Cooking, Masking, Martini's and Race During These Covid Time

Enchiladas!  I make both chicken and pork.  Many people have talked and posted about how much baking they've been doing during these Covid times, not me.  #1 I don't need or want the calories, and #2 I don't like to bake, never have.  But, I have been cooking more.  Two fold, we've not gone anywhere since very early March, about 4 months due to the Virus.  So, you must cook more to compensate for not going out.  I also have more time it seems because hubby has been working from home, and I therefore don't have to limit what I cook to something that can be quick whenever he gets's home from the office.  I typically never even started cooking until he got home because he worked so many hours, one never quite knew what time it was going to be.  Now, he's right here working so that gives me more flexibility.  We have therefore, been eating a bit differently with more variety.

I recently order a toaster oven.  Haven't had one in years.  I generally don't like to store things on my counter tops, but thought a toaster oven would be helpful to not use the oven to heat up the kitchen as much.......since I'm cooking more.  I can't say it replaces the oven though, as a casserole dish like the one above simply doesn't fit in the toaster oven; but it has been helpful in cutting down how often I use the oven, and it does indeed heat the kitchen up less.  It also has an air fryer component.  I don't tend to fry anything, but I know many friends talk about how much they use and like their air fryers, so thought I'd give it a go.  So far, I've only used it twice with battered shrimp.  We both enjoyed that with a big salad.  A quick and fairly light meal.

To celebrate our 48th Wedding Anniversary, I broke out the special Martini glasses.  They're quite pretty, and large.  I don't use them on a regular basis, keep them in the china cabinet.  I had a lightly dirty Martini (Vodka), hubby has a Dry Gin Martini with a lemon twist.  We had cocktails on the deck, while the filet's were on the barby.

Remember, I said I like fun cocktail napkins.  This one makes me think of political and racial posts I've seen on line.....we've all been there I know, the yelling in my mind......sometimes actually outloud, as if the computer screen can hear us.

With the many protests around the country, and the world after the police murdered George Floyd, it seems racial problems might finally really be discussed.  It's always troubled me when friends/ or line acquaintances would say, I'm not racist...I don't see color.  Aren't we all just Americans instead of Black or White Americans.  I think perhaps people who say that, aren't being honest with themselves.....why, because of course we see color.  We see the color of someone's hair, the car they drive, the dress, suit etc they've chosen to wear.  To say we don't see color seems dis-honest.  I never could quit put into words why I thought that.  Then I spotted this, as part of on line forum to discuss racism and how we all have biases........even if we don't recognize them.  I thought this was worth a share.

Sorry if the wording is offensive to you, but I thought this meme was a perfect example of why, we aren't winning against this virus.  Here's a women with a mask and shield trying to be responsible and do her social distances, then you have the jerk........the non science believer leaning in, not wearing a mask and well...........being invasive in her protective space.........which is also meant to protect him.  I'm sick of seeing and hearing people who still believe this isn't real, or if they believe it feel it's against their personal liberties.  Wear your mask, stay away from parties, wash your hands, don't go to packed events, social distance.  All those pretending things are normal are making matters worse and causing the numbers of cases to climb, the death rate climb, and the virus to stick around longer.  Be a responsible person and wear your mask!

What I'm Doing on my Summer Vacation

No, I haven't mastered this.  I can almost do this on one side, but not with the heel down.  The other side fell right on my keister.  Now I've tried to do it when not moving from another position to this for practice....um no, I still can't do it.  I am though enjoying learning some yoga.  My primary problem is I need things to go slow so I can see what they're doing and some move pretty quickly from one move to another.  This is a video from my gym.  I'm going to try it a few more times to see if I can improve.  I'm also doing something called Boom Mind from Silver Sneakers which is a combination of yoga and pilates.  That particular one is standing only, which I like and focuses a lot on balance..........boy do I need that.  So if someone asked me what positive thing did I do during the Covid times, working on yoga would be the answer.

Politically, I found this hopeful and hope lots of other folks did as well.  The police violence is something I find very very troubling.  I hope this time will be different.  I hope this time something beyond empty promises can take place.

This seems to explain how stupid a recent comment from the orange  one was.  In my opinion, getting rid of him in November is the single most important thing we can do  for our country.

I love fun cocktail napkins.  Recently ordered quite a few from Amazon, since I'm still not going to any stores.  I am still ordering my groceries on line and having them delivered, and or picking them up curbside.  I've not been knitting or crocheting, spending more time on yoga (see above), and walking.  Been averaging about 15K a day in steps.  Trying really hard to up my physical activity.  

