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
