Monday, September 27, 2021

Food for Thought

"Is mother nature a psychopath? Why would she design foods to shorten the lifespan of the human race?"


Pan-seared Strip Steak: photo by Cliff Hutson
Pan-seared Strip Steak: photo by Cliff Hutson


Evidence from a recent study suggests dairy fats can have health benefits, as do many other foods discouraged by  health officials and scientific authorities.

Some of us may seize upon this as great news. Others may be left at sea as it conflicts with long established habits or medical advice


Steak and Eggs: photo by Cliff Hutson
Steak and Eggs: photo by Cliff Hutson


An Omnivore's Dilemma 


A case can be made that can be made one should cut down or eliminate meat from their diet for ecological reasons. An ethical argument against eating animals can also be persuasive.  But, as time goes by, health does not seem as a compelling reason for doing so. Although, one can have too much of a good thing.

Humans, as omnivores, can eat just about anything Nature (or food processors) has to offer. Deciding what to eat is the real question. 


Rice and Beans: photo by Cliff Hutson
Rice and Beans: photo by Cliff Hutson


Two Julia Child quotes:


  • "If you're afraid of butter, use cream."


  • "I believe in red meat. I've often said: red meat and gin."

Gin Bottle with Cat: photo by Cliff Hutson
Gin Bottle with Cat: photo by Cliff Hutson



Monday, September 20, 2021

National Fried Rice Day

 National Fried Rice Day


Shrimp Fried Rice: photo by Cliff Hutson
Shrimp Fried Rice: photo by Cliff Hutson

We celebrate National Fried Rice Day on September 20 every year.


Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice: photo by Cliff Hutson
Spicy Shrimp Fried Rice: photo by Cliff Hutson



Autumnal Equinox


Autumn Leaf: photo by Cliff Hutson
Autumn Leaf: photo by Cliff Hutson


While down here it will be weeks before the leaves actually turn, in 2021, the autumnal equinox—also called the September equinox or fall equinox—arrives on Wednesday, September 22. This date marks the start of Fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

After the autumnal equinox, the sun begins to rise later and nightfall comes sooner. This ends with the December solstice, when days start to grow longer and nights shorter.


Monday, September 13, 2021

Summer Holly

Summer Holly


Comarostaphylis diversifolia: photo by Cliff Hutson
Comarostaphylis diversifolia: photo by Cliff Hutson


Summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia) is found in coastal chaparral from Santa Barbara County southerly into Baja California. There may be populations on the Channel Islands as well. Some sources cite that the geography makes for two subspecies: Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. diversifolia in coastal Southern California and Baja; and Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. planifolia on the Channel Islands and the Transverse Ranges north of Los Angeles. It is not very common, but not yet listed as rare.

A slow‐growing, evergreen shrub or tree to 20 ft. tall. Attractive features include shiny leaves, white flowers, red berries and shredded bark. While the flowers are urn-shaped similar to the more familiar manzanita, the red berries are warty or wrinkly rather than smooth. That feature also distinguishes it from toyon. Summer holly is a member of Ericaceae, commonly known as the heath or heather family, a family of flowering plants found most commonly in acid and infertile growing conditions.