A couple times a year, our friend John Hershey sponsors a ride that leaves from his and Ted's house in Bodega Bay, with a mandatory stop at Wildflour Bakery. After the ride, there is a potluck at his house.
And it seems that no matter when he schedules this ride, it rains, and this past Sunday was no exception. Jerry and I cut the ride short, so didn't get caught in the downpour that some of the other riders experienced. We skipped the big climb that even without rain, I wasn't up for doing.
The ride was short but nice. Jerry and I continue to pick up speed on the tandem. The ride had lots of rolling hills, some steeper than others, with a very steep climb right before returning to John's. It really took our average speed down, but we still did pretty well for a couple of old geezers on a tandem.
Ted was glad to see us return a little early because he wasn't sure if it was time to take the spanakopita I had made out of the oven. I looked at it, and indeed it was at the perfect golden brown it should be, and out it came. I had put the dish together the day before and froze it. It was part of a spanakopita triangle frenzy I was working on. I am catering the out of town guest dinner for friends who are getting married on Sept. 26 and I made about 100 spanakopita triangles to serve at that Friday night dinner. I plan to have cold poached salmon with dill sauce, marinated green beans, pasta and pesto and I'm not quite sure what else at this point. But knowing how long the spanakopita can take, I wanted to get it out of the way and frozen. With that done, the rest won't take long.
The potluck at John's was lovely. Lots of good food and great people. John had put his photos from this past year's ALC ride on a disk with music, and we watched that while we ate. He and Ted had two house guests and they made two lovely gallettes-- one with pears and one with plums. The crust was a pate sucre that was delicious-- almost like a butter cookie. I need to make one soon. I want to try one without peeling pears. I figure if I slice than thinly, leaving the peel on should work. We'll see. I really hate to peel fruit. I love the texture the peel gives, and I feel it's such a waste to not leave it on.
After the potluck we headed to Jerry's sister's house. His mom and her husband were there and we had a light dinner. That was fine, because we had certainly eaten enough at John's.
Jerry came home and we went out to lunch today, to a new place in the little shopping center near our home that houses Trader Joe's. The place, Cafe Trio, occupies a spot that has seen a succession of failed restaurants. I think part of it is location, though there is a Pasta Pomodoro at one end that seems to do fine. This nice little place is run by a Palestinian and Yemini, and their influence is seen on the menu. I had a wonderful asparagus lemon soup and felafel. The felafel is worth commenting on: it was cooked really nicely, not too long, which can sometimes result in the little garbanzo balls turning into hockey pucks. Also, the sauce was a light mint yogurt, with a dollop of hummus on the plate itself. So often, the sauce on a felafel can soak through the pita, making it difficult and messy to eat. That was definitely not the case. It was delicious and reasonably priced, and to top it all off, the coffee was very good. I think Jerry and I will be returning.
I just started working a few hours a week at Sur La Table, a cooking supply store. I have to wait to see if I am scheduled for Sunday. If I'm not, Jerry and I will be riding once again to Pt. Reyes. If I'm scheduled to work, he'll make the trip out there on his single, and he'll get to ride with the Big Boys.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Fruit Cobbler and Bees in Pt. Reyes
Yesterday, Jerry and I joined a small group of riders for the longest ride we have taken in some time. We did a 60-miler from Mike's Bikes in Sausalito out to Pt. Reyes. Beau, a Pos Ped, had organized the ride, and last minute he got eight cancellations, but six of us rode out and it was a great little group.
For some reason, for the last couple of times we have climbed Camino Alto, around half way up I start getting queasy. I think it's just nerves and anticipation of something much worse than it is. I never get these feeling when climbing tougher hills; I think it's because it comes right at the beginning of a ride, I'm not warmed up and again, the anticipation is worse than the reality.
But once we were sailing down the other side, all was right with the world and we pedaled on. After a brief stop in Fairfax to share a muffin with Jerry, we tackled White's Hill. We were slow but steady and it felt just fine.
