California Dreamin???

Okay, so maybe it's more like Kauai Island, Hawaii, nonetheless, it's definitely NOT 17 degrees there right now. In fact, right at this very moment, though it's only 12:52am, it is 73 degrees there. That's a 56 degree difference...for the better. Winter seems to last just a tad too long up here around the 45th parallel. Sure, it's not as bad as Barrow, AK, up in the Arctic Circle, but then again, my body kept me from making that romaticized move years ago. And my body thanks me. The cold endures, my bones get sore, my muscles get stiff, my kids are pent up inside for one too many weekends, when all there is to do is go through a library of books on the wall, watch tv, or play video games. Luckily, they're are getting more and more into board games, but like all games, after you play them so long, and for little kids, twice is once too long, the become just as their names describe..."bored" games.

I've attempted pushing my daily walks with my Princess, my dog, into jogs now and again, however, this just resulted in me running in boots and shoes not made for such and giving me a blister and sore on my toe. For this, I've switched to my old, holey, running shoes, but the soles on these are shot and because they are "holey; id est, full of holes" I have air conditioning in them at a time where it is really not welcome. I know I will need to get a better pair of sneakers, but hazzard to acquire some until I'm sure all the crappy weather, which will beat up nice shoes, has passed. Besides, that's another $70-$100 I really don't want to spend. It's not that I don't like spending money, but I'd prefer to spend other people's money:) And it's not just the shoes; it's so much harder exercising when your muscles start out cold and finish up cold, your feet are bruised, and you're wearing 10 pounds of clothes you'd rather not be wearing. I read somewhere that some of the best running is to run bare foot in sand. Believe me, I'd love to try out that theory. I'd much rather be running barefoot in my swimsuit and nothing else, along a beach in 75 degree weather some where, than on pavement, blowing icy steam out of my moouth as my eyes sting from the frost, and my hands chill inside my thick, but ineffective, winter gloves. That's another thing...they can put a man into space where it is around -270 degrees Celsius, he can float in space, walk on the moon, and return, and is relatively unscathed, but I can't get a pair of winter gloves that actually keep my hands warm without running wires through them. What's up with that?

So, as you can tell, I'm pretty tired of winter right now. I'd rather have sand up my butt, half burried near a palm tree, with a Margarita, Mojito, or Cuba Libre, or just an Icy lemonade, than be having to warm up with a cup of coffee, in two shirts, long pants, socks and slippers, trying to stay warm in my own house. There are few bright spots onMarch in Michigan, and my boy's birthday isn't until the end of it. Stay warm and comfy, and if you're in somewhere warm, but not unbearably hot, right now, enjoy for me, and I'll continue with my coffee and open-toed dreams. Here's to sand between your toes, and an ocean spray caught in the wind hitting your face, as you stare out towards the surf, rocking gently in your hammock with your shade hat on and the sun filtering down between the palms and coconuts high above you. Cheers!!!

What a Difference in a Couple of Days

Last week we had 55 or 56 degrees one day. Lower 50's another, and 40's two or three others. I know it's only February 20th, but it sure was nice to see the sun and very little white. The Winter does seem to last long after the Christmas shine wears thin. No holiday songs, or bows and gift wrap. No fragrant pine boughs, or door wreaths. Even candles have changed their scents and meanings. But now, in the middle of February, there are signs of the Spring. I felt invigorated. Though my Michigan sinus continues to plague me throughout, I was feeling very good, and tackled several projects which built up over the past few months. I uncovered my basement work bench, and my garage work bench, repaired and tightened all loose screws on my charcoal BBQ, picked up after my pup's Winter deposits, and even began work on a new photo collage, commemorating our recent trip to Chicago we took on Christmas break. However, nothing lasts forever.

Around 3:00 pm, the snow, once again, began to fall. If you're not really a lover of Winter sports, like I said, the beautiful snows seem to lose their luster after the Christmas season. I do not dislike this, mind you. I revel in the sheer beauty and magnificance and awe of a full fledged snow fall; unlike the wet messes you may see in early November. Of course my opinion is only one of a Michigander. I recall spending a birthday with my older brother, many years ago, up in the mountains of Colorado, where on October 16th or 17th, we woke to eight inches of newfallen snow. It was gorgeous! In fact, looking down from his second story A-frame, 9000 feet up, one could really appreciate the "blanketed in white" description. And here too, the world is almost a white-out, as the snow waffles between wet pin points, and fluffy feathers, but continues nonetheless.



A few days ago, I was rerouting the flow of water from the rapidly melting snow in the yard, so as to divert the river from the mouth of my low lying garage, to the the opening to the drainage system I installed not two years ago for just that purpose. Today, I am awaiting the cessation of the white onslaught so I can hopefully clear this Wintry insinuation in one fellow swoop...or snowblowing, as the case may be. They may have had gloves on at the theme parks in Orlando a couple of weeks ago, but I'm sure they didn't need to shovel it! Stay warm and enjoy the weather :)

I'm so full of it, it's killin' me....

