In my kitchen is this fancy schmancy bowl which was a gift from my sister-in-law, Cathy. It’s really beautiful and I can’t decide what to put in there first.
Some of you are wondering if I fell off the planet for a few days and frankly, I think I did. Since John’s heart attack I’ve felt a bit rudderless and it’s probably not ‘strong woman’ to admit that but there you go. When faced with the possibility that your best friend might not walk around any more, the thought of creating exciting food diminishes in importance. Even the view from the kitchen is depressing.
Then, just when he was feeling better, his computer died. It’s several years old and he works it hard. In addition to the computer he programs on and does all the things you and I do, part of his computer is an internet server where he can test his software. There’s something else on there too but by the time he got to explaining that, I’d switched off. He’ll read this and slap his forehead, I’m sure. I’m not a geek. I know enough to know that things should work but not enough to know how to make anything happen. Beyond HTML and I’m a goner.
The new computer has been ordered and all the parts were available except the 36 gigs of memory. We’ve got our fingers crossed that the memory arrives today because honestly, one more day of a grumpy, depressed man with a computer that is too weak to do anything is going to drive me up the wall.
We went to Deception Bay for a funeral the other day when it was over, John realized that we were only 5 minutes from Costco. They had breakfast sausage links! I thought since it was Costco maybe they’d be American breakfast sausages so I bought them. I cooked two sausages this morning and an egg and there’s so little spice that I was bored after two bites. Charlie liked them. I have about 10 ziplock bags of frozen sausage links to eat. I wonder if I could add spice to the pan? Probably not.
It’s still mango season and I also bought a couple of pomegranates and I could eat nothing but one of these for a meal.
I love limes and I bought a big bag of them. I’m going to make a lime pie, squeeze lime juice over anything that makes sense and I love a wedge of lime in a glass of sparkling or soda water.
I’ve been playing with Celia’s sourdough starter that she gave me that I’ve renamed Esmerelda Pissemeyer. This is the liveliest, bounciest starter you can imagine. Even when neglected, it comes back in a day to look like this. I’m thrilled that I was able to get some of this. I’m going to dry some of this for my friends and pass on the sourdough love.
In My Kitchen is an initiative of Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial. Visit her site to find heaps of other bloggers who’ve shared what’s going on in their kitchens this month. If you’d like to join in, there’s no registration or approval, just make an In My Kitchen post on your blog and link it to Celia and then let her know. You’ll get lots of new visitors.
Finally, no In My Kitchen is complete without a photo of the family. This is the dirtiest dog you’ll ever see. We’re on our way to the tub right now. Charlie went under the fence and had the best time playing in the canal this morning and then rolled in something I don’t want to discuss. Be glad this isn’t smellavision.
Hey honey… let me know if there is anything I can do to cheer you or brighten your day… love the bits and pieces in your kitchen… especially the bowl and Charlie. Hugs to John!
What a small world Maureen.. I have recently made a trip to Costco (out of curiosity) at North lakes too!
We should have gone at the same time and enjoyed a $1.99 hotdog and Coke together! 🙂
i want that fancy bowl too, lol
lovin had dining at home with a fancy restaurant platter….
I can’t believe there is now Costco in Australia, but it sounds like the sausages were a fizzer- at least Charlie is happy! Hope John continues to recover.
There is nothing like the disappointment of a bad sausage.
I love yours ” in my kitchen posts” Maureen and your pictures always are stunning!
Love the mangoes and pomegranates ! Beautiful!
I will visit others and maybe the next time I can participate!
This week was difficult!
Hope you have a nice day!
Loved everything, including the bowl from your sister-in-law, she’s got good taste in gifts…
as to the links, I was wondering if you could dice them up and use in a sourdough bread? It could work, and you could add some spices to the dough too
Charlie is adorable – what’s with dogs and smelly stuff? They love it! I hate to mention but cannot quite resist, that Oscar likes to eat dog poop, preferably fresh from production. I’ ve witnessed a few episodes that made me gag.
