another Tuesday

I didn’t get to Arizona. The pilots were MIA while everything else played out perfectly. Good weather windows on all three ends, perfect timing getting to airport, even being able to do a few things at work before heading out. But alas, no pilots.(My husband has a theory that one had already paid for a companion and was not leaving the hotel.)

I have since gotten a $75 savings voucher for a future flight, and assurances that my attagal for the Alaska employee who was helpful and kind, and who rebooked me on my next trip, including the small puddle-jumper from Phoenix to Show Low, will be passed along to her supervisors.

I did lose my knitting project and a cute handmade bag. Left it in the seat, along with a notebook — rats,  when I went back and forth from stalled plane to plane gate sorting out if I would go on or not. (I’m glad my father has a cell phone.) I am sad for that. I can replace all but the bag, but haven’t wanted to go yarn shopping with my new snow-hibernation that has set in, even with the weather having gotten back to normal.

I was as low as I could be for several days, guilt-ridden (recurring theme) about not going out the next day, but my dad had told me the weather moving into their small town and the airport would be bad with high winds and snow. I didn’t want to get stuck in Phoenix with uncles that I love, but didn’t want to holiday with.

So I stay-cationed, as it turned out. And have, once the remorse aired out, enjoyed being home-bound. Reading, eating, blogging, talking to my husband, walking the dog in snow that he loves, putting out bird food and watching it storm.

The rains came a few days ago and the white stuff is gone, leaving littered yard, and soggy footprints.

I’ve bought a new (computer) notebook, and am enjoying the nice quality touch and image. Still getting used to a few things, and have yet to transfer all my stuff from my old one. But I am thrilled to have it, and feel lucky.

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I’ve learned to make a delicious Indian mint chutney to serve with store-bought naan:

1 C fresh mint leaves
1 C fresh cilantro leaves (also known as dhania or coriander leaves)
3 Jalapenos peppers, trimmed & deseeded and coarsely chopped (don’t use the white or seed unless you like it extremely hot)
1/2 T Tamarind (I had to look tamarind up, and luckily our New Seasons market carried it, for it seems vital)
1 T Fresh lemon juice
1/2 C Plain yogurt

Process (or grind in a food mill, I suppose) all but the yogurt until finely blended, then mix in yogurt to taste and desired consistency. Salt can be added, though I don’t think it is needed.

This style is very much like what is served at my favorite Indian restaurant in Portland, Swagat. It’s a compilation of a couple of recipes gleaned from the web.

We enjoy Trader Joe’s boil-in-the-bag Indian food when we want Indian food and don’t want to go out. (Some folks disparage it’s quality, but it is a tasty and inexpensive meal.) It’s a pantry staple, along with rice. I have yet to learn to make my own.

Cilantro is my favorite herb. Very most favorite. I want to rub it all over my body. I do.

We have been eating well. I love to cook when I have the time. I have perfected my biscuit making and Mark is doing his fair share and then some.

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New writing.

I’m making a poem with Carolee. I’m working on two prompts from The Poetry Collective. One will be to write a poem as slynne and the other to imitate a fabulous poem. All three of these are keeping me busy writing.

Art Predator reminded me that I want to read everything Raymond Carver ever wrote. That will be my only new year resolution.

And I have Carolee’s weekly review to dial into, but that can wait a bit.

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I have been sorting through papers and started on the attic. This is very, very good. If only our three-week late trash pick-up would empty my full recycle bin so I could get rid of more stuff!

I have plans to catch up with friends, in person and by phone. Old college roommates are still sending me holiday cards asking if I am alive. How nice to be thought of.

I received a completely unexpected gift in the mail. A book of poetry.

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Louis (sick kitty) is still here, and having some good days. It was a gift to be able to be here to spend them with him.

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