It took less than 24 hours for me to realize I can't keep what I said with a straight face. Oh, I'd like to believe I could be Mother Theresa, or Ghandi, but in reality, I'm a fallable human being. I have given up beer for the most part, that is true. I also have a big heart and would love to see the good in everybody and ignore ignorance, commonplace, idiostocracy and egotistical morons...and morons in general, but I'm not Jesus. I may have said I have changed, and some may even agree, just glossing over my portfolio, but in all honesty, I am who I am. I strive for excellence and perfection, and wallow when I don't achieve it.

I probably keep most friends, relatives included, just by not spouting off about what idiots, hypocrits, and morons they are to their faces. I do this partially to keep the peace, but also because I know I'm far from perfect myself. However, one day, someone may just push my buttons at the wrong time and I will lose a relationship by calling a spade a spade. I have recently gotten into watching a 7 year running television show called, House. I realize I love this for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that often times I wish I could shoot off my mouth as he does and tell everyone what I think of them and what they're doing, or what their real motives are. However, I would have to accept the fact that, like House, I would be left very few friends...and I don't know if I could deal with that. Are false friends better than no friends? I don't know, but at least with friends you don't insult, there's always the hope that some day they will see the light and come around to reality and apologize for being such an insensitive, egotistical, self centered jerk; for a better choice of words.

I do love, but would prefer to be able to love without reservations, doubts, and bitten tongues. But, like I said, I guess I'm just human. There, now it's off my chest, and I can get on with it. I feel like I'm in AA or something. Isn't bearing your soul one of the 12 steps. I already know I'm powerless to the overall picture, or is that just self-proclaimed defeat? No...I'm not giving up. Not by a longshot am I giving up. Just trying to keep finding where and who I am in relation to everyone and everything else around me. Maybe I'll get it before they throw dirt in my face. Does anybody???

Things Change; And So Have I

Often times people change in their relationships and this is normal. It should be expected, but so often we refuse to acknowledge that we are the ones that have gone through the change. We blame others for our waning closeness, or our falling out of love. But just as it takes two to Tango, so does it take two to separate. Even opposite poles wouldn't repel if only one was negative and the other was neutral; it would have to be the positive to repel the negative. But before you get up in arms, I'm not trying to pin the tail on the donkey, or go after anyone else's relationship. I am speaking of myself and only thereof.

When I was in my youth, I drank with the best of them. I've done shots, played chandeliers, and even smoked a few cigarettes in my day. I know, I'm really living on the edge. However, in recent years, months even, I have really felt the pull away from many of those things. Maybe it's my concern about how it affects my heart, or how too much drinking can make me less of a responsible adult to my boys when they might need me, or even that my lack of care may hurt myself worse than I have in the past. Whatever the reason, I've taken stock in my life and have really focussed more on what I am, and what I want out of my life, and what makes me and my family happy. I've always enjoyed wine, and only tolerated beer; so why tolerate? I love being with my family, and hate being separated from them; so why separate? And there are so many other things I enjoy more than other things I have done. Yes, you have to sort through the lint in the couch to find the pennies, but once you find them, you treasure them.

Happily, one thing hasn't changed; my heart. I have always had a big heart, and always worn it on my sleeve. People don't need a PhD to figure out who I like and who I don't, or more to the point, whom I love. My Uncle Stan died recently, and although it was very nice to see my cousins I hadn't seen in ten, twenty, or thirty years, I was most happy to be there for my Aunt Phoofie, my dad, and my uncle, God rest his soul. When I spoke up to remember him, of all the pleasurable thoughts I could have expounded upon, I settled on a story about peas, carrots, and cranberry relish. It might have been trite, but it was real. I really loved my uncle, and really would have made or done whatever I could for him. 75 years is too short for this world, but at least I know that I was close to him, and remembered him when I could, and as often as I could throughout those years.

I love! I don't know if a lot of people can say that without throwing in a caveat here or there. Too many people worry about how what they say, feel, or do will affect or benefit them, rather than how it might benefit someone else; not knowing how the feeling of doing nice things for people can really give you a continued peace of mind, and even a high at times. I'm far from altruistic, but I know we live on this Earth with other people because we do. And just as if I were alone on an island somewhere, I would know I would interact with only plants and animals, and have to because they would be there with me, I also know that being planted among other humans here on Earth, to not take full advantage of their unique personalities and embrace which ones coincide and foster mine, would be wrong.

I HAVE changed. I apologize to all those who enjoyed my company and being before, because it more coincided with their lifestyles, but don't apologize for the change. I am more myself now than I have been in recent years, and love who I am. I love my wife and kids, my brothers and sister, and my parents, and all friends and family who want to love me too. Love is a two way street. My side is open. How about yours?

