A Sense of Humor is Essential

Here is a quick, delicious, and easy meal adaptable to the items you have on hand. I hope you enjoy it and I invite you to share in more yummy deliciousness over at the Krazy Kitchen.


Shrimp (Or Chicken) with Feta Cheese

Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1-2 garlic cloves
1 14 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 lb cleaned/deveined shrimp, medium size 21-25 per lb. (Can also use cooked, diced chicken or Extra Firm Tofu, cubed.)
1/4 to 1/2 cup Crumbled Feta Cheese (Can use Parmesan cheese if preferred.)
Cooked rice or pasta

1.Heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil in skillet over medium heat.
2.Mince 1-2 garlic cloves. Saute garlic until golden. (Not burned like mine and then I have to start over.)
3.Add one 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, heat thoroughly, don't allow to boil.
(I use the tomatoes with basil and Italian Seasonings. Any brand will do, I buy them on sale and stock up because Canned Tomatoes are one Versatile Vegetable. Our local dollar store carries national brands also.)
4.Increase heat to medium high and add either Shrimp or Diced Chicken.
5.Cook Shrimp thoroughly until pink. Cook Chicken or Tofu until heated through.
6.Spoon tomato/meat mixture over steamed rice or pasta.
7.Sprinkle with Feta or Parmesan Cheese.

This recipe serves four and is a great source of Vitamin C and Protein.
Bon Appetit on The Cheap and Quick.

Thank you so much from my kitchen to yours.

It never ceases to amaze me that a word that is so easy for a 2 y/o to say is often quite difficult for so many of us adults, (myself included.) This magic word is the Word, No. One syllable, no waiting.

I've had a couple instances to practice my "No" muscle power recently. Once at our neighborhood swim meet this past weekend, and just now with a phone call.

Saturday at the Swim Meet, I volunteered to cook, (as I have for the last 5 years!!), making up the breakfast burritos and hot dogs, several dozen at a time. I'm good, fast, and clean. When I was in the middle of removing the hot dogs from the boiling water for the lunch rush, another parent who volunteers as a Stroke and Turn Judge, comes into the kitchen with a Coach from the competing team. He requests that I immediately stop what I am doing to assemble a Chicken Salad for this Coach.

I tell him politely, calmly, "I will be done in approximately twenty seconds and then, I will make a salad."

He says, "I will finish the hot dogs and you can make the salad because you are so much better at it than me." (KMA, you patronizing so and so.)

Internal groaning, restrained eye brow raising on my part, I immediately realized that the distraction technique was called for Because Clearly He's Not Listening. This technique works great with dogs and toddlers also.
"Please go wash your hands."

He washes his hands and low and behold, the hot dogs are done, and lookie, an assembled salad for the coach. We exchange a meaningful look.

He comes back a few minutes later and asks me what just happened. (This confirms that the Word No is a new and foreign concept to him.) Using a simple analogy because I couldn't draw him a picture, I inform him that I don't tell him what to do and when to do it, and Guess What?? You can't order me around either. Especially when I've got sharp knives and boiling water nearby. GGGRrrrrr.

Practice makes perfect as they say because I just hung up the phone with a telemarketer and I told him "No Thank you", and to PLEASE take my name off their call list before the guy could even take a breath to ask for a donation to his high overhead charity. That's also a very nice, "No".

Any Good Uses of the Word No for you lately??

"No is my final answer, not my opening bid."

Welcome to Mellow Yellow Monday, a celebration of All Things Yellow.

I hope you enjoy these pictures of my cheap therapy and workout program aka My Garden.
I recently installed a rock and flower garden with roses, agapanthus, and alyssum.
Day Lilies are perennial and thrive on neglect. My kind of flower.
Here is White Alyssum, Yellow Cornflowers, and Blue Cosmos. (Doesn't Blue Cosmos sound like an alcoholic beverage? Blue Cosmos for me and my girlfriends, please. Gosh, let's invent the drink if they haven't already.)
All done trimming my roses to prepare them for another rounds of blooms.

Thank you for sharing in the Sunny Delight of my garden.

Here in beautiful Los Angeles-

Driving time isn't dependent on "weather permitting" but Traffic. Traffic can get so bad, it's got its'own special name, a Sigalert.*

A street map that is approximately 1 inch thick is mandatory along with a car.

Yellow signs with black lettering mean a film crew is nearby with the potential for star sightings and movie trailers. Usually all you see is the security guards.

