I Can Cook

Sheer momentum (and a whining doggie) pulled me out of bed hours before my body was awake. Made coffee with my French press which cracked and broke before I could pour a drop. I was sleep walking through my t'ai chi class. Finally realized, after I started craving beef and peas, that I was feeling the effects of low iron and lack of protein. Happily there was a small ribeye steak in the fridge. I can't tell you how much better I feel. It is like blood is pumping through my veins and my brain is working again!

I don't think I can ever be a vegetarian, much as I love animals. If there's one thing I've learned here in this tiny, isolated place, it is how to cook. I'm not expert, mind you, but I combine ingredients much better and don't make burnt, flavorless food like I used to. I think I'm now eating out only about once a week, these days. We have restaurants here but, with the exception of my favorite Chinese place, they are overpriced and underwhelming.

I've become quite good at baking, too. I'm especially proud of my apple or pear and cheddar pies (on a pre-made gluten-free crust). I found a free wok at a thrift store and have done a couple slightly-better-than-mediocre stir-frys.

While I won't go so far as to say I am a good cook, I will concede that my skills have improved and I am no longer a bad cook.