jorge dos
now browsing by category
all good things …
Must eventually come to an end.
I was bereft in 2007 when the pages dwindled and finally, I read the last words of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I’d pre-ordered my copy, and had driven straight over to the bookstore at midnight to pick it up upon its release. (Yes, I was 27). I did not go dressed in costume (although I was in the minority) and my companion, who had never read a word of HP in his life, was less than amused.
It didn’t matter to me. When I got home, I turned on the light by the couch, and settled in to read “just the first chapter” … until 6am. I remember how gingerly I opened the cover, and the sound of the binding and paper crinkling and cracking. I remember smoothing the first page of text, and reading quotes by Aeschylus and William Penn. I remember tears prickling my eyes as I read the inner flap of the book’s jacket. No tidily written blurb about what was to come. Just this ~ ” We now present the seventh and final installment in the epic tale of Harry Potter.”
I’d come to the Potterverse late … but not as late as some. Diagnosed with mononucleosis during my junior year of college, my mother (who had just read HP #1) suggested I give the books a try. I believe my initial reaction was to turn my nose up at the idea of reading a kid’s book.
But ….
I was trapped in a bed with very little else to do of which I was capable.
And thus began my ten year (and counting) love affair with Harry Potter.
When I began reading about his adventures at Hogwarts, the first four books had been published, and both #3 and #4 were available only in hardcover. I read those first four books in three days.
And then I waited two more years before Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix was released. I distinctly remember two friends and myself sitting together in the living room of an apartment, reading silently for hours. We’d take mini-breaks and discuss what we’d read so far. I finished the book at 4am, during a thunderstorm, and I remember lying in my bed with tears streaming down my face. I was devastated at the loss of a character (I’m trying not to put in spoilers, because if you haven’t actually read the books, you should). I was tormented by the darkness of this fifth installation (debatably my favorite other than the last, and by far the worst movie adaptation). I couldn’t believe it was over … and wasn’t sure when the next tale would come.
Last summer I decided that prior to the movie release of HP and the Deathly Hallows Part I, I was going to introduce John to the magic of J.K. Rowling’s original story telling. We own all the books (and all the movies, which he’s seen), but I knew that getting him to pick it up and read it ahead of all the other books stacked on his nightstand would be a challenge. So for his birthday, I bought the book on audio CD.
It was genius. Each drive to work we would listen with baited breath to Jim Dale narrate the story. Towards the end, John would get into the car for our drive home and immediately turn on the stereo. As the final chapters approached, we lay on our couches at night listening to Harry Potter. It was magic in and of itself. (He has mentioned ~ and not totally begrudgingly ~ that having listened to #6 and #7, both those movies were disppointing … but I say ‘So what?’ ~ I’d rather he experienced the truth for at least one of the books!).
Tonight is really the end. No more movies to be released, no more books full of stories set in the magical wizarding world. It’s bittersweet. At 10.15 this evening, as we settle into our seats and the lights dim, for us, the final movie-making chapter of Harry Potter will commence.
I know I won’t stop reading (and listening!) to the books. Or stop watching the movies. I’m excited to see this last chapter on the silver screen, just as I was eagerly excited to hold in my hands and read the final book upon its release four years ago.
It doesn’t change the element of sadness that underlies it. But, as we all know, all good things must come to an end. And the books, and stories within in them, aren’t just good. They are, and will remain, great.
the fruits (& veggies!) of summer
Today, after mass, we headed down to have a leisurely afternoon with my side of the fam. It was blazingly hot, but luckily, not as humid as it usually is. My parental units live about an hour from us, and I was looking forward to spending some Q.T. Plus, they have an amazing outdoor patio with water fountains, colorful flowers, and some shade (provided by umbrellas). Sitting out back and sipping on some adult cocktails sounded like just the thing for day like today.
