Cop Car's Beat

Lunch with the Gang

A few months following my retirement from The Little Airplane Company, I emailed several of the people who had worked for me at various times. We got together for lunch, and had such a good time that we decided to make it a periodic event. If you know anything at all about me, you know that my intentions are good but that my follow-through is poor. I think that we met for lunch three times before Katrina hit and I went into my "lack of follow-up" mode. A few days ago, one of my favorite engineers wrote that he and another of my favorite engineers were talking and wondered if I'd like to convene another luncheon. I made some excuse that allowed me to put the monkey on their backs. Would they please convene the gang? (I never said that I was nice!)

Today was our appointed day. It had been about 15 months since our last luncheon and, my, how things have changed (I expected otherwise?) Two more of my favorite engineers, who were at the luncheon, have gone to work for a different aircraft company--here in the Wichita area (one other had made the leap before our last luncheon, but he didn't make today's get-together). One of the two has married since I last saw him. (That would be our sky-diver.)

Another engineer, now a manager, who failed to meet the one criterion for attending our luncheons, having never really worked for me, showed up, too. He was most welcome, of course. He and I shared rides to/from work for two or three years--until he and his wife started having offspring. He started driving a van, then, which made his life much easier, as it was his duty to drop the kid(s) off at daycare and pick them up. He kept me up-to-date on topics important to young-marrieds, of the day.

Unfortunately, one of today's organizing engineers had to cancel out at the last minute. I understand. She is still employed, and must satisfy the demands of her position. It was so pleasant seeing the engineers who made it to the luncheon and being able to catch up on gossip (who has retired, who has been promoted, who has decided to get out of management and become a totally technical guy, again). I asked that the two who arranged today's meeting take over as our social directors, getting us together every two-three months.

I don't think it possible that my 500 most-favored engineers can know how much I do miss seeing them. I don't miss the job; but, as many have said before me, I do miss the people. They are terrific!

August 30, 2006 at 08:42 PM

Comments

Enjoyed your account of getting together with your engineers. Always interesting to learn how things have changed and the ways in which they seem to stay the same where we use to work. Yes, the people are frequently what we miss the most.

BTW from your Texas Trifles comment, sounds like you have quite a collection of various types of recordings. Wonder what will replace CDs in the future? Am sure something is in the works somewhere.

Posted by: joared | September 01, 2006 at 01:13 AM

500 favorite engineers? I couldn't even come up with 500 acquaintances!

Posted by: bogie | September 01, 2006 at 02:42 AM

Joared--Haven't mp3 files replaced the other media? Can someone educate me as to the digital formatting of mp3 (and/or other music) files. What does it take for me to store my music collection in digital form, on my computer? I've been toying with the idea of archiving my favorites--making them accessible through an iPOD/iPOD-like system.

Bogie--That's one of the nice things about working for "larger" companies. I got to know an amazing number of engineers (and, other, real people) in working for the Big Bomber Store, The Beltway Bandit, and The Little Airplane Company. (In fact, while employed by The Beltway Bandit--but working in a large LA aerospace facility--it amazed me how many people I ran into whom I had known in Wichita or Florida, in previous lives.)

Obviously, not everyone would wish to be thrown in with so many co-workers; but, I thrived on it. My volunteer work in retirement is turning into another chance to mingle with other people. Hunky Husband frequently reports seeing volunteers with whom he has worked on other I don't enjoy being within mobs of people, but I do enjoy knowing a wide variety of them. HH says that I just like to schmooze.

Posted by: Cop Car | September 01, 2006 at 07:06 AM

P.S. Received an email, yesterday, from one of the guys at the luncheon (organizer, really), telling me more news--that we had failed to cover. Two of the guys who hadn't made it to the luncheon had married a few months ago. Unfortunately, the sad news was that his mother had died. As an only child, O was particularly close to his widowed mother--although she still lived in Los Angeles. I always enjoyed his updates concerning her activities and welfare. I should post their recipe for meatballs!

Posted by: Cop Car | September 01, 2006 at 07:13 AM

Hope you get some input on storing your files, as I will do the same. Haven't gotten into MP3 though I am aware of it's existence. So far, I simply download my CD's onto the computer, then let the music flow as I tickle the keyboard.

I have progressed to having a "jump drive," but as a relative newcomer to regular computer use, have much to learn. Am taking some computer classes this fall, to try and bridge the gap of what I have learned through trial and error to hone my skills. Anything, anyone wants to share is fodder for my education.

Posted by: joared | September 02, 2006 at 07:01 AM

Joared--Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied. I'll let you know if/when I come up with something on mp3. It seems that you have made great strides, if you are somewhat "new" to being a computer user. Some of us can't use "newness" as an excuse! ; )

Posted by: Cop Car | September 02, 2006 at 07:56 AM

A few months following my retirement from The Little Airplane Company, I emailed several of the people who had worked for me at various times. We got together for lunch, and had such a good time that we decided to make it a periodic event. If you know anything at all about me, you know that my intentions are good but that my follow-through is poor. I think that we met for lunch three times before Katrina hit and I went into my "lack of follow-up" mode. A few days ago, one of my favorite engineers wrote that he and another of my favorite engineers were talking and wondered if I'd like to convene another luncheon. I made some excuse that allowed me to put the monkey on their backs. Would they please convene the gang? (I never said that I was nice!)

