Venezuelan Arepas with Chicken and Avocado

The Avocado Chicken Salad that is stuffed in the homemade arepas you see below is delicious.  Avocados are mashed with mayonnaise and lime juice, then combined with shredded chicken (I used leftover Costco rotisserie chicken), bell pepper, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and garlic, and seasoned with salt and pepper.  Cover with plastic wrap, pushing it down to prevent air from turning the avocados, then refrigerate until ready. 

More information, including a recipe for the arepas, can be found at the link below.

https://www.panningtheglobe.com/reina-pepiada-arepas-chicken-avocado

Kettering Mayor's Award

We couldn't be prouder than to have our local Tangles Hair Salon selected for Kettering's first-ever Group Volunteer Award!  You can read the full platitudes at the link below, but just know that the eight ladies of Tangles have a long history of giving to our community through food drives, Christmas-time raffles, and raising money for great causes.  There isn't a more deserving group than the ladies shown below.

https://www.ketteringoh.org/mayors-award

Rolling Hot Tub

When our hot tub recently sprang a leak, we decided not to get it fixed and called 1-800-GOT-JUNK to dispose of it.  As you can see below, they moved it by getting it on its side and then "rolling" it out to the yard.  It took a team of four guys to manhandle it, and there were a couple of times that the hot tub, weighing in excess of 1,200 pounds, looked like it might tip over, but they kept it upright.

The final loading on their truck can be seen in the short YouTube video link below.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/TK0k_heeuio

YouTube TV Full Custom MultiView

I've blogged about the MultiView feature in YouTube TV a couple of times, and while useful, Google's recent update that lets you choose any combination of 2, 3, or 4 channels you want instead of their preset combinations is awesome.  I plan to use it to watch one sporting event and the Moments of Zen channel in a 2-window Multiview, because I do not like listening to commercials, particularly the same ones playing over and over.  Since this feature is powered by Google's servers, even lower-powered devices can support this.  More information can be found at the Yahoo article link below.

https://tech.yahoo.com/streaming/articles/youtube-tv-officially-launching-fully-221554422.html

Using AI To Find Fonts

I was looking for a new font to spice up an old presentation, and instead of searching myself, I asked Google Gemini for some recommendations for upscale fonts.  The two I liked best were Montserrat and Playfair Display, which you see below.  To make that more visual for you, I added both fonts to my Google Blogger and formatted the text below using those specific fonts.  Seeing is believing. 

https://gemini.google.com/app

1. Montserrat (Geometric Sans-Serif)

Montserrat is a modern classic that feels clean, high-end, and architectural. It is exceptionally legible even at smaller point sizes, making it perfect for return addresses.

• Why it works: It feels "boutique" and contemporary.

• Pro Tip: Use All Caps with slightly increased letter spacing (tracking) for a high-fashion, minimalist look.

2. Playfair Display (Sophisticated Serif)

If you want a more traditional "old money" or editorial aesthetic, Playfair Display is an excellent choice. It features high contrast between thick and thin lines, reminiscent of late 18th-century European styles.

• Why it works: It looks like it belongs on a luxury invitation or a premium real estate brochure.

• Pro Tip: Use the Italic version for the recipient's name to add a touch of grace.

Fried Rice

Gourmet Chef Elaine found this super-easy recipe for fried rice, and it was a hit.  You just cook the veggies (chopped white onion, frozen peas and carrots) in sesame oil until tender.  Slide the vegetables to the side, pour 2 lightly beaten eggs onto the other side of the skillet, scramble them with a spatula, and mix everything together.  Stir in rice, combine it all together, and cook until warm throughout.  Serve with sliced green onion, if that's your thing.  A few other details can be found at the link below.

https://therecipecritic.com/easy-fried-rice

Golf Shirt

I rarely find a great product at a ridiculously low price, but the golf shirt you see below is just that.  First, it costs only $14.99, has a subtle cross-golf-club design, is light but of good quality, and is long enough to stay tucked in.  It's available at the link below and includes over two dozen other designs, some pretty wild, with most costing $19.99.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F94FMGX9

SQL Murder Mystery

For the non-techies:  SQL means Structured Query Language.  It's used to read and write records in a database.  You can stop reading now.  

For the techies, the link below will take you to a murder mystery created by Knight Lab.  The first query you run gives you the names of the nine tables where clues are buried.  The second query allows you to see all the fields in a table.  You start with the statement below.

