First Garbage Day of 2009

It was bitter cold this morning (6 degrees F. or -30 degrees C.) when I took out the trash. The only good news was there was no wind.

When I got home I took my mini-level and put it on the stove. When she was here and admiring the tile work, Lu has asked if it was the tiles or my stove that wasn't level (she was seated at the kitchen table at the time). I leaned over to see it from her point of view and by God, she was right! Something's weird! After they left, I checked with my small level and the stove is off.

So, I asked Jake at work if he leveled his stove (he bought a similar model when they moved in) and, if so, what size wrench did you need to adjust the legs. He said he did, but couldn't remember using a wrench or the size.

Once home, I pulled the stove out. YUCK!!! The side of the stove and the side of the cabinet both had spilled crap on them! I got a 3/4-inch board and shoved it under the stove with my foot, while I picked it up. I put on the level and it was just a little bit high, now. So, I checked the legs (they turned easily by hand, so no wrench was required) and turned them down to the floor, then backed them both off one-half a turn.

I picked up the stove a bit, and kicked out the support board. I checked the level and it was dead nuts!

Sidebar: As a cancer survivor whose treatment of choice was to have radiation seeds implanted in my prostate, thus toasting any chance of fathering any further children (I figured I have four "perfect" kids already, right?), it shouldn't matter... But, the phrase "dead nuts" makes me really feel ogley!

Let's change that to "perfectly level"...

So, I got out my trusty Formula 409 and did the stove and the cabinet side. While I was at it, I did the pantry doors (those and the overhead fan were the only things I didn't get done before my Christmas guests arrived). I pushed the stove back into place, sat where Lu had been sitting and it looked perfect! A quick check with the level confirmed my theory.

I thought long and hard about the overhead fan (I'm tired and don't really feel like dealing with it) but eventually, I gave in. I used a kitchen chair to raise me up and did each blade with 409 and paper towels until they were free of grease and cat hair.

So, it's after 7:00 PM and I am ready for dinner. I was intrigued after reading the brochure that came with the herbs from my Brother Joe and Kathy for a farmer's omelet. This was the first recipe I ever saw that asked me to rehydrate the dried herbs!

So, I put a tablespoon of the Parisien Bonnes herbes in a little dish with water to cover. After five minutes, I removed the excess water, pressing the herbs with my fingers. I sauteed the last of the broccoli florets (salad fixings) in olive oil and butter and then added some onions.

I whisked six large eggs with 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, some salt, pepper and the re-hydrated herbs and added them to the pan. I topped this with another 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and put the pan in a preheated 350 degree oven, per the recipe (I would call this a frittata, not an omelet, BTW). I baked it for 15 minutes until the cheese was nicely browned.

Tasted good, but it was way too much food. So, most went into the fridge for lunches.

I watched TV for a while but went to bed at 10:00 PM.