(sigh)
still love him, though
Oh no! Charlie thinks the catbox is for treats so we have to put it where he can’t go. Our previous dog couldn’t stay away from kangaroo poo. Apparently that’s the best stuff ever. 🙂
and then, they want to give you kisses! (sigh)
Say hello to John. The sight from your kitchen is stunning, though I know what you mean. The bowl is beautiful. Love the colors you put out there and love that furry friend.
Nothing like eau de chien!
Why is it that the most disgusting smelling deteriorating pile of “something” smells like perfume to our dogs? They invariably want to roll in it and then proudly prance in the house with the smell firmly embedded in their fur, mostly around their neck area.
Gagwggggg.
Dirty or not, Charlie is ADORABLE!!
After my uncle’s heart attack, his wife was so scared too, but, more than 12 years later, he is still kicking – and working in his yard, though he refuses to work on the computer leaving all the geeky stuff to his wife! I hope John is and stays well from here on – and y’all two lovebirds have many, many wonderful years together!
xx
Hi, Maureen…..those sausages are not a total loss, save them for doggie treats. 🙂
Love that bowl! Bummer about John’s computer — we always have at least one backup on hand, but of course it’s an old computer and probably too flabby to do anything we need done in a hurry. Interesting idea of spicing the pan — that might actually work. You might try adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil and some cayenne pepper and slowly heat it (and maybe let it slow simmer for 5 minutes or so, to infuse the oil with the cayenne?). Then fry the sausages. It might work — at least the surface of the sausages might get a bit spicy. Otherwise you could just chop them up, add spices, and cook them that way. Kind of hash-like.
Oh, beautiful mangoes – oh, I do miss Aussie mangoes – I have mango envy:)
Your sausages strip the skins off, crumble the meat, make a spicy tomato sauce, add the sausage meat – should give you the spice you want and hide the tasteless snag – use as a pasta sauce or even a topping for baked spuds. Good luck – I hate having something in the freezer I don’t like, ends up sitting there for ages!
Look at those mangoes, I am craving for those
This would take a bit of time, but take the casings off and put all the sausage in a bowl and add your own seasonings. You could then make sausage patties or place back in new casings.
At least it would be tasty and since you have so many of the little doggies may be worth it to get some taste.
I’m glad you have a fix for John’s computer coming – I have to admit I get grumpy too when my computer is acting up.
My husband had emergency neck surgery a few years ago and I remember the surgeon telling me that “it was unlikely that he would ‘bleed out'” – this was about 15 minutes before they rolled him to the operating room for a 5 (!) hour surgery. It took me months to get over the experience. I was, of course, so grateful that the surgery went well and that I still had my best friend and husband, but it took a while for the haze to pass. Hang in there Maureen. xoxo
Shame about the sausages, when my bro gets a bad one, the disappointment is really evident!
Loving the fresh fruit in your kitchen, I can’t get enough of mangoes either 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Maureen, I love reading your posts! I did not think you “fell off the face of the earth.” I totally understood why you haven’t been as available online. And I hope you know you don’t need our (your readers’) permission to pause as you need to. I have had to do the same the past week. Because life happens. Hugs.
Take the sausage back to Costco- they will take them back!!!
Have a great day and don’t forget to smile about things that should be smiled at- like that gorgeous bowl
You’ve had such a time recently, that I’m not surprised that you’re a bit uninspired in the kitchen. I’m yet you go to costco, but more and more I’m getting convinced that I should make the trip. All your fruit looks so lovely! I’d also use lime on EVERYTHING.
I would try to marinate the sausage in a strong garlic and lemon marinade. It’s worth a try! Love to all three of you.
Thanks for sharing your realness Maureen, you are awesome!
And the view from your kitchen still looks pretty good to me :))
Big love…
Charlie is the bomb!! Xo’s
Great post, and I love your photos! Thanks for sharing! <3 – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Sorry to hear that you’re a bit down in the dumps. The gloomy clouds aren’t helping, I’m sure. That’s a lovely bowl and all those fruits would be perfect in it. Charlie doesn’t LOOK dirty in the picture but I’ll take your word on it especially the smell. 🙂
I’m a bit down in the dumps as well. After the record snow on Sunday, we had/are having more snow today, then it’s going to be cold with snow on Saturday and even more on Sunday. I blame my gloomy feelings on SADS.