Winter Is Cold

What's new in my kitchen is anything warm; a toaster on high, or microwaved corn. A hot cup of coffee to wrap hands around. Perhaps you like cocoa. How does that sound? This Winter is cold, the house a bit chilly. Too many days when I'm freezing my Willy...and Tommy and Jimmy and Eddie:)
The Holidays over, the oven's cooled down. Too cold to go out for a night on the town. If snow is your game, there are plenty of sports. Me, I like warmer, so I can wear shorts. So put a log on the fire, and slippers on toes. Keep a hat for your head and tissue for nose. Michigan's seasons are beautiful, it's true, but if gets much colder, I'll literally turn blue:(

Prices on Offerings

I have decided that since my web page knowledge is so limited, ergo it may be quite some time before I have one up and running, I will rely on this blog to temporarily double for my internet advertising. That being said, I would like to welcome all who have tasted my treats and are looking for pictures, prices, and such, as well as those of you who have yet to enjoy. As I make more of my goodies, I will post them with descriptions of what they are. Suffice to say, if you've tasted them, you won't care what they are. Having said that, here is a listing.

General Cookies
(Chocolate Chip, Peanut Butter, Oatmeal, and Sugar) are $4 per dozen, with a 20% discount if you purchase what I call a Batch Order. In my terminology, a Batch Order is four or more dozen of the same cookie, because I ususally get 4 1/2 - 5 dozen per recipe, or batch. Obviously 6 dozen would put me into a new batch, but the discount would remain for the whole order. These cookies can be spruced up with a variety of nuts, and/or flavored chips and such; e.g. Oatmeal raisin, or Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip; your choice. Frosted Gingerbread 2 1/2 - 3 inch rounds are also included in this price(frosted men are 80 cents each.

$5 Offerings
Per Dozen
Snowball Cookies(pecan/flour cookie, rolled in powdered sugar)
Thumbprint Cookies(pecan crusted, jelly filled)
Chocolately Goodness(oatmeal toffee base topped with peanut butter/chocolate mixture.)
Per 1/2 pound
Peanut Brittle

Cakes/Breads
Chocolate Chip Rum Cake - $6/quarter, $10/half, $18/full
Holiday Ton Cake(butter cake with candied fruit, walnuts and pecans --- Great Coffee Cake, very dense) - $10/quarter, $18/half, $35/whole
Banana Nut Bread - $7
Pumpkin Bread - $7
The above listed are my present offerings. I am a versatile cook and will try most recipes. However, I cannot price anything until I make it once and know what it entails.

I am also very happy to entertain any questions you might have with your own cooking problems. Not all of us want someone else to cook for us, but some might have trouble with the ins and outs. Email me @ ericskitchen@wowway.com and I'll be happy to call or email you back and see what I can do to help. I have several years of kitchen experience as well as culinary training under some awesome chefs at Macomb Community College. I pride myself in making things that taste great. Again - - - - WELCOME!!!

Turn Back Time?

Let's see, fall of 1994, that's when I was baking this early. Actually not quite this early but as I woke this morning to put together a banana bread and get it in the oven just after six AM, I was reminded of my days in Culinary Arts school, at Macomb Community College, in Clinton Twp. I was enrolled in the program and was under the teaching of Chef Dave Wolf for, "Techniques of Cooking"; or something like that. Anyway, it was the first class in the program I was to take and I was to be clean, shaven, and changed into my Ice Cream Man Whites, and in my seat by the start of class, which was seven in the morning. They didn't even want you to bring in any outside dirt on your uniform, so you were to change there on site. Now, this wasn't that difficult for me because I am an early riser anyway, but some of the men and women who sat around me didn't always look top notch. Unfortunately for them, this reflected in their appearance part of their grade. C'est bien dommage! I, on the other hand, was raring to go, and revelled in the early work time.
Once I got into the restaurant business, I would always enjoy the early hours as well. With less noise in the streets, cooler temps and being one of the few peppy people that early, this is where I shined. Of course, there were a few that outshined me in my morning pep. I remember this one little red-head I worked with at Sycamore Hills Golf Club. She also always took the early shift on the weekend, and while I was prepping the kitchen for breakfast, she was buzzing around like a whirlwind. You can also tell the early morning people from the fakers or the ones who had to be there; us early risers always have smiles on our faces when we are working. Katie danced from the dining room to the kitchen, as I waltzed through the kitchen and prep areas. We chatted and laughed and enjoyed the morning...that is until the non-morning people had to get there and told us to tone it down a bit. Nonetheless, early morning baking and movement is definitely my cup of tea...or in my case, coffee. Therefore, this morning, I was up by 5:40, and had my bread made and in the oven by 6:07. True, I have a long way to go from getting the ovens going in the bakery and rolling out the dough so all the fixings can be ready when the cutomers flow into Bugatski's at the crack of dawn, but give me the job, and I won't be late a day. As of now, my only job is a household, where I just have to be up and moving before the little ones have to rise for school starting next week.