¡Adios 2020!

"Kiss today goodbye

And point me toward tomorrow"

- Marvin Hamlisch

Farewell to 2020

December 2020: photo by Cliff Hutson

This morning I read that when the ants of the species Myrmecina graminicola encounter danger while on a slope, they tuck into a ball and roll away, the only ants known to move in this way. I think that many of us wish that we could have rolled away from this year, rather than just curling up on the couch while subject to a "safer-at-home" order.

Today, we are counting down the hours to the end of the worst year in the lives of many Americans, if not the world. I have been very fortunate. All my family and friends have been safe and well so far. Sadly, one friend did lose a parent to the pandemic. Others have had family who were ill but recovered. 

Also, I am used to living quietly alone, so that has not been a real problem. But, I do miss feeling that I can come and go as I please, occasionally dining out with others, and visits to concerts, museums, and the like.

Hopefully, at some point in the coming year we all can resume some of these activities.

Looking toward 2021

2021 is probably not going to be great. At least most of us realize that going in. The virus is still going to be around and the worst my still be ahead of us.  But, I like to think that we may be able to turn a corner and regain some sense of "normality" before it is over.

So, my wish for you is for the best New Year that it can be. Stay safe and be well.

I Drink Tequila

 There Stands the Glass

Tequila Mockingbird: photo by Cliff Hutson

I have drank tequila for over fifty years. He estado borracho en Nuevo México, así como en East Hollywood y en muchos lugares intermedios. And, if push comes to shove, I would probably say that the Margarita is my favorite cocktail. 

Margarita: photo by Cliff Hutson

Of course, it can be enjoyed straight as well. So, some might be asking, "just what is this versatile libration?"

Tequila

Silver Tequila: photo by Cliff Hutson

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, and it only comes from Mexico. To be called Tequila, by law, it must come from one of five Mexican states: Jalisco (where you find the town of Tequila), Guanajuato, Nayarit, Michoacán or Tamaulipas. It comes in different styles, categorized according to how long the spirit was aged. 

Hornitos Reposado: photo by Cliff Hutson

I tend to stick to two styles. Blanco (white) or plata (silver) which are unaged and bottled or stored immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels. And, Reposado aged a minimum of two months, but less than a year in oak barrels of any size.

Tequila Sauza: photo by Cliff Hutson

However, I will sometimes step up to Añejo which is aged a minimum of one year, but less than three years in small oak barrels.

Brand Loyalty

Espolòn Tequila: photo by Cliff Hutson

When it comes to brand loyalty I really have none.  While he is loved by many, Jose Cuervo was never a friend of mine. The past few years I have tended to buy Hornitos, not so much that I think that it is really great but, that it tastes good, has a reasonable price point, and is readily available at Trader Joe's.   A couple of months ago I started picking up Espolón. I like it, but am not wild about it.  But, tonight I have been sipping  El Exotico for the first time and enjoyed it. This is a really good Reposado. Is this the best Reposado I’ve ever had? No, but it’s damn good and the price can't be beat.

Tequila Exotico Reposado: photo by Cliff Hutson

The Future

So, the astute reader might gather from my preceding comments that when it comes to drinking that cost is a consideration to me. That is true. My palate is not so sophisticated that that I feel that I should spend a lot of money on alcohol or wine. But, if I ever come across it I will buy a bottle of Rey Sol Anejo just to see if I can experience the difference. 

The Best Words of 2020

 Person

Masked Man: photo by Cliff Hutson

Woman

Soccer Mom: photo by Cliff Hutson

Man

Explainer Man: photo by Cliff Hutson

Camera

Camera: photo by Cliff Hutson

TV

TV: photo by Cliff Hutson

Tamal Season

Tamales

Tamales de Bruce: photo by Cliff Hutson

The word “tamale”, or tamal in Spanish, derives from the Aztec word of the Nahuatl language, tamalli, meaning “wrapped food.”  In most versions, tamales are made from a mixture of corn dough (masa) and filling, then wrapped in a corn husk (or perhaps a banana leaf), and then steamed. The tamal is unwrapped before being eaten.

