Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Tonight's picture was taken on November 23, 2008. We were home from the hospital for about two weeks, so Mattie could recover from his limb salvaging surgeries. We may have been at home, but Mattie still went into clinic weekly to receive his immunotherapy medication and for check ups. Nonetheless, to accommodate Mattie's recovery, our living room was transformed into a make shift hospital. We had a hospital bed delivered and a commode. As you can see Nurse Patches, our calico cat, stuck close to Mattie. 

Quote of the day: Today's coronavirus update from Johns Hopkins.

• number of people diagnosed with the virus: 12,769,915
• number of people who died from the virus: 262,132

This morning while looking out the window while having breakfast, I saw this. We have a resident squirrel. He picks oranges and then sits on the wall and eats them. He is a riot to watch. His life is made with all the fruit trees around here. In any case, this was the most peaceful part of my day, and I celebrate the small things. 

Today was our LAST lunch out! We said good-bye to all the wonderful servers, the managers and the owner of Paty's Restaurant. Paty's has been in Burbank, CA for over 50 years. Like my parents there are lots of other steady customers. So much so, that  even I recognize them! As we were walking out of the restaurant a couple of diners, in their 70s, stopped us. They commiserated about the closing of restaurants and we are hold out hope that the County reconsiders, because right now outdoor dining is planned to be closed at least through January. In any case, this couple wished us a Happy Thanksgiving. I am telling you it is Burbank's equivalent to Cheers. 

This evening I baked an apple pie. The recipe I use belongs to my husband's family. To me it is the best apple pie ever. 

What do you think of my lattice?

Okay here is the trick! The pie is baked at 450 degrees in a stapled paper bag. Why? Well first it traps all juices so they don't go all over the oven, but it also locks the juices in! To me the bag is the secret ingredient. 

The final product! Recently I learned the benefits of using an egg wash on top of a pie. It helps it cook more evenly and gives it an even brown color on top!

Meanwhile, check this out! Sunny has taken over the couch and enjoys a cat nap with Peter's mom.