---

A crime has taken place, and the detective needs your help. The detective gave you the crime scene report, but you somehow lost it. You vaguely remember that the crime was a ​murder​ that occurred sometime on ​Jan.15, 2018,​ and that it took place in ​SQL City. Start by retrieving the corresponding crime scene report from the police department’s database.

---

Can you find the killer?

https://mystery.knightlab.com

Fork Mystery

The oddly designed fork you see below came from a luncheon at Wright State University.  I'm still wondering exactly the purpose of the little "wings" you see in the middle.  One theory is that they're designed to work with a particular type of dispensing unit, and the "wings" help the forks from falling out.  Another theory is that it adds additional strength at the point of maximum stress, helping the fork from breaking.  The weirdest theory is that you use it to pick off pieces of chicken or ribs from their bones.  

I don't know what to believe, but I can't find an online seller that offers this shape.  Perhaps one day I'll find the truth.

Using AI To Design A Cabinet

The picture on the left below was the result of the Gemini AI chatbot being asked to take an existing empty cabinet, add a shelf so a TV sits on top, and a cable box that fits below.  But when I saw it, the thought occurred to me that maybe painting the inside black could look even better.  Gemini then created the picture on the right in a few seconds and confirmed what my imagination cooked up.  

This example is one of the things I like about AI chatbots.  They allow me to be creative, and they do the creating.  I can let my imagination go wild and leave all the brushstrokes to the bot.  Sweet!

https://gemini.google.com/app

Slicing Texas Toast

I love Aunt Millie's Texas Toast, but two slices will cost you 220 calories of your daily intake.  Gourmet Chef Elaine taught me this trick to reduce that to a more reasonable 110 calories.  You first toast the bread, let it cool enough to handle it, then slice it in half with a serrated knife.  This would be tough to do with a regular piece of bread, but the thickness of the Texas Toast, combined with the additional rigidity gained by toasting it, makes it a breeze.  

Golf Ball Marker Line

I picked up a couple of devices for $5 to draw lines on golf balls in an attempt to make more putts.  The device is spring-loaded to hold the golf ball firmly, while a Sharpie is used to draw a line on both sides.  This would make a nice stocking stuffer for the golfer in your family.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FP6HSLPV

Hose Pot

We've replaced our standard hoses and their hose reels in both the front and back yards with the XHose Pro hoses I blogged about this last January.  We didn't want to just leave them on the ground, and we bought a couple of the Hose Pots you see below to hide and protect the hoses.  This combination makes watering our new landscaping much easier, which we (i.e., Gourmet Chef Elaine) will be doing a lot.  

I'm not sure why, but I don't have any issues connecting these hoses to the spigots.  Every other hose I've ever had took 3-5 attempts to get the threads lined up, but this usually only takes the first try.  I so love that.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Suncast-Plastic-75-ft-Hose-Pot-Hose-Reel/1000739748

New Landscaping

After losing every boxwood at the front of the house, we decided to start totally fresh.  After consulting with Mike Gorman of Gorman Landscape, we decided he and his crew would plant ‘Trautman’ Juniper (the tall one on the left) and three 'Bowing Ball’ Arborvitae to the right of that.  In front, we have three 3 White Drift Roses and one ‘Sun King’ Aralia.  The other side (to the right of the front door) has a similar configuration.  These beds were mulched, as was everything else in both yards.  These guys do a great job.

https://www.gormanlandscape.com

Using AI To Get Cleaning Instructions

If you're unsure how to clean something, like the exterior door below, asking an AI Chatbot can get useful suggestions.  Most importantly, it advised against using pressure washers, abrasive pads, ammonia, and bleach.  For the door, it suggested mixing a few drops of mild dish soap (like Dawn) in a bucket of warm water and using a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge, starting from the top and working your way down.  For the glass, since it's textured, use a soft-bristled toothbrush or a dedicated glass-cleaning brush to gently reach into the "valleys."

