What are you doing today

[kima]

This is a rather odd post but I was wondering what everyone is doing today. I am so addicted to this BB that even when I am not on it I think about it from time to time - especiaaly all the nice people I have "met".
Today I went to a great fitness class called Body Sculpting- and hey I do feel sculpted!
Then I dropped by to see my amzing 93 year old mother in law. She is such an inspiration. I came home had a great long bath- browsed through a Cl magazine and had leftover Broccoli Rissotto Torte for lunch.
This afternoon my husband and I are going bookstore browsing and then will have a light dinner out. On Sunday I am doing our family Easter dinner. It is beautiful here in Victoria-tulips, daffodils and rhodos are all in bloom-a riot of colors wherever you look.
I hope you are all having a great day with your families- I'd love to hear about it!

[Missi]

What a nice question to ask!

I took a "mental health day" off from work. I'm a family counselor, so I tend to take these often to reduce the potential of burnout.
I have been cleaning most of the day (which is making me consider hiring a cleaning service as was discussed in another post). Tonight I thought I would relax with a book and the company of my cats. DH has to work late.

[Vanessa]

Well today is Holy Friday so I mostly spent the day quiet reading and then praying. Later when I went to the basement well disaster...all wet (wall to wall carpeting). I could not find what was wrong. Thankfully DH came home. I sounded desperate. After throwing out lots of wet boxes and moving stuff to anyplace above wet level...we are still waiting for water extraction guy. On a Friday its hard to find someone...

Looking on the brighter side it could have been worse. For now there is no water here and hopefully the guy will appear....but the windows are open its a nice day @ 70 with a cool breeze andI love taking a break reading the boards. Easter plans are still in the air although tomorrow we are supposed to go to an early Easter BBQ.

I hope you have a wonderful EAster and spend it with loved ones feeling very blessed.

[kima]

Hi Vanessa- hope the water problem is not a serious one! It would be hard to find someone this weekend. Don't these things always happen at the most inconvenient time! Good luck!!
Glad you are taking a MH day Missi- they are so important. By the way what are you reading? I recently finished Sister of My Heart and loved it. I am now reading short stories- The Interpreter of Maladies. I am on a real India kick right now!!

[makedah]

WOrked from 9 to 4:30, met with students until 5:15. Now home, about to broil some chicken for Caesar chicken Sandwiches (CL 3/98). If I have time, I will assemble these before I leave for a 7:30 movie, Carmen Jones.

[BosunsWife]

A nice long bath during the day? Obviously you don't have children at home LOL!

I went to the gym this morning (DD went to their daycare), then off to Sam's Club to get some much needed items. Home to give DD her lunch. Now shes down for a nap (but not yet sleeping since I hear her talking to herself) and I'm catching some computer time before I run downstairs to do some ironing (DH's uniforms yuk!) and watch a little TVFN.

Hmmm. That bath thing sounds good. Maybe after DD is in bed tonight!

[AndreaU]

1. Catching up here- actually printing out recipes I'd like to try rather than just reading about them!

2. Quality time with the dogs while DH is at work. Beautiful day for a walk in the park!

3. Sorting through magazines (mostly CL) and clipping "keepers," mostly based on recommendations from BBers.

4. Making my To Do list for the next 9 days before I'm back to school. We're not going anywhere, so I'll just be planning ahead for school and (unfortunately) doing some ol' spring cleaning!

Happy Easter and Happy Passover to everyone!

[KristaMB]

I worked 6:30-3, now catching up on the BB. It's a beautiful day here, so I think I'll take the dog for walk. Since it's Good Friday, I'm making a simple dinner when DH gets home from work.

[Jewel]

Since I started a new job on Monday, it was kind of nice to get Good Friday off! When your first week on the job is a short week, it makes it easier to 'transition'! I was off work for three months and really got used to those leisurely days, then BAM! Suddenly I'm up at 5am every morning and joining the Seattle Road Rage Commute again!

I made use of the day, running errands and doing some gardening, since I planted 110 plants last weekend! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif Now if I could only figure out how to get our newly adopted dog to look where she's running outside and not RIP UP MY NEW MUMS as she goes! Sheesh! Dog just has the grandest time tearing through (literally) the barked area around the grass in the back yard, and when something looks intriguing, she's been ripping it out by the roots to examine it a bit more closely. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/confused.gif Anybody wanna buy a year and a half old slightly used Siberian Husky?? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[kwormann]

I had the day off school so I went for a 6 mile walk/jog with a friend then shopping http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

I also have Monday off and Tuesday is inservice (no kids http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif)

Kim

[slknight]

This morning I went to a 9:15 pilates class. I didn't have the day off from work, but I do work from home, so my schedule is a little flexible. When I came home, I worked all day (with a few breaks to take the dog out). Picked my husband up at the train and we're getting ready to have the monterey jack, corn, and red pepper risotto. The Red Sox-Yankees game is on tv, so my husband is glued. I will probably surf for a while.

