Weekend Update - Asian Edition

Yesterday, we finally did the Asian market day we've been planning since H-Mart and 99 Ranch Market opened in Austin earlier this year. Scott-n-Julie and Jeff and I headed to H-Mart first, so we could get lunch at the 8-restaurant food court there. We tried several things from a few of them, and almost everything we tried was a hit! My favorites were the Kimchi Tater Tots and Bulgogi Sandwich from EStreet Tacos, and the garlic-soy Korean Chicken Bites from Donkey Mo's. And omg, EStreet has something called Chicken Skin Chicharrones, also very highly recommended, which I will definitely try next time. Their queso supposedly rocks as well. So, EStreet and Donkey Mo's, y'all. Write. That. Down.

We perused the aisles at H-Mart, which is very large and bright, and looks just like a regular grocery store, other than the products are almost all Asian. Their produce was OUTSTANDING. Just beautiful. I complain all the time about our produce at our grocery stores. Their stuff was exceptional and not expensive.

Next we headed to 99 Ranch Market. It is smaller than H-Mart (still big though!), and less well-lit. Their produce looked just like my HEB, pretty average. Their prices ran quite a bit less than H-Mart. They also have Peking Duck for $20 and live lobster for $8 per pound. I almost bought a vat of Kikkoman soy sauce (the only one I use), 2 quarts worth, for $5 and change. Couldn't figure out where to store it, so I didn't, but just as an example, they do have great prices. Plenty of selection, too. I did get some grapeseed oil (the best for stir fry, according to Jet Tila) and sesame oil there.

We stopped into the Beto campaign office in the 99 Ranch Market shopping center, to buy a bumper sticker. I was going to take a photo of Jeff entering the glass doors with a big sign for the Texas Democratic Party, just to send his parents for funsies, but they are reaching that age where we don't want to shock them too much.

Last night, Jeff and I went to a new-to-us restaurant so I could try Banh Mi for the first time. It was really good. We need to hit one of the more acclaimed banh mi spots to compare though.

Today, Jeff and I saw Crazy Rich Asians, I guess to complete the Far East themed weekend we're having. I liked it, but I will warn you, it is a rom-com with the emphasis on the Rom. You probably think it's a comedy along the lines of The Hangover or Wedding Crashers from some of the trailers, but it is a normal romantic comedy, with a few laughs here and there. Still good! Just don't plan to blow Dr. Pepper out your nose laughing.

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Somebody Feed Phil

We've now completed the two seasons of "Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix, along with the original PBS version, "I'll Have What Phil's Having," also on Netflix. SO GOOD! Phil's show reminds me of "Better Late Than Never," Henry Winkler's show on network TV, where Henry, Terry Bradshaw, George Foreman and William Shatner travel all over the world together. Both shows dive into local traditions, food and attractions in foreign cities.

"Somebody Feed Phil" and "I'll Have What Phil's Having" are hosted by Phil Rosenthal, a very funny comedy writer/producer who has been involved in a ton of successful comedy television shows, including "Everybody Loves Raymond." Each world city he visits is so different, and they do a fantastic job of integrating the foodie aspects with the real flavor of the culture. The food is far more casual than the upper crust, fine dining of "Chef's Table."

Now we're sad we've seen all the episodes so far. Looking for a new show to watch until The Crown is back!


Saturday 9: It's a Jungle Out There (Theme from Monk) (2003)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from the detective show that ran from 2002-2009. Were you a fan?

Yes!

2) The song warns us about the air we breathe and the water we drink. Does your home have an air or water filter?

Doesn't every home have an air filter on the AC? Sometimes these questions worry me. Reminds me of when JulieP's AC froze up (literally with a giant sheet of ice) because she didn't know she was supposed to change the air filter... for THREE YEARS. Yes, we have an air filter on our AC. We have a water filter only on the water from the fridge dispenser.

3) The lyrics say, "People say I'm crazy to worry all the time." Are you a worrier? Or do you just take things as they come?

I'm a worrier, but not nearly as much as I used to be. I've found that whatever you're worrying about probably won't ever happen, and things you never imagined definitely will. So, what's the point really?

