Monday

I slept much better Sunday night, so I woke up at 5:30 AM on Monday. I started a pot of coffee, put the few dishes from last night in the dishwasher and fired it up. Then I filled in the Blog and posted it.

When the dishwasher switched to "Dry," I went out and turned on the sprinkler. Back inside, I set the timer, grabbed another cup of coffee and went in to watch the Today show.

When the timer went off, I turned off the water and went inside to shave and shower. Once I was dressed, I headed out to do some shopping. I got some cleaning supplies and the zucchini I needed. While I was at it, I picked up some more eggs and some extra unsalted butter for the freezer.

On the way back home, I stopped at the quarter car wash and hosed off the car. It occurred to me I'd gotten the dust off the house, but not yet off the car. So, I took care of that. I drove home, put away the butter and eggs and then grabbed an old towel. I went back in the garage and dried the car off (I hate seeing the waterspots). Inside again, I hung the towel up to dry and then treated the cats (who had been waiting patiently).

I changed out of my "store clothes" into shorts and a sleeveless t-shirt (I think you call them "wife-beaters" but I am still not sure why).

Now, before I went outside, I thought I'd check on my car tires. It's been about 40,000 miles since I bought the last set (the usual "life of tires") and I was thinking I might have to buy a new set before winter settles in. So, I used the tried and true "penny" method. You've never heard of it? Well, here's how it's done:

1. Pinch a Lincoln-head penny, from the base, between your thumb and forefinger, so that the top of Lincoln's head and the words "In God We Trust" are showing.

2. Place the top of Lincoln's head into one of the tire tread grooves - try to measure in the lowest point within the tread
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3. If any part of Lincoln's head is obscured by the tread, you're all set; you have a legal and safe amount of tread. However, if you can see above Lincoln's head or (even worse) any of the "In God We Trust" letters above his head, then you are ready for a new tire.

Note: Check your tires in several tread locations. Be sure to check both inner, outer and middle grooves of each tire, because tires can wear differently on each side, due to improper wheel alignment and/or low inflation.

This penny trick works because the distance between the rim and Lincoln's head is 1/16 of an inch -- the minimum required tread depth. When your tire tread is lower than 1/16 of an inch, your vehicle can have handling problems in adverse conditions (rain, sleet, snow). But, mine were okay and I can wait a while before buying tires.

When I was hosing off the stonework that surrounds the front entryway, I noticed a few spots where the mortar was chipped or missing. I still had a tube of mortar patch left over from when I repaired the south (or the front door) side a year or two ago. So, I grabbed that tube and my stepping stool and went out front to find and fix any cracks. It was just after 11:00 AM, BTW.

I had some problems at first as the stuff in the tip of the tube (it's like a tube of caulk, but with cement) had hardened, but I used a wire and broke through it. I got the east (road side) done and then went to the north side.

Before I did, I heard my name called from across the road. It was the old widow woman across the way (the one I have dropped off extra barbecue to). She said I must be doing better because I wasn't wearing the sling. I explained I have to take it off every so often so my muscles don't atrophy. She said she's been looking for a job today and stopped at every Burger King and McDonald's from Dearborn to here and they all sort of laughed at her. She was discouraged and I was bummed...

So, on to the north side... Yikes!!! The first thing I saw was yellow jackets flying in and out of a hole in the old mortar. I backed off and went inside for reinforcements. I checked and I didn't have any wasp spray, just flea and tick spray or ant spray. So, I got as close as I dared and sprayed the yellow jackets and the hole with ant spray.

I noticed immediately (to my dismay) it didn't seem to kill them, just really piss them off! I beat feet and decided that the north side is now on hold until tomorrow, when I can pick up some wasp spray (hopefully the kind that shoots like 12 feet) and more of the mortar filler at Home Depot.

Back inside, I took a break and then got started on dinner. I finally made those chicken pot pies. I must admit I totally stole this recipe from Cat Cora (one of the Iron Chefs and the executive chef at Bon Appetit).

I had thawed out a package of puff pastry and had the two sheets side-by-side on the floured surface of the big wood cutting board. So, I used one of my six 8-ounce ramekins as a template and, leaving one inch for an overhang on all sides, cut out six circles. I put those in the fridge after covering with plastic wrap.

I melted half a stick of butter in my large skillet and saut�ed one cup each of onions, carrots and celery (about five minutes). Then I added one cup of diced zucchini and a cup of frozen peas and cooked them another three minutes, until tender. I added a quarter cup of dry white wine and brought it to a boil. I seasoned it with salt and pepper. Then I cut the heat and set it aside.

I put three cups of homemade chicken stock in a saucepan with some thyme and rosemary. I covered it after it got to a boil and let it sit.

Meanwhile I put the rest of the stick of butter in a medium saucepan. I sprinkled it with flour and made a roux. I cooked it another two minutes until it was golden brown. I added one cup of the stock mixture and whisked it in until it was smooth. Then I added in the rest of the stock and one cup of heavy cream. I whisked that until the sauce was thick (maybe a minute or so).

I seasoned it with salt and pepper and added it to the chicken/veggie mixture in the skillet. I tossed it gently until well coated. Then I filled up the six ramekins.

Here's where I disagree. She said to only fill them 3/4 full, which I did. Remember that! Then I topped them with the puff pastry rounds and pressed the excess pastry firmly around the sides of each ramekin. I cut four slits in each top. I put the six ramekins on a half sheet pan and into a preheated 400 degree F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes (until the pastry was puffy and golden brown).

I took them out and noticed all of the puff pastry had fallen inward. If I would have filled them up, that wouldn't have happened. But, it was late, I was hungry and presentation didn't matter that much, right then! So, I grabbed one and headed for the TV.

Damn! That was good! That's one recipe I will use again (but fill the stupid ramekins full next time). If I wasn't so full, I'd eat another one. But the rest went into the fridge. And, I went to bed early.