Take 20 - Tax Time or On my way to San Francisco

On Caltrain, leaving San Jose Diridon Station

1st stop Santa Clara

It's tax time and my husband David does our taxes. He has always done them but now it has become more complicated since we are filing two reports for the US and one for Canada, so double the trouble or pleasure, depending on your point of view. Where am I going with all of this talk about tax returns? Well, this is when David turns into a person I hardly know.

Next stop, Lawrence

The mood has to be just right, the papers put a certain way and particularly I, have to be out of the way. Reminds me of someone in a very distant past life who would become a very emotional man when painting a room. So emotional that staying there would have qualified me for instant excommunication from the Catholic church by osmosis. So, of course, I would choose not to be there to watch the blasphemous process but rather back later to admire da Vinci's masterpiece. But, I digress ....

Next stop, Sunnyvale.

In this case, I was dispatched to San Francisco for a ME Day. Financial concerns thrown to the wind, as everyone knows how San Fran can be mighty tempting and at times, quite expensive.

Next stop, Mountain View.

I love travelling by train. It's calming and while you can do so many things, I choose to just stare out the window as the scenery and the stations go by. So, for now, if you will leave me with my thoughts on this 88 minute train ride. Aaaaah !

All of the other stops: San Antonio, California Avenue, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Redwood City, San Carlos, Belmont, Hillsdale, Hayward Park, San Mateo, Burlingame,
Millbrae, San Bruno, So. San Francisco, Bayshore, 22nd Street.

So, once off the train at 22nd Street, a station I had never exited from, I was at a loss to find the bus stop for Bus 48. The map on my phone said it was located at 22nd and Iowa. However, I searched,I looked, I walked back and forth a couple of time and just couldn't find it when all of a sudden, there it was !  Printed on a post, as this photo will attest. 

Also, while on a Muni bus in San Fran, I first saw a group boarding the bus with a dog. Okey, I mused. Then, a few stops later another lady boards with a dog. Curiouser and Curiouser ! Upon exiting I asked the driver what was up with the dogs on the bus and here is the thing: dogs are allowed on San Francisco buses outside rush hour. Whot?!  If your dog is a service dog, he rides for free. If he is not a service dog, you pay regular adult fare for your dog. Yes, a bus fare for your pooch ! I was flabbergasted ! Wow. Has anyone ever seen such a service. Don't get me wrong, I am overjoyed. One day I will ride a Muni bus with my Taylor, just for the experience of it all and I will take and post photos of it too.

Once off the bus, my destination was Omnivore.

A cookbook aficionado's dream, Omnivore is a book store totally dedicated to cookbooks, new, older, antiques and collectors' treasures including signed copies of various cookbooks. It also has books on food history and food related subjects. The large single room is airy and filled with light. At my request, the owner enthusiastically walked me through the sections. She also explained how the store holds events such as signings. On the afternoon of the day I visited, the store was holding a pudding contest where entrants dispensed their puddings to anyone who paid the $5.00 fee to try all puddings and finally crown a winner. While there I bought three wonderful books and discussed authors with the owner. This lady knows her stuff and her cookbooks. She also regaled me with anecdotes about authors and past book signing events. I will return to buy more books and surely to enjoy another chat about cookbooks and their authors. So if cookbooks are your thing, I urge you to visit. Here is the info,
Omnivore Books, 3885 Cesar Chavez Street, San Francisco. 
And if you cannot make your way to San Francisco, visit the store's website at: omnivorebooks.com

I spent the rest of my day walking, shopping and simply enjoying the city and its throngs of people. I know I have said this or something similar in a past post but how strange this is to be walking the streets of San Francisco as a California resident and not as a tourist. It's a strange but also great feeling.

Finally, how educational to take day trips to the City, as San Francisco is called here. Does that imply that everywhere else (San Jose, Sunnyvale, Mountain View,etc., etc.,) are all towns?  Hummm. Anyway, as I was saying it's an education to go to the City. Did you know you could drink alcohol on Cal trains? BYOB if you will ! I was on the train going back to San Jose and from my vantage point on the upper deck, I thought I spotted a girl on the lower deck drinking from a bottle that looked suspiciously like a beer bottle. I was afraid for her as I thought she would get caught when a few minutes later there was an announcement saying that because of a hockey game that evening (the Sharks were playing in San Jose) there would be no alcohol consumption allowed on the train after 9:00 pm. Huh ? Ok, so party on train riders ?!?

