January 2010 Archives
Had to search through some old boxes for a book I needed to complete a project this afternoon. No luck with the book, of course, but did manage to come across a nice letter. Really reminded me of Mama. People do not send letters like this anymore. She managed to share a tidbit that might help me with our backyard, tell a cute story about racoons, remind me about Ms. Florence Mooring, inform me that my shoes (hastily forgotten on my previous visit) would arrive with my sister and that my niece had found a job. Oh, and she shared information about my dad. Oh, how I miss her.
Here is the letter:
Here is the letter:
Dear Joe,
Just today I went through a stock of papers and this backyard with fountain just happened to be among them. I thought you might get some ideas.
Guess what? Today I noticed some movement of the trumpet vine that remains on the side porch. Slowly, very slowly, there emerged three very small raccoons--getting off the roof onto the downspout. The mother was very patient. The coons were very cautious. I decided to call Florence and see if she could bring Ashley to see them. While I waited for them, I watched them climb down to the porch, explore everything on it, and then disappear before Ashley got here. How sad! I did fix her some cookies to take with her.
Did you hear more movement than usual when you were here? I don't know how, but I believe they've been in the attic.
Julia will bring your shoes when she comes for her doctor's appointment. I'm sure Stacy will be with her. She, too, has an appointment, I think. I understand that she has been accepted as Special Education instructor at the high school in Thomasville. She also interviewed in Grove Hill, but this will be easier for her--no travel.
I plan to go see Papa tomorrow. I went yesterday and things are about the same.
July 27
I love you,
Mama
How is it 2010? Why is time flying by so much faster than before?
These are questions I guess I'll never get a good answer to. Oh well.
January has been a good month overall--lots of things accomplished: several new websites and I'm transitioning several more over to WordPress, a blogging platform that also makes for much easier content management. I'm really excited to be learning more about it. It beats the pants of of Movable Type (which is what this site is built in), so anticipate a new look sometime in the coming months.
Single best thing we've done this month is to go see our friend Ben Burford play the Big Bopper in the Buddy Holly Experience at the Virginia Samford Theatre. He's doing a great job, as is the whole cast. It only lasts through this week, and tickets are going (or gone) fast.... Seeing him in a leopord print snuggie is worth the price of admission alone. The music is great and the acting, from a local cast, is wonderful as well. Back to work.
These are questions I guess I'll never get a good answer to. Oh well.
January has been a good month overall--lots of things accomplished: several new websites and I'm transitioning several more over to WordPress, a blogging platform that also makes for much easier content management. I'm really excited to be learning more about it. It beats the pants of of Movable Type (which is what this site is built in), so anticipate a new look sometime in the coming months.
Single best thing we've done this month is to go see our friend Ben Burford play the Big Bopper in the Buddy Holly Experience at the Virginia Samford Theatre. He's doing a great job, as is the whole cast. It only lasts through this week, and tickets are going (or gone) fast.... Seeing him in a leopord print snuggie is worth the price of admission alone. The music is great and the acting, from a local cast, is wonderful as well. Back to work.
How has half of this month already slipped by? Seems as though I've been working constantly, but not getting enough accomplished. We've certainly been eating well, though.
One of my new favorite dishes (that I have yet to snap a photo of) is coconut shrimp with spicy basil. We've been avoiding salt pretty religiously for the past month, so I've been trying to change my cooking style. I have made this at least twice:
Shrimp with Coconut Milk and Basil Leaves
1 tablespoon canola oil
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 bell pepper sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
red pepper flakes to taste
1 15 ounce can light coconut milk
1 tablespoon oil
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt and pepper (I didn't use salt)
1 fresh lime, juiced and zest from half the lime
handful fresh basil leaves (cilantro also works)
handful fresh green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Heat oil. Add garlic, onion, peppers. Cook over medium heat until onion is tender (about 5-8 minutes). Add coconut milk (you may not want to add the whole can--I used about 1/2 to 2/3). Reduce heat and simmer.
Heat remaining oil in a cast iron skillet. Toss shrimp with salt and pepper and additional red pepper flakes. Add shrimp to skillet, a few at a time. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side. Add half the lime juice and stir. Remove to plate.
Add basil, green onions and remaining lime juice to coconut mixture. Increase heat, add cornstarch and shrimp. Stir and remove from heat. Serve over rice.
One of my new favorite dishes (that I have yet to snap a photo of) is coconut shrimp with spicy basil. We've been avoiding salt pretty religiously for the past month, so I've been trying to change my cooking style. I have made this at least twice:
Shrimp with Coconut Milk and Basil Leaves
1 tablespoon canola oil
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, sliced
1/2 bell pepper sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, diced
red pepper flakes to taste
1 15 ounce can light coconut milk
1 tablespoon oil
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
salt and pepper (I didn't use salt)
1 fresh lime, juiced and zest from half the lime
handful fresh basil leaves (cilantro also works)
handful fresh green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Heat oil. Add garlic, onion, peppers. Cook over medium heat until onion is tender (about 5-8 minutes). Add coconut milk (you may not want to add the whole can--I used about 1/2 to 2/3). Reduce heat and simmer.
Heat remaining oil in a cast iron skillet. Toss shrimp with salt and pepper and additional red pepper flakes. Add shrimp to skillet, a few at a time. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side. Add half the lime juice and stir. Remove to plate.
Add basil, green onions and remaining lime juice to coconut mixture. Increase heat, add cornstarch and shrimp. Stir and remove from heat. Serve over rice.
