An Anniversay of Sorts

It's just about a year ago that Wendy and I trepidatiously got off the elevator on the ninth floor at St. Joseph's Hospital and were introduced to the world of cancer. We both knew what news was coming, but reality had yet to sink in (for me at least). The stunning speed with which appointments were made, tests were conducted and decision were arrived at, both impressed and depressed me. I was impressed because all the horror stories of waiting m0nths for care were brushed aside. And it depressed me because it emphasized the severity of Wendy's cancer.

So, we've made it this far. It's been a long year with many ups and downs. Another Christmas to celebrate. This year with many friends (nine for dinner on Thursday), lots of food, and a damned fine reason to celebrate. As much as having Cancer sets you apart, people have reached out in so many ways that it has given me pause to stop and think more than once.

We know Wendy's journey is not over and for that I am grateful. For every tear I've shed this past year there's been a smile, a belly laugh, a moment to cherish, a memory worth keeping.

Thanks to you all for your support this year.

Harvey

Night of the Giant Lobsters

One day, right out of the blue, Wendy announced that she felt like a feast of lobster. Now, even for people living close to the source of lobsters, they are still an expensive proposition, but ever encouraging of Wendy getting back up to "fighting weight" I told her it was a good idea. One phone call later she lined up a couple of dinner companions and then headed out to Misty Harbour Seafood. I was unable to attend because I was awaiting the arrival of some people to remove the oil tank from the garage as the last act in the saga of switching from oil to gas.

Wendy returned with the largest damned crustaceans I have ever seen. Apparently, the downturn in the economy has curtailed expensive business lunches and dinners and the price of lobster has fallen dramatically. Even the lobster fishermen were angry at the prices, to the point where they had a one day work stoppage to protest the $3.50 a pound they were receiving. Misty Harbour had a sale on late Saturday and Wendy bought two 5 lb lobsters at $6 a pound.

Even using the largest pot we owned, we could only cook one at a time. Feeling slightly guilty for the poor Lobster fishermen, I cooked the monsters. Since they were going to be supper on Sunday, I slightly undercooked them, cooled them down and put them in the basement fridge.

On Sunday I heated the lobsters in boiling water for five minutes and served half a tail and one claw to each diner. To be truthful, one of the giant claws would have served as a meal, but lobster is meant to be enjoyed. Especially with some lemon butter. To balance the meal we served steamed carrots and potatoes on a side plate. It was wonderfully messy with lots of laughing and sounds of blissful consumption.

My thanks to Jack Hill for the lovely photo. Yum!!

Harvey

Seasonal Smells

One of the December scents at our house is the delicious, sinus clearing smell of fresh curry powder. When empty jars began to arrive, complete with little notes saying "Feed Me!", Harvey knew it was time to make another batch of his Lucky Elephant brand curry powder.

Although my preference might be to have the house smell like chocolate all the time, it wouldn't be as special that way. That rich smell does permeate the place at this time of year, when Harvey, in Christmas elf mode, creates a batch of his chocolates. He normally makes 6 to 8 different kinds, using the best quality available of white, milk and dark chocolate. Some, like his version of FerroRocher, recur every year, but there's always at least one new type. Last year's Cod Cheeks are being repeated, while the new entry for 2008 uses vanilla beans from Mexico, thanks to his sister Beth.

No problem remembering to take deep breaths here this time of year!

Wendy