We were doing the counter-clockwise route to Pt. Reyes, which is my favorite way to go. For some reason, I hate climbing Nicasio Valley Road right after White's Hill, and counter-clockwise takes us through Lagunitas and through Samuel Taylor Park, with its magic bike path. I swear, that path is downhill no matter which way you are going. I love it. I also love the beautiful trees and greenery that surrounds you as you ride that path. On a hot day it is welcome, and on a lovely, breezy day like yesterday, it was simply beautiful to look at.
After the park, we headed up Olema Hill. We hadn't ridden up that hill in a couple of years, and while it was no picnic, without the construction of a couple of years ago, it wasn't bad at all. From there Pt. Reyes Station was just around the corner.
Secret plans were in the work at Pt. Reyes Station. Grady, another Pos Ped who was supposed to join us yesterday but was running a fever, had ordered a fruit cobbler in celebration of Beau's birthday, which was Saturday. Shawn and Mark sneaked off to Cowgirl Creamery to pick it up. They had even gotten "gay" (rainbow) candles. Though it was too windy to light them, Beau, happily surprised, pretended to blow them out, and we dug in. The cobbler was huge, but we managed to devour almost the whole thing. We shared it with some other cyclists who were perched on the ledge with us, eating lunch.
The cobbler was delicious. Very simple, with a few late summer fruits-- berries and pears mostly-- in a very light sauce not overly sugared. The streusel on top was also not overly sweet and we all appreciated its crunch. It was just the way a cobbler should be.
There was no question I didn't need a second helping, but I had one anyway and was sorry once we rode out. Too much food in my stomach coupled with bike riding is not a happy combo for me.
We stopped at the local park which has rest rooms and for the first time, there were actually separate lines for the boys and girls. Usually, people just get in one line, and since the bathrooms are all single-seaters, the next in line just takes whatever is available. A couple of the guys I was riding with told me to get in line with them, but I felt that with all those other women waiting, it just wouldn't be fair, and I dutifully waited my turn in the longer line. I should have listened to the guys, because while I stood in the longer line a yellow jacket must have thought my calf looked delicious and he came for a little snack, and decided he should sting me before he left. It's been years since I've had a bee sting and I've forgotten they can really hurt! With no ice to numb the pain I just had to be stoic.
I'm convinced riding after a bee sting is good therapy. I figure that all that motion gets the blood, and in turn, the toxin, moving, so it's not concentrated in that one spot. Today it itches like crazy, but it's not really swollen, and it's just a tiny red dot.
The last 10 miles or so Jerry and I were riding with spaghetti legs. We were really worn out. Not bonky in the least, just muscle-tired and overworked. The last climb up Camino Alto seemed like it took forever, but once we were coasting down the other side we knew we were almost home. Getting off the saddle at Mike's never felt so good. My new Selle San Marco saddle is doing a pretty good job, but I'm convinced that no saddle, no matter how good, really does a good job after around 40 miles.
Next weekend is a 30-mile ride and a potluck afterwards. Sounds very good indeed.
For some reason, for the last couple of times we have climbed Camino Alto, around half way up I start getting queasy. I think it's just nerves and anticipation of something much worse than it is. I never get these feeling when climbing tougher hills; I think it's because it comes right at the beginning of a ride, I'm not warmed up and again, the anticipation is worse than the reality.
But once we were sailing down the other side, all was right with the world and we pedaled on. After a brief stop in Fairfax to share a muffin with Jerry, we tackled White's Hill. We were slow but steady and it felt just fine.
We were doing the counter-clockwise route to Pt. Reyes, which is my favorite way to go. For some reason, I hate climbing Nicasio Valley Road right after White's Hill, and counter-clockwise takes us through Lagunitas and through Samuel Taylor Park, with its magic bike path. I swear, that path is downhill no matter which way you are going. I love it. I also love the beautiful trees and greenery that surrounds you as you ride that path. On a hot day it is welcome, and on a lovely, breezy day like yesterday, it was simply beautiful to look at.
After the park, we headed up Olema Hill. We hadn't ridden up that hill in a couple of years, and while it was no picnic, without the construction of a couple of years ago, it wasn't bad at all. From there Pt. Reyes Station was just around the corner.