4) TV's Adrian Monk is known for his outstanding deductive powers, an homage to Sherlock Holmes. Have you read any of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's books featuring Sherlock Holmes?

Yes, and I loved Robert Downey, Jr. in the film.

5) Monk was also known for fastidiousness and precision, an homage to Hercule Poirot. Have you read any of Agatha Christie's books featuring Poirot?

Nope, but I played and enjoyed very much the original PC video game And Then There Were None. It doesn't include the Poirot character, but... just... saying...

6) This song was written and performed by Grammy and Emmy winner Randy Newman. Do you have any trophies or plaques? 

I have a trophy from the Foundation, when I was awarded Volunteer of the Year a few years ago.

7) Before winning an Oscar in 2001, Mr. Newman had the distinction of having the most nominations (15) without a win. Do you consider yourself a graceful loser?

Very. 

8) In 2003, when this song was introduced, Lance Armstrong won his fifth Tour de France. Later, he was disgraced in a doping scandal. Can you think of a time when a hero disappointed you?
When my dad left my mom to marry his childhood girlfriend, I was totally blindsided. I would never have guessed that he was the type of person to leave his family. Never. Later, I would find out that not only had he had done it to a wife and son before us, he would do it again, to the new wife. Disappointing is a nice word for it. To find out it was part of his modus operandi really threw me for a loop. Eventually, he married his last wife and stayed with her. He and I talked a lot about marriage and life, and I was happy that he learned that marriage is a commitment worth honoring, and just packing up and leaving when things go a little wonky isn't appropriate.

9) Random question -- We're catering lunch. Should we put you down for a burger or a taco?

burger

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Markle Family Weirdness

I don't have anything against Megan Markle. I mean, a former-American princess is always cool in my book, but I feel like people are ignoring a huge point in her family drama- her mom is the only family member who seems to support her. I agree that her dad and his kids appear to be a bit kooky, but everyone has some kooky family members. The kookiness doesn't really explain why they would make up villainous things about her. There aren't any other family members who are the average Joe, who are in her life, who have anything positive to say? Did she distance herself from everyone? If so, why?

And why completely cut off all communication with your father? If she were speaking with him, probably not telling him anything of any real importance he might share with the press, but just keeping cordial lines of communication open, perhaps he wouldn't feel left out. It all seems super weird to me.

Also, the people she invited to her wedding were her mother... and her coworkers from her last job. If my mom and some coworkers were the only friends and family I had at my wedding, everyone would have wondered what was up with me. Yes?

Just saying. lol


Saturday 9: The Nanny (1993)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's song is the theme from a sitcom that originally aired from 1993 to 1999. Were you a fan?

I watched occasionally.

2) The song tells us that Fran once worked in a bridal shop. Have you ever worked in a retail setting?

I worked in a shoe store one summer during college- not the kind where you have to put shoes on people, the kind with shoes on racks, thank goodness. I can't remember the name of it!

3) The kids in the Sheffield household appreciate their nanny's "joie de vivre," which is defined as "exuberant enjoyment of life." Are you feeling joie de vivre this morning? 

I'm feeling good. Maybe not "exuberant." Ha!

4) "The Nanny" is the colorful one, the one who wears red when everyone else wears tan. What color do you think you look best in?

Purple. Always good with green eyes.

5) The TV show, The Nanny, was the brainchild of actress Fran Drescher. She got the idea while visiting her an old friend in London. Her friend's pre-teen daughter enjoyed having Fran as a confidante and shopping buddy. Do you enjoy shopping as a leisure activity? Or would you prefer to just dash into a store, grab what you need, and get out and go home?

I do a lot of shopping as a leisure activity. More a shopper than a purchaser.

6) The friend Fran was visiting in London was Twiggy, who was the world's most famous model in the 1960s. Name another famous model.

Christy Brinkley

7) The Nanny: The Complete Series is available on DVD on Amazon. It consists of 19 discs and takes 55 hours to watch, start to finish. What TV show have you recently binge watched?

"Somebody Feed Phil" on Netflix

8) The Nanny theme was sung by Liz Callaway. Her father, the late John Callway, was a long-time Chicago newscaster. Have you, or has a loved one, ever been on TV?

