Try as I might, I cannot remember experiencing a worst year than 2020. Over the years I’ve had my share of unpleasant moments of sadness, disappointment, failures, you name it, but I always had confidence that the next year would be a great one and banish any bad memories. How wrong can one be? January 2021 set new highs for “Bad”.
It’s been 90 days since I last posted a Blog entry and I really hate getting back into writing on such a negative level, but it would not be normal if I didn’t complain about something. January set the tone for this comeback Blog. We experienced the death of friends and a family member. Home appliances decided to break down (hitting their 7 year life span. Why only 7?). A deer decided to run into our grandson’s car and destroyed entire front end of our grandson’s car…..not bad. Only $4,000.
And on it goes. Covid-19 decided Marge and I should check out what it’s like. Although both of us ended up positive her body handled the situation quite well on its own and built the anti-bodies needed to put her in a complete safe mode. My little episode landed me in the hospital for five days, January 8th till the 13th. The intravenous treatment they used did a great job and cleared me up nicely. The only problem remaining was the hospital program after discharge which consisted of stay at home, monitor and daily report of vitals, weekly nurse visit, rest, no driving the car, etc., etc. The nurse this week indicated that I will be on this Program for two more weeks. I can’t wait to return to normalcy that allows me to be able to drive, shop, see our friends, and even enjoy an occasional restaurant meal.
Because of our ages that are now, I guess considered ancient, we were advised that the best place for us would be home and we should stay there and not venture into the outside world. Our children upon hearing this isolation suggestion took it very seriously and demanded, and I do mean “Demanded” that we follow it to the letter. The months of the “Stay Home” demand have been piling up. Now even Mother Nature is getting into the act throwing snow storms at us. What do you do to alleviate the boredom created by the inactivity? Watch more terrible television, read more books. Book number 1000 read is approaching and my eyes are getting tired. And can you believe how bad the new shows are that they threw at us to fill the Covid void? I’ve reached a point where I’m tempted to not even turn the damn set on.
I’ve always said that for every minus there’s a plus. In my case I was able to learn how wonderfully helpful and supportive my children and grandchildren were when their ancient parents needed some help. I’m generally uncomfortable publically praising them, but after doing our shopping, driving us around, doctor appointments, phone calls, home cooked meals, you name it, they were really able made our lives comfortable under some extreme conditions.
Speaking of boring, now that I’ve bored everyone with all this personal stuff, let’s move on to things you might actually be interested in, like another recipe. During this period family members were nice enough bring us food enabling us to share their family dinners with us. Since they always brought too much, enough for a small army, the refrigerator generally had a good supply of very tasty leftovers. Recently they have adjusted to the fact that I am still alive, well and capable of using the stove. Leftovers have recently been absent from the fridge so I’ve begun to cook again, seven nights in a row……something to chase away a bit of the boredom.
Speaking of cooking and recipes here’s one that’s … easy and tasty. Made this a few times with good results.
Cranberry Pork Roast
1
pork loin roast, boneless or bone in (about 3 pounds)
1 can jellied cranberry sauce (14 -16 oz.)
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup cranberry juice
2 tbsp. cornstarch
2 tbsp. cold water
salt, to taste
Place pork roast in a slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, mash cranberry sauce; stir in sugar, cranberry juice, mustard and cloves. Pour over meat. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until meat is tender.
Remove roast and keep warm. Skim fat from juices; measure 2 cups, adding water if necessary, and pour into a saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Combine the cornstarch and cold water to make a paste; stir into gravy. Cook and stir until thickened. Season with salt
Serve with sliced pork. 4-6 servings
