Training Log Archive: barb

This morning I phoned Mr M, my chemistry teacher from when I was in school in Aberdeen, Scotland 1977-79. He didn't sound up for a Lochnagar hillwalk, but maybe he'll visit us in Aberfeldy. His son Jack is going into his senior year at Aberdeen University and rows crew. His daughter Emily is working for some music company. His wife Jenny is still in charge at Robert Gordon's College. And Mr. M sounded just like Mr. M. Last I saw him, I think, was 1999 or 2000, here in Cambridge.

Moira P will be in Aberdeen visiting her parents while we are in Scotland, so I may take a trip up there to visit her.

And I should be able to track down Norman Bain. And possibly Sally Mutch, and others.

This evening we picked up another traveling companion for the Edinburgh portion of the trip: my stepson's girlfriend Stephanie.

Our city councillor came round today to get a photo of herself with the chickens for her website. She told us tomato leaves might be edible. The article says they might even fight cancer and lower cholesterol.

Here's a tomato sauce recipe from the NYTimes:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
5 pounds fresh tomatoes, halved
Salt
10 to 15 tomato leaves from unsprayed plants

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil on medium heat, add onion and garlic, and cook until soft, about 10 minutes.

2. Add tomatoes, turn heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring and mashing to break up tomatoes. Turn heat down and simmer, uncovered, until mixture has thickened, about an hour.

3. Pass mixture through a food mill or coarse strainer to remove skins and seeds. Return sauce to pot and season with salt to taste. Ten minutes before serving, heat to a simmer and stir whole tomato leaves into sauce. Ladle sauce onto cooked pasta; let leaves stay behind in pot.

Yield: About 2 quarts.

To Fells, then CSA pickup, then home

Walked in the Fells with Matt. Talked among other things about the Sam Harris op-ed in the NYTimes decrying Francis Collins' religion.

Matt lives in Tucson.

My nephew Charlie with Apple Blossom. (Is that Apple Blossom?)

C • She's Rasberry 4

Getting ready for Scotland. Today I ordered a case of wine and several copies of Macbeth to be delivered to the Lodge. We've arranged that the DeWitts will pick up our registration materials on the drive from the airport. I'll put as many people and packages in other cars as possible to make room for food from the Perth farmers' market that we'll conveniently drive right past on Saturday. The kids found their passports.

I'm thinking for Saturday baked and/or poached fresh fish (probably haddock or salmon from Arbroath Quality Fish who supposedly catch most of their wares themselves). I'm hoping we'll find those amazing strawberries in season again. Ah, indeed, from Leadbetty farm. Looks like we can get free range eggs from Gloagburn farm. This farmers' market is a total score. We can get herbs, cheese, ice cream, lamb, wild boar, venison. Oh wait, I'm vegetarian. Well, we'll get some meat but probably not boar.

C • cheese and venison 3

I am temporarily the top fundraiser for the VT 100's charity (Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports). Temporarily, because they seem to have overstated the amount that I raised (they said over $1500 but I calculate $1257). Anyway, I wrote back to them in case there was someone else who raised more than $1257. Because I also just found out there is a prize at stake... In which case maybe I can raise more money so I can still be the top fundraiser. Do you think people would find it a compelling reason to give money, to get a 2-night stay for me at a VT resort?

To see movie with Dave. Harry Potter.