In years past whenever a family discussion began concerning possible vacation locations the same question was always asked…..why not go on a cruise I heard they’re great. My answer was always the same…..no way, what the hell would I do on a cruise, hit golf balls off the back of the ship, then what? Net result, no cruise in my life until 2001. Why the change of heart. For many days while driving home I listened to Arnold Dean, a local sports announcer, extolling the fabulous pleasure awaiting me if I booked a spot on a “Your Man Trip” tour he was promoting. The 14 day trip featured a seven day tour of our North West and then a seven day cruise to Alaska. I respected Arnold and since he and his wife were also booked on the trip it finally convinced me that I should give this cruise thing a shot. After parking the car I walked into the house and said, “ Book It Marge!”
Turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Trip was fabulous and the cruise portion disproved any doubts I ever had concerning cruises. I had coffee with Arnold every morning while he and I waited for the wives to wake and prep for the day. The trip opened the door for us to enjoy the next 20 years of traveling until the COVID 19 Pandemic closed the door.
Not only did trips like this provide us with the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of a country we knew so little about but it gave us the chance to meet some wonderful people and even make real long term friends of them.
After the Alaska trip we toured Poland and went on to go to a spot in our country that everyone should put on their “Bucket List”, the Grand Canyon along with other National Parks. We were fortunate to meet and spend some enjoyable times with a wonderful couple. It so nice to still have them as our friends after all these years. He and I continue to stay in touch using the magic of email. A few days ago he sent me the following story which I really enjoyed. With his permission I’m passing it on.
The contest for naming the new ROBO vacuum cleaner reminded me of a real dog story. During the war (WWII of course) I was “conscripted” on weekends to help at a family farm. My older cousins were away at war.
Saturday mornings early I was charged with churning butter. I guess I had a strongest right arm to turn the barrel churn’s handle. Then later in the morning cars appeared in the farm yard with customers. Meanwhile, this late arrival had allowed us time to get our fresh butter, cheese and eggs prepared for opening at 11. The butter and farmers’ cheese had to be cut, weighed, wrapped in waxed paper, priced and chilled in the ice box and be ready by 11 when the customers arrived.
At that time we had a large farm dog of unknown parentage, who would sit on the kitchen stoop awaiting their visit. He would bound across the yard, tail wagging as he greeted the visitors. He was not
allowed inside the house, so he would sit outside and wait for more visitors. He recognized some regulars and would jump up on them as a welcoming host.
While my aunt and I busied ourselves with sales and wrapping, (I had to fill the egg cartons) the guests would gossip in the kitchen. New customers, on occasion, would ask the name of the friendly creature. One day, when a new lady posed the usual question, my uncle, sitting in the corner smoking beside the wood stove, took out his pipe and replied “Askem.” Inquiring once again, she asked for the dog’s name. He again answered, more loudly this time, “Askem.” This set off the old customers snickering and exchanging grins.
Once outside the lady spotted the dog and kneeling down she asked “What’s your name?” The dog, looking dumbfounded (as dogs often do), remained silent. Again, looking into the dog’s eyes, she said loudly “WHAT’S YOUR NAME?” Observers stopped to watch the activity from afar. After a few seconds the dog went “Aeiooooo.” The woman fell back in amazement, believing this to be dog language for his true canine name. (Actually it was the sound the dog made whenever he was begging.) She then departed, satisfied with her inquiry.
As the smiling shoppers departed, Askem returned to his place on the stoop to await performing his greeting function (and begging for snacks) until the following week.
Can’t forget the usual recipe. Chianti Braised Short Ribs – Olive Garden Recipe
3 lbs boneless beef short ribs
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onions, chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
2 cups Chianti wine
1 32-oz can crushed tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
Pat short ribs dry and season with salt and pepper.
Coat a large, nonstick pan with olive oil. Sear the short rib pieces over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until brown. Transfer short ribs to a bowl.
Add onions to pan and cook over medium heat for approximately 3 minutes. Once onions are translucent, add garlic and cook for 1 minute; do not brown. Add Chianti, rosemary, beef broth and tomatoes to the pan one at a time, allowing liquid to partially evaporate before each addition (about 2 minutes).
Return short ribs to pan, including any juices that might have accumulated in the bowl. Cover and let simmer for 3 hours on low heat to complete the braising process. Remove short ribs from pan and boil the liquid until it is reduced by half, about 10 minutes.
Return short ribs to pan and heat thoroughly.
Serve with potatoes or risotto and vegetables.
Thanks for reading
No comments:
Post a Comment