Visiting Family in Seattle

My father, who has a nasty cold, picked me up from the airport and we bonded in conversation about the sad state of the world as we drove. He dropped me off at the rest of the family’s place and I got a round of hugs from all but Abigail, who was already in bed and prefers head butts anyway, and Zach, who was a bit shy. I even got two hugs from Alex.

Alex, Mom, and Zachary on the Couch Mom, Zachary, and Alex on the Couch Mom and Zachary on Couch

After reading a couple of bedtime stories to Sam, my mother and I sequestered ourselves in the living room. She sipped on a bit of the Vermeer chocolate liqueur I brought her as a present, while I had some on top of some mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Mom and Zachary at Library Playground Alex at Library Playground Mom Walking and Zachary Running at Library Playground

She told me how much she is enjoying being with her grandchildren and wants my assistance in taking care of them during the weekdays while I am in town.

Zachary Hanging Around the Library Playground Alex Sliding Around the Library Playground

We also talked about her impending move to Seattle and about her financial situation. Luckily, she brough the folder of documents I need to prepare a financial summary for her. The amount of the inheritance from her mother is unknown to us, although not to her brother, my uncle Mark, whom she doesn’t want to ask for fear of annoying or angering him.

Zachary Eating Ice Cream Zachary Really Likes Ice Cream More Ice Cream for Zachary

Closeup of Alex Eating Ice Cream Alex, Zachary, and Mom at Iranian Bakery Abigail Eating

Sam Eating Mom and All Her Grandchildren Mom and Three of Her Grandchildren

Sam and Zachary Head to Head Abigail Under Moms Wing Abigail Under Moms Wing

 

Terry Is a Gay Thief!

Before heading to Seattle, Terry paid me a visit yesterday for some yummy sex followed by Tartine’s morning buns and a southern Indian brunch at Dosa’s then a hilarious movie called “Eating Out” and some more yummy sex. 

He recently told me a story about when he was a child. He had gradually pilfered more and more cash from his elder brother’s cookie jar, full of his savings, until Terry started to feel really guilty about it. He went to his sister for his advice and said, “There is something I really need to talk with you about.” She replied, “Is this about you being gay?” He said, “No, I stole some of my brother’s money and want your advice about what to do.” “Sit him down and explain what happened… it will turn out fine.” Then Terry went to his brother and said, “There is something I really need to talk with you about.” His brother replied, “Is this about you being gay?” “No, it’s not! Remember your cookie jar with the money in it?” “Yeah.” “Well, I hope this doesn’t make you mad, but I’ve been taking some of it from time to time and now it’s all gone.”

Vegan Blueberry Muffins

Here is a great recipe for vegan blueberry muffins from my housemate Marc.

Vegan Blueberry Muffins

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
10 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks or 5/8 cups) margarine, melted or at room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 flax eggs
3/4 cup soy milk
1 3/4 fresh (or frozen) blueberries

1. Make 2 flax eggs.

2. Preheat over to 350 degrees Farenheit. Grease muffin tins lightly with vegetable oil (spray works).

3. Sift and mix thoroughly the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar together into a small bowl.

4. Mix the margarine, vanilla extract, flax eggs, and soy milk together in a large bowl.

5. Fold in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, until the batter is thoroughly mixed.

6. Fold the blueberries in gently.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tins. Do not allow the batter to overflow any of the muffin molds.

8. Bake the muffins on the center oven rack until golden around the base and toothpicks come out clean when stuck in the center.

Optional Modification:
Replace all or part of the margarine for a low-fat alternative using a 1:1 ration of unsweetened applesauce. E.g. For half the fat use 5 tablespoons of margarine and 5 tablespoons of applesauce.

Flax Egg:
Flax eggs are simply a 3:1 ratio of water and flax. To make 1 flax egg mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed, the finer the better (coffee grinder works well), with 3 tablespoons of water. Mix up with a fork and for better results let soak in the fridge for 1 to 4 hours. You should notice an egg-like consistency after letting it soak.

Terry Waltzes Into Will’s Life

We don’t know what to write about Terry yet, except he’s good in bed and helped me come up with this sentence:

“The jaws of life couldn’t get it out of his throat in time.”

Something must be going on because he lives at least an hour’s drive away and we’ve gotten together four or five times since we met on August 5.