchase) a never been used canning pot and rack. The downside to this was I had to carry the dratted thing home. About 2 or 3 miles. The thing is light, but oversized, it holds 21 QUARTS! We also stopped at the regular grocery store to pick up a few things. So there we are, laden with grocery bags and a cook pot nearly large enough to bathe in, walking home. We get within one block of home and the street is taped off with crime scene yellow tape. And the cops made us walk out of our way to get to our place so we wouldn't traipse through their crime scene. It seems some woman had tried to use a stolen credit card at a store, the cops had been called, she tried to get away, couldn't so she tried to grab the cops gun. BAD IDEA. She was shot twice. She must have gotten a gun somehow, because two cops also went to the hospital with injuries. No. I do not live in a crime ridden ghetto. This all happened right out in front of the Drake hotel. And the store where the scam was attempted? Louis Vuitton.
Later the same day, Mama Bird and I were walking home from the overpriced organic grocery store and witnessed a woman fall out of her car. She was not driving and the car was not moving. She looked as if she were just exiting the car. And she fell rather gracefully. She was standing and she just sorta... rolled to the ground.
Sunday we saw the Fire Departments SCUBA team out in the lake. And a couple of helicopters in the area. We never did find out if they were training or looking for something. Or someone.
For Mothers Day dinner we made pasta, and put bolognese sauce over it. This time I put the truffle salt into the pasta dough. I certainly ate too much, but it was worth it.
Canning starts as soon as I can get enough berries and such together.

Bolognese

1 lb ground pork
1 lb ground veal
1 lb ground beef
1 1/2 tiny can tomato paste
1 largish yellow onion chopped fine
1 clove garlic minced
1 entire small container heavy cream

In a large stock pot sweat the onions and the garlic. Add the meat and blend thoroughly, cooking until browned.
Add the tomato paste, and allow to simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes. Add the cream and turn down the heat, and let sit, stirring occasionally for another 20 minutes or so. Serve over pasta. Garnish with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese.

--Little Bird dodges bullets, after the fact

Spicy Spicy Pain

2009-05-07T17:38:00.002-05:00

So, now that my guests have left, and the temperature is reasonable, I have started walking again. In the mornings. With Mama Bird, to her office. The idea is to also walk down and meet her in the evenings, but it seems that for the past three days it rains at 5pm. Thunderstorms actually. In a few weeks I'll also add bike riding to the daily schedule. You know, because I apparently like pain. The only thing wrong with all of this is how early morning comes. How much I do not want to get out of my bed. And it's not all that comfy either! I wake up sweaty, and really, I would rather just lie there. It really wouldn't be so bad if I didn't wake up 5-10 times a night.
The warmer weather also means a change in diet. I don't mean GOING on a diet (per se) I just mean my eating habits change in the warmer weather. Less heavy pastas and roasted chickens, and a whole lot more salads and sandwiches. I'm currently on a caesar salad kick. Next up is likely to be caprese. I can't wait for the farmers markets to get into full swing, so I can make STELLAR salads. And picnics. If it ever stops raining.
While I said I wasn't going on a diet (per se) I DO have a weight loss goal. But I expect a lot of that to be through exercise. Summer foods (for me) do tend to be on the lighter side, but it's not a hardship, so it doesn't feel like a diet. I plan to lose around 20 lbs. Again. I gained most of what I lost last summer back over the winter so I'd kind of like to shed a few now.
Sitting in my hall closet are 4 and 1/2 bags of Old Vienna brand Red Hot Ripplets. A potato chip so hot, your lips burn. A potato chip so addictive my friends and I call them "crack chips". I do not understand why I love them so, but I practically begged my friends to bring them up with them when they visited. I cannot find them here reliably. The little convenience store in my neighborhood had the bitty bags for about a week (it's entirely possible I ate their entire stock) but they only have had them twice. Watch, I'll go in tomorrow, they'll have them and then someone ELSE will discover the tasty tasty pain and by the time I'm out of the ones I have, the store will be out of them. And they won't get the in again until September.
I could order them online, and have them shipped (by the case) to my apartment. But if I did that they'd be in my apartment, just begging to be eaten. And then Mama Bird would come over to find me dead of spicy potato chip overdose. With little reddish crumbs everywhere. The bags I have are bad enough! There is sort of a built in punishment. Eating too many of these wonderfully spicy chips can have nasty repercussions in the morning. Especially if you partner them with just a little too much beer. So far I've been good, just a little here, a little there.
I'll end this with a recipe of sorts. There are no real measurements for it though.

Basil Oregano Vinegar
Purple basil (a good sized sprig, about 4 big leaves on it)
Oregano (the top of a sprig, where the flowers are)
White wine vinegar (enough to fill the bottle to the very brim)
A bottle that seals completely.

Fill bottle halfway with vinegar.
Put both herbs (do NOT chop) inside bottle.
Fill the rest of the way up, over flowing just a tiny bit (you want to not have air in the bottle).
Seal tightly and put in a dark dry place for at least a month.
In a month the vinegar should be bright pink and is ready for use. You do not have to remove the herbs.
I use this over caprese, and leafy salads, with olive oil.

--Little Bird feels the burn

Whirlwind

2009-05-05T16:08:00.004-05:00

I don't even know where to begin. Ok, I had house guests this past weekend. Girls/women I've known since KINDERGARTEN! Thirty years! One of them had visited me before, the other had not. So I spent some time trying to come up with things to do. Things to do that do not cost much, since we're all of us on budgets. So we went to the Zoo. In the rain. On our way to the Zoo we encountered one of the many slightly off citizens. She yelled at us as if we had been following her for hours, telling us we were "so stupid". Needless to say we cracked up. At the Zoo we didn't stay long and made some sea gulls nervous.
I took them to the conservatory. We wandered around there, our glasses fogged up and we smelled an orchid that smelled like coconuts. We walked home. In the rain.*
We stayed in that night, I cooked. We just sorta hung out. It was nice, we got all caught up with the gossip and whatnot.
Friday started out tame. Really it did. We walked around some more, I pointed out the old Playboy mansion, we went to the Spice House. That evening, we went out. To 3 bars and one of the friends brothers house. I got to bed at about 6 am. At one point, near the end of the night, we took the Red Line. And my friends got to experience another of our strange citizens. The guy tried to sit on one of the girls, was asked to move, then tried to stare down the brother, and when he was told to find another spot, he started whimpering and sniffling like a 5 year old. He moved though and nearly every one near us started to giggle.
Later that night, back at the apartment it was learned that if you can't get in to the container holding more alcohol, you probably don't need it. And you shouldn't ask someone who DOES know how to open to do it, because they will. I opened a bottle of wine that we didn't need to and thankfully a large portion of it was found in the fridge in the morning.
The morning was a highly unpleasant experience. As was the rest of the day. We didn't go out. We didn't drink. We barely ate. We turned in early.
Sunday was spent being lazy. We got out of the apartment this time though. We went to the beach and did nothing but sit there for an hour or two. We walked down to Millennium Park and stopped in souvenir shops.
We went to Chinatown yesterday, and they left last night. We had a few drinks before they left and the folks at that bar ROCK! They knew me, it's right around the corner from my place and they not only bought us a round, they comped all of my drinks!

*It wasn't a pouring rain, more of a drizzle/misting of rain, we weren't completely soaked when we got back, just from the knees down.

--Little Bird feels taxidermied

Granuloma

2009-04-27T20:38:00.004-05:00

A granuloma is a medical term for a ball-like collection of immune cells which forms when the immune system attempts to wall off substances that it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate. Such substances include infectious organisms such as bacteria and fungi as well as other materials such as keratin, suture fragments and vegetable particles. A granuloma is therefore a special type of inflammatory reaction that can occur in a wide variety of diseases, both infectious and non-infectious. The adjective "granulomatous" refers to diseases or inflammatory reactions that are characterized by granulomas.
Doctors often use the term "granuloma" loosely to mean "a small nodule". Since a small nodule can represent anything from a harmless nevus to a malignant tumor, this usage of the term is not very specific. The correct use of the term "granuloma" requires a pathologist to examine surgically removed and specially colored (stained) tissue under a microscope. This is what my day has been about. My doctor told me today that she thinks the the thing with my little fingernail (I thought it was just your run of the mill nail fungus) is a granuloma. She neglected to tell me what that meant. I had to look it up online. Never look stuff up online, it's just plain scary. She made me make an appointment with the new dermatologist at the office because he apparently specializes in nails. Yep, you read that right he specializes in nails.
Now as it happens I have "soft" nails. All that means is they bend very easily. But as it stands I have no pinky nail on my left hand and the index finger is losing it's nail too. The sucky part (OK, one of the sucky parts) is the appointment is in JUNE! I have to suffer the not knowing until then!! I hate not knowing.
And to prove just how bad today is, a very good friend told me today that she lost her job. Today sucks. It just plain sucks.

