Monthly Archives: April 2012

Signs

Posted on April 30, 2012 | 1 Comment

Sign, Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign

That was from 1971, Five Man Electrical Band. They’re worse now, but not about long hair.

The rules for our condo/apartment comprise a lengthy lease with rules about dog poop, combined with a printed brochure that encompasses more rules.

We went to a mall restaurant (not food court) for lunch yesterday and they have one huge page, on the opposite side of their map at every entrance, for how kids must behave. They even kick kids out at 5:00 on weekends.

Now, I know that these are only put in place to allow HOA’s, managements to kick people out that they don’t like for violating even one rule (your TV was too loud). It’s all about liability.

Children cannot gather in groups of larger than four. Monitor that.

This leads me to think that management companies have gone over the top with liability issues, and parents have been absent in teaching their children manners.

Whatever failings my childhood family had, we had dinner together every night. We talked about everyone’s day and when I was older, what was news that day. Then we had to ask to be excused from the table to do our homework.

I’ve even taken on some of my husband’s Texas traits. When you need to talk with a company or government agency, add “ma’am” or “sir” to the “thank you” and you’ll get nicer and faster service.

I don’t do this because it makes my life easier, though it does. I respect everyone who vies to make a living wage, if it’s my supermarket checker or TSA agent. That respect is conveyed in how they are treated. And I’ve been treated pretty badly by the TSA in the past! Turns out they were putting me through extended searches so they could smuggle drugs in another line!

Still, parents have to start early. Please and thank you. I’m sorry is a really good one to know. Fork and knife skills, Yes, ma’am, no ma’am. Thank you sir. I appreciate your time with me today. Thank you for the offer, I’ll talk to my husband and get back to you in the morning. Yes, I look forward to starting Monday.

You get my drift. But I did have to walk with the OED on my head for posture, and take ballet, piano and violin. Best wishes to the younger generations, Dee

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Involvement

Posted on April 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

I was asked to meet with my husband’s employer to talk about our moving efforts.We’re unusual movers, living in a furnished home for three years with our furnishings in storage 1,500 miles another way. No kids, no home to sell or schools to change.

And I’m asked about our experience, but know that research needs to be done on moving trends because I remember having a lady come to our home, make an estimate and then a truck came and packed up everything and moved it to the next destination several days later. I was a kid then.

Even though my husband is a high-level software engineer, we have always packed everything ourselves and keeping costs to a minimum is a priority.

Now, we only have half the move completed. We moved two cars across the country with the dog. I was plagued by laryngitis and bronchitis and was miserable and having problems staying awake at the wheel so we considered putting Jim’s car on a transport and him driving us the rest of the way.

I made it, only to get here and he lost me on the freeway so I made my way as far as I could East toward the Lake, then called and whispered where we were. Then our parking spaces we spend a fortune to have were stolen.

Anyway we talked about a lot of things, beside our personal experience. I did some research into relo companies and what they could offer and gave information to have policies, levels, and when these new out-of-state recruiters need to find top talent they’re going to have to deal with the housing market, then considering whether they want to get into the H1B market.

We were their first subjects, and after two months my husband is happy here and after finding a teeny three-month place to live on our own, we think we know where we want to live and bring the rest of our stuff up here.

Several things are remarkable about this organization – but most important is that we got here and my husband is happy.

I’m now involved with Recruitment but also with other organizations to see what the heavens might see my role here to be. Age, wisdom, experience and a history of volunteerism may play a part. Plus, I can cook! Cheers! Dee

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Andrew’s Dish

Posted on April 25, 2012 | 6 Comments

Dear friend Andrew, a Zoe (dog) sitter extraordinaire, made and brought us a shepherd’s pie before we moved so I wouldn’t have to cook. I heated it up and served half of it at our first going-away party for work folks. It was a hit.

Time crept up on us and I didn’t get it back to him. He told me to take it with us and I will give him a gift certificate for another.