AI Chatbots can get things wrong, so make sure to double-check their suggestions before tackling a job like this.

https://gemini.google.com/app

Sour Cream

This organic Sour Cream is the bomb!  It's thick, tasty, and will be the only brand we buy going forward.  It lacks watery fillers and has a higher "cling" factor, which is why it works so well as a dollop on tacos or a base for dips.  It's less aggressively acidic than other brands and leans into the sweetness of the cream rather than a sharp vinegar-like bite.  Yum!

https://www.traderjoes.com

Within 300 Feet

The fireworks sign you see below is on the entrance door to our local Meijer store.  First, you wouldn't think they need to tell people not to shoot off fireworks in their parking lot.  But some people are just that stupid.  But the real problem I see with the sign is that it seems to say that if you're far enough away, it's okay to light them up.  Not so.  

While Ohio state law changed in 2022 to allow the discharge of consumer fireworks on specific holidays, it also gave individual municipalities the right to "opt out" and maintain their own bans. Kettering is one of several local cities that chose to keep its ban in place.  

Front Yard Farm

This house on Polen Drive in Kettering, Ohio, is a stunning example of what not to do.  Filling your front yard with a life-sized horse, a pink pig, a black gorilla, geese, chickens, and a rooster is as tacky as it gets.  I suppose you wouldn't have to give your address when you have guests.  Just direct them to the "front yard farm on Polen."

Big shout-out to Kim B for spotting this chuckle and a sigh...

Account Updater Program

A few days ago, I received a new credit card in the mail to replace the one expiring in the next month.  Since I pay a half-dozen or more bills using that credit card, I know I need to update the expiration date on their websites, and I keep a list of bills I pay with that card.  I went to the first one, and the new expiration date was already there.  The same was true for most of the rest of the websites.  What the heck was going on?

This is due to a new service called the Account Updater Program.  Offered by the credit card networks, they send the updated info (new expiration date and CVV) to the card network’s database.  Major merchants and service providers that use recurring billing are subscribed to these updates.  If a change is found, the network securely provides the new information to the merchant. The merchant then automatically updates your profile on their end.

Why do they do this?  A couple of reasons.  First, it prevents "payment declined" notifications and service interruptions.  Second, merchants want to ensure they get paid without you having to log in manually, which is also when some people decide to cancel their subscription.

The only account I had to manually update was a yearly renewal for an Apple storage service.  I guess yearly does not fit the definition of "recurring."

Using AI For Wine Recommendations

I asked the Google Gemini chatbot to "Recommend 5 highly-rated red wines under $20," and the results are shown below.  I've had the Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel several times, and it's always delicious.  Same for the Colombia Crest Cab.  Both of those should be easy to find at most wine shops.  The other three I haven't tried, but I do like Argentinian Malbec and Italian Chianti Classico.  If you're invited to a party, any of these will make a great gift.

https://gemini.google.com

1. Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (Columbia Valley, Washington)

   This is consistently one of the best values in American Cabernet. It typically features bold flavors of black cherry and plum with a touch of vanilla and cocoa from oak aging. It is smooth, reliable, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats.

2. Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina)

   While some Malbecs can be one-dimensional, Catena is a pioneer in high-altitude viticulture. This wine offers deep violet colors with intense aromas of black fruits and a hint of spice. It has a velvety texture that makes it very approachable.

3. Bogle Old Vine Zinfandel (California)

   For those who enjoy a robust, "jammy" red, this is a standout. Sourced from vines that are decades old, it delivers concentrated flavors of raspberry and peppercorn. It’s a hearty wine that stands up well to spicy BBQ or rich pasta dishes.

4. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge (Rhône Valley, France)

   A classic Syrah-based blend, this wine is famous for its consistency. It offers a savory profile with notes of blackberry, Garrigue (dried Mediterranean herbs), and a hint of black pepper. It is elegant, earthy, and a great introduction to French reds.

5. Castello di Monsanto Monrosso Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)

   If you prefer something with higher acidity and bright cherry notes, this Sangiovese-heavy blend is excellent. It features the classic "dusty" tannins of Tuscany and a bright, food-friendly profile that shines alongside tomato-based dishes or hard cheeses.

A Tip for Value: When looking for high-quality bottles under $20, regions like the Rhône Valley (France), Mendoza (Argentina), and Rioja (Spain) often provide the highest quality-to-price ratio compared to premium regions like Napa Valley or Bordeaux.