--Little Bird should not look up stuff like that on the internets

Here Comes the Rain Again

2009-04-19T15:01:00.004-05:00

It's springtime!! Trees are budding, crocuses are blooming, and daffodils too! And it's raining. But hey, it's not snowing! The trees and hedges have tiny bright green leaves that from a distance make the trees and hedges look as if they have a haze sitting in their branches.
So, I've been reading a lot lately. Still recovering from the cough from hell, sorta. Have you ever read a book, an essay, an article- anything really where every so often you have to put it down and contemplate the sentence or passage you just read? Not just because there were about ten commas and you have to try to figure out what the writer just said. But rather because that sentence or passage was so well crafted that you need to stop and take moment to marvel at it in wonder. The book I just finished reading is "Housekeeping" and some years ago was adapted into a movie. The movie was really very good, but like most movies doesn't hold a candle to the book. The entire book is written so well, in that "I must stop and think about what I just read" sort of way. The author's name is something like Maryieleen Robertson, or Robinson (the book is at my place and I am currently sitting in my mother's living room). I highly recommend the book. It's about two young girls and is written from the perspective of one of them.
Last night my mother and I watched the ultimate in mother-daughter movies. "Grey Gardens". We're both still a little bit in shock I think. Sometimes a movie can hit a little too close to home. Not that she and I are like to end up living in a ramshackle house feeding raccoons and wearing skirts on our heads. But the way they sort of depended on each other, and the manner in which they spoke to each other is very much like Mama Bird and myself. Although, if I start calling her "Mother Darling" she may have me committed. Not that I could blame her.
To go with this movie Mama Bird and I attempted to have a "meal" that was fitting with the movie (It was on cable). We got truffle mouse (we couldn't find pate or foie gras), capers, and white bread. We also got cream cheese and put caviar over it along with some red onions. The type of caviar used was red lumpfish, found on the shelf next to the canned tuna. This is the type that you're SUPPOSED to use. Now I had had this before and liked it. Apparently my tastes have changed somewhat, because it was awful. All of it. We got a bag of ruffles and called it even.
Speaking of food, today being Sunday, it is a cooking day for me. And spring having sprung, we're having morel mushrooms. This will be the only meal where we buy morels. Because morels are insanely expensive. So for dinner tonight we are having pasta (hand made earlier this afternoon) in a light cream sauce with sauteed morels.
To make the pasta one needs a pasta roller. And cutter. Then it's just a pound of flour (about 4ish cups) and 5 eggs.
Mix, roll, cut, and allow to dry for a few hours. Then just cook the same way you would any pasta.
The morels and the sauce are likewise easy. Sauté the morels in butter. You might want to do that last, because it doesn't take long at all. For the sauce you take a small amount of butter, melt it in a sauce pan, add grated parmesan and heavy cream. Not very much of either, you don't want to overpower the mushrooms, but enough to sort of lightly coat you pasta when you serve it. I add a little (tiny) bit of garlic to the sauce and this time will be adding the barest of pinches of white truffle salt. For those of you who really like cooking, and who like really fancy food, white truffle salt will be your new best friend. It's about $15 for a 2 oz jar, but you literally only need to use a teeny tiny pinch to give whatever dish you're making a very rich flavor. That 2 oz jar should last me about 2 or 3 YEARS. Even if I used it more often, I don't think I could use it all by then! Check with your local specialty spice shop to see if you can find it, otherwise google it. I got mine from The Spice House in Chicago (a place that smells like I imagine heaven does).

--Little Bird is contemplative

Strong Silent Type? Pfffffft!

2009-04-09T17:20:00.003-05:00

When I get sick, boy do I get sick. This used to happen to me 4 or 5 times a year. Back when I was in school and in contact with germy kids. This isn't to say I wasn't a germy kid, but when you throw a bunch of germy kids together, someone's (me usually) gonna get sick. As I've gotten older the colds, flus, what have yous are much less frequent. You would think that because I was sick so often then, I would now be the strong, silent stoic type when it comes to being sick. This is sooooo not the case. I whine. I complain. I mope. I ask my mother if she would please please bring soup, cough medicine, Halls, orange juice, soda, tissues and toilet paper over to my place. That being said I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mama Bird for bringing over soup, cough medicine, Halls, soda, orange juice, tissues and toilet paper. Thank you Mama Bird, thank you.
I have not stepped out of my apartment since I got home Monday night. I have no idea what the weather is like right now. The most walking I have done has been from the bed to the bathroom, or from the bed to the kitchen. Since Monday night I have eaten part of a can of SpagettiO's and about ten spoons full of chicken noodle soup. I haven't eaten anything at all today. AND I'M NOT HUNGRY. I'm pretty sure I spend more time asleep than I do awake, though I'm not really sure. Today has been the first day that I really played around online for more than half an hour at a time.
After the forum this weekend every little pain I get has me worried. I can't seem to help it. My mind immediately goes to the worst possible scenario. But, in my defense, I haven't been sick like this in a looooong time. And I have NEVER had a cough this bad. EVER.
The good news is the coughing has subsided. However, my nose is still congested, and the headaches have gotten worse. I finally started taking my migraine meds to ease the pain. Mama Bird suggested it, and also suggested I call the pharmacy to see if it was safe to mix with my cough medicine. It's safe, but the pharmacist told me if it doesn't help or if it gets worse to call my doctor. She didn't think my description of the headaches was something to fool around with.
About cold and cough medicine. When did they all go non-drowsy? Why did they all go non-drowsy? Drowsy is good! Drowsy lets you sleep. Sleep lets your body concentrate on fixing the stuff that needs fixing. Besides, when you're sick don't you WANT to sleep? Half of the meds over the counter today actually cause restlessness. Because that's exactly how I want to feel when I'm sick, miserable and acutely AWARE of it. By the way, if this post seems to swoop from topic to topic, I have taken said migraine meds, and they are basically a heavy duty prescription painkiller (i.e. NOT imitrex). So I might get a wee bit loopy. Which really is how I want to feel when I'm sick. I want the pain to go away, I want to not care that I haven't eaten in over 24 hours, I want to sleep for more than three and a half hours at a time. Most of all, I want to FEEL BETTER.

--Little Bird is cooped up

Tearjerker

2009-04-06T19:05:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm home. And I'm sick. This is nothing new for me. In fact it's right on schedule, have an extremely emotional weekend, get sick with a nasty cough.
This past weekend in DC was one of the most important weekends of my life. I got to meet other people with Neurofibromatosis. I didn't expect I would cry when I spoke to the first person there. The organizer of the weekend. I spoke to lots of parents who's small children have NF. I got to speak to other people who were (relatively) close to my age who have NF. Luckily I didn't cry when I met them. Saturdays itinerary was filled to the brim, doctors spoke at length about what IS know about NF. Fundraisers told us what they're doing to help raise money so that research can be funded. After each doctor spoke there was a brief Q & A where we had the chance to ask about the things that might have been confusing. And during every one of those Q & A's I cried. They showed us videos they produced to help raise awareness, I cried. Those videos are REALLY well made. There was a man there, a police chief. A big, burly, strong man. HE cried.
The two most important things that I got out of this experience are the information about the disease and where I can go to get help, and I no longer feel so isolated. I met others who know what it's like. They went through it too. Some of them had cases that were more severe than mine, but that didn't stop us from finding common ground.
If you are interested in learning more about NF, go to www.ctf.org find the video I talked about. Have a box of tissue handy. You'll need it.

--Little Bird found birds of a feather

p.s. That's www.ctf.org

Trains again

2009-03-26T21:48:00.005-06:00

So not this weekend but next weekend I go to Washington DC. I'm to a forum for those with NF. Neurofibromatosis. Those of you who know me, know that I have this. Those of you who REALLY know me, know that I have never met another person who has it also. I am, in a word, terrified. I have no idea what to expect. My case is not all that apparent to the eye. Ok, to the untrained eye anyway. I'm a little worried that the folks there will think I'm something of an impostor. Mama Bird thinks that I might be something of a ray of hope for some of the parents there. I think that Mama Bird might be a bit off her rocker when it comes to this one. I don't have a lot of the physical characteristics of nf, at least not where they are easily seen. I have all sorts of other issues. If I were a new parent of a child with nf, I would be horribly frightened of me.
Mama Bird and I are taking the train out. This ought to be interesting. This will be the first time she and I have taken a train ride that lasts longer than 5 hours. It will also be the first time that I will have boarded a train so late in the evening. At least in the states.
I'm a little at a loss here. I don't know what to expect. I know that I may find out all sorts of information about clinical trials, and that may be a fantastic boon. Yes, I am trying to talk myself in to this. Up to this, whatever.
No, I don't have a recipe today. I'm a bit too scattered for that right now.

--Little Bird is a nervous wreck

Watercolor Turkey

2009-03-18T12:35:00.003-06:00

We have had a taste of spring here, and just in time. It was 74 degrees yesterday! I got to take a nice walk, in the sun and the warmth. It was so nice! I was beginning to go stir crazy, cooped up in the apartment all winter.
Mama bird and her husband are out of town, leaving me alone this past Sunday, so no big blow-out meal to report about. I think I'll be eating kind of lightly this week, cooking for yourself can sometimes feel silly. Like a hassle really. You get the same amount of dishes and pots dirty, but only one person to feed. Seems like a waste of energy. That and I really really hate washing dishes.
I started painting again. Watercolors. I'm not very good, but it's fun. I seem to paint lakescapes mostly. The lake is right outside my window, so I suppose that makes sense. It would make more sense if the paintings looked anything like the lake.
But it's something to do, and more fun than watching TV.
Since I'm not cooking a big meal, I will give you a big recipe. Thank the good commenters at FailBlog for inspiring me to post this.

Herb Roasted Turkey with Apple Cider Gravy
10 servings
Brining
8 quarts cold water
2 cups coarse kosher salt
8 large fresh or dried bay leaves
2 Tablespoons black peppercorns
2 Tablespoons whole allspice
1 16-17 lb turkey, giblets removed, neck reserved

Herb Butter And Gravy
3 tablespoons minced fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons minced fresh thyme
3 tablespoons minced fresh marjoram
1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 and 1/2 sticks)

4 cups chicken broth
2 cups apple cider
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons Calvados (or other apple brandy)

Roasting

2 large granny smith apples, quartered and cored
2 large onions, quartered
1 cup apple cider

TO BRINE THE TURKEY: Line extra-large pot or bowl with two 13-gallon or larger plastic bags, one inside the other. (You may want to get a brand new kitchen waste basket or maybe a 5 gallon bucket to use for this.) Combine 1 quart water, salt, bay leaves, peppercorns, and allspice in large saucepan. Stir over medium heat until salt dissolves. Remove from heat. Add one quart cold water and cool to lukewarm. Pour into plastic bags; mix in remaining 6 quarts water. Wrap turkey neck and refrigerate. Submerge turkey in brine to cover completely, gathering bags tightly to eliminate any air; tie bags closed. Refrigerate turkey in brine in pot (bowl, container, whatever) for at least 18 hours and up to 20 hours.
Line a large roasting pan with 4 layers of paper towels. Remove turkey from brine and drain well; discard brine. Place turkey in prepared pan. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

FOR HERB BUTTER AND GRAVY: Mix the parsley, thyme, sage, marjoram, rosemary, and nutmeg in a small bowl. Transfer 1/4 cup of the herb mixture to another small bowl and mix in 1/2 cup butter.
Combine broth and apple cider in a heavy large saucepan. Boil until reduced to 3 cups, about 20 minutes. Pour broth reduction into a bowl. Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter insame saucepan over medium-high heat. Add flour; stir one minute. Whisk in broth reduction, then cream, Calvados, and remaining herb mixture. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until gravy base is thickened and reduced to 2 &3/4 cups, whisking often, about 20 minutes. Cool gravy base slightly.

TO ROAST THE TURKEY: Position rack in bottom third of oven and preheat to 350 degrees Remove turkey from roasting pan and drain any accumulated juices from main cavity. Discard paper towels from roasting pan. Melt herb butter in small saucepan over medium heat. Brush bottom of roasting pan with some herb butter. Return turkey to prepared pan. Tuck wing tips under, tie legs together loosely to hold shape. Place some apple quarters and onion quarters in main cavity. Brush remaining herb butter over turkey; sprinkle with pepper. Scatter remaining apple and onion quarters in pan. Add turkey neck to pan. I told you this was a big recipe.
Roast turkey one hour. Baste with 1/2 cup apple cider. Roast turkey 30 minutes. Baste with remaining 1/2 cup cider. Roast turkey until thermometer inserted into thickest part of turkey registers 175 degrees, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices and covering breast loosely with foil if browning too quickly, about 2 hours longer (3 &1/2 total). Transfer turkey to platter and let stand for at least 30 minutes (internal temperature will rise 5 to 10 degrees).
Discard apples, onions, and turkey neck from pan. Pour pan juices into large glass measuring cup; spoon off fat from surface. Pour degreased juices into gravy base and bring to boil over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally. Boil until gravy thickens enough to coat spoon and is reduced to 3 &1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Season gravy to taste with pepper.
Serve turkey with gravy.
Note: If you have followed all these instructions, your kitchen should be a disaster zone and every pot, pan, and bowl in the house should have been used at least once. And your family damned well better do the dishes for you!

-Little Bird is STILL organizing

Of Blood Oranges and Singing the Blues

2009-03-10T20:21:00.005-06:00

Wow. So the input has been helpful and I may have planted a seed with my folks as to them purchasing an air purifier. We will have to see. Thank you to everybody who commented with advice.
This past weekend Mama Bird was sick. So this past Sunday dinner was up to me. The chicken was a both a combination of past recipes and a slight departure from them. I had to get a fryer instead of a roaster (smaller bird), and I rubbed it with butter and then sprinkled it with herbes de provence and grains of paradise, and orange pepper. I put onions in and around the bird... and I added a blood orange. Instead of lemon. I turned out great! I also made roasted potatoes sprinkled with the same herbes and the rest. The same green beans as the week before made the menu (because I LOVE them) and that was the meal. Mama Bird particularly liked the potatoes. I know this because she finished mine. My stepfather and I demolished the green beans. The chicken was just tiny. It was good, it was really good! But small.
While I was cooking Mama Bird watched this really cool animated feature on the internet called "Sita Sings The Blues". It's by a woman named Nina Paley (apologies if I've misspelled that). It is amazing! Funny, and sad, and really really well done. Look it up if you get the chance, and make sure you have the time to watch it. It is 82 minutes long, and totally worth the time.
In other news it continues to rain. But it must be at least 50 out there! It's not COLD and wet, it's just ... wet. The bad thing about this is my knee is KILLING me. It feels like there is a spike that is being jammed into the side of my knee. BUT! It's not snowing!! Spring is on it's way! I'm just gonna continue to tell myself this, ignoring the fact that we have at least two more snowfalls due to come. I just pretend that this is not really gonna happen.

--Little Bird is good at pretending

Memories.....Achoo!

2009-03-04T19:07:00.004-06:00

All of my life I have loved cats. Loved them! I've had a few in my day, too. The old fat furball named Maggie that we got when I was about 8ish. She must have weighed 20 lbs, and was a longhaired somethingorother. Cat fur EVERYWHERE. I loved her. There were others along the way and now my mother has two cats (my lease stipulates no cats). Mama Birds cats are named after sisters in a D.H. Lawrence book "Women in Love". For the life of me I cannot spell their names. One is very sweet and allows me to carry her all over the apartment, but no further. The other looks kinda like Yoda and is a pill. If you don't pet her EXACTLY the way she wishes to be pet, she'll bite you. She has seriously mellowed out over the years and now realizes that I am a reliable source of attention (This is the same cat that once walked into the room I was sitting in. Walked up to me. Hissed at me. And walked away).
So yeah, I like cats. But something odd has happened. I seem to have developed an allergy to them. If I spend too long over at Mama Bird's place, or let the cats climb over me too much, my eyes get all itchy and my nose gets twitchy. It's not the end of the world. And it takes awhile for it to affect me, but still. I sorta feel like I've been told that I can never have chocolate again. I don't know how my stepfather handles it, he is WAY allergic to cats. I know he opens windows to clear the dander out (I'm not entirely sure how this works but that's his excuse for opening the windows in FEBRUARY), but that seems to have given of the cats a cold so now I don't know what he does.
Any suggestions for making visits to Mama Bird's a less sneeze inducing experience?

--Little Bird is sniffling

Lesson Learned

2009-03-01T18:02:00.002-06:00

So today marks six years of living in the windy city. I told you that I was planning a special dinner. Well, Mamma Bird and I made that meal. The duck was AMAZING!!!! The recipe is at Epicurious.com under "crispy roast duck" and was in the 2006 June issue of Gourmet magazine. The green beans with the walnuts and walnut oil were FANTASTIC. And I'm sure the potatoes were good too, but I was too afraid to really try them.
You know how occasionally a recipe calls for a very specific type of utensil or pan? There is a reason for this. As it turns out a very good reason for this. Our potato recipe called for a certain type of baking pan. One that I do not own. I used my pyrex baking pan that was the correct size. Yeah. About 10 minutes before the dish was supposed to be done the pyrex dish exploded. Yup, you read that right. It exploded. We took the top layer of potatoes (they appeared fine, no glass bits) and put them in a different dish and served them anyway. What little bit I did eat tasted great, that recipe is also at Epicurious.com, under "potatoes gratin". To the recipe we added a touch of white truffle salt and fresh thyme. We also used 1 and 1/2 cups milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream instead of the half & half they call for. Oh, and we added mozzarella between the layers too. If you decide to make that recipe, USE THE TYPE OF PAN THEY RECOMMEND. If you don't have it, go buy it or make something else.
I now have a few bits of my former pyrex pan sitting on a shelf. A reminder that I should follow instructions.
But the duck. The duck was divine! I had never had duck before and therefor had no idea what to expect. As it turns out, duck is right up my alley. I prefer dark meat when having chicken or turkey, and duck is like an entire bird of dark meat. Mmmmm! And the skin! Oh my god the skin was crispy, crispy heaven!
But the beans. Let me first say I don't really care much for cooked veggies. Never have. But these were so good I had three helpings! The walnuts and walnut oil add an almost buttery flavor to the green beans. Of course you need to use french green beans. Not the regular kind cut skinny, but the really skinny type.
There is a bit of leftover duck, and I will be making stir-fry with that. The duck fat is currently cooling and awaiting separation. And duck fat fries are in my future!

--Little Bird is stuffed

Weathering the Weather

2009-02-26T14:29:00.004-06:00

Take a good look at today's date. Now keep that in mind when I tell you this. Chicago is in the grip of a rather lengthy thunderstorm. And it's not the first one of the year. Last year we had one in January that spawned a few tornados in the outlying areas and nearby small towns. This is the weather we should be getting in say April. Or MAYBE late March. Not the tail end of February.
That being said, I have a love-hate thing going with thunderstorms. I love the drama of it. The energy. I hate the possibility that it could be hiding a tornado. I hate, hate, hatehatehate tornados. They scare the bejeezus out of me. It is currently 2:30 in the afternoon and so dark that even with floor to ceiling windows that stretch the length of an entire wall, I have to have a light on. The street lights are on! It's been staying light longer lately and we've been spoiled by that I think. Because this just plain sucks!
So last Sunday it was pretty chilly out. So much so that I didn't get a walk in. I didn't really get much of one Saturday for the same reason. So last Sunday we made chili. TWO FREAKING BATCHES. We're gonna be eating chili for WEEKS! I like chili, I do. Just not quite that much. There are currently about 6 containers that each hold two servings or more in my mother's freezer. And two in mine. This is not counting the half a stock pot that is sitting in her fridge. Or the 10 helpings that have already been consumed since we made it. If any one has ideas or suggestions on how to doctor chili or turn it into something else, please, let me know!

Texas Style Chili
serves about 6 (really hungry people)

3 lb. ground chuck
1 lb ground pork
2 medium yellow onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves minced
1 minced serrano pepper de-seeded
1/4 cup chili powder
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp chili caribe
1 Tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
1 28 oz cans whole tomatoes, chopped, with their juice
Four 16 oz cans kidney beans, drained
1 can black beans

Combine the ground chuck, pork, onions, and garlic in a stockpot. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browed; stir the meat to break it up as it cooks. Stir in the spices and stir well to mix. Cover, and simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally. Add tomatoes, beans and and serrano pepper simmer for 20 minutes longer.

Note: you can add fresh cilantro when adding beans. You will probably want all the chili fixin's to go on top of this, sour cream, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, cilantro, and for a nice touch chopped avocado. You can also add a bit of beer to the chili when adding the tomatoes if your chili looks too dry.
My chili actually has WAY more spices and peppers but I'm not gonna tell you which ones! But this is the bascic recipe to start with. Play with the recipe, make it your own.

--Little Bird has a stocked freezer

It's Not Just For Soap

2009-02-16T17:52:00.003-06:00

Now that the worst of winter seems to be behind us, weekends are for walking. Eight miles this Saturday, and a bit less Sunday. Given that Mama Bird did not have to go to work today, we walked. Only about 3 miles, but we walked. Walking seems to have helped my recent moods, getting out in the fresh air and sun is always a good thing.
As I said, the organization continues, next up is my clothes closet. After that, I'm not sure. There are many other areas that could use the help, but without bookshelves it will be difficult. Perhaps I'll turn to thinning out the stuff I don't really need.
This afternoon Mama Bird and I baked cupcakes. Dark chocolate with lavender icing. We totally cheated and used a box mix for the cake part. We also cheated on the icing. It was from a can and was plain white icing. To this we added minced lavender, about 1/2 a teaspoon. Also added was food coloring to make it a pale, pale purple. 3 drops red to 2 drops blue for one can of icing. After they were iced we sprinkled lavender over them. Not only were they pretty to look at they taste divine!
In two weeks I will have lived here in Chicago for six years. March first. Sometimes it feels like I've been here forever, that this is where I belong. Other times it feels like I just moved here yesterday and it is like a revelation. When I was new here it felt that way. That weird duality. I felt like I had come home, but was also struck with the amazing wonder that is this city. There are things to do and places to go here. And not all of them cost an arm and a leg. Yes, winter here can be a pain (literally) and summer is fleeting. But it's a great city to live in. For one thing this city is pedestrian friendly. You can walk ANYWHERE. And I usually walk everywhere. If the weather is bad, or it's late in the evening I take a bus or a cab. If I'm going to an event with friends who drive, I catch a ride with them. I can't wait for summer when walking is easier (warmer) and the days are light for longer. For Millennium Park to start it's season of concerts again, so I can picnic while enjoying the music and the city together.
In honor of that six year anniversary I am planning a special meal. Roasted Duck, Haricot Verts with Walnut Oil, and Gratin Potatoes. The plan is to reserve the left over duck fat and make fries later. Thus the Frydaddy will be christened. I have never cooked duck before so this will be interesting. But we don't plan on using fancy sauces, and the rest of the menu should balance that out.

Haricot Verts with Walnuts and Walnut Oil

1/3 cup walnuts
sea salt
3/4 pound haricots verts, stems trimmed
3 tbsp walnut oil
coarsely ground black pepper or grains of paradise

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the walnuts in a small baking dish. Bake until you can hear the walnuts sizzling or smell them when you open the oven door, about 5 minutes. (Set your timer!!) Remove from oven and chop coarsely.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water, seasoned with sea salt so that it tastes like ocean water (not quite, but salty), to a boil. Add the haricots verts and cook until just tender but still firm, about 4 minutes. (Don't over cook: they will continue to cook out of the water) Drain, then spread out on a kitchen towel to soak up excess water.
Gather the beans while still hot and toss in a bowl with the warm walnuts and the walnut oil. Season generously with pepper (or grains of paradise) and perhaps a bit more salt.

serves 2 ( double or triple as needed)
The green beans in this are supposed to be the really skinny kind, not cut skinny, naturally skinny. This recipe is adapted from a book my bestest friend gave me. And Grains of Paradise can be found at most specialty spice stores.

--Little Bird will fall into a sugar coma tonight.

Still Organizing

2009-02-12T19:45:00.002-06:00

Still organizing. I have decided to think about it as if I am moving. And thin out the crap accordingly. It's still gonna take time. A lot of time. And several trips to the Container Store. I think a trip to Ikea will be necessary too. Relax Mama Bird, I won't need to go there for another four or five months.
Some years ago Mama Bird and I took the Metra Train to Shaumburg to go to Ikea. HUGE mistake. The train stop is nowhere near the store. And, being way the hell out in the 'burbs, there were no taxis. Did I mention it was cold? No? It was. We eventually got a taxi (we called one) and spent something like $20 to have him drive us in circles before he took us where we wanted to go. When we finally got to the store, Mama Bird, who doesn't like to shop in the first place, had VERY little patience left. We ate, I got the comforter I was looking for, and we left. We may have poked around the kitchen department too. We took yet another taxi (this one didn't make a bunch of unnecessary circles) back to the train stop and then took the train back into town. This is why it will be difficult at best to get her to agree to go. Even if I offer to buy shower curtain liners (plural) for her.
But this is all months away. In the meantime I'll just go to the Container Store. Again.

--Little Bird is planning

Organasaywhat?

2009-02-09T15:34:00.003-06:00

The unseasonable warm weather has wrought a change. Mama Bird would say it's a good change. I just think it's weird. I'm organizing. My closets, under the sinks, and other random parts of the apartment.
I made a list of the areas in my place that need attention. I should probably mention that I am a compulsive list maker. I made a list of the things I will need to facilitate said organization. I made still another list that compiled the two and have been checking off and marking the date of the things that get done.
For instance today I : cleared out the one shelf in the hall closet that was full of old terra cotta plant pots (from a failed herb garden attempt) and other detritus. I installed some small hooks in that same closet to hang my canvas shopping bags (yes I really use them). I installed another hook in same closet to hold the duster and the measuring tape. In the other closet I used the last two hooks so the coolers could be hung up and out of the way. I also cleared out a bunch of crap from under the bathroom sink and from under the kitchen sink. AND I cleared out a lot of the useless or out of date stuff from my medicine cabinet.
Both hall closets now look pretty damned good right now. They both could use a bit more work, one needs some stacking bins, and the other has stuff in it that I can't mess with (it's not mine).
I have never been an organized person. It's just not been my nature. There were very few things I kept organized. My knives and my... um... well, I guess that's ALL I ever kept organized. I am finding it is easier to be organized with the proper equipment. Hooks, bins, boxes. Stuff like that. My goal is to get the big stuff organized. Then start organizing the little stuff. Big stuff like shoes, and books and art supplies in general. Small stuff like separating and storing embroidery floss for cross stitch projects. Bookcases would go a long way in the grand scheme of things, but they may have to wait a bit.
In all of this organizing I have been tossing ridiculous crap that I have for some reason saved. The last five drops of a particular body wash, the empty bandaid wrappers that never made it to the trash. The hair color that didn't work from when I had the hot pink hair in the back. The hair color that did work, but I no longer have long or pink hair. The shoes Mama Bird gave me when she decided she didn't want them. My feet are smaller. Bags and bags of paper trash. Old lists. Old musings. Books that I have read until they are literally falling apart.
I figure it will be July before I am really close to done. Done done, not getting there. But clothing thinned out, shoes organized, cross stitch stuff organized, small stuff too. Though I probably won't have those shelves yet. I MIGHT have additional display shelves for the salt and pepper collection though.
No recipe today, though I did make toffee bars with Mama Bird yesterday. That recipe is from the Betty Crocker cook book.

--Little Bird is cleaning hou...er... nest.

Just a note.

2009-02-05T18:08:00.003-06:00

So I'm feeling better. Sorta. Kinda. I have no idea why I felt/feel this way. But believe me, I will be having a little chat with my doctor about a possible medication change. I don't know if that's the answer, but it couldn't hurt. I think.
I'm in the process of thinning out all my stuff. Partly because I need to (the stuff is piling up) and partly because it keeps me busy and focused on something. The ficus tree went yesterday. Sometime in the next week I hope to divest myself of a desk and desk chair. The desk is in parts that are being stored in my closet. The desk chair? It's orange. A sort of vaguely translucent, candy orange color. If I had room for it, and a desk, I'd keep it.
What I really need are shelves. Bookshelves. Lots of them. You see, I have a lot of books. And I'm only going to get more. I also need a way to display a growing salt and pepper shaker collection. I have 4 of those picture ledge type shelves, and my collection is twice too big to fit on them. I have about 60 odd sets. If it seems like an odd thing to collect, you should know I try to only get the tackiest and kitschy of all shakers.
The one cool new thing about what I've done in my room is the birdie lights. I got them at Ikea, and there are five birds on the cord. So, having gotten rid of the tree I needed something to do with them. I took a wooden dowel and wrapped the cord around it. The birds are on clips, so I clipped these to the dowel too. The clips actually make the whole thing stand up. It sits on the heater/air conditioner unit.
Now that I've rambled on and on about essentially nothing, I'll stop.

Roasted Eggplant Salad

2 medium sized eggplants
1 bunch green onions
3 medium sized vine ripened tomatoes
2 cloves garlic minced
olive oil
1 red bell pepper, de-seeded and chopped

1. preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Pierce eggplants all over with a fork, and brush completely with olive oil. Put in roasting pan in oven for about 1/2 an hour, or until tender.
3. Remove eggplants from pan, and remove the skins (this is tricky, if roasted correctly the skins just slide right off, if not...well...pepare for some sore fingers) discard the skins. Chop into small pieces and set aside to cool.
4. Chop all the remaining ingredients and mix them together.
6. When eggplant is completely cool add to the other veggies. Add salt and pepper to taste.

You can add kalamata olives to this, as well as cucumber.

It should be noted that this works best in an electric oven. I have no idea why.

I am also looking into the logistics of a failparty. Not at my place, but in town.

--Little Bird is wishing for spring

Some Days...

2009-01-31T21:35:00.003-06:00

Some days are better than others. Sure, everybody has them. Those days where everything goes wrong. But what about days when NOTHING goes wrong? Nothing went wrong today. And yet I still feel like I had a terrible day. I spent the day with my mother. No, that wasn't bad. I got a haircut (it looks great by the way), I had a date tonight. I canceled the date. I didn't feel like I could handle being out in public. I broke down in tears twice today. For no reason. No reason that I can figure anyway. I hate winter. This mood used to hit me right before Christmas. I used to hate the holidays. Now, I get hit at the end of January. STOP THE WORLD, I WANT TO GET OFF!!! This is how I feel right now. I can't point to any reason for WHY I should feel this way. All I wanted to do today was stay curled up in my pj's, in bed. I wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear. I still want to. So, I guess tonight is a pity party. Table for one. I just wish I knew how to get out of this funk.
So tomorrow I am making the shrimp pasta. As sad as it sounds, this is something I am really looking forward to. Yes, I really love this particular dish. Sometime during the week I plan on making sugar cookies with lavender icing. Flavor AND coloring. I hope they turn out. Because I do NOT have a recipe for this. This will be trial and error. Hopefully more trial than error.
Anybody out there have ideas for getting out of a funk? I could use some input.

--Little Bird hiding

Root Vegetables

2009-01-19T12:09:00.002-06:00

So last night we had the soup. It was fantastic! We altered it just a little, not putting IN bacon (we used it like a condiment) and putting sour cream in during the blending process, We served it with home made bread, and stuff to sprinkle on the soup. Oh yeah, we also didn't use turnips. The store was inexplicably out of turnips. They had beets, and rutabagas, potatoes and other root veggies. Just no turnips. Either way the soup was great! Mama Bird loved it and My stepfather had THREE helpings!
We had a bit of a heat wave here, we got up to double digits! Woo-hoo! I still need to get new earmuffs. I have learned the beauty of polar fleece. It's warm. Especially if you wear multiple layers of the stuff. Sure, it makes you look like you've gained 50 pounds, but you're warm. And if you're just running errands, who cares?
I am also in the process of thinning out my kitchen. No, I am not getting rid of new and fun appliances. I am getting rid of old and rarely used glasses. And some vases I have multiples of. Oh, and the counter top dishwasher that no longer fits the faucet on my sink. If I give away or dispose of these items, I might have room for the new toys. And for MORE new toys in the future. Like the bread maker. And the stand mixer.
Here is a great winter/fall recipe to keep you warm.

Roasted Root Vegetables
serves 6

1 2&1/2 lb butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 &1/2 lb Yukon gold potatoes, unpeeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 bunch beets, trimmed and scrubbed, not peeled, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 medium sized red onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 head of garlic, cloves separated and peeled
2 Tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Oil two large rimmed baking sheets. Combine all ingredients in a very large bowl; toss to coat with olive oil. Divide vegetables between the two prepared cooking sheets; spread evenly. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Roast vegetables until tender and golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
What do you know? Turns out I DID have a vegan friendly recipe after all!

--Little Bird is making room

Negative 2

2009-01-15T17:39:00.005-06:00

I HAVE A BLENDER!!! And it is orange! Yippee!! Now I can make milkshakes! And daiquiris! And, and... well, I'm sure I'll find plenty of things to make. It came in yesterday, this Christmas present of mine. And like the frydaddy, has yet to be used. Primarily because it is -2 outside and I am trying to not go out there. And my cupboards, while not bare, are not all that well stocked. Tonight is the night I am supposed to do dinner with the folks, but seeing how that would require me to walk to the store (about 4 blocks, in a town where 8 blocks = a mile) I don't see that happening. Unless my mother goes to the store on the way home and calls to find out what we need. But as cold as it is, I hope she opts not to do that. So tonight's meal will likely be whatever I have in the house. Pasta. As usual.
Let me explain the weather situation here. I have ice on the insides of my windows. LOTS of it. INSIDE. And my room is actually warm. The heater is over-enthusiastic. I think that caused condensation on the windows (which are directly above the heater) and the insanely low temperatures outside caused that to ice over. But really, ice? Inside?
I'm thinking I should be making soups with that new blender. Anyone out there have any good ones?

--Little Bird is attempting to stay warm

Nothing Important

2009-01-14T14:50:00.003-06:00

Snow, snow, and more snow! I had no idea I was coming home to this much snow! And we got more of it! At this exact moment it appears to be blowing around rather than falling from the sky but still...
And the cold! Damn it's cold out there! And yesterday while making a grocery run I broke my earmuffs.
I don't have all that much to report. I survived the birthday week from hell. My train was late getting in. I slept until about noon on Monday. My sleep schedule is STILL out of whack. I HAD plans for this evening, but the person I had those plans with is sick, so, raincheck. Seeing how I really want to avoid going outside if I can, this isn't all that bad.
If you're planning a FANCY cocktail party, this might be a crowd pleaser. Or it might just impress the hell out of your guests.

Fresh Corn Madelines with Sour Cream and Caviar
makes about 36 hors d'oeurves
For Madelines
1 Tsp unsalted butter, plus more for brushing pan
1/3 cup yellow corn meal -- not coarse
2 Tsp all purpose flour
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 large egg
1/3 cup well shaken buttermilk
1/2 cup corn (from one ear) chopped

For Topping
1/3 cup sour cream
50g caviar (preferably north american sturgeon)

Garnish
chopped chives

Notes: You will need a madeline pan with 20 mini (1/2 Tsp) molds for this one. You may also want a small pastry bag with a star or leaf tip. Also VERY IMPORTANT do not use a metal spoon or utensil with the caviar, it will cause the caviar to go rancid almost immediately. Use horn, mother of pearl (not as pricey as it sounds --$6 maybe), or ceramic.

To Make Madelines
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Brush molds with melted butter.
Whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Whisk together egg, buttermilk, 1 Tsp melted butter, and corn.
Blend the two mixtures together.
Spoon 1 tsp batter into each mold and bake in middle of oven until madeline are golden around the edges and spring back when pressed lightly. 5-6 minutes
Turn madelines out and make more in the same manner until out of batter.

Top Madelines
Put sour cream in pastry bag (if using) and pipe (or spoon) about 1/2 tsp onto each madeline. Top with a rounded 1/4 tsp caviar. Sprinkle with chopped chives.

I'm gonna go take a nap now.

-Little Bird is a bit discombobulated still

How Many Parties Are Too Many Parties?