For now, I’d like to tell you of the travels and uses for Andrew’s Dish, perhaps we can have a sub-set of posts just about the Dish.

Tonight it made wonderful scalloped potatoes with a bit of half-and-half and salt and pepper. Andrew’s Dish is soaking in the sink right now. It’s about half the size of a lasagne dish but has a plastic lid.

Andrew’s Dish is very versatile and would even be nice for sandwiches on the road, but I’m not doing the road too soon after driving halfway across the country, sick as a dog.

Yes, we will buy Andrew a new dish, but in the meantime enjoy its many uses in our 700 sf apartment with hockey stick marks marring the floors, a sink that stinks even though I’ve poured baking soda in it, and a jetted tub we’ve never used that had black mold growing out of it until we cleaned it last week.

Andrew’s Dish is pampered and cleaned regularly and I’ll keep you informed of its exploits. Cheers, Dee

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Time

Posted on April 25, 2012 | 2 Comments

As I see each season of Top Chef I see that clock ticking and know that the clock is my bete noire in the kitchen!

In order to remedy this fault, I resort to a scribbled timetable of what goes in when, then just follow it.

Guests arrive at seven so appetizers have to go into the oven 15 minutes before and the oven has to be turned on 1/2 hour before they arrive.

I like to do simple dishes that don’t require a lot of preparation right before serving, because I like to enjoy our guests as well. Or, it’ll be a grill night with guests helping my husband cook the perfect steak.

One of my favorite things to do is menu planning. I used to sit on my bed with cookbooks all around and plan away. I haven’t had one of my books in the past three years so have had to look online for new things and match them with my cooking knowledge and experience.

Try the timeline. For a 7:00 dinner put in the roast at 3:00 after pre-heating the oven, then go from there. Prep, prep, prep, so you can enjoy your guests. Lots of little bowls are helpful.

My mother used to not want me to cook, just because she said I used every dish in her house! Mise en place, Mom! Cheers, Dee

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Women With “Spirit”

Posted on April 21, 2012 | Leave a comment

Luckily I know a few. One “adopted” me 17 years ago and we attended her husband’s burial yesterday. When she started trying to direct her grown children from behind the scenes moments before the ceremony, I said to her “I don’t think you need to be organizing things” and she replied, “Oh, yes I do!”

Her husband, who was put to rest yesterday in a lovely ceremony at his alma mater, the Naval Academy, overlooking the Navy Yard where we witnessed an impressive Parade and 21-cannon salute, would have been proud.

This incredible couple were married 63 years, met at the Officers’ Club, had their wedding reception there and had his memorial reception in that same room while he looked on from across the bay. He married us nearly ten years ago, and his wife witnessed our marriage certificate and bought me a lovely bouquet, which I tried to replicate to honor the service, the gift, they gave us.

That gift was knowing a quiet strength that underlies a marriage and family, a life based on purpose.

The Captain was given a fine send-off on his final voyage, and the Admiral, his wife, remains.

I’m lucky to know several intrepid women and this is definitely one of them. Despite the circumstances it was wonderful to see the family again. Even though we move around a lot, we always keep in touch. This post is dedicated to the memory of a courageous and honest man, and to the woman who stood beside him for 63 years. Dee

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Must Get To Work

Posted on April 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

but my dear husband got me up at 5:45 a.m. to take out the dog and make him breakfast so he could drive to a client two hours away and make it back before 4:30 when we have to leave for the airport.

btw, the bleach/dishwasher detergent solution worked fine for the whirlpool tub and I’d love to have a long soak today but no time. Plus I feel guilty doing anything but cleaning it because it takes up so much energy and water.

So, now I have sheets in the dryer so I can make up the bed for our new pet-sitter, a lovely young woman who is going to sleep with our dog Zoe for two nights. They’ve left a folder into which I have placed Zoe’s medical file. I can hear my m-i-l’s shock, but it would be even more expensive to put her on a plane to see you for the weekend, plus a hassle, M.