Secret plans were in the work at Pt. Reyes Station. Grady, another Pos Ped who was supposed to join us yesterday but was running a fever, had ordered a fruit cobbler in celebration of Beau's birthday, which was Saturday. Shawn and Mark sneaked off to Cowgirl Creamery to pick it up. They had even gotten "gay" (rainbow) candles. Though it was too windy to light them, Beau, happily surprised, pretended to blow them out, and we dug in. The cobbler was huge, but we managed to devour almost the whole thing. We shared it with some other cyclists who were perched on the ledge with us, eating lunch.
The cobbler was delicious. Very simple, with a few late summer fruits-- berries and pears mostly-- in a very light sauce not overly sugared. The streusel on top was also not overly sweet and we all appreciated its crunch. It was just the way a cobbler should be.
There was no question I didn't need a second helping, but I had one anyway and was sorry once we rode out. Too much food in my stomach coupled with bike riding is not a happy combo for me.
We stopped at the local park which has rest rooms and for the first time, there were actually separate lines for the boys and girls. Usually, people just get in one line, and since the bathrooms are all single-seaters, the next in line just takes whatever is available. A couple of the guys I was riding with told me to get in line with them, but I felt that with all those other women waiting, it just wouldn't be fair, and I dutifully waited my turn in the longer line. I should have listened to the guys, because while I stood in the longer line a yellow jacket must have thought my calf looked delicious and he came for a little snack, and decided he should sting me before he left. It's been years since I've had a bee sting and I've forgotten they can really hurt! With no ice to numb the pain I just had to be stoic.
I'm convinced riding after a bee sting is good therapy. I figure that all that motion gets the blood, and in turn, the toxin, moving, so it's not concentrated in that one spot. Today it itches like crazy, but it's not really swollen, and it's just a tiny red dot.
The last 10 miles or so Jerry and I were riding with spaghetti legs. We were really worn out. Not bonky in the least, just muscle-tired and overworked. The last climb up Camino Alto seemed like it took forever, but once we were coasting down the other side we knew we were almost home. Getting off the saddle at Mike's never felt so good. My new Selle San Marco saddle is doing a pretty good job, but I'm convinced that no saddle, no matter how good, really does a good job after around 40 miles.
Next weekend is a 30-mile ride and a potluck afterwards. Sounds very good indeed.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Hot Ride and Cold Dinner
Since it was predicted to be hot yesterday, Jerry and I carted the tandem up to Nicasio and took off from there to Pt. Reyes. But even up in the usually cool and breezy West Marin, the temperatures soared. We rode only 20 miles, and while our average speed was good (no real hills to speak of) it was a painful ride because of the heat.
Jerry doesn't suffer from the heat as much as I do, so I would periodically ask, "the next time you spot some shade, stop." We'd rest for a minute just so I could get my body temperature down a degree or two. I also discovered what a good insulator my Camelbak is. Ice I had put in it hours earlier had not melted, so I needed to add water to it. My biggest problem is, I don't sweat very much. The only two places I seem to perspire appreciably are my scalp and under my boobs. No underarm sweat, and certainly none on my extremities, thus, no cooling evaporation to lower my body temperature. While some folks would consider no sweating an asset, I look at it as a major cycling hindrance. Going to have to do some research to see if I there is anything I can do to rectify the situation.
When we got home, we took tepid showers, and then I hit the kitchen to prepare a cool dinner. Beau, Grady and Buz were coming to dinner before a party, and since it was still quite warm, I thought a cool dinner would be just the thing.
But that didn't stop me from heating up the kitchen to prepare stuff. I baked bread, which had the oven set at 450, and I sauteed chicken breasts and boiled pasta for pesto. But once everything was cooked, it went into the refrigerator. I also made a salad of tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella, topped with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil.
It was great to have the guys over. I'm really close to Beau, and I hadn't seen him in ages. We talked a little bit about strategies for doing some publicity for the Positive Pedalers' 15th anniversary, and I'll follow up with him later to develop a plan. This group, HIV positive riders and roadies on ALC, are really the face of the AIDS ride, and their cause is perhaps the most important to me.