Because of the length of this particular post, I will skip the recipe, just this time. Promise :-)

Take 19 - My Playlist

Having been down and out with the Mother of all colds and coughs for the past few weeks and no, it was not the flu and yes, I had my flu shot, I have done little in the way of day trips and hole in the wall discovery around the Bay Area. So, in order to redeem myself a little to all you devoted readers and followers I thought I would tell you a bit about my playlist. Everywhere you read an interview of some famous person, the ubiquitous question is: What's on your playlist ? Well, I am not famous nor important but I have a big dog who needs lots of exercise, so I walk a lot. I also go to the gym several times a week so, I listen to a lot of music. I thought I would give you a sampling of what I listen to on my IPhone or on my mp3 on an almost daily basis. You will find a link to the YouTube video for that song. I hope you enjoy this musical journey!

The newer ones :


Allen Stone - Sleep

Churchill - Change

Neon Trees - Everybody Talks

Fun - We are young

Graffiti6 - Free

Fitz and the Tantrums - Don't gotta work it out

John Mayer - If I ever get around to living


The oldies but goodies :

Level 42 - Lessons in love

The Eagles - Already gone

The Doobie Brothers - Minute by Minute

Tears for fear - Everybody wants to rule the world

Earth, Wind and Fire - Got to get you into my life

Supertramp - Dreamer


Now on to the food part of this post.
Here is a sweet recipe that is nothing if not super easy and here is a little trick to make it even easier. The recipe uses a jar of Nutella (13 oz) or a similar product. A few seconds in the microwave before whisking with the eggs and water will save you some serious elbow grease. Just make sure to carefully and completely remove the metallic seal on the jar. This recipe gives you moist and flavorful brownies. Quite decadent !

Coffee-Chocolate Brownies
Makes 9 brownies

Ingredients

1 (13-ounce) jar (about 1¼ cups) chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella or a similar product
2 eggs
⅔ cup all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
1 teaspoon instant coffee, preferably instant espresso


Directions

Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8"-square baking pan with foil.

In a large bowl, whisk together chocolate-hazelnut spread, eggs, and ¼ cup water. Stir in flour, salt and instant coffee and transfer to prepared pan. Bake until just set around the edges, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside to let cool completely. The brownies will be moist in the center.

Using foil to lift them, remove brownies from pan. Cut brownies into squares and enjoy.

Take 18 - A New Year with New Toys !

 A NEW YEAR WITH NEW TOYS  !


Happy New Year to all of you ! And what a great year it will be if only for the fact that during the Holidays in Monterey (more on that later), I discovered the online game, Words with Friends. I knew of the game through the Alec Baldwin incident on a plane and all, but until I actually tried it, I hadn't experienced the thrill. Total disclosure ? I am lousy at it. Oh, I come up with great words but I am no strategist. David, on the other hand, is a great strategist, with simpler words.  So, most of the time I lose but still, I love the game and I am probably slightly addicted to it. Ok, totally addicted to it. I will keep at it and hopefully, I will improve and beat my husband at it.

So now on to Monterey. I know, at the risk of boring some of you to tears, we love our Golden Retriever, Taylor and we often plan our free time with him in mind. So this time we headed to Monterey (next to Carmel). While I would not recommend the hotel I chose (Mariposa Inn)  with creaky floors and a huge charge ($40 a night) to have Taylor stay with us, I highly recommend Monterey where your dog, large or small is welcome into almost all stores including Crate & Barrel, H&M, Pottery Barn and too many other stores to list here. I think it's wonderful to be able to go on short vacations and to include your dog. To walk the streets, stop for a coffee or a meal at a terrace, stroll parks and visit sites with your pooch is a great thing.

