Wednesday, December 31, 2014

3 days Expedition

                                                                       

Yes, I was invited to a stay in East Village, Manhattan. On my first evening, I was impressed by the quality of the tap water; it is excellent. For a city of this size it is a great achievement. Good planning went into that. Likewise my trip.
 A memorable supper in a Korean restaurant to launch the 2 mums into the extravaganza - 3 days of well guided and active experiencing of some of New York's iconic offerings. We flowed in rivers of walkers along avenues and streets. We lined to buy tickets at Broadway, transported in subway trains and even the tramway to Roosevelt Island. The planners shepherded us in a very enriching way. On the second day we saw "Pippin" at The Music Box and, in the evening,the 2 mums went to the Met for "Hansel and Grethel" at the Lincoln Center.                               


The third day we took in Central Park which, of course, is another civic achievement.Hence the first photo, Angels in America. At Flushing we were treated to a very appreciated body massage. And then we were ready for supper at a Malaysian restaurant.         

Thanks are also due to Sarah and Jason who saw me take off with care, and Ian who waited for my landing. Besides, days before my trip we were playing "New York Morning" from the album "The Take off and Landing of Everything." Thanks folks and a happy new year.

                                           

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Hunkering down in December

Yep short days and long grey evenings. Chores galore; I am pleased to know that the firewood is handled within an orderly system: split wood is stacked and covered to dry further and now it is moved into the basement.
I did provide the father and daughter team with appropriate sustenance, leek and potato soup.


From the 2014 growing season, I have become quite enamoured with the cultivation of leeks. It is a most tolerant plant, stick the seedlings in early June and harvest in November. At harvest cut off the roots and store in a very cool corner to use in December. Ho Ho Ho.

Another peasant dish today; Chocolate Zucchini Cake to celebrate the Solstice. A postscript added on December 21.