I was on the news once with Gordie Howe at a Houston Aeros game, when I was a kid.

9) Random question -- Which of these adjectives comes closest to describing you: sexy, sophisticated or down-to-earth?

down-to-earth

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New Sister-In-Law!

Jeff's brother's wedding was last weekend! They got married in downtown Ft. Worth. Gorgeous city view and lovely, tearful ceremony. Lots of wine at the reception. We are very happy for the two of them, now off on their honeymoon. We also have a new step-nephew and step-niece (18 and 15), which is neat.

I love his new in-laws! They are an outgoing, fun-loving group. They're all from Austin, and some of them still live near here.

Next wedding is Cathy and George in Vegas! Waiting for a date on that. *drums fingers*  ;)

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Eagle Pass Road Trip

But first... I use a small, retractable key reel, attached to my purse handle, for my house key, so I don't have to dig around my purse for keys when I get home. Just pull and unlock. Bam.

There are some really cute ones, about .75 inches diameter, at an Etsy shop called Made On Terra, out of California. I have the dragonfly one, and just ordered the Tree of Life. I've used mine a lot for about a year and it's just now starting to stick a little when retracting. Check 'em out! Search for "lanyard belt" to see the little retractable key rings with clasps to attach to things.

Went on an overnight road trip to Eagle Pass with Scott-n-Julie last weekend! We drove Hwy 165 from Henly to Blanco (one of our old faves) and drove through The Swiss Alps of Texas, a famous loop with amazing hills and valleys. Jeff and I had never been there. It is SO green compared to our area right now. Just breathtaking.

We stopped in Medina at The Apple Store. (Not THE Apple Store. The fruit kind.) We wanted to pick apples at their Love Creek Orchards, but our schedule was tight and I don't think there were any available for picking anyway at the time. (Call ahead to check!) So we had burgers at their cafe, which were recognized as one of The 50 Greatest Burgers in Texas in 2016 in an issue of Texas Monthly. They were REALLY good. The soft bun was my favorite part, but the burger is perfect. They also have soft-serve apple ice cream and apple pie, if you're so inclined. Also excellent.

Went to UT's Briscoe-Garner Museum in Uvalde, at Vice President (during FDR's first two terms) John "Cactus Jack" Garner's home. That's a neat place! Lots of info about Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe (in the 70s) and VP Garner. We love small town museums. You would be amazed what they have at these places. Surprisingly cool. And you can get closer to things than you can in large city museums... even touch some stuff! We liked this museum. Worth the stop.

We made our way to Eagle Pass, checked in to the hotel and then headed to Lucky Eagle Casino. Scott was very lucky that night and only lost $50 out of the $200 he wagered at the slots. Julie, Jeff and I each lost the $20 we wagered at the slots. My twenty bucks was gone in about 3 minutes. Not even kidding. I'm a video poker girl, if I gamble at all, since I feel like it gives the longest play time per dollar. Lucky Eagle only has a few video poker machines, all at the two bars in the middle of the casino.

We had dinner at a casino restaurant, Sage. We tried everything from pasta to short ribs, and it was all great.

The people in Eagle Pass were very friendly, without exception. They couldn't have been nicer. May have been the casino drinks, but definitely happy, talkative folks.

We drove along the Rio Grande on the way out Sunday morning, but you can't see the river from the highway because there is a lot of brush blocking the view. There are dirt roads through the trees, but Scott advised us not to go there, because they are border patrol roads. Okie doke then!

Had Sunday lunch on the way back in Castroville at The Alsatian Restaurant. Delicious! They have German fare, along with French and American food, and artisan pizza. I had a reuben, my favorite sandwich. Their sauerkraut is really yummy. Next time, I'll try the Jägerschnitzel. We talked with the owners, a couple and their brother.  The building is from the 1800s, with some courtyard seating outside, perfect for a romantic evening meal.

Good times!

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Don't Look Too Deep Into those Angel Eyes

...oh no no no nooo-oooo-oooo...

Saw Mamma Mia! 2: Here We Go Again with the hubby Wednesday night. SUPER FUN! It even includes my favorite ABBA song of all time, "Angel Eyes!" Wheeee!!