Today was our appointed day. It had been about 15 months since our last luncheon and, my, how things have changed (I expected otherwise?) Two more of my favorite engineers, who were at the luncheon, have gone to work for a different aircraft company--here in the Wichita area (one other had made the leap before our last luncheon, but he didn't make today's get-together). One of the two has married since I last saw him. (That would be our sky-diver.)

Another engineer, now a manager, who failed to meet the one criterion for attending our luncheons, having never really worked for me, showed up, too. He was most welcome, of course. He and I shared rides to/from work for two or three years--until he and his wife started having offspring. He started driving a van, then, which made his life much easier, as it was his duty to drop the kid(s) off at daycare and pick them up. He kept me up-to-date on topics important to young-marrieds, of the day.

Unfortunately, one of today's organizing engineers had to cancel out at the last minute. I understand. She is still employed, and must satisfy the demands of her position. It was so pleasant seeing the engineers who made it to the luncheon and being able to catch up on gossip (who has retired, who has been promoted, who has decided to get out of management and become a totally technical guy, again). I asked that the two who arranged today's meeting take over as our social directors, getting us together every two-three months.

I don't think it possible that my 500 most-favored engineers can know how much I do miss seeing them. I don't miss the job; but, as many have said before me, I do miss the people. They are terrific!

Uncanny

While some think of "Blackberry" as a communications device, the blackberry that is nearest to me is blackberry jam that Elegant Friend canned and shared with me.  Not being a large consumer of jams and jellies (remember that I am still working on consuming Mom's apple butter and frozen strawberry jam--Mom died in 1994), it might have been years before I got around to the 2006 blackberry jam.  However, during my recent vacation at Buffy's, I was exposed to the joys of breads; and, this morning, felt a yen for toast--and blackberry jam.  The jam is better than the blackberry jam that Mom used to make.  (Mom always strained the seeds out, and I prefer having the seeds left in.)  Thank you Elegant Friend!

On a similar note:  Last night, I opened the first jar of this year's salsa, that I had helped Elegant Friend can a couple of weeks ago.  Elegant Friend did her usual superb job of adjusting the seasoning.  The salsa is fabulous.  Another "Thank You" to Elegant Friend!

When Hunky Husband is at home for a few days, I shall take the first good opportunity to serve pork roast.  This will give me an excuse to open a jar of Buffy's Elegante Mother's chili sauce that I had a small part in making one week ago.  My mouth is watering, already!  I'm living an uncannily canny life, just now.

August 26, 2006 at 11:05 AM

Comments

Couldn't wait. Tried the chili sauce as accompaniment to cold, baked chicken, this evening. Delicious! Now, Buffy--do you realize that I failed to ask for your Elegante Mother's recipe? Would she mind if you shared it with me? Thank you (both) for sending the sauce home with me!!

Posted by: Cop Car | August 27, 2006 at 08:43 PM

While some think of "Blackberry" as a communications device, the blackberry that is nearest to me is blackberry jam that Elegant Friend canned and shared with me.  Not being a large consumer of jams and jellies (remember that I am still working on consuming Mom's apple butter and frozen strawberry jam--Mom died in 1994), it might have been years before I got around to the 2006 blackberry jam.  However, during my recent vacation at Buffy's, I was exposed to the joys of breads; and, this morning, felt a yen for toast--and blackberry jam.  The jam is better than the blackberry jam that Mom used to make.  (Mom always strained the seeds out, and I prefer having the seeds left in.)  Thank you Elegant Friend!

On a similar note:  Last night, I opened the first jar of this year's salsa, that I had helped Elegant Friend can a couple of weeks ago.  Elegant Friend did her usual superb job of adjusting the seasoning.  The salsa is fabulous.  Another "Thank You" to Elegant Friend!

When Hunky Husband is at home for a few days, I shall take the first good opportunity to serve pork roast.  This will give me an excuse to open a jar of Buffy's Elegante Mother's chili sauce that I had a small part in making one week ago.  My mouth is watering, already!  I'm living an uncannily canny life, just now.

Flash-Jump-Thumb-Stick-Micro Drives

A thumb drive, what the heck is that?

Posted by: bogie | August 14, 2006 at 03:10 AM

Thumb drive:  aka flash drive, stick drive, jump drive...a mass memory device that sticks into a USB 2 port.  (You probably know them as flash drives) My drives are 1 Gb, each, but they come in 517 Mb and 2 Gb, too--that I know of.  Bogie would probably have recognized "flash drive", but for anyone who would not, I present a photo and information from the usbflashdrive.org web site.  That site, by the way, has a crawling line-up of photos of the devices marketed by various companies that belong to the Flash Drive Alliance.  My four flash drives are PNYs.

From http://www.usbflashdrive.org/:  "USB flash drives are compact and easy-to-use devices that are similar in use to your computer hard drive. USB flash drives slip into your pocket, conveniently around your neck or on a keychain for ultimate portable storage. USB flash drives finally fulfill the real promise of the digital age: complete freedom and mobility."

On another page of the site:  "Despite the different brands and names you've heard for USB flash drives – JumpDrives™, Pocket drives™, Pen drives™, and Thumb drives™ – they all pretty much operate the same way. The difference is mostly in price, capacity, design, functions and features (for example, some have built-in MP3 players). What's really important, though, is what they share: They're all pluggable, portable, and powerful!

