My Contribution to Restarting the Economy

Ok, stores are opening.  Are you excited to get some retail therapy?  The poor Amazon drivers should be seeing some relief once people can get out and about and get their own stuff. 

I’m not much of a store shopper anymore, but I do think it’s my responsibility as an American to help restart the economy.  Just doing my part! And I’ve been thinking about how I can best contribute to that.

My favorite outdoor mall, Kierland Commons has several stores now open or curbside pick up available. I’m not dying to get out, but somehow it’s comforting to know there are options.

It’s obvious that supporting small businesses is where the most good can be done.  Is getting a mani/pedi, a massage or a facial high on your list of must-dos?  I know so many people couldn’t wait to get their hair done.  Long lines for that service for sure.

We are in the market for a new rug in our newly remodeled guest bath.  My Texas House by Orian has a new line being introduced this week.  They will be sold through Walmart.  I’ve been really happy with that brand so I’m planning to wait until their release to see if anything floats my boat.

Well, maybe purchasing a rug for our bathroom won’t do much towards restarting the economy. I guess I will count my blessings that I need so littl right now. My heart still isn’t into shopping yet.

Ruggable Review

Have you heard of Ruggable?  The top part of the rug comes apart from the bottom and it can go in the washing machine.  That makes it perfect for kitchen and bathroom use.  We had the indoor/outdoor Orian runner in our kitchen but decided to try the Ruggable.  It’s really nice, but frankly, the Orian is prettier in the kitchen.  I’ve not needed to put it in the washer yet, but as a review, it’s a very pretty design, it lays very flat on the floor (not plush at all).  It holds up fine to the cats, it stays put in place.  It cannot be vacuumed with a high-suction vacuum, but our Shark Navigator works just fine.  I purchased right from their site, but they are available from our favorite places:  Amazon, Wayfair and Overstock. I am not an affiliate, but linked for convenience.

What I’m Reading

I finished reading The Hunger by Alma Katsu.  I would say it’s well-written, but it would have been much better and more engaging for me if it would have concentrated on few characters and developed them further.  I didn’t see a need to include every dang member of the Donner Party as a major character.  Well, maybe I exaggerate, but for instance,  one character heard sounds and voices and that was never explored.  There were some interesting premises that I think she left on the table.  Included was a lot of incest, fornication, forbidden sex.  Really too much for a party that small.  I felt like all that sort of detracted from the story and wasn’t sure why it mattered.

On audio I finished Hannah’s War by Jan Eliasberg.  I think it was a recommendation in the Costco magazine, so I ordered it up.  I have sort of sworn off WWII stories, but since it was so highly rated, I took a chance on it.  It’s pretty good!  It takes place near the end of the war following a brilliant and beautiful Viennese Jewish scientist as she participates in the Manhattan project under Oppenheimer.  She is accused of spying.  An OSS officer becomes engrossed in her story as he interrogates her.  His back story becomes important to the story as well. All in all I would recommend this book.

What I’m Eating

We had game night Saturday, playing cards and eating a snack dinner.  John sliced potatoes for steak fries which we oven fried this time (using avocado oil and salt) and I made a little toppings bar.  I generally serve this with a crudité platter, but this was it Saturday.  Oh, yeah and cocktails, of course.

Perfect for Meatless Monday is this Cheesy Broccoli & Tomato pasta dish.  I’m always having to modify recipes for our diets, so I use gluten-free penne and no garlic.  I love that this recipe has the vegetables built in so no side dish needed.

Cheesy Broccoli & Tomato Pasta

• 8-10 oz frozen broccoli crowns
• 1 clove minced garlic (I omitted)
• 2/3 cup Parmesan (split)
• 6 oz grape tomatoes
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 8 oz penne
• 4 oz mozzarella
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook penne according to package directions.  Steam broccoli until barely tender.  I microwaved for about 2 minutes.

Combine ½ parmesan with panko, salt and pepper.  Set aside

Combine all ingredients except panko mixture in baking dish with about ¼ cup of the cooking water from pasta or broccoli.  Top with panko.  Bake at 400 for 20-30 minutes until heated through and browned.

Another week working away from home.  It’s hard to get this routine down, but I’m enjoying it and enjoying be out and about with co-workers.

Sending lots of love and blessings for your week.