#and they can buy things like smoked salmon or nice biscuits

[blue-eyed-giant]

me, has done 3 1,5 hour lessons today (maths included :( ), woke up at 6.30, hair like bird's nest, hasn't eaten any proper thing for 9 hours, carried 5 kgs of backpack, will not see any family until christmas vs. my roommate, same course as me but in italian, has only seen the syllabus of management, hair beautifully washed conditioned and done, exercised, eaten well, will go back home for the weekend

[scullyeffect]

ok today was the second time i went out since march 14th (i went out for groceries march 20th). i had officially rationed out all my groceries from march 20th (except yogurts). if you want to read the post about what paris was like a week ago, you can read that here. here’s what Paris looked like today:

so this time i went to the larger supermarket (worthy of the word ‘supermarket’ but nowhere near the size of a walmart) about 6 blocks away from my apartment. when i got there i joined a line of people that wrapped around the corner of the street standing in 1 metre intervals. signs on the supermarket windows told us that “there is enough stock for everyone. please don’t buy more than you need, and think of others. customers more at risk for the virus will be given priority entrance. we are limiting the amount of people allowed inside the store. please be patient.” and then, below, “restons solidaires” (stick together). i don’t know if it’s a play on our “stay at home” mantra which is “restez chez vouz”, but i liked it for two reasons: 1) the image below was of two people standing together holding hands which goes against all the rules, and b) it took all my strength not to joke and say “yeah, but restons solitaires” (stick alone). the signs also said that every three hours all the carts, baskets, touch screens, and escalator railings were cleaned, and gloves were changed if they came into contact with a customer. 

contrary to last time, today i saw more people wearing masks. however, i was taken aback by how the people who weren’t wearing masks actually smiled at me, or gave a little nod of recognition, which i’m very unused to in Paris, and it felt really nice. a woman joined the line behind me and when i turned around to smile a bit she smiled back and shrugged with a “c’est la vie” expression. behind her was a man wearing a mask who struck up a conversation with her. i listened, unashamed, because it was the first in real life human contact i’d had in six days. turns out she was swedish and he was british, and they continued speaking in french even though i heard her say she thought english was much easier than french. instead of talking about the virus they talked about the complexities of the french language while we waited in line, keeping a far space between them. an old woman walked by, dragging a caddy of groceries behind her, and stopped to look up at the sky, then turned to us and said (in french), “spring is here. it’s such a beautiful day”, and walked away. finally the line moved and i got inside.

just like before, everything, even the toilet paper aisle, seemed well stocked, and people were going about their shopping very calmly. keep in mind i live in a very central, very busy area of Paris where this is the main grocery store in about a 2km radius. everyone was very responsible and kept their distance. i noticed that the aisles of easter chocolate and candy were relatively untouched, and the only section that seemed slightly bare was the shelves of dish and hand soap. this is what i bought:

can of vegetarian chili (deLICIOUS)

green beans

orange juice with pulp

green tea

some tea biscuit things 

8 tortillas 

a jar of guacamole (can you tell i’ll be eating burritos for 5 days?)

a green pepper

a bag of spinach (i eat it raw like an ANIMAL)

a bag of clementines

four apples

a litre of milk

sliced rosette sausage

smoked salmon

cheddar cheese 

MINT ICE CREAM BECAUSE I WANTED TO OK

a tooth brush lol

total: 35e / $38

in line for the self checkout we waited in line a metre apart again, and instead of having 8 registers open they only had 4 to keep distances. one employee was there to press all the onscreen buttons with a gloved hand so multiple people (esp with ungloved hands) would touch them. use of cards was discouraged but i had one so...i guess i’ll take out cash in the future. 

on the way back home in a probably unnecessary but inspired move i went to a pharmacy and got a multivitamin with some vitamin D in. i don’t know if it’ll do anything, but i doubt it’ll hurt since my diet is so whack. 

and then read my other post for how i disinfected myself / the apartment when i got home (except this time i didn’t wash my face or shower since it was only 6pm)

overall i was really pleased with how parisians (and foreigners, apparently) behaved and respected the rules. last time i went shopping it was a little chaotic and again, even though i’m not at a high risk and i’m not staying at home all the time because i’m paranoid, i’m just doing it because i can finally not feel guilty doing it, being thorough like this makes me feel responsible. because i find myself often slipping into a “yeah, but i won’t get it lol” mentality and that’s not good. anyway, idk if anybody cares but i find posting this interesting plus it gives you guys a chance to see what life is like in another country if you don’t live here. 