While store-bought tamales, or those from vendors (tamaleros), are available year round, Homemade ones, as they are very labor intensive, are usually reserved for big occasions like Dia de los Muretos, Christmas,  New Year's Day, or other special celebrations. Indeed, many of us think of tamal season as starting in November and running to January.

In The Time Before, many us would gather at my son's home for a tamale making party, a tamalada, or he would bring them to some other family gathering. Sadly, that was not in the cards this year, of course. But, I am fortunate enough that he was willing to make a one hundred mile round trip just to drop off some off on my porch. So, while this dinner was with just me and my cat, I was still with family in a way and the tradition continued. 

Cat Herders’ Day

Celebrate Cat Herders’ Day - December 15

A Cat and a Hat: photo by Cliff Hutson

The idiom that something that is hard to do, is “like herding cats” is a popular saying. Most frequently it probably refers to project management (been there, done that), but can apply to any difficult or impossible task.

I have herded cats both figuratively and literally. If you consider yourself a cat-herder then this day is dedicated to you and your so-called “cats”. Be proud of your cat-herding skills because we have always played a vital role in doing what needs to be done.

National Pastry Day

 We celebrate National Pastry Day on December 9

Chocolate Croissant: photo by Cliff Hutson

Bear Claw: photo by Cliff Hutson

Blueberry Danish: photo by Cliff Hutson

Apricot Pinwheel: photo by Cliff Hutson

National Roof Over Your Head Day

 December 3, 2020

House: photo by Cliff Hutson

National Roof Over Your Head Day was created as a day to be thankful for what you have, starting with the roof over your head. 

Remember that comparison is the thief of joy.

Reading Log: November 2020

 The books that I read in the month of November 2020

November 2020 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

"The Law of Innocence," Michael Connelly


"The Drunken Botanist: the Plants that Create the World's Great Drinks," Amy Stewart


"Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man," Emmanuel Acho 

"Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails with a Literary Twist," Tim Federle

Dodder

California Dodder

One of the sites I referred to when preparing to write about a plant I encountered in my rambles is maintained by the Consortium of California Herbaria  which provides information about California vascular plant specimens that are housed in participant herbaria. One can search on just about any plant and obtain a list of accessions from around the state.

California Dodder (Cuscuta californica), hits close to home as it has records dating from 1897 to 2009 for specimens found in and around Claremont. One was collected from the Bernard Field Station. The other was found along Thompson Creek, where Holly and I often passed by the plant on our walks.

California Dodder: photo by Cliff Hutson

Cuscuta californica, also called Chaparral Dodder, is an annual parasitic herb or vine that is native to California. It is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. Dodder is readily identified by its threadlike, hairless, yellow, orange, or red shoots which twine around host plants eventually creating a tangled mat. One notable feature is that it does not usually have roots that reach the ground. Instead, knoblike organs along the shoot (haustoria) penetrate the host stem. Shoots either lack leaves or have very tiny red, yellow, or orange scalelike leaves pressed close to the stem. It tends to bloom from May through October. The white flowers are tiny, only about 3 to 6 millimeters wide. The fruits are even smaller.

Dodder once had its own family, but it is now consigned to CONVOLVULACEAE, the Morning Glory Family. The epithet Cuscuta seemingly comes from Cuscu'ta a name of Arabic derivation meaning "dodder”. The common name, Chaparral Dodder, tips us to one of its habitats. It is also found through out the state in many other plant communities such as forests and grasslands. And, of course, “the City of Trees and PhDs”.

National Sardines Day

Sardines

Tin of Sardines: photo by Cliff Hutson

National Sardines Day is observed annually on November 24.

These small fish are said to be named after Sardinia, an island of Italy, because of the abundance that could be found there. However, they has come to refer to many varieties of small, oily fish in the herring family.

