The answer to this question is Yes, and No. The fact is that Hurricane Harvey would have happened even without climate change, but it might have been just a tropical storm. The area around Houston is perfect for storms and hurricanes, as seen over the past decades. But things have changed, and through the emission of greenhouse gasses, we have warmed the earth. We have also warmed the oceans, and this combination, along with heavy wind and rain, creates the perfect storm.
Scientists say that the human contribution to Hurricane Harvey is 30% of the total rainfall. Houston area has had 4 100 year flooding events since 2015. This is unprecedented. The area is receiving 167% more heavy downpours than in the 1950's. Man has interfered with the natural order of things, creating a climate that increases the chance of devastating hurricanes in the future.
We will always have storms, hurricanes and tornadoes. How strong they are depends somewhat on man. If we continue to emit greenhouse gasses that raise land and ocean temperatures, we will continue to have catastrophic events like Harvey. It's only going to get worse. We better wake up, listen to the scientists, take what mother nature is doing seriously, and deal with this serious topic. Climate Change is Real. Let's get a national program (unfortunately we're out of the Paris Accord) going to turn this around. Thank goodness I live in California. At least our leadership here has our state headed in the right direction.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Are We In The Midst Of The Sixth Extinction?
I just finished reading The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert. She received the Pulitzer Prize for this book in 2015. The book argues that the Earth is in the midst of a modern, man-made, sixth extinction. She chronicles previous mass extinction events and compares them to the accelerated, widespread extinctions during the present time. The book is written for the general reader. Even though it is scientific in nature, it is pretty easy to understand. I will give you just a few highlights from this book (or should I say low lights), as it doesn't paint a very good picture for our future.
Kolbert estimates flora and fauna loss by the end of the 21st century to be between 20% to 50% of all living species on earth. Scientific studies have shown that human behavior disrupts Earth's balanced and interconnected systems, "putting our own survival in danger." Consequently, the Earth systems currently affected are: the global atmosphere, the water cycle, the ocean's heat absorption, ocean acidity, soil moisture and drought conditions, and so on. The human species contributes to this disruption, without even intending to.
One alarming area of disruption is in the sea. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, we have seen increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We have added 365 billion tons of it by burning fossil fuels, and an additional 180 billion tons as a result of deforestation. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air are at a higher level than in the last several million years. The ph of our ocean is lower and killing much of our marine life. Coral reefs, due to ocean acidification, may become extinct by the end of the century.
This is a fascinating book on how humans are doing things to our planet that will change it dramatically, causing the loss of millions of species of plant, animal and insect, and putting our own future in jeopardy. We all need to pay attention, and do what we can to keep our species alive.
Kolbert estimates flora and fauna loss by the end of the 21st century to be between 20% to 50% of all living species on earth. Scientific studies have shown that human behavior disrupts Earth's balanced and interconnected systems, "putting our own survival in danger." Consequently, the Earth systems currently affected are: the global atmosphere, the water cycle, the ocean's heat absorption, ocean acidity, soil moisture and drought conditions, and so on. The human species contributes to this disruption, without even intending to.
One alarming area of disruption is in the sea. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, we have seen increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We have added 365 billion tons of it by burning fossil fuels, and an additional 180 billion tons as a result of deforestation. Concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air are at a higher level than in the last several million years. The ph of our ocean is lower and killing much of our marine life. Coral reefs, due to ocean acidification, may become extinct by the end of the century.
This is a fascinating book on how humans are doing things to our planet that will change it dramatically, causing the loss of millions of species of plant, animal and insect, and putting our own future in jeopardy. We all need to pay attention, and do what we can to keep our species alive.
