{"id":98842,"date":"2026-08-19T07:07:10","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:07:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/?p=98842"},"modified":"2026-08-19T22:14:26","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T05:14:26","slug":"today-we-go-international","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/lilesnet.com\/dailydiary\/?p=98842","title":{"rendered":"Today We Go International!!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"<\/figure><\/p>\nEstimated reading time: 5 minutes<\/p>\n

No gym today, as we planned to take Dianne to the doctor for an eye checkup after her operation.\u00a0 We moved gym day to Thursday.\u00a0 Well, around 9:15, Dianne called and asked where we were.\u00a0 We had a puzzled look on our faces.\u00a0 Her appointment was at 10:00 am, NOT 11:00 am.\u00a0 Our first mistake in five years!<\/p>\n\n\n

So we continued working in the office, waiting for Dianne’s phone call, because she plans to stop by and yell at us. Really? No, Dianne joined us at a Lebanese\/Mediterrean restaurant in Anaheim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I, as the man, took charge! It was OK because I asked Mary and Dianne if it was OK! They allowed me 15 minutes with unfettered control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why did the hummus break up with the pita? Because it felt like it was being spread too thin.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
He He He!!! What evil lurks in the heart of man???<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We began with some hummus. It is healthy! Hummus typically has about 2\u20133 grams of protein per 2-tablespoon serving. \u00a0Here\u2019s some hummus trivia:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u2022 \u201cHummus\u201d means \u201cchickpea\u201d in Arabic. The full name is often hummus bi tahini, meaning chickpeas with tahini.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Its exact origin is debated among several Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures, including Lebanese, Palestinian, Syrian, Egyptian, Israeli, and Turkish food traditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Classic hummus has only a few core ingredients: chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and salt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Tahini is made from sesame seeds, and it gives hummus much of its creamy texture and nutty flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Chickpeas are ancient \u2014 they\u2019ve been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Hummus is naturally vegan when made traditionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 It\u2019s high in plant-based protein and fiber, thanks to the chickpeas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Warm hummus is common in some regions; it\u2019s not always served cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 There have been \u201chummus wars\u201d over who makes the largest plate of hummus. Lebanon and Israel have both competed for world records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The biggest hummus dish ever made weighed over 10,000 kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Hummus can be ultra-smooth if the chickpeas are peeled or cooked with a little baking soda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Common toppings include olive oil, paprika, parsley, whole chickpeas, pine nuts, cumin, or minced meat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 In many places, hummus is eaten as a meal, not just a dip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Chocolate hummus exists, though traditionalists may have strong opinions about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 May 13 is International Hummus Day.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Dianne almost flipped when the family platter arrived! We took half of it home with us!<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Oh my!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Mary and I dove into the feast like it was our last meal! I get all of her bell peppers and onions, which is good! No smooching tonight! Mediterranean cuisine spans three continents and is anchored by the classic “Mediterranean triad” of wheat, olives, and grapes. This regional style of eating emphasizes fresh produce, healthy fats, and shared meals.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Yummy!!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

We looked at all that food and nearly passed out. We ordered the family plate, which is one Filet Mignon Shish Kebab, one Salmon, one Juicy Chicken, one skewer of Beef Koobideh, one skewer of Chicken Koobideh, served with Basmati rice and salad. We attacked it with vigor but could only finish about half of the meal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Food Everywhere<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
We tried!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then came dessert! Oh my! We had:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n