La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
Yesterday was an uneventful day. Moose started throwing up again. On the bed during the night, thank you, Moose. We had to change the sheets and the comforter (duvet). I immediately did a load of laundry and hung it on the roof to dry this morning. I already had a load of laundry hanging in the house to dry.
I hope to find a procession to photograph this afternoon. Not too far away though. I’ve got lab work in the morning and have to pee in a bottle all day (and night). The doctor told me I don’t need to deliver more than 2 liters which means I don’t have to do it the full 24 hours. And, no, I will not take the bottle with me when I’m out. Aren’t you happy to know all that?
Today’s photos start with a teaser from the botanic gardens. Those were big lemons. Then there’s the lunch of artichokes I enjoyed at El Comado de la Sultana, three minutes from home, when we were out with Elena. She and San Geraldo both had salads.
The first time I ever had artichokes, I was already in my very early 20s and at my friend Josephine’s house in Brooklyn. Her mother, Mammina, was always feeding me (and everyone else) and she placed a whole artichoke in front of me. I had no idea what to do. Josephine and her mother just smiled. Then Josephine demonstrated by putting a leaf in her mouth, scraping the surface with her teeth, and placing the dessicated leaf back on her plate. The idea of putting food in my mouth and then taking it back out shocked me and I said so. But I did it. It was delicious, although I really wanted to try and eat the entire leaf rather than see something with my tooth marks sitting on my plate. Years later, I was served a whole artichoke at a formal dinner in Washington, D.C. I panicked. San Geraldo ate mine. Now, I love artichoke hearts.
But back to Elena and our walk Saturday. I got to see the progress the wisteria and orange blossoms have made around town.
I’m up to 5 days without injury! Walking into the rooftop clothesline doesn’t count because I didn’t hurt myself (although if I end up with whiplash, I’ll be back to ZERO).
Ayer fue un día tranquilo. Moose volvió a vomitar. En la cama durante la noche, gracias, Moose. Tuvimos que cambiar las sábanas y el edredón. Inmediatamente puse una lavadora y colgué la ropa en el tejado para que se secara esta mañana. Ya tenía otra lavadora colgada en casa.
Espero encontrar una procesión para fotografiar esta tarde. Aunque no muy lejos. Tengo análisis de laboratorio por la mañana y tengo que orinar en una botella todo el día (y la noche). El médico me dijo que no necesito orinar más de 2 litros, lo que significa que no tengo que hacerlo durante las 24 horas completas. Y no, no me llevaré la botella conmigo cuando salga. ¿No te alegra saber todo eso?
Las fotos de hoy empiezan con un adelanto del jardín botánico. Eran limones enormes. Luego está el almuerzo de alcachofas que disfruté en El Comado de la Sultana, a tres minutos de casa, cuando salimos con Elena. Ella y San Geraldo comieron ensaladas.
La primera vez que comí alcachofas, tenía poco más de veinte años y estaba en casa de mi amiga Josephine en Brooklyn. Su madre, Mammina, siempre me daba de comer (y a todos los demás) y puso una alcachofa entera delante de mí. No tenía ni idea de qué hacer. Josephine y su madre solo sonrieron. Entonces Josephine me hizo una demostración metiendo una hoja en la boca, raspando la superficie con los dientes y volviendo a colocar la hoja desecada en el plato. La idea de meter comida en la boca y luego sacarla me impactó y lo dije. Pero lo hice. Estaba deliciosa, aunque en realidad quería intentar comerme la hoja entera en lugar de ver algo con las marcas de mis dientes en el plato. Años después, nos sirvieron una alcachofa entera en una cena formal en Washington, D.C. Entré en pánico. San Geraldo se comió la mía. Ahora me encantan los corazones de alcachofa.
Pero volvamos a Elena y a nuestro paseo del sábado. Pude ver el progreso que han hecho las glicinias y los azahares por toda la ciudad.
¡Llevo 5 días sin lesiones! Chocarme con el tendedero de la azotea no cuenta porque no me hice daño (aunque si acabo con latigazo cervical, volveré a empezar de CERO).
• Alcachofas al estilo Montilla. Con cebolla, aceite de oliva, jamón serrano, hierba buena, y vino.
• De vuelta a la glicina que hay fuera del Mercado Victoria.
• La exquisita fragancia de las flores de naranjo con la fuente de la Avenida de Vallellano.
• Mi pérgola de glicinias favorita.
• Una foto de mala calidad de una rosa enorme. Del tamaño de mi mano, y fragante.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge.
Haz clic en las miniaturas para ampliar.
The Roman’s fry artichokes in olive oil, I have never had them, J says they are heavenly. My attempt was dismal. Such a pretty place, drink plenty of fluids.
