Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
We strolled the garden to see what would be in the next meal, and the cucumbers were coming on strong. These guys begin to grow slowly, and then they take off like a shot.
The morning garden inspection reveals we’d better get busy picking!
The phrase “cool as a cucumber” is based on the observation that the inside of a cucumber can be 20 degrees cooler than the surrounding air.
Cucumbers were introduced to the Americas by Christopher Columbus
It’s time for the morning walk, which Robin, our physical trainer, has organized. We headed down the street, only stopping a couple of times for my lower back.
We are off on our morning mile walk with Robin.
At the very end of Valencia, a lady was standing by the gate to her backyard, and she introduced herself. She asked if we would like to see her garden. “Garden,” she said, we said yes! Well, we walked in and were immediately transported to Hawaii! Her children used to live next door, and when they were there, the fence was removed and the two backyards combined into a paradise! (We did not take a picture from the ground, but here is a Google Earth image.)
All three of us were flabbergasted! Who needs to travel? Just walk outside!
There were two pools, several waterfalls, Hawaiian-style palm buildings, tiki bards, and gardens all around, featuring beautiful flowers.
We continued our walk and passed by the veterans’ home.
We like this house!
We found flowers along our way; Mother Nature is truly creative.
The flowers were pretty.
One of the houses was a tad in disrepair, but they had a good idea by placing conversation pieces in the pathway next to the curb. The house was cute, but for want of some paint and minor repairs, it would be very nice. To each is their own?
It’s a nice idea gone wrong.
A walk in nature walks the soul back home.
Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.
Walking is man’s best medicine.
The beauty is in the walking, destinations betray us.
In every walk with nature, one receives far more than one seeks.
The girls made it home before me, and Mary got out the trike. She came back to get me, but we couldn’t figure out how to get my big butt into the small basket!
Look out, crazy driver.
Today’s walk took us 1.1 miles. The small spot on the map, located in the lower left-hand corner, is where we wandered around the Hawaiian village and visited the owner. By the way, she knows us by the colorful lighting on the house and the holiday banners and flags we always have posted. We invited her to see our garden, so the next time we see her, she can be amazed at the veggies!
We overachieved.
We then worked in the garden for several hours after Robin departed. The sweet peas were removed as they had run out their blooming season and were beginning to turn brown. Now, Mary cannot wear her gardening costume as there is no place to hide.
Well??? Are you coming out?
By 6:00 pm we were pooped out so it was time for dinner. We both showered and got on our jammies before cooking dinner. Mary fixed fresh green beans from the garden and made a terrific salad also from the garden.
The master chef pulled out the filet mignons and let them sit, bringing them up to room temperature. After reaching room temperature, I rub in salt and pepper. Then comes the magic. I set the oven to 450 degrees. But before they go into the oven, I add olive oil and several pieces of garlic to a very hot frying pan; we used HexClad pans.
The steaks are placed on a hot pan and left to sit on one side for three minutes. Searing is essential for a good steak. After three minutes, I turn them over and add two tablespoons of Irish butter (do not add butter early, as it will burn).
We are having dinner tonight.
During the last three-minute searing activity, I ladled the butter and garlic onto the steaks. When the timer goes off, I move the steaks from the pan to the oven (next time I will remember to use hot pads). The steaks cook for another 4-6 minutes, and I check them to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 130 degrees, which is medium-rare.
At 130 degrees, the steaks are removed and placed on a plate to rest for ten minutes, allowing the juices to reabsorb into the meat. Then I cut the meat into bite-sized slices and added them to the plate that Mary had prepared, which contained the green beans and baked potatoes.
Everything turned out perfect.
We had a $22.00 steak that would cost us $100 easily if we were going out. We turned on soft background music and enjoyed ourselves with a glass (or two) of Two-Buck Chuck. Each of our meals probably costs around $13.00, plus an additional dollar for the wine. Taking my bride out for a $28 dinner was amazing (and romantic)
I love to work in the kitchen with Miss Mary.
May did apologize.
Indeed!
After working all day, we were pooped out and hit the sack at 9:00 pm. I woke up to take Scout out at midnight, and the TV was on, Mary was out cold, and the dog was on a mission! We had a wonderful day.
I thank the Good Lord every day for giving me such a wonderful life!