Have a great weekend!

[KValley]

WHat a nice idea, kima! And BTW, Interpreter of Maladies is one of my new favorite books. I'm generally not a short story reader, but every one of these captured my heart. I can't wait for whatever Jhumpa Lahiri has in store next.

I telecommute from home, so it was generally business as usual today. I worked out this morning, and met a woman at the gym who wants to begin swapping books with me- it was the highlight of my day. Since I work from home, travel 7-10 days/month, and have recently moved to this community, making friends has been slow going, so I treasure every encounter such as this.

I'm packing for a trip that leads me to Seattle with DH for family Easter dinner on Sunday, hiking Mt Si on Monday, and off to San Francisco on business on Tuesday for a week. I need to start another load of laundry in a moment.

I've just returned from grocery shopping, running errands, and picking out a new pair of glasses. DH and I are staying in tonight, renting a movie. I'm making Fettucine with Spicy Peanut Sauce (March '01, I think), accompanied by a Washington State Riesling and Salad, Marionberry Ice Cream for Dessert.

...waiting for DH to come home from school and we'll take the dog for a walk before starting dinner....

I wish you all a Happy Easter or Blessed Passover.

Julie

Jewel I just read your message- we'd love another dog and we're not so far from you - be careful , cause I may take you up on that offer! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-13-2001).]

[Hoosier65]

I'm finally finding time to unwind after a busy day. First went to "Curves" a fitness place for women, something I try to do 5 days a week. After that a friend and I met with the head of the Chamber of Commerce in our town to finalize plans for our Garden Club to beautify the old train depot, a biulding on the local historical society list. After that we talked with the mayor about having the city street department pull up some shrubs that need removing there. Then it was off to the local garden center urn shopping. Came up with some beautiful hugh urns to place in front of the building. On Monday we go pick out plants for them.
After all that I came home an worked in the yard, transpanting a few things and weeding.
Just finished dinner, nothing exciting, and got on the BB to check things out before shutting the computer down for the night. It's been a beautiful day, low 70's and sunny. A perfect spring day. Now I'm pooped. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif Good night all.

[kima]

Boy, do I feel like a sloth compared to most of you! Today was an unusually slow day for me! Thank goodness I at least worked out!
By the way I have two girls but they are 18 and 20 so NOW I can take a long bath during the day. I remember very fondly those days with toddlers- they were the best years of my life (so far!!)
KValley you sound so busy!! And you are off to San Fransico- one of my favorite cities though I haven't been in years. May I ask what part of Washington you live in? I am in Victoria,B.C.
Well I guess I shouldn't be surprised that such interesting people lead such interesting lives!! Sleep tight!!

[KValley]

Originally posted by kima:
KValley you sound so busy!! And you are off to San Fransico- one of my favorite cities though I haven't been in years. May I ask what part of Washington you live in? I am in Victoria,B.C.
Well I guess I shouldn't be surprised that such interesting people lead such interesting lives!! Sleep tight!!

kima- I'm in central Washington (Ellensburg)-I grew up here and in Sequim- just across the water from you. Some of my happiest childhood memories are of the family trips to Victoria-that good old CoHo ferry. In fact, my DH proposed to me in Butchart Gardens http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif If it were feasible, we'd move to Victoria in a heartbeat. But as it is a foreign country, you know, things get complicated http://cwm.ragesofsanity.com/kao/mamies/pekori.gif
We've just returned to the Northwest (last Fall) after spending the past 8 years in a myriad of places. Goodness, but we missed our mountains....

I need to go help with dishes. 'nite, all

[chefbec]

So nice of you to ask! I also love this BB and one of these days we should all meet! Today was a glorious day in Philadelphia, and a friend stopped by with her son. We sat outside and yacked, then all took a walk to get ice cream. This evening I made an Indian meal for my family and they loved it! Cabbage with peas, lentils with onions and garlic, basmati rice, raita, cilantro chutney. Mmmmm.....leftovers tomorrow..... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[sneezles]

Today was not a good day at our house. Our 2 year old black lab/greyhound dog passed away. She had been very sick with Irritable Bowel Disorder. It has been a great loss especially since she was wagging her tail 'til the end. Don't mean to dampen everyone spirits with this story but she was my shadow for the last 2 years and I'm really missing her.

