Posted in One-Word Wednesday

One-Word Wednesday 8/27/25

“Mugs”

Like my somewhat odd obsession with colorful paper napkins (reminder: speak with therapist about this), I also love another kitchen item — the humble mug or cup.

For some reason (therapist note #2), I find mugs and cups comforting, substantial and grounding, especially when filled early morn with coffee and half and half, or if I’m in a adventurous mood, heavy cream.

Here a few more of my mugshots.

I asked Google AI about the difference between a mug and a cup, but I’m not sure she (?) he (?) got it quite right:

“A mug is a type of large, durable cup with a handle, used for hot drinks and without a saucer, while a cup is a smaller, more general-purpose drinking vessel, often more delicate, and might or might not have a handle or saucer. Mugs are designed for casual, everyday use with heartier beverages like lattes or hot chocolate, whereas cups are often favored for more formal settings with drinks like tea or coffee.”

But okay, whatever. I like them both.

And look, here’s one without a handle!

HR and a few mugcups …

Well, that’s about enough mugginess for one post.

Posted in One-Word Wednesday

One-Word Wednesday 7/30/25

“Patriotism”

Browsing through the clearance section at Hobby Lobby today, I rsn across this …

“Robert!” I shrieked across several aisles where he was searching for dragonfly figurines in the garden gnome section (Don’t get me started). “Quick! Please! Come take my picture!”

Used to my impromptu requests, HR fairly quickly found me, put down his two garden figurines (which looked more like weird birds than dragonflies to me) and took this photo.

I love the Profound Truth of Twain’s Patriotic Proclamation!

In solidarity with many Americans, I am having a great deal of trouble supporting the current administration’s Dangerous Dismantling of Democracy.

And I wholeheartedly believe that we should and must make our dissatisfaction known.

Walking into our kitchen when we got home, I glanced at the fridge and thought to myself, “Yes, Mark Twain, I know you were being humorous, but you are also so very correct!”

And I make that … Refrigerated Proclamation as a Patriot of my Country, the United States of America.

Posted in One-Word Wednesday

One-Word Wednesday 7/23/25

“Green”

Green Beans from yesterday‘s trip to Davis Produce here in Savannah

“What’s that in the little green bowl?” you may be asking.

Great question.

HR is so squeamishly picky about his green beans that I have to make 100% sure that NO STRING OR HINT OF STRINGINESS is left behind.

I tried to tell him that’s what his teeth are for, but “Oh no,” he screeches, “Neal, green bean strings are not food!”

See what I have to put up with?

Posted in One-Word Wednesday

One-Word Wednesday 7/9/25

“Okra”

I know, I know. I’ve posted about okra before, but it really is my very favorite vegetable in all the world! And I also know that it is some folks’ very least favorite vegetable. (Although botanically, I understand okra is classified as a fruit.)

We picked up some local okra at the farmers market here in Savannah. And even though we don’t eat a lot of fried food, I simply HAD to fry the okra in the classically Southern manner.

I chopped the pods into beautiful little circles, added a hand sprinkle of water, a heaping tablespoon of flour, another heaping tablespoon of cornmeal, with several shakes of salt and pepper.

I then heated the oil until one of the little okra circles did a lively dance when I dropped him in my grandmother‘s ancient cast iron skillet.

The key to good Southern fried okra is to fry it in uncrowded batches. They like a little room as they swim in the hot oil.

Here’s a riveting video of my frying technique. Listen as the okra dances in the pan, similar to synchronized swimming.

I added Cayenne pepper for my second batch.

But what to serve with the fried okra?

Other fresh local vegetables, of course.

Vine-ripened tomatoes.

Red-eyed peas.

In case you didn’t know: “Red Eyed Peas” or “Red Peas” refers to a type of legume often described as an heirloom variety of cowpea, similar to black-eyed peas. They are a popular staple in Southern cuisine and have roots in West Africa. Google AI

Now it’s time to sit down and eat!

Delicious, Fresh and Local Summer Supper