Fava Beans & Simply Green

The inside of these large pods is fluffy, padded and dense white fiber. And the beans themselves are very organic with pod attachments. I wonder who decided this food was edible. The first time. Don't you think about that when you look at some of the things we eat? Tom Selleck (yum) was interviewed by Rachel Ray and he doesn't like vegetables or figs. They don't look "finished" to him. Tom thinks figs are "finished" when inside a fig newton. And only then.

I don't think Tom (or G) would venture into eating a Fava Bean. They need to be shelled. Then steamed. And then peeled of their outer, inedible skin, and finally sauteed and eaten. I have a large bag full. They can be frozen with the outer skin still on. I ate some raw, with the skin, some peeled and still raw and some sauteed in a bok choy lo mein. They taste like big green peas. Slightly sweet. A bit starchy. Green.

I have zucchini, onion, bell peppers (red and green), jalapenos, garlic, salt and ice cubes sitting for another few hours while I ready the canning jars and the bread and butter vinegar, sugar and spices. Pickle time. It's 80 degrees and about 100% humidity. Always make pickles when it's stinking hot. Because pickle makers are crazy as loons.

I worked yesterday and had a pot roast in the crock pot all day so I would have a "good dinner" when I got home. Friday and Sunday we were scrubbing the entire greenhouse floor with "Simple Green". Removing dirt and this black jelly mold. Four of us. And some others worked on it on Saturday also. I can't say I would have been voted "most popular" on Sunday when I got the simple green, floor brushes and the hose ready. But they pitched in and helped.

On Saturday, having witnessed the miracle that is Simple Green at work, I bought a bottle and scrubbed all the nice dirty tiles on my sunporch at home. Why I selected the vanilla color for the tiles is beyond understanding. But now that they are "simply" CLEAN and vanilla again--I'm loving them. And looking for other things to spray that green magic on.

I love to clean up messes. I love seeing the progress of my work. And I adore the end result, which is visible. That's why I love laundry, clean sheets and ironing. I can SEE the results. This week, while G was gone, I scrubbed all the floors in the house. Without simple green. When it's hot and my feet are bare, I like all the floors to be super clean. I can sit and stare at my clean floors for long periods of time.

Been watching my TiVo'd West Wing episodes. Going by way too quickly. Already going into 2003. And Miss Marple. And Law and Order CI. Nickles may be my favorite character. And Diners & Dives on the Food channel. I have said NO to Big Brother, the Fashion Show and all the other new summer shows . I haven't opened any of my three books. I read three really quickly and now, not so interested in reading.

Also not so interested in walking the dog. We just got back from a walk and I felt like I was going to pass out. I get dizzy and sweaty and just want to lay down in the grass. Could be the heat and humidity, as I remember feeling like this last summer. Last year I worried about what the dog would do if I fainted. This year I know he'll sit with me. I have low blood pressure and this happens when I get stressed. I had a nice peanut butter sandwich and I feel much better now.

Well, it's been pleasant talking with you but I have canning jars to wash in the dishwasher. And pickles to make.