"USB flash drives share some other characteristics, too.

"USB flash drives weigh about the same as a car key – in fact, some USB flash drives are so lightweight that hypothetically it could take 14 ants to carry one!

"USB flash drives are about the size of a stick of gum.

"USB flash drives currently can hold up to two gigs of data – that's over 650 three-minute songs (33 hours) recorded as MP3s or about three times the content of a standard compact disc.

"If you share a computer, USB flash drives are a great way to store personal information – use them instead of the computer's hard drive.

"According to some manufacturer's specifications, USB flash drives can maintain data for 10 years – in that same period you’ll probably have to replace your computer’s hard drive three times." 

P.S.  I also have a 4 Gb mini-drive that is the size of a couple of the flash drives when laid side-by-side.

August 14, 2006 at 08:50 AM

Comments

I recognize everything except the thumbdrive - must be a regional thing.

Posted by: bogie | August 15, 2006 at 03:10 AM

Must be. "Thumb drives" is trademarked, but don't ask me by whom. I always called my stick-thingies "flash drives" (probably because that's what your dad called the one that he gave me--my first). I've heard them called "thumbdrives" or "jump drives". Maybe I should stay with "stick-thingies". It lends such credibility. *grinning*

Posted by: Cop Car | August 15, 2006 at 07:26 AM

P.S. I was ready to leave for Kansas City, St Louis, Aurora about 30 minutes ago; but, I'm giving myself a chance to remember what I've forgotten. Besides, traffic hasn't built up to peak volume, yet!

Posted by: Cop Car | August 15, 2006 at 07:27 AM

Just let us know about the weeding cop car!

Posted by: bod | August 17, 2006 at 03:07 PM

Bod--We have held off on the weeding to see if we get the semi-promised rain that would make weeding easier. We are quilting.

Posted by: buffy | August 18, 2006 at 09:05 AM

And we're both working at computers while we wait for the kitchen floor to dry! THe ground is like cement, and we desperately need that rain, but it seems to be passing us by.

I received a face to face lesson on flash drives and miniature computers this morning before I had even finished my tea. It was so fascinating that I didn't miss the tea! Cop Car is truly up to date on her electronics. Her flash drive is sitting in the port on my computer. It was the first time that port had ever been used.

And, when I saw how convenient her baby computer is, I began to have computer envy. I suspect that when our visit has ended I will be the friend who has learned more!

Posted by: buffy | August 18, 2006 at 09:46 AM

Anyone who believes that Buffy is learning more from me than vice versa is gullible. Buffy is not only an incredibly generous person with her hospitality, but with her knowledge. I'm listening to what she tells me!! We do have the chili sauce simmering now (it has been for about 3 hours and will continue during the day) and we've weeded the herb garden that can be seen from Buffy's kitchen window. When we were looking at the herb garden from inside, I couldn't see that it needed weeding at all; but, looking at it now, we can see the difference. Time well spent.

BTW: My "baby computer" is the iPAQ hp1910 (or is it 1917?) that Hunky Husband gave me 3 1/2 years ago. I've really enjoyed using it! It doesn't do as much as Bogie's larger handheld computer (also an iPAQ) does, but it is perfect for my needs/wants.

Posted by: Cop Car | August 20, 2006 at 11:21 AM

A thumb drive, what the heck is that?

Posted by: bogie | August 14, 2006 at 03:10 AM

Thumb drive:  aka flash drive, stick drive, jump drive...a mass memory device that sticks into a USB 2 port.  (You probably know them as flash drives) My drives are 1 Gb, each, but they come in 517 Mb and 2 Gb, too--that I know of.  Bogie would probably have recognized "flash drive", but for anyone who would not, I present a photo and information from the usbflashdrive.org web site.  That site, by the way, has a crawling line-up of photos of the devices marketed by various companies that belong to the Flash Drive Alliance.  My four flash drives are PNYs.

From http://www.usbflashdrive.org/:  "USB flash drives are compact and easy-to-use devices that are similar in use to your computer hard drive. USB flash drives slip into your pocket, conveniently around your neck or on a keychain for ultimate portable storage. USB flash drives finally fulfill the real promise of the digital age: complete freedom and mobility."

On another page of the site:  "Despite the different brands and names you've heard for USB flash drives – JumpDrives™, Pocket drives™, Pen drives™, and Thumb drives™ – they all pretty much operate the same way. The difference is mostly in price, capacity, design, functions and features (for example, some have built-in MP3 players). What's really important, though, is what they share: They're all pluggable, portable, and powerful!

"USB flash drives share some other characteristics, too.

"USB flash drives weigh about the same as a car key – in fact, some USB flash drives are so lightweight that hypothetically it could take 14 ants to carry one!

"USB flash drives are about the size of a stick of gum.

"USB flash drives currently can hold up to two gigs of data – that's over 650 three-minute songs (33 hours) recorded as MP3s or about three times the content of a standard compact disc.

"If you share a computer, USB flash drives are a great way to store personal information – use them instead of the computer's hard drive.

"According to some manufacturer's specifications, USB flash drives can maintain data for 10 years – in that same period you’ll probably have to replace your computer’s hard drive three times." 

P.S.  I also have a 4 Gb mini-drive that is the size of a couple of the flash drives when laid side-by-side.

