Suicidal Hen

Not sure what the old girl was thinking, still don't know where she came from.......but she chose this yard instead of the backyard neighbors. One of them has a large carnivorous cat, the other 2 each have dogs who would most likely have ended the poor girls misery. But she somehow managed to get herself into my yard. Earlier in the day mom said she was walking about and even tried to come in, it seems she has now given up and is "ready" for dinner!! DO you think she knows what she is sitting next to???

San Diego

Technically, I live in La Mesa but that is part of SD county. Actually SD County encompasses everything from the beachfront, to small villages, to mountains and deserts. We can drive from the beach in the morning to play in the snow at Mt. Laguna and then out to the deserts in one day.
Today I saw a road runner, dead fish, sea birds, new growth on burned out trees, sand storm and a toppled sign. I went from mid 40s to 70's in a few hours. I saw desolation and life, history and future. I was windburned and ate grit for a part of the day but I saw beauty and ugliness.
I think that there is something interesting in most places. My mom would not be able to see the beauty in one tiny flower sticking it's head out, she does not see the beauty in steep canyon walls. For her it must be green and delicate flowers. There is something to be said about the tenacity of the wild desert, the cactus, the animals who live there. Just one thing.......if it is a windy day get your hair under something, it's worse than riding in a convertible!!

Planning Life vs. Planning Death

My mom has been desperately trying to call my nephew. I thought it was entirely for the purpose of learning about what was going on with his break-up. She wants him to give her dress, jewelry, etc. that she wishes to be buried in to the funeral home.
My mother has been planning and talking about her death for years. She has a dress picked out. She has a set of prayer beads that she wants in the casket with her. She even has her casket picked out. Although I am the person she lives with, the person who cooks her meals, cleans her laundry, her room and takes her to appointments and more, I am not the person with whom these items and plans can be trusted.
She always makes it clear to people that they should be sure to tell me that they want (item) when she dies. You see she believes that I will apparently just throw it all away.
My plans include new paint for her room when she is gone, places to visit without needing a babysitter, a new job without ties on how it will affect my ability to be at home to help her with meals and such, putting my kitchen together in a way that is convenient to me. Many of my plans hinge on the chance that she will follow through on her plans before someone decides I need to go first. For right now, I do not plan on my death. I am slightly ashamed to say that I have not finished my estate planning...something that should be done without the morbidity of death as a motivator.
She is old, She is creaky but alas, she is healthy as a horse!

Savory Bread Pudding

Most of my best meals come from leftovers. This was from Friday Night's get together.

I used a shallow baking dish sprayed with oil. I place a layer of rosemary olive oil bread sliced about 1/2-3/4 in. thick. Then I spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese. I diced up some asparagus and red peppers and sprinkled them over the bread and cheese layer and topped it with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Then I mixed up eggs with milk, S/P and some Italian seasoning (rosemary, thyme, oregano, add some red pepper for a little kick) For my small shallow pan, 2 eggs and about 3/4 milk worked just fine. Pour the mixture over the bread and return to fridge to soak for about 1hr then bake at 350 for about 20-30 minutes. Some of this depends on the depth of your pan and such. Can be enjoyed warm or room temp.

Almond Roca Cookies!

I love Almond flavoring! Messing around in the Kitchen tonight I developed these.

Dry Roast about 1 1/4 c. Slivered Almonds (the thinest ones), just light golden color

Mix 3/4 c of the almonds in small processor with 1 stick butter, 1 Tb Almond Paste

Mix to fine consistency then place in bowl.

Cream mixture with 3/4 c. gran. sugar, 1/2 tea. vanilla, 1 tea. almond extract. Add one egg and mix till blended. Combine 1c flour, 1/2 tea. each of baking soda and salt.

Bake at 350 for 9-10 minutes. Let cool and begin the topping. Take the left over almonds and process with a teaspoon or 2 of sugar till chopped but not too fine. Place in shallow plate. I like a nice dark 60% or more chocolate. Melt 2-3 oz with 1 Tb butter and about 2 Tb cream (or to lose a couple calories use evap. fat free milk!), add 3/4c powdered sugar. Use back of spoon or knife to spread the chocolate on the cookie and then press the cookie into the nut mixture. let rest for the topping to firm up again.

Makes about 2 1/2 dozen. Yummy!!!