We had a nice DPF on Friday night: a good turnout of about 13 people and several dogs as well as beautiful weather.
I had planned to have salmon for dinner on Friday, but didn't feel like cooking. Instead we got a pizza from Davinci's on our way home. Next time we get a free pizza.
Now on to the salmon. Usually Pagano's carries an organic salmon and King Salmon. On Friday morning, I saw Copper River Salmon for $48 a pound. I asked why the price was so much higher than the other salmons. I got a mixed answer; it was marketing, but the salmon was worth it. So I splurged.
I read up a bit on Copper River Salmon; I guess we got a deal--it's usually around $60 a pound. I read some recipes and kept it simple: salt, pepper, olive oil, white wine, lemon juice, and fresh garlic. I cooked a vegetable medley of broccoli, peppers, garlic, and spinach. Earlier we had bruschetta as an appetizer.
The salmon was really good; I'm glad we tried it. Maybe $40/pound is okay every once in a while, but $60 is too much.
In the opposite of a splurge is Monday's $8.00 steak and side dinner at Sedona Taphouse.
Good eating all around.
Tuesday, May 28, 2019
Friday, May 24, 2019
The Jesus and Mary Stones
Yesterday Lola and I visited Schenck's Island. On our second loop, I glanced down and saw this:
"Ask Mary," was written on the side.
A few minutes later I saw:
An errant step by Lola jostled Jesus, so I set him right.
Finally, there were two crucifix stones.
Schenck's isn't far from Our Lady of Fatima school. I've seen its students jogging through the park before. I imagine they painted the stones and placed them in the park to give good fortune to those of us walking by.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
An Almost Perfect Day
I started this post on Sunday evening, but got distracted by making dinner and watching Game of Thrones. Then last night I dozed off around 8:30.
This is about our Sunday. I had planned to go to the gym. I should have dressed immediately, had coffee and grabbed something to eat, and then headed out. Instead I lingered. Around 9, I decided I could only justify not going to the gym if I exercised and cleaned the kitchen floor before we went out.
And I did.
While I cleaned and exercised, Jeff took Lola to Oyster Shell Park. He also took her out Saturday. That gave me two days off from a high pollen environment. I can only handle about 30 minutes without feeling my throat start to close up. I usually walk Lola for about 45-50 minutes.
Around 12:30 we went to a friend's house to celebrate another friend's birthday. Chris's birthday is Tuesday and mine is the next day, so she wanted to include me. We had prosecco and fruit tart.
Jeff, Lola, and I went on Barks and Beers, a fundraiser for PAWS. It was held at Lock City Brewing Company. We weren't familiar with that brewery so were glad to try a new one. It was pretty crowded and we didn't want to overwhelm Lola so we didn't stay long. Apparently, it's always dog friendly so we may return.
We decided to at least drive by the Beer Garden in Stamford. It wasn't too busy, so we stayed and had beers and tacos. I liked it better than Jeff did.
On our way home we visited Tilley Pond Park. When I taught classes in Darien, I drove by this park many times. Finally we visited. We saw these babies.
A nice day.
This is about our Sunday. I had planned to go to the gym. I should have dressed immediately, had coffee and grabbed something to eat, and then headed out. Instead I lingered. Around 9, I decided I could only justify not going to the gym if I exercised and cleaned the kitchen floor before we went out.
And I did.
While I cleaned and exercised, Jeff took Lola to Oyster Shell Park. He also took her out Saturday. That gave me two days off from a high pollen environment. I can only handle about 30 minutes without feeling my throat start to close up. I usually walk Lola for about 45-50 minutes.
Around 12:30 we went to a friend's house to celebrate another friend's birthday. Chris's birthday is Tuesday and mine is the next day, so she wanted to include me. We had prosecco and fruit tart.
Jeff, Lola, and I went on Barks and Beers, a fundraiser for PAWS. It was held at Lock City Brewing Company. We weren't familiar with that brewery so were glad to try a new one. It was pretty crowded and we didn't want to overwhelm Lola so we didn't stay long. Apparently, it's always dog friendly so we may return.
