Asparagus, Avocado and Tomato Salad; the Barcelona Beggar

We were walking down Las Ramblas in Barcelona, a few years ago, enjoying the beautiful spring evening. A woman stopped us… An American. She told us that someone had stolen her bags and her purse, leaving her with no money and no place to stay. She rather looked like an old hippie (takes one to … Continue reading…

Sautéed Endive with Avocado; Chilblains?!?!?!; Weekly Menu

Endive with Avocado Have I been time-traveling? Transported back to the 18th century? I have chilblains…. You know, the ailment that the heroine, whilst posing as a dairy maid, gets in all those cheap romance novels. Can you imagine? Does that justify all my bitching and complaining about the lack of heat at Vlad’s house? … Continue reading…

Oriental Zucchini and Brown Rice Salad; No More Shopping????

Oriental Zucchini and Brown Rice Salad Are you a plural purchaser? Do you buy in bunches? Amass in multiples? If you see a gorgeous sweater that comes in seven colors, do you buy three?  Or four? Then pat yourself on the back for the great restraint you exercised in not buying all seven? When you … Continue reading…

Old-Fashioned Cucumber Salad; More Joys of Moving

Cucumber Salad When we moved to Ireland from the U.S. we I packed our airline tickets. Determined to have a smoother, calmer, move from Ireland to Andorra I tried to think of all contingencies. Once again, our stuff was going in a large container by boat.   Once again, we were going by plane and would … Continue reading…