Last Post

Sorry, but I had to delete the last post. The darn thing just could not be corrected.

Anyway, I passed along this award to several chosen individuals I believe deserve it.

I haven't the time to list all of the links this evening...visitors, but will try and do so tomorrow.

Again, I'm sorry.

Stephen

Reading Material

I made a promise to list the books I read while under captivity. I believe it was to my friend, 45er. Anyway, here's the list.

I couple of these were downloaded on my Kindle.

'As Wind in Dry Grass,' by H. Grant Llewellyn. Apocalyptic fiction...not for the faint of heart, but a good story none the less.

'High Desert Barbecue,' by J.D. Tuccille. Not bad, not good. When you're bored out of your friggen mind you'll read whats available..it was recommended so I was stuck with it.

For the foodies out there, 'Nobody Knows The Truffles I've Seen,' by George Lang. This is a biography of the great restauranteur, Lang. The first section of the book deals with the atrocities, lives of the Hungarian Jews, at the hands of the Nazis leading up to and during World War two.  Yes, I've eclectic taste in literature.

I was well into, 'Deep Winter' by Thomas Sherry when I was discharged/escaped from the hospital. It was my forth or fifth reading. Highly recommended. It suffers for the lack of edit work, but its still a good adventure. Again, apocalyptic fiction set in eastern Washington State.

Soft jazz is playing in the background, the coffee hot and fresh, and I'm at peace. I wish the same for you. God bless.

Stephen

Quiet Morning

I've next to nothing to say this morning...it's quiet and I'm soaking in the peace of it. Sweet Wife has returned to work. This is the first time in about twelve days I've been alone. The day nurse arrives later this morning to change my bandages, poke and prod, and repack.

She still has a hard time understanding the shelves of books. She asked me why certain volumes were dressed in archival plastic. I explained the books in question are first editions. Blank stare. So I changed direction and told her they were special and the plastic gave the books protection.

"Protection from what? They're just books."

"The elements, people's dirty hands, dust."

Blink, blink. Cow eyes.

"Are 'da expensive?"

I pointed towards one, said, "That book only had a first printing of two thousand copies. Half went to libraries. The others were sold from the trunk of the author's vehicle. Half of those were destroyed by misuse. I only know of two on the market. I own one. That book is worth two grand."

"Sweet Jesus Christ Almighty, a book be worth 'dat much money?"

"Yes." I said. She shakes her head and mumbled, "I done heard it all now."

Me too.

I'm several chapters behind on The Union Creek Journal, and with all this silence, I'll have a chance to jump back into the adventure. You can find the story, here.

If conditions warrant, I might just sneak outside and pop some squirrels from my garage. My trigger finger is itchy.  

Later, it's time for another cup of coffee. Take care, my friends.

Stephen

It's Time To Cook

I've a hankering for Irish Stew. So today, with my wife's help, I'll build one. I begin with a Roux. Slap a slab of bacon in my dutch oven and render it of its fat, add flour and with tender care bring it to the color of a pecan shell. This, after I brown my stew meat (beef) which delivers a rich flavor to the Roux.

Then butter, red potatoes, onions, garlic, carrots and mushrooms and believe it or not, small green Lima beans. Yes, I have my own twist on Irish Stew. Deal with it.

This is a file photo of a nice pot of stew, notice the herb string. I love the old Le Creuset. This old pot has cooked many a meal.

Last evening I made a batch of my famous Irish Kick-Ass Salsa. I'll try and get a picture for you...standby.

Sorry the picture is so out of focus. Notice the chip...there's a world of hurt in this bowl of tasty goodness. Wimps need not apply.

Gotta run, my day nurse is at the door. Be still my heart.

Later.

Stephen

How True

An artist depiction of His Highness tramping our Constitution.

H/T to the Drudge Report.

Stephen

Bits and Pieces

It's quiet this morning. I hear the wind chimes, birds, the angry chatter of a squirrel. and Sweet Wife's gentle footsteps as she putters around the house. I'll miss her next week when she returns to work.

Little Bit had a nice long visit with us last evening. She walked into the family room and to my chair and gently placed her hands on my face. She leaned and gently gave me a tiny kiss. Asked if she could really sit in my lap. I took her and placed her on my right leg, she leaned into me and I wrapped my arms around her. We didn't say a word, each to the other, for several minutes. I soaked in her love.

Then, "Papa."

"Yes, Sweetheart."

"Don't ever leave me again."

"I'll try, Honey, but Papa couldn't help it. I was sick, Honey."

"Did you try to go to Heaven, Papa. Did you want to see your mommy?"

I glanced over at Sweet Wife. She's quietly shedding tears. Little Bit still has a bear hug on me.

"No, Punkin, Papa didn't want to go to Heaven. I wanted to stay here with you and Nana."

"Okay, Papa. Can you walk?"

"Yes, slowly. Why?"

"Cause you need to get up and go to my room. We need to play."

So, I stood and she took my hand in hers and we slowly walked to her bedroom. (We've set aside a room for her visits. She refuses to sleep in it. It's a long way from our room and nightlights just don't cut it.) She took a couple of dolls from her bed and gave me one. We played. After a few minutes she took my doll and placed it aside, then gently pushed me back on the bed. She snuggled. Then she slept. I held her and thanked the good Lord for such a gift. And, my life.

Stephen

Thanks & Welcome

To my new friend and follower, WildChildT. She has a nice blog, http://wildchild-t.blogspot.com/, full of great information. She's also a foodie; what's not to love.

Wildchild, I promise to always answer any comments, good or bad.

Please, my dear friends, take a moment and visit her blog and give her a warm welcome.

Again, thanks and welcome. You are now among friends.

Stephen