Jerry and I get around. In 2011, we moved from the USA to Spain. We now live in Córdoba. Jerry y yo nos movemos. En 2011, nos mudamos de EEUU a España. Ahora vivimos en Córdoba.
Keeping it simple / Manteniéndolo simple
• Are we clear? • ¿Estamos claros? • Moose in what San Geraldo thought was his chair. • Moose en lo que San Geraldo pensó que era su silla.• Dudo in what I thought was my place on the sofa. • Dudo en lo que pensé que era mi lugar en el sofá. • Christmas tree farm? • ¿Granja de árboles de Navidad? • Yes, we have no bananas. But our neighbors do. • Sí, no tenemos plátanos. Pero nuestros vecinos sí sí • San Geraldo is planning and shopping for his Christmas menu. He’s keeping it simple this year. • San Geraldo está planificando y comprando su menú navideño. Este año lo mantendrá simple. • The light at the end of the tunnel is usually the headlight of an oncoming train. • La luz al final del túnel suele ser el faro de un tren que se aproxima.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge. Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
From Brooklyn, New York; to North Massapequa; back to Brooklyn; Brockport, New York; back to Brooklyn... To Boston, Massachusetts, where I met Jerry... To Marina del Rey, California; Washington, DC; New Haven and Guilford, Connecticut; San Diego, San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara, California; Las Vegas, Nevada; Irvine, California; Sevilla and then Fuengirola, Spain. And now Córdoba.
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34 thoughts on “Keeping it simple / Manteniéndolo simple”
The level of organization in that shopping list is breathtaking, and tells us so much about the man. Me, shopping list, who needs a list, I will know what I need and what looks good.
David:
This “simple meal” is so complicated that it requires several and varied shops and couldn’t be done without a list unless you had a photographic memory. There’s also a calendar with tasks noted for each day (starting today, I think).
Lordy – all that for just one day when the shops are shut?! [Actually here in London, there are plenty of places for whom Xmas is just another trading day – we can buy all the ingredients for a roast dinner, buy gold in a jewellers, and even get our hair cut if we so choose, within walking distance of Dolores Delargo Towers!] Jx
Well. San Gerardo has certainly taken meal planning to a new and astronomical level. I doubt that the White House kitchen has such organized spread sheets and lists for a state dinner. I thought I was all fancy, making my little lists on index cards, hastily scribbling what I need from the store on them. And in fact, I feel quite proud of myself if I manage to get to the store with the list. I am just so impressed with your man’s planning.
Look at all those bananas. Beautiful.
And I am not sure I would cross either one of those cats. Especially Dudo.
Ms. Moon
Ms. Moon:
I’ve actually been yelled at by both these cats. Little dictators. SG loves lists and spreadsheets, and creating calendars of events. This “simple” Christmas dinner might require staff!
Mistress Borghese:
Oh, the shopping goes on for days and days. For example, not every shop has dried marigold petals. And he even had to buy three decanters because we didn’t bring ours with us when we downsized for Spain. Dinner for 7 including us. Is it a bit much? I had no idea cats could have so many facial expressions.
Wow, that Christmas menu stresses me out! Those bananas are impressive. Why does Dudo always look slightly crazy?
I love your “light at the end of the tunnel” photo, given that I saw that written as graffiti recently. Didn’t you say you had a mug with that phrase on it? Or a poster?
Boud here, to say is he a chef? He’s certainly an impressive planner. Do you do the many-fish Christmas Eve food? Your cats are being the natural executives they’re ordained to be.
Boud:
He is very skilled in the kitchen, although not a chef. He did work his way through grad school catering Russian dinners, which he had become expert in. We don’t do the many fish Christmas Eve food although this meal will turn out to be just that. More on that when the times comes. I have never met two such bossy cats.
I never take a list when I go shopping. I just go up and down the aisles and rely on the various items on the shelves pique my memory. Usually that works but not always. Like I forgot to buy hamburger patties yesterday. Probably because they in an aisle proper, but in forzen display case against the back wall!