But back to dinner. For dessert, I took a carrot cake out of the freezer. I had made two a few weeks back. The interesting thing about this recipe is that it uses olive oil, resulting in a light, not too sweet cake. I really like it. I accompanied it with lemon sorbet I made two days ago. It was really delicious and for me, hit the spot with its tartness and coldness.
After cleaning up, we met up with the guys at a fundraiser, birthday party held my two of the Seismic Challenge riders. Seismic Challenge is a mini-AIDS ride: a two-day 200 mile ride in the Bay area that is a fundraiser for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Saw lots of friends, but didn't stay long. I felt that despite the heat, I was ready for a good night's sleep.
Today is much cooler, but no plans to heat up the kitchen. We've got way too many leftovers to think about cooking for the next day or two.
Jerry doesn't suffer from the heat as much as I do, so I would periodically ask, "the next time you spot some shade, stop." We'd rest for a minute just so I could get my body temperature down a degree or two. I also discovered what a good insulator my Camelbak is. Ice I had put in it hours earlier had not melted, so I needed to add water to it. My biggest problem is, I don't sweat very much. The only two places I seem to perspire appreciably are my scalp and under my boobs. No underarm sweat, and certainly none on my extremities, thus, no cooling evaporation to lower my body temperature. While some folks would consider no sweating an asset, I look at it as a major cycling hindrance. Going to have to do some research to see if I there is anything I can do to rectify the situation.
When we got home, we took tepid showers, and then I hit the kitchen to prepare a cool dinner. Beau, Grady and Buz were coming to dinner before a party, and since it was still quite warm, I thought a cool dinner would be just the thing.
But that didn't stop me from heating up the kitchen to prepare stuff. I baked bread, which had the oven set at 450, and I sauteed chicken breasts and boiled pasta for pesto. But once everything was cooked, it went into the refrigerator. I also made a salad of tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella, topped with balsamic vinegar and a little olive oil.
It was great to have the guys over. I'm really close to Beau, and I hadn't seen him in ages. We talked a little bit about strategies for doing some publicity for the Positive Pedalers' 15th anniversary, and I'll follow up with him later to develop a plan. This group, HIV positive riders and roadies on ALC, are really the face of the AIDS ride, and their cause is perhaps the most important to me.
But back to dinner. For dessert, I took a carrot cake out of the freezer. I had made two a few weeks back. The interesting thing about this recipe is that it uses olive oil, resulting in a light, not too sweet cake. I really like it. I accompanied it with lemon sorbet I made two days ago. It was really delicious and for me, hit the spot with its tartness and coldness.
After cleaning up, we met up with the guys at a fundraiser, birthday party held my two of the Seismic Challenge riders. Seismic Challenge is a mini-AIDS ride: a two-day 200 mile ride in the Bay area that is a fundraiser for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Saw lots of friends, but didn't stay long. I felt that despite the heat, I was ready for a good night's sleep.
Today is much cooler, but no plans to heat up the kitchen. We've got way too many leftovers to think about cooking for the next day or two.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Peanut Butter and Jelly Legs
Jerry and I took a little ride this morning. We left from our house-- an unusual occurrence, rode through the Canal, onto the freeway for one exit, and around China Camp. It was only 16 miles, but I really felt it.
Not sure what the cause was, but we did put a new seat on the tandem this morning. A Selle San Marco that is supposed to be wonderful. I'm willing to give it some more time, but we raised it a bit and I was still feeling sore in my you know where parts and my shoulders. It might need some more adjusting, though I'm not convinced that a seat exists that will make me comfortable.
Around five miles from home I felt like I had really run out of steam. I had two pieces of toast with peanut butter and jelly, so there's no reason I would have run out of fuel, but the last couple of climbs-- and they are not very big climbs-- felt really difficult.
It was also a coldish, clammy day. I was wearing new-to-me Sugoi long bike pants and a new-to-me yellow and black long-sleeved, fairly heavy weight Pearl Izumi jersey. I'm proud to say the total cost for both was around 10 bucks. I do love Goodwill! Both looked as if they'd never been worn, though I did throw them in the wash before I wore them.