We swung by my family’s favorite road side produce stand on the way down. There’s nothing I love more than fruits & veggies in season. I had specifically asked for roadside stand corn and tomatoes, because the stuff from the supermarket just doesn’t compare.
Check out the colors and yumminess of fresh corn, berries, 
peaches, squash and peppers.
Paradiso!!
Huge surprise when we arrived ~ booty from South Africa! I can’t wait to make some Green Curry Chicken. Mmmm! And biltong, South African jerky, is mouth-watering. I’d be jealous of myself if that made any sense!
Jorge Dos came with us as well. He enjoyed quite the day ~ and even had a Jorge Dos-sized corn on the cob. Hilarious!
Some pics just need to be full -sized to appreciate the full extent of Jorge Dos’ adventures (I realize that I had a little too much fun this afternoon thinking of places a bobble-headed turtle might wander if given the time … and ability!).
checking out the froggy competition
"Do you come here often?"
a new way to travel
After I had sufficiently exhausted all resources for Jorge Dos’ adventures, we were ready to sit down for dinner. My Mama Bear and her lovely twin sister prepared a very fresh and delish meal to take full advantage of summer produce.
We had steaks on the grill (cooked to perfection by my dad), marinated in my Mama’s special marinade. (I’ll share the recipe soon ~ I totally love it and feel like my steak is naked without it!) We had a Tre Colore Salad a la my lovely aunt, and we had corn on the cob (and no, as of the last time I checked, I haven’t become a corn on the cob … yet).
prepped for the grill
Tre Colore a la Aunty Lenny
ready for some peeps to sit down & mange!
It was a total summer feast (enjoyed indoors, because after a few hours out in the heat with my dad creating his own mister with the hose, we decided to dine in the comfort of the cool kitchen).
Tre Colore A la Aunty Lenny
2 garden fresh tomatoes (which were cut up before I realized I didn’t have a pic!)
2 ripe avocados
1 ball fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese
Olive Oil
Freshly ground Salt & Pepper
Balsamic Vinegar
Fresh basil leaves
~ Slice tomatoes, and line a large dish (decoratively if you are inspired)
~ Halve avocado, remove pit, and cut into slices longways ~ arrange on top of tomatoes
~ Slice mozzarella cheese into thin pieces, top avocado with cheese
~ Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar evenly over entire dish
~ Add freshly ground salt & pepper to taste (use sparingly, because the flavor of the toms is so amazing)
~ Top everything with fresh basil leaves
~ Serve!
Hope everyone had as relaxing and enjoyable a Sunday as we did! ‘Til tomorrow!
frolf … or so they say
Despite our best intentions of going to play disc golf over John’s birthday weekend, it just didn’t happen.
Fast forward to today. John and I had gone our separate ways last night ~ he hung out with some college buddies, and I met up with an old co-worker (okay, I admit it, one of my most favorite ex-co-workers EVER and we haven’t seen each other in months). While I was sipping cold Bud Light at a darkly lit bar in the city, John was in the ‘burbs, plotting our weekend activities. So this morning, his fraternity brother came over for breakfast, and following perfectly cooked eggs and sausage (done by the man) we all headed out to play disc golf. Or frolf (which is a word that I may dislike more than blog ~ the jury is still out).
Disc golf is pretty fun.
I almost got hit in the head and the leg several times (mental note: don’t take pictures and ponder where Jorge Dos would explore on a Saturday morning at a busy Frisbee Golf course). But in general, it was fun.
Now, let me clarify. I didn’t play. I was a little hesitant about the whole thing, because I can’t even through a regular Frisbee, let alone throw one accurately enough to get it into a basket at the end of a ‘golf hole.’
But I think I’ve warmed up to it enough to try it out next time.
Here are some pics from today. You know you’re thinking ~ Wow, that looks like a beautiful place to walk through on a Saturday afternoon. Just remember, keep your wits about you, or you may get hit!