Another Week Shot (Weak Shot)

Goodness, gracious, the week has flown by.  

Thursday, as mentioned in comments to the last posting, was spent canning salsa with Elegant Friend.  We each came away with the equivalent of 14 pints of salsa, although we had to use some larger jars for some of it.  It seems that EF has friends/family who do not make it a practice to return the jars (She plans to instruct her friends/family on this point!), so we made do with what I had on hand.  Luscious stuff!

The yard has taken much exertion.  Yesterday, I did get the bushes at the front of the house trimmed--by hand.  We have a hedge trimmer; but, it was so balky at getting the battery removed from it (and from the charger) that several weeks ago the housing came off of the battery when I was trying to remove the battery from the charger.  Gahhh!  The whole design was predicated upon one's having a hand span rivaling that of a great ape's!!  Unfortunately, I've not found a battery-driven hedge trimmer that is better designed, yet (but, I've not had a whole lot of time to look.)

Today, I shall be busy-as-a-bee trying to pull everything together for my trip to see Buffy.  I plan to leave here Tuesday morning, take my Kansas City aunt to lunch, have dinner with Pop in St Louis, spend the night in St Louis, see Pop Wednesday morning, and descend upon Buffy a bit after lunch.  I need to get map quest busy so that I can be more definitive in giving Buffy my ETA.  A big part of getting ready is making sure that Hunky Husband has enough meals in the freezer and that he has written instructions on re-heating pizza and cleaning the cat boxes.  He is the primary feeder/waterer of the cats, so I do not fear that they will starve; but, when I got back from my Red Cross assignment, he had not cleaned the cat boxes at all (how they loved that!) because he thought it didn't need to be done all that often.  Of course, he did mention to me (when I got home) that the odor was bad in the basement and that I needed to do something.  Would any jury convict me????  We should not have canceled out on Wonderful GrandDaughter's coming over in my absence.  She would have made everything ship-shape!  Grrrrr.

Let's see, now.  I need clothes in which to weed, walk, visit relatives, shop for fabric,....

August 13, 2006 at 10:10 AM

Comments

I can't wait for your arrival!! Elegante Mother will be thrilled to see you. I KNOW she will enjoy the company, and she'll be delighted to show you her favorite fabric shop! Have a safe trip!

Posted by: buffy | August 13, 2006 at 08:16 PM

Hey, guys.....she really is organized! You should see the thought she put into organizing her quilting equipment, patterns, books, material and general stuff! I think I need lessons!

Posted by: buffy | August 18, 2006 at 09:47 AM

Goodness, gracious, the week has flown by.  

Thursday, as mentioned in comments to the last posting, was spent canning salsa with Elegant Friend.  We each came away with the equivalent of 14 pints of salsa, although we had to use some larger jars for some of it.  It seems that EF has friends/family who do not make it a practice to return the jars (She plans to instruct her friends/family on this point!), so we made do with what I had on hand.  Luscious stuff!

The yard has taken much exertion.  Yesterday, I did get the bushes at the front of the house trimmed--by hand.  We have a hedge trimmer; but, it was so balky at getting the battery removed from it (and from the charger) that several weeks ago the housing came off of the battery when I was trying to remove the battery from the charger.  Gahhh!  The whole design was predicated upon one's having a hand span rivaling that of a great ape's!!  Unfortunately, I've not found a battery-driven hedge trimmer that is better designed, yet (but, I've not had a whole lot of time to look.)

Today, I shall be busy-as-a-bee trying to pull everything together for my trip to see Buffy.  I plan to leave here Tuesday morning, take my Kansas City aunt to lunch, have dinner with Pop in St Louis, spend the night in St Louis, see Pop Wednesday morning, and descend upon Buffy a bit after lunch.  I need to get map quest busy so that I can be more definitive in giving Buffy my ETA.  A big part of getting ready is making sure that Hunky Husband has enough meals in the freezer and that he has written instructions on re-heating pizza and cleaning the cat boxes.  He is the primary feeder/waterer of the cats, so I do not fear that they will starve; but, when I got back from my Red Cross assignment, he had not cleaned the cat boxes at all (how they loved that!) because he thought it didn't need to be done all that often.  Of course, he did mention to me (when I got home) that the odor was bad in the basement and that I needed to do something.  Would any jury convict me????  We should not have canceled out on Wonderful GrandDaughter's coming over in my absence.  She would have made everything ship-shape!  Grrrrr.

Let's see, now.  I need clothes in which to weed, walk, visit relatives, shop for fabric,....

It's Salsa Time!

Today, I took my replacement (as Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the nursing home) around to meet the staff and residents.  It was sweet.  Having more-than-fulfilled my original commitment of serving for a year, I turned in my resignation at our last meeting.  Many of the staff and residents wanted to be sure that I would not "abandon" them, but would come in to see them.  I shall be returning--as a friend.  I shall be able to sit and knit with Mrs A, while she crochets.  I shall be able to take a couple of nice housecoats in to Mrs G.  I shall be able to take Mr E magazines about airplanes.  And, I shall be able to take Mrs R for an ice cream cone.  These pleasures were denied me when I was fulfilling an official capacity for the state.  It will be more fun for me and, I hope, for them.  Mr D, who is also assigned to three other facilities, will take care of the official duties.  Prior to our tour, and his meeting the staff and residents, I believe that Mr D was not thrilled with the idea of taking on this particular nursing home.  After the tour, he showed great enthusiasm.  I am pleased.

