I’m doing so much better now. What a relaxing weekend this has turned out to be!
My Friday helped jumpstart a wonderful and peaceful weekend. I was in Dothan for a monthly weekend and it helped me with a lot of challenges that I’d been facing at work. I thought I was an island to myself, but it turns out other colleagues have had a lot of the same issues happen to them.
I stayed there later than usual to talk a little more, then I drove back to Tally in a frenzy hurry to get my weekend started. The youth group had a retreat this weekend, but I bowed out earlier in the week to help work it, ‘cause I knew I needed a little time to myself… and it certainly helped!
I grabbed some chicken (my ultimate comfort food!), built a fire, and popped in a Filipino movie (I trying to enhance my comprehension of Tagalog.) I curled up on the couch and just chilled. Can’t even remember when that last happened!
I can be a social person; I have fun at the occasional bar or just hangin’ out with friends, but there are moments that I want—I crave to be alone. That’s just what I needed this weekend to do and to mull over a few things.
And when I mull, I cook. I cook and I cook and I cook. Daddgummit… I raided the freezer and fridge. And Saturday, I COOKED! And when you look at my fridge, you’d think the United Nations stationed a few peacekeepers in my kitchen.
Red gravy (spaghetti sauce to you less-sophisticates)—and not just plain old Prego or Ragu—we’re talking homemade where I pureed the tomatoes and all sorts of spices and herbs. There were meats of all kinds—roast pork (leftover from last week), meatballs, and Italian sausage all mixed into the sauce. It simmered in time longer than it takes most people to have sex, but my sauce comes without the regret.
Then, I reached into my soul… my soul and southern side, cookin’ up a pot of black eyed peas. I found a frozen bag that I never got to on New Year’s (I had my share of peas a few weeks ago at Ryan’s) and I boiled those up with fatty ham. People say it’s called soul food ‘cause of the “soul” that goes into it… I really think they call it that ‘cause that’s what you need to pray for after the subsequent strokes and heart attacks caused by this fine cuisine.
Then, I went Indian with curry and finally Caribbean with Arroz con Pollo. I never got around to the flan I wanted to make… that’s only because I ran out of eggs. But I did find a few veggies in need of a purpose, so I made a very decorative salad.
So, I guess if you’re nearby, you’re more than welcome to sample these delights. As you can imagine, the fridge is a very reflection of my international self. :>)
Between the buzz activity in the kitchen, I managed to spend a few hours with Molly at the dog park. I’m fascinated just sitting there and watching people and dogs. Reminds me of people watching in between Mardi Gras parades in Mobile. Some of the ugliest and downright strangest—dogs and people alike.
And I think it’s true what some say that dogs begin to take on the personality and looks of their owners. Well, it has to be true… I get so many compliments how well-mannered and cute Molly is.
