Ridin' the Storm Out!

Confession: There was a not-brief-enough moment in time where I thought maybe REO Speedwagon didn't suck. I was 13! And Gary Richrath was kind of a good guitar player and I read in CREAM that he wrote songs too and produced. I was basically a 13 year old boy trapped in the body of a 13 year old girl with the body of a 13 year old boy. ...who wanted to play lead guitar.

...but anyway, where's this hurricane?

The repeated 90 plus degree days with matching humidity have briefly squelched my inspiration to create in the kitchen. I was assured by Lee Goldberg, my friendly TV weatherman that the high heat would be caput by today but here we are again sweatin' it out and not even a drop of rain from Hurricane Earl.

With the promise of cooler temperatures and rain, my mind was already moving towards the soups and stews but it looks like we'll be keeping it fresh for another week or so. If I have to eat another cold salad I'm gonna beat someone.

My mind and body have felt like they are on a low roast since May! I'm not even sure I'm coming out of this season with all my remaining brain cells in tact. And to be honest, the meter was running a bit low since my 20's and mispent youth.

That's okay, I can do this! I just have to rethink all my grocery item choices. My mom's stewed chicken and rice with corn and squash plan turned into a blackened chicken with a side apple, chick pea salad on a bed of (left over) arugula tonight.

I'm pretty frugal and that coupled with my C-guilt, I really feel bad about wasting food so I eat leftovers. We spent the rest of last week making short work of that pork shoulder. Now, its time to move on and Roll with the Changes. Awful.

Not Those Black-Eyed Peas

Why write about musicians that I can't stand? No reason. But every reason to celebrate my upcoming day off with a warm black-eyed peas salad whilst watching 'Country's Night to Rock'. (I'll be sure to see Reba!) This salad is great crisp and cold but I'm easing into my fall dishes. And you know, this was as fun as any taco bowl. The vegetables just got stirred in after the meat was completely cooked and seasoned. This way, they stay awake and don't get droopy. I warmed and cut up a couple of corn torts to scoop up the goods. I'm going on record to say canned beans sort of made my summer. The salad/bean combinations are endless and they satisfy, fill you up but also don't make you peter out. I guess beans do give you energy.

Speaking of music, is it my imagination or has country music started to get better? I'm not saying 'good' but definitely moving in the right direction. I'm watching the CMA Music Festival because I still can't miss a music show, no matter how terrible. I like to watch bands play. The backing musicians are getting something right behind some acts. I can't go Rascal Flatts and their JoeDon still plays way lame guitar solos so pop country crap still exists full force but I see a glimmer of hope. Or, I'm getting super tolerant. Don't judge me.

soft tacos to soften the blow

Spiced up some of the shredded pork and whipped up some fresh pico for some quick and dee-licious soft pork tacos last night. Sunday nights need no fanfare or fuss. Best to keep it simple and calm. I like Sundays but lets face it, they are a lead-in to a whole 'nuther week of getting it all done and everything that comes with that. It's an exhausting thought! Sure, life is Gooood and I'm super happy to be alive and healthy and working and blah, blah but man, Monday's can suck ass and people are STUPID on the road and I won't go on. But I think its important to put a little love in your belly to soothe all of what you've done and what you're about to do again.