Don't want to be an American Idiot....

Dinner this evening was actually later than normal.  I met a very fascinating tenant in my building, while walking, who is from Alaska. She had the most adorable Labradoodle puppy, and we engaged in conversation for quite some time.  Given the circumstances,  I did eat late and had the opportunity to watch Jeopardy.  I really love that show, but there is something about watching it alone.  It's one thing to feel all smarty-pants when you answer questions correctly in the presence of others who are there to witness...it's a totally different story when you are alone.  E.V. doesn't care if I guessed that Avagadro's number is 6.02 x 10 to the 23rd power.  It's sort of along the lines of the theory, if a tree falls in the woods and nobody hears it, does it really make a sound???  So, if no one is around to hear me answer, did I really answer correctly???  Point being...I got the final Jeopardy question right this evening..but it is a week of the kid's tournament, so I can imagine that is nothing to which I should brag :-)  The answer was "Ohio" in case you cared!

Wrapped up in my meal, and too lazy to stretch three feet to snatch the remote, I found myself watching Wheel Of Fortune.  I could never really get into that show.  It is as though each contestant they find, was at some point, dropped on their head as an infant from a very tall building.  And why must they lie during introductions??  They all have wonderful lives, children, homes and jobs.  For once, I would love to hear someone just say "I live a sub standard, hideously boring existence in a nowhere town, my home is a piece of crap, I am mortgaged to the hilt.  Oh, and I reside with my unattentative, overweight husband of 15 unhappy years of marriage along with an ungrateful, spoiled brat of a child. My job, by all means sucks the life right out of me, and I can hardly find the energy to plant both feet on the ground when the alarm is blaring at 5am.  But, it's great to be here!  Let's win some money.  I'll take a "t" for $200, Pat.  Thanks so much!"  Well, we will get off of television and game shows for now...I've said my peace!

Before we delve into my food...allow me to introduce fabulous E.V. into this evening's blog.  It has been hot here.  Trust me, I am in no way, shape or form, complaining.  However, a fan purchase is right at the top of my to-do list.  This apartment is HOT!


"It's pretty darn hot in here, Mom!"

 I know I've said this a bazillion times, but isn't she just the most precious thing?!?!?!  I took her up to the dog park.  There is an amazing view of Mt. Hood.  I don't know if I would want to live anywhere else.

Considering the heat factor from today as well as my critical need to make a grocery run..I prepared something that utilized what remained in my pantry and leaned towards the refreshing area, but quite similar to some other things I have done this past week.  I've been doing some thinking, and I believe that each week, going forward, I will choose a cuisine and dedicate a week to that particular choice.  It might make things more fun!

Tonight, as formerly mentioned, was low key, light and less than $3.00!!

Romaine hearts broiled (again I would have grilled).  Epicurious has a great grilled romaine recipe.  One would not imagine that grilled lettuce would be tasty, but trust me, this is sooooo great!

Chicken breast marinated in lemon juice and zest, rosemary, garlic and olive oil.  Broiled..however grilled would have been my choice if I owned a grill.

What we ended up with was a deconstructed Chicken Caesar Salad.  Straightforward, painless and economical.  Again, the Caesar dressing is homemade (see my post from the 4th) and I topped it all with some shaved parmesan cheese and a side of watermelon.  You can't really beat watermelon in the summer!

  As usual, thank you for joining me.  The pleasure has been all mine.  I am uncertain as to what will become of my Thursday evening posts..  I have committed to volunteering for The Oregon Cat, and at 6pm I go to the PetSmart in Tigard to take care of cats up for adoption, leaving zero time to cook.  Perhaps I will get take-out and we can talk about that!! :-)  Friday I have something super-special planned and cannot wait!  Next week I will start my cuisine theme.  I'm open for suggestions if anyone has some!  For now I will depart with an extra Thank You from E.V.

"Mmmm...this carpeting smells delicous, and I want you all to know that my mom isn't about to bludgeon me over the head with a baseball bat, I am just a naturally apprehensive kind of gal!  She's a great mom!"