[kima]

Sneezles- I am so sorry for your loss. The thought of him (her) wagging its tail untilthe end brings tears to my eyes. I truly appreciate you sharing that with us.
My thought are with you.

[Peggy]

Today was a very busy day! My daughter is being confirmed tomorrow at the Easter Vigil Mass so my parents and sister and her family are coming up for the weekend to attend the ceremony. We will have a house-full this weekend! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I spent the morning menu planning and grocery shopping. At noon we went to church for Good Friday. When we got home it was time for house cleaning and cooking (a great opportunity to try a lot of new CL recipes). I wish you all a very Happy Easter weekend!

Peggy

P.S. Sneezles, I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. Animals are such an important part of our families. Hugs to you!

[This message has been edited by Peggy (edited 04-14-2001).]

[kwormann]

Sneezles

So sorry to hear of your dog! I know I alreday dread the day something happens to my cat!

Kim

[SusanL]

Sneezles, our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family- animals can be such a blessing but also the final heartbreak! Thinking of you!

[lanie]

Oh Sneezles I am so sorry - I know your loss - I was the owner of 3 goldens - lost 'one of the lights of my life' 2 years ago and not a day goes by that I don't think/shed a tear over Shelby my beloved Golden. I have a beautiful poem someone sent me when Shelby died - only if you want, I can pass it on via email - it truly is lovely.
Elaine

[Grace]

Oh, gosh, Sneezles, I am SOOO sorry! You and I were just "chatting" about your dogs a week or two ago, and I remember you mentioned her not being well. I too, was just telling my husband last night how I dread the thought of the day our dogs aren't with us anymore. I can only imagine how you must feel.

I will be thinking of you, and I hope you will be ok.

[SusieO]

Sneezles,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets really do become family to us. Please take comfort in the fact that you gave her a good life, and took care of her until the end. She knows she was loved.

[KValley]

sneezles,

I am so sorry for your loss. Our pets represent the very best of who we are and to lose this loved one is like losing a piece of yourself. God bless, Julie

The Dance

Looking back on the memory of
the dance we shared, beneath the stars above.
For a moment all the world was right,
how was I to know that you'd ever say good bye?
And now I'm glad I didn't know
the way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives are better left to chance,
I could have missed the pain,
but I'd have had to miss the dance.
Holding you, I held everything,
for a moment, wasn't I the king?
If I'd only known how the king would fall
hey who's to say, you know I might have changed it all.
And now I'm glad I didn't know
the way it all would end, the way it all would go.
Our lives are better left to chance,
I could have missed the pain,
but I'd have had to miss the dance.

Garth Brooks

[Vanessa]

So sorry about your loss.....

[schuh]

Sneezles, thinking of you with your loss. We have a black lab/husky mix, 8 yrs old, who is slowing down with arthritis. I have a hard time contemplating losing her. Dogs are such wonderful companions.

[Susann]

Sneezles-I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

[kima]

Your Indian menu sounds great Chefbec- any chance you could post some of the recipes? No obligation!

[SueK]

Sneezles, I'm so sorry to hear about your dog. That just breaks my heart. I'm sure you and your family are in a lot of thoughts and prayers from those on this board.

Hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Easter!
Sue

[Jewel]

Sneezles, I also am very sorry for the loss of Roxi, and I think you just made me re-think the Siberian Husky turmoil...I was just kidding anyway about getting rid of her, but sometimes certain 'kids' need a bit more guidance and training than others. Bottom line is they're a member of the family that love unconditionally, which is sadly more than you can say for ALL the members of your family at times. Sasha is just gonna have to learn to mind her mommy! Hope Roxi's memory stays with you forever.

[sneezles]

Jewel,
Actually your first post made me remember how Roxi thought the garden was her playground. We had landscaped the yard behind the pool with fountain grass and hibiscus and all kinds of ferns. She would go and hide there waiting for someone to notice she was "gone". Plus she "teethed" on the hibiscus. She would also steal the plastic pots from the plants I was planting, what she didn't know was that she put them all in the same place, saving me from trailing around picking them up! And yes all the holes she dug were annoying but who could get made at a face like that?

And I knew you didn't really want to put Sasha up for sale! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Puppy dogs and two year olds-ya gotta love 'em!

[lindrusso]

Hi all. Sorry to hear about your dog, Sneezles. I still tear up thinking about my beloved Golden Retriever who was killed by a car over 10 years ago!

We're spending the weekend with our BIL and SIL and their two little girls. We have a very special relationship as my SIL is my best friend from college who married my husband's brother. So now we're sisters (in-law)! And our kids are related!