[exyjunkies]

wonderful tonight

Summary: Right after hosting the Foxes Christmas party, Neil and Andrew have a moment to themselves in their living room. (read on AO3)

A/N: Merry Christmas everyone! I got this finished a day later than I said I would HAHA anyway, I hope everyone’s having a great Christmas <3

Neil doesn’t remember how they got to own this much tableware. He knows he didn’t buy any because they already had the standard set back from the Columbia house, and he’s sure as hell about Andrew not caring enough to get anything new. Maybe they accumulated over the numerous fan presents they’ve received, because some fans were thoughtful enough to really go the extra mile. Maybe they all came in the form of Christmas presents, from those of their circle that believed that he and Andrew were capable of having a family (Nicky, maybe even Matt). 

What was funny was that their owned tableware didn’t match, sets upon sets upon sets getting all jumbled up in their cabinets that they didn’t bother matching anything up with counterparts. Which is how when they hosted the Foxes Christmas party in their household, they had more than enough random sets of tableware for everyone to eat with. 

This year, they decided to hold it in the backyard, seeing as some of the Foxes needed to bring their kids with them - Kevin and Thea with their four year-old daughter, Nicky and Erik with their twin sons, Dan and Matt with their two kids and newborn, and Aaron and Katelyn with their six year-old son. Renee and Allison were still processing their adoption, so it really was only Neil and Andrew that didn’t opt for having children. It was fine though, because Neil thought that if their house could have any purpose, it would be having the Foxes - his family - over.

Their house was big, probably too big for the both of them and their cats. Andrew had it built after deciding to sell the Columbia house, feeling like they’ve outgrown it and all. Plus, with them being on their respective pro teams, a home in a new location was only logical. The commute to and from each of their teams’ bases was a lot more comfortable after they moved, and they decided to stay there even after the both of them were signed to the US Court.

Being Court meant seeing a lot of Jean and Jeremy around, but they weren’t able to make it to Neil and Andrew’s Christmas this year, much to Kevin’s dismay. Something about Jean finally deciding to go to France for his family’s Christmas, and bringing Jeremy along with him. Jeremy had seemed fine with the idea, but Neil knew that Jean had yet to overcome his family’s disapproval with him and the way his life turned out. He hoped they were okay, and sent a care package around a week ago.

With their several sets of tableware, Andrew’s cooking, and Neil on the logistics of the party, everything went smoothly. They all sat to an amazing dinner out on the backyard and sang to songs on Nicky’s procured karaoke set while the kids played on the blankets set out for them just a few feet away. What was notable to Neil was how the group dynamics were completely different from back then. The Foxes were all truly grown up now, far from their wild, carefree selves back in PSU. It’s been almost ten years since they all left the university, and they all led different lives now.

In all honesty, Neil could sit there for hours and think about how much his life has changed.

“Hey.” 

Andrew’s voice from behind him made him jump a bit, almost knocking over his mug of tea. The guests had all gone home an hour ago, and Andrew had made him sit down instead of helping with clean-up. Too preoccupied with not wanting to fall asleep just yet, Neil just nodded and yawned in Andrew’s face in reply.

“Done already?”

“It’s a talent.” Andrew went up to one of their cupboards and took out a tin of chocolate biscuits. Neil shook his head after Andrew tilted the tin towards him in a silent offer.

“You really outdid yourself with dinner tonight. The whole five courses and all.”

“Didn’t want Nicky to be a little bitch about me not wanting Erik to help out. Besides, the kids needed options.”

Neil knew he was talking about Kevin’s daughter in particular, a dark-haired girl named Aubrey. He had talked to Kevin beforehand about not letting the girl get everything she wants, but the girl’s attitude that night made it apparent that Kevin was still behind on discipline. At least Aubrey had more than two dishes on her plate.