Monday, September 25, 2017
Ironside Fish and Oyster Bar Is A Treat
First, the restaurant is gorgeous. It's built to resemble a steamer, with trunks piled up around the perimeter. The bathrooms have ship like portholes, a nice touch. It's a bit noisy, with high ceilings and nothing on the floor, but we didn't care. The food was the star. First, everything is so fresh. The raw fish platters were spectacular. Oysters, mussels, shrimp, crab, lobster were so enticing, but expensive. For $141, you can order the large platter, that serves 3-4 people. We were there for lunch, so several of us ordered the lobster roll, on the recommendation of Debbie, who had eaten there before. We were not disappointed. A brioche roll was buttered and toasted, and stuffed with lobster. I couldn't finish it. The fries that accompanied the roll were equally delicious. Sprinkled with malt powder (never heard of it before) they had a vinegary flavor that I just loved. Others opted for the charred brocollini as a side dish, which was also delicious. Carol order clam chowder thick and loaded with clams and potatoes, served with a cheddar biscuit.
Simply prepared fish is probably their most popular entree. Salads and small plates are also popular, like smoked opah on toast, and grilled octopus.
The wait staff was friendly and knowledgeable, and refilled drinks without being asked, always with a friendly smile.
Ironside is expensive, but worth it when you want to give yourself a treat. I can't wait to go back again!
Friday, September 22, 2017
Wolfstein Sculpture Park in La Jolla
Carol Mosley was the coordinator from Scripps who arranged everything, and actually led our tour. She was so knowledgeable, telling us about all the artists, and really giving us interesting background. Ralyn and Nathan Wolfstein began the sculpture park in the early 1990's, by donating 5 pieces in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary. From there, he has added sculpture to the park, and now has over 40 pieces at Scripps Memorial. Nathan Wolfstein feels that art is important in healing, and by having sculpture around the hospital, both patients and their families can benefit from the healing power of art.
I took a group of Newcomers to the sculpture park and they all loved it. Afterwards we went to the Sheraton La Jolla, and had a fabulous lunch at Humphrey's Grill. This is the sister restaurant to Humphrey's in San Diego. The food and presentation were outstanding, and I urge anyone in the area to try it for lunch. I can't vouch for dinner, but I do know they have music several nights a week, an added bonus.
Wolfstein Sculpture Park is definitely a place to take out of towners. They will see something most native San Diegans haven't seen. I was given a self guided map by the volunteer office (in the main building on the lower level), so get that if you plan to take your own tour. Take a look on line at the Wolfstein Sculpture Park website to see what a treat is in store. I hope you enjoy it as much as our Newcomers group did.
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Why Do Seniors Lack The Energy They Once Had?
Hot summer weather reminds me of my age. I'm lethargic in heat, either dry or humid. I used to go about my day doing everything I normally did, even on the hottest days. Now, at 72, I'm reading about the protein Lon protease, and finding out one of the reasons why I lack energy. Lon protease declines as we age. As cells age, they lose the ability to mobilize large numbers of Lon and can't endure the attack of invading oxidants. Lon protects the mitochrondria, tiny organisms in the cell that convert oxygen into energy. With the reduction of Lon, this process is less effective.
What has not yet been discovered is how to turn this around. Researchers at USC have been working on this, and will hopefully come up with something to give seniors the youthful energy they once had.
I still believe that diet and exercise contribute to an active, long life. I was talking with someone recently, who told me that since she started playing pickleball several times a week, her lower back pain was gone. I think it's all the bending over to pick up the ball. I have noticed the same thing!
My days have always been active and busy. For years I have gone to the gym every day, first thing in the morning, after Pepper's 20 minute walk. I've changed that routine for a variety of reasons. I now take Pepper on a 20 minute walk, then play pickleball for 1 1/2 hours. That's not as strenuous as one hour at the gym. I also find that I need a rest in the afternoon. I usually lie down for a half hour late in the day. That refreshes me enough to get through the evening.
We have to listen to our bodies, and not push ourselves. We need to accept that we can't do at 70 what we could do at 60, and that's ok. Keeping one's body and mind active and engaged is one important key to longevity. If those damn Lon protese proteins wouldn't decline we'd still have that youthful energy. Oh well, we do the best we can with what we've got!
What has not yet been discovered is how to turn this around. Researchers at USC have been working on this, and will hopefully come up with something to give seniors the youthful energy they once had.
