Automotive pride

Last weekend I managed to successfully change the muffler in Steph's Car (The picture's of the old one)! It was just like old times helping Dad...freezing cold ground, scratches on your hands you don't remember getting, and the smell of panther piss (Liquid Wrench) in the air, but at the end there was the overwhelming satisfaction of a car that purrs like a kitten for a third of the cost of doing the same thing at a garage.

Curried vegetable stew recipe

I think I'm just posting this for myself, so that when I come up with something that works, I'll remember it...

2 carrots, sliced thinly
1-2 potatoes, diced
1 bunch bok choy, chopped
1 head broccoli, chopped
1 green pepper
3 sticks celery
1 onion, chopped
2 large cloves garlic, minced
16 oz diced tomatoes
vegetable oil
curry powder (or mix turmeric, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, allspice nutmeg, fenugreek, ginger, red pepper, black pepper, to taste)
mustard seeds
cumin seeds
cilantro, chopped

Heat oil with mustard seeds.
Add onions and garlic when seeds start to pop, cook till soft.
Add potatoes and carrots, curry powder/spices and cumin seeds, and cook covered for 10 or so minutes until softening.
Add celery, broccoli, green pepper and some more vegetable oil.
Cook for a few minutes and once oil is mostly gone add diced tomatoes.
Cook until soft. If it appears slightly dry and vegetables appear undercooked, add some water.
Serve with cilantro and rice.

New recipe- hot buttered rum

We took Shasta out for a six mile hike in 10 degree (F) weather. We rewarded ourselves with this:

1 cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup butter
2 cups cookie dough ice cream
Rum
Cinnamon
Allspice
Nutmeg
Cloves

1. Melt the sugar and butter together, and mix well.
2. Add the ice cream and mix well.
3. Add about 1 part mixture to 2-3 parts hot water and 1 ounce rum.
4. Top with spices to taste.

MMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmm....