dinner

Meat Loaf

Mashed Potatoes

Peas

Carrots 

( America )

I had not cooked a real dinner in three forevers - and a rainy day was just the time to do it.

Shawn Mullins Live - The Tanning Bed Song

Let's all be safe out there....

I sat up way way to late last night watching local tv weather on the internets and the newly re-vamped Weather Channel going all computech viral with do dads just fixated on the major storms racking the South. I took Koda out about midnight expecting it to be all tornadoy - but just a cold slight rain.

I do hope everyone is safe tonight - made the mistake of watching the Nightly News tonight and they had to had to get the mic in the face of a grieving father in Mississippi, and the story of the Bama Swimmer - just heart breaking.

A trapped inside day for us - rain got harder as the day wore on, more to come all week I think. Housebound Koda is not all that happy about it.

Nothing at all going on, Neil gets back tonight, so some food pics will pick up again - all this rain should bust out many more flowers. It's not too cold at all out, so no danger or anything....I will get more floral pictures tomorrow.

AARP in Space

STAR WARS VII CAST REVEALED

A patch of blue ....

This is how off the rails and ridiculous my home state has become , when the Episcopal bishop of Atlanta has to issue this statement :

No guns at Episcopal churches in Georgia

Daily Koda

A first and hopefully a last...

I dont think I have in six years! of the k+b gone two full days with nothing.. other than when I was sick in Winder that time, or on the road.... OK, I've never been here in Mendon and gone two days with out and update.

Allergy season winding down so not at 100% and MUCH worse for me Koda had some doggie stomach thing that was not letting me sleep ( he is very good about not going in the house ) so, being worried about him + not getting enough sleep make me

and no one likes a crabby blogger

Jumping the May gun

SPRING AT LAST

( again )

do it again

Today, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) announced Project One America (POA), a comprehensive campaign to dramatically expand LGBT equality in the South through permanent campaigns in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas. This substantial and lasting initiative—with a three year budget of $8.5 million and a dedicated staff of 20—is the largest coordinated campaign for LGBT equality in the history of the South.

“Right now, this country is deeply divided into two Americas—one where LGBT equality is nearly a reality and the other where LGBT people lack the most fundamental measures of equal citizenship. Project One America is an unparalleled effort to close that gap, and it opens up a bold, new chapter in the LGBT civil rights movement of this generation. In this grand struggle for equality, we can’t write off anyone, anywhere,” said HRC President and Arkansas native Chad Griffin.

Project One America is the very first campaign of its kind to work exclusively on LGBT equality in Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas—where there are no non-discrimination protections for LGBT people at the state or local level in employment, housing or public accommodations, and where each state’s constitution expressly prohibits marriage equality.

“Despite the legal landscape, it’s long past time that the country stopped treating the South like the ‘finish line’ for equality. HRC has more than 57,000 members and supporters in these states, and there are millions more fair-mined people ready to stand on the right side of history,” Griffin said.

67 YEARS

These two photos have gone viral, one photo - popped up on my fb feed today, not sure why - A little time slip for the HRH's. What I like so very much about it - well , besides how damn handsome Prince Phillip was  - is that the Queen is wearing the same pearls and broach. 

Facts about the couple.

AMERICA'S TEAM

 A  most fun little interactive map of baseball fandom via ZIPCODE from the New York Times.

 Sucks to be the Mets or White Sox ( or ALL of Canada ) I guess - 

HERE is the link 

up down, up down

Strange Day

Was up before the first light to get Neil to downtown Rochester to catch the early train to NYC - not really a problem, but Koda had some tummy issues ALL night long - well now - So I got very little sleep. Downed a couple of coffees at 5 am and got all buzzy - till about 10 when I crashed. 

Was just a busy beaver, stopped by Wegmans on the way home - was the only one in the store, got dinner for one in the crock pot ( left over Good Friday vegan curry with some chicken thighs - was very good ) Laundry , cleaning etc - 

 Took the pooping dog for a good sunrise walk - then like I said , around 10 just crashed - full out. Woke up around noon feeling oddly hung over. Tuesdays rain cleared the air, so I am feeling 100% better.

Other arms reach out - at last.

The State of Gay in the USA

Now that is a complex quilt of crazy. I am laser focused on this and things are happening so fast, in so many states that I can not even keep up with it, and I try. BLUE is full out marriage equality - the striped is ( I think ) court cases won , meaning full out marriage equality , but stayed pending appeal. But, there are cases in all stages of advancement in almost every state. HERE is a list - it does change almost daily.

My home state for some odd reason was lagging way behind pretty much everyone until yesterday when Lambda Legal filed its case in Fulton County - adorable gaybies in tow.

FULL STORY FROM THE Ga VOICE.

Rapid Fire Update 

Just as I posted this, JMG posted this : 

Coming soon to EVERY screen you have : ( a must watch )

Apologies to the more Victorian among you  - like myself - but it is a line that is just TOO GOOD TO PASS UP : " It's ok to be a pussy - as long as you have a dick "

NYT ♥'s Hedwig

Jack of all trades NPH wows the NYT's Ben Brantley.

I got the misery......

Sorry for the light blogging, it is that time of year. Wake up feeling my usual bright eyed bushy-tailed self - then take a breath of sweet country air.....It will be over in a week or so, today should have been the worse - gets better every day from here on out.

Take me ....

September 1959

I have been looking on line for a photo of these balls forever!

They were still hanging there in the mid to late 70's - I remember them well.

Happy Easter

Low key affair this go round, just Neil and I - and we are pet sitting for Dahn and David, so it was low key in their house....

Rack of Lamb

That I marinated all night long - garlic/rosemary/ fennel seeds - olive oil.

Lemon Risotto

Oven Roasted Asparagus

I had not made a proper old school stir stir stir risotto in two forevers, just popped into my head yesterday - and a lemon risotto at that. Just sounded like it would be yummy with lamb.

Daily Koda Triple Shot

Easter Sunday broke to be a beautiful sunny warm day.

 PLAYTIME!

R.E.M.’s 10 best songs after Bill Berry: Daring, brilliant, underappreciated

R.E.M.’s 10 best songs after Bill Berry: Daring, brilliant, underappreciated

The Normal Heart: Trailer (HBO Films)

CHELSEA

Chelsea Clinton announces she and husband Marc Mezvinsky are expecting first child

Yeah, this is not Chelsea, BUT - the Cambridge's are BLOWING UP THE WORLD! photo wise taking HRH PRINCE GEORGE down under. Shallow to say, but this baby is going to be a vote getting goldmine for President Grandmother!

GLEN

Glen Campbell Moved to Alzheimer's Home

GALVESTON

BY THE TIME I GET TO PHOENIX

White Bean and Ham Soup

A lot of you may have a ham bone come Monday morning - and after day two sandwiches, what to do on day three??

MISE EN PLACE

You do have to plan a little ahead because the beans have to soak over night - after that, it's easy peasy.

• Beans
• Spice/Herbs ( really up to you ....)
• Ham Bone
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery

Here is what is a little bit different about making this soup. You start off by making a Ham Stock!

Which really does make all the difference. I used to just dump it all in the pot and let it go, this way has much more flavor.

In your stock pot, Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic - what every you have or like. I added a few fennel seeds black pepper and thyme.. DO NOT SALT ANYTHING until the very end - Your ham bone is salty enough. Cover in water, bring to boil , down to a simmer and walk away.

A couple of hours later you have a really nice ham stock - if this soup is not to  your liking, use this broth for anything really.

DRAIN

Keep the bone out - and clean off all the meat - if you like put the cleaned bone back in the stock for a while

In the same pot ( stock in something else, but it does not matter ) start more onions, let go  - like with everything  - for 8/10 min, add your garlic , as much as you like, the last minute - THEN add back the ham stock THEN add your soaked beans, herbs/spices. I used old bay and some fresh rosemary

The last of the veggies, I used Onions, Carrots, Celery. Use turnips, parsnips - what every you like...Let  it cook for a while.

Chop the meat as fine as you like....Dont add till after the next step

Take a third of the soup and blend - add back to pot, then add the meat - 

cook a bit longer

ENJOY!

( that dum dum dum sound thing )

h/t JMG

On July 5, 1989, the "Seinfeld Chronicles" aired on NBC for the first time and 25 years later, the Cyclones will celebrate the "show about nothing" that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The first 2,500 fans in attendance will receive a Keith Hernandez "Magic Loogie" Bobblehead.  In addition, there will be non-stop Seinfeld themed entertainment from beginning to end. Yada yada yada...you'll have an awesome night.

Here's a look at some of the things we have in store for the evening:

• MCU Park will known as Vandelay Industries Park for one night only.
• Mailmen in uniform get to throw out a ceremonial first pitch ("Hello Newman!")
• Anyone who has a business card indicating that they are in fact a "Latex Salesman" will also receive a free ticket to the game.  If we call the number and it's some apartment on the Upper East Side, you won't qualify for the freebie. 
• Fans can visit the information table for an "airing of grievances."
• Closest to the pin / whale's blow hole competition ("Is that a Titleist?")
• The foul poles will be known as Festivus Poles.
• "Low-Talking" PA Announcer.
• Elaine Dancing Contest
• Everyone Runs the Bases Post-game...but anyone named Jerry gets a head start (Take that Duncan Meyer).
• Game of "Risk" on the Concourse
• Cereal eating contests
• Anyone named George Costanza will be allowed to join our radio broadcast as a color analyst for an inning
• Players in puffy shirts for batting practice.