For Christmas I was given a Fitbit. Ok,  I asked for a Fitbit as a Christmas present and frankly, here is another thing that is totally addictive. Fitbit is a device that tracks all kinds of things you do from the number of steps you take, the calories you burn, the stairs you climb, etc. you clip it to your t-shirt or bra, you sync it with your laptop or pad or both and this way every day you get a full report of your physical activities. The aim is to reach or do better than 10,000 steps a day. Steps can be reached through walking, of course, but also if you are pedaling on a bike at the gym or if you are standing you can step, discreetly or not while you wait around, so why not step and be active. And while we are on the subject of fitness, I have joined a gym. A recent bone density test forced me to finally take the plunge. I had looked into joining a gym since I moved here to California but I was not satisfied with what I saw while visiting several places. I didn't want the usual muscle building factory. I wanted something better. So, one day,I came across Club One at Santana Row here in San Jose. OMG, I fell hard and with good reasons. Located on the third floor of a building in fantastic Santana Row, the elevator doors opened into a huge reception area with large windows that let the sun shine in. The place is clean and modern and looks more like a spa than a gym. The ladies' locker room is great with all you could need to get ready after your workout. Everything is supplied including cotton balls, Q-tips, mouthwash, body wash and lots more. This locker room also includes also includes a sauna and a steam room. There are loads of classes, the equipment is top of the line and at the time I go, there are no waiting lines for any machine. Anyway, what I'm getting at is, I started in mid-December and love going there. I believe the trick is, choose your gym carefully. Visit many and choose the best you can afford. This place isn't cheap, but if you love it you'll go. At least, that is my philosophy. It's simply a pleasure each time. The minute I walk in, you feel like getting on with business.  And did I mention the personnel is outstanding. Ok, enough on my wonderful gym !

To help you get through Winter, how about a warming drink ? This is Dr. Sanjay Gupta's favorite concoction and it's also good for your brain. I tried it and loved it.

Dr. Gupta's Creamy Turmeric Tea
(1 serving)

1 cup almond milk
1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
1 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon Ginger
1 teaspoon Honey to drizzle on top

Pour milk in a saucepan and add the spices. Over medium heat and as the milk warms, whisk it all together. When milk is warm enough to drink and before boiling, pour into a mug. Drizzle honey on top.

ENJOY !

Take 17 - It happened just the other evening ......

It happened just the other night ......

I was just about to start preparing dinner when I heard on the news that a gunman had been spotted on the San Jose City College campus and that the school was now in 'lockdown'. This, only four days after the horrific event in Connecticut ! Someone had called the police to say a man carrying a gun had been seen on campus. The previous day, another call had come in with the caller claiming a person on campus was brandishing a knife. SJCC is a 5-minute walk from where we live. It's located on a very large landscaped and treed lot which includes many buildings, a football field, a fastball field, indoor and outdoor parking lots, and loads of other installations. I often go walking there with our Golden Retriever. Everyone is always very cool about him, stopping to pet him and ask questions about him and on weekends, I often leave him off leash to run on the grassy areas. In a few minutes, I started hearing helicopters hovering nearby. I could see through my kitchen window that the spotlights were on at the school's football field. David, who usually walks home from his shuttle stop and passes right in front of SJCC every night, was going to get a lift home that evening. I would pick him up. I also have to drive by the school to go get him so soon observed that  part of the street was blocked with police cars and several members of a SWAT team could be seen searching around. It was a scary scene, even if I just saw it for a few seconds from my car window. Then, after a few hours and to make a long story short, it was reported that the whole thing had been a hoax. However, SJPD and the SWAT team did not treat it as a hoax and proved they could be there in a hurry, if need be. A reporter on tv made a connection with the fact that it was also exam time. Could someone actually be so STUPID to commit such an act as stage a hoax to avoid taking his or her final exam ??? I suppose, in this day and age, the answer would be yes.  Such an operation deploying personnel and equipment is not only extremely costly but nerve wracking for personnel and students at the school. Some students and teachers stayed locked many hours in several classes until they received the all clear from authorities. Not to speak of people living in the neighborhood who were very disturbed by the event. The news report also mentioned there would be a follow-up to trace the call and text sent in to the SJPD.

The very next day, Taylor and I resumed our walk through the Campus and even sat on ''our bench'', enjoying the sunshine. Yes, we do have our bench where he drags me each time either to drink water to just to chill. He jumps up and sits close beside me. Such a smart dog. Thank God it was only a hoax !

 I have been meaning to talk about La Gruellense, which is a Drive-Thru taco place located on San Carlos, in downtown San Jose. The tacos there literally melt in your mouth. There are several tables outside but the best part is the drive-thru where you speak face-to-face with a smiling employee to place your order wait a few minutes and are on your way home or office or park to enjoy your delicious tacos. So far, we have enjoyed the chicken and carnitas ones. There are a few other items on the menu but so far, we have only been drooling over those two. Here is the address: 400 West San Carlos Street. Oh, and did I mention they are dirt cheap ?  It's really a win/win !

And, while we are on the subject of food, here is another wonderful and easy recipe.