Chicken Marsala

Until recently, I had never tried Chicken Marsala, even though Gourmet Chef Elaine raves about it when she gets it at our local Figlio restaurant.  As you can see in the recipe at the link below, it's a simple cook.  The key ingredients that kick up the flavor are the cremini mushrooms, shallot, and dry marsala wine.  Buying an entire bottle of the wine is a waste, so next time we'll try substituting it with dry vermouth, which is shelf-stable for months.  

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/the-best-chicken-marsala-7195830

Peach Cobbler

On a recent trip to Texas, we made our usual stop at Buc-ee's in Bastrop.  I picked up one of the warm Peach Cobblers you see below.  Sitting in our rental car, I opened it to have a few bites, but it was so good I devoured the whole thing.  Now that our local Buc-ee's in Huber Heights is open (I-70 and SR-235), I may have to buy a few of these to have an awesome dessert when we entertain.  Or maybe I'll just pig out again.

https://buc-ees.com

Just Walk Out

While roaming around the Dallas Love Field airport, I noticed the "Just Walk Out" store you see below.  Turns out to be an Amazon invention that enables a seamless shopping experience.  You enter the store using your Amazon account and pick up your purchases.  AI and sensors to monitor items picked up or put back, and keep track of what you have.  When you leave, your Amazon payment method is charged.  No cashiers means no checkout lines.  Read more about it at the link below.

https://www.justwalkout.com

Using Grams

Our small kitchen scale measures weights in ounces and grams, but I never had a reason to use grams.  at least, not until I started making little balls of ground chuck for smashburgers.  We typically buy 1.5 pounds, enough for eight, three-ounce balls, but by the time I get to making the eighth ball, it usually comes out a little too small or a little too big.  That small difference is due to rounding, so it dawned on me one day that a rounding error with grams is way smaller.  So I now make 85-gram ground chuck balls, like you see below, and life is a little easier.

An ounces-to-grams conversion is available at the link below.

https://www.metric-conversions.org/weight/ounces-to-grams.htm

Using AI To Sound Like A Pirate

AI chatbots can create output in multiple languages and in different voices.   I decided to try that out by asking Google Gemini to "Write a half-page speech for the best man, Pat, to give to his younger brother Brian and new wife Deborah at their wedding reception in the voice of a pirate."  I also uploaded three photos, asking, "Use the pictures to create an image appropriate to the speech."  Here's what it came up with...

---

Gather ‘round, ye scurvy dogs, landlubbers, and fine-dressed folk! Silence yer tongues or I’ll have ye walk the plank into the chocolate fountain!

I stand before ye today not just as the Best Man, but as the elder Captain of the crew. I’ve known the groom, Brian, since he was naught but a wee cabin boy—constantly tripping over his own boots and stealing my gold doubloons (or, as the Mutiny of ‘98 remembers it, my favorite action figures).

Brian, ye’ve always been a brave sailor, but ye were drifting aimlessly in the fog without a compass. Ye spent many a night searching for treasure in all the wrong ports. But then, across the horizon, appeared a vision of beauty—the formidable Deborah.

Deborah, me lady, ye didn’t just board his ship; ye took the helm! Ye brought order to his chaotic deck, ye polished his rusty heart, and ye taught him that "sharing the loot" actually means letting ye pick the restaurant. Ye are the finest gem in the Seven Seas, and how this scallywag convinced ye to drop anchor with him is a mystery greater than the Kraken itself!

So, raise yer grog, ye salty lot!

To the Captain and his new First Mate! May yer winds be fair, may yer hull be strong against the storms of life, and may yer hold always be overflowing with rum, riches, and joy.

To Brian and Deborah! May ye sail together ‘til the stars fall into the briny deep! Huzzah!

---

https://gemini.google.com

Stuffed Bell Peppers

There's a pop of color in these stuffed peppers that Gourmet Chef Elaine cooked up.  We're not fond of green bell peppers, but the yellow and red varieties are delicious.  Add our favorite flavorful tomatoes, Roma, pepper jack cheese, onion, and garlic to the milder flavors of ground beef, zucchini, and rice, and it's an all-in-one meal that pleases.  Takes about an hour and a half total, and all those nitty directions can be found at the link below.

https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/stuffed-bell-peppers-3325315

Luggage Scooter

When I first spotted the luggage and 3-wheel scooter combo in the Austin airport, I thought it was kinda genius.  The kid hauls his own luggage, easily keeps up with his parents, and amuses himself at the same time.  But after his Dad had to chase him down because he was too far ahead, I wasn't as keen on the idea.  This is the first one of these I've seen, but after seeing all the options available on Amazon, they must be quite popular.  You can check them out at the Amazon search link below.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=luggage+scooter

Siri On Apple Watch

I talk to our various Alexa devices all the time.  I talk to Google smart speaker and Pixel 7 smartphone daily.  But I never talk to Siri, even though "she's" available on my iPad and my Mac Mini.  So when Gourmet Chef Elaine was frustrated with her Apple Watch, I would never have guessed that Siri could come to the rescue.  