David,
Olive oil is the solution for everything. But you have to get the correct olive oil for the specific dish.
Your photos of the wisteria made me think of the wonderful smell that they have. The wild ones are blooming here now. I am sorry to read about Moose’s throwing up. I know that it must be trying for you and SG.
Michael,
Dudo and Moose are on their way out. So right now whatever they want they get. Even worse than before.
I am so sorry Mitchell. Sending a cyber hug to you and SG.
Michael,
Thanks. Rough day. Will share more probably tomorrow.
from melinda my kitty who was throwing up and had diarrhea ended up having lymphoma & he’s on steroids(prednisone) now reduced to a small dose daily & has lived on now for a year…just a thought
Melinda,
Unfortunately, we are beyond life extenders for the boys. But thanks.
Artichokes — the vegetable where there’s more left after you’ve eaten it. I haven’t had one in so long, with lemon butter sauce, mm.
I once had to do that 24hour collection and when I came into the lab, they wanted me to sit in the waiting room with it, but I said in your dreams, and made them take it before I checked in! I’d had quite enough of it without displaying it. Boud
Boud,
I have a story to come about today’s 24-hour collection. But I arrive with my bottle double-bagged so you can’t tell what’s inside until I’m in the clinic with other urine carriers. SG would carry his in by the handle and not care. But he’s never had to do that yet.
I’ve never eaten an artichoke heart nor had one even served to me. And I’m okay with that.
Debra,
I really love artichoke hearts (when prepared well, of course). Come for a visit and we’ll go to El Comado.
The artichokes look incredible!
Rade,
Exceptional there every time.
Every time I buy artichokes at the store, I have to give a small inservice to the cashier and bagger who without fail have never cooked or eaten one but are quite curious about them. The plate you had for lunch would be reason alone to visit Spain. Add in the wisteria, citrus blossoms and that rose and I should be booking a flight soon.
(Haha!)
Good luck with all the peeing! And keep up the good work on not harming yourself!
Ms. Moon
Ms Moon,
Can someone knock you out and put you on a plane? It would make me so happy!
It would make me so happy too.
Artichoke–yet again fall into the so-long-since-I-had-one-don’t-remember-what-it-tastes-like category.
Kirk,
I now love them. Well the hearts. Very easy to find in restaurants here.
Tip: don’t put that bottle on a surface next to the apple juice.
I’ve only ever eaten artichoke hearts out of a jar/as a pizza topping. I’m not sure a whole dish of them would work for me, but I am always willing to give it a go!
Your photos of Cordoba’s floral jewels are a delight. London’s still in tree-blossom time (some cherries, some crab-apples). Loads are already over, thanks to the high winds, but there’s a succession of varieties opening and yet to come. Next up will be the rowans and the lilacs… Jx
Jon,
I recommend a dish of artichokes like these. I’ve never had them on pizza (although out of a jar would not be the same). The flowering trees fill my heart with joy. And I need all the joy I can get right now.
I buy artichokes occasionally, in fact we had some for dinner the other night.
My wisteria is about done. those in your pictures look like a different variety.
Ellen Abbott,
I’ll have to research the different kind of wisteria.
It is snowing at the moment on 31 March in PEI. Freezing rain tonight, sick of it. First cruise ship P&O arrives on 15 April. Love your beautiful pictures of flowers and spring all over and it reminds me of Rome. In Rome the Jewish community over 3000 years developed an entire cuisine different from any other known cuisine. With artichokes they fry them, they are so good.
larrymuffin,
Ooh, I don’t think I could tolerate freezing rain again.
When I was a kid, we had artichokes all the time in season and I still look for them every market I go to because I love them.
I’m thinking Five Days must be a new Mitchell record???
Bob,
My grandfather owned a produce store and my mother insisted on vegetables always. It amazes me we never had artichokes. I’ve surpassed 5 days many times in my life. At least I think I have.
Artichoke hearts can be hit for miss for me. When they’re tender, I love them. When I get something fibrous that won’t chew (doesn’t that sound appetizing?), it’s a real bummer. (especially in public)
Yay for 5 days!
Kelly,
I have only once had fibrous artichoke hearts here. Blech!
It’s been snowing here on and off for 3 days, but it’s heavy, wet snow. Typical spring weather for the Canadian prairies: blizzards in early May are quite possible. Your photos of all the lemons and flowers have truly brightened my day, Scoot, so mucho gratias!
Tundra Bunny,
Well they don’t call you Tundra Bunny for nothing. Glad to brighten your day. This entire week is supposed to remain glorious.
It’s funny that artichokes are considered an elegant food, because it really IS hard to eat them with any finesse. I imagine Audrey Hepburn could have done it.