We decided to at least drive by the Beer Garden in Stamford. It wasn't too busy, so we stayed and had beers and tacos. I liked it better than Jeff did.
On our way home we visited Tilley Pond Park. When I taught classes in Darien, I drove by this park many times. Finally we visited. We saw these babies.
A nice day.
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Book Ten: The Five by Hallie Rubenhold
The Five is the fascinating untold story of the women killed by Jack the Ripper. It starts with an overview of life in 1887 London: the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria versus the poor and downtrodden camping out in Trafalgar Square. Rubenfeld dispels the common idea that the Ripper targeted prostitutes.
Then the book divides into five sections: one each for the five women: Polly, Annie, Elisabeth, Kate, and Mary Jane.
This is an important book, ignoring Jack (the subject of endless speculation and theorizing) to focus on the women--the five who had only been remembered for their gruesome deaths. Hallie Rubenheld restores their humanity.
Then the book divides into five sections: one each for the five women: Polly, Annie, Elisabeth, Kate, and Mary Jane.
This is an important book, ignoring Jack (the subject of endless speculation and theorizing) to focus on the women--the five who had only been remembered for their gruesome deaths. Hallie Rubenheld restores their humanity.
Sunday, May 12, 2019
1420 Distillery Tour
Jeff and I have previously visited distilleries in Bridgeport (Asylum), Litchfield (Litchfield) and Sheffield, MA (Berkshire Mountain.) Now we have one in our own town: Sono 1420. It makes whiskeys, gins, and vodka using hemp. We visited yesterday after a walk at the Norwalk River Valley Trail in Wilton. Jeff called and the distillery owner said it was very dog friendly.We went on a tour, did a tasting, and tried some cocktails.
I'm sure we'll return.
I'm sure we'll return.
Check in the Mail and a Raise
Thursday I received a $30 check in the mail, the first in a long time. Apparently it was an overpayment for a car registration; the check was from the Volkswagen dealership.
Friday was a payday. I've barely worked in the last three weeks, but checked my pay statement and saw that I got a 15 percent raise in my teaching and tutoring rates. Wow. I've never received such a large raise before without starting a new job. I had no notice; it was totally unexpected, but greatly appreciated.
I feel like this.
Friday was a payday. I've barely worked in the last three weeks, but checked my pay statement and saw that I got a 15 percent raise in my teaching and tutoring rates. Wow. I've never received such a large raise before without starting a new job. I had no notice; it was totally unexpected, but greatly appreciated.
I feel like this.
Thursday, May 9, 2019
The Mysterious Yellow Trails of Bradley Park
Jeff, Lola, and I often walk at Cranbury Park. Lola loves to walk on the yellow trail. Since we usually enter by the ADA Trail or the right-hand turn off the dog entry path, we walk from one end of the trails to another when we take the yellow trail. It takes about an hour-and-a-quarter to an hour-and-a- half. It's a nice walk when we have enough time, the weather is decent, and the trail isn't too muddy.
Bradley Park has has a yellow trail--actually it has four unconnected yellow trails. I don't get it. Did the blazers run out of color?
The first time I took a yellow trail, it led to the perimeter of the park close to the main entrance, but there was no exit from there. Another trail led to Old Farm Road. Lola and I took that trail today and then returned to the orange trail (the main trail.) We started down a second yellow trail but it led to an area that was too muddy for my liking, so we returned again to the orange trail. I promised Lola we'd try that second yellow trail again when it dries out.
Maybe someday we'll solve the mysteries of the yellow trails.
Bradley Park has has a yellow trail--actually it has four unconnected yellow trails. I don't get it. Did the blazers run out of color?
The first time I took a yellow trail, it led to the perimeter of the park close to the main entrance, but there was no exit from there. Another trail led to Old Farm Road. Lola and I took that trail today and then returned to the orange trail (the main trail.) We started down a second yellow trail but it led to an area that was too muddy for my liking, so we returned again to the orange trail. I promised Lola we'd try that second yellow trail again when it dries out.
