The Origami of Baseball

On an off topic for this blog, I took Jackson to his first baseball game. With the Somerset Patriots minor league stadium only 20 minutes from the house, seats 10 rows behind the 1st base dugout and it being a cool summer night, Jack and I headed out. We usually have to talk things up with him to build the excitement but this was different. We left early, went to dinner and when we drove up to the stadium with complete and total anticipation to watch a "hitter".


The excitement and joy of eating stadium food, buying his first baseball hat from a game and eating popcorn was too much. He enjoyed it too. Once the game started, I realized that he was holding his breath for every pitch and with every hit. In between pitches, he talked about "bad" pitches and "good" hits. He was amazed at the foul balls that left the stadium and wondered why the "hitters" didn't run to first base. At the top of the third inning, an hour past his bed time, he asked if we could go because he was really tired.

Although I did not get a picture, Jack wanted to go to sleep with his hat on. It took him all of three minutes to fall asleep and when we checked on him, his hat was right next to his head. The next morning, he came down in his underwear, shirt (as always) and wearing his new cap. A week later, we are still hearing little references to the game.

Quiting smoking has its definite drawbacks, the constant urges, moods and most of all, the lack of things to do to keep your mind off the fact that you are not smoking - even when you have more projects half started than you know what to do with. Each and every time I quit, my patience seems to disappear for a week or so, I become angry, short and a real ass. The worst part of the this process is the kids who witness my anger and do not understand....and I quit every other week or so which makes it hard on everyone including myself.

To keep my time occupied for this quitting time, I picked up some Origami paper and decided to give it a shot; nothing else to do and it keeps me from pissing off the house. I have always had an interest in it but more like a distant interest such as rebuilding a car engine or becoming a vet...sounds great, looks like fun... Although it may sound a little obscure to others, I am really enjoying it and I want to learn more. In doing some research on the Internet on different patterns, I came across an article on an Origami Master and his website. Looking at his work is inspiring.

Roasted Beet Sandwich

For the beets:

• 1 bunch beets - sliced about 1/4 inch thick
• 1 Shallot - chopped
• 2 Clove garlic - minced
• 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 Tbsp Rosemary

For the Cheese and Greens:

• 1 bunch Chard - Stemmed
• 1 bunch Beet Greens - Stemmed
• 1 Shallot - chopped
• 2 Clove garlic - minced
• 1/2 Tbsp butter
• Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1 Load day old Italian Bread

First, Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Mix the beets, Olive Oil, Rosemary, Garlic and Shallots in a bowl and let sit for 1 hour. Arrange in 1 layer on a baking pan and roast in the oven until soft and tender (about 20 minutes). Rotate and flip as required to ensure all beets are roasting evenly. Once done, pull out and cut beets into strips

While beets are roasting, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet for about 1 minute. Add all greens and let sit for 2 minutes. Turn all greens as they begin to wilt and allow to cook under medium flame for about 4-5 minutes. Beet greens and chard are generally bitter and the more you cook, he less bitter they become. Once done, remove to a bowl and splash with Balsamic Vinegar turn to coat.

Take goat cheese (room temperature is better) and mix the dill into the cheese. Cut the bread into slices and brush with left over oil from the beets. Place in oven for 1 minute until toasted. To build the sandwiches, spread generously the herb goat cheese, place greens on and place a generous amount of beet pieces. This can be served warm or cold, I prefer warm.

Food Harvested:
Tomatoes
Lemon Cukes

Things Planted:
None

Seeds Saved:
Lemon Cukes
Purple Cherokee Tomato
Black Krim Tomato

Preserved/Cooked:
Canned:
- Yellow Peach Halves
Made:
- Roasted Beet Sandwich with sauteed chard and herb goat cheese
- Flounder baked with shallots and garlic
- Carrot Cake

Things to Remember:
Nothing I can think of today