A little thanks for the people who care

I usually perform on big stages or in concert halls but this week I had a very special performance for a little family that reminded me a lot of my own. M. developed Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension as a baby and doctors gave her no chance to live. But it's always fun to show people that miracles are where ever we will look for them and M. is a very clear reminder of that. Her mom, her twin and little sister are as amazing with M. as my mom and sisters are with me. They are total rock stars. So we had a little impromptu performance in their living room to say thank you for being so amazing.

I know in my life, I have lots of people caring for me in little and big ways. Mr. One has helped me (and the entire TD clan) with all of the paperwork I hate for years. Dr. P often serves as my personal medical researcher. My husband is whatever I ask him to be. My siblings at any given time have unofficially served as editors, fashion consultants, drivers, therapists, nurses, maids, cooks, and baby sitters. My mother has made keeping me alive her top and occasionally only priority since that life seemed to be in jeopardy. I know that my experience with illness has changed the dynamic and the cadence of our family life a great deal. There can be guilt and resentment that very naturally flow from these things. But I am so deeply grateful that despite everything my family has not only remained close through these challenges; we've become closer. 

If you've ever been a care taker, had a sibling or a parent or a family member who suffers with physical, mental or emotional challenges or illness, please know we really appreciate you. Your patience, your work, your care and effort. We know we wouldn't be the same (or alive) without you and we know we're not always the best at showing appreciation for all that you do. Sometimes it gets annoying to have to be appreciative for things one would never ask for and never want. But we see what you do for us. We love you. We are sorry you don't always receive the laurels and praise you deserve because you are the super heros. You wear all sorts of masks: from sibling to demanding relative to friend, but you save lives. Your prize is knowing that someone woke up, someone got out of bed and someone lived a better life because of you. But make no mistake of it: in our lives, you are the rescuer. You wear the cape. And for that, you deserve more than a little thanks.

With much love and appreciation,

Two  

Seven Semites Snack on Sprout Slaw near the Sea Shore

My sweet husband and I have been on our own little exodus from the clutches of Hurricane Sandy to sandy beaches of LA (more pictures on that one soon!) for some projects I've been working on. It so happens that a number of my man's best friends from childhood have created their own little Long Island on the west coast. Sunday night, we all got together and had a fantastic dinner. My contribution was a Garlic Brussels sprout slaw, which was good enough that I want to share the recipe with you. So here it is!

15-20 fresh Brussels Sprouts
4 large cloves garlic
1/4 cup Whole gran Mustard
1/4 apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider or juice
1/4 cup toasted and chopped pecans
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp mustard seeds
Salt and pepper to taste

After cleaning, finely shred raw sprouts and thinly slice garlic. Heat pan and add garlic. When it begins to brown, add shredded sprouts and saute. Add juice and let sit for 2 to 3 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed and remove from heat. Meanwhile, mix mustard, aioli, mustard seeds, honey, oil and vinegar.  Toss with sprout slaw and garnish with roasted pecans.

Gray Hairs

Wow! Look at all of these hip chicks looking super chic with totally gray hair! You see them and it almost makes you think -- "You know, if I were to accidentally dye half of my hair bluish gray, it might not even be the worst thing in the world!"

. . .

. . . right?

(please don't kill me, mom)

The Fried Egg Sandwich Grows Up

It was the first Sunday of November of 1993. We were all hungry and ascending toward the fridge in the kitchen above when dad forbade it. He said he had something in mind. I was given lettuce to wash and separate into large pieces; another sibling, tomatoes to chop. An assembly line was created of bread toasters, mayo spreaders, mustard squeezers and tomato and lettuce stackers. Dad took out the skillet and cracked 12 eggs. As the whites turned white and the yolk was gooey, he sprinkled the eggs with lemon pepper and plopped one atop each of the little food mountains. I remember sitting down at out kitchen counter, biting in, the egg oozing out over the rest of the sandwich and dripping down the side. It was one of the best things I have ever eaten. Ever since then, I've had a predilection for fried egg sandwiches.

Pro-biotic blue cheese spread with asparagus, fried egg and cracked pepper

A modern twist on the classic uses gorgonzola mixed with full fat yogurt and olive oil for a luxurious spread, asparagus, and 100% whole rye bread for a hearty, healthy base. The trick with the water makes perfect eggs every time.

The Yellow Blue Green Fried Egg Sandwich

2 pieces bread
2 eggs
6-8 stems asparagus (depending on the size)
1/4 cup blue cheese
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 piece prosciutto or other cured meat (totally optional)
Olive Oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Sautee asparagus in a little olive oil and a dash of salt. Remove from pan. Spray pan again with olive and add eggs. Once the eggs begin to set, add a teaspoon of water, lower heat and cover. Mix yogurt and blue cheese and spread on dark bread. Cut asparagus and arrange on each piece on bread. If you want it, place a piece of proscuitto on next (totally optional). Place egg on top of each little tower and dust with cracked pepper. Eat immediately. Serves 2.

Let's do this, America!

I can't wait for this week to be over. Between the rancor of this election and the trauma of Princess H's upcoming birthday, I spent most of the day quivering on the edge of tears. (Here are three things that actually did make me cry within the last 12 hours: watching my kids watch the mermaid show at the aquarium; walking down the aisles of Costco and being totally overwhelmed by abundance; pretty much every story on All Things Considered.)

I'm not pregnant. I just get worked up because I love my kids and my country and I want great things for them.

Obviously, I've already cried enough today. So here is something to lift your spirits. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Tuesday ends on a better note....

Gratitude

Two wrote a really moving piece for cnn.com. You can read it here, and also see a clip from her latest interview with our Second Favorite Medical Doctor of Indian Descent, (a.k.a. Sanjay Gupta).

The Implication of a Mitten

I found some yarn the other day, and I decided I wanted to make something out of it. Soon after picking up the needle and string, I had a little woolen tube which was rapidly increasing in length and needed some excuse for being. The tube slid snugly onto my arm, but I'm not skilled enough to make fingers and not cool enough to pull off a fingerless arm sleeve. It would have to be a mitten.

I have absolutely no idea how to crochet mittens.

For no reason at all, I switched to green yarn. I fashioned a crude mitt and an even cruder thumb. I slid it onto my hand and, after a little adjustment, it almost fit like a glove.

. . .

I have the funniest feeling that this ugly little mitten sums up my entire life perfectly.