Hope you're all staying safe, washing your hands, wearing your masks and continuing to social distance.  I've seen way too many pictures of people partying, acting like nothing is wrong...AND with states numbers rising, particularly in the South, that's a big concern.

Bingo, It's a COVID Affair

Bingo!  Spotted this the other day on our neighbor site, Nextdoor and thought it was quite cleaver and thought some of you might enjoy doing this, or have the kids do it.  Since kids shouldn't be playing together, the kids in the neighborhood could do this, perhaps take a picture of said item and or write the address or street where they saw said item.  Then parents could scan it or take a photo and share with the neighbor kids, like they did it together.

I know many are still fighting the idea of wearing a mask, thought this graphic was an excellent visualization of why it matters.  I wore my 2 ply cotton mask with a pocket and insert a double folded coffee filter in the pocket yesterday when I went to Home Depot to buy flowers.  My masks has a nose clip too, which makes it fit better.  I'm happy to say the bulk of shoppers were wearing masks and all the employees in the garden center.

Scored two pretty hanging baskets for the front of the house, and of course have our flag out for Memorial Day Weekend.

I'm disappointed to say I've not settled on a pattern to use for my yummy Mothers Day Yarn (see previous post).  I've been looking, but just haven't settled on one yet.  

And yes, back to masks.  Some of the excuses I see on line about why people aren't wearing them is because they don't have a bandana (one of the common no sew options), so thought I'd share this..........I know everyone has socks

It's rare for me to have a post without showing a knitted or crocheted project, but I've not been busy with needles in several days, so nothing new to share.  Getting yard work done, now that they weather's warmed up, and trying to walk and or do exercise classes via zoom daily.

Stay well, wash your hands, wear your masks and limit your outings based on your need and medical condition.  I will continue to order grocery on line and have them delivered and or pick them up vs going into a store for an hour.  My outing to the garden center was about 10-15 minutes, we were outside, and I was wearing my mask.

Happy Mothers Day to Me!!!!! Espresso Anyone?

This fantastic package came for me from my Darling Daughter!  Thank you Christine.  She told me something was on the way, but would be delayed with shipping and that I might be able to make something...see me smile, that means yarn, wonderful wonderful yarn.  This is hand dyed, DK weight from Honey Girl Farms. 218 yards each..........

AND

Look at the reverse side of the labels.  Click to enlarge if you can't read the names.  This yarn is from The Outlander Series!!!

The gold is Fall at the Ridge (when they were here in the states at Fraser's Ridge.

 Jamie Fraser is the darker blend right next to the gold.

This series is soooooooooo good.  I'm not done watching, so no spoilers please.  I watch this with 2 girl friends when we have "Girls Week" in Hilton Head, typically in the spring and fall.  Though this years spring trip was cancelled due to Covid.

Lallybroch Castle, Jamie's home in Scotland (fictitious name for the series).  It's actually called Midhope Castle.  I got to tour that castle with one of my girl friends several years ago on a tour we did of Ireland and Scotland.  Was very cool to see it in person.  It's the purple blend on the far right.

This is Brianna MacKenzie, Jamie's daughter.  I think I need to find a pattern like the shawl she's wearing.  For some of this yarn.  This blend is the one on the left, blues and some lavendar primarily.  

Will take some time to decide what to make with this yummy yarn.  I like Jamie Fraser and Fall at the Ridge together, so might pare those.

Soooooo excited.  Love you Darling Daughter and thank you for this awesome Happy Mothers Day Gift.

 Trying to show you a close up of Espresso.  It's grown about 3 x the size when I last showed you.  Please click to see the pattern.  I'm in section 2 now where I'm reversing the garter and purl blocks.

It's a bit hard to photograph, as it curls a bit.  No doubt will need a substantial edge when completed.

AND because we've had lots of bad news lately with Covid cases climbing...thought I'd post a wee bit of hope.  Please stay safe.  Stay home as much as you can, avoid groups, wash your hands, and wear your masks when you have to go out.

Looking to get cash back when you shop on line?  I just joined this a few weeks ago and have already gotten money back.  Join today, you've got nothing to loss folks.  https://www.rakuten.com/r/SANDYC3117?eeid=28187

COVID, What's for Dinner?

An amazing photo my older brother took recently.  Thought it was worth a share.  

Equating this to the people who don't believe anyone should be told to wear a mask, or do social distancing.  Many say, the government doesn't have a right to tell them what to do.  