California Guacamole
2 avocados
1 small white onion chopped
1 garlic clove minced
1 ripe tomato chopped
1 lime juiced
Salt + Pepper to taste

Peel avocados and put them in a medium bowl, mashing them with a fork against the bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, tomato and lime juice + salt and pepper. Chill 30 minutes to blend flavors.

Bon appétit !

Take 16 - One-Year Anniversary

A year ago today, I was arriving in California on Air Canada and saying "hello" to my adoptive Country and coveted State. So far and for the most part, life has been great here. So now I have put together a list of  a few things I've learned, in no particular order and bearing no degree of importance.

A) don't hand over your credit/debit card at the store when it's time to pay....... .no one will take it anyway. You slide it into the slot yourself and enter your info.

B) if you see something you like in a store, buy it!  It will not be there when you decide to return for it and you will hate yourself. Besides, stores here have unbelievable return policies and you will be refunded almost everywhere. So go ahead and shop ! Also, there are tons of coupons for all stores in newspapers, in the mail and online. Competition is fierce here and every store works hard to get your money and they will do what it takes to get you to come back.

C) you can grow fruit bearing trees in containers on your balcony in San Jose. Lemons, oranges, figs and olives.  I even cured my own olives. Yes, it is probably the smallest production in the world but right now they are curing and resting. We will taste the fruit of my labor at the end of January. As for the lemons and oranges ? It will be a while but still, it's terribly exciting !

D) in a medical emergency, you call your physician who meets you at the hospital. Here, differently than in Canada, you get your physician's phone number. The relationship is a more personal one.

E) in the US, there are only two days in the year when everything comes to a grinding halt and those days are Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Make sure you have everything you need or go without until the next day, when things return to normal. However, this year, some stores are talking about tagging on Thursday evening to Black Friday. Who will win this one, the employees who would rather have the complete day off or the big chain stores who want to up their Holiday Season sales ?

F) here in the USA, there is mail delivery 6 days a week .... a little luxury we have quickly taken for granted. Yes it's a costly luxury for the country to maintain this extra day of mail service and one day it will end but meanwhile we are enjoying it immensely.

G) in Vancouver, we hardly used our car. I had to go down in the underground parking, start our car and drive around the block  2 or 3 times to make sure it would start when needed. Here, no need for that little exercise. There is nothing we can buy or pick up within walking distance. Our 12 year old car is growing up at warp speed. When we left Vancouver, the odometer showed the equivalent of 50,000 miles. Now, we use it every day and sometimes several times a day. In an average family where there are two or three children of driving age, you often see 3-4 cars. Life can be really nightmarish here without a car.

H) in California, hair stylists are graduates of a trade school, differently from in British Columbia where the stylists are taught and expected to practice for a number of hours and then they are done.  The difference is quite apparent. The ones I have met are  highly experienced, creative and extremely responsible. I love the results.

I) Need to go to the DMV, make an appointment. You will save yourself half a day. Those people mean well but they are short staffed and often have to deal with people of all kinds, which can take a long time per individual.

I could go on, but I won't. Vacationing in a place and living in it permanently are two completely different things. On vacation, we tend to see life through rose colored glasses and why not ? Vacation is a time to indulge in fantasies. Every day life can be seen through clear lenses and as most of it is great a small part of it can be downright daunting. All this being said, California is a great place to live and after one year, I am still thrilled to be here.

Here is comfort food at its best.

Gingerbread Cake

1/2 cup of butter
1/2 cup of sugar
1 egg
2-1/2 cup of flour
1-1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup molasses
1 cup hot water

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and sugar. Beat in egg.
2. Stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and salt.
3. Combine molasses and water and add to butter mixture alternately with flour mixture. Beat until creamy.
4. Grease or line 8 inch square pan with wax paper. Pour in batter and bake 50-60 minutes. Serve plain or with toppings like whipped cream or applesauce. I serve it with applesauce because I love the contrast of the two flavors.

Enjoy !

