LOCAL VETERANS LAID TO REST

Memorial Day, Wahoo, NE Cemetery

Another year, more veterans laid to rest. Each name is hand-written on a white cross. We weave among them searching for friends and family.

Mary Jones, AKA Mother Jones, said, "Pray for the dead. Fight like hell for the living."

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Coveting the Quiche

My friend, Arlinda Snelling, came for dinner this week. We had a pleasant visit over Joy of Cooking's Quiche Lorraine with bacon, mushrooms & asparagus. The crust recipe was from Vegetarian Pleasures. The Simple Salad was from Lemon Lovers. It was ok, but tasted better the next day: torn baby greens with a little fresh lemon juice, a little less balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and shredded parmesan cheese all tossed.

I've not done well with my two previous Buttermilk Texas Sheetcakes. This one is right on. The cinnamon is a nice surprise and the half teaspoon of cayenne adds zip and boosts the metabolism. It stays moist, but does not keep with friends popping in for a sample.

Arlinda took home lilacs and Quiche. Unbenownst to us, Kim circled the block to see if she had left so she could have Quiche and not have to wait until the next day.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Monday Night Pearl Party Dessert

“Joy of Cooking’s” Vegan Chocolate Cake Kim corrupted with a mound of whipped heavy cream, chocolate dipped strawberries and chocolate drizzle. We cut it into six pieces. Super and so was the Semi-sweet St. Croix dessert wine.

It was the best of times. Tired, stressed women relaxed and enjoyed the support of each other. We called Chris back east and wished her a Happy Birthday

Kim and I are on a roll. Next Monday we’re hosting a pearl party for other friends.

Thank you Julie and Julia.

Bon Appetité!

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Monday Night Pearl Party Menu

Kim held my Todd English pumpkin-shaped kettle so I could serve each lady Bouef Bourguignonne, a boiled potato and a dipper of sauce with boiled onions and a carrot chunk. A sliced baguette was passed on LBJ's handmade breadboard. Kim and I watched wide-eyed as they wiped their bowls clean with chunks of baguette. No better compliment.

Roasted stoplight peppers and Wild Woman Wilted Salad from “The Passionate Palate” were next. I used a variety of lettuces and not all would wilt. Kim was laughing. Bernie hadn't said two words, but brought the house down,“Nine o’clock, where’s the damn salad?” Di laughed so hard she had to leave the table. The party got louder after that. The St. Croix might have had something to do with it.

A single scoop of Black Raspberry/Champagne Sorbet was the palette cleanser served in my late mother's goblets. I don't know why I should call her late? She was never late for anything. However, she is deceased. The Sorbet was outstanding. Whole Foods.

I was grateful for Kim's help and said so. Someone labeled her “the scullery maid.” She responded imitating Carol Burnett’s mop lady, butt scratch and all.

Back in the kitchen, she milked it some more,“We need some kitchen gossip. Did you see the pearls on the broad at the end?”
I peaked into the dining room. “Yeah, Mrs. Gotrocks.” We bust out laughing
Loud glass tapping at the table. Diane, “Hold it down in there. You’re having too much fun.”
Look who’s talking. She’s wearing all the pearl table decorations.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Monday Night Pearl Party #3 - the tame table

We're a tame group. We haven't eaten yet. Kim is behind the camera. Bernie, Sandi, me in the middle at the head or the foot. I like looking at the kitchen door panels Krysia and I painted bright yellow in honor of Monet. Kelly and Diane. We're all busy and want to get on with it. They have no idea what's coming. Bon Appetite!

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Monday Night Pearl Party table

The dining room table was set with sailboat placemats and lighthouse napkin rings from Nantucket, Pfaltzgraf Sierra Cobalt and 1847 Rogers flatware. Grandmother Williamson's red glass swan floated six red roses. Kim stripped another bloom and spread the petals. Bernie brought the dark fuschia bouquet. The square red candles and freshwater pearls were Krysia's. She would like that and the food, too. Classical music by KVNO. And butter, real butter, in honor of Julie and Julia.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Monday Night Pearl Party #2

Here are our pearl-wearing guests at my breakfast nook table. Left to right: Sandi, wearing her boa. I know it was feathers, it molted. Lovely, tanned Kelly. Her middle-school son, Justin, made the hors d'oeuvre: English burpless cucumber slices topped with a dollop of sour cream and hint of horseradish, a spoon tip of smoked salmon herb ball and a sprig of fresh dill. He made one larger. "Be sure Mom gets this one." She did and was so proud. He squeezed lemons and made them lemonade, too. Across the table is her mother, my dear friend, Diane, and soft-spoken Bernie.

The kitchen was filled with tantalizing aromas. Our friends had somewhere else they needed to be, but we persisted with a motive: for them to relax, enjoy, feel loved and appreciated. We need to support one other.

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series

Monday Night Pearl Party #1

Watching “Julie and Julia” four times inspired me. My friend, Kim's eyes lit up, “We should have a party.”

At James Arthur Vineyard we planned and shared baguettes, a hunk of cheese with spinach and artichoke, a slab of smoked salmon and Angel’s Share wine hinting of raspberries. It was a perfect Nebraska day: no wind; no flies; no mosquitoes. Two cats followed their noses to share salmon. We came home with Dry Red St. Croix, White Semi-Sweet St. Croix for dessert, and a plan: Dinner for six at MaeAnn’s. Wear your pearls and say, “Bon Appetité!”

2010 Red Convertible Travel Series