Some Changes

Today is our anniversary.  We spent it quietly.  Since last time I posted we have been to doctors and had tests for v.  He's been very tired and very pale but very upbeat, it's the way he is.  Instead of spending our usual Tuesday at the aquarium we spent a long day at the hospital in Monterey.  That hospital is amazing. It doesn't look like a hospital at all, it looks like a five star resort complete with world class artwork everywhere.  The staff are amazing as well, kind, knowledgeable, efficient, and attentive.  

Wednesday we had to go back to the hospital, early, for a scan.  We still haven't heard anything.  It's hard not knowing.

Our friends and our neighbors are wonderful.  They stop by to keep us company.  They bring us comfort and support.  They keep us from feeling that peculiar isolation that comes with illness and fear.  They keep the shadows at bay.  

I have a new challenge in the kitchen. v has acupuncture treatments as well as conventional Western medical treatments.  Our acupuncturist treats him holistically and has advised that he not ingest spices.  At first I thought this is not a problem, until I spoke with her today and "no spices" includes herbs.  And shock of shock: No Garlic!  No pan frying.  Thank God today was the Farmers' Market.  I loaded up with root vegetables to roast and I have been roasting all afternoon.  Julia Child came to the rescue for chicken breasts. Throwing out all the herbs except lemon and salt shortened the prep time for the poaching. One of our friends gave us a huge basket full of pears from her tree and they stewed in simple syrup with a splash of strawberry balsamic. And we can still have our grilled sweet peppers drizzled with a little olive oil.  I'm thankful for this time of year and the bountiful harvest at the markets.

In bocca al lupo.  m & v

Seduction by Dahlia

v has discovered dahlias.

We may begin finding them tucked into the garden.  

The market stall has bucket after bucket of brilliant colorful dahlias at this time of year.

In bocca al lupo. m & v

Market Day

It's Tuesday.  We have spent our day at the Monterey Bay Aquarium introducing people to sea stars, hermit crabs, sea cucumbers, and gumboot chitons.  We've helped people find our giant octopuses, pointed out wolf eels, and encouraged one and all to limit their use of plastics, especially single use plastic items.  Witnessing the wonder alighting the faces of all ages and cultures is an unending joy for us. 

Tuesdays aren't just about the aquarium, however.  Tuesday is market day in downtown old Monterey. We hop on the trolley and take a short ride to the wharf where we take a short walk through beautiful gardens and past old adobes to Alvarado Street where the farmers' market is in full swing.

In the early days of Monterey, during the colonial period, men would sit on the balcony above this courtyard and watch Grizzly bears battle with bulls.

It's just a short walk away from the walls of this garden and past the Portola Plaza Hotel

to the beginning of the market.  The market can speak for itself.

From end to end we are surrounded by the adobes of old Monterey.

As they say at the market: Buy Fresh! By Local!  The number one best thing you can do to reduce your carbon footprint (and that of your food) is to buy local product.  Cuts down on shipping and the energy used to keep vegetables cool.  Reduces packaging as well.

In bocca al lupo. m & v