Tried a new recipe. Zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, pepperoncini, white wine, and pasta. It was lacking flavor for me. Leftovers would be done with more pepperoncini. After I washed the dishes, I threw the recipe out.

Not worth another try.

Pandemic, endemic, Ukraine, banned books, inflation, reduced available goods, lowering stock value. I know so many who have chosen to stop watching or listening to the news. I choose to believe history repeats itself.

Optimism.

Golden Girls, Murderville, Gilmore Girls, Mrs. Maisal. Wonderful variety and humor to pass the weekend.

Great escape?

Carrie has been joining me on Saturdays as Adam is working all day. We have lunch, go shopping, watch a movie. It is so easy and wonderful to spend alone time with her.

My favorite first child.

Erik, Carrie, Ellen, Isaac, and Ari shared my day with me. We had a great meal with a special dessert prepared with my priority ingredients. I read Ari’s essays for his high school applications. Incredibly well written. Caught up with soccer with Isaac.

I treasure these times.

He died this week. I relished his acting and his involvement in civil rights. He was in one of the first movies I saw when I was a child. It was Blackboard Jungle. I have always remembered that movie. We both moved on in our lives. We both became more involved and mature.

I will miss him.

Called Ari and he answered the phone. First good thing. We talked, caught up on the week. Then I asked a favor. Being a wise and competent cook, I asked for recipes for non-meat dishes, particularly with beans, which I have not cooked with. He suggested Erik’s chili recipe, substituting the turkey with black beans. I love Erik’s recipe.

Ingredients on shopping list for this week.

Take pills. Not painkillers. Exercise. Ice. Heating pad. Hot shower. Stop lengthy walks. Consult with a doctor. Stop talking about it with friends and family. It bores people. Too much stuff going on in the world to add more down news too. Be strong. Be optimistic.

It will pass.

Over a holiday weekend with no plans, I caught up on movies. Some I had recorded and others were on Netflix or Prime. I spent the time with Kevin Costner, Casey Affleck, Harrison Ford, Tom Cruise, Robert Downey, Jr., and Mark Wahlberg.

Good company.

I am introduced to back pain. My plan was to meet my friend for lunch, but after a week of discomfort, I realized that walking is likely contributing to my discomfort. My friend, a dear person, suggested coming to my home and bringing lunch. I value her suggestion. I told her I have my lunch, but she can bring hers.

I look forward to seeing her.