I’m sorry you’ve been feeling down Maureen, and I’m REALLY sorry to hear about John’s computer!!! I hope things are a bit brighter in the coming weeks. You bring a lot of joy to all of your followers, myself included, and you are due for some yourself. I’m sending good thoughts your way.
Sorry about the sausage…and I sure love peeking inside your kitchen…
Hope you have nicer days coming up…oh! I love Charlie picture 🙂
The best thing in the kitchen is Charlie! And that white bowl Love the simplicity of white. Some days are no fun, but the best part is that tomorrow is another day. You know that Costco takes anything back, even if it is opened. A hassle I know, but sometimes it just needs to be done!
I remember when my Ruby would ‘go on a hunt’ and come back really proud of herself but after having rolled in something. Something like ‘dead animal carcass’. The smell would be so pungent and vile I would almost be throwing up and three baths later with about three bottles of shampoo, she’d still smell. Why do they do it? You can only domesticate them so far! I’m sure you hit the wall after holding up strong for so long. It happened to me when we nearly lost our Archie. I was ‘all go’ at the hospital and coping brilliantly then a came home and sank into a depressed state – I just didn’t want to see anyone or talk to anyone yet so many people called round to visit – I just wanted to run and hide. Be kind to yourself and don’t expect to much – you need time to recover. I do hope John’s computer is up and running now xx
Charlie looks so clean though – my dog used to roll in dead birds that was pretty grim let me tell you. I’m not surprised you’ve been knocked about a bit it’s probably delayed shock isn’t it. I could eat a plate of mangoes & pomegranate too – summer on a plate.
Dang, I better get my Mango on, havent had one all summer. Limes tho, they have been shoved down my corona neck and enjoyed a plenty. Charlie doesnt look dirty to me, he looks totally hug-able. Speaking of… Sending you giant hugs fueled with glitter and rainbows and unicorns. xx
Yep, lovely bowl! Maybe add the snags to some smoky home made baked beans?
Hi Maureen, be cheery. It has all turned out well. All the best to you and your family.
I’m doing my best. The fog is clearing. 🙂
Wishing you and John good health and that John’s computer is up and running smoothly now.
May be you could slice the sausages and use them in a stew (alone or combined with a bit of beef or pork) with lots of veggies.
You are an amazing view from your kitchen. So beautiful! Now that John is getting better you can enjoy it 🙂
Hellooo Charlie, you mucky but cute dog! I’m with you on the mango and pomegranate, but also love papaya – and you can squeeeeze lime juice over it for a delicious breakfast 🙂 Happy February!
Charlie looks like a teddy bear, a very happy teddy bear I might add.
I’m happy to hear John is doing better and so are you, take care of yourself!
Oh Honey Bunny—good for you that you are not pressing yourself to get into the kitchen and Do Do Do.
It’s good to just process. The world tilted on its axis. Time to readjust and be ever so gentle with yourself.
Taking a look at your priorities in your life needs contemplation time for sure.
As to the sausages—-I am sorry. I know what you mean about that American flavor. I am shocked when I am in Canada or New Zealand, because I forget they are NOT the same.
Oh Honey Bunny—good for you that you taking a time out to process. Your world tilted on its axis. Taking stock in regard to priorities takes contemplation time. Good for you that you didn’t let the Do Do Do over take you.
Sorry about the computer.
Love the dog
Sorry about the sausages. American sausage is definitely what my taste buds prefer.
I always fear buying a large quantity of something at Costco and then not liking it. Maybe you could cook the sausages with some sliced chiles? Can’t wait to see the lime pie!
I want Charlie!! You showed him last and he’s all I can think about. Okay I went back and looked again. Your kitchen looks fresh and delicious. I’d love to see a bowl of mango and pomegranate seeds – how pretty would that be?
Photo of the family? There seems to be 2 members missing?