I still believe that diet and exercise contribute to an active, long life. I was talking with someone recently, who told me that since she started playing pickleball several times a week, her lower back pain was gone. I think it's all the bending over to pick up the ball. I have noticed the same thing!
My days have always been active and busy. For years I have gone to the gym every day, first thing in the morning, after Pepper's 20 minute walk. I've changed that routine for a variety of reasons. I now take Pepper on a 20 minute walk, then play pickleball for 1 1/2 hours. That's not as strenuous as one hour at the gym. I also find that I need a rest in the afternoon. I usually lie down for a half hour late in the day. That refreshes me enough to get through the evening.
We have to listen to our bodies, and not push ourselves. We need to accept that we can't do at 70 what we could do at 60, and that's ok. Keeping one's body and mind active and engaged is one important key to longevity. If those damn Lon protese proteins wouldn't decline we'd still have that youthful energy. Oh well, we do the best we can with what we've got!
Monday, September 18, 2017
Should We Take A Look At Portugal's Drug Policy?
Since the 1980's we've heard about the war on drugs. Nancy Regan told us to "Say no to drugs." Since then, we've had drug czars to stop our rising drug use and incarcerated drug sellers and users at an astronomical rate. Over half the people in prison are there on drug convictions. Clearly, what we're doing isn't working.
Let's take a look at what Portugal did in 2001 and its results. Portugal decriminalized (not legalized) every imaginable drug, from marijuana to cocaine to heroin. Some thought this would make Portugal a haven for tourists because of the decriminalization of drugs. Others predicted a huge spike in drug use, especially among the youth. It turns out they were wrong on both counts. Portugal changed from labeling drug users as criminals to labeling them as people affected by a disease.
Portugal's move to decriminalize drugs does not mean people can carry around, use and sell drugs free from police interference. It means that drug possession, distribution and use is still illegal. (Distribution and trafficking are criminal offenses). Possession and use is moved out of the criminal courts and into a special court where each offender's unique situation is judged by legal experts, psychologists and social workers. Treatment is determined in these courts, where addicts and drug use is treated as a public health service rather than a criminal act.
The effect has been drastic. There has been a 50% decrease in drug use since enactment of the new program, and Portugal now has among the lowest rate of drug use of EU members. Additionally, there are a lot less sick people. Drug related diseases including STD's and overdoses have been reduced even more than usage rates. Experts believe this is the result of the government offering treatment with no threat of legal ramifications to addicts. Money is spent on treatment, not on criminal prosecution. It seems that Portugal is one place we should look to when determining what to do about our national crisis, drugs.
Let's take a look at what Portugal did in 2001 and its results. Portugal decriminalized (not legalized) every imaginable drug, from marijuana to cocaine to heroin. Some thought this would make Portugal a haven for tourists because of the decriminalization of drugs. Others predicted a huge spike in drug use, especially among the youth. It turns out they were wrong on both counts. Portugal changed from labeling drug users as criminals to labeling them as people affected by a disease.
Portugal's move to decriminalize drugs does not mean people can carry around, use and sell drugs free from police interference. It means that drug possession, distribution and use is still illegal. (Distribution and trafficking are criminal offenses). Possession and use is moved out of the criminal courts and into a special court where each offender's unique situation is judged by legal experts, psychologists and social workers. Treatment is determined in these courts, where addicts and drug use is treated as a public health service rather than a criminal act.
The effect has been drastic. There has been a 50% decrease in drug use since enactment of the new program, and Portugal now has among the lowest rate of drug use of EU members. Additionally, there are a lot less sick people. Drug related diseases including STD's and overdoses have been reduced even more than usage rates. Experts believe this is the result of the government offering treatment with no threat of legal ramifications to addicts. Money is spent on treatment, not on criminal prosecution. It seems that Portugal is one place we should look to when determining what to do about our national crisis, drugs.
Friday, September 15, 2017
What Happens Underwater During a Hurricane?