After the ride when I was stripping off my bike gear, it was obvious from my sports bra that I had sweat! This is a big deal for me and made me extremely happy. Sometimes, even on the hottest days, I barely perspire. I think there's something a little wacky about my internal thermostat. It almost caused heat stroke on a hot ride to Petaluma. So I was more than pleased to see the wet spots on my bra.
Sharing my joy, I hopped in the shower with Jerry, who was already lathering up. We made sure all our parts were squeaky clean, then I got out so he could shave.
I believe the answer for me, to increase my stamina, is cross training. I have a Pilates dvd I should find and use.
What I will be doing the rest of the day is baking two loaves of bread and roasting a chicken for dinner. I made a batch of pesto the other day, and I'm thinking of pesto mashed potatoes, or more simply, throwing it on some orzo as a side dish. We've got lovely cherry tomatoes, and I thought I'd cut them in half, toss them with balsamic vinegar and maybe some garlic, as a side.
Not sure what the cause was, but we did put a new seat on the tandem this morning. A Selle San Marco that is supposed to be wonderful. I'm willing to give it some more time, but we raised it a bit and I was still feeling sore in my you know where parts and my shoulders. It might need some more adjusting, though I'm not convinced that a seat exists that will make me comfortable.
Around five miles from home I felt like I had really run out of steam. I had two pieces of toast with peanut butter and jelly, so there's no reason I would have run out of fuel, but the last couple of climbs-- and they are not very big climbs-- felt really difficult.
It was also a coldish, clammy day. I was wearing new-to-me Sugoi long bike pants and a new-to-me yellow and black long-sleeved, fairly heavy weight Pearl Izumi jersey. I'm proud to say the total cost for both was around 10 bucks. I do love Goodwill! Both looked as if they'd never been worn, though I did throw them in the wash before I wore them.
After the ride when I was stripping off my bike gear, it was obvious from my sports bra that I had sweat! This is a big deal for me and made me extremely happy. Sometimes, even on the hottest days, I barely perspire. I think there's something a little wacky about my internal thermostat. It almost caused heat stroke on a hot ride to Petaluma. So I was more than pleased to see the wet spots on my bra.
Sharing my joy, I hopped in the shower with Jerry, who was already lathering up. We made sure all our parts were squeaky clean, then I got out so he could shave.
I believe the answer for me, to increase my stamina, is cross training. I have a Pilates dvd I should find and use.
What I will be doing the rest of the day is baking two loaves of bread and roasting a chicken for dinner. I made a batch of pesto the other day, and I'm thinking of pesto mashed potatoes, or more simply, throwing it on some orzo as a side dish. We've got lovely cherry tomatoes, and I thought I'd cut them in half, toss them with balsamic vinegar and maybe some garlic, as a side.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Did I Earn that Turkey Reuben?
Probably not. The eating is still dominating the riding. and something's got to change.
Yesterday, Jerry and I rode for the first time in probably a month. We started at Mike's Bikes in Sausalito and rode out to Lagunitas. We intersected a Seismic Challenge ride, and chatted with that small group at the Coffee Roastery in Fairfax. They had only about six riders. Not much of a showing considering their ride is coming up in October.
Our average speed was down a bit, but in general, we did pretty well. The first climb, up Camino Alto, was actually welcome. It was really cold out and even a little drizzly, so raising the body temperature felt pretty good. As we headed north it got more sunny and a little warmer-- that was welcome as well.
The climb up White's Hill felt pretty draggy. Neither of us was anywhere close to our peak. I pushed hard, trying to get some of that quad strength back. It felt like a long slog and the descent on the other side was glorious, particularly when we took time to coast and stand a bit to relieve our seats and other chafing parts.
Speaking of chafing parts, while my Specialized Jett seat is pretty good, I have one more in waiting to try. Can't recall the make, but it's a pricey women's seat that I got on Freecycle. While I know there is no perfect seat, I'm looking forward to trying out this one. I use chamois butter and that helps up to a point, but I really am striving for more comfort.
