Down In The Garden Close

Tomorrow is my first day training other’s in Total Safety Culture. I have to be to the office by 07:30, which is EXTREMELY early for me. I was studying today, so I think I’m ready. Even if I fumble a bit, there’s a master trainer there to help me out. YAY!! I’ll let you all know how it goes tomorrow.

I’ve been trying to do the daily posting for NaBloPoMo, but it’s been difficult since I’ve had to train someone on my desk the last 2 weeks. However, for the most part I think I’m doing pretty well.

On with the rest.

ஜ~§Quote of the Day§~ஜ

Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
Dale Carnegie

ஜ~§The Question Of The Day§~ஜ

It's the twentieth anniversary of the first Simpsons episode today. Who is your favorite Simpsons character—Ralph? Sideshow Bob? Ned Flanders? An actual Simpson?

ஜ~§The Word Of The Day§~ஜ

Jodhpurs

PRONUNCIATION:
(JOD-puhrz)

MEANING:
noun: Riding breeches loose above the knees but close-fitting from the knees to the ankles.

ETYMOLOGY:
After Jodhpur, a city in northwestern India, earlier a princely state.

USAGE:
"One thing is certain. Once he packs up his souperman cape and jockey jodhpurs, stories about [Campbell Soup CEO] David Johnson will be traded for years to come."

ஜ~§What I'm Reading§~ஜ

J.D. Robb: Salvation in Death

ஜ~§What I'm Watching§~ஜ

Tonight is: Pushing Daisies, Criminal Minds and Private Practice

ஜ~§Poem Of The Day§~ஜ

Down in the Garden Close

My garden walks are bright in the sun;
'T is summer, the birds sing gay;
The delicate vines o'er the warm earth run,
And the leaves look up to the day.
But of all the blossoms on the earth's broad breast,
The fairest flower that grows
Is the one that stands, the queen of the rest,
Down in my garden close.

Down in the garden close
You'll find a pure white rose.
Its incense rare
Fills the dreamy air,
Down in the garden close.

Across the paths drift the dry leaves sere.
The birds and the summer are fled,
My plants are dead with the dying year,
The flowers their bloom have shed;
And the queen lies low in a soft, still sleep,
Safe from the wintry snows,
But never again will the sulight creep
Down in my garden close.

Down in the garden close
The wind with a wild wail goes.
Its chilly gust
Stirs the soft grave dust,
Down in the garden close.

William Byron Forbush

ஜ~§Recipe of the Day§~ஜ

Miso Eggplant Shiitake Canapes

Ingredients:
1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and sliced 1/8 inch thick
3 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 (10-inch) Asian eggplants, cut into 24 (1/2-inch-thick) rounds
2 tablespoons white miso
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
1 teaspoon water

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle.
Toss mushrooms with 2 tablespoons oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt, then spread out in a large 4-sided sheet pan. Roast, stirring once, until golden brown and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Turn on broiler. Toss eggplant with remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons oil and broil in same sheet pan 4 to 6 inches from heat, turning once, until just tender and lightly browned on both sides, 8 to 12 minutes total. Leave broiler on.
Stir together miso, sugar, mirin, and water, then lightly coat tops of eggplant. Broil 1 minute. Serve warm, topped with mushrooms.

Brightest Blessings,
~S~