We are all too aware of the damage a hurricane can wreak on land. Just look at our current disasters, Harvey and Irma. Houses and buildings torn apart, neighborhoods flooded, trees downed and lives lost. It's devastating. Did you ever think about what's happening below the surface of the ocean, in deep sea, when these storms pass through?
Hurricanes can be death sentences for coral and sea creatures that are territorial, meaning they won't leave their homes to flee for safety. Slow swimmer, such as the seahorse, crabs, sea turtles and oysters, are also in danger. Fast swimmers, like sharks, sense danger and simply swim out of danger's way. Man-made oubjects, like and long-lost shipwreck can be blasted by powerful, hurricane force currents. An old sunken ship is likely to be found after a storm, because of the chaos happening below the surface of the ocean. The wind from the hurricane blows against the water, creating huge waves, which get taller and taller. The water moves in a circular motion, which sets off another circular motion. When those orbital motions get near the bottom of the seabed, they flatten out, becoming horizontal. That creates a lot of stress on the seabed. The horizontal motion kicks up sediment and large objects, maybe even an old sunken ship.
Hurricanes are a mixed bag for coral, which protects coastlines from waves and storms. As the planet and oceans warm, more corals are turning white and dying, a process known as bleachngs. Hurricanes can cool the ocean temperature, by mixing cold water at the bottom of the ocean with warmer water near the surface. This is good for coral. Also, coral depends on high-energy waves to break them up and spread their fragments afar, where they can take root and grow a new reef. However, hurricanes also rip apart corals and dump huge amounts of ocean sediment in them, killing the coral.
There is great danger to man, animal and vegetation during hurricanes. Climate change is in part responsible for the size and strength of the latest hurricanes. The effect on us all, for our entire planet, cannot be diminished.
Hurricanes can be death sentences for coral and sea creatures that are territorial, meaning they won't leave their homes to flee for safety. Slow swimmer, such as the seahorse, crabs, sea turtles and oysters, are also in danger. Fast swimmers, like sharks, sense danger and simply swim out of danger's way. Man-made oubjects, like and long-lost shipwreck can be blasted by powerful, hurricane force currents. An old sunken ship is likely to be found after a storm, because of the chaos happening below the surface of the ocean. The wind from the hurricane blows against the water, creating huge waves, which get taller and taller. The water moves in a circular motion, which sets off another circular motion. When those orbital motions get near the bottom of the seabed, they flatten out, becoming horizontal. That creates a lot of stress on the seabed. The horizontal motion kicks up sediment and large objects, maybe even an old sunken ship.
Hurricanes are a mixed bag for coral, which protects coastlines from waves and storms. As the planet and oceans warm, more corals are turning white and dying, a process known as bleachngs. Hurricanes can cool the ocean temperature, by mixing cold water at the bottom of the ocean with warmer water near the surface. This is good for coral. Also, coral depends on high-energy waves to break them up and spread their fragments afar, where they can take root and grow a new reef. However, hurricanes also rip apart corals and dump huge amounts of ocean sediment in them, killing the coral.
There is great danger to man, animal and vegetation during hurricanes. Climate change is in part responsible for the size and strength of the latest hurricanes. The effect on us all, for our entire planet, cannot be diminished.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Breeders Cup Comes To Del Mar
For the first time in 75 years, Del Mar will host the Breeders Cup, and Joe Harper has done everything to make it a huge success. Of course improving the race course and adding additional seating had to be done, but they've also decorated the track and town with some beautiful horse statues. "The Art of the Horse" program gave 20 people the opportunity to buy one of the 150 fiberglass horses for $15,000. Then, the sponsors selected an artist, and the artist went to work.
The Breeders Cup trophy, given to the winner of each race, is a bronze reproduction of the original Torrie horse, created in Florence by Giovanni da Bologna in the late 1580's. The statue has resided for nearly 2 centuries at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Fran and I are leading a tour of Newcomers around Del Mar to view some of the fiberglass horses, so we went to Del Mar one Saturday morning
to see the horses and map out our route. There are about six horses in Del Mar itself, several in La Jolla, one in front of the Fairmont Grand, one at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, one on Cedros and one in front of Red Tractons. Unfortunately there is no map showing the location of all the horses, which I think they should have available.