After the descent, we stopped at the market in Lagunitas and split a small container of tabouli. While the food is good, I'm generally getting a bit fed up with the Lagunitas market when it comes to their bathroom. The latest is, it's locked and is not available to the public. What gives? We go there and spend money and after riding and hydrating, I need a rest room!
But I think I've found an alternative to the Lagunitas Market. A new cafe has opened in the little strip mall next door. The woman there was happy to let me use her rest room even though I hadn't purchased anything, and next time, we're going to stop there for lunch or a snack. While it's true you can't buy Gatorade there, you can get a snack and yes, they have a lovely rest room and I filled my Camelbak there. I'm sure if I had asked her for ice she would have been happy to oblige. So between the Nuun tablets in the trunk of the tandem and the sink in the rest room and what looks like a very nice menu, we are set. I recommend it to other cyclists who are looking for a change. And "facilities."
Jerry and I both realize we are out of shape and need to work on it. Since we are both grossly underemployed we've got time, so we are going to ride on Wednesday, after he gets back from visiting his Dad in SoCal. Jerry left this morning on Air Mooney, our little four-seater that's hangared at the Petaluma Airport.
I considered going, but have enough around here to do to keep my pretty busy. One thing I want to investigate is a new espresso chocolate cookie. The ones I made at Balkan Camp were not to my liking-- not that I tasted them. But the way they look and spread was not acceptable to me. I think it was one of those recipes that on a small scale is fine, but when you go to make more than 300 of them, something doesn't work well. I also want to get a quart of pure lemon juice-- not that "realemon" crap, and experiment with lemon-thyme sorbet. Lisa had some when we went out to lunch when we were back east, and I'm anxious to give it a try.
Yesterday, Jerry and I rode for the first time in probably a month. We started at Mike's Bikes in Sausalito and rode out to Lagunitas. We intersected a Seismic Challenge ride, and chatted with that small group at the Coffee Roastery in Fairfax. They had only about six riders. Not much of a showing considering their ride is coming up in October.
Our average speed was down a bit, but in general, we did pretty well. The first climb, up Camino Alto, was actually welcome. It was really cold out and even a little drizzly, so raising the body temperature felt pretty good. As we headed north it got more sunny and a little warmer-- that was welcome as well.
The climb up White's Hill felt pretty draggy. Neither of us was anywhere close to our peak. I pushed hard, trying to get some of that quad strength back. It felt like a long slog and the descent on the other side was glorious, particularly when we took time to coast and stand a bit to relieve our seats and other chafing parts.
Speaking of chafing parts, while my Specialized Jett seat is pretty good, I have one more in waiting to try. Can't recall the make, but it's a pricey women's seat that I got on Freecycle. While I know there is no perfect seat, I'm looking forward to trying out this one. I use chamois butter and that helps up to a point, but I really am striving for more comfort.
After the descent, we stopped at the market in Lagunitas and split a small container of tabouli. While the food is good, I'm generally getting a bit fed up with the Lagunitas market when it comes to their bathroom. The latest is, it's locked and is not available to the public. What gives? We go there and spend money and after riding and hydrating, I need a rest room!
But I think I've found an alternative to the Lagunitas Market. A new cafe has opened in the little strip mall next door. The woman there was happy to let me use her rest room even though I hadn't purchased anything, and next time, we're going to stop there for lunch or a snack. While it's true you can't buy Gatorade there, you can get a snack and yes, they have a lovely rest room and I filled my Camelbak there. I'm sure if I had asked her for ice she would have been happy to oblige. So between the Nuun tablets in the trunk of the tandem and the sink in the rest room and what looks like a very nice menu, we are set. I recommend it to other cyclists who are looking for a change. And "facilities."
Jerry and I both realize we are out of shape and need to work on it. Since we are both grossly underemployed we've got time, so we are going to ride on Wednesday, after he gets back from visiting his Dad in SoCal. Jerry left this morning on Air Mooney, our little four-seater that's hangared at the Petaluma Airport.
