Dinner, for grown ups

Tonight I cooked.  This has not been a habit of mine lately.  I have been horridly lazy and have not cooked much in the past several weeks.  I really need to change that.

So, I went to the fridge and cupboard looking for inspiration.  And I found it.  Sometimes I go a little crazy in the produce section at Kroger's and that is a good thing.  A very yummy thing.  My dinner tonight was comprised of Pearl Couscous, Bok Choy, Broccollini, and Garlic Bread.  So good. 

This was my first time cooking bok choy so I had to look up a few methods.  Sauteing sounded like the best.  I quickly cleaned and cut the pieces, got my oil heated (with a little salt and dill) and cooked for about 8 minutes.  It was pretty good.  It has a bit of a strong flavor, especially in the greens and I really liked it.  I'm going to work with this again.

Next was the broccollini.  I love this stuff.  Its so cute.  I've always been a fan of broccoli and this is a cousin.  For this dish I lightly basted the spears with olive oil, salted and oven roasted for about 15 minutes.  Really good and has a nice crisp texture this way.

Finally the couscous.  I've been a fan of 'traditional' couscous for years and a few months ago starting making the pearl version.  Cooking is a bit more than the little stuff but worth it.  I added a little butter, mustard and garlic salt.  Very nice and not too heavy.

All in all a yummy meal and definitely one I would say leans heavy toward my vegetarianism with vegan tendencies.  I hope you enjoy the photos.  Goodnight!!

Oh and in case you're wondering, yes I had hives again today.  I'll be calling the doctor again in the morning.  This can not continue!  I'm supposed to be going camping this weekend and have a procedure on Tuesday.  The doctor isn't going to want to put a tube down my throat if I'm all covered in hives, having asthma attacks and have a swollen esophagus!  Ugh!!!

Not a bad day. That's good.

So, today I had my 5th EGD.  (For those of you not familiar with gastrointestinal medicine, an EGD is a scope that is placed down your esophagus to see your esophagus and stomach.)  And I found out this will not be my last.  Not by a long shot.  I'm a bit depressed about that but, I have a great doctor (Dr. Melvin at OSU is the best!) and I know he's doing what is best and keeping me capable of eating.  (Yeah, I suppose that's a good thing.)  Because of my condition I will now be getting an EGD with a balloon inserted to expand my esophagus every 6-8 (maybe/hopefully a bit longer between) weeks.  I'm shocked with that but, as one of the residents explained, the EGDs are easier than a major surgery. But, that may in the future be a reality to fix the problem on a permanent basis.

Anyway, I'm back at my parent's house now relaxing and recuperating. I'm feeling okay, not too much pain and hope to be on my way home tomorrow.  This procedure so far seems to have caused less irritation than the lat one. Since I am not 'supposed' to drive or make an major decisions for the rest of the day (stupid anesthesia) my photos for the day will be ones taken around my parent's home.  Particularly, the garden that my father has created in the front yard.

Enjoy!!

Home.  No matter where I go, how old I am; this will always be home.

My parent's spectacular garden.  My Dad has done an incredible job creating this garden.  Its amazing to think that this garden sits on the former site of our house. 

Bella's Angel.  Miss you baby.

Taylor's Angel.  Miss you baby.

A lily.  I had a different shot that is a more head-on, clear version; but I really liked this one.

Grapes growing on the vine over the arch at the entry to the garden.

Trumpet Vine and a wasp.

Some of my Dad's awesome handiwork.  He can paint and craft a lot of cool stuff.  (And weld).

A large dog.  Yup, that's Duke.  My favorite puppy.

Green beans growing in the garden.  (Alongside some lettuce I'll be taking home with me.)

Beautiful lily.

Dad's gazing ball.  Can you see me?

A natural flower arrangement.

Antique gardening equipment.  And beautiful hostas.

The garden entrance.

My absolute favorite picture.  My hydrangea looks awesome and you can actually see small threads of spider webs in the shot.  So cool.

More pretty flowers.  This is the hanging basket on the back deck.  Not actually in the garden.

I think small people must work here.

Some of my grandpa's whirly gigs.  Can't believe he's been gone for over 15 years.  I miss him like it was yesterday.

Wow!!  That is a lot of photos.  Hope you liked them.  Leave a comment if you'd like to, I'd love to hear from my readers!