Most of the artwork is done by local artists, and some of them are so creative. (remember the Cows in Chicago?) After the Breeders Cup on November 3 and 4, some of the horses will be auctioned off. The others will remain with the sponsors who bought them originally. After our tour of the horses in Del Mar, we'll drive to Flower Hill Mall to see one final horse, then lunch at one of my favorite spots, Flower Child.
The Breeders Cup trophy, given to the winner of each race, is a bronze reproduction of the original Torrie horse, created in Florence by Giovanni da Bologna in the late 1580's. The statue has resided for nearly 2 centuries at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
Fran and I are leading a tour of Newcomers around Del Mar to view some of the fiberglass horses, so we went to Del Mar one Saturday morning
Most of the artwork is done by local artists, and some of them are so creative. (remember the Cows in Chicago?) After the Breeders Cup on November 3 and 4, some of the horses will be auctioned off. The others will remain with the sponsors who bought them originally. After our tour of the horses in Del Mar, we'll drive to Flower Hill Mall to see one final horse, then lunch at one of my favorite spots, Flower Child.
Monday, September 11, 2017
Pork Tenderloin With Asparagus, Tomatoes and Cream Sauce
Pork Tenderloin with Asparagus, Tomatoes and Cream Sauce>P>
2 T. vegetable oil
1 1/2 sticks butter
1 T. dry mustard
1T. garlic powder
1 T. onion powder
salt and pepper
1 small pork tenderloin, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
1 pinto cherry tomatoes
1 bunch of asparagus, cut into pieces
2 medium garlic cloves
3/4 c. heavy whipping cream
1 T. balsamic vinegar
1 bunch fresh sage, minced
Put oil and 1 stick butter in pan and heat. Mix mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl and coat pork pieces with the dry rub. Then brown in pan, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and let pork rest.
In the mean time, halve the tomatoes and cut asparagus in 1 inch pieces, add 1/2 stick butter to pan, minced garlic too, and vegetables and cook until tender. Add cream, balsamic and minced sage and cook for a few minutes. Add back the pork and just heat for a minute. That's it. It's a 15 minute, gourmet dinner. I added some noodles on the side. The sauce is so good with the noodles, but you could just serve the dish without anything on the side. I hope you enjoy. Thank you, Jason, for a quick and delicious gourmet dinner.
By the way, Jason ended up winning The Next Food Network Star and will soon have his own show on the Food Channel. If you like cooking shows, look for it. He should be very entertaining.
1 pinto cherry tomatoes
1 bunch of asparagus, cut into pieces
2 medium garlic cloves
3/4 c. heavy whipping cream
1 T. balsamic vinegar
1 bunch fresh sage, minced
Put oil and 1 stick butter in pan and heat. Mix mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper in a bowl and coat pork pieces with the dry rub. Then brown in pan, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove from pan and let pork rest.
In the mean time, halve the tomatoes and cut asparagus in 1 inch pieces, add 1/2 stick butter to pan, minced garlic too, and vegetables and cook until tender. Add cream, balsamic and minced sage and cook for a few minutes. Add back the pork and just heat for a minute. That's it. It's a 15 minute, gourmet dinner. I added some noodles on the side. The sauce is so good with the noodles, but you could just serve the dish without anything on the side. I hope you enjoy. Thank you, Jason, for a quick and delicious gourmet dinner.
By the way, Jason ended up winning The Next Food Network Star and will soon have his own show on the Food Channel. If you like cooking shows, look for it. He should be very entertaining.
Friday, September 8, 2017
Witch Creek Winery in Carlsbad
We recently went to Witch Creek Winery in Carlsbad for an evening of great comedy. Witch Creek is the oldest "urban winery" in San Diego, opened in 1993, then relocated in Carlsbad in 1996. Their wine is good and well priced. They have a wine club, where you can purchase wine at a reduced price. At least during the summer, most nights Witch Creek Winery has live music. We were there on a Wednesday night, and enjoyed two comedians, one local and one from LA.