The clock on their kitchen wall read 12:03 AM. Neil blinked sleepily at Andrew, the edges of fatigue already around his shoulders. This was the latest they’ve been up in a while. Still, Neil knew they’d stayed up later back then, talking up on the roof and smoking. They really were getting old.

“Well,” Neil said, pushing back his chair and standing up. “We should call it a night.”

Before he could turn around, Andrew said, “Wait.”

“What?”

“Let’s go.” Andrew offered a hand, and Neil was honestly too sleepy to contest.

Still, he asked, “What’s this for?” as Andrew maneuvered the both of them out of the kitchen. They kept walking until they reached the living room, and Andrew let go of Neil’s hand and went up to their stereo.

Neil sat on one of their armchairs and yawned, his third one in the last hour. And he might’ve actually fallen asleep for a bit, until a couple nudges to his foot shook him back awake.

He heard the first few notes of a song he wasn’t familiar with, and saw Andrew offering his hand to him yet again.

“Andrew Minyard, what is going on--”

“Do you not know how dances work, Josten?”

Neil stared at Andrew’s hand dumbly for a few more seconds, until Andrew sighed and yanked Neil up.

“This’ll be quick, I promise,” Andrew murmured in Neil’s ear, and Neil nodded, putting both his hands on Andrew’s hips.

“Is this alright?” Neil patted Andrew’s hips, and Andrew nodded. Slowly, they began moving to the song, finding a slow and steady rhythm.

It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear She puts on her make-up and brushes her long blonde hair And then she asks me, “Do I look all right?” And I say, "Yes, you look wonderful tonight.”

“Huh, this song isn’t bad,” Neil said softly, a little more awake now. He stared into Andrew’s eyes and smiled. “Softie.”

A small frown came across Andrew’s face. “Shut up. You’re ruining the song.”

“Whatever you say.”

Neil had long grown accustomed to Andrew’s off-brand gestures of affection, as rare as they were grand and meaningful. He already knew he was the more expressive of the two of them, and he was perfectly okay with that. Still, each and every gesture tugged at Neil’s heartstrings, even after having been married to the man for four years.

“Mmm. This is nice.” Neil hugged Andrew closer to him. “Did you feed the cats?”

“Yes. The leftover salmon went to King and Sir.”

“Great.”

After a beat, Neil spoke again. “We’re gonna have to sleep soon, Andrew.”

Andrew rolled his eyes. “I’ll carry you to the bedroom if I’ll need to.”

“Oooh. Can’t pass that up.”

I feel wonderful because I see The love light in your eyes And the wonder of it all Is that you just don't realize how much I love you

Neil pressed a small kiss to Andrew’s forehead. Just because he can. “I love you too, dummy.”

And Neil was expecting some sort of clever retort, because that was what they did, but instead, Andrew just stared back at him. Like... like he was everything. It was enough to make Neil nervous that he wasn’t good enough.

Maybe that was how Andrew looked at him sometimes, when he didn’t notice.

“Yes or no?” One of Andrew’s hands went to Neil’s jaw, cupping it gently.

“Four years really doesn’t do much, huh? Yes, of course.”

They kissed, and the music in the stereo was not loud enough to drown out Neil’s beating heart. Andrew’s other hand went to the back of Neil’s head, angling the kiss better. Neil was in jogging pants and a hoodie, and he felt so warm and comfy against Andrew’s body. In the soft light of their living room, the last few words of the song made it to Neil’s ears, and he hummed against Andrew’s mouth.

I say, "My darling, you were wonderful tonight Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight

Andrew broke the kiss, and after smirking at Neil momentarily moving forward for more, he said, “Okay, Sleeping Beauty, off to bed it is.”

“Aww, and I was getting so into it too--”

Neil’s words were interrupted as he was lifted up, bridal style. He laughed, and threw his arms around Andrew’s neck.

“I thought you were tired.” Andrew’s grumpy tone made Neil laugh even more.

“Am not.”

Neil spent the whole way to their bedroom kissing the side of Andrew’s mouth in his own form of protest. As Neil opened their bedroom door for the both of them, one of the last things he heard was Andrew's murmured, "I love you too."

And if Neil fell asleep almost immediately after Andrew set him down under the covers, Andrew didn’t say anything about it the next day. 