Jorge Dos on our way to the course
teeing off at one
the game begins
ahhh, nature
on a quest to find the 'bee
we are!
ummm... it fell over here?
gorgeous-ness
Nature is a very beautiful lady when she gets all done up!
I love the next picture ~ if only I’d snapped a millisecond sooner when he was still in mid-swing! But it was my favorite tee-box. So picturesque.
power shot!
I think, after it’s all said and done, that while I’m enthusiastic to give it a try, it will always be called disc golf in our house. Jury’s in. Decision rendered.
introducing jorge dos
This post ~ and really, any posts that contain references to the adventures of Jorge Dos ~ are all dedicated to my great friend who is the caretaker of Jorge Primer and who so thoughtfully brought me my very own Jorge to take journeys with.
he's getting ready to get his learner's permit
Everyone, please meet Jorge Dos, my delightfully lovable bobble head turtle, who will be residing semi-permanently in Rooney the Mini Cooper. Together, we three amigos will venture out into the world to explore the unknown and mysterious (or just go to work and Starbucks … I guess it will all depend on the day of the week!)
and I thought the Cooper was Mini!
Jorge Dos journeyed quite a long way from Mexico to come and reside with John, Rooney, The Beast and I. (John and I have deep love for both our vehicles, as I am sure you can tell!)
He rested up the first few days (jet lag, he claimed) but today he was wide awake, and out and about. He came Frisbee golfing this morning and hung out in the garden (until a gi-normous bee came a little too close, and Jorge Dos very politely asked to have indoor adventures -if at all possible- for the rest of the day).
Jorge Dos in the garden, checking out the view from up top, and perusing the vino selection (he prefers tequila himself).
He also checked out the computer, and the mantle piece.
Keep an eye out for his adventures. I have feeling they will be funny (because it totally cracks me up). Jorge Dos is ready to see the world!
oh happy day!
I have been very into watching Secretariat recently. ** As a side-note, I can watch the same movie over and over again ~ for days, sometimes weeks on end (Field of Dreams comes to mind). ** But, to the point, there is something so uplifting about the story of a woman who believed in her gut instinct and knowledge, and fought tooth and nail without much support, to fulfill a dream. And what a reward at the end of it all ….
The story of Secretariat is remarkable, and to this day, he is considered one of the best athletes that ever lived. It’s incredible, really.
Watching the recreation of the Belmont Stakes of ’73 in the movie, I can’t help but feel my heart flutter with excitement as Secretariat rounds the final corner, and continues surging for the finish line. His time and margin of victory, to this point, have never been matched. No one has even come close. If nothing else, that’s amazingly impressive. 
(** For anyone who feels that movies gloss over reality, and paint prettier pictures than actually existed – which is more often than not, true – you should check out the words of Penny Chenery’s youngest son here.)
That’s the thing about sports ~ and any kind of sport, really. The wonder it inspires in those of us who aren’t amazingly skilled, to watch those who are excel in ways that sometimes defy imagination. It’s breath-taking, adrenaline-pumping … one of life’s daily miracles.
Speaking of miracles … another movie that I have over-played is Miracle, the story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team and -this is shocking, I know- the end of that movie (real audio from the actual game) gives me shivers.
“Do you believe in miracles?… YES!” Thank you Al Michaels, for one of the best sound bites in the history of sports. Not just hockey. Sports. Full stop.
Sports’ triumphs, often depicted in movies, can lift a country during a time of need (Jim Braddock, The Cinderella Man, Seabiscuit in Seabiscuit), support civil rights (Mohammad Ali, Ali) embody the morals of a people (the 1980 U.S. hockey team defeating the Soviets at the height of the Cold War, Miracle), reinforce womens’ struggle for equality (Penny Chenery, Secretariat) … really, do any number of things. Including uniting a group of people, and teaching us to believe. Because sports exist in black and white, as so little else does in our ever-evolving culture, and in times of trial, or worry, having answers gives people security. Sports give people hope.