Lori

Take 15 - The Election

In a previous post, I mentioned that I was an H4 and my husband an H1B. That is our status here in the USA. My husband's H1B is a work visa, renewable once after three years. With this visa, you may apply for a social security number, a very important item needed for a number of things including opening a bank account, establishing an account with the utility companies, getting cable applying for a credit card, getting car insurance and in loads of other situations.. With an H4, you are not entitled to apply for a Social Security Number. Instead you get a Tax Identification Number which is also difficult to obtain and which can be used in some instances when asked for a Social Security Number. Also, with his H1B visa, my husband may start procedures for a Green Card (which is actually not green) and, at the same time, request one for me. My H4 is the visa granted to a dependent (spouse/children) with no work privileges. Also, renewable after three years. All this being said, we watch the election procedures but are not eligible to vote. However, we are allowed to make donations to the party of our choice, should we decide to do so. We have watched the debates and have commented privately about each candidate but one thing we are fascinated with is the electoral process. It is a very complicated process. An archaical procedure that was put together when there was no mean of rapid communication and travel of any kind. Mo Rocca is a CBS journalist who has a very simple explanation to this complex process. Here is a link to that video which is extremely interesting and a simple explanation to a crazy complicated process:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50133559n

After watching this video is it any clearer now ? If you are anything like me, probably not! If I met someone who was well versed on the subject, I would certainly have a couple of questions ! Despite not being an active participant in this election, I did, however, volunteer my time to a Democratic Grassroots Campaign group here in California. Because California is historically known as a Blue State, we were trained in calling voters in Ohio, an important swing State. I loved the experience. I got to speak to several Ohioans to find out if they would give their support to President Obama in the upcoming election. Although most people I spoke to were super nice and polite, even if a few of them were supporting and voting for Governor Romney, some of them simply hung up and one lady even asked me if I was kidding, before hanging up the phone. We are warned that this job is not always easy but that they supply snacks and drinks (non-alcoholic, of course) to cheer us up. So cute ! I had never taken part in election action in Canada and wanted to see how it was done here and be part of the action. I would gladly do it again for a particular topic of interest. It's fun to get involved ! Now all we can do is watch and see who wins tonight.
Right now I am crushing on an album....... John Mayer's latest - Born and Raised. I just love those songs. I am listening to it backwards and forwards and love songs that may never be singles such as track number 4 (Speak for me), track number 5 (Something like Olivia) track number 7 (If I ever get around to living). John Mayer may be kind of an ass when it comes to his lack of filter and tact discussing his relationship with women, but when it comes to writing songs, he is no less than brilliant !!!
I have also been crushing on a candy snack called Toffee Talk. It is a piece of toffee topped with a coffee/chocolate mixture which is topped with chopped almonds. Imagine my surprise when while browsing Deb Perelman's brand new cookbook, the Smitten Kitchen (which I urge you to go buy for its myriad of fantastic recipes) I saw and tried a recipe for something that sounded similar. Well, if this recipe were any closer, it would have to be called Toffee Talk. The process may seem daunting, but it is really easy. Here is my version of it.

Toffee Delight

8 Tablespoons (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons molasses
1/4 teaspoon regular salt or sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso coffee
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or semi-sweet chopped chocolate
1/2 cup chopped almonds (toasted, skin removed and chopped)
Line a small baking sheet about 9X13 inches with parchment paper.

Attach a candy thermometer to a medium saucepan and melt butter, both sugars, molasses, salt and espresso powder over medium high heat. Cook while whisking occasionally until temp is close to 250 degrees. From then on, whisk constantly until the temp reaches 300 degrees.

Pour the mixture immediately on the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula.
Sprinkle the chocolate over the toffee and let sit until it melts. Spread the chocolate evenly over the toffee.

Sprinkle the chopped almonds over the chocolate. Put baking sheet in freezer until toffee and chocolate are set. Break the toffee into pieces and store in an airtight container.

ENJOY !

Lori

Take 14 - An eventful month of August

An eventful month of August

For us, the month of August is traditionally known as one where we indulge in some vacation days, celebrate David's birthday and generally chill. However this year, it was nothing close to that, although attempts were made to go on with the usual customs and traditions. Reservations were made at a dog friendly hotel in Carmel-by-the-sea, doubts about leaving for Carmel grew larger after a certain medical mishap hit me like a Mack truck, ignorance of the American way of doing things during a medical emergency set us back and a series of tos-and-fros had us in limbo for many days and in awe of the human body's resilience.

Without going into too many details, let's just say that after 9 units of American blood over a 10 day-period, I am now feeling much much better. Does that now mean I am half American :-) ?  I will have to look into that!!! But seriously, an event such as the one we(and I say we, because it affected David probably more than it did me) went through leaves you wondering how people fend for themselves facing such issues and at times with very little resources.I was actually very lucky that it happened when it did and that I was in such capable hands as my husband David's and the wonderful professionals I encountered.