They also left a notebook, that I wrote in at seven this morning, “prepare to be herded.” I’ve placed post-it notes on cupboards for her food, treats, bags and essential phone numbers.

OK, I still don’t know what I’m going to wear or pack, but the dog is taken care of. This is going to cost more than our hotel! All because we’re new here and people aren’t lining up at the door to take Zoe home for the weekend. Where are all those nine year-old girls when I need them! Channel them, C! C is Zoe’s old sitter, who would do extra homework to be able to take Zoe for her pre-bedtime walk. Come visit in the summer with your folks, when we’re not living in 700 square feet of hockey fame!

Jim’s parents are dairy farmers and ranchers who consider dogs to be herders or guards, not house pets. They do like Zoe, though, and allow her in their home, which in eight years she has never soiled. She’s essential in the kitchen, where m-i-l M and I have marathon cooking sessions for “our boys.” She picks up anything that drops.

Over the years in SoCal I’ve come to see urban sheep-herding classes to allow herders some exercise. The practical farmer/rancher looks at this as they should, a bunch of yuppies who want a breed of dog they can’t handle.

Yes, we do spoil our dog. But her only clothing is a collar (OK, I bought another Greyfriars Bobby tartan collar from Scotland as a gift upon our return) and one winter coat for nasty weather that saves me from washing 1-2 towels.

Greyfriars Bobby

We’ve never had a sleepover dog-sitter and I’m spending my time waiting for sheets to dry so I can make the bed for her. And I still don’t know what to wear. But the dog and her sitter are well cared for. Cheers, Dee

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Groupon For Friends?

Posted on April 18, 2012 | 1 Comment

There’s a harbinger of change here, yet another dangerous change to our social network. There’s now a service that allows one to charge guests to attend a party.

Back in the day one had a party, say dinner for eight, and guests corresponded by hosting another dinner party at which the host couple was invited as guests.

No, today we want to give our guests a chance to pay for their dinner, so the regular “moocher” doesn’t get off so easy. There’s an answer for that. Don’t invite him. And as for paying for dinner, proper guests know to bring a nice bottle of wine or flowers for the hostess.

Then again, guests are calling brides-to-be and saying they’re bringing their toddler to a formal evening affair, or calling to say they’re allergic to partridge or tofu or whatever.

Where is Dear Prudence (Slate) when we need her? Let me try to channel her in the moment. If you’re a college student, everyone kicks in for the keg and you can also pass a hat if you need a second keg.

If you’re an adult trying to live in society, have a job and want to move up rather than down, the ladder, host strategic dinner parties. Treat your bosses and colleagues well, and treat your friends well, too. Read a book on etiquette. I was raised on several and yes, did have to walk with a book on my head.

Yes, there’s always someone who hosts more dinners than anyone else and who takes in “strays” over the holidays. That would be our house. We spend more, yes, but we live richer lives for doing so.

One gal puts together an incredible package that includes wine, food, even dead tennis balls for the dog! She’s a regular, we miss her 1,500 miles away but she visits, often.

You don’t charge your friends for dinner. If they can’t reciprocate for some reason (can’t cook, laid off temporarily) suck it up. They’re your friends! If they become perpetual moochers, don’t invite them to your home. Unless it’s your brother-in-law, then suck it up as he’ll be there forever and divorce is the only option. Hope this helps! The Feminist Homemaker, Dee

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MYOP

Posted on April 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

A Make Your Own Pizza Party

I’m sure you have my dough recipe. Each ball should make four rolled personal pizzas. For kids they should be able to roll their own dough once it has been prepared and risen two hours earlier by the host.

Toppings: caramelized onions, anchovies for pissaladiere; roasted butternut squash slices; sauteed spinach and arugula; boiled potato slices and rosemary; sauteed mushrooms, and peppers; tomatoes/sauce; feta, goat, fontina and fresh mozzarella; sausage, pepperoni. Parmigiano Reggiano. Olives, plus, plus, plus.

