Eggplant the Enemy

It was a nerve-wracking morning at church. I missed last Wednesday's rehearsal because Michael was sick. The anthem this morning was sung by all the females, all in parts, and it was by Mendelsohn, I think [one of those old guys like Brahms, Mendelsohn - the guys in the long curly wigs]. It was not simplistic happy clappy christian music, that's for sure. So I sight read the alto part as best I could when we ran through it a couple of times in the choir room. To make matters much worse, the director lined up the sopranos behind us, so I'm hearing the melody sung in my ear. It's terrifying. I was sweating bullets - literally. [It was 85 degrees here today]

We got through it, and the congregation applauded. That's unusual. They rarely applaud. I let out a huge sigh of relief, glad my deoderant was working.

Alesia was supposed to go to the Greek Festival with her youth group, but said she didn't feel well. I know she probably didn't feel well, since she's having her monthly distress, but she could've knocked back a couple of Motrin and gone ahead. I suspect she wanted to be with us instead. Most teens cannot wait to go out with friends, but Alesia needs a certain amount of Mom time every week, and the only extended periods of time we have together are the weekends. I am happy she wants to be around me, but I want her to hang out with friends her own age.

So instead of sampling the delights of the Greek Festival, which is a really nice event here in Atlanta, Alesia went to Fuddrucker's with us, and then ran errands with me while Granny napped. Not exactly scintillating, but it was a pretty day and I guess it was better than sitting in the house.

Michael's little friend Kevin came over for a while this afternoon. he's a sweet little boy. Michael didn't quite know what to do, though. I had completely supervised the last visit, but this time I was trying to do laundry and fix a rather complicated dinner, so I left them on their own. Michael kept wandering in and saying Kevin didn't want to do what he wanted to do. Finally, I suggested a board game in the dining room. They picked the most complicated game we have, besides Monopoly. Thank goodness Alesia went in there and helped them. I need to educate Michael about how to be a good host when friends come over. This is not something he has any experience with.

I am trying to introduce the children to new foods. I want to start trying out several new recipes a week, as time permits. My mother collects cookbooks so there are a ton of them in our house. I spent some time this afternoon in the kitchen. I fixed Eggplant pie and Lobster and Shrimp bisque. The eggplant pie was rather complicated. I hate peeling eggplants. You boil it until tender, then chop it up with onion, a red pepper, spices, and an egg, and bake it, with cheese on top. I threw in some fresh parmesan and a few Ritz cracker crumbs. mother and I thought it was very yummy. The kids ate a few bites, but weren't thrilled with it.

They liked the bisque, though. We can't afford lobster, really, but Mother found one small tail at Publix, on sale, and got some shrimp. It's a very rich dish. I was intrigued with making the roux out of minced celery, onion, and garlic, then whisking in chicken broth. It's from one of the Paula Deen cookbooks.

I cannot stand big chunks of onion or pepper in my food, or really big chunks of anything vegetable. So I puree everything, usually with a hand blender. I got out the mini food processor today, though, and went to town mincing up onions. At one point, when I was trying to mince up everything for the bisque's roux, I was so frustrated. I finally called Mother in there to help me. "How come thing thing won't turn on?! I'm doing everything right! The doohickeys line up!" Mother looked at it for a minute, checked the blades and everything, and finally said "Dee it usually works better when it's PLUGGED IN."

Duh.

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Two prayer concerns:

My friend Stephanie, who has 7 adopted kiddoes, most of whom are special needs, is in a tight spot, with 3 kids having medical crises at the moment. Please keep her and her wonderful family in your prayers.

Renia's comment below touched my heart and I went on the website to see this little fellow who really needs a home. Please give him a look. It's an incredible opportunity to help this little guy out:

http://victoriashope.blogspot.com/2007/10/oct-4-update.html

I am a little irked that it says the child may have mild CP - this from a doctor who has never examined him. Due to really poor medical care, many kids in Eastern Europe are misdiagnosed. Often, with love, vitamins, and the right doctors, they are fine within a few months of coming home.

The incredible thing about this little guy is ALL his international adoption fees are paid! That cuts out 80% of the cost of adopting - you just need plane tickets and hotel and meal costs.

I would go get this cutie pie myself, if I didn't think my Mother would disown me!

Seriously, please, if you do nothing else, pray he finds a home soon.

Love can work miracles.

Comments

[Renia]

I think they have got his age wrong too... Last time they said he was 4 (but the size of a 2 year old). I was not sure if the CP issues referred to him or the other little boy. Thanks for blogging this Dee, hopefully other people will pick it up :-)

[Renia]

http://victoriashope.blogspot.com/2007/10/oct-4-update.html

Also the link is incorrect. May have been my fault yesterday!