[samirgianni]

Seasonal Ontario Food's Top Ten - Meat, Poultry & Fish Main Dishes

More main dishes, the meaty ones this time. In spite of how much I like vegetables I have to confess I could never be a vegetarian. I'm a little surprised to review things and see how much pork we eat, and I'm definitely shy on the fish recipes. I think that's because I am perfectly happy to eat it pretty plain. Judging by this list I also have a taste for the classic dishes, and braising is a favourite cooking technique. Sounds about right, I have to say. And apparently meat dishes get put on my oval Chinese platters. Huh, okay. Beef: Beef, Mushroom & Rice Stuffed Buttercup Squash - This is my most viewed beef recipe and as usual I don't quite get why. On the other hand, it's a fun and impressive thing - yet not too difficult - to do with a squash. Braised Beef with Onion Sauce - The onion sauce takes this one from being a nice if perfectly ordinary pot roast to something special, with little in the way of effort. Gehacktes Rinderschnitzel - This is a great recipe for more than the name although of course there is the name. It makes a pound of ground beef feed 4 generously, and is no harder to make than regular hamburgers while presenting as more elegant and sophisticated. Can't beat that! Sauerkraut & Onion Smothered Pot Roast - Another pot roast with onions; I do like 'em. This one has sauerkraut and I'm pretty fond of that too... and easy, did I say? So easy. Swedish Meatballs - This one is more work, and rather rich, but definitely worth while for a special occasion. Braised Beef Brisket -The sauce was delicious and the meat meltingly tender; ten out of ten would definitely braise again.

Stir Fried Beef & Kohlrabi - The kohlrabi supplies 2 different textures and goes beautifully with the beef. Delicious! Swiss Chard Rolls - We freeze these by the dozen every late summer and live on them all winter, served in tomato sauce. The only things we have to buy for them is the beef, oil, salt, and pepper, which makes them an ideal recipe for us, trying to live off of our garden as much as possible. Fortunately, they are also very tasty. Mom's Meatloaf - Well it's Mom's meatloaf, so of course it's good. Hot with mashed potatoes or cold in a sandwich it can't be beat. Blanquette de veau - Rich and elegant; a dish for a special occasion. Not difficult though. Lamb & Pork: Turkish Kofta (Lamb Meatballs) - If it wasn't for the liver casserole (which see) this would be my most viewed lamb recipe. Now, this one I get! These are really good, really quick, really easy... just fine! Roast Leg of Lamb in a Spicy Sauce - Whenever we buy lamb 3 out of 4 legs tend to go to making this. I feel obliged to make something else with the fourth one for the blog, but this is always a winner and people fall into it face-first. Lamb Meatballs Stewed with Chick Peas - Look at that: lamb! Meatballs! Chick peas! Of course it's a Top Ten winner; how could it not be? Liver & Tomato Casserole Possibly with Mushrooms & Bacon - Since I think this is best made with lambs liver it goes in with the lamb recipes. No matter which meat category I put it in though, it would come out as the most viewed recipe in that category. Yes, this one has had a lot of views and while I will be the first to declare that this is a very fine way to serve liver I admit to being perplexed. Could it be my humorous introduction? I doubt it. Scotch Broth - Yes, it's soup. But at the price of lamb, it's also lamb. And since it's a rib-sticking meal in itself, here it is. Pretty simple really, but so delicious. I keep saying that about things, but in my books that's what makes things the best. Stamppot Boerenkool - Kale & Sausage Mash - One of the few ways in which kale will be greeted with enthusiasm around here. But yes, this does guarantee enthusiasm. Baked Bone-In Ham with Maple Mustard Glaze - This is my most viewed pork recipe, in spite of or more likely because of being very straightforward. The hard part is finding a decent bone-in ham; basically you need not just a butcher but a good butcher. But once you have that settled the rest is a doddle. Apple Butter Spareribs - I can't say I always love barbecue sauces, so this is how I usually do my spareribs. A little different from the usual, but I love the sweet-sour and zingy ginger flavours. 5-Spice Pork Chops - a simple treatment for pork chops that takes them out of the ordinary. Victorian Cottager's Pie with Bacon, Mushrooms & Onions - This variation on the theme of Shepherd's pie is so simple and straightforward, and so delicious, I don't know why it isn't a ubiquitous dish the way the beef version is. It should be!

