Snow Job

Beverage: Faygo Black Cherry + a little Meijer cherry cola
Audio: Prairie Home Companion


So... like it probably is at your house, we have had very little winter this year so far.  For me, this is problematic, since I supposedly have a job at a local ski resort, but they've yet to call me in.  I can understand that it's been slow and they haven't had much business, but on the other hand, I'm not working, either.

As a result, I've been pretty pro-snow this year (despite the lack of it), and when we got our little blizzard last weekend, I was VERY happy.  Still haven't been called, but at least (I thought) the likelihood is growing.

And yet... living as I am currently with a couple senior citizens, I can see why folks like them thought the mild, warm winter was just FINE.  And we have a lot of folks like them in this town.

So I'm starting to look for another job - always a treat in the county with the highest unemployment rate in the state.  20 years ago, I was so well-known in this town, I was NEVER without a job for more than a week or two.  Not so anymore.  Oy.  

Chili Through A Straw

Beverage: Peppermint Tea w/ Honey & Lemon
Audio: NPR's The World

OK, here's my conundrum:  84-year-old dad just had the rest of his teeth removed.  Apparently, the old dentures never fit properly, causing pain.  In a few months when his gums heal up, he'll get new ones.  Meanwhile... what can I cook that he can eat?

We usually do chili with meat and beans.  I decided to try NO beans, and run the meat through the food processor after it was browned.  It's not as bad as it sounds... I didn't wind up with Gerber baby mush, it was just ground meat in its smallest (atomic?) unit.  1 lb. of mild pork sausage, and almost 2 lbs. of ground chuck, along with a large sweet onion.  Browned them up all together.  Ran canned diced and home-canned home-grown tomatoes through the food processor as well.  It came out remarkably well, both parents and myself giving it the stamp of approval.

So, the adventure continues.  Ideas so far include: instant mashed potatoes (with gravy); scrambled eggs; bread & butter (his idea), sometimes with the crust removed.  Anyone else out there have experience with this?  Let me know.  Thanks!

- Reg