Many retail businesses like the dry cleaners, restaurants, and the corner drugstore will post the head shots of the famous people who cleaned, supped, and drugged up at their place of business. (Head shots are the black and white photographs that actors use as their professional calling card.)

The journeyman movie actor next door works hard and the job is not so glamorous.

People from the East Coast and Europe don't really get the importance of flip flops here. 60F is chilly.

Architecture fifty years old is considered "historical".

There is a district for everything in L.A., Fashion District, Fabric district, Jewelry District, Design Center, Wholesale Flower Mart, you name it. The shopping will blow your mind and I'm not even talking about Melrose, Rodeo, or Fashion Island.

There's every kind of ethnic neighborhood. Chinatown, Little India, Little Armenia, Little Ethiopia, the list goes on and on. There is a cheese cake sold at a Filipino bakery that will have you craving it for years.

I think Los Angeles is the most underrated international city in the World.

What are some unique joys of your part of the world? Thank you.

* (Mrs.Spit gave me the courage to use both the possessive and contraction forms for IT in a Sentence. I thank her for her faith in me.)

Here is a hanging planter with pink geraniums against a wall of flowering white jasmine. I wish we had Smell-O-Vision over the internet, the jasmine smelled That Good. Pink is a happy color and one I am delighted to celebrate today on Pink Saturday.

Any politician who espouses family values needs to keep track of which brain is doing the talking. In this transparent society, you can't get it on in a glass house with someone/s other than your Own spouse. (Especially on another continent or with an employee.) How scary is it that these public officials are too Stupid to figure this out on their own??

Today is ONE Tough day to be a Celebrity Icon in Los Angeles. First Farrah Fawcett died, now, this just in, Michael Jackson, The King of Pop has gone to meet his maker. (Or is that Producer??) Michael Jackson was an artist of Worldwide influence, there is no Aspect of music, dance, or performance that he left untouched. His caliber of artist won't be seen for a long, long time, if ever again.

"Good Morning, Angels, Live Life Off The Wall".

Peace to you and those who loved you and always will.

Please double click the photo to ascertain proof of Abigail's beautiful green eyes.

The Double Trouble Photo Meme brings to mind my best four legged friends, well, bestest friends with any number of legs, my pets, Abigail and Charley. They are quite the pair. Like most big sisters, our cat both adores and disdains her little brother. Abgail loves dogs over the company of cats and all cat-friendly dogs are welcome in our home. Our neighbor's piebald daschund, Chloe is a regular visitor and will seek out the cat in her hiding places to say Hello. It's so cute to see the daschund run up the stairs and zoom under the bed to roust the cat from her nap. It's a good life and I'm glad my pets have friends.

Do your pets have special two or four legged friends outside the family circle??

For those not owned by any animals, any cool animal stories to share?

Thank you.

Dear Grocery Store Cashier,

I think I hate grocery shopping almost as much as you hate working here. Ha, ha, No, I'm not pyschic or even especially insightful, your whole demeanor screams this attitude, Yes REALLY. Thank you for ringing up my order and practicing your shotput exercises all at the same time. See the bag, it's labeled PRETZELS, Not PRETZELS' Dust.

Signed, Next Time I'm Sending the Hubby


Dear Mom and Pop Petstore Owner,

I really appreciate and want to support the small business owner over the big chains. Plus, you are the closest store who carries our dog's kibble, so it's been a Win/Win. Now, not so much, not since I WATCHED you WATCH Me struggle with 30 lbs of dogfood, a purse, keys, and a kid while you smoked your cigarette by the front door. You even thanked me as we walked through your cloud of smoke while juggling all my stuff. At least the big chains offer carts and carryout service. Enjoy your smokes.

Signed, An UnLoyal Customer


Dear Department Store Merchandise Buyer,

Flutter and puffed sleeves (make that Puffed Anything!!) are not a good look for anyone over 30 y/o, no, make that anyone who doesn't work out as much as Madonna. Which is what, like 99.99999999999999999999999999999% of the female population? Also, when is the maternity look of empire waists going away? I was tired of this during my last pregnancy twelve years ago! Do you know how uncomfortable that stupid bow is in the back when you sit down? Enough Already!! Please let the designers know that polyester feels wierd and should only be used for flight suits and leotards, neither of which are on my shopping list today.

Signed,

Happy to Live in Jeans and Tshirts

How is the Retail World treating you, my fellow Consumer?

Summer is here and our community pool is open.
What signals the start of Summer where you live?
Happy Ruby Tuesday where Red Matters.

Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays hosted by Lori of Weebles Wobblog.