Sixty minutes. One team wins, one team loses. And that depends on the level of performance and strategy during those constantly ticking seconds. Trust me, after this past Super Bowl, I’m intimately familiar with how important those 60 minutes are.
Nine innings. Eighteen holes. Mental toughness. Physical skill.
At the end, the score says what you accomplished, and it’s either good enough, or it’s not. There is no middle ground. It’s refreshing. It’s a relief. There’s a finality that is comforting to sports.
I am a big fan. Clearly!
That’s why it’s such a bummer I’m not better at them! However, Shaun T. and I once again had a fairly successful workout. It was the “bad workout” (aka, the one the always summons the Doozer)and not only did the Doozer not arrive, but I felt really good about my progress. Truth be told, I’m nervous to admit that – for fear that tomorrow, I will crash and burn. Ah well, we will see.
I feel it's important that you all meet Shaun T., too. Say hello.
He’s smilin’ because he loves it! (If you ever endeavor to do the workouts, you’ll find that pretty funny).
Last night’s WeHangsDay was a doozy. Our friends’ surprised John with a bag full of great BBQin’ loot to celebrate his 30th. I’m a little jealous, I have to admit! And dinner was great ~ pork tenderloin on the grill, mango salsa with a kick, and mushrooms (need I say more… really!), tomatoes, zucchini (mmmm….) and cauliflower on the grill. Yum. And … pretty good for a person, if I do say so myself! We also enjoyed some very delightful vino (keep an eye out for it on ‘in vino e verita’). All in all, a slice of perfection. Thank you, Man Cave. 😀
Also, they brought me back a present I have to share as soon as the camera is charged. Everyone, please wait with baited to breath to meet Jorge Dos. Adventures to follow. 😉
Tonight, because I’m a socializing diva (ha!), our neighbors came down to dine. We served white wine (obv!), baked salmon with an avocado cream sauce (told you I can’t resist that little green fruit), fresh broccoli from our landlords’ garden (totally flavorful ~ muchas gracias to our lovely land-people!), and little red baby new potatoes boiled and served with a drizzle of EVOO, salt and pepper. Here’s how I did it ~
~ First, I filled a saucepan with water and added the potatoes (baby red bliss). I brought the water to a slow boil, and let them cook happily away while I composed the rest of the dish. I checked on them periodically, and when they were soft (I tested by poking with a pointy knife), I pulled them off the burner and let them sit.
Meanwhile …
~ I separated the huge head of broccoli into bite size pieces, and then put them on a foil covered cookie sheet, sprinkled a little sea salt and EVOO and then popped them into the oven which was preheated to 375 for about seven minutes (note: when the broccoli starts to make audible noise from sizzling, it’s done ~ there were some crispy bits, but that added to the deliciousness).
~ Next, my fresh salmon filets. I seasoned with salt and pepper and a little white wine. Then, I baked them at 375 for about twelve minutes ~ the flesh had turned a nice light pink color, but the fish was firm to the touch.
~ While the fish cooked in the oven, I quartered two avocados, and with a whisk, smashed them up with two dollops of mayonnaise, some S & P, and a splash of soy sauce. Pretty much guacamole ~ only this time, I had a heavier hand with the mayo.
~ When the salmon was plated, and the avocado cream sauce plopped on top, I drained the potatoes, and drizzled them with EVOO, salt and pepper and some parsley flakes (green is such a lovely color … oh wait, that’s right, it is my favorite!).
I also braved making angel food cake to serve strawberry shortcake (for John’s b-day I used store bought ‘dessert cups’ and I was not a fan). Even angel food cake from a box is challenging. Just FYI.
my teeny work station
Either way, it was pretty good (sans burnt bottom).
A triumph Mrs. Cratchit! A triumph! (I will use this many times, so it’s probably a good thing to advise that this expression will make frequent appearances).
I love dinner parties. If only I could afford to entertain every day …. Ahhh.
Dreams.
D5 Creation