Tomorrow, Elegant Friend and I shall try to give blood.  EF, never having donated before, is a little apprehensive.  She has type AB blood and feels that she should be giving, but doesn't love the idea.  In years past, the blood banks asked that people with AB blood not donate blood.  Blood, once drawn, had such a short shelf life that it was better to keep the blood in good shape within the donor's body.  I hope that EF decides to go through with the donation; but, I understand that it takes a lot of guts to do it for the first time at our age.  (I started as a teen-ager and have given over 60 pints, so it is not a cause of apprehension for me.)  She's doing great to even consider the donation!  (And keep your fingers crossed that my hemoglobin will be adequate to let me donate.)

After our blood donations, we plan to go to a local produce farm to pick up enough tomatoes, peppers (green, Anaheim, and jalapeno), onions, and cilantro to make salsa.  Elegant Friend has the best recipe--and she can tell by taste how much of what seasonings need to be added to make the salsa "just right".  This will be the 4th or 5th session of salsa-making that we two have held.  She swears that she will never go back to doing it alone.  I swear that I must participate in order to assure a supply of the most delicious salsa I've ever tasted.  We'll have great fun!  All of this is, of course, dependent upon our being able to buy good tomatoes.  Last year and this year have been bad for tomato production.  We bought tomatoes, last year, that didn't live up to our usual standards.  Wish us luck!

August 08, 2006 at 06:50 PM

Comments

Has it been a year already?? I've followed your posts about being an ombudsman, and often thought you'd be happier just visiting with the residents. I'm sure they will benefit even more from your friendship!

We must have some ESP going. I was wondering...do you think you might be willing to help with chili sauce canning when you visit? I don't think Mother and I can do it alone. I'd be happy to send half the results home with you. If we have too much else to do, I'll corral one of the younger women in my family for a day, but I thought this might be fun.

Posted by: buffy | August 09, 2006 at 09:14 AM

Like Buffy my immediate thought was - is it a year already!?! Sounds to me as if you'll enjoy visiting with the people there far more than your original volunteer work there.

I hope your EF manages to give blood OK and laud your own efforts in that direction. I tried several times about 15-20 years ago and every single time I gave blood I'd lay down for a bit, get up and have a sugary fruit drink, stand up ... and then immediately faint. So, after a while I just gave up on the idea. But I do respect those who can and do give blood.

I have to admit that I've never really tried salsa. Is it like a pickle?

Posted by: Adele | August 09, 2006 at 03:03 PM

Buffy--I would be my pleasure to lend a hand in the chili sauce making. No need to call out the relatives, and one jar to take home with me would do quite nicely, please. I'm still working on getting my mom's chili sauce eaten!

Adele--I don't know what you term a "pickle", but the answer is probably yes. See Salsa (as Practiced in Derby KS) at http://copcar.typepad.com/cop_cars_chow/2005/ 09/salsa_as_practi.html, for the recipe and judge for yourself. As usual, if you copy and paste the address, there will be a blank space, just before the "09", that must be removed. I must put the blank in to keep the remainder of the address from running off of the visible window for the comment.

Everyone--Yes, it has been 14 months since I completed the ombudsman training and was assigned to a facility. Yes, I plan to enjoy myself much more by being friends with some of the residents (quite a few of them, actually!) It was getting to the point where I did not look forward to going in, and I was resenting the time that was being spent on the program. One should be an ombudsman with a light and cheerful heart--or not be one at all! The staff of the ombudsman program, staff of the nursing home and the residents are wonderful. It is the duty that weighed on me. It is not in sync with my nature.

Posted by: Cop Car | August 09, 2006 at 07:32 PM

All--I failed to mention that, unlike me, Elegant Friend acquitted herself quite nicely. She started to go into shock at the end of her donation, but she recovered nicely and has declared her willingness to share "the gift of life", again, if asked. I say, "unlike me" because I was too puny to give. As is frequently the case, my hemoglobin count was too low to allow me to donate. (I've only been able to donate twice in the last three years!) Getting that pint of Elegant Friend's AB blood into the blood bank more than made up for the lack of my A-negative blood. Perhaps we will do the joint venture, again, some time.

Posted by: Cop Car | August 09, 2006 at 07:48 PM

CopCar,

Yes, what you call a salsa is what I call pickle - namely a mixture, usually containing vegetables and/or fruit and often spicy in nature, that is preserved, like bottled and is served with such things as cold meats, sandwiches, etc. It's just a question of nomenclature again. How frequently that happens between us [grin}.

Your recipe looks really nice, though I'd be rather wary of any mixture containing as much hot peppers as this (3-7 jalapenos!). It sounds quite hot and spicy! Presumably you only have a small portion of the finished mixture at a time.

I'm glad your EF did so well at the blood doner session and hope you weren't too disappointed at not being able to give blood yourself. At least you were there to give her moral support.

Posted by: Adele | August 10, 2006 at 11:35 AM

Adele--Elegant Friend prefers mild salsa while I like it hot. We generally make a batch to suit her (1/2-bushel of tomatoes worth) and a batch to suit me. Then, we each take a few jars of the other's batch--to keep our respective friends happy! In EF's batch, today, we used about 1/2 of a jalapeno and she still found the salsa to be hotter than her preference. We used 3 in mine, and I would really have used the 7 had we them on hand. I didn't buy enough. Neither of us could remember the recipe so we were flying by the seat of our pants in buying the produce, yesterday!