It's a cute story. Pierce Brosnan's singing is vastly improved. Cher rocked her part. It is totally worth the stay until the very very end of the movie, to see a funny clip!

My only complaint was that, at least in our theater, the lead vocals on every song were too dang loud. Couldn't hear the music or harmonies much.

Overheard while leaving the theater, from a young man on the row in front of us:

"Was ABBA a real band?"

Why, yes! Yes, they were.

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Step!

FYI, 99% of the time I write a political rant on here, I never post it. Ha! You're welcome!! Maybe it's therapeutic for me anyway.

So I started working out 4-5x per week again, about three months ago. When I last stopped working out regularly (several years ago) I had tweaked my knee doing aerobic kickboxing. The best thing about starting again was that it doesn't hurt anymore! Amazing how much more you feel like you accomplish when your knee is functioning properly. Funny I even realized that. I guess that tells me how much it was hurting back then.

I've been doing Jenny Ford's videos on YouTube on AppleTV. I still love good ol' step aerobics, and she has tons of those. She also does other types of aerobic workouts, like marching and dance. So far, it looks like all of her vids are easy to do with minimal space at home, no matter the weather and without equipment. Exactly what I like. No excuses and no need to get all dolled up for the gym. 

Just search for her name on YouTube and her vids will come up. If you are a step beginner, the #1 video in her series "Step Across America" is the ultimate beginner video. Her step vids are divided into Beginner/Basic/Intermediate/Advanced. She also provides endless adjustment options in every workout to increase or decrease the intensity, which is so helpful. (You can do step without a step, so no worries there. My step is long gone in the trash heap.)

Sunday Stealing

1. Where were you 3 hours ago?

at home, putting away groceries

2. Have you ever eaten a crayon?

Egads, do people do that? No.

3. Is there anything pink within 10 feet of you?

Kiptyn sleeps in a bright pink cardboard shipping box that was a package Lauren ordered.

4. When is the last time you went to the mall?

Wednesday, looking for a wedding outfit

5. Are you wearing socks right now?

nope

6. When was the last time you drove out of town?

the weekend before Independence Day, we went to Jeff's family reunion in Frisco

7. Have you been to the movies in the last 5 days?

no

8. What was the last thing you had to drink?

unsweetened decaf iced tea

9. What are you wearing right now?

What are YOU wearing? heh. Black capris and a black-n-white patterned top.

10. Do you wash your car or let the car wash do it?

I do both, depending on the temperature outside.

11. Last food that you ate?

cantaloupe

12. Where were you last week at this time?

probably at home, working on genealogy stuff

13. Have you bought any clothing items in the last week?

no

14. When is the last time you ran?

For exercise? Or like, if I saw a snake? Last time I ran for exercise was probably college.

15. What's the last sporting event you watched?

World Cup championship on TV, Round Rock Express in person

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George is OK

I like that people check in with me when George Clooney has a scooter accident in Italy, to make sure I know he's okay. (LOL) Actually he does have "trauma to the knee," (awww) but...

...at least it's not his face.

You were all thinking it.

Mostly kidding! Hope he's feeling better soon and stays safe on those bikes.

There are two songs on the Apple Pop Playlist this week where I'm not sure what some of the lyrics mean. Well, probably more than two, but:

"Weekend Luv" by Quinn Lewis: "...Don't give me that weekend love..." 
Isn't "weekend love" more uninhibited and carefree and swinging from the chandelier? Weekday love is typically more vanilla. Yes? He doesn't prefer the weekend love?

Ahh. Just read the complete lyrics. He just means he wants love on the weekend and also the weekdays. Got it. It should be "don't give me JUST weekend love" or "give me that weekend love... on a Monday night."

"I'll Be There" by Jess Glynne: "...I swear, I got enough love for two. You'll never be alone, I'll be there for you."
She's got enough love for two? Is that okay with her significant other?

We binge watched the 2018 Carpool Karaoke episodes last weekend. I have to say Jeremy Renner has an AWESOME voice! I mean, seriously. Who. Knew?! Good on ya', sir.