So we're visiting, playing, shopping and cooking. And later we're going to a friend's house - it will be nice to have my old friends meet my Indiana friends. Have apeaceful and wonderful holiday everyone!

[kima]

thankyou so much Chefbec!! I used to have that cookbook and in a clearing out fit when we moved a few years ago I gave it away! Of course I now regret doing that! Is the Fresh Green Chutney quite spicy? It looks a little different from the usual mango chutney (which I must confess I buy1) Hope your Easter weekend is going well. I appreciate very much you taking the time to share with me. It sure would be fun if we could meet. I would have no qualms meeting anyone from this BB - I just get good vibes from everyone. If you ever come to Victoria let me know!!

[chefbec]

Sneezles, so sorry to hear about your loss. I'm so glad you felt you could share that with all of us.

[luv2cook]

Sorry to hear that. I know how you feel, Sneezles. Lost my beloved cat Nov. 15th of '99. just remember, she's at the Rainbow Bridge...

[Ohioan]

Oh, Sneezles, I too am sorry about your loss. What more can I say that everyone else hasn't said, thought, or prayed? My heart is with you.

Love,
Phoebe

[chefbec]

Originally posted by kima:
Your Indian menu sounds great Chefbec- any chance you could post some of the recipes? No obligation!

Certainly, kima!

Cabbage with peas: (serves 4)

1-1/4 lb. green cabbage (about 1/2 small head)
1-1/4 cups frozen peas
5 T. oil (I always use much less with a non-stick pan)
2 t. whole cumin seeds
2 bay leaves
1/4 t. ground turmeric
1/4 t. cayenne
1 fresh hot green chili, very finely chopped
3/4 t. salt (I use 1/2 t.)
3/4 t. sugar
1/4 t. garam masala

Core the cabbage and cut into very fine, long shreds. Put the peas in a strainer and hold them under warm, running water until they separate. Heat the oil in a wide pot over a medium-high flame. When hot, put in the cumin seeds and bay leaves. As soon as they bay leaves begin to take on color - this just takes a few seconds - put in the cabbage and peas and stir them about for 30 seconds. Add the turmeric and cayenne. Stir to mix. Cover, turn heat to low and cook for 5 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. Add the green chili, salt and sugar. Stir to mix. Cover and cook on low heat another 2-3 minutes. Remove cover and sprinkle in the garam masala. Stir gently and mix. Remove bay leaves before serving.
From Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cooking

Lentils with garlic and onion: (serves 4-6)

4 T. oil (I use less)
1/2 t. whole cumin seeds
4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped (I use my Pampered Chef Garlic Press, of course!)
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped (PC Food Chopper - awesome for this!)
1 cup lentils, washed and drained (I use brown lentils)
3 cups water
1 t. salt (I use less)
1/8 - 1/4 t. cayenne

Heat the oil in a heavy pot over a medium flame. When hot, put in the cumin seeds. A few seconds later, put in the garlic. Stir and fry until the farlic peices turn a mudium brown color. Now put in the onion. Stir and fry until the onion pieces begin to turn brown at the edges. Put in the lentils and the water. Bring to a boil. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer for about an hour or until lentils are tender. Add the salt and the cayenne. Stir to mix and simmer gently for another 5 minutes. (I usually let it simmer for another 15 minutes with the lid off to boil off some of the water and thicken.)
From Madhur Jaffrey's Indian Cooking

Fresh green chutney with Chinese parsley and yogurt: (serves 6)

1 packed cup chopped cilantro
1 fresh hot green chili, sliced or 1/4 t. cayenne
8 oz. plain yogurt (I used low-fat)
1/2 t. salt or to taste
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
1/2 roasted, ground cumin seeds
1 T. lemon juice

Put the cilantro and chili in food processor or blender with 3 T. water and blend to a smooth paste (you'll need to push down the cilantro a few times). Combine all other ingredients and cilantro in non-metallic bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
From An Invitation to Indian Cooking (Jaffrey)

Cucumber Raita: (serves 4-6)

1 cucumber
16 oz. plain yogurt (I used low-fat)
1 t. salt (I use half that)
1/8 t. freshly ground pepper
1/2 t. roasted, ground cumin seeds
1/8 t. cayenne
1/8 t. paprika (for garnishing)

Peel and grate the cucumber. Stir yogurt until smooth, add all other ingredients and refrigerate. I add half a carrot, grated, and a nice sprinkling of chopped cilantro.

An Invitation to Indian Cooking (Jaffrey)

I served this meal with plain, cooked basmati rice and tamarind sauce (store-bought). YUM!

[sneezles]

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughtfulness. Roxi now rests under her favorite oak tree where she can keep an eye on that duck she could never catch!