And virtual classes at home continue, thought some of you with children at home might get a kick out of this.

Have made some headway with my brown afghan, which thanks to suggestions in my previous post has been renamed, Espresso.  It's maybe twice as wide, but I didn't bother to take a picture...you really can't see much improvement or the design until I get to the opposite stitch block part.

Stuffed mushrooms were served during our cocktail hour last night.  Finely chopped zucchini, bacon bits (real bacon cut small and precooked, not the crunchy type), Parmesan cheese.  Cooked about 15 minutes on 400.  We had Old Fashions.  Showed you a picture of my mad cocktail talents in the previous post.

My version of chicken pastry.  One sheet of Pillsbury Crescent, but the sheet if you can get it.  Roll it out in lightly greased casserole/loaf type pan. Filet one large chicken breast (our use 2 thinly sliced pieces).  Put one piece down on the dough, salt and pepper and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, top with lots of fresh spinach leaves, add 2nd piece of chicken, add more cheese.

Bring sides of dough together and crimp ends closed.  Served with seasoned brussel sprouts (salt, pepper, olive oil and garlic powder or celery seed).  I used celery seed this evening.

Cook on 400 until pastry is nicely browned, sprouts soft, but a bit caramelized.  I'm not one that times things much...I can generally tell how things are coming along by the aroma while I'm sipping my cocktail........20-25 minutes would be my guess of how long it cooked.

Forgot to take a picture when I sliced the stuffed chicken.  Sorry.  But, when you slice it you get what looks like a chicken roll up with the spinach in the middle.  The pastry has a nice crunch/crust almost like a good bread crust, but moist inside.  The chicken comes out nice and moist.  I sometimes use a meat thermometer, chicken should be 160-165.  Since so many on social media are sharing pictures and recipes of their baked goodies, thought I'd share my dinner.  I don't bake.  Don't like it, and don't need the calories.

Linking up with Party in Your PJ's

Martini's and Face Masks, Strange Times

It's only happened once so far.....but it was nice to sit outside and have cocktails.  Life has been crazy for all of us lately, so this "normalcy" was very much enjoyed.  We love our cocktail hour, and we love to be outside, and so this was a bonus.  Short lived for sure, been cold, windy, and wet pretty much since.  **Edited to add I'm join The Flaunt it Friday Linky Party** A first for me, but sounds fun.  I'm Flaunting my bar tending skills.  Which are so good, truly...even if the bars were opened, we would cocktail at home before going to dinner.

Double thickness, with a pocket where a filter can be inserted, and nose clip.  I've tried multiple times to order masks on line without much success.  Sarah S a lady who's donated through the years for Bridge and Beyond made these.  She sent 2 for me and 2 for my husband........Thank you Sarah S.  These masks are so well made.  I had purchased some from a lady in the neighborhood, but they were too big for me, and too small for my husband, no pocket and no nose clip...soooooooooo appreciate having one that will work for us.  Dr. Brix indicates social distancing is going to be with us for a while...throughout the summer.  So want to be prepared.

Don't know how well you can see this. Remember you can click to enlarge it to see it better.  It's a start, a slow one for another afghan.  20 stitches garter, followed by 20 stockinette and back to garter.   Once I get a good amount done to have a block (every other), then will switch and do stockinette, then garter and back to stockinette.  The 2 small sections at each end are 5 stitches of garter so when the stockinette block is the end block it won't curl.  It's not coming a long very quickly, as the brown is hard to work on at night and even during the day we've had so much rain and gloomy days lately, it's not as easy to see.  When I put this brown yarn in a project bag I wrote the name Brown Marble...but I'm not sure I like that name.  As most of you know, I always name my afghans...suggestions anyone? **Edited to add I got 2 suggestions in the comments thus far, one from Elephant Child who said something about coffee, and one from Ellie Foster suggesting something about chocolate.  I'm not a chocolate lover, so decided I'd go with the coffee idea.  I recently completed an afghan I named Coffee Latte, a mix of browns and variegated.  So settled on Espresso for the name of this afghan.  It's not completely solid brown, but very close and is dark...strong, like Espresso.  Thanks ladies for the suggestion.  AND my knitting would also be something I'm flaunting.

One needs to keep laughing during these strange times.  Now I'm not a beer drinker, but could put a Martini in one room, or perhaps 

A Manhattan, and or an Old Fashion

Variety is nice, don't you think!

**Some Monday Fun** Click on the picture for the linky party