So I got home yesterday after a long day at the radio ranch, starving and pretty much grocery free. What to do? I scrounged around and came up with this salad, which I’m thinkin’ you all might like to share with the family – it was good! For two of us, I drained a can of garbanzo beans, and added a thick chunk of diced ham, about a cup of chopped cauliflower, some chopped cilantro, and splashed on olive oil, some sherry vinegar, a dash of cumin, salt and pepper. I mixed it all up and enjoyed it with a nice slice of toasted bread. Good, cheap, and yummy!

You know how sometimes it just hits you that you’re a grown up? It happened to me yesterday in Costco and it was one of the most middle aged moments ever. I was standing there in the hair care aisle, calling my significant, and asking him what kind of Rogaine he needs. We went with the mousse formula, but wow – how adult!

So my pal has a bunch of apple trees and made some great hard cider; here’s what we came up with after tasting several bottles…..It’s really just apples sauteed in butter and cooked down with cider, but it’s great with roast pork or chicken.  Use  firm apples so you don’t end up with applesauce, and you’ve got a great side dish. In 2 Tb. butter, saute’ 1 chopped shallot till it’s soft. Then add 3 thinly sliced Fuji or Granny Smith apples, 1 cup of hard cider, 1 tsp. thyme (fresh is best), and 1 or 2 Tb. maple syrup, depending on how tart your apples are. Stir this all around, add salt to taste, and then let it simmer slowly for around 1/2 hour; you should have a nice syrup on the apples and  a lovely smell in your kitchen. If you’ve used the right fruit it can sit on warm for a while as you get the rest of dinner ready, or just keep it on hand for whenever you might need some fruity goodness. Delicious!

My friends, I need help. I’m trying to get to work earlier here at The Wolf, and I need assistance cutting things out of my morning. I mean, 3 AM is kind of tough….I’m trying to not make the bed, which will save 4 minutes, andI’ve cut out eyeliner, which saves another 2 1/2, but these things are important and I already miss ‘em. Even my cat Hugo J. Treadwell is confused when the alarm goes off. So any ideas you all might have to help me save time would be great……thanks darlings!

So yesterday I was feeling SICK; I’m sure most of you know how fun it is when your co-workers come in coughing all over you and touching stuff with their germy hands! Anyway, I had the achy sweaty thing going on and since I knew I had to be here today, I got to PCC and picked up some Oscillococcinum. Please don’t ask me to pronounce it, but it’s an herbal remedy that truly helps, and there’s no alcohol, side effects, or any kind of weirdness. If you feel strange, get on down to the health food store or Co-op and get some of this stuff – it’s great!

Ok, I fought it – I really did. Musicals have always embarrassed me and made me uncomfortable, and after the first few Glee episodes I just said no. BUT…I started watching again, and even tho I still sometimes fast forward thru some of the songs, I cried after Tuesday’s show. It’s good, and I’m not afraid to admit I love Sue!!

Sunday I was at the wedding show at Emerald Downs and it was great! There was a wonderful fashion show, great jewels, Gosanko chocolate (my new boyfriend!) and the best idea ever – Legendary donuts. I’m going to suggest to my boyfriends’ daughter Molly that she have a tower of ‘em at her wedding; SO good. Auburn even has a caviar store, so again, all I can say is wow. Shop in Auburn!!

So I know you’ve got to be feeling it now; it was beautifully crispyesterday, like a delicious Jonagold apple or a golden maple leaf - it’s finally fall! I’m fighting the urge to gather new sweaters, bake fattening treats, and basically start the hibernation process. Don’t you wish we could go into our caves next month and not come out till like April? Of course, they’d have to send those paycheck to my house, but I’m SURE work would be fine with that….!

I never knew, but apparently there is ’Minnesota style’ pizza, and we devoured one Saturday night. My wonderful brother Tom and his truly lovely wife Megan took my Tony and me to Zaydo Buddy’s Pizza in Ballard. Not only do they serve a great pie, but they have poutine. I’ve only had it in Canada, but the combo of fried potatoes, gravy, and cheese curds – as an appetizer! – left me full, happy, and amazed that Iactually ate it. Of course, poutine was invented in the chilly north woods to help people survive winter, but I enjoyed it on a sunny fall Saturday night in Seattle washed down with a lot of good red wine. Must go exercise now, or I’ll have to wear a muu-muu to work tomorrow! wow….

Would love to see you all the the GLOW event next Thursday the 30th at Valley Medical Center; we’re going to have dinner, prizes, and comedian Juliet Funt. It’s going to be all about us women and really fun – come join me!!