Had a great day with Judy.  It’s nice not having to work on a Saturday for once!  We did a little shopping at Trader Joe’s then took Clayton for a nice walk.  Later on went to dinner with Dr. Alex at Lester’s and somehow managed to not view the Blues game on.  I was taping the game but later watch it to see the Blues lose 2-1 in overtime (shoot out). 

What is with these idiots that don’t yield to people or as in my case, runners, in cross walks.  It’s a law!

Went to the St. Louis Jewish Book Festival with Judy.  Except for just a few people there, we were the youngest.  As Justin would say, the average age there was dead!  If you get a chance, go, it was quite good and thought evoking. 

What a bright, sunny, beautiful day for a run.  Found 4 golf balls in the park.  Needed to get the toxins out from feeling lousy and clearing my head.

I think most of my dislike of the high five is that in my experiences, most people are usually drunk and exhibiting boorish behaviour.  Don’t we celebrate in our own ways? Do I have to go along with the crowd?  Just by being there I am embracing the moment.  Do I have to wear a gaudy outfit, paint my face or hair, or act like a nut job to be a ” true fan”?  Maybe that’s why you can do what you want in your section but be considerate of how I want to act in where ever I sit.

Today was the perfect day(cloudy, cool, and dreary) for clam chowder so I made some according to this recipe.  

The Cliff House Clam Chowder has been on the menu since 1872. From The Cliff Housein Ogunquit, Maine. Reprinted with permission.

Serves six.

Ingredients:

• 1 slice hickory-smoked bacon, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon butter
• 1 cup onion, minced
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon The Cliff House Spice Blend (see below)
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 can clams (6-1/2 ounces)
• 1 cup bottled clam juice
• 1-1/2 cups Half and Half
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled and diced

Preparation:

To Create The Cliff House Spice Blend, blend 4 tsps oregano, 4 tsps dried parsley, 2 tsps marjoram, 2 tsps dill, 4 tsps thyme, 4 tsps basil, 1 tsp sage, 4 tsps rosemary, 2 tsps tarragon, 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, crushing in a mortar if possible. Store in a resealable plastic bag to refrigerate.

In a heavy-bottomed, 4-pint soup kettle, sauté bacon, butter, onion, garlic and The Cliff House Spice Blend over low heat. Do not allow to brown. Drain clams and set aside, reserving the juice. Slowly stir the flour and clam juices in the sauté mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Add Half and Half and simmer 20 minutes. Add white pepper, potatoes and clams. Heat to serving temperature. Do not allow to boil, as this toughens the clams. Serve at once with crackers and warm cornbread.

This was delicious!

Question?  Went to the game last night.  I was sitting on the edge of a suite as close as possible to the edge that abuts the Plaza end.  When the Blues scored the crowd went crazy and the guy in front of me turns around and wants to high five me.  Well… as some of you know and most of you don’t,  I do not like the high five and won’t do it. I told him I would not.   Never have and never will.  He looks at me almost incredulus, mutters something about this to his friends like I was uppity, and turns around.  WAS I WRONG?  Just a thought on my moral or civil compass.  Let me know what you think. 

Going to the game with Rick and Dale.  Not sure if Steve will be there.  He should be shamed into going.  Opening night and calender night all wrapped up into one.  Priceless!  BTW- Happy Birthday Rick and STeve.

Breakfast and then shopping!

Went down to breakfast today and chatted with a Swedish couple in Stockholm attending a home show.  They were very friendly and enjoyed practicing their English.  Rick and I are going out with his friend Mattihus today back to the globe to a sporting goods store and then to Old Town.  Last night was the second best hockey game I have seen in my life.  The St. Louis fans were really geared up and winning was just the icing on the cake.  We had our oown version of the ” towel man” who threw towels to the astonished Swedes when the Blues scored.  Today my  voice is hoarse from all the cheering.