I considered going, but have enough around here to do to keep my pretty busy. One thing I want to investigate is a new espresso chocolate cookie. The ones I made at Balkan Camp were not to my liking-- not that I tasted them. But the way they look and spread was not acceptable to me. I think it was one of those recipes that on a small scale is fine, but when you go to make more than 300 of them, something doesn't work well. I also want to get a quart of pure lemon juice-- not that "realemon" crap, and experiment with lemon-thyme sorbet. Lisa had some when we went out to lunch when we were back east, and I'm anxious to give it a try.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Whaddayamean, no peanuts???
So Jerry and I flew back to the bay area today. We were so ready to be home. We got up at what was the equivalent of 3 am California time. Knowing there would be no "real" food on the plane, I raided Len and Lisa's refrigerator so I could fix us peanut butter and jelly on bagels.
No sooner are we seated than we hear an announcement that someone on the flight is allergic to peanuts, so anyone who has nut products with them-- you're out of luck. So, we had Doritos munch mix and persevered. We ate our bagels as we waited for our luggage.
This was an interesting trip for me. Interesting is part euphemism, part, I can't think of the word for how I really feel about it, mostly because I feel so differently about different aspects of the trip.
I am now pretty sure I don't want to move back east. I really hate summers there, and on a more difficult note, I'm not really sure I have a home there any more. True, I own a condo in Baltimore, but I'm just not sure the area means to me what, at least in my mind, it has meant for many years.
That being said, there are some people there I truly love and wish I saw more of. But perhaps those stretches of time between seeing people has really changed my relationships with them. I'm going to give this a little more time to percolate, but right now, I'm just not all that sure where home is.
My time baking for 300 hungry Balkan music and dance students and teachers generally went pretty well, though in the heat it felt more tiring this year. At least once I skipped lunch just so I could get horizontal for a while before returning to the kitchen. But most of the desserts were quite successful. No failures, but nothing much new either. And one of the new desserts-- a blueberry cobbler with a biscuit top was far more work than what it yielded, in addition to it not making enough, despite producing 12 hotel pans' worth. If I do go back next year, I'd like to come up with some new desserts that challenge me and delight the recipients.
This year's recipes, as usual, were heavy on chocolate. If people don't get chocolate at least once a day, they threaten to riot. So, I made brownies, blondies with chocolate chips, chocolate espresso cookies, chocolate peanut-butter fudge, chocolate chip cookies and a few other things I'm forgetting. Non-chocolate desserts included my favorite ginger cookies, almond crescents and apple crisp.
My consistent help in the kitchen was Barbara, a camper who volunteers most afternoons for a couple of hours. I've known Barbara since we were kids, so it's fun to talk and also wonderful to have someone who knows what she was doing.
The kitchen was full of kids who come from other places for summer jobs, the majority being from Turkey, with a few from South American and one from Hungary thrown in. They were enthusiastic, hard working, and the Turks and the Hungarian were thrilled to hear music from home.
Now I'm home with a kitty on my lap, and so glad to be here. I'll figure out the future another time.
No sooner are we seated than we hear an announcement that someone on the flight is allergic to peanuts, so anyone who has nut products with them-- you're out of luck. So, we had Doritos munch mix and persevered. We ate our bagels as we waited for our luggage.
This was an interesting trip for me. Interesting is part euphemism, part, I can't think of the word for how I really feel about it, mostly because I feel so differently about different aspects of the trip.
I am now pretty sure I don't want to move back east. I really hate summers there, and on a more difficult note, I'm not really sure I have a home there any more. True, I own a condo in Baltimore, but I'm just not sure the area means to me what, at least in my mind, it has meant for many years.
That being said, there are some people there I truly love and wish I saw more of. But perhaps those stretches of time between seeing people has really changed my relationships with them. I'm going to give this a little more time to percolate, but right now, I'm just not all that sure where home is.
My time baking for 300 hungry Balkan music and dance students and teachers generally went pretty well, though in the heat it felt more tiring this year. At least once I skipped lunch just so I could get horizontal for a while before returning to the kitchen. But most of the desserts were quite successful. No failures, but nothing much new either. And one of the new desserts-- a blueberry cobbler with a biscuit top was far more work than what it yielded, in addition to it not making enough, despite producing 12 hotel pans' worth. If I do go back next year, I'd like to come up with some new desserts that challenge me and delight the recipients.