A recent update to her Apple Watch changed the location of the Workout app, which she uses to track the progress of our frequent 3-mile walks.  Multiple taps and lots of scrolling were now needed, made very difficult by the precision needed for the small watch face.  I was hoping to find a way to rearrange the Workout icon and put the Outdoor Walk at the top of the list, but I couldn't figure out how to do that.  But while searching for a solution, I found the easy way.

"Hey Siri, start an Outdoor Walk."

Done.

https://www.makeuseof.com/how-to-use-siri-on-the-apple-watch

SuperTool

I used the Gemini AI chatbot to repair the photo you see below, but I wanted to create an animated GIF that starts with the original photo and slowly shows the image being repaired.  I found that the Supertool website can do just that, along with a whole bunch of other neat PDF and image utilities.  You just upload the two photos, adjust a few settings, and download the animated GIF.

I can't tell if you can see the animation or not.  It appears some email systems will render it properly, while others just show a static picture.  But you should be able to see the animation by going to this blog's website, https://dailyposts.paulishing.com.

https://supertool.org/make-video-gifs-from-two-images

Using AI To Repair An Image

The first picture below is my completion certificate from the 1985 Columbus Marathon, the one and only marathon I've ever completed (out of three marathon attempts).  Somewhere along the line, it got ripped, and I had to scotch tape it back together.  I uploaded the image to the Google Gemini AI chatbot and asked it to "repair the image," and it produced the second image, looking brand new.  I've done this with a few other documents, and it works great.

https://gemini.google.com

Honey Butter Creamy Skillet Corn

This gem of a recipe from Gourmet Chef Elaine's kitchen will stun you.  It takes only four ingredients and fifteen minutes to produce this side dish that will knock your taste buds silly.  Butter and honey are melted over medium-high heat, then frozen corn is added.  Cook and stir for 5-8 minutes, then cream cheese, salt, and pepper are added.  Stir another 3-5 minutes, and you have a taste bud masterpiece! 

All the delicious details are at the link below.

https://togetherasfamily.com/honey-butter-creamy-skillet-corn/

Organizing The Spices

We've been looking to improve the organization of our spices.  Most of the time, we're pulling jars and cans out until we can finally spot the one we want.  Gourmet Chef Elaine bought a 5-piece Seville Classics Acacia Storage Bin Set during a recent trip to Costco, and we're using the three 6" (wide) by 11.25" (deep) by 3" (tall) you see in the top picture below.  The one on the left has the tallest jars, the one in the middle has the half-size jars (with their labels facing up!), and the one on the right has the medium-sized jars.  In the final picture, the tallest box is on the left, and the medium box sits on top of the half-sized box.  We'll see how we like it, but early indications are that we'll love it.

https://www.costco.com/p/-/seville-classics-acacia-storage-bin-set-5-piece/4000415316

Easter Jumping Popper Toys

It's not too late to order a set of the twenty-four Easter Jumping Popper Toys you see below in time to put a few in every Easter basket.  The eggs, bunnies, and bears are as cute as can be, and you just press the head down to the bottom, then wait 3-10 seconds (or a bit more), and it will jump up to 12" - 20" high.  There are eight designs, and you get three of each one, all for $14.  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN917PN3

A Time That Does Not Exist

If you ask me to meet you on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:30 am, I would have to tell you that time does not exist.  Ask me to meet you on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:30 am, I would have to ask you, "Which one?'  Of course, I'm talking about the effect of starting and ending Daylight Saving Time.  But time itself doesn't leap forward or fall back; it's just the way we humans want to label time.  Because of that and a few other factors, like the Earth's rotation continuing to slow down, keeping track of time is difficult, particularly for computers, where it's really important.

For those non-techies, you can stop reading now.