Kirk:
SG can sometimes remember everything he needs without a list, although a list always helps. For this dinner, without a photographic memory, it wouldn’t happen without lists and schedules.
Yikes — I think there was less planning on paper for D-Day, LOL! A friend of mine decided to forgo the shopping and kitchen craziness for their family Xmas dinner this year and hired a caterer to do it — money well-spent to relax and enjoy your loved ones, I think.
Moose and Dudo certainly know how to claim the best areas, don’t they? Dudo’s expression is definitely one of “Don’t even think about it, human!”
BTW, I sent you a couple of emails yesterday too now that my internet connection has been repaired.
Kelly:
Dudo did move but he sure looked pissed off and he muttered as he left. SG rolls his chair over to the cat tree in his office and gives Moose gentle nudges until he goes. Sometimes he hunkers down and SG gives up. SG is the king of lists and spreadsheets.
Oh good grief! SG has a section for miscellaneous items! My sphincter just made a sucking, whistling noise! I subscribe to the Kirk going from aisle-to-aisle method of shopping. I don’t shop anymore.
Deedles:
This Christmas dinner would never be made without lists and schedules. It’s insane. Does anal retentive have a hyphen? And to think he makes fun of ME.
I like the photo of the menu, indeed nothing like keeping it simple. At least it is organized.
Funny how our little companions decide what is their place and favourite chair or spot, we are never
consulted, as if it does not matter. Love the beach look, however it looks warmer than our beaches here and the cold North Atlantic.
Laurent:
Also funny how our little companions, once we think we know their favorite chair or spot, decide to change their favorite chair or spot. The beach is beautiful this morning and currently an extremely chilly, for us, 10C which feels like 8 (and climbing to a still chilly 15 today).
The level of organization in that shopping list is breathtaking, and tells us so much about the man. Me, shopping list, who needs a list, I will know what I need and what looks good.
David:
This “simple meal” is so complicated that it requires several and varied shops and couldn’t be done without a list unless you had a photographic memory. There’s also a calendar with tasks noted for each day (starting today, I think).
What? You’re not just going to get one of those giant holiday IKEA meatballs?
https://www.salon.com/2023/12/12/ikeas-brand-new-holiday-offering-is-a-ginormous-turkey-sized-swedish-meatball/
Debra:
Oh my god! I hadn’t heard of this (and doubt it’s available here). It’s very funny, but totally creepy.
No, they’re only available in England, I believe.
Now Mitchell, surely you and SG know that your seat is only your seat if you get there first! And even then …. with those faces you know you’re done.
Are they growing sticks on the beaches??
Whenever we plan a dinner I am quite organized about what to get and what to make and how to serve and seeing SG’s lists, I fell woefully inadequate.
Bob:
Oh, we’ve learned a lot with these two cats. Our California cats weren’t quite so bossy.
Yes, those sticks started as twigs just two weeks ago. Actually, they removed the palm frond sunbrella tops. Normally they remove the posts, too.
SG loves making lists and writing up schedules. With a meal like this, he should have hired a production manager.
Lordy – all that for just one day when the shops are shut?! [Actually here in London, there are plenty of places for whom Xmas is just another trading day – we can buy all the ingredients for a roast dinner, buy gold in a jewellers, and even get our hair cut if we so choose, within walking distance of Dolores Delargo Towers!] Jx
Jon:
We’ve also got everything within walking distance but there ARE holidays… and plenty of them.
Good words to live by! ……never liked tunnels.
Hmmm….bananas in Canada? The way the climate is changing who knows!
Jim:
I love tunnels. Bananas in Canada! You could start with a number of frozen banana recipes.
Cats are naturally born imperialists.
wickedhamster:
I had no idea. Our cats in California were socialists.
Well. San Gerardo has certainly taken meal planning to a new and astronomical level. I doubt that the White House kitchen has such organized spread sheets and lists for a state dinner. I thought I was all fancy, making my little lists on index cards, hastily scribbling what I need from the store on them. And in fact, I feel quite proud of myself if I manage to get to the store with the list. I am just so impressed with your man’s planning.
Look at all those bananas. Beautiful.