Maybe someday we'll solve the mysteries of the yellow trails.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019
Today in Mets History
Monday, May 6, 2019
Lola's Birthday Weekend
Sunday was Lola's designated birthday. I had hoped for nice weather so we could go out for lunch at Sedona Tap House or The Beer Garden in Stamford. Jeff and I both bought steak for dinner. We hadn't discussed our purchases beforehand--just thinking along the same lines.
The weather was nice Saturday and it was New Canaan Dog Days. First, we did the Paws Walk on the New Canaan Nature Center's trails. Lola loved it--lots of good scents for her. Then we checked out all the vendors and got many food and treat samples.
We stayed to watch some Doggie Fun Zone runs. We used to see Doggie Fun Zone at Taylor Farm; Spike loved it. I remember staying at the park all Sunday afternoon so Spike could run it over and over. At first Lola seemed scared of the sound of the lure; later she acted as if she wanted to run the course. We signed her up, but she didn't even complete the first turn. Oh well.
We had lunch al fresco at Sedona Tap House. Sliders, fries, and a flatbread with a flight of four margaritas. Later Jeff made us a steak dinner.
Sunday was raw and rainy day--not a fun day. We made the best of it and celebrated with a duck dinner. We remembered Spike. May 5 was his half-way day. That's why we chose it as Lola's birthday. It was a way to honor both of them.
The weather was nice Saturday and it was New Canaan Dog Days. First, we did the Paws Walk on the New Canaan Nature Center's trails. Lola loved it--lots of good scents for her. Then we checked out all the vendors and got many food and treat samples.
We stayed to watch some Doggie Fun Zone runs. We used to see Doggie Fun Zone at Taylor Farm; Spike loved it. I remember staying at the park all Sunday afternoon so Spike could run it over and over. At first Lola seemed scared of the sound of the lure; later she acted as if she wanted to run the course. We signed her up, but she didn't even complete the first turn. Oh well.
We had lunch al fresco at Sedona Tap House. Sliders, fries, and a flatbread with a flight of four margaritas. Later Jeff made us a steak dinner.
Sunday was raw and rainy day--not a fun day. We made the best of it and celebrated with a duck dinner. We remembered Spike. May 5 was his half-way day. That's why we chose it as Lola's birthday. It was a way to honor both of them.
Saturday, May 4, 2019
General Griping
It took me a long time to go through my mother's paperwork to prep her taxes for the accountant. Part of this--a large part to be honest--is just a case of procrastination. I also made the tactical mistake of starting my mother's taxes before Jeff's and my taxes. I could have prepped ours in two or three hours and have it done.
I'm still waiting for one 1099. I requested it on April 11. This week I called to follow up. The mailed 1099 didn't include our unit number, so we didn't receive it. (Our regular mailman must have been off.) Then the company attempted to fax the 1099 to me, but it was a double sided fax that jammed our printer. I tried to get the person who had sent the fax on the telephone. Instead I got another office--Jacksonville, Florida. The rep checked with her supervisor who said I hadn't sent a written request. No, I said, I did it by phone. Jacksonville needed a written request which I could send by fax. I should have gotten the 1099 today by her estimate, but no such luck. I'll have to call again. For each call, I have to explain my situation twice. It's so frustrating.
I don't understand how dealing with dead people's things works. I canceled my mother's credit card by an automated call system. When I tried to cancel her telephone, it took three tries. I got a confirmation number the first time. It didn't matter. The rep on the third attempt required a power-of-attorney. By that time, my mother was dead and the power-of-attorney invalid, but I had to send it anyway. It must have worked; I haven't received any more bills.
I got a bill from a collection agency for oil/gas in a property in Hilton Head. Yes my mother had lived there, but I doubted my stepfather had left a bill unpaid. When I called, I realized the agency didn't even have my mother's legal address. The rep said something like, Walker is a common name. Do they just bill anyone and hope the schmuck pays off?