Posted by: Cop Car | August 10, 2006 at 04:58 PM

P.S. By now, I'm accustomed to be turned down. I've successfully donated about 62 pints, but I've gone in probably 120 times! EF says that she will only go in to give, again, if I provide her the moral support. I was really proud of her, yesterday. (Well, let me clarify: I am always proud to call EF "friend".)

Posted by: Cop Car | August 10, 2006 at 05:00 PM

MMM, salsa.

Adele, I only use jalapenos for my mild to medium salsa - for relatives and friends. I prefer to use Thai hots and a few Seranos (or Habeneros) for a hotter salsa.

I'm just hoping that my tomatoes will ripen before they get wiped out by frost - 40 degree this morning and the tomatoes are still developing (and totally green).

Posted by: bogie | August 12, 2006 at 05:41 AM

Good God! You two must have asbestos-lined mouths!

Posted by: buffy | August 13, 2006 at 08:22 PM

Today, I took my replacement (as Long-Term Care Ombudsman at the nursing home) around to meet the staff and residents.  It was sweet.  Having more-than-fulfilled my original commitment of serving for a year, I turned in my resignation at our last meeting.  Many of the staff and residents wanted to be sure that I would not "abandon" them, but would come in to see them.  I shall be returning--as a friend.  I shall be able to sit and knit with Mrs A, while she crochets.  I shall be able to take a couple of nice housecoats in to Mrs G.  I shall be able to take Mr E magazines about airplanes.  And, I shall be able to take Mrs R for an ice cream cone.  These pleasures were denied me when I was fulfilling an official capacity for the state.  It will be more fun for me and, I hope, for them.  Mr D, who is also assigned to three other facilities, will take care of the official duties.  Prior to our tour, and his meeting the staff and residents, I believe that Mr D was not thrilled with the idea of taking on this particular nursing home.  After the tour, he showed great enthusiasm.  I am pleased.

Tomorrow, Elegant Friend and I shall try to give blood.  EF, never having donated before, is a little apprehensive.  She has type AB blood and feels that she should be giving, but doesn't love the idea.  In years past, the blood banks asked that people with AB blood not donate blood.  Blood, once drawn, had such a short shelf life that it was better to keep the blood in good shape within the donor's body.  I hope that EF decides to go through with the donation; but, I understand that it takes a lot of guts to do it for the first time at our age.  (I started as a teen-ager and have given over 60 pints, so it is not a cause of apprehension for me.)  She's doing great to even consider the donation!  (And keep your fingers crossed that my hemoglobin will be adequate to let me donate.)

After our blood donations, we plan to go to a local produce farm to pick up enough tomatoes, peppers (green, Anaheim, and jalapeno), onions, and cilantro to make salsa.  Elegant Friend has the best recipe--and she can tell by taste how much of what seasonings need to be added to make the salsa "just right".  This will be the 4th or 5th session of salsa-making that we two have held.  She swears that she will never go back to doing it alone.  I swear that I must participate in order to assure a supply of the most delicious salsa I've ever tasted.  We'll have great fun!  All of this is, of course, dependent upon our being able to buy good tomatoes.  Last year and this year have been bad for tomato production.  We bought tomatoes, last year, that didn't live up to our usual standards.  Wish us luck!

Stuffed Green Peppers

Having told Buffy that this recipe was included on this blog, I hasten to add it.  It is beyond understanding that I'm so late getting the recipe posted!  The basic recipe is from my late, beloved mother-in-law.  I've updated it, a bit, to make it a bit more healthful.

Combine, lightly:

2# ground, lean beef

1# ground, lean pork

1 cup (uncooked) white or brown rice

4 small eggs (or 8 egg whites)

salt & black pepper, as desired

1 tbsp dried, minced onion

parsley (freshly snipped or dried)

1- 3 bell peppers (green, red, yellow, and/or orange)--seeded and cored

Stuff the bell peppers 1/2-full of the mixture.  Form the remaining into meat balls of desired size.  Place in large cooking kettle, covering the meat balls with cold water.  Bring to a simmer and simmer, covered, 1 1/2 hours.  Cool.  Refrigerate over-night.  De-grease, and re-heat for serving.  These are wonderful served with mashed potatoes--and the gravy, below. 

The above recipe (minus the onions and peppers) may be used to make Sodima.  Smother the meatballs in drained and rinsed sauerkraut, cook, cool, and degrease, as above. 

Gravy

Heat together:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp flour

salt & pepper

Add:

1/2 cup juices off of the stuffed green peppers

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 tbsp white, granulated sugar

Heat to simmering and simmer for at least 1 minute.

Having told Buffy that this recipe was included on this blog, I hasten to add it.  It is beyond understanding that I'm so late getting the recipe posted!  The basic recipe is from my late, beloved mother-in-law.  I've updated it, a bit, to make it a bit more healthful.

