Yoshi's

Okay. Yoshi's was expensive. I tried to let it go, but alas I could not. The sushi was teeny-tiny and overpriced. However, the combination of good friends and great music by Blame Sally made everything alright.

Olive

This is one of my favorite places in my new neighborhood.


It's friendly, it's not too expensive and it serves more than your usual bar fare. Plus if you know me, you know I'm an olive fiend. Last night, the bartender gave me not one, but two giant goat cheese stuffed green olives. Yum!

Justin Timberlake

I probably couldn't pick Justin Timberlake (or any of his songs) out of a lineup, but when the founder of CD group recommends listening to him, I take note.

Here's his impressive performance of "Halleluja" from the Haiti relief concert. Of course I couldn't help but notice Charlie Sexton on guitar. Love him!

Creamy Leek and Yogurt Soup

I really could eat soup seven days a week. Last night, I used this recipe for leek and yogurt soup. It was very mild, so it went well with rice and some spicy shrimp that I sauteed.

Farmer's Market

On Sunday, I made another trip to the farmer's market. This time, the cabbage tickled my fancy. I chopped it up, tossed in a few garlic cloves and roasted it for about 40 minutes. So simple and so good.

Arthur

When someone the other day said she didn't know I had a cat, I realized Arthur didn't get enough face time here.


Here he is looking handsome as ever.

Farmer's Market

In the Tenderloin, you can find just about everything. Cheap booze? Check. Drugs? Check. Fast food? Check. Fresh veggies? Not so easy. So, over the weekend, I stopped at a farmer's market.


Continuing on my kale kick, I bought a couple batches.


And I bought the biggest cauliflower I've ever seen for $2.

I didn't photograph the giant beets that I turned into carrot-ginger-beet soup. But I learned it's a really good idea to peel them under running water. Otherwise, you can end up with quite a mess.

Super Soaker

You won't hear me complain much about the weather here, but I must make an exception. Torrential rains and record-breaking winds are making this week a tough one.

Ginger's Spa Day

Gin spent yesterday at Kate's Cat and Dog Salon. I must say she's looking (and smelling!) awfully sweet. And her buzz cut is just in time for the rain.

Travel Buddies

Vicki and I met in Croatia nearly three years ago. She quit her job, left Bermuda and is now in the Bay Area preparing for her around-the-world trip. I'm fantasizing about where to meet her.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

I made this soup last night, using evaporated milk instead of heavy cream. I must say it was FANTASTIC!

Day in Court

Tomorrow is my day in small-claims court. You may remember the saga of the Peacock Lounge. Reserved the space. Paid the fee. Owner canceled three weeks before my big party. Never paid me back what he owed me.

Cross your fingers for me.

Daydreaming ...

... about a Cuban vacation.

Cauliflower Poppers

Being incapacitated for two weeks right after the holiday season is not good for the waistline. So, I'm on the hunt for healthy snacks.


This recipe bumps plain ol' cauliflower up several notches.

Lentil Soup

Yesterday, for the sports event that shall go unnamed ... I made a big pot of lentil soup.


This recipe includes spinach, which I love. I also diced the onion and carrots in the food processor, which I think improves the texture of the soup.

My Back

For the past two weeks, I've been incapacitated by severe back pain and I must say the experience has taught me a lot -- about living with pain, about appreciating my health and about the Western medical complex. I saw a physician's assistant, a chiropractor, a medical doctor and an acupuncturist.



On Day Eight, I saw physical therapist Jeanne Hauser. Believe it or not, Jeanne was the first of all these medical professionals to actually LOOK at my back. She SAW a problem and tried to fix it. What a concept!

Oh, and she's a darned good photographer as well.

Sleeping in Luxury

I'm thrilled to report that Ginger LOVES her new bed!


It's funny, though, because she only sleeps in it at night. I caught her in this picture a couple mornings ago.

Good and Good For You!

My new favorite snack: kale chips.


It couldn't be easier to make. Wash and break up the kale. I cheat and use the precleaned, precut kale in a bag. Spread on cookie sheet, spray with olive oil spray, toss with salt and bake in a 350-degree oven for 10-20 minutes or until crisp. Enjoy!

Helpful hints: the kale must be completely dry or else it will just steam. Also, the oven must be preheated. Not sure why.

Gin's New Bed

I know I've had a lot of animal-related posts lately, but I hurt my back and I haven't been venturing far from home.


Here's Ginger on her new super-duper-deluxe-postropedic foam bed. Unfortunately, she won't climb onto it without coaxing ... yet.