This year's recipes, as usual, were heavy on chocolate. If people don't get chocolate at least once a day, they threaten to riot. So, I made brownies, blondies with chocolate chips, chocolate espresso cookies, chocolate peanut-butter fudge, chocolate chip cookies and a few other things I'm forgetting. Non-chocolate desserts included my favorite ginger cookies, almond crescents and apple crisp.
My consistent help in the kitchen was Barbara, a camper who volunteers most afternoons for a couple of hours. I've known Barbara since we were kids, so it's fun to talk and also wonderful to have someone who knows what she was doing.
The kitchen was full of kids who come from other places for summer jobs, the majority being from Turkey, with a few from South American and one from Hungary thrown in. They were enthusiastic, hard working, and the Turks and the Hungarian were thrilled to hear music from home.
Now I'm home with a kitty on my lap, and so glad to be here. I'll figure out the future another time.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Eating and talking about riding
Last night was "bridge" at Loretta and Tony's house. There actually was a hand or two of bridge played by a few people, but mostly it was a wonderful excuse to get together, eat great food, drink great wine and talk to friends.
Tony is Italian and he loves to cook. We started with several very good Italian red wines and some good cheeses. Dinner started with a lovely soup full of vegetables and grains. It had basil in it, but the underlying hint of rosemary made it really special. We then had a delicate poached cod, corn and a salad full of colorful peppers and tomatoes. Dessert was ice cream and blueberries. The coffee, though decaf, was full bodied and strong.
Grey, who I haven't known all that long, lives with my friend Leslie. He likes to bike just about as much as he likes small-brewery beers. It was great to have someone to talk about the Tour with. We're both interested to see what kind of team Lance builds. He was more forgiving of Contador than I was, and he made some good points. I worked hard to talk him into coming out for a visit. Leslie said we could all go cycling and she'd stay home and pet the cats.
My friend Arna is in town as well, and she'll join us for dinner tonight at Janet's. Janet runs the kitchen at Balkan Camp and we'll talk menu and particularly, what I'll be baking. We usually do a little bit of shuffling at this point to make sure my work flow goes well, while also making sure the desserts work well with that particular dinner. This will be the last evening I'll see Arna. She heads back north to her daughter's in Cambridge, and then she heads back to Norway. She's been here all summer, and while she has loved seeing friends and her new grand daughter, there really is no place like home and sleeping in one's own bed.
Today, once I get my act together, I'm going to do a little second hand store shopping, and maybe make some ice cream to take to Janet's tonight.
Tony is Italian and he loves to cook. We started with several very good Italian red wines and some good cheeses. Dinner started with a lovely soup full of vegetables and grains. It had basil in it, but the underlying hint of rosemary made it really special. We then had a delicate poached cod, corn and a salad full of colorful peppers and tomatoes. Dessert was ice cream and blueberries. The coffee, though decaf, was full bodied and strong.
Grey, who I haven't known all that long, lives with my friend Leslie. He likes to bike just about as much as he likes small-brewery beers. It was great to have someone to talk about the Tour with. We're both interested to see what kind of team Lance builds. He was more forgiving of Contador than I was, and he made some good points. I worked hard to talk him into coming out for a visit. Leslie said we could all go cycling and she'd stay home and pet the cats.
My friend Arna is in town as well, and she'll join us for dinner tonight at Janet's. Janet runs the kitchen at Balkan Camp and we'll talk menu and particularly, what I'll be baking. We usually do a little bit of shuffling at this point to make sure my work flow goes well, while also making sure the desserts work well with that particular dinner. This will be the last evening I'll see Arna. She heads back north to her daughter's in Cambridge, and then she heads back to Norway. She's been here all summer, and while she has loved seeing friends and her new grand daughter, there really is no place like home and sleeping in one's own bed.
Today, once I get my act together, I'm going to do a little second hand store shopping, and maybe make some ice cream to take to Janet's tonight.
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