Combine, lightly:

2# ground, lean beef

1# ground, lean pork

1 cup (uncooked) white or brown rice

4 small eggs (or 8 egg whites)

salt & black pepper, as desired

1 tbsp dried, minced onion

parsley (freshly snipped or dried)

1- 3 bell peppers (green, red, yellow, and/or orange)--seeded and cored

Stuff the bell peppers 1/2-full of the mixture.  Form the remaining into meat balls of desired size.  Place in large cooking kettle, covering the meat balls with cold water.  Bring to a simmer and simmer, covered, 1 1/2 hours.  Cool.  Refrigerate over-night.  De-grease, and re-heat for serving.  These are wonderful served with mashed potatoes--and the gravy, below. 

The above recipe (minus the onions and peppers) may be used to make Sodima.  Smother the meatballs in drained and rinsed sauerkraut, cook, cool, and degrease, as above. 

Gravy

Heat together:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp flour

salt & pepper

Add:

1/2 cup juices off of the stuffed green peppers

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1 tbsp white, granulated sugar

Heat to simmering and simmer for at least 1 minute.

Comments

[joared]

Enjoyed your account of getting together with your engineers. Always interesting to learn how things have changed and the ways in which they seem to stay the same where we use to work. Yes, the people are frequently what we miss the most.

BTW from your Texas Trifles comment, sounds like you have quite a collection of various types of recordings. Wonder what will replace CDs in the future? Am sure something is in the works somewhere.

[bogie]

500 favorite engineers? I couldn't even come up with 500 acquaintances!

[Cop Car]

Joared--Haven't mp3 files replaced the other media? Can someone educate me as to the digital formatting of mp3 (and/or other music) files. What does it take for me to store my music collection in digital form, on my computer? I've been toying with the idea of archiving my favorites--making them accessible through an iPOD/iPOD-like system.

Bogie--That's one of the nice things about working for "larger" companies. I got to know an amazing number of engineers (and, other, real people) in working for the Big Bomber Store, The Beltway Bandit, and The Little Airplane Company. (In fact, while employed by The Beltway Bandit--but working in a large LA aerospace facility--it amazed me how many people I ran into whom I had known in Wichita or Florida, in previous lives.)

Obviously, not everyone would wish to be thrown in with so many co-workers; but, I thrived on it. My volunteer work in retirement is turning into another chance to mingle with other people. Hunky Husband frequently reports seeing volunteers with whom he has worked on other I don't enjoy being within mobs of people, but I do enjoy knowing a wide variety of them. HH says that I just like to schmooze.

[Cop Car]

P.S. Received an email, yesterday, from one of the guys at the luncheon (organizer, really), telling me more news--that we had failed to cover. Two of the guys who hadn't made it to the luncheon had married a few months ago. Unfortunately, the sad news was that his mother had died. As an only child, O was particularly close to his widowed mother--although she still lived in Los Angeles. I always enjoyed his updates concerning her activities and welfare. I should post their recipe for meatballs!

[joared]

Hope you get some input on storing your files, as I will do the same. Haven't gotten into MP3 though I am aware of it's existence. So far, I simply download my CD's onto the computer, then let the music flow as I tickle the keyboard.

I have progressed to having a "jump drive," but as a relative newcomer to regular computer use, have much to learn. Am taking some computer classes this fall, to try and bridge the gap of what I have learned through trial and error to hone my skills. Anything, anyone wants to share is fodder for my education.

[Cop Car]

Joared--Knowledge shared is knowledge multiplied. I'll let you know if/when I come up with something on mp3. It seems that you have made great strides, if you are somewhat "new" to being a computer user. Some of us can't use "newness" as an excuse! ; )

[Cop Car]

Couldn't wait. Tried the chili sauce as accompaniment to cold, baked chicken, this evening. Delicious! Now, Buffy--do you realize that I failed to ask for your Elegante Mother's recipe? Would she mind if you shared it with me? Thank you (both) for sending the sauce home with me!!

[bogie]

I recognize everything except the thumbdrive - must be a regional thing.

[Cop Car]

Must be. "Thumb drives" is trademarked, but don't ask me by whom. I always called my stick-thingies "flash drives" (probably because that's what your dad called the one that he gave me--my first). I've heard them called "thumbdrives" or "jump drives". Maybe I should stay with "stick-thingies". It lends such credibility. *grinning*

[Cop Car]

P.S. I was ready to leave for Kansas City, St Louis, Aurora about 30 minutes ago; but, I'm giving myself a chance to remember what I've forgotten. Besides, traffic hasn't built up to peak volume, yet!

[bod]

Just let us know about the weeding cop car!

[buffy]

Bod--We have held off on the weeding to see if we get the semi-promised rain that would make weeding easier. We are quilting.

[buffy]

And we're both working at computers while we wait for the kitchen floor to dry! THe ground is like cement, and we desperately need that rain, but it seems to be passing us by.

I received a face to face lesson on flash drives and miniature computers this morning before I had even finished my tea. It was so fascinating that I didn't miss the tea! Cop Car is truly up to date on her electronics. Her flash drive is sitting in the port on my computer. It was the first time that port had ever been used.

And, when I saw how convenient her baby computer is, I began to have computer envy. I suspect that when our visit has ended I will be the friend who has learned more!

[Cop Car]

Anyone who believes that Buffy is learning more from me than vice versa is gullible. Buffy is not only an incredibly generous person with her hospitality, but with her knowledge. I'm listening to what she tells me!! We do have the chili sauce simmering now (it has been for about 3 hours and will continue during the day) and we've weeded the herb garden that can be seen from Buffy's kitchen window. When we were looking at the herb garden from inside, I couldn't see that it needed weeding at all; but, looking at it now, we can see the difference. Time well spent.