Canning is the most common form of processing and storing sardines.. Canned sardines have the oily, fatty flavor of fish. The medium can be water, pure olive or soybean oil, or tomato, chili, or mustard sauce, which cover the sardines to act as a preservation and sometimes enhance the flavor.  Presently, my pantry is stocked with water-packed (see photo), but the ones in oil may be the best.

Sardines are a good source of many vitamins and minerals –

• B2
• niacin
• vitamin B12
• phosphorus
• calcium
• potassium
• iron
• selenium
• omega-3fatty acids
• vitamin D
• protein

Another benefit of eating sardines is that since they are low on the ocean food chain, they don't have the high levels of mercury and other toxins that can concentrate in larger fish.

With the rise of farmed fish and overfishing, sustainability of seafood is is problem. Opinions vary, but, sardines can be considered one of the more sustainable fish available. They are still somewhat abundant in the oceans and don’t show the same signs of depletion that many species are experiencing.

So, the decision to consume them may be a difficult call. However, I read somewhere that there are 50 ways to eat sardines. This is one of them.

National Take a Hike Day

Take a Hike

Hiking: photo by Cliff Hutson

November 17 is National Take a Hike Day in the USA.  It is a good day to reflect that we are creatures of the wild as well as creatures of civilization, and sometimes it does our wild heart good to be taken home again and get out in the wild.  This is a belief that I find even more compelling in these troubled times.

We should at least go for a walk.

NATIONAL S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. DAY

 National STEM/STEAM Day

STEM: photo by Cliff Hutson

November 8 is a day meant to inspire kids to explore and pursue their interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.

STEAM: photo by Cliff Hutson

#STEMSTEAMDay

Reading Log: October 2020

The books that I read in the month of October 2020 

October 2020 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“Good Eats 3: The Later Years,” Alton Brown

“Matty Matheson: A Cookbook,” Matty Matheson 

“Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean,” Edward Kritzler

“Cooking for One,” America’s Test Kitchen

"The Silence," Don DeLillo

Día de los Muertos

Day of the Dead 

Skeletons: photo by Cliff Hutson

Día de los Muertos is a Mexican celebration that is said to go back to the times of the Aztecs and their belief that death is the beginning of a different journey. These, the multi-day holiday is observed by having family and friends gather to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. But, it is a time of festivities, not mourning. 

When Is Day of the Dead

It is said that the gates of heaven are opened at midnight on October 31 and the spirits of children can rejoin their families for 24 hours. The spirits of adults can do the same on November 2.

October 31: eve of Día de los Muertos and is also known as "noche de brujas" (night of the witches).

November 1: Day of the Innocents, commemorating deceased children.

November 2: the actual Day of the Dead.

Pan de muerto

Olvera Street Bakery: photo by Cliff Huston 

Pan de muerto, or bread of the dead, is a typical sweet bread (pan dulce), often featuring anise seeds and decorated with bones and skulls made from dough. The bones might be arranged in a circle, as in the circle of life. Tiny dough teardrops symbolize sorrow.

Skulls and Flowers

Skull and Vines: photo by Cliff Hutson

Decorated sugar skulls, called calaveras de azúcar in Spanish, are among the holiday's most iconic symbols, and are sold everywhere on the days and weeks leading up to Day of the Dead.

Flowers: photo by Cliff Hutson

Flowers are also an integral part of the holiday. The most popular Day of the Dead flowers used for celebrations are cempazuchitl flowers, also known as marigolds. 

Tradition

"Though the particular customs and scale of Day of the Dead celebrations continue to evolve, the heart of the holiday has remained the same over thousands of years. It’s an occasion for remembering and celebrating those who have passed on from this world, while at the same time portraying death in a more positive light, as a natural part of the human experience."  -  History

Life in the Time of Corona: The Election

 Making My Vote Count

I Voted: photo by Cliff Hutson

This pandemic has left many of us feeling stressed and isolated. So many of things that we took for granted we can no longer do, or do so with great trepidation.