I work with medically fragile adults as a RN Case manager. It's humbling to talk with these folks, so much for them is a struggle. They are old before their time with the wear and tear of a 75 y/o in their 30 or 40 y/o body. The medical and pyschosocial issues can be quite daunting for some of my patients including no money for necessities, doctors with zero compassion, and dual diagnoses, (fancy MedSpeak for a person with both medical and pyschological diagnoses like bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, you know, fun stuff.)

I was talking with a patient who is trying to find a provider to treat her for a severe dental condition for which she has no insurance coverage or money. She started to explain to me that she had always had regular cleanings and check ups. I said to her, "I'm here to help you, not judge you."

I meant it.

A couple weeks ago, my older son and I went out for dinner at our favorite local coffee shop, Lily's Cafe. (Which is wonderful btw if you are ever in the Newhall, California area.) As we were finishing up our meal and I prepared to pay the bill, it struck me, how much freedom I have. The ability to go out safely in public, have my own money, be able to drive my own car, and have the ability to express myself whether it's with my choice of clothing, spouse, number of children, internet use, or my vote, are gifts too precious for words. Not one I take lightly but one I frequently take for granted.

Which is kind of the point isn't it?

Has the Universe opened up your heart, mind, or spirit lately?

Here are Cricket players at a park near our home in North Los Angeles County. (Please double click the picture, sorry it's so dark. June Gloom.)
I love the multiculturalism of Los Angeles where you can watch Cricket players from Mumbai play on the field next to Soccer (futbol) players from Puebla, Mexcio.
Thank you for stopping by for Mellow Yellow Monday.

Some of the lovely things I've been handed down by my Mom which I really enjoy is this Majolica Pottery. Majolica Pottery was popular during Victorian times in the 1850s. It was considered very innovative with its' never before seen use of vibrant colors and 3D nature motifs including leaves and animals. My favorite piece is the pink and green pitcher seen on the left middle shelf.

Do you have any special things that you have been handed down that you actually enjoy? Thank you.

Disclaimer: my house is not filled to the brim with antiques and clutter. I need to post a picture of our den with the big screen TV and video games so you know I don't live in a doiley filled and cat infested museum.

Thank you for sharing in the Color Carnival.

These pink flamingos mysteriously appeared on my neighbor's front lawn one morning. Flocks of plastic pink flamingos are seen from time to time in Southern California to celebrate a special event like Graduations or Birthdays.

Any fun or offbeat traditions in your slice of paradise?

Happy Pink Saturday.

I've had some "Excuse Moi" evidence of getting older these last few days-

My knees have become very accurate barometers of changes in humidity and weather. While the rest of my body enjoys gardening, my knees and lower back do not.

I can't spend two days on an airplane to spend two days in the Midwest for my 30th high school reunion. It's not a question of $$, but a more precious commodity, Time. When I was younger, it was typically the opposite, more time, less dough. Ah, wouldn't a private jet be nice for these little excursions?

My friend just called me to join her for lunch at our community pool and play "Canasta". First of all, what the heck is Canasta? A card game of some sort, right? Like Pinochle, another card game I've never played. People still play cards besides Texas Hold Em?? Next thing you know, I will be getting calls for rides to the Bingo Hall and Early Bird specials.

Any Grown up moments for you lately? Merci Beaucoup. A Bientot. (Talking about my reunion makes me want to practice my high school French. xx)

My Dad has taught me many things including-

Late planes just get later. (The corollary to this travel caveat is you must be on time. Trains, planes, and Dad waits for No One.)

The importance of being polite to everyone from the CEO to the coffee shop cashier.

Learning a few words of a foreign language will make your trip much more fun.

The best line in the world to wait in is the Broadway TKTS line in Times Square, NYC.

One of the joys of growing older is being close friends with your Mom even though she mercilessly and consistently beat you at any and all card games.

You are never too old to swing, groove, and Rock-N-Roll.

Talk softly but carry a big stick.

Keeping flexible through exercise keeps your mind nimble too.

Pay attention to your finances or you won't have anything to pay attention to.

Your word is your bond.

A good swear word (or two, or three, or six with creative combinations thereof) never hurt anybody and is usually very therapeutic.

Strong men cry, laugh, and know how to play.

Never forget to look up at the stars and that's actually a planet that you think is a star.

Books and black standard poodles make the best of friends.

Listening to your children is a gift they will carry with them all their lives.

You will always be loved and cherished. Thank you, Dad.