We arrived a little early to get a good seat for the comedy show, and some wine and snacks before the performance began. Witch Creek offers a nice variety of snacks, which we enjoyed instead of dinner. Hummus, olives, peppers, charcuterie plate (cheese and meats), and spinach dip with baguettes and crackers, completed our meal. For an enjoyable night out, with either music or comedy, a good glass of wine and a little snack, try Witch Creek Winery next time you're in Carlsbad.
We arrived a little early to get a good seat for the comedy show, and some wine and snacks before the performance began. Witch Creek offers a nice variety of snacks, which we enjoyed instead of dinner. Hummus, olives, peppers, charcuterie plate (cheese and meats), and spinach dip with baguettes and crackers, completed our meal. For an enjoyable night out, with either music or comedy, a good glass of wine and a little snack, try Witch Creek Winery next time you're in Carlsbad.
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
The Inventions Of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin was one of our influential citizens. He was a scientist, inventor, a philosopher, a politician and a humanitarian. What he did and invented he did to help mankind, not to benefit himself financially. Here are just some of the many inventions with which he is credited.
1. Armonica. Invented in 1761, the armonica was a musical instrument made from water and glass.
2. Franklin Stove. This stove had a hoodlike enclosure, which kept smoke from spreading throughout the room. He thought about patenting this invention, but he did do it. He wanted all people to benefit from his invention, and not just himself.
3. Lightning rod. This was invented in 1752, as a result of his experiments with a key and a kite. The lightning rod he invented helped prevent fires.
4. Bifocals. Ben Franklin developed bifocals in 1784, during his later years, when his vision was deteriorating and he didn't want to keep changing from one pair of glasses to another.
5. Map of Gulfstream. Franklin was curious about why it was faster to sail from America to Europe than the other way around. He mapped the gulfstream which helped to explain why.
6. Odometer. While postmaster general in 1775, Franklin developed a simple odometer, to map and measure mileage, so that mail could be delivered using the shortest possible route.
7. Daylight savings. Although Franklin did not come up with the idea of daylight savings, he was a strong advocate of it. He felt that more daylight hours for work would lead to a more productive society.
Ben Franklin was unlike any other American I can think of. His inventions, wise sayings and approach to life in general were extraordinary. We need a 21st century man or woman like him.
1. Armonica. Invented in 1761, the armonica was a musical instrument made from water and glass.
2. Franklin Stove. This stove had a hoodlike enclosure, which kept smoke from spreading throughout the room. He thought about patenting this invention, but he did do it. He wanted all people to benefit from his invention, and not just himself.
3. Lightning rod. This was invented in 1752, as a result of his experiments with a key and a kite. The lightning rod he invented helped prevent fires.
4. Bifocals. Ben Franklin developed bifocals in 1784, during his later years, when his vision was deteriorating and he didn't want to keep changing from one pair of glasses to another.
5. Map of Gulfstream. Franklin was curious about why it was faster to sail from America to Europe than the other way around. He mapped the gulfstream which helped to explain why.
6. Odometer. While postmaster general in 1775, Franklin developed a simple odometer, to map and measure mileage, so that mail could be delivered using the shortest possible route.
7. Daylight savings. Although Franklin did not come up with the idea of daylight savings, he was a strong advocate of it. He felt that more daylight hours for work would lead to a more productive society.
Ben Franklin was unlike any other American I can think of. His inventions, wise sayings and approach to life in general were extraordinary. We need a 21st century man or woman like him.
Monday, September 4, 2017
Creatures Of Habit
I came down to the dog park one afternoon, and noticed about half of the men and women NOT sitting where they usually sit. We have about 20 regulars at the park, and about half of them sit in the exact same place every day. The others sit on a bench, almost always on the same bench. I mentioned this to the group, and here's what I got.
One person told me that she goes to church every Sunday, and there too, everyone sits in almost the exact same seat every week. Another person mentioned she was taking a class, and that the students always sat in the same spot. A man told me that at his men's group meetings everyone sat in the same place. I belong to a discussion group which has been meeting for 18 months, and every time, we all sit in the same place.