At this point, I must speak of the medical facilities I visited during my ordeal. The first one, a Government subsidized establishment, where we unknowingly went because it was the closest to our home and secondly the private one where I was twice admitted as a patient. Here, in the USA, in case of an emergency and if you have medical insurance coverage, you call your physician or Health Care Provider who will meet at the hospital where he or she is practicing. Unlike in Canada where you go to the closest Emergency facility and wait your turn, just as we did here at the public place. At about 6:45 pm,when we arrived at the public hospital, the place was already crowded, sadly, probably mostly with uninsured people and we now had to wait our turn, just as everyone else, to even speak to the first triage nurse. I suppose if you can walk in, as I did, you can sit and wait. Finally it was my turn and after a quick evaluation and to avoid the prospect of  being slapped with a lawsuit should one have a heart attack while in their <care>,  I was taken to a small room for an EKG just to rule out any surprises. After that we waited, and waited and waited some more. After more than 5 hours without seeing a doctor, I decided we should go back home since, coincidentally, I had an appointment scheduled with my physician for a routine visit the following morning.

The next day, we learned of how different things can be when you have insurance coverage and know how to use it. My physician made a few calls and we drove out to Mountain View to the private facility where I was quickly seen and admitted for a procedure and the first overnight stay. This private place is El Camino Hospital (This one I am willing to name) which David and I have since nicknamed THE SPA, although I also heard it being called THE FOUR SEASONS, by someone in the know. First at the ER, you are processed at lightning speed and when taken to a cubicle, a whole team is immediately upon you taking your vitals, installing all manners of monitoring devices on you, making you comfortable and prepping you for hydration, etc. Just like in movies or tv shows, they work quickly and efficiently and look like a well coordinated ballet.  This hospital has to be the best place to land when something major happens to you. It is, after all, The Official Hospital of Silicon Valley. I was even told by several member of medical personnel that of all the hospitals in the region (and there are many) this one is where all serious and dedicated staff want to work and where people want to go for the best care.  It is the most advanced facility around. The wing I was in is about two years old with state of the art equipment including robots that look like small filing cabinets roaming the halls on certain floors to deliver or pick up all kinds of things including lab samples, documents, meals, etc. On the patient floors, the rooms are spacious, super modern and comfortable. Almost like a hotel room, but not quite due to all the tubes delivering goodies into your body :-) The personnel is outstanding and a full team is assigned to you per work shift. You have a personal and direct contact with the people taking care of you and should you request something, it is delivered to you very quickly. There is a glass board on the wall underneath a flat screen television and for each work shift the name of the RN, PN and of several other individuals in charge of your care are listed along with the date, your weight and your height and special notes relative to your case and well being. They truly go above and beyond the call to make you better and it really works.  Oh, and let's not forget the totally Wi-Fi service, a definite plus when you are trapped in bed. :-) .However, I did not have much of an opportunity to sample their cuisine since I was mostly on a liquid to soft diet and anything they allowed me to have I gobbled up indiscriminately. 

 A million thanks to ECH medical and miscellaneous personnel and to the wonderful team of professionals at El Camino GI Medical Associates. By the way, during procedure number 3, the anesthesiologist gave me a drug made famous by none other than Mr. Michael Jackson. Propofol also known as Diprivan. Thankfully for me it worked beautifully and given under close professional supervision,  it is a wonderful drug when you need to be rendered unconscious. Finally, let me add that the body is a wonderous machine and that I am thankful for how well mine performed in those trying times.

I may still not be allowed to have a glass of wine or a spicy meal of any kind  but I certainly can have a wonderful salad so enjoy the following recipe.

Apple and Celery Salad

Serves 4-6

2 large Granny Smith apples
4 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1 large bunch of celery
2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
1/2 cup of raisins
1-2 tsp cumin seeds
4-6 Tbs finely chopped parsley
1 cup toasted peanuts, almonds or cashews
salt and black pepper to taste
6 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

Rinse the apples,dry and cut into quarters, core and chop into bite size pieces. Place in a salad bowl. Drizzle with half the lemon juice. Rinse celery, dry and remove all outer filaments. Chop into bite size pieces and add to bowl. Add garlic, raisins, cumin, parsley and nuts. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with the remaining lemon juice and the oil. Toss well and serve.

Bon appetit !