The Linkin Park/Ken Jeong episode was filmed about a week before Chester died. So sad. Still a great episode. Also loved loved loved the Seth McFarlane/Ariana Grande one. (ShOwTuNeS y'all!)

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Chef's Table on Netflix

Just an observation... For several years, most of the American television hosts seemed to be Australian or British. Now they're mostly African-American. Through the fading in and out of popular host "types," there remain the constants- Nick Lachey, Joey Fatone and Mario Lopez.

I think I may say this every summer, but why on earth do they call it "America's Got Talent," when 90% of the acts are from other countries? Evidently we actually have no talent at all. I read that Britain's Got Talent is the same way. So weird.

So. We've been watching Chef's Table on Netflix. It is very good! Each episode is about a very celebrated chef somewhere in the world. We're through season 2 and so far, regardless of cuisine, all the food is "French-style" fine dining, with teensy weensy food, artfully stacked and arranged with tweezers (not even kidding) on ginormous plates. I'm not a fan of that stuff as "food," but I do appreciate the art of it. I've learned that these menus can include about 20 courses. Maybe 20 of those plates would make a proper meal. Still, I won't be eating there, but I can see why YOU like it. (*snort* #CJ)

Each hour episode covers the life story of the chef, sourcing of ingredients (farming, fishing, street markets...), and the chef's restaurant, exploring dishes served, showing the chef and staff in the kitchen, giving you a peek at the ambience. The imagery and videography is quite breathtaking, and the locations around the world are diverse and interesting.

Definitely worth a watch!

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Man and Wo-MAN?

A couple of things on my mind this afternoon...

During various discussions lately about weddings, people make a point of saying something along the lines of "It's their first wedding." Yikes, is that where we are now? Just expecting people to marry multiple times? Sad! I guess I should be glad people are getting married at all. Ha!

I also have to mention that I watched $100,000 Pyramid last night, and the word the lady was trying to get the celeb to guess was "man boobs." She said, "A woman has these..." and they buzzed her, because the wacky judges there think "woman" is a form of the word "man." WTF? So weird! No one even put up a fuss about it. #thingsthatmakeyougohmm

Saturday 9: (There's) No Gettin' Over Me (1981)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Ronnie Milsap sings about how worrisome it can be when you realize you forgot to pay a bill. It's happened to all of us, hasn't it? Tell about about a time you accidentally missed a payment.

I don't think I've ever missed a payment!

2) He also references a dream that keeps him awake. Do you have any recurring dreams?

Several. One recurring dream is in a building with lots of floors and windows that face into the center atrium. I'm usually in and out of the elevators and up and down the stairs, trying to get somewhere I can't get to.

3) He sings about the face you see in the crowd. Tell us about someone you see regularly, but don't really know.

There is a family of four in the neighborhood who were out together riding a few years ago on what seemed the first day of getting new bikes. They were in shorts and T-shirts, clumsily working out who was going to ride on the sidewalk and who was going to ride on the street, and in what order, etc. One of the kids fell over.  Well, I still see them riding together occasionally, and all four are on the street, in the bike lane, wearing biking outfits. They look like professional cyclists!

4) He mentions the book that you just can't put down. What's the last book that you finished?

I haven't finished one in a long time, but I am currently reading Dan Harris's Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics.

5) Ronnie Milsap is a big fan of new technology, and believes the advancements make both his professional and personal lives easier. What about you? Do you embrace new technology? Or do you long for the good old days, when we weren't so connected to personal devices? 

I love new tech, but also long for the days when we connected more personally.

6) As a child, Ronnie used to surreptitiously listen to late night radio, especially gospel broadcasts. When you were a kid, what rule did you break again and again?

I would sneak out of bed and watch The Tonight Show or Saturday Night Live. My parents were facing the TV and I would peek around the corner from the hall behind them. They caught me now and then, but not very often!

7) Country star Blake Shelton says Ronnie Milsap was a big influence on his music. Do you watch Blake on The Voice?

I do!

8) In May, Ronnie appeared at the Choctaw Casino in Grant, OK. Do you enjoy games of chance?

Not really. If money is on the line, I would rather play a game of skill, rather than luck.

9) Random question -- When did you last "do it yourself" and repair something around the house or yard?

I can't even remember!

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