Treasure from Israel!

Treasure from Israel, courtesy of Avi Beidani: "ותכתבו: אהובתנו" by Emuna Elon, "Founders" by Dayan Noa Yaron, falafel, vanilla halvah, and pistachio candy. Good friends like this are beyond price. תודה רבה from both of us, Avi - and I'll let you know in about 100 years when I'm able to read the books!

I thought I had eaten halvah before. No disrespect intended to Joyva, but you guys can take in your sign now. After eating what Avi sent me , my taste buds have died and gone to heaven. ʘﺮʘ



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Treasure from Alaska

So many wonderful friends have sent us good wishes, both energic and tangible. Huge box arrived in the mail yesterday from alaskawolf in Fairbanks - many gifts and good karma.



Some of the cutest things I've ever seen - a stuffed igloo, complete with husky resident; the most adorable salt and pepper shakers, two wolves that sort of "hug" with magnets; a beautiful dream-catcher clock, an Alaska mug, and a whole bunch of other little gewgaws and gimcracks. And a musical card that plays "So Happy Together".

Thanks so much, Alaskawolf - I tend to count my friends instead of my gold, and because of people like you I'm richer than Bill Gates!

Best Fathers' Day Ever!

I have been honored beyond my deserts. Or my desserts. Both are applicable. I was presented with a couple of new ties, loved, and fed, and fed, and fed - barbecued chicken, potato salad, and the most amazing home-made trifle:




Urp!

In the evening we went and shared the trifle with some good friends and enjoyed some good watermelon (which I don't usually go for) and some fine company.

All my kids called or texted... it's nice to be remembered.

Ended the day with a 1000-watt glow.

The Blue Nile: ምርጥ!

Ate at Harrisonburg's Ethiopian restaurant the other night, The Blue Nile Delicious!



I had hoped for dulet but I guess Ethiopian haggis is not everyone's cup of tea.


We started with some hummus, drizzled with Ethiopian clarified butter, and served with baked injera and himbasha, a lightly-sweet cardamom-flavoured bread.

Followed up with a combination platter, which included Minchet Abish, Shiro Wat and Misir Wat, surrounded by samples of other appetizers and entrees. Lovely ginger tea and more injera on the side.

Even leftovers to take home... heaven!

I love injera and need to learn how to make it at home.