I am a Scorpio baby. I was born in 1961, and being born on November 22 still allowed someone to be a Scorpio. It wasn't until I was old, and I mean really old, something like 30 before I found out that they'd changed all the alignments and called people born on November 22 by another Zodiac; Saggitarius! Now, it's not that I'm a hater, no, it's nothing like that, but you just don't go around calling an American Staffordshire anything but what he or she is. You'd say they were an English Setter just because they came out of their mother a day later than those in charge think is proper! No...I guess that was a dumb analogy, but I'm 100% Scorpio and maybe just a little Sagittarius, depending on what percentage is left after 100% is all used up. That's how much Saggitarius I am.
This year, like every other year that I've been alive, and most assuredly even before that, there will be another November 22, and that day is the day I celebrate being born! If you know me, you know I was due on December 19th, but something inside of me simply couldn't wait. It's because every bone and muscle in my body knew that if I waited another moment, I'd be forever branded a Saggitarius! That's what I think. Again, I have too many friends born between November 23 and December 20th (Now, the 21st) to be too judgmental. They're super great, but I'm not one of them. To the last, they will adamantly agree, I assure you.
So, this year, because I'm old because I love cooking, and because I can, I bought myself a truly wonderful gift. I will use it, I will absolutely use it, and anyone and/or everyone in my household at the time I use it will benefit. This, I can promise you. I don't make that promise lightly; I've been doing what I do for too many years to pretend nothing less than sheer truth-telling when it comes to me and my use of cookware.
I decided I needed a cast iron Dutch oven. I've gotten along with just owning a cast iron skillet for a while, and then when someone who will remain nameless put it in the washing machine a few years back, I lost it - by that, I mean I lost the use of the cast iron skillet, I did manage to keep most of my cool. I don't really freak too severely when things are lost, stolen, or broken -- which is odd, but it's another trait of the Scorpio, thus proving my mental strength and capacity to decide if there will be retaliation - you need a cool head for these things.
I bought myself an 11" cast iron Dutch oven with a lid. I also bought silicone mitts, stainless steel spatulas, turners, and tongs. I've been playing with the cheap plastic ones for far too long; it's time to grow up a little. It's gonna hurt some, but at my age, it could help to admit I'm worthy of stainless steel utensils. I may even ceremoniously throw the others out, but I know me. I'm too Scottish; I'll clean them up and donate them. It's what I do, it's who I am.
Friday is my birthday, so if one or the other kid doesn't take me out, I'll make a shepherd's pie using meatballs, melted mozz cheese, and basil for the top. If one or the other kid does end up taking me out, I'll make the meal on Saturday next. Either way, I'm happy to use the new Dutch oven, and anyone in the house will be happy I did. It would need to be deeper to make a bloomin' onion, but I can make onion fries and they're really good - especially when you use a good Southwest season on them.....ooohhhh...ahhhhh.
Happy Birthday to me!! I've never been one to ask for anything for my birthday, but this year, I may ask the kids to consider letting me cook for them; if only there was a big family-oriented meal that could be cooked and celebrated sometime near my birthday each year -- hummmmm, well, I guess I can be thankful for what I do have. (Hint: My kids go to their "other sides" for Thanksgiving, but Laura has remained loyal, so she'll get the onion fries right next to her chicken breast, ham, potato salad with eggs, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, sweet buns, and pecan pie!)
Happy November to you!! (My Dutch oven is cream colored, not blue, but this one is nice too.)
Photo Credit: Pinterest.com
No comments:
Post a Comment