One of the best things about going to any kind of Fair is the fun junk food. Last weekend at the Craft Fair, I did treat myself to a Funnel cake which is like a deep fried lacy donut with powdered sugar. Delicious! Thank you for stopping by to check out Ruby Tuesday, a photo celebration of all things Red.

This picture of deer grazing on the grounds of the Wawona Hotel in Yosemite, California was taken during our visit there this Spring.
The Double Trouble photo meme highlights the beauty of pairs (like earrings) and is hosted by Martha of the Menagerie. (See, I spared you more boobie comparisons on the beauty of pairs. What a gal.)

Happy Perfect Moment Monday, an AntiRant to reflect on the "Good Stuff". I had many Perfect Moments this weekend including-

Fun at our sons' baseball team party.

Finding treasures and enjoying the scene at our local Arts and Crafts Fair.

Completing the bulk of the work for our new flower/rock garden thanks to my hubby and oldest son.

And how was your Weekend? Any Perfect Moments to share?? Thank you so much.

Hi, My name is Martha and I am addicted to Giveaways and Creative Tips. Thank you for sharing in the swag.

Here is our puppy, Charley, who is fascinated by the mushrooms growing in a neighbor's front yard. For more cool shadow shots, please visit Hey Harriet. Thank you so much!

Here are a couple pictures of my neighbor's roses for this week's Color Carnival. Roses are very self sufficient in California, you essentially plant them, water them once in awhile, trim the heck out of them a few times a year, and Off they go!!

These last several weeks have been CrazyBusy.

Work - Really demanding right now. We have a new client and I transitioned my long term pediatric patients to another Nurse Case manager so I can work with these new adult patients. I pride myself on being flexible with work, but it's an adjustment. One 80 year old is equal to 8 10 year olds clinically. I am really going to miss talking with some of these special patients and their families.

House- So much to do, so little time. Organize office, purge youngest son's room of toys/clothes,books etc. How so much crap accumulates is beyond me. We aren't big shoppers so I don't know how this stuff sneaks into the house. Plus, I regularly get rid of things, so again, not sure how the drawers get full to bursting.

Garden- aka Cheap therapy and workout - the conversion of my side yard from grass to a rock/flower garden is almost done and I have the sore arms and hamstrings to prove it. I can't wait to post my before and after pictures. Here is a sneak preview of part of the "Work in Progress" pictures. These are some of the roses, agapanthus, and alyssum ready to be planted.

Blogging- Woefully behind on some really sweet Awards and Memes from some new bloggy friends. Thank you so much and I appreciate it and You Know Who You Are!!

Family- Our oldest has his 8th grade promotion ceremony last week, it was delightful and touching. Thank you all for your Well Wishes as he gets ready for high school. Youngest's last day of school is this Friday. They will both stay busy this summer with Scout camp, baseball, and swimming. Plus we are going to Oregon for a week next month.

So all good stuff, and lots of It! What's up with you?

I have always been a fan of fashion pins and I am delighted they are back in vogue. (Thank you, Mrs.Obama!) I have a collection of Swaroski crystal and enamel pins from the 1980s when I sold costume jewelry wholesale during college. Two of the pins, one of a seal with a pearl on his nose and the other of a sword, are from Mallorca, Spain with the traditional black enamel design. At the top of the picture is a pin from China made with jade, coral, and peacock feathers. I am especially fond of the animal pins including the Toucan, Carousel Horse, and Spotted Jaguar. The crystal encrusted Lizard always gets a second look whenever I wear it. Please double click the picture for a closer look and Thank you for sharing in my collection. Thanks also to The Cookie Girl and Vintage Mafia for inspiring me to post about my vintage treasures.

What treasures do you collect and enjoy?

I am a big fan of the new blog, Fantabulously Frugal which offers all manner of Fabulous Savings Secrets and Goodies including a New HUGE Giveaway which has the following prize package-

Decorative envelopes from etsy seller Adnagam
Frango Dark Chocolate Mints
Sunshine Yellow Hair Pins from etsy seller creamrose
Purple Rain Amethyst Earrings from etsy seller Sew*Cool Design
Paperchase 8 Folded Cards with Envelopes
Small change purse from etsy seller Made by Hank
Cucumber Melon Salty Soap Scrub from etsy seller Sissy Soap
Soap Nuts from Laundry Tree
Spring Flower Garden Cupcake Liners from etsy seller Layer Cake Shop
2 Vera Bradley cloth napkins
Musings Recycled Notebook in Blue from etsy seller subu
Fleur de Lis Necklace from etsy seller Bumble Beadz
Marc Jacobs key fob
Stationery and small letter-pressed notebook from etsy seller Sarah Drake
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Protective Recovery Complex
Coriander Ivory Small Cosmetic Bag from etsy seller The Sweet Sugar Beet
Smashbox Lip Gloss
Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bags from etsy seller Green Street
Reversible Coffee Sleeve from etsy seller LilE
Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs
OPI Nail Polish
Stick With Me, Kid Shopping Tote from etsy seller Earth Cadets
As well as MANY MORE surprises!