The options for in-game entertainment are endless and are sure to change between now and game day.  From "No Soup for You" after a visiting player strikes out, who knows, maybe the staff will even dress in velvet from head to toe. 

A Great Easter Lamb Recipe

 Round and round from my facebook pal and brand new hero ( DID YOU KNOW SHE RAN FOR THE US SENATE FROM SOUTH CAROLINA ON THE GREEN PARTY LINE ? ) The one time pride of GPTV now Charleston grande dame , Nathalie Dupree via Marie Nygren's blog. Mrs Nygren of coarse married to one time king of Atlanta restaurant owners and my one time boss's boss's boss, Steve Nygren. She is also the daughter of LONG time Atlanta restaurant diva, Margret Lupo of Mary Mac's fame. So this lamb comes with some real Southern Cred!

The Nygrens moves south of ATL and whipped themselves up a , from the looks of it, just idyllic rich folk hippy commune called Serenbe, which does look lovely. Here is a link to her blog:

SERENBE STYLE AND SOUL

( looks like a fun read, only dipped into it tonight )

When Nathalie Dupree and I get in the kitchen together, it’s pure laughter. The woman is just a force to be reckoned with: She taught cooking for decades, has been featured in The New York Times and is the founding chairman of the Charleston Food and Wine Festival. Years ago, Julia—as in Julia Child—suggested that Nathalie should write a book on Southern cooking. She now has 15 of them to her name, two of which have won James Beard Awards.

Nathalie has so many different titles and awards, but when it comes to me she’s just a big mother hen. She knew my mother well and feels proprietary about me, but also loves to tease me—especially about the fact that I don’t allow microwaves in my home.

She’s like a favorite aunt—the kind who comes and takes you out for an adventure, which we certainly had during her recent visit for the Southern Chefs Series. She did a butterflied leg of lamb with Dijon mustard, rosemary, ginger, garlic and soy sauce from her book New Southern Cooking. People who don’t normally like lamb loved this dish. And the best part is that it’s easily replicated at home—and perfect for Easter.

Butterflied Leg of Lamb

From New Southern Cooking by Nathalie Dupree

These days, butterflied (boned) legs of lamb are available at the supermarket.  Usually they come in an elastic web, which should be removed.  Open up the lamb and spread out to roughly resemble a butterfly.

Marinade:

8 ounces Dijon Mustard
2 tablespoons rosemary, chopped or crumbled roughly
2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons peanut or other oil
1 whole leg of lamb, bones removed, about 5 pounds before boning

Mix together the mustard, rosemary, ginger, garlic, soy sauce and peanut oil . Smear over the lamb, on both sides, and marinate in a plastic bag in the refrigerator.

When ready to cook, prepare a grill or the broiler. Remove the lamb from the bag, with the marinade, and cook on the hot grill or under the broiler 15 minutes on each side. Test for doneness. (I prefer my lamb rare.)  The lamb should be dark brown or black around the edges, rare inside. Don’t worry if the marinade burns…the meat will still be delicious.

A FANTASTIC MID CENTURY PINK SOFA

THAT I REALLY NEED

HERE ARE A LOT MORE PICS OF IT.

I think this is an old website and the grand old thing has been sold for eons, but it is - the perfect sofa.

Take Your Mind Back .....

I came across this great little photo gallery from the AJC of my old stomping grounds Midtown Atlanta. From the Hippy 1970's to the high rise gentrification of the late 90's . I cant seem to get any to upload here so just go through the link. Some great pics, enjoy.

Flashback Fotos: Atlanta's Midtown from 1970 to 1990

The Guest That Would Not Leave

Winter is having a very good time here in the scenic Finger Lakes of upstate New York - he just does not want to leave. After a weekend of delightful shirtsleeves weather, we all woke up to some snow this morning. When I took Koda out first thing today it was sleet/snow/rain/hailing - just a great big mess . Also windy so the little pellets of ice hurt my face - it was mostly an inside day today.
Going down to a record low tonight - but as you can tell from these flowers, its al little to early for the freeze to do any real damage.

UGGLA!

Music to Have Matzo by

Why was last night different than all other nights ? *

* I am so sorry

TELEVISION EXTRAVAGANZA 2014

( cue trumpets )

We really do not watch all that much scripted broadcast television. Yes, the tv is never off once Neil is awake, I get nervous when there is not one on somewhere in the house. MSNBC is just the soundtrack of Mendon. But its not like we either one of us, sit and watch it. Then came last night AND the coming weeks - and it is a good thing.

Seems like we always have one good Sunday night sit down, either Downton Abbey or the all to rare Sherlock. Neil has Dexter marathons - non broadcast, and I still watch Glee ( not sure of even why ). But last night , and like I said for the coming weeks  - not sure of how many . FOUR hours of darn good quality broadcast television all on ONE NIGHT .