And I am not sure I would cross either one of those cats. Especially Dudo.
Ms. Moon
Ms. Moon:
I’ve actually been yelled at by both these cats. Little dictators. SG loves lists and spreadsheets, and creating calendars of events. This “simple” Christmas dinner might require staff!
Seems like an awful lot of paper and planning for one day of shopping and cooking? How many is coming for dinner 50?
And those cats.. the look Alone says don’t even think of moving me.
Mistress Borghese:
Oh, the shopping goes on for days and days. For example, not every shop has dried marigold petals. And he even had to buy three decanters because we didn’t bring ours with us when we downsized for Spain. Dinner for 7 including us. Is it a bit much? I had no idea cats could have so many facial expressions.
Wow, that Christmas menu stresses me out! Those bananas are impressive. Why does Dudo always look slightly crazy?
I love your “light at the end of the tunnel” photo, given that I saw that written as graffiti recently. Didn’t you say you had a mug with that phrase on it? Or a poster?
Steve:
The Christmas menu stresses me out, too, but SG says he’s got it all under control (and much of it can be done before-hand).
Dudo is tightly wound.
I had a sign in my office with that saying (I was in my 20s). It was right next to “Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.”
Boud here, to say is he a chef? He’s certainly an impressive planner. Do you do the many-fish Christmas Eve food? Your cats are being the natural executives they’re ordained to be.
Boud:
He is very skilled in the kitchen, although not a chef. He did work his way through grad school catering Russian dinners, which he had become expert in. We don’t do the many fish Christmas Eve food although this meal will turn out to be just that. More on that when the times comes. I have never met two such bossy cats.
I never take a list when I go shopping. I just go up and down the aisles and rely on the various items on the shelves pique my memory. Usually that works but not always. Like I forgot to buy hamburger patties yesterday. Probably because they in an aisle proper, but in forzen display case against the back wall!
Kirk:
SG can sometimes remember everything he needs without a list, although a list always helps. For this dinner, without a photographic memory, it wouldn’t happen without lists and schedules.
Yikes — I think there was less planning on paper for D-Day, LOL! A friend of mine decided to forgo the shopping and kitchen craziness for their family Xmas dinner this year and hired a caterer to do it — money well-spent to relax and enjoy your loved ones, I think.
Moose and Dudo certainly know how to claim the best areas, don’t they? Dudo’s expression is definitely one of “Don’t even think about it, human!”
BTW, I sent you a couple of emails yesterday too now that my internet connection has been repaired.
Tundra Bunny:
SG keeps the paper companies and ink cartridge companies in business.
Oh, the looks we get from Dudo (and Moose). Bossy and stubborn… and so adorable.
I thought I was a fairly organized list-maker, but SG puts me to shame!
It might be a mistake to try and move either of them, but I think I’d be less included to mess with Dudo.
*inclined. damned autocorrect.
Kelly:
Dudo did move but he sure looked pissed off and he muttered as he left. SG rolls his chair over to the cat tree in his office and gives Moose gentle nudges until he goes. Sometimes he hunkers down and SG gives up. SG is the king of lists and spreadsheets.
Oh good grief! SG has a section for miscellaneous items! My sphincter just made a sucking, whistling noise! I subscribe to the Kirk going from aisle-to-aisle method of shopping. I don’t shop anymore.
Deedles:
This Christmas dinner would never be made without lists and schedules. It’s insane. Does anal retentive have a hyphen? And to think he makes fun of ME.
I like the photo of the menu, indeed nothing like keeping it simple. At least it is organized.
Funny how our little companions decide what is their place and favourite chair or spot, we are never
consulted, as if it does not matter. Love the beach look, however it looks warmer than our beaches here and the cold North Atlantic.
Laurent:
Also funny how our little companions, once we think we know their favorite chair or spot, decide to change their favorite chair or spot. The beach is beautiful this morning and currently an extremely chilly, for us, 10C which feels like 8 (and climbing to a still chilly 15 today).
Good for him! I haven’t even thought what to have; probably tinned meats at this rate.
Urspo:
I can do a lot of things, but tinned meats is not one of them.