Thursday's Tale

Well, we never got the predicted snow last night, but Thursday morning was cold! It was lightly snowing on the way into work, but our next serious chance for snow will come on Saturday.

It was still below freezing out there at lunchtime. I had to go to the Feed Store for birdseed. A strapping young man loaded the 40 pound bag into the car (there are times when this cane gives me a break). Next I stopped at GFS and picked up some stuff. Then, I went home and unloaded.

So, finally it was 5:00 PM and I was headed home. I got home and changed into my "tile" clothes. But, I gotta tell ya, my back was hurting (so much so, I was very careful moving throughout the day) and both my knees are shot (whether from last night's tile project or the damn wet, cold day, I dunno). So, as much as I would like to get something done (and shower downstairs, for a change), I decided to give it a pass tonight.

So, I started to take care of the little things I've been ignoring. Before I knew it, it was after 7:00 PM and time to think about dinner. Nothing was thawed and I just had the roast beef last night... Hmmm... I got it! Linguine with clams!

I started to look for the recipe then I realized I make this so often I don't need it. So, I put a pot of salted water on the stove to boil for the noodles and get my 12-inch skillet.

I saut�ed a fine diced medium onion in some olive oil and butter, When they were about translucent; I added four cloves of diced garlic. I got the pasta into the water and cooked it until it was al dente.

Meanwhile, back at the skillet, I added three cans of chopped clams (two drained and one not), a good pinch of red pepper flakes, some salt and pepper and about half cup of white wine. I let that get happy and reduce for a bit, then added the drained pasta. I used my tongs to mix it well, making sure the pasta all got coated with the sauce.

I plated a big pile of it and topped it with fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. I went in to watch the taped Top Chef show. I got through about half of it and all my dinner when I dozed off.