There is not one iota of electronic technical intelligence existing in my brain. This is voluntary. Electronics don’t interest me except that I enjoy being able to use them. When there is a problem such as not being able to turn on the television the joy of new technology quickly leaves my body. Just let me get out of my seat, press an “ON” button and turn a darned dial on the TV, opting for one of the 4 available stations instead of hundreds available for viewing nowadays. It’s frustrating and confusing. So when our router/modem went south a week ago I could have guessed other problems would ensue. Sure enough, this past weekend both my good old (very old!) laptop decided it would turn on but do little else. The iPad which is relied on when the computer is only chugging along doesn’t like the new router/modem. My phone… well, you can guess. The end result of all this is here I am, at work, on a new laptop while the old one is trying to be salvaged, if for no other reason than I know how to use it.

It seems with this new computer which uses Windows 10, I have lost the use of Windows Live Writer. It won’t install. I’m using Word to construct and (hopefully) post to my blog. A new, unwanted, experience. Let’s see how it goes.

Wrist update: Pretty good although the therapist seems to want me to think otherwise. It’s been 3 months since surgery and I have limited flexibility with about half the strength. I drop a lot of things but on the positive side, I was able to open a bottle of wine this past weekend. As a result, I’d say things are progressing well.

Running:

I have been keeping up with the miles required in training for the Boston Marathon. As for speed workouts, not so much. My pace is about a minute slower than in previous years. When I get to about the 12 mile point, my wrist aches but not bad enough to make me stop. It’s really the lack of desire to push that little bit harder. This year my goal is simply to get through the race and experience the course one more time. I want to leave myself open to what ever happens be accepting without bitterness or self pity.

Last weekend was the Myrtle Beach marathon and half marathon. I was signed up but it didn’t work out. Next weekend, I’ll try to run a half marathon in Florida but, again, we’ll see what the morning brings and go with it. It will be time to change the clocks which might make it challenging to just get out of bed. The race starts at 7 am and we will be about 2 hours away. Good luck!

Speaking of luck, Saint Patrick’s day
is coming up with parades being held this coming weekend. Not sure what’s on our agenda but we’ll be in warm weather so it doesn’t matter, it will be good.

Recipes:

Not much baking or cooking going on. I’ve turned my taste buds to salads and soups. I’ve made some pretty good salads but nothing to post so the one below is a simple dish I’d like to try.

Quinoa & Smoked Mozzarella Salad

Based on a recipe from EatingWell – originally made with smoked tofu

About 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups water
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, separated.
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 6 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 1 small yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup diced cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 TBS chopped fresh mint

Directions

Bring water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add quinoa and return to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook for 20 minutes.

Spread the quinoa on a baking sheet lined with parchment to cool for 10 minutes.

Whisk lemon juice, oil, garlic, the rest of the salt plus pepper in a large bowl. Add cooled quinoa, mozzarella, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and mint. Toss to combine.

That’s it for this “beta” version of a blog post using word instead of writer. Stay in touch, comments are welcome especially if you have a really super recipe I can try! Take care and be healthy.

Joanne

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