Your starter looks fab! Mine is called Homer (Simpson) because he is a bit lazy but always comes through in the end 🙂
Can’t wait to see that pie! And tell John he needs to control the sausage intake…. 😉
John didn’t eat any sausage. That was my plate. family-ish 🙂
naughty charlie. i am sad to hear you are feeling down. things creep up on you i find. we can sail thru a big disaster and days or weeks afterwards fall into a huge heap when the adrenaline etc dies down.. feel better soon. i love your limes. they are my fave; but i say that about most things. sending you best wishes. xx
Yes, no IMK would be complete without Charlie. Lovely photo and his chops look very neat and tidy. Costco can thrill and disappoint can’t it? Guess Charlie will be having some yummy dinners. Lovely view Maureen – I didn’t realise you were on a canal. cheers Fiona xx
I think that’s the best photo of Charlie I’ve seen. Looking so handsome! Perfectly acceptable for you to take a little time out. That reminds me I need to get out to Costco soon.
My favorite part of this is the funeral’s proximity to Costco! Life goes on and we have to eat, but boo to boring sausages. It is absolutely okay to be a bit rudderless for awhile–that heart attack was no joke. So glad John is on the mend, and you will find yourself planning and doing again before long. xoxo
Sourdough always intrigued me and intimidated me. I’m curious to see what comes out of that starter!
Charlie is so sweet, but I do feel for John. I was devastated when my last computer gave up the ghost I felt like I had lost a limb. I am glad to hear he is on the road to recovery. Im with you too limes are the best 😀
It’s a tough gig being the strong one and I hope you’ve perked up a bit now, Maureen.
Just remember – we love you. xxx
Aww, Charlie is too cute and I’m envious of your gorgeous mangoes! I appreciate your honesty too – it’s ok to admit feeling weak because we’ve all been there at some point or another!
Lots of lovely goodies to be sure Maureen! I think it’s only natural to have a reaction to the shock you’ve been through lately. You are definitely a strong woman or you would have fallen apart in the middle of it all when John needed you most xo
May be you could squeeze the sausage meat out of the casings and spice them up then make meatballs or add to pasta sauces or meatloaf – just some suggestions.
Hope John is recovering quickly. No wonder you felt a bit lost after such a scare. I’d be a mess.
I thought about that after I froze them all in little packages. 🙂
Sending you such love. Because you’re right, it is what matters. xx
Maureen, I can’t even imagine the aftermath of emotions following your hubby/very best friend’s heart attack. ‘Rudderless’ was an excellent description, but probably only a hint of what you’ve been feeling. I’m glad John’s home, but I’m sure it’ll take awhile for daily life to stop feeling tenuous. Hugs and more hugs.
P.S. Charlie manages to look completely innocent and adorable at all times, even when he’s been naughty. Good dog.
That white bowl – a popular color in Japan because it symbolizes purity – would be perfect for udon noodles and shrimp! As for the sausage links from CostCo…You’re giving me ideas, Maureen….And when it comes to computers and husband moods, I do completely understand. (My husband is in charge of the graphics for FOX TV’s Bones.) Last and not least, your doggy is adorable whether he’s been coiffed and shampooed or not =)
Glad to hear that John is doing better and up and about. Bobby and I do understand the emotions you are experiencing and am sending big hugs your way. Oh…don’t you just love Costco! 🙂 Can’t beat those big flats and bags of fruit. Another lovely visit to your kitchen Maureen.
Some great snaps! I am yet to make a sourdoigh started but you make it sound simple!!! That pup is also SUPER CUTE! x
I love your new bowl Maureen and also the purple one, especially with the limes in it. I think you need a spicy tomato sauce with those sausages. I’m sure I have some things in the freezer that I no longer want to eat! I love hearing the tales of Charlie, he brings a smile to your face.
Maureen, Charlie really is the cutest pooch ever! I’m sorry that John’s computer karked it and that the breakfast links were too mild, but I’m very happy to hear that he’s well enough to be grumpy! I love limes too and have been having a few too many in cocktails lately. And hooray for Esmerelda! It’s all in the name, you know.. 🙂