K made “himself” a large cheesecake from scratch (to celebrate graduation, I think).  It was his first time baking anything  like that.  Some of us were allowed to try it.  In my humble experienced opinion, it could rival the best authentic NY cheesecakes I’ve had.

Erev Shabbat featured challah (Avdi claimed it was better than ever), a big salad from the garden, a stir fry of fish and greens from the garden, and Asian noodles.  S said it was the best stir fry he’d ever had!  High praise from someone afraid of vegetables.

In a change of pace, I spent Friday overnight, so Avdi could go out to a rave fundraiser for the tornado recovery.  I got to wake up to real live birds and fresh air (not the bird cuckoo alarm)!  Real coffee, and later a nice steak and egg breakfast by E for Avdi (and me).

It’s been cool and breezy (not rainy?!), ideal for gardening.  I reseeded lettuces, oregano, cilantro, and Thai basil.  I cut back all the greens and herbs that were going to seed.  I dug up a volunteer dogwood sapling to transplant.  I weeded the strawberries, prickly pear, asparagus, and horseradish beds.  I refilled the hummer feeder.  I watered.  A chipmunk sat still near me. Even Avdi had a few minutes to sit still with me at the patio table, watching bird dramas unfold, and admiring all the handiwork.

I’ve been feeling exhausted and nauseous a lot, so Avdi drove me home and I immediately fell asleep for a couple of hours.  Probably the damn leukemia.  Never mind.  I’m thankful for all the luxury I’m privileged to take part in.  Many St. Louisans are not so lucky, living in tent cities or camping out at destroyed homes with no power.  The huge relief effort by ordinary community groups and volunteers continues, on its own, while the overlords destroy social safety nets and relief programs.  Their karma and injustice is coming back to them, rest assured.