Friday, December 18, 2009

More Bits and Pieces

Lowery's Candies

In my humble opinion, the best chocolates and candies in the world are made at Lowery's Candies in Muncie, Indiana. It's probably too late to get most orders delivered in time for Christmas unless you live close to Muncie. However, if you have a sweetie who deserves a wonderful treat for Valentine's Day, you might want to bookmark Lowery's url and order early. I lived in Muncie, Indiana for about sixteen years and have sampled most of Lowery's products. When I attend Magna cum Murder, the mystery convention held in Muncie in October, visiting Lowery's is a must.

Writing Progress

So far, so good. I'm still grooving.

Movie Breaks

My best writing time is between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, so I usually read or watch television or a movie in the evening. Last night (after Survivor), I wept my way through My Sister's Keeper. What a tearjerker! A well-acted poignant drama. Tonight my husband and I have a date to watch the most recent Star Trek movie (which I think is a prequel).

A Problem With One Christmas Gift

I had purchased a copy of Mark Ludy's The Grump as a gift for one of my grandnephews, but after reading the first page, I decided to keep it for myself. Mark is a Northern Colorado author and illustrator. I'll be able to track him down at his Windsor coffee shop and have him sign the book for me. Grandnephew received a copy of Mark's The Farmer instead.

The Soup

I make my soups with a little of this and a little of that. This pot started with beef short ribs simmered most of the day with chopped onion and celery, water, and a can of low sodium beef broth. Mid-afternoon I added more water and two 15 oz. cans of low sodium diced tomatoes. I removed the short ribs to cool so I could dice the meat and discard fat and bones. I also skimmed excess fat from the simmering mixture and added my ground rosemary, Herbes de Provence, chili powder, and a couple of bay leaves. When I added back the meat, I tossed in some barley and a bit of white rice along with a glug, glug of low sodium V8 juice. A little later, sliced carrots and frozen green beans. Finally, chunks of potato and fresh spinach and a bit of salt to taste. Yep, we're having soup again tonight.

And now, back to the WIP.

8 comments:

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

My best writing time is from 12 to 6 because, like you, I try to save the evenings for TV or movies. I haven't seen my Sister's Keeper but the book was excellent.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

That soup is sounding good!

I cooked veggie soup last night. It's wickedly cold here in the Southeast and we need some liquid comfort.

Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder

Mason Canyon said...

The soup sounds great. What time did you say we all eat? I think we're in agreement, we'll come by for supper. Congrats on the work progress.

JournoMich said...

I'm so there with Mason! Thanks for the look into your day and sweet tooth. :)

Michele
SouthernCityMysteries

Jemi Fraser said...

Yummy!!! I love homemade soup :)

Glad your writing is zipping along!

Gutsy Living said...

What a nice blend of topics, just like Lowery's chocolates. I love soup, but have never been gifted at making a GREAT soup.

Patricia Stoltey said...

Thanks, youse guys, for coming by, even while I am writing, writing, writing instead of leaving blog comments at your place. I'll catch up on Monday.

Karen, I was checking my cupboard the other day and found I'm overstocked on store-bought noodles. I think I'll buy a chicken next week and then make a big pot of chicken and noodles.

Back in the day my grandmother made this dish, she prepared her noodles from scratch (with a handful of this and a pinch of that). Hers were always tender and yummy. She tried to teach me how, but mine were always tough and chewy. Can't win 'em all, I guess.

The Old Silly said...

Enjoyed ALL the bits and pieces, but the soup - I'm off to the kitchen - sounds perfect for a wintry day here in Michigan!

Marvin D Wilson