One of the rituals I have practiced every two years was walking to my local polling place on Election Day and casting my vote. That is not going to happen for the upcoming election on November 3, it would not be prudent.  But, by dropping my "mail-in" ballot off at a drop box, I have already executed my civic duty this year.

Official Drop Box: photo by Cliff Hutson

Be well and stay safe

Voters, such as myself, who return their ballots early will help ensure safe physical distancing at voting locations. Keeping both themselves and others safe and, hopefully, well. 

Indigenous Peoples' Day

 Indigenous Peoples' Day 

Native Californian Basket: photo by Cliff Hutson

A growing number of state and local jurisdictions now observe the second Monday in October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day in lieu of or in addition to Columbus Day. 

Reading Log: September 2020

 The books I read in September 2020

September 2020 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

“One Bowl Meals Cookbook,” Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen

“The Lola Quartet,” Emily St. John Mandel

"Good Eats: The Early Years,” Alton Brown

“The Science of Good Cooking,” the Editors of “Cook’s Illustrated

"Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food," Paul Greenberg

“Good Eats 2: The Middle Years,” Alton Brown

The First Day of Fall - 2020

 Autumnal  Equinox

Farm Truck: photo by Cliff Hutson

The Autumn Equinox for 2020 in Northern Hemisphere was at 6:30 AM (PDT) this morning, marking the astronomical start of the fall season. 

"The Old Farmer's Almanac"  says that another definition of fall is “nights of below-freezing temperatures combined with days of temperatures below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21°C)”. From here on out, the temperatures begin to drop. I do not know who its target audience is, but that is certainly not the case for us.  But, there are some notable changes.

Night and Day

Changing Leaf: photo by Cliff Hutson

After the Fall equinox, nights become longer than days, bringing us into a period of relative darkness. It is this difference in the amount of sunlight that triggers the changes in foliage for many of our trees and other plants. 

While tradition has it that Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend is when the color peaks in New England, our best colors do not occur until much later in the season. So, some years the best way to tell that Fall is here is to watch for the return of Pumpkin Spice Latte. But, that came early this year. 

Orange Skies

“God gave Noah the rainbow sign, No more water, the fire next time.”

  -  Traditional Song

The Fires This Time 

This morning's local paper of record states that more than 14,000 firefighters are battling 29 fires from San Diego to the Oregon border, according to the California Department of Fires and Forestry Protection.

I am very fortunate that none will present any danger to me other than very unhealthy air quality due to the smoke and ash. Parts of California, and Oregon, have an Air Quality Index (AQI) of over 600, exceeding the scale’s maximum value of 500 and reaching unprecedented levels in the United States. Needless to say that is bad. However, this has certainly created some spectacular displays in our skies.

Morning

Orange Sky at Morning: photo by Cliff Hutson

Evening

Orange Sky at Night: photo by Cliff Hutson

Reading Log: August 2020

 The books I finished reading in August 2020

August 2020 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

• “To Have and Have Another,” Philip Greene
  
• “The Ultimate Cooking for One Cookbook,” Joanie Zisk
  
• “Cooking Through Trader Joe’s Cookbook,” Kelsey Lynch
  
• “Alton’ Brown’s GEAR For Your Kitchen,” Alton Brown
  
• “Annihilation,” Jeff VanderMeer
  
• “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre,” B. Traven
  
• “Station Eleven,” Emily St. John Mandel 
  

Il Tricolore

Gnocchi-Broccoli-Pomodoro

I think that it takes only a little stretch of the imagination, or would that be a willing suspension of disbelief, to see that the colors of the Italian flag, il Tricolore, reflected in this meal I recently "created".  This makes me chuckle as the dish is centered around gnocchi a potato based dumpling which originated from Italy.

A New Dish

It is something that I had never made before and was done on a whim when I decided that the Trader Joe's Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi I was fixing needed some augmentation if I was going to have a complete meal. My first thought was broccoli, i.e., a vegetable, or green. There were also tomatoes on hand, which were not getting any younger, so in they went as well.

