About Me

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I am a retired English teacher and department head, the mother of three grand mother of four, and have been married to the same man for 52 years. I subscribe to Dr. PM Forni's concept of Civility. I was born in South Philadelphia and grew up in the 'burbs. I love soft pretzels and cheesesteaks, the Phillies, the Eagles, and San Diego. I love being Mom, Aunt Kathy, Nona Kathy, and Teacher. I spend a lot of time in my gardens in the spring and summer, and in the winter I plan what I'm going to plant. I also am an avid reader and photographer.

Translator!

Friday, January 30, 2009

A Little of This, Aphids, and Quinoa

Nothing monumental for today--no solving the world's problems or insights on life. I've been having fun reading my own blog in other languages; that translator link is nifty! The sun is out and we've finally begun the melting process as it's above 32. Everything still looks like a giant glazed doughnut, but I can hear the slow, deliberate trickle of melting water as it travels down our drain spouts: a welcome sound.

Today I'm vacuuming up the back porch: the ash and schtuze on the floor. Cast iron stoves are wonderful and efficient, but burning wood as we have been for the past three weeks really creates a mess. On Sunday, we began burning our fourth cord. It's been cold!

I can't believe how hearty some insects are. While dusting on the porch I noticed my alstromeria (Peruvian lily) was covered in aphids. Yes, even in winter pestilence thrives! So I pulled out each stalk (it's better than cutting as pulling them makes more room for tubular growth), put the stalks into a Trader Joe's paper bag and put the whole bag into the wood-burning stove. Burn, baby, burn!

Last night we learned that our hybrid car can second as a generator if our power goes out!!! Can't remember if we saw this on the Weather Channel or on the news, but all we need is a cord to plug into the lighter in the car and then run into the house. We haven't figured out where to get this cord, yet, and how to attach it, but we're working on it. What a phenomenal idea!

Richard asked if I wanted to go out for dinner. I'm thinking of cooking. Something comforting, maybe, like baked macaroni and cheese. I have some creamy smoked gouda, some cheddar, and double Gloucester calling to me. I've been in 'cooking mode' for the past few days: last night I made Cuban black beans and brown rice I find that brown rice is so different from whole grain, white rice. I like both, but brown rice has such wonderful texture -- a chewiness to it that's satisfying. On Sunday I made peppers stuffed with quinoa (pronounced 'keen-wah'), spinach, onions, and feta. That was good! I try to make a few vegetarian meals a week.

Oh goody! Baltimore, Gas and Electric (BGE as they're known locally) is outside with huge trucks and jackhammers. They're digging up the street. I need to go stoke-up the stove and see if I can find that cord and figure out how to attach it...

8 comments:

Brad said...

Oh man! Your killing me here. The way to this mans heart is through is stomach and home made mac and cheese will keep me in your back pocket for a lifetime.

Jay said...

I'm coming over to your place for dinner!

My great grandparents had a big cast iron wood stove in the front room at their house. I remember it being sooooo warm when we would go visit there during the wintertime.

And after they got my grandmother a new stove, she would take everything she was cooking and "finish" it over on the wood stove. Just to make it good. LOL

Deblynne said...

We have 2 hybrid cars. Please let me know when you find the right cord and how to attach it.

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

What a cool thing to learn about your hybrid car.

We were very bad tonight and ordered pizza. I haven't had regular, full-fat pizza since before last June. It did taste good.

Cheryl said...

My fireplace only makes smoke. It's never worked right, and I haven't tried it in years. Next time I'm getting gas.

I'm sooo tired. Today whipped me. I'm thankful to be busy.

cri said...

Dear Kathy, I'm so happy for the award you give to me!!!
I'm deeply moved!!!! It's true: Bloggin makes the world little and google translate is great!!!!!
Cra Kathy, grazie mille del regalo, mi hai eozionato. E' vero: bloggin rende il mondo piccolo e google translate è fantastico!!!!
Havve a good day!!! I feel good, but al 2pm I've to go to work,but I'd like to stay at home.....
Cristina

KathyA said...

Prego, Cristina! Ciao!

Andrew said...

Really enjoying your blog. You are a natural at this.

I grew up with a wood stove. I would always hate it when dad would come home with a truck load of woods. Me and my brother would have to unload and stack the wood. I miss it now.