What we did get was cold, and lots of it. We're grateful if we see temperatures up in the 20s. Charley Bear doesn't mind; his coat is thick, and he'll roll in the dirt/snow mix just as quick as the white stuff. But both the Brick and I find that our toes and fingertips stay permanently icy. Whoever gets in bed first gets a chilly surprise when Person #2 crawls in and snuggles up.
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| We can't all take pretty pictures.. |
If you're a Faithful Reader, you know that these past weeks have been marked by loss for us. Charley largely has given up looking for Abby, though he searches occasionally. I've trained myself to step around her blanket for so long that it's habit by now. She was a quiet dog who left a large, empty space.
I leave tomorrow for Michigan, and Macklin John's funeral service on Thursday. I honestly do not know how this visit is going to go -- but it's clear that I'm supposed to do it. The suitcase is packed with Valentine's stuff for The Mama (the Hollander approach -- that way, you save on shipping), as well as books for Steph and Adam's kids, and a present for Steph. Imagine: a funeral service for your son, and a few days later, your birthday celebration. How can I help and comfort this dearly-loved niece through all this...how can I help my brother and his wife, who were looking forward to this new grandchild? How can I cheer up The Mama, who is reliving her own loss of a child, decades ago? (I had this happen to me, too, though mine happened much more early.)
It will not be easy.
The Brick will stay and hold the fort while I'm gone. Or, as Winston Churchill (and ironically, King George) liked to say, he'll KBO. ("Keep buggering on.") Neither of us feels particularly enthusiastic about anything right now.
Meanwhile:
TEN CONVENIENCE ITEMS THAT ARE WORTH IT
(Even if they cost more)
Frozen fish or chicken tenders, or meatballs -- especially if they're on sale. Easy to use and heat up quickly. Perfect for last-minute suppers, and take their place equally well as a main dish item or sandwich ingredient. (Good for when you don't feel like cooking, too.)
Frozen eggrolls, wonton or gyoza. These have all the 'easy' attributes mentioned above, but can also make a casual supper with friends into a party. Our local dollar store sells a 12-pack of gyoza for...you guessed it... a buck.
Not on sale? Get frozen fries, instead. Top them with gravy (Elvis' favorite) or green/red chili, plus a layer of cheese. Heat til sizzling.
Canned soup. With any of the items above, this is a meal -- and a fast one. I'll even dilute the 'chunky' types with half a can of milk, broth or water; it makes them go further.
Frozen pizza -- if the right kind. Hold out for the more elaborate brands, and don't hesitate to add ingredients like crumbled bacon or sliced mushrooms. If you're feeling particularly decadent, extra shredded cheese.
Canned spray whipped cream. This seems decadent -- until you realize how long it lasts. Get real whipped cream, not 'imitation.' Our can from late October is still going strong; can you say the same thing about that tub of Cool Whip?
Canned chocolate sauce -- I'll argue for Hershey's thick chocolate, almost bitter taste anytime. Add a spritz of whipped cream and a cherry for "fahnsy" results on cake or ice cream. Stir it into milk for hot chocolate, or coffee for a mocha taste. Or shovel a few tablespoons in your mouth, if you're feeling blue. (Spray whipped cream in on top, for a sundae effect. Hey, Daughter #2 does it!)
Frosting tubes -- for cake, cupcake or cookie decorating. Easier to letter with, and can be used to make either purchased or homemade baked goods more personal. (Wait until after a holiday; they're usually in the clearance bin then. Right now, popular colors are, of course, red and green. Use the red for Valentine's Day, and save the green for St. Patrick's.)
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| This version from thisheartofmine.com, via Pinterest |
Cream cheese. Tubs are okay, though bricks of cheese will go further and last longer. These are nourishing, spread in a sandwich or on a cracker. (There's always cheesecake, too.) In a pinch, substitute a spoonful for sour cream.
Hot chocolate mix. Look for one that includes the words 'dark chocolate' or 'European.' (We Americans associate that with luxury, I would guess.) The Starbucks brand is surprisingly deep and dark; got it at the Friday/Saturday store for around 25 cents an envelope.
I grew up drinking Swiss Miss, but it's pale and anemic, compared to the more expensive brands. So are many of the generics. Once you find a mix you like, make it half with milk. A huge difference on a dreary, snowy night. (That whipped cream should be nearby, as well, if you want to top off mit schlag.)
Your favorite fruit juice. Or frozen fruit. When it's cold and blowing outside, that spoonful of peach slices is a reminder that winter won't be here forever. Summer will return.
And life goes on.
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