BTW: My "baby computer" is the iPAQ hp1910 (or is it 1917?) that Hunky Husband gave me 3 1/2 years ago. I've really enjoyed using it! It doesn't do as much as Bogie's larger handheld computer (also an iPAQ) does, but it is perfect for my needs/wants.

[buffy]

I can't wait for your arrival!! Elegante Mother will be thrilled to see you. I KNOW she will enjoy the company, and she'll be delighted to show you her favorite fabric shop! Have a safe trip!

Hey, guys.....she really is organized! You should see the thought she put into organizing her quilting equipment, patterns, books, material and general stuff! I think I need lessons!

[buffy]

Has it been a year already?? I've followed your posts about being an ombudsman, and often thought you'd be happier just visiting with the residents. I'm sure they will benefit even more from your friendship!

We must have some ESP going. I was wondering...do you think you might be willing to help with chili sauce canning when you visit? I don't think Mother and I can do it alone. I'd be happy to send half the results home with you. If we have too much else to do, I'll corral one of the younger women in my family for a day, but I thought this might be fun.

[Adele]

Like Buffy my immediate thought was - is it a year already!?! Sounds to me as if you'll enjoy visiting with the people there far more than your original volunteer work there.

I hope your EF manages to give blood OK and laud your own efforts in that direction. I tried several times about 15-20 years ago and every single time I gave blood I'd lay down for a bit, get up and have a sugary fruit drink, stand up ... and then immediately faint. So, after a while I just gave up on the idea. But I do respect those who can and do give blood.

I have to admit that I've never really tried salsa. Is it like a pickle?

[Cop Car]

Buffy--I would be my pleasure to lend a hand in the chili sauce making. No need to call out the relatives, and one jar to take home with me would do quite nicely, please. I'm still working on getting my mom's chili sauce eaten!

Adele--I don't know what you term a "pickle", but the answer is probably yes. See Salsa (as Practiced in Derby KS) at http://copcar.typepad.com/cop_cars_chow/2005/ 09/salsa_as_practi.html, for the recipe and judge for yourself. As usual, if you copy and paste the address, there will be a blank space, just before the "09", that must be removed. I must put the blank in to keep the remainder of the address from running off of the visible window for the comment.

Everyone--Yes, it has been 14 months since I completed the ombudsman training and was assigned to a facility. Yes, I plan to enjoy myself much more by being friends with some of the residents (quite a few of them, actually!) It was getting to the point where I did not look forward to going in, and I was resenting the time that was being spent on the program. One should be an ombudsman with a light and cheerful heart--or not be one at all! The staff of the ombudsman program, staff of the nursing home and the residents are wonderful. It is the duty that weighed on me. It is not in sync with my nature.

[Cop Car]

All--I failed to mention that, unlike me, Elegant Friend acquitted herself quite nicely. She started to go into shock at the end of her donation, but she recovered nicely and has declared her willingness to share "the gift of life", again, if asked. I say, "unlike me" because I was too puny to give. As is frequently the case, my hemoglobin count was too low to allow me to donate. (I've only been able to donate twice in the last three years!) Getting that pint of Elegant Friend's AB blood into the blood bank more than made up for the lack of my A-negative blood. Perhaps we will do the joint venture, again, some time.

[Adele]

CopCar,

Yes, what you call a salsa is what I call pickle - namely a mixture, usually containing vegetables and/or fruit and often spicy in nature, that is preserved, like bottled and is served with such things as cold meats, sandwiches, etc. It's just a question of nomenclature again. How frequently that happens between us [grin}.

Your recipe looks really nice, though I'd be rather wary of any mixture containing as much hot peppers as this (3-7 jalapenos!). It sounds quite hot and spicy! Presumably you only have a small portion of the finished mixture at a time.

I'm glad your EF did so well at the blood doner session and hope you weren't too disappointed at not being able to give blood yourself. At least you were there to give her moral support.

[Cop Car]

Adele--Elegant Friend prefers mild salsa while I like it hot. We generally make a batch to suit her (1/2-bushel of tomatoes worth) and a batch to suit me. Then, we each take a few jars of the other's batch--to keep our respective friends happy! In EF's batch, today, we used about 1/2 of a jalapeno and she still found the salsa to be hotter than her preference. We used 3 in mine, and I would really have used the 7 had we them on hand. I didn't buy enough. Neither of us could remember the recipe so we were flying by the seat of our pants in buying the produce, yesterday!

[Cop Car]

P.S. By now, I'm accustomed to be turned down. I've successfully donated about 62 pints, but I've gone in probably 120 times! EF says that she will only go in to give, again, if I provide her the moral support. I was really proud of her, yesterday. (Well, let me clarify: I am always proud to call EF "friend".)

[bogie]

MMM, salsa.

Adele, I only use jalapenos for my mild to medium salsa - for relatives and friends. I prefer to use Thai hots and a few Seranos (or Habeneros) for a hotter salsa.

I'm just hoping that my tomatoes will ripen before they get wiped out by frost - 40 degree this morning and the tomatoes are still developing (and totally green).

[buffy]

Good God! You two must have asbestos-lined mouths!