At first there was the initial panic of how to swing all four, like it was 1987 or something  - " make sure the tape is in the VCR, honey ". Turns out there was no need, only one came on at the same time as another  - and it is replayed tonight ( as well as, like them all , being on demand )

8:00

Call the Midwife

(PBS)

Nuns and babies! Like I have said before, if you are not watching this one - you should be. The only one that is truly on broadcast tv, it really is one of the best BBC/ITN series ever. No, it's not the grander and scope of a Downton or a Brideshead - but it is just first rate writing. Nothing explodes  - well, something did once, no car chases or dead Turkish men upstairs. Still in the post war East End of London, but things are looking up . It's 1959 and some of the gloom is , at last, lifting. It does not get the credit of a Mad Men or Downton - but absolutely captures the look and feel of its time as well as either of these shows do.
A funny side note - I covered my eyes at one of the births last night. Sure I can sort of watch the out and out gore porn that is the next hours Game of Thrones ( not really, I totally will not watch the Red Wedding ) but the realism of those birth scenes ( MESSY ! ) is way to much for this total non breeder. That said , there has not been one episode of this show, and I have seen them all many times, has not left me a tad misty....

9:00

Game of Thrones

(HBO)

Neil is a dealer. I did fight it for years - but hooked now. These just are not my kinds of books to read , never have been - which I guess is odd since I did read comic books for ever - but the whole sword and scorcy thing skipped right over me. Yes, it is way to violet and way way to sexual - I have NO IDEA how a family could watch this together - really. But you do get drawn in. It is so odd to have a heroless story - sure , there is all the debate about how the real world is not so very black and white, but stories are. You have good guys and bad guys - no one here is all good , and LOTS Of folks are all bad, but even then there is some grey.
Since I have not read the books- and will not be, there is no way I could follow along on this show with out " cliffnoteing" the show on the internet. They must know it is just impossible to follow with out doing that.
Last night was something that folks have been waiting for - a very messy world just got even more messy.

9:00

COSMOS

( FOX )

We have been loving this show. The one we recorded, even though it comes on NATGEO tonight. The SCBFF said it was extra trippy - so we will watch asap. 

10:00

MAD MEN

(AMC)

The long awaited return of Don Draper et al - for a shortened season , stretched out over two years. They are really testing our loyalty here! But, it was good to be back. January 1969 - the modern world already exploded and Nixon is sworn in for his shortened season. It can only be downhill from here.  I think it has been 4 months someone said since we were last with Sterling Cooper and Partners. Skirts are creeping up to Call the Midwife levels and drugs sex and rock and roll are the norm. ( first grade was hell )
The writers of this show, I think, take too many liberties with us. I can dig around on the internet for something as complex as Game of Thrones / Fire and Ice, but really, just want to know who the players are on Mad Men with out a score card ( or am I just stupid not knowing who took the creative director job / Don's job - while he is " finding himself ", but there was still just a load to love about this show - if that is the right word .
Everyone is sad/mad/depressed/stressed - except for Pete Campell who has found his inner SOCAL and channelling an early Birnbach , going the full plaid, lacoste, sweater around the neck.. I would to a fashion post , but TLO just does it so well, Ill just be lazy and link when they do.

So that is our Sunday night for a while - the rest of Spring. I said to Neil when we were done with out marathon that it was just work to stretch your brain that far in one night..... 

dinner

Ham *

Field Peas ( can yall tell they are a favorite )

Mixed Rice

Baby Bok Choy 

w/ginger/garlic and sesame oil 

* only in the deep South could a Coca Cola / Pineapple Juice / Ham dripping reduction be considered gravy - and it was GOOD !

Daily Koda

HOUSEKEEPING

Sorry for the lax blogging over the last couple of days - the start of spring is about a week of feeling rotten for m - everything hurts. Does not last long. Hope to be back up to speed pretty soon.

Dinner

Was totally THIS kind of day !

Daily Koda

Beautiful day today, we got a good long walk in going the other direction. Change things up , but Koda can't swim - the creek is way down a very steep hill. Neil worked in the yard all day long - nice and sunny and warm.

Rock Hall-Michael Stipe Inducts Nirvana

At the time I was not a fan at all - that has changed as the years have worn on. And this is just : close to everything

dinner

All this AND Koda and I walked in shorts for the first time in a long time . When you have a Winter like this past one, the very first day that it is absolutely NOT Winter anymore - you celebrate!

A little dark and stormy while cooking out

Yeah, it's just the two of us, but, I bought one whole chicken and knew that I wanted more. A pack of leg quarters was right above them for like 4$ - there was a lot of chicken in there - we will eat on it over the next couple of days.

BBQ Chicken

Baked Beans

Cole Slaw 

Carrot Salad

NOW it can be SPRING !

First time it's been 70º since the middle of last October - feels GREAT .

Koda's first swim of 2014!