First Things First… and That Ain’t First

28 November 2009

In context of lives well lived, I am a young man; and this isn’t about to be some whiny, woe is me, I’m getting old post.  I have, however, started to become one of those guys who compares the world to things that happened in “my day.”  It wasn’t my lack of appreciation for contemporary music that pushed me to this acknowledgement, nor was it suffering the indignity of a sex sprain.  I am declaring my premature fogy status because I have become increasingly uncomfortable with immodesty.

I’ve never made a secret of my online dating adventures.  Recently a woman sent me a message; I skimmed her profile, looked at her pictures, and was immediately put off by her bikini shots.  That the bikini has become the standard swim suit for all women not swimming competitively is something that I have accepted.  That it has grown smaller by the year is also sartorial Stare Decisis.  Putting that imagination extinguishing picture in an online dating profile for all potential suitors to see is a bridge too far for me.

A woman’s body may be the world’s most perfect creation, and I love seeing as many of them as karma and life will allow.  I just don’t want to see that body before I know your name.  This might mark me as a prude, but really, is there no modesty left in this world?


Cooking for the Family You Choose

25 November 2009

I’ve never been a fan of the term “Orphan Thanksgiving;” it seems to imply that the people who attend such affairs are less loved, less worthy.  I know that inference is mine rather than the implication of most of the people who use it. Still, it chafed when someone asked me yesterday what I was doing for the holiday and they used that term when I told him that I was cooking for some friends.

“Oh, an orphan Thanksgiving” he said, followed by “What’s on the menu?”

I will admit that I took some measure of joy in sharing my menu after absorbing that perceived slight.

Lobster Bisque

Twice Baked New Potatoes with Pancetta and Black Truffles

Dauchiusse Potatoes or Fried Mashed Potatoes with Wasabi & Manchego

Artichoke, Mushroom, & Asparagus Casserole

Herbed Red Wine Mustard Crusted Pork Tenderloin

Roulade of Turkey, Duck, and Chicken Paillards done Confit Style

Sweetbread and Lamb Sausage Stuffing

And Winter Fruit Tarts with a Caramel Glaze

When he said “Wow, I’d be an orphan for that meal,” I tried not to smirk.


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