Please, Go there, enter, and let this amazing blogger know Martha sent you for extra entries for All of Us Winners. I will be totally jealous if you win. Thank you so much and I do wish you Good Luck, Really.

Today's Ruby Tuesday, a photo meme to celebrate all things Red, gives me a chance to show off my baking skills. Here is a picture of my very fresh, Strawberry cake with whipped cream frosting. I made this for a friend's son's graduation party because it is the graduate's favorite.

A few of my baking tricks include making a three layer cake by dividing the batter in thirds and reducing cooking time by a third. For example, if two eight inch cake pans take 30 minutes to bake, three layers will require approximately 20 minutes.

Between two of the layers I spread Seedless Strawberry Jam and then thinly sliced, rinsed and very well dried fresh strawberries. Between the top two layers, I apply whipped cream frosting.

Whipped Cream frosting is whipping cream, a little REAL vanilla extract, confectioners sugar and dash salt. The secret to great whipped cream frosting is to use a Deep, Metal bowl and thoroughly chill your metal beaters and bowl prior to whipping up your frosting.

To decorate with fresh fruit, it must be throughly washed and DRIED and also sized to take into account ease of cutability.

Of course, love and caring are sprinkled liberally.

(My detail oriented husband wiped off the crumbs on the cake stand before we delivered the cake, but unfortunately After I took this picture, can I tell you how much this bugs me to see crumbs there?? Ack!!)

There is another West Coast in the U.S.A and there is another Martha who lives there. Her son is hosting a photo meme that celebrates Pairs because cute things come in pairs, like jeans, boobies, and shoes. So here is my QUACK entry which shows a duck couple enjoying my neighbor's sprinklers. Thank you and may your joys be doubled today.

Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays, an exercise in appreciation and mindfullness of what my dear older brother, Bob calls, "Bright Moments".

Here is a picture of my sweet and sassy cat, Abigail, a Tuxedo Manx. She is enjoying her sunbath and just oozes contentment with her beautiful yellow eyes and big, warm belly.





I adopted Abigail from Cats At The Studios, a feline rescue organization in Los Angeles. Abigail leads a very quiet, retiring life, spending approximately 20 hours a day asleep in the dark recesses of our closet. She chirps and loves to be scratched. She is a source of much love for all her family including our dog, Charley. I love all animals, but am first and foremost, a Cat Lover. I have had cats all my life and their very existence and companionship have gotten me through some very dark times. To own a cat and be owned by a cat is a pleasure and a privilege. Thanks, Abby Dabby, we love you always and you are part of what makes our house a home.

Our most gracious host of Perfect Moment Mondays, Lori of Weebles Wobblog is nominated for A Most Inspiring Blogger Award from Blogluxe.


(Just kidding, I would never do anything to hurt one hair on my little wee beastie. However, Lori and I would really appreciate it if you click over to vote.) Thank you so very much!

This picture was taken at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California. Jellyfish are beautiful, graceful, and best viewed behind glass. If you ever get up close and personal with a jellyfish in the ocean, a mixture of water and vinegar help with the sting, unless of course it's a Portugeuse Man O'War. (Totally love that name, it's all right out there- this is where we are from, that is what we are all about- WAR!!)



Here is my first entry into Shadow Shot Sunday, yet another photo meme. I had no idea photo memes would be so much fun and educational. I love all the stories behind blogger's photographs and have been treated to some great sights from all over the globe. Thank you for stopping by.

Here is a picture of my younger son's open house at his school. The classroom was so beautiful with the students' projects displayed. I was so impressed at the results of their hard work and creativity. For more fun with color, please stop by the Color Carnival. Thank you!

I am writing a post today to support a charity called Isurvive.org. Isurvive is a message board that offers free on-line support 24/7 for people who were abused as children. Isurvive is hoping to win $1200 by being one of the Top 5 most blogged-about charities in a contest. They can now add one more blog to the tally.