2009-01-10T18:17:00.004-06:00

So I'm in St. Louis. Have been since Tuesday evening. Let me tell you, the train ride was a little boring. Short but boring. Except for that moment when I could have sworn I saw a monkey in a tree. In central Illinois. I winter. It was too big to be a squirrel. It took me until today to even consider that it may have been a raccoon. Stop laughing. I had to get up early that day! And I think Starbucks puts mild hallucinogens in their bottled frappuchinos.
I have been at a party EVERY night so far and have another to go to tonight. I go home tomorrow. Evening, thank god. It's been lots of fun though. Staying with a friend from high school, sleeping late, cooking for said friend. I also go to hang out with some friends from GRADE SCHOOL! It is weird seeing people I knew when they were 5 all grown up and adult-like. Yes, it's true that when they were 5 so was I, but still.
It wasn't until very late last night that I discovered the next door neighbor has WiFi and I could get on the 'net. I had been developing withdrawal symptoms. I couldn't get on FailBlog!! The horror!
I am returning home with some classic St. Louis only (or maybe just not in Chicago) items. R&F kluski noodles for one thing. Two bags of 'em. Every other brand just doesn't taste right to me. And Old Vienna's Red Hot Ripplets. These are potato chips. Incredibly hot, spicy, ADDICTIVE potato chips. My friends and I call them "crack chips" because they are SO addictive. We contend that they are sprinkled with crack. They are heaven. I might suggest though that you don't eat too many in conjunction with too many beers. The next morning feels like hell. But of course I will continue to buy the damned things when ever I can!
The following is one of my hosts favorite pre-dinner munchies. Whenever I make these and she's around they disappear in record time.

Rumaki

One or two packages bacon
two or three cans whole waterchestnuts
honey
brown sugar
toothpicks

Remove bacon from packaging and cut in half. Cut any particularly large waterchestnuts in half too. Wrap each waterchestnut (or half) in half a strip of bacon and hold together with a toothpick. When all chestnuts are wrapped (or you run out of bacon) coat each piece with honey and sprinkle with brown sugar. Place on a cookie sheet (with a lip) or the bottom part of a broiler pan and broil on high for 5 to 6 min. Keep an eye on the toothpicks, they very well could catch fire!
And yes, they did catch fire on me once. I now know to soak the toothpicks in water for a few hours beforehand.

--Little Bird has been tripping down memory lane

On the Road ... Again!

2009-01-05T14:54:00.003-06:00

Busy times here! I'm off to St. Louis tomorrow, for a quick visit and a birthday party (not mine). My folks just go in last night and I've barely had time to talk to them. My mother arranged my train tickets while I waited in the DMV waiting area for the renewal of my ID. What better way to spend your Monday morning than in the DMV? It never ceases to amaze me how rude people are. And I'm not talking about the folks that work there! The good people who work there were perfectly pleasant. It was a few of the "customers". Pushing, shoving, the regular stuff. What I really would like to know is why ID photos are always so awful. This new one is not so bad, as far as ID pics go, but still...
I still have laundry to do (it's in the machine), and then packing. Oh, and some vacuuming before I go anywhere. I managed to get a gift for the birthday girl (thanks to mama bird), and aside from wanting to grab a few munchies and sodas for the train, I'm good!
Here's one of my favorite recipes, adapted from a restaurant in St. Louis

Linguini with Shrimp and goat cheese

Green and white linguini
1 lb cooked Shrimp, deviened with shells and tails removed
feta
2 pinches crushed red pepper flakes
10-15 sundried tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped walnuts

This is an easy one. Saute tomatoes, crushed red pepper flakes and walnuts.
When pasta is done, toss with the sundried tomatoes mixture, and shrimp; sprinkle with feta and serve.

--Little Bird is on the move

P.S. Christopher, too many is (in this case) when your liver starts looking for a new home!

Progress Report

2009-01-04T18:32:00.003-06:00

It's been a day or two. I have given myself time to recover. As I so obviously needed to. Miraculously there was no blinding headache. No nausea. No spins. I survived! And this coming week I may get to do it all over again. My bestest friend in the entire world has a birthday on Tuesday. My mother, Mama Bird (saint that she is), has offered to help me get back to where this friend lives so I can join in the festivities. This is her birthday present to me. This is a damned good present!
The friend in question is two years my junior. And oddly enough we are (extremely) distantly related. I have known her for 17 years. She has been the best friend a person could ask for. I wish I could convince her to move to my town!
Here is a recipe to keep you warm on these cold winter nights.

Aztec Sluggers
Makes 2 drinks

1 Cup freshly brewed strong coffee
1/4 cup bourbon
1/2 oz Kahlua
2 oz finely chopped bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)
6 tablespoons heavy cream
1 teaspoon sugar

Heat coffee, bourbon, kahlua, chocolate and 2 tablespoons cream ia 1 to 1 1/2 quart heavy saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly, until chocolate is melted, about 1 to 2 minutes (Don't let it boil).
Whisk remaining 1/4 cup cream with sugar until it holds soft peaks.
Divide coffee mixture between 2 large mugs, then top with the whipped cream.

Don't drink too many of them!

--Little Bird is about to be on the road again

Birthday

2009-01-02T21:58:00.003-06:00

Ok. It's not all that late in the evening, but I am a wee bit drunk. I blame Maggie. And the Jamesons she suggested we drink. I am 34 today. I wish I could say that I have some great wisdom to impart. But, alas, I do not. I feel no older or wiser than any other day. I have no breaking news for you. No startling insights. I am merely older. I would love to tell you that I have discovered the meaning of life. I cannot. Except to say that without friends to share those meaningful moments with, life is not worth living. I was born on a day that is not conducive to getting one's friends together on. And yet I had one friend who made it happen. She went out when she probably shouldn't have, and spent time with me. To make sure I had a good time. On my birthday. I can't tell you what that means to me. (She also did a wonderful number on my hair {it looks great}).
This has been a great birthday. And for that I must thank Maggie. Hopefully I will get a chance to show my thanks soon. I'm sure an opportunity will show itself soon.
I have no recipe for you tonight, but I will soon.

--Little Bird is (again) one year older

Beer and Butterflies

2009-01-01T17:05:00.005-06:00

Well I survived. Mainly because I stayed home. Being out in public, near traffic on amateur night was not something I intended to do. Yeah, I stayed up. I toasted the new year with beer, the store nearest me did not have splits of champagne, and I didn't want to waste any. And I couldn't have had an entire bottle of champagne by myself. If I had tried, I wouldn't have made it out of bed this morning. Champagne is a headache just waiting to happen (for me) if more than three glasses are imbibed.
I have noticed that I have readers now, and I must say thank you! For all your kind words and suggestions. This is new for me, I hardly know what to say or do now. It's great to get feedback on the recipes! I'm glad they're so well received! So this post's recipe was picked for one such commenter.

Saffron Butterflies
Farfalle allo Zafferano

This is an adaptation from Patricia Wells' Trattoria. It quickly replaced mac & cheese as a comfort food.
Sea salt
8 oz dried italian farfalle or butterfly shaped pasta
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tsp saffron threads
sun-dried tomatoes julienne to taste
fresh basil chopped finely to taste
1 clove garlic minced
Freshly grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese for the table
Optional: Italian sausage 4 links.
Add pasta to boiling water, cooking until tender, about 8 minutes. In a small sauce pan over low heat, mix butter, cream sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and garlic. stirring until butter is completely melted. Add saffron slowly, bringing up the heat just a little. Drain pasta, and in same pot add cream sauce. If serving with italian sausage, broil sausages on middle rack at high until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Serve on plates or pasta bowls with sausage either along side or across pasta.
serves 4

--Little Bird would like to thank her readers/commenters

There's No Place Like Home

2008-12-31T13:25:00.004-06:00

I survived. More importantly so did my family. I am home and got to sleep in my own bed last night. I slept like a rock, a warm and cozy rock.
I'll start with the train ride. It was, to date, the least late of all the trips I have taken. I had two seats to myself for almost all of the ride. That means I was able to sleep. Not that sleep on a train, in coach, is particularly restful. My food and drink reserves held for the whole trip. The fly in the ointment was the 2 hour stint from Denver to Granby when I had some old geezer sit next to me and spout a bunch of racist, bigoted bullshit as if he thought I might agree with him. It was Japs this, and Obama that, and something about how if his daughter had ever come home with a black guy, she wouldn't be welcome. I could hear the people sitting behind me gasping. I just smiled, told him that everyone has an opinion and then I attempted to change the subject. I was tempted to tell him to shut the fuck up and keep his hatred to himself. I was tempted to tell him (politely) that it might be best if he found another place to sit. The train was full. That is why I did neither. I did not want to be stuck sitting next to him while he directed that hatred and ignorance at me.
My family was only marginally better than that guy. I was asked my political views by an uncle who really wasn't trying to be argumentative. He honestly wanted to know what I thought. His sister in law, my aunt however tried to start a "debate". I told her that I knew that her opinions were not the same as mine, and that she was entitled to those opinions. Just as I was entitled to mine. That I would not argue politics with her, as we would NEVER change each others minds.
I stayed at a cousins house, on an air mattress. Word to the wise, when up in the mountains, in the cold, air mattresses need to have a blanket that you sleep on top of PLUS about 3 more to cover yourself with. The air inside the mattress is the same temp as the room. And the room I slept in was about 40 degrees.
Gift giving went well, I now have more orange stuff. And more salt and pepper shakers. And more crosses. I gave every one pieces of cross stitch, and then told them how it was intended to be "used". For one uncle I had a gift card, since he lost his house to a fire. I figure he knows what he needs and I don't want to get him something useless.
The train ride home was late getting to the station. By an hour. But it was nice. I saw a bald eagle launch itself into the air. I saw others in trees. I saw a huge herd of elk, running in the snow. I saw wild turkeys in the corner of a field. I saw the sun rise all pink and orange, over some hills. I saw the frost glitter on the dirt road that ran along side of the tracks. And I saw horses playing in the snow. All of this was beautiful.
My train arrived home at 7pm. THREE hours late. I was never so happy to be home. To sleep in a REAL bed. And a friend of mine gave me an early birthday present. A case of beer. It was a fantastic homecoming. Now, I just need to gear up for Friday, my birthday. I will try not to do what I did last year. And hopefully I won't need to spend Saturday hiding under the blankets and pillows with a pounding hangover.

