Before the fire ( In front of, not prior to...)

Enjoying the fire at Shrine Mont, in the meeting hall where the wireless network is available, reminds me of how much I want a fireplace of my own.

Last Sunday I did indeed buy Roma tomatoes and a giant red bell pepper and made the Sunny Anderson Roasted Tomato Soup from the Food Network. (recipe http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/roasted-tomato-soup-recipe/index.html)

It was delicious and enough for Sunday, Monday snack and a frozen 'nother meal.

I added a pasillo pepper (I think - fruity and not hot) but otherwise made it as called for.

I have also been making lots of Zucchini & Tomatoes from scratch. I add lots of onions and garlic to mine, and frequently fresh basil.

This differs from the Zucchini & Tomatoes that Shrine Mont serves for Saturday lunch (along with meatloaf and Mac'n'Cheese) which is quite basic. But the Sat lunch is my fave meal. Bless Shrine Mont.

I walked up the mountain yesterday after lunch and today after breakfast, taking an unfamiliar but ultimately less steep path today. This is a bit more challenging than previous years, as I now have arthritis in my knees, but allows me to feel daring and just a bit proud for having taken myself hence and back alone.

And it is alone, as there is no reception for my cell service here. If I get into trouble I can't call for help, and my absence probably would not be noticed until supper. Wow!

Sunday, October 11th

For Alyson's birthday lunch, we (with Mommo) went to Ten Ren's Teahouse in College Park. It really is hard for Mommo to find 'safe' food to eat - without a trace of gluten. Mommo and Jim both had the barbecued eel.

That Japanese eel is one of those things that are reserved for enjoying 'out'. I'll never make it at home. I don't think anyone does. So once or twice a year, or more frequently in sushi rolls, we enjoy it at a restaurant.

For dinner I intended to make a fish chowder, but after all the chopping, sauteing, etc., I finally took a bathroom break and while I was otherwise occupied, the whole shebang came to a boil and was ruined. I threw it out and Jim and I had catch-as-catch-can for supper.

We had a nice talk with Jamie yesterday morning. He seems in good spirits. I love Skype, especially the video feature.

Well, its time to go to the pool and get a little exercise. After church, the Farmer's market calls. I hope the rain holds off. I want tomatoes and peppers, cheese and bread today. Then I'll make Roasted Tomato soup. Yum.

I have two Bison Sausages left in the fridge, with some fresh bread, it'll make a good supper.

Chang'e holiday

Jim and me, drinking tea, eating Mooncakes and viewing the Moon last night.

I see the Moon

and the Moon sees me.

God bless the Moon

and God bless me.