This blog post is part of Zemanta's "Blogging For a Cause" campaign to raise awareness and funds for worthy causes that bloggers care about.

Please feel free to copy this post on your own blog to help Isurvive. If you do so, please email your link to Faith to faith_amom at hotmail dot com. Each posting gets them one step closer to a win.

They cry in the dark, so you cant see their tears
They hide in the light, so you cant see their fears
Forgive and forget, all the while
Love and pain become one and the same
In the eyes of a wounded child
Because hell
Hell is for children
And you know that their little lives can become such a mess
Hell
Hell is for children
And you shouldnt have to pay for your love with your bones and your flesh.
Excerpt from Pat Benatar, "Hell is for Children"

Our oldest son is "promoting" from 8th grade today. In two months he will start high school. Holy Cow, how did this happen?? Four more years, then off to college. Didn't we just hold his hand and walk him into the elementary school for his first day of kindergarten? And now he is taller than me, smells like a man, and enjoys astronomy, the book, "Flowers for Algernon", and the political process. Our son, a young man, his own person.

Four more years, that's all Folks.

Dear Fellow Mall Shopper,

I understand with the retail collapse there is an apparent dearth of parking spaces at our underpopulated mall. But if you park ANYCLOSER next time, I am going to need to see some blood test results. Also, I enjoy climbing in my car from the passenger door, I need my flexibility training.

Signed, Glad I drive an Old Beater


Dear Too Lazy to Walk 10 more Feet,

Parking can be a complicated and subtle process. Please let me explain that if you pull up just a half a car space, another car can fit in behind you. So instead of two parking spaces, Voila, we now have three.

Signed, Not Your Parking Instructor


Dear Pair of Drag Racing Drivers,

The Fontana Raceway is approximately 90 miles east of our fair city. I do not recall making a wrong turn onto it by accident so it must be you who are mistaken.

Signed, Still White as a Ghost


Dear Management of General Motors-

I have never purchased an American car and yet now I own the company along with all my fellow U.S taxpayers. Please explain to me how the company responsible for the muscle cars of the 70s (Chevy Camaro, Pontiac GTO anyone?) and my dad's rocking 1967 Chevy Impala could lose their way so Fast and so Furious.

Signed, Not Amused


Dear Bass Thumper,

Thank you so much for the internal body massage. Everytime I am stopped next to you at a red light, I can't hear my own music or the other people in my car. I hope you plan to invest in hearing aids as you are going to deaf as a haddock by age 25 y/o.

Signed, I Have My Own Taste in Music, Don't Need Yours

(A Shout Out to Momma Val who reminded me of this aggravating occurrence.)

Please step on up for Ruby Tuesday, a photo celebration of All Things Red!

In downtown Los Angeles near the Staples Center is a visually arresting and engaging loft apartment building called the Metlofts. In the entrance of the building is a large, pressure sensitive walkway that lights up with combinations of red squares when you step on them. The image of the walkway is mirrored on the front facade of the building. My husband, our niece, her husband, and I had a great time playing around with this interactive light show.

Greetings and Welcome to Perfect Moment Mondays where mindful bloggers go to get their Groove On!

Our family enjoyed a visit this weekend with our niece and her husband from New Orleans. It was so great to spend time with them and Saturday night the four of us went out for a special dinner at John Sedlar's Rivera Restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. It was incredible - the food, the flavors, the presentation, the friendly and attentive service, the decor, the "vibe", everything was just delightful. Words seem insufficient to describe how wonderful the meal and the company was. Below are a few pictures of some of our plates (aka "food por.n")-


This is the bacalao negro fresco appetizer with SEARED BLACK COD, SERRANO HAM CRISP. The fish was like Buttah.


This tamale with Hedgehog mushrooms was so delicious I had to refrain myself from licking the plate.

Here is my entree, a carne churrasco which is PRIME “EYE” OF RIB-EYE, CABRALES, ONION FOAM, served with a cabernet reduction.


Of course, the most important part of any meal is the dessert, I completely enjoyed my torta xocolata, CHOCOLATE TORTE with DRUNKEN PINEAPPLE.

It was a wonderful evening with those I love, in a beautiful setting, and very delicious food. Truly Perfect Moments and I thank you for sharing in my reflection of this special meal.

Happy Mellow Yellow Monday, a photo meme of the color, Yellow. This is a picture of Charley, our 16 month old Labradoodle puppy. He is a most Mellow Yellow Dog and loves his kitty, Abigail too. Thank you for stopping by and please click over if you crave more Mellow Yellowness.