We are getting our long awaited rain today andprobably tomorrow.  So the cat isdisgusted.  She claims that her contractstipulates that we provide 365 days of sunny, 70 degree, windless days forher.  Also, fresh shrimp 4 times a dayand 26 hours of lap time each day.  Sheis adamant that we adhere to the terms of this contract and that we adhereNOW.  Which means we are spending the dayletting her out – only for her to find it is still raining and demand to be letback in.  Then the process repeatsitself.  Frequently.

We are simply unable to explain to her that there is(never was) such a contract and that she is lucky to have such a long sufferingfamily. It is just easier to hold our breaths and keep opening the damneddoor…..

We did some good eating last week.  Lidia’s Steak Maremba could not have beeneasier and heavens was it good!  We willdo this again before the last of the grilling season.  Perhaps even later on the stove topgrill.  Her sausages with grapes was goodonce again   - not with Italian sausagesbut with Warner’s wonderful French Garlic sausage.

We actually did fish twice last week.  I think after all these years Warner isfinally beginning to get the concept that fish IS good.  For years he simplymaintained that he came from Chicagoand therefore knew all fish were frozen rectangles and dreadful.  Amazing what a guy can pick up after a lot ofyears of marriage.   The first time Iserved him a cold soup (Vichyssoise) he thought I was trying to poisonhim.  Like wise with anything tomato –particularly tomato sauce.  And cookedcheese (except, or course on pizza).  Andpasta. And heaven knows what else. Which brings us to Thomas Keller’s MacaroniGratin (aka Macaroni and Cheese). Not only did he eat it – he enjoyed it! Allof which proves in the long run that husbands may be easier to train thancats….

 [Actually I don't come from Chicago, but 100 miles west on North Avenue. Fish comes frozen out there. And the first cold soup was was a cold cream of carrot soup served as part of picnic supper at the Opera in the Park, Central Park. The Vichyssoise - which burned me - was Thanksgiving later that year. The one where her father decided that his baby girl living with a man wasn't so bad after all, as I knew how to carve the turkey. 

The loathing of all things tomato and pasta comes from the family heirloom recipe for spaghetti, which involves boiling the spaghetti for 30 minutes BY THE CLOCK and the sauce involves ketchup. ]

[My wife has assured me that the first Vichyssoise was at her apartment, not at her father's. However my first encounter with a cold soup was at about 13 with jelled beef consume, my mother assured me I would not like it if I ordered it, and of course I did not. Now I make my own.]

Mon. AM             Cold Cuts

Mon. PM              James Beard’s Devilled Perch JBNFC 157

                             Pierre Franey’s Rice with Red Peppers PFCF 303

                             Sautéed Kale

Tues. AM             Herbed Baked Eggs BIP

                             Sautéed Ham

Tues. PM              Yakisoba Sasaki with Beef andCabbage GM 10/83

                                    Tossed Salad with Ginger Dressing

      Wine: Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna-Shiraz South Australia 2006

Weds. AM            Pierre Franey’s Cheddar Waffles PFCMC

     Chicken and roast cauliflower salad

Weds. PM            Roast Spareribs with Apples ICC-CP

                             Mustard Mashed Potatoes SH 251

                             Roasted Beets with Horseradish FW 2007 242

      Wine: Penfolds Bin 28 Kalimna-Shiraz South Australia 2006

Thurs.     AM        Cod and Chorizo Stew with Leeks and Potatoes FCA 242

                             Peasant Bread

       PM       Census Dinner

Fri.                       Fresh Whole Wheat Tagliatelle with Sausage,Basil and Sun Dried

    Tomatoes MIMM

Sat. AM               Grilled Burgers

Sun. PM               Blue Cheese Dip DI 32

                             Rack of Lamb with Port and Black OliveSauce BA 9/98

                             Duchesse Potatoes WTC 322