And a big salad that the host would make.

I’ll think of more toppings but want to make it do-able, for me at least. There’s a lot of prep work but I think this is a good party for kids or to meet new people as everyone has to get their hands dirty, so to speak, and nothing gets people to know each other like working in a kitchen.

As a chef-trained home cook I’m thinking 8-12 guests is the maximum considering only four pizzas will be in the oven at a time and kids go first.

Let me know your thoughts, then we can go to Costco together and buy yeast in bulk. Cheers, Dee

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Making the Most of Things

Posted on April 18, 2012 | 6 Comments

I like to shop the outside of the store: produce; fish & meat; dairy; breads. Not wanting to buy more than we need I broke with tradition and bought a prepared tray of veggies with a dip. Cherry tomatoes, snow peas, broccoli, carrots et al were cleaned and cut (something I usually do myself).

Yes, for under $10 one can get a veggie tray at a major natural foods store. But what to do with the leftovers? If you know cooking times, put in the carrots and broccoli first, saute everything with a little olive oil and garlic, salt and pepper and it makes for a wonderful, colorful side dish for another meal.

My husband hates the thought of leftovers, and always says “let’s go out.” But when I can have/make more than we need and make it look and taste different, he’s a happy camper.

As it is we’ve got a month on our lease and I haven’t seen my kitchen for over three years so perhaps I’ll put this to the test and freeze things and make life easier so I’m not shopping for dinner all the time.

Big fun tonight before flying out for the weekend. Cleaning a jetted tub we’ve never used because it’s growing black mold. All we need is bleach, dishwasher detergent, hot water and running the jets for 15 minutes and trying not to puke as we see what comes out from the former occupant. Said occupant ruined marble counter in the bath and played hockey on the wood floors in the living/dining area. Sounds like a hot date to me! Aahhhhhh, together time after nearly ten years of marriage.

Must get lists together. Print boarding passes, car, hotel, dog sitter. Thanks for reading and participating! Cheers from The Feminist Homemaker. Dee

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Foodie News

Posted on April 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

Heard from a friend who told me to try Schmidt’s, a sausage house nearby. Will do!

Today I found Weisswurst in the prepared sausage section of Whole Foods. Never have I found that item at any butcher or deli. So tonight is German Night. My dad is German/Swiss so this is for our ancestors. Weisswurst is a white veal sausage.Mom always served it with brown gravy. Mine’s a mix tonight.

I’m going to slowly saute it until it browns and heats through, without bursting. Also, I’ll make rosti, shredded potatoes. And just to keep the theme going, my grandmother’s cucumber salad with apple cider vinegar and sugar. Plus I’ll cook up some cherry tomatoes to mess with things and make it “Dee.”

Spoke with a Greek lady today, who cooked for Greek Orthodox Easter on Sunday. Twenty-eight guests! She found a Serbian grocery that spit-roasted an entire lamb for her! Cool lady and she gave me their card. It’s not a spot one would go to (Lucky Mini Mart?) but behind the scenes it’s a thriving Serbian scene with sausages et al.

Plus, on weekends they spit-roast an entire pig and a lamb and sell it by the pound. I’m salivating already and haven’t even been there. We’ll check it out next weekend.

Sorry I’ve been remiss in writing. My list grows longer and time grows shorter and there’s a glitch with everything, like Jim’s shirts are sitting in another guy’s apartment, and his former employer messed up his W-2 so we owed money instead of getting a little back.

Credit card hacked, double-charging my card for flights, everything becomes an “issue” and I’m ready, as soon as we move to the place that I want (another issue) to settle down to a normal life.

For now I want to meet more “locals,”see some museums, some Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, eat German, Polish, Russian, Jewish food. Walk on the beach with the dog. And Jim, my husband, of course. Get the snow tires changed to all-weather. And pay my new bills online. After the taxes are re-filed. Cheers! Dee

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