I really enjoy cooking, even if it’s been mostly to feed just myself for the past twelve years.  Much of the fun depends on putting together what I have in my pantry, freezer  or fridge.  This time it turned out more than OK.  It kind of reminds me of the first few weeks of Quarantine Quitchen. 

.

Reading Log: July 2020

 The books that I finished reading in July 2020

July 2020 Books: photo by Cliff Hutson

The only one worth mentioning

“No Country for Old Men,” Cormac McCarthy

A Diet to Stay Healthy and Happy?

What should we eat?

Healthy Salad: photo by Cliff Hutson

Many experts suggest that a Mediterranean-style diet made up of fruits, vegetables, extra-virgin olive oil, yogurt and cheese, nuts, whole grains, seafood and lean red meat, and the elimination of fried and processed foods is best for us. That diet provides the nutrition our brain needs and supports good bacteria in the gut.

Other Suggestions:

Some nutrients are particularly helpful. Here are some examples, and which foods supply them.

Vitamin B6: An ingredient needed to produce serotonin, the main neurotransmitter that regulates mood and sleep. Too little serotonin is associated with depression. We need Vitamin B6 every day from our diet.

Sources: Pistachios. Garlic. Salmon and tuna. Chicken. Spinach. Cabbage. Bananas. Sweet potatoes. Avocados. Whole grains.

DHA: The main omega-3 fat in the brain. It promotes production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a hormone that protects neurons and promotes the birth of new brain cells.

Sources: Wild salmon. Oysters. Anchovies. Mackerel. Mussels.

Prebiotics: Foods that the good microbes in our gut need to stay alive.

Sources: Onions. Asparagus. Artichokes. Garlic. Bananas. Oats.

Probiotics: Live bacteria and yeasts that replenish the good bacteria in our microbiome.

Sources: Yogurt. Sauerkraut. Kefir. Kimchi or other fermented vegetables, such as turnips, cucumbers or carrots.

However, at bottom, the most important thing we can do is to focus on the overall quality of what we eat, rather than single nutrients or foods. Try to include more nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes and lean proteins. Limit foods that offer lots of calories but little nutritional value.

National Watermelon Day

National Watermelon Day - August 3

Watermelon: photo by Cliff Hutson

Watermelons are plants grown in climates from tropical to temperate. They seemingly originated in West Africa, where plants can also be found growing in the wild.

Watermelon isn't only a tasty low-calorie treat — it's also very good for your health - containing many key nutrients, such as lycopene and vitamin C. Not to mention the water -  a fun way of keeping your body hydrated.

Watermelon Salad anyone?

National Avocado Day

Another Special Day

July 31 is the day to celebrate avocados! Not that I don't eat them year-round.

California Avocado: photo by Cliff Hutson

Growing up, I first knew the fruit as an "alligator pear".  Our next door neighbor had a tree and that was what she called. That name is no longer in fashion, but the popularity of the avocado has increased by leaps and bounds since then.

Guacamole: photo by Cliff Hutson

There are many ways to partake of this food.  Avocado Toast has, without saying, become ubiquitous in many circles.  Guacamole is another, and it actually has its own day, as well.

Tuna & Avocado Sandwich: photo by Cliff Hutson

Avocados make just about anything better, so I add them to sandwiches and salads. 

Fancy Salad: photo by Cliff Hutson

But, I have never tried them in a smoothie nor as a dessert.  You?

National Cheesecake Day

Time to Celebrate

Cheesecake: photo by Cliff Hutson

National Cheesecake Day is celebrated on July 30 in The United States of America; and, so it seems, some other countries as well.

Life in the Time of Corona: Sometimes, there's a man

Bad Moon Rising: photo by Cliff Hutson

"I see a bad moon a-rising

I see trouble on the way

I see earthquakes and lightnin'

I see bad times today"

- Creedence Clearwater Revival

Sometimes, there's a man for his times.

And, sometimes, there isn't

I have just a few words to illustrate my point:

• Person
• Man
• Woman
• Camera
• TV

A Man with a Camera: photo by Cliff Hutson