Greetings from the Mesa
Last Friday we made a Khoresh Ghormeh Sabzi for dinner. It is a fried herb Persian stew that my partner learned to make from their uncle in law who was from Iran. He was from a Zoroastrian family that partially fled the country in the 70s with the rise of Khomeini (his mother remained behind). We make Khoresh of all kinds frequently, they are delicious, and serve as a mindful memory of good food and friendly relations. I’ve always been fascinated with Iran – the geology, the varied cultures, the people… The next morning we woke to the news that the dump had ordered strikes on Iran. There is no love lost with the news of the death of Khomeini, but this is an illegal war. Of course the impotent Congress won’t hold the pedo-felon responsible for his actions, nor the actions of his sycophant circus of enablers. Disgusted.
Life goes on whether you’re war torn or not. I’ve seen coyotes roaming through every day for the past several days – I believe the spring rut is on. Also the male mountain bluebird has returned and is busy setting up in one or more of the bird houses on the property. Right on time. The resident Canyon Towhees and finches are also busy with spring time activities. The weather has been unseasonably warm – and dry. KP overheard someone already talking about cleaning the acequias (irrigation ditches) because the snow melt is happening early and the snowpack this year is pathetic. Thankfully there has been enough rain/snow to keep our cisterns full for the gardening season ahead. KP discovered that at least half the garlic planted is already 1/2″ tall! We are deep into spring/summer planning and had a contractor come out for some estimates of work we need done this year. It’s going to be a very busy summer with major projects.
Curiosities
- Speaking of food and culture… one of my favorite authors is Naijamerican Dr. Nnedi Okorafor who mentions Jollof Rice in almost every one of her books. I have it on my to try to cook list. This article called It’s Personal is a wonderful celebration of “chefs across the African diaspora reflect[ing] on the many layers of meaning behind jollof rice.” I’ve also been curious to give oatmeal fufu a try.
- If I ever win the lottery (ie never) I want a Maxey Archtop GH3 guitar. Instrument lust. First seen on StitchMethods tutorial about Trey Anastasio’s soloing style.
- Speaking of guitar, one of my favorite ambient guitarists Montreal based Antoine Michaud has a really lovely and peaceful piece up along with a howto video tutorial on The Most Emotional Way to Play in E Major.
- Christine Tyler Hill’s ongoing art project/zine called The Cloud Report. “Paying attention makes me feel alive.” There’s an interview with her on Creative Fuel with Anna Brones. I’m not going to link out to it, but Hill’s project was also picked up by the Wall Street Journal.
- 30 years of Netanyahu telling you Iran is days away from a nuclear bomb. I.E. it’s all BS.
Consuming
Currently Reading: Lonesome Dove – this is not my usual reading jam but I’m really enjoying it, mostly because the characters are so well done… still reading I Saw the Sky Catch Fire and My Favorite Thing is Monsters II.
TV/Movies: Bridgerton S4 – snorefest not sure we will finish, Night Agent S3, and Dark Winds S4 are on rotation.
Music: Nine Inch Nails – TRON Ares: Divergence