Pork Loin Stuffed with Spinach & Mushrooms - Unlike Dill Pickle-Brined Pork Tenderloin this is actually a recipe, and requires a little effort. Not too much though, and the results are excellent. Poultry: Braised Turkey - Braising turkey really produces better results than roasting, as the legs stay juicy and flavourful and the breast meat doesn't cook too long and dry out. Plus there will be lots more gravy. You lose the crispy skin, and it can't be stuffed, but such is life. I've been braising pretty much all my turkeys since I discovered this. Turkey Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - I find toasted barley flour a really good thickener for soups, and here it helps keep ground turkey - which can easily get too dry - moist and flavourful. I didn't mention the carrots, but this dish is just swimming in carrots, and altogether, it's a simple and delightful take on the inevitable meatball.

Duck Schnitzel with Green Peppercorn Sauce - Sometimes you can get skinless, boneless duck breasts, which is a slightly odd thing. This is what you do with them; the end. Not so odd after all! Braised Duck Legs with Rutabaga, Leek & Celeriac - Well here we go again; something something braised with vegetables. That's because it's still delicious. And it's duck! Roasting Organic Chicken - My most viewed poultry recipe, presumably because lots of people want to roast an organic chicken and realize they are really not the same as those limp, flabby supermarket chickens. Not at all. Chicken Pot Pie with Biscuity Crust - It's the Biscuity Crust that made this so special, and I've used it a lot for other things since then as well. Something about it is just classic comfort food, much like Chicken with Herb Dumplings - which are also classic comfort food. Poached biscuits with herbs! Tender stewed chicken and vegetables! Oh man, so good. Quick Braised Chicken with Leeks & Garlic -But sometimes you can't sit around and wait all day for things to cook. Here's a quick and easy one, full of flavour and with many of the comfort food qualities of those longer-cooking braises. Chicken with Rhubarb - Different! Make this one now; it's in season. No reason to relegate rhubarb to nothing else but pie. Braised Guinea Fowl with Carrots & Prunes - More braising, with a classic sweet-sour flavour profile. Lovely! Fish: Fish & Pasta with Greens in Saffron-Paprika Broth - Let's call this a stew; it could have been treated as soup, or pasta. Whatever it is it's a simple easy meal to make on those days when you want to put as little effort into cooking as possible but still eat something delicious and satisfying. Fish in Leek & Carrot Sauce - The sauce is simple, not particularly rich, and yet really appealing. It supports a fine white fish perfectly without overwhelming it.  Stir-Fried Fish with Snow Peas, Mushrooms & Garlic Scapes - This one will be in season any moment and it is a delightful treat for early summer. Perch, or Other Fish, Tacos - By far my most viewed fish recipe. As usual I don't think it's by far my best fish recipe. Although I have to admit I will never turn down a good fish taco. Smoked Trout Kedgeree - Traditionally a breakfast dish but delicious and easy at any meal, and pretty much a meal in itself.

Dilled Trout Cabbage Rolls with Lemon Sauce - A surprising unusual but delicate and sophisticated cabbage roll. Savoy cabbage, of course, in keeping with the delicate and sophisticated theme. Fish & Eggplant Casserole - Based on a traditional Chinese dish, but simplified and a bit less swimming in oil. Still full of flavour! Salmon or Trout Tourtière - A lighter and really delicious version of the Quebec classic, this deserves to be much better known than it is. Salmon or Trout & Spinach Pie - Another lively and delightful fish pie. Savory pies are the bomb, but fish keeps them from being too heavy. The spinach makes this one pretty much a meal in itself. This would be a fine picnic dish. Tartar Sauce - not a fish dish as such, but a common accompaniment to that plain sautéed, poached, or steamed fish I eat so often. As different from that gummy paste sold commercially as cheese is from chalk. Don't think you like Tartar Sauce? Give this one a try - you might be surprised. from Seasonal Ontario Food http://seasonalontariofood.blogspot.com/2017/06/seasonal-ontario-foods-top-ten-meat.html