No clue where the road is going...
just taking time and enjoying the view...
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
ALWAYS
No matter how far life's road may take me... No matter how long I've been away... There is nothing in, on or under this world... That will ever keep me from remembering those deep in my heart.
I write these days with quill and vellum... For eyes that are mine alone... No longer seeking to share the ramblings of my mind... Simply to vent as needed.
Always, will I cherish you who have been here... Always, will I have you here in my heart... Always, will I think of you all and smile... Always, will I be available to share... Always.
As the old Irish Blessing goes... So do I... For now...
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”
The title of the above song seems to sum up everything that's been going on in my world since the last time I posted. Things have truly gotten crazy...
By all indications, my Aunt Byrd has given up on trying to fight to recover from her illness - but at the same time she refuses to give up on life. She has had a series of small strokes, she has had a minor case of pneumonia, she has had a couple of minor heart attacks, she has a series of infections that are resisting antibiotics and she refuses to drink anything - resulting in her being hooked up to a constant IV push of fluid... but she is awake and alert, talkative and in good spirits... until you mention that she needs to eat or drink something so she can get better... her doctor says it's only a matter of time before she dies... there is nothing more that he can do for her. Since I'm still out of work I am spending as much time with her as I can... I dread each time I get to her room because I don't know what I'll find and I fear leaving because I don't know if I'll get another chance to see her.
Getting back to that out of work thing... I've had a bunch of interviews that haven't gone anywhere, so I've finally broken down and involved a headhunter in the process. In addition to having them try to find me a permanent job, I'm having them look for some temporary work for me... I need something to distract me from my Aunt's situation... and if it brings me money in the process - YAY ME!!
Also since I posted last, I've been fortunate enough to have survived to once again pass another birthday. Although I spent the day with friends and family,I'm glad it's over. I have never liked making a big deal about getting older... it happens to all of us.
There's really nothing much else going on with me right now. I hope that you all are enjoying the views before you, I'm doing all I can to enjoy my own.
Today was really rough. I didn't know what to expect... I had my fears and was prepared for what I thought was the worst thing that I would see... I still wasn't prepared for the sight before me.
Where did the strong, energetic, vibrant woman that I love go? When did the tired little old lady who had given up on life appear?? You have always been an island of strength in my world... my Grandmother by your choice, especially after Grandma Em passed on... to see you sitting there, head hanging low... eyes devoid of their sparkle... seeming to struggle to keep from falling asleep during our half hour visit... has being ill truly broken your spirit? When did you decide that your life was not worth fighting for any more?
You have taught me well over the years. I will not be selfish and ask you to fight on... regardless of the sorrow that your leaving will cause. If you have truly decided that now is your time... time to join your beloved husband, gone these many years... then all I can do is pray that your end is as beautiful as your life.
Ok, so I know that this hasn't been one of those annoying recipe pages in the past (and I don't intend it to become one either) - but I have to get the rest of this menu out...or I'll be skinned alive, so...
ROASTED RED BELL PEPPERS WITH HALLOUMI 6 small red bell peppers 2 Tbsp EVOO 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced 9 ounces Halloumi cheese, thinly sliced (so you have 2 or 3 pieces per pepper half) 12 fresh mint leavs zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme 3 Tbsp pine nuts pepper
Bring a pot of water to a boil. One at a time submerge peppers in pot for a slow 20 count, transfer to a large bowl of ice water before going to next pepper. Once all peppers have been cooled, the outside skin of each pepper should easily peel away from the pepper. Once peeled, cut each pepper in half (lengthwise) and remove seeds and cores.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil a large cookie sheet with EVOO.
Rub the outside of each pepper half with a little EVOO. Place on cookie sheet, skin side down.
Scatter half the garlic into the bell peppers. Add the cheese and then the mint leaves, lemon zest, remaining garlic, thyme, pine nuts and pepper to taste. Drizzle over the remaining oil and the lemon juice.
Roast the peppers in the oven for 30 minutes or until tender and beginning to char around the edges. Serve warm.
CHICKEN WITH GOAT CHEESE AND BASIL 4 boneless, skinned chicken breasts 1/4 cup goat cheese (evenly divided into 4 parts) fresh basil 2 Tbsp EVOO salt and pepper
Using a sharp knife, slice the side of the chicken breast open to create a pocket (DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH!!!). Stuff goat cheese and 3-4 basil leaves into each pocket. Close the opening and season the top with salt and pepper
Heat the EVOO in a skillet, add the chicken breasts and cook gently for 15-20 minutes - turning several times, until golden brown. Transfer to a cookie sheet and place into preheated 350 degree oven for 10 minutes more (this insures that the chicken is fully cooked).
I hope that you give some of these a try and that you enjoy them as much as I did. I also hope that you all are enjoying the views before you...you can bet I'm enjoying my own.
