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Thursday, July 30, 2009

Thursday

Workplace discussions often arise as to our favorite day of the week. This question also pops every now and again on varied online "getting to know you" quizzes. After much thought, I long ago decided that my favorite day of the week is Thursday because...

It is full of promise.
The week is in cruise control.
Friday is a no brainer,
and the weekend is so close you can touch it.

So there it is. Happy Thursday everyone.

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Dinner

It never occurred to me to post pictures of the progress of my cooking. Thanks to Lynn at the Actor's Diet for the idea. I didn't want to go out to eat tonight plus I wanted to finish the last vestiges of food I had on hand.

I think I did a good job in this endeavor, don't you?

I happen to have just enough to make a variation of an old stand by...Pasta in a White Wine Clam Sauce. It is a simple and flavorful dish that lends itself to several variations...meat, non meat, etc. It has zucchini, peppers, carrots , onion, and garlic with a little basil and parsley. I like the smoked clams best. The aroma of the clams steaming in the pan will bring people to the kitchen. Use a good dry white wine. Avoid the fruity wines because they don't mix well with the clams. It is fast and furious cooking so this is one of the few times that I do all my prep ahead of time.





The original recipe calls for penne pasta, but I had a hankering for Orzo, which I like toasted.









The total cooking time is under ten minutes. Cover it the last five to trap all the aroma.


Put a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with a bit of parsley for some extra color. Grab your fork and enjoy!!

Wish I Could Do More















I usually describe myself as a Metal Sculptor, but this work is often balanced by and sometimes originates as pastels. It's a quick expressive form for me.

I wish I produced a greater volume of work than I do. It is always a struggle for time and the right mental energy. The stress and content of my engineering profession, the work that pays my mortgage, often quells the creative side. I also do a lot of mental composition before ever flipping the drawing pad open or cranking up my arc welder. Regardless, I wish I did more.

I did this piece after attending the Art Basel event in Miami a couple of years ago. If you have even the slightest interest in modern art, this annual event is time well spent. You can catch the one in Europe during the summer or take advantage of the perfect winter weather in South Florida.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Morikami



Just wanted to share some photos from Morikami Museum and Gardens. It's a beautiful Japanese Garden here in South Florida. Very interesting since the flora consists primarily of tropical and subtropical plants. The gardens are full of sounds, changing textures and dancing light that make a perfect landscape for a meditative stroll.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Ups and Downs

On the heels of yesterdays great cardio workout, I opted not to take the day off today. Since I alternate cardio, weights and yoga, today was a weight routine. I did my short cardio warmup and was feeling really good as I walked to the bench press. Probably feeling a little high from Sunday's compliment from a fellow gym rat.

Second rep... second set...pop goes my shoulder.

We'll see in a few days how serious the injury is to my deltoid. Hurts like hell for now and I can't lift my arm in front of me or over my head. It doesn't stop all forms of workouts, but there won't be any chest or shoulder lifts for a couple of weeks. Worst of all...probably no full scale yoga either. Injuries are not new to me...not in the least...but the momentum kill BITES.

My ice bag is prepped and ready to go...my new constant companion.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Cooking


I'm excited about the new film "Julie and Julia". First, because I'm a huge Meryl Streep fan. Huge! Second, because Julia Child is an integral part of my cooking life. Her book "The Art of French Cooking" is the most well thumbed book in my kitchen. She took me from being a good cook to a real cook. I create my own recipes and am willing to attempt most anything. Did I mention that it tastes good too? I love Julia Child and can't think of any other actress who could do her justice. Bon Apetit!

Long Time


After a two plus year moratorium, I'm making another run at this. Too much pain and turmoil during that time to participate in such public forum. Maybe Facebook and Twitter have helped get me back in the swing of things.

As a salute to Moseby for bringing laughter back to my life here we go...