The weather's been lousy lately--especially on Fridays when we want to meet our friends at the dog park: too many days of rain. "When did we move to Seattle?" a friend asked. His backyard hadn't dried out in weeks. We seem to get one or two dry days then rain threatening all day every day.
Damn frustrating.
I'm still waiting for one 1099. I requested it on April 11. This week I called to follow up. The mailed 1099 didn't include our unit number, so we didn't receive it. (Our regular mailman must have been off.) Then the company attempted to fax the 1099 to me, but it was a double sided fax that jammed our printer. I tried to get the person who had sent the fax on the telephone. Instead I got another office--Jacksonville, Florida. The rep checked with her supervisor who said I hadn't sent a written request. No, I said, I did it by phone. Jacksonville needed a written request which I could send by fax. I should have gotten the 1099 today by her estimate, but no such luck. I'll have to call again. For each call, I have to explain my situation twice. It's so frustrating.
I don't understand how dealing with dead people's things works. I canceled my mother's credit card by an automated call system. When I tried to cancel her telephone, it took three tries. I got a confirmation number the first time. It didn't matter. The rep on the third attempt required a power-of-attorney. By that time, my mother was dead and the power-of-attorney invalid, but I had to send it anyway. It must have worked; I haven't received any more bills.
I got a bill from a collection agency for oil/gas in a property in Hilton Head. Yes my mother had lived there, but I doubted my stepfather had left a bill unpaid. When I called, I realized the agency didn't even have my mother's legal address. The rep said something like, Walker is a common name. Do they just bill anyone and hope the schmuck pays off?
The weather's been lousy lately--especially on Fridays when we want to meet our friends at the dog park: too many days of rain. "When did we move to Seattle?" a friend asked. His backyard hadn't dried out in weeks. We seem to get one or two dry days then rain threatening all day every day.
Damn frustrating.
Book Nine: Heart of the World
This is the 11th of 12 Carlotta Carlyle mysteries by Linda Barnes. I don't like to read series books out-of-order, but I made a mistake. Of course, I never doubted that Carlotta would successfully rescue her little sister Paolina.
The latest book of the Carlotta series was Lie Down with the Devil from 2008. In 2013, a standalone book The Perfect Ghost was published. It sounds interesting; I'll have to check it out.
I do hope Carlotta returns; she's a great character. I love her helpers such as Gloria and Roz. I like Mooney. Sam definitely came through in this book, though he remains vague to me.
Wait and see.
The latest book of the Carlotta series was Lie Down with the Devil from 2008. In 2013, a standalone book The Perfect Ghost was published. It sounds interesting; I'll have to check it out.
I do hope Carlotta returns; she's a great character. I love her helpers such as Gloria and Roz. I like Mooney. Sam definitely came through in this book, though he remains vague to me.
Wait and see.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Book Eight: Lie Down With The Devil by Linda Barnes
This book was the latest in the Carlotta Carlyle series--published in 2008. I want more. My memory is vague about the events before this book. Now I realize that I haven't read the previous book, Heart of the World. I'm not sure how that happened, but at least I understand why I don't remember the Paolina kidnapping plot. Back to the library, I returned Lie Down with the Devil and took out Heart of the World today.
Just found a newish book--2015's Further Adventures of Carlotta Carlyle with three previously published short stories. I may have read one.
In some ways, Lie Down with the Devil could be the finale of the Carlotta novels. We learn more about the child she had at 15 and gave up for adoption, and she makes a major decision about what man will be in her life going forward.
I hope Carlotta will be back.
Just found a newish book--2015's Further Adventures of Carlotta Carlyle with three previously published short stories. I may have read one.
In some ways, Lie Down with the Devil could be the finale of the Carlotta novels. We learn more about the child she had at 15 and gave up for adoption, and she makes a major decision about what man will be in her life going forward.
I hope Carlotta will be back.
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