The programming language of the Internet is JavaScript, and it was modeled on Java.  Java had a flawed "Date" function, and in the haste to get JavaScript completed, those flaws got included.  That's been (finally) fixed with the introduction of a new JavaScript time function called Temporal, which provides a more reliable and feature-rich way to handle dates and times compared to the legacy Date object. It includes support for time zones, calendars, and immutable date-time representations, making date management simpler and less error-prone.  More details can be found at the following link.

https://dev.to/pritampatil/introducing-the-temporal-object-a-game-changer-for-javascript-date-handling-3n1b

Using AI To Colorize Photos

The first picture below is an original photo of Gourmet Chef Elaine (with the ribbon in her hair) and her siblings.  I asked the Google Gemini chatbot to colorize the photo, and you see that in the second picture.  

Along with the picture, Gemini responded, "I have colorized and enhanced your photo, focusing on bringing natural skin tones and fabric colors to life. I also restored the details and texture to the clothing, such as the boy's plaid blazer and the various ties, and removed the gold studio signature for a cleaner finish."

Gemini made up all the colors, including Elaine's red hair (which it's not), and it's nowhere near what they actually wore, but it's kinda cool to see what it could have looked like.

https://gemini.google.com

Pepperoni Roll

We went to Jimmy's Italian Kitchen on our once-a-month, eat-lunch-out dates.  I had the yummy Pepperoni Roll, which you see below, one of six New York Rolls on the menu.  They have quite the menu, including pizza, salad, calzone, ravioli, ziti, lasagna, and luxurious desserts.  You can check out the menu at the link below.

https://jimmysitaliancuisine.com

Flavortown Sauces

We watch Guy Fieri (pronounced guy fee-ED-ee) 's competition cooking shows all the time, and when he began marketing sauces, rubs, and wing sauces, we had to give them a try.  The Smokin' Hickory BBQ sauce, on the left below, is great and rivals the best ones on the market.  The other one is his unique Donkey Sauce, featuring a combination of lots of garlic, EV olive oil, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.  You'll notice the top of the lid is different than other bottles, and it's a great feature that allows you to open the top using one hand.  Pretty clever!

https://www.flavortownsauces.com

Cat Houses

It looks like a high-density feline metropolis has sprouted right in front of the picture window.

I often wonder what people are thinking, and that certainly applies to the front porch you see below, which, unfortunately, is at the west end of the street we live on.  Is the purpose of all the cat houses and platforms to provide a home for stray cats, or perhaps they think this is decorating at its finest?  At the top, you'll see their Christmas lights are still strung, and the sign to the right of the picture window says "Home Sweet Haunted Home."  Sigh...

Cordless Electric Scissors

It wasn't until the electric scissors you see below went on sale for about $25 that I decided to buy.  While you can use it to cut wrapping paper, fabric, and many other things, there are two things that I'll use it for the most.  First, cardboard boxes.  I recently used a carpet knife to cut down the boxes our new nightstands came in.  Pulling that razor blade towards me over and over to make small enough pieces to fit into the recycle can was both dangerous and exhausting.  Second, plastic clamshell packaging.  Our heavy-duty kitchen scissors can barely cut the stuff, and ripping it apart leads to enough injuries that OSHA releases an annual clamshell packaging injury report.  I haven't tested cutting really heavy-duty plastic yet, but I believe it should work.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GD7MF41Z

Using AI To Diagram A Sentence

There seems to be no end to what Chatbots can do, and this example might take you back to the horror (or happiness) of grade-school English class.  Diagramming teaches the logic of language.  It forces you to categorize every word and sharpens your ability to write with more clarity and precision.  I asked a few chatbots to "Diagram the first sentence of the Gettysburg Address," and ChatGPT gave the nicest result, shown below.  I didn't know English could be this complex.

https://chatgpt.com

How the structure works

Main clause

• Subject: our fathers

• Verb: brought forth

• Direct object: a new nation

Verb modifiers

• Four score and seven years ago (time)

• on this continent (place)

Modifiers of “nation”

• conceived in Liberty (participial phrase)

• dedicated to the proposition… (participial phrase)

Object of “to”

• proposition

Clause modifying “proposition”

• that all men are created equal

Beef Barley Soup With Prime Rib

Put leftover prime rib to a delicious use by making a big pot of Beef Barley soup.  Butter, celery, carrots, garlic, and onion are cooked until almost brown.  Add beef broth, prime rib, apple cider vinegar, ground thyme, and barley, and cook over medium heat until the barley is tender.  The recipe at the link below also calls for "broth", but only beef broth was used.