For the 22 years that I taught school, we would all have lunch each day in the teacher's lunch room. We all had our favorite seat, and rarely, if ever, did we stray from that seat. The only time we did was when a substitute, who didn't know everyone liked a particular seat, was there, and would take someone's seat. When going to the movies, if it's not crowded, I always go to the same seat.
Why do we do this? I really don't know, but it probably has to do with the fact that the familiar feels comfortable. We are definitely creatures of habit.
One person told me that she goes to church every Sunday, and there too, everyone sits in almost the exact same seat every week. Another person mentioned she was taking a class, and that the students always sat in the same spot. A man told me that at his men's group meetings everyone sat in the same place. I belong to a discussion group which has been meeting for 18 months, and every time, we all sit in the same place.
For the 22 years that I taught school, we would all have lunch each day in the teacher's lunch room. We all had our favorite seat, and rarely, if ever, did we stray from that seat. The only time we did was when a substitute, who didn't know everyone liked a particular seat, was there, and would take someone's seat. When going to the movies, if it's not crowded, I always go to the same seat.
Why do we do this? I really don't know, but it probably has to do with the fact that the familiar feels comfortable. We are definitely creatures of habit.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Great Food At Himalayan Kitchen
Tucked away in a shopping center in Encinitas is Himalayan Kitchen. It's in the Sprouts center, at Encinitas Blvd and El Camino Real. It is delicious. Every month or so Audrey and I get together for coffee or lunch, and catch up. We always enjoy seeing each other and moaning and groaning to each other about the world situation. We also like to eat, so we've been trying to try different places each month. Audrey is a vegan and I'll eat anything, so we try to go to vegan friendly restaurants. Himalayan Kitchen was just that.
There's a nice aura when you walk in the restaurant. The owners and all the help are from various Himalayan countries. (Nepal, Tibet, etc.) They are helpful to newbies like me, and explained many of the dishes to me. I ordered the lunch special for $7.95. I selected two curries, served with rice, naan and lentil soup. What a bargain. I had panner tikka masala, a homemade goat cheese cooked with special tikka masala which was absolutely delicious. I also order the chicken curry, good, but not as good as the panner tikka masala. The rice was delicious, lentil soup with thick and chunky and delicious. Audrey had the Himalayan vegetable soup, loaded with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with Himalayan spices and herbs. She also had daal tadka, a mixture of lentils and vegetables with herbs and spices.
This restaurant is not just for the vegan or vegetarian. There are chicken, fish, lamb and goat dishes, and an endless array of vegetable dishes. Everything can be ordered from mild (no spice) to very hot.
Himalayan Kitchen is a great place to try if you want to experience some new flavors. I just loved it. It's open for lunch and dinner. I will try it again soon. The meal was so filling I wasn't even hungry for dinner.
There's a nice aura when you walk in the restaurant. The owners and all the help are from various Himalayan countries. (Nepal, Tibet, etc.) They are helpful to newbies like me, and explained many of the dishes to me. I ordered the lunch special for $7.95. I selected two curries, served with rice, naan and lentil soup. What a bargain. I had panner tikka masala, a homemade goat cheese cooked with special tikka masala which was absolutely delicious. I also order the chicken curry, good, but not as good as the panner tikka masala. The rice was delicious, lentil soup with thick and chunky and delicious. Audrey had the Himalayan vegetable soup, loaded with a variety of vegetables and seasoned with Himalayan spices and herbs. She also had daal tadka, a mixture of lentils and vegetables with herbs and spices.
This restaurant is not just for the vegan or vegetarian. There are chicken, fish, lamb and goat dishes, and an endless array of vegetable dishes. Everything can be ordered from mild (no spice) to very hot.
Himalayan Kitchen is a great place to try if you want to experience some new flavors. I just loved it. It's open for lunch and dinner. I will try it again soon. The meal was so filling I wasn't even hungry for dinner.
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