--Little Bird is back in the nest

Lessons Learned

2008-12-20T13:54:00.003-06:00

So I have only a few days to go until I leave for Colorado. I am almost completely packed. The only things I don't have are food and beverage items. That is the beauty of train travel. You can bring your own food and drink! I have learned to bring cheese, beef jerky, crackers, soda, and propel packets (the powder kind that you mix into a water bottle). Yes I also bring a bottle of wine. And yes, I have a small cooler to hold all the foodstuffs. If you bring a sports bottle, you can fill it at water fountains in every car.
I also recommend bringing a blanket. And one of those sleep mask things. And ear plugs. These three things will help you achieve the near impossible. Sleep. The wine helps too. I am an old hand at this, having done it several times already. Each time I think of a new way to make my trip more enjoyable. This years is a regular twin sized blanket and a pillow. I have been bringing a travel blanket in the past and it's not all that great.
Books, music, and a laptop are also pretty much essential to passing the time without killing someone. They help you ignore the 7 year old kid that won't stop running up and down the aisle saying "boogerboogerboogerboogerbooger!". And if you can ignore the kid, the kid survives to see another day.
A note about the alcohol. Technically it's a no-no to bring your own. They want you to buy it from them. I guess this would allow them to monitor your level of drunkenness as well. But, if you don't make an ass of yourself, start a fight, get sick or any other ass-like thing, they don't really care. I sit quietly in my seat, drink what ever I brought and read. Or watch a movie on my computer. To my knowledge no one has ever complained about my behavior on the train. And believe me, the conductors tell you when there's a problem.
I'm sure when I get back I'll be full of train related horror stories. I choose to pretend that this time it will all go according to plans. And that this time the train won't arrive at my destination 5 freaking hours late!
The other night my mother and I cooked. We made quiche. When I was young I hated the stuff. But in recent years I've had the little mini kind at parties and liked it. So I thought I would try my hand at making it. It was divine. And I figured that I can use this method to use up leftovers so I won't throw as much food away. My mother, who has traveled the world and eaten quiche in some of the best places, declared this to be the best quiche she has ever had! I think it was the leeks that made it so good.

Ham and Leek Quiche
1 pre-made pie shell (the refrigerated kind)
1/4 lb smoked ham, cubed really tiny
3 cups shredded cheese ( 2 cups a four cheese blend from Trader Joe's and 1 cup Mozzarella)
3 medium leeks white and pale green parts only
3 eggs
1 1/3 containers of creme fraiche (the 7oz package)
1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
cracked black pepper to taste
2 Tbsp butter

In a pie plate place the crust and bake according to instructions on the box.

When you remove the crust from the oven, turn the heat down to 350 f.

While you are waiting for the crust to come out of the oven cut the leeks in half lengthwise, and then into 1/2 pieces.
Put them in a bowl and swish them around to clean them. Drain and pat dry.
In a 10 inch skillet, melt the butter and add the leeks, stirring often until leeks are tender.

While the crust is cooling you can place the ham in the crust, try for an even layer and up the sides if you can.

In a mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, creme fraiche, nutmeg and pepper.

Add leeks to the ham, in a layer. Add the cheese on top of the leeks.

Pour half of the egg mixture into the pie, moving the cheese about (gently!) to get the mixture to settle more evenly. Pour the rest in.

Bake for about 1 to 1 1/4 hours. The top should be a rich brown and the center should wobble ever so slightly. Allow to cool for 15 min before serving.

The next time I make this, I'm using BACON!!!

--Little Bird only breaks minor rules

Recovery

2008-12-14T19:26:00.003-06:00

This weekend has been spent recovering. Recovering from the party I went to on Thursday. The party that my ex invited me to. Awkward! I did have fun. I think I drank too much, and I didn't get any phone numbers, but it was still a good night. I got to get dressed up and a number of my other friends were there.
Now I get to plan the holiday trip to see the family. In Colorado. By train. I think I've figured it out, what to pack and all. Gifts this year are easy, I only have one to get. For an aunt and uncle. Gift cards, visa or amex. See, they lost their home in the California fires. So instead of buying stuff that no one really needs for ALL of them, I'm going to spend about what I would have normally done. And give it all to one family. I decided to go with gift cards because I don't know what they need, and this was the best way to make sure that they could get those things.
Also in the works is a trip to D.C. for a neurofibromatosis forum. This will be the first time I will have met another person with it. And it will allow me to learn more about any clinical trials in my area. And maybe, just maybe talk to someone who knows what it's like.

Endive Spoons with Herbed Goat Cheese
1 lb soft fresh goat cheese
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 generous Tbsp fresh lemon zest (minced)
3 Tbsp finely chopped cilantro
3 Tbsp finely chopped chives
8 long slender heads of Belgian Endive
6 grape tomatoes, cut crosswise into very thin slices, slices halved, for garnish
very small sprigs of cilantro, for garnish

Using on/off turns, blend goat cheese, olive oil, 1 Tbsp lemon juice, and lemon zest in food processor until smooth and creamy. Transfer mixture to medium bowl. Stir in chopped cilantro and chives, season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate until cold (can be made a day in advance. Keep refrigerated.) If desired, transfer cheese mixture to pastry bag fitted with a small plain tip.
Cut off and discard root ends of endive. Separate leaves. Into each leaf spoon or squeeze some of the cheese mixture. Continue until out of cheese, or out of leaves. Garnish each with sliver of tomato and cilantro leaf. Serve.

--Little Bird recuperates

This Week, Back at the Ranch...

2008-12-07T16:10:00.003-06:00

This has been an off week. I didn't do all that much. I did, however, go to a party. A girls only party. And sorry guys, it did not turn into anything inappropriate. We had a tex-mex theme. So for this party (I attended, not threw) I made citrus salt. To go on the margaritas. It was pretty easy. It does not look so great a few hours into the party though. It tastes great, so that's good.
I also have been working on several cross stitch pieces. I'm up to 8 so far. They're all fairly small, I'm not really sure what I'm gonna do with them, but I can't stop making them. I even went so far as to buy some 22 count fabric to try my hand at really tiny detailed work. I need more practice. 22 count means that there are 22 "squares" per inch. Most of what I do is on 11 count or 14 count, so this new fabric is really not so easy. I need better light. And a stand to hold my frame. And one of those big magnifiers on an arm. And a whole host of other things. I really should get organized first though. That means a few MORE items are needed, and scans or photos need to be taken of the existing work. Meanwhile my room is developing a pile of shnibbly bits of embroidery floss, the snipped off bits. I keep picking it up, and it just keeps piling up. The annoying thing is they stick to my clothes, and I keep finding random threads on myself when I'm not at home. Grrrrrr!

Citrus Salt

2 cups Sea Salt
2 Tbsp Orange zest, FRESH
1 Tbsp Lemon zest, FRESH
1 Tbsp Lime zest, FRESH

Mix all together in a bowl. Spread it in a metal pan that has a lip (you'll see why). Bake at 225 f for about 2 hours.
Remove from oven and allow to cool.
Put through a food processor on pulse to blend thoroughly.

This is also good for chicken or seafood. You can also reduce the amounts, to create a smaller yield.

--Little Bird is going cross-eyed

RETAIL!!

2008-12-02T20:07:00.003-06:00

Ok. So. Now that that is out of the way. I would like to point out that I have neurofibromatosis. A condition that makes me prone to tumors, migraines and fits of overshares.

Today was spent shopping. Shopping for someone else's party. CostCo, Trader Joe's, and Jewel. It was an interesting day. I got a book that I have been dying to read, and beer. I also got to spend the day with a friend that I don't often get to see. I'm looking forward to her party, I'm cooking part of the food for it. Also, while I was at her place I cooked for her. I get the feeling that not many people have done that for her. Anyway, while we were out shopping she bought a small rosemary christmas tree. I told her I knew of a recipe that called for rosemary, one that she could easily cook. Then she bought Chicken breast. The major ingredient for my recipe. I decided then that I would cook for her when we go back to her place. It was a good evening. Good food. Good friends. Wine.
The wine wasn't so great, but it was the cheap stuff from Trader Joe's, so we weren't expecting Opus One. It was fun today though. And now she knows how to make Balsamic Chicken. And so will you.