It's more of a cold winter day meal, but it's so good I would never turn a bowl down.  Gourmet Chef Elaine hits another one out of the park.  Lucky me.

https://www.delishscript.com/beef-barley-soup-with-prime-rib-recipe

MyChart End-of-Life Planning

As I blogged a few weeks ago, we updated our end-of-planning documents.  Our lawyer's recommendation was to make a copy for our family doctors so they could scan it into their system.  But I found that the MyChart app, part of the Epic system that all our local health providers use, allows you upload documents in their "End-of-Life Planning" section, including our Living Wills and Health Care Power of Attorney.  We now have access to those documents via our smartphone's MyChart app if they are ever needed.  I think this is a good idea for everyone.  If you have a MyChart account, you can use the following link to find the right section.

https://www.mychart.org/Features

Jar Lifter

The worst part of canning is lifting the jars out of the pot of boiling water.  I've used a variety of methods, including, most recently, a pair of channel lock pliers.  That scared the geebers out of my friend who was watching, and I didn't think much of it either.  The easy-to-grip handles are designed for minimal force and maximum jar security, and its springed hinge pops open for effortless jar placement and removal.

A big shout-out to Dan and Kim for this perfect gift!

https://www.amazon.com/Ball-Secure-Grip-Jar-Lifter/dp/B0107Z5B4C

Weather Apps

I've used The Weather Channel app for many years, and it always had pop-up advertisements, but recently those have become more frequent, full-screen, non-closable videos that roll on up to thirty seconds.  It was time to look for a new app, and for my Pixel 7 phone, I found that Google has its own app, with zero ads.  For our iPads, I found Apple has its own app, again with no ads, and that's what you see in the image below.  To top that, Apple includes that app as part of my Mac.  While I find The Weather Channel to be a notch better, those ads were driving me crazy.

The link to the Apple Weather app for iPhones and iPads is at the link below.

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/weather/id1069513131

Mandolin Glove

I watch a fair number of cooking shows, and it drives me crazy to watch a chef use an uber-dangerous mandolin barehanded.  Not us.  We use the NoCry Cut-Resistant Glove, which you see in the picture below, for vegetables too small to use the guard that came with the mandolin.  I use this when I slice jalapeno peppers for Cowboy Candy, and it has saved my index finger a time or two.  A link to the glove is provided below.

https://www.amazon.com/NoCry-Cut-Resistant-Gloves-Performance/dp/B00MXUHHGK

Hallaca With Chicken Potato Salad

The outside of the large dumpling you see below is folded plantain leaves wrapped around a stew of meats and vegetables.  It's a popular Venezuelan dish known by many Latin American names, such as ayaca, hayaca, guanimo, tamal, and guanime.  It's accompanied by a mound of chicken potato salad and avocado slices.  I'm really taking a liking to Venezuelan food and might have to try out Latin Arepas in Springboro, but Jorrge's will also be my go-to.

https://www.facebook.com/jorrgescantina

Bite-Sized Cucumbers

I like sliced cucumbers in my salad, but I loathe buying a large cucumber and slicing it into bite-sized pieces.  I also end up throwing most of it away.  Recently, at our local Meijer store, I saw packages of tiny cucumbers like the ones below.  I just grab a couple, slice them into tiny rounds, and add them to my salad.  You can also munch on one as a snack or include them in a lunch bag.  I never thought to look for small cucumbers, even though they make pickles the same size.  Duh...

https://www.sunsetgrown.com/sunset-unveils-pop-its-snack-sized-cucumbers

All-Clad Pot Holders

We've had all sorts of pot holders over the years, but we have never had ones that we really liked.  They were either too flimsy, too bulky, too small, or would stain easily.  But after taking a cooking class at Dorothy Lane Market, we spent a few moments going through their cool set of kitchen gadgets and found the perfect pot holders that you see below.  The 100% cotton heavyweight twill is treated with silicone, which makes for a firm grip and can handle temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.  You can find them in an array of colors at the link below.

https://www.amazon.com/All-Clad-Premium-Heating-Resistant-Barbeque/dp/B00UABQU08