Sedi, our little, old, German Shepherd, no longer joins us for our walks.
She gets just as wildly excited as she used to, but falls down if she's not careful.
She still spins in circles trying to get out the door, but sometimes hits her head on the frame as she dashes out.
She races to the gate, like always, but now she just stands there and watches as we go up the hill. Then she sits, waiting for us to come back, and repeats the whole nonsense as we go back into the house.
She reminds me of some older gentlemen that lived in one of the Senior Housing facilities I worked for.
The group of four decided, one bright summer day, that they were going to play golf.
They spent a week discussing the various golf courses available to them, arguing at length the pros and cons of each.
They worried over the choice of day: Would it be too crowded? Would there be leagues?
They finally selected a course and settled on a day. They made their tee time.
They spent the 4 days leading up to it carefully going over the clubs (they had to share), inspecting and polishing. They got out proper golf clothes and made certain they had good shoes.
They debated what type of side games they should play: should they divide into 2 teams; play a Scramble; Bingo, Bango, Bongo; should they bet real money or just for the fun of it.
Should they play summer rules (like they always used to, of course) or winter rules (they hadn't played in awhile, could speed things up).
Did anyone happen to have a rule book they could borrow in case of questions?
It was the sole topic of conversation for them and anyone who ventured too close.
Finally the big day came.
They were up and dressed early. Each had a substantial breakfast – they would need their strength after all.
The four dapper gentlemen left, shiny, clean (but old) clubs in hand, shortly before 9 that morning.
Shortly after 10, they returned, laughing and joking. They retired to one of their rooms, broke out the brandy and cigars, sat on the terrace and relived their game, shot by shot. They went over every stroke, every ball hit, and every ball missed. By early afternoon they were exhausted and all had a well-deserved nap.
It was the highlight of their summer.
They had played one hole.
Not the usual 18… Or even 9.
Just 1.
It's not about how much you do….
It's about how you do it.
Even if it's only a bit – do it with enthusiasm.
Sedi knows.
I hope I remember.
I hadn't made a quiche in awhile… It was time.
Beef and Pepper Quiche
2/3 cup quick-cooking brown rice
1 1/3 cup beef stock
1 egg
1/4 cup (1oz, 30gr) shredded cheese
8oz (250gr) ground beef
1 onion
1/2 green pepper
1/2 red pepper
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp oregano
2 tbs tomato paste
3oz (90gr) Cheddar or Mimolette cheese
2 tsp olive oil, plus a bit for the dish
3 eggs
1 cup (8oz, 240ml) milk
The Crust: Cook rice in stock according to package instructions. When done, spread out on a plate for 5 minutes to allow to cool a bit.
Lightly oil a 10" (25 cm) pie or quiche plate. Lightly whisk 1 egg. Add 1/4 cup shredded cheese and the cooked rice. Mix well. Pat into the quiche plate, working it up the sides as best you can. Bake in 400F (200C) oven for 8 minutes. Remove.
The Filling: Roughly chop the onion. Mince the garlic. Cut the peppers into strips. Heat oil in large skillet and add paprika, onion, garlic and peppers. Sauté until tender, about 7 minutes. Add beef and brown, breaking it up. Add oregano and tomato paste, stir well.
Slice or shred cheese.
Whisk eggs and milk together.
To assemble: Spread the beef and peppers over the baked crust. Top with cheese. Pour the egg mixture over all and bake for 30 minutes, until center has set. Remove and let rest 5 minutes. Slice and serve.
A great life lesson and delicious-looking quiche! I really like the addition of brown rice.
Poor Sedi, to have to sit and watch you go up the hill that she can no longer manage. But it sounds like the rest of her day is good and, at her age, that’s important.
A rice crust is the way to go Katie. I really enjoued your story of the golfers too:D
Poor Sedi, I could see her through your eyes… My man tells me I’m inmortal, it’s a joke he does to me because I am really lucky with my body features. He is a wise man and I want to believe him. Getting old is… sad.
Let’s eat your quiche to get the life fuel we need! It looks great Katie 😀
What a sad story.. until you made me turn around and look again now with the second story in mind.
I love quiches! I see them as a meal, my family think it a tooth filling, nice but not substantial (enough). That’s sad too in an entirely different way.
Thats a wonderful story Katie. Old friends having fun that’s the way I want to spend my declining years. Great idea with the rice crust. Excellent for my celiac friend.
Cheers
I enjoyed your story, Katie. And I think a rice crust sounds great. I will definitely try it. Thanks.
What wonderful interweaving wisdom in your stories!
Quiche, yes I keep meaning to do one again. Your rice crust reminds me of one I used to do with parmesan and then fill with veggies … need to revisit that one too!
A great post, Katie. And an important lesson from Sedi and the old golfers: Whatever life deals you, do your best to keep enjoying it. “Do it with enthusiasm” is exactly right.
I feel so sad for SEDI..
Oh what a great story… And my kind of quiche… more meat!
Cookin’ Canuck, thanks – I never learned to make pie crust – so I cheat and make it healthier…
Zoomie, she is still the happiest dog – thinks she’s a puppy (at times)
Val, they were such a hoot!
Nuria, You have a very wise man ;-))
Baking Soda, they are a meal for us – but probably wouldn’t be for kids… I’m sad when I look at Sedi – she just wags her tail and smiles
Gilli, me too – sitting on a boat with a G & T sounds pretty good, too.
Thanks, Maureen, I smile just thinking of those guys.
Tanna, Parmesan is always good – I’ll look for the post ;-))
Terry, if only I always remembered it….
MC, she’s doing fine in her own way.
Year of the Grill, yes, whatever I make must have meat…. and sometimes more on the side.
THAT is a great story. I love your funny life stories.
Thanks, Lucy….