Balsamic Chicken

2 or 4 boneless chicken breasts
1 or 2 teaspoons minced FRESH rosemary
1 or 2 garlic cloves, minced
2 Tablespoons olive oil
black pepper to taste
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 375 F.
In a bowl mix, the rosemary, the garlic, pepper, and olive oil.
Place the chicken in the bowl, making sure to coat the chicken with the mixture.
Place in roasting pan and cook for 20 minutes before flipping and cooking for another 20 minutes.
After removing chicken from roasting pan, add balsamic vinegar to pan. This will add flavor to the drippings, AND make the clean-up soooooo much easier.
Serve over acine de pepe. Spoon pan drippings over the whole dish.

--Little Bird will try not to gross you out again, but promises nothing

Overshare

2008-11-29T20:47:00.003-06:00

I was talking to my mother today about this blog. She reads it, and wonder of wonders she likes it. She's my mother, she kinda has to. Anyway, we were discussing what recipe I should do next. And the one we came up with I posted about 3 posts ago. So I will be posting something else entirely. Also she said I should post more often. And I had to ask what she thought I should post about. We bandied about a few ideas. The one we came up with is actually kinda funny.
So I'm going to tell you about the surgery I had when I was 21.
I had a tumor removed from a very delicate place. My butt. Those of you who are squeamish, you might want to stop now. I went to a doctors office for this procedure. It was not in a hospital. They seemed to think it was like having a mole removed. It was nothing like having a mole removed. It was quite possibly the most painful and humiliating experience of my life to date.
I made my mother come into the room with me and made her stay for the whole thing. I was terrified. I had never had anything like this done before.
So, I walk into this room and see what looks like a dentist's chair. Not an exam table. A chair. I am told to disrobe and lay face down on this chair. The doctor leaves so I can have a modicum of privacy (you will see why I think this ironic in about 3 seconds). When he comes back into the room, the door he came through NEVER LATCHED. It remained ever so slightly ajar for the entire thing. AND once or twice people poked their heads in to tell the doctor "something that couldn't wait". Meanwhile, by this point I am lying face down on this dentist's chair with... (wait for it)... my butt cheeks taped apart to the sides of the damned chair!!! Yeah, that tumor? It was right on the edge. I received 9 shots, in a circle around the area to numb it (HA!), which was in actuality 3 full syringes of numbing stuff (they never told me what exactly it was). My mom tells me I nearly broke her hand when they were giving me the shots. What she may not remember was when the doctor started walking towards me with a speculum. I looked back saw him holding it and said something along the lines of "WAIT!!! WHAT are you planning on doing with THAT???!!" To which he replied "Oh, don't worry, it's the same size as a penis." Yeah. Uh-huh. I told him that that may be the case but no penis had ever been there before and that I was hoping to keep it that way.
Now, as it turns out the doctor in question was best known for dealing with hemorrhoids. I did not have a hemorrhoid. He did tell me afterwards that I handled the whole thing MUCH better than most of his middle aged male patients. Small comfort after all that humiliation,
So now that I've thoroughly disgusted you (all three of you), I will refrain from posting a recipe today. That just wouldn't seem... right.

---Little Bird has stories that would curl your hair.

Turkey Day!

2008-11-27T20:59:00.003-06:00

Hello everybody! I am a wee bit drunk right now! This forces me to use exclamation marks! For every sentence!

I cooked two thanksgiving dinners today. Two ENTIRE dinners. Turkeys, mashed potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, green beans, and stuffing. I did not bake pies because I made two freaking thanksgiving meals. AND I burned myself!! I am sore. I am tired. I will sleep like a rock tonight.
The first of the dinners was for the maintenance staff of my building. One of the guys who work here hired me to cook today. He bought all the ingredients. He did not have to work today, so he did not get any of the food that he laid out nearly $200 for. The crew today was only about 5 or so, so there was more than enough food. Out of all this work I got a frydaddy. Yes folks, I got my frydaddy. Deep fried green beans to come later. Duck fat french fries. Squash tempura. You get the idea.
I promised some people that I would post a veggie recipe and so I will. I was told I'd get extra credit for one that had no dairy, but... there is only so much I can do. You either get meat, or dairy. Occasionally you'll get both.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

5 sweet potatoes
1 small sized container of sour cream 1/2 pint or so.
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 stick butter

Wrap potatoes in foil. Bake at 350 until the potatoes are soft when pierced with a fork, about 1/2 an hour.
Peel potatoes. In a bowl, mix potatoes with sour cream and heavy cream. Mash until smooth.
Spread mashed potatoes in a baking dish. Place pats of butter on the surface. Bake again for about 1/2 an hour.
Remove from oven and stir, blending the butter in.

I would like to point out that today, I did this with 10 lbs of potatoes.

-- Little Bird is stuffed

Sigh

2008-11-18T21:41:00.003-06:00

Ok, never thought it was time. I never thought he was the "one". Not really at least. And we were so... polite about it. Amicable. No, we didn't actually say the words "let's still be friends", but the intent was there.
And the difference between boys and girls, wow! We react differently to things. I intend to watch a sad movie and cry. Because something has ended. Something that was nice and good. It wasn't meant to last too long, but it was nice while it lasted. He seemed fine with the whole thing. But, for all I know, he's doing the same thing tonight.
It was just nice to feel special for a while.

Bacon Vodka

1 lb bacon
1 750 ml bottle vodka
1 slightly larger bottle

Fry the bacon until crispy. Allow to drain, blotting if needed.
Pour 1/2 the vodka into the larger bottle. Add the bacon to the bottle. Add the remaining vodka, making sure to cover the bacon. Seal the bottle tightly.
Put the bottle in a dark cool place for 4 to 6 weeks.
Strain vodka through a sieve, to catch the bacon.
Strain the vodka again through coffee filters.
And once more through a britta filter. Do not use this filter again for anything.
Serve.

I recommend bloody marys. Or try a shot of it garnished with a grape tomato that has been wrapped in a bit of lettuce, it's a BLT!

--Little Bird has a sad

Food, Glorious Food!

2008-11-11T17:41:00.002-06:00

So a few of my friends here in town told me they enjoy the recipes I have included so far. And that I should include more of them. So for future reference I will try to include one every time I post.
This past weekend is mostly a blur, a somewhat drunken blur. I went to Happy Hour Club (that's what we call it) on Friday. It was at the usual place, and most of the usual faces were there. Afterwards we all ended up at M's place (as per usual), and continued to drink. After that things get hazy. I took the bus home. I left my purse at M's house. Along with my hat. This Friday's plans are much more tame. Back to M's house, to have a craft night. She's making Christmas cards, I'll probably work on a cross-stitch piece for a friend, and J said something about getting her Christmas stuff together too. Wine will be had, food will be eaten and crafts will be made. It may not sound glamorous, but it's fun with friends and that is all that matters.
Winter is on it's way and I don't like it one little bit. It's cold. It's rainy. And grey. I think I picked up a bug somewhere, as I feel like blah. My head hurts, I ache, and I just want to sleep for about a month. The two bright spots that are coming up are Thanksgiving and Christmas. The first because a friend from St. Louis is coming in, and I don't get to see her nearly enough. Also because I got a catering gig for that night too. Christmas because I get to go to New Mexico again! A week out in the middle of nowhere! I'll go to Ojo Caliente! And Taos! I will get to spend time relaxing and just enjoying the atmosphere. I can't wait.

Spicy Roast Chicken with Tomatoes and Marjoram
4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 Cups grape tomatoes, halved lengthwise
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tablespoons fresh marjoram, minced
1 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
2 Tablespoons olive oil

Put tomatoes in a large bowl, mix in marjoram, red pepper flakes, garlic and olive oil. Cover tightly and chill over night.

Preheat oven to 450 f. In a roasting pan, lay out chicken breasts and cover with tomato mixture, keeping tomatoes in a single layer.

Roast for about 35 minutes.

Serve with tomatoes over the top.

Note: I prefer to serve this over acini de pepe, a pasta similar to cous cous.

--Little Bird bets you think this post is about you.

Yes We Did

2008-11-05T13:33:00.003-06:00

WOOOOO-HOOOOOO!!

I can breathe again! I was finally able to heave that sigh of relief. That breath I was holding while I waited for this moment to come. We did it. We as a country finally made a group decision that doesn't suck. We elected the right person for the job. We took a giant leap forward. Maybe now the other countries won't point and laugh at us any more. Maybe now, we can begin to get out of this hole we put ourselves in.
I stayed up to watch the goings-on on TV. I cheered for every state that went blue. When they announced the winner, I cried. I was that happy. And that excited. I had to go outside and run a few laps around my building, I was that excited. I can only hope that this is the start of something amazing. And that everyone will recognize it for the change for the better that it is.

--Little Bird is relieved