Saturday, June 6, 2020

A Peek At My Week 6/4




This week my husband and I "flew the coop" from our condo in South Florida to begin the 19 -hour ride home to Pennsylvania. Between the Coronavirus and the unrest in the cities right now, we were a little nervous, to say the least. In this post, I'm sharing a book review, movie reviews, and vegan Pad Thai and a fabulous cherry tomato, avocado, and chickpea salad.



We split the trip over two days. The first day we drove about 13 hours and then stopped at a motel for the evening. I brought paper towels, disinfectant spray, gloves, etc for the bathroom stops along the way and for the doorknobs, light switches, TV remote, and countertops at the motel.

We made two bathroom stops the first day (drank very little). I was surprised that most people along the stops were not wearing masks. That made me nervous.

When we got to the motel in Emporia, Virginia, there was a sign on the door saying masks were required. All good-except there were two people in the lobby with no masks. I questioned the receptionist and then she gave them both masks and insisted they wear them. They were somewhat annoyed. 

The next morning we had an additional 5 and half hour drive which went smoothly and was uneventful despite driving by Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. We were happy to get home without any problems. 

When I got home, my roses and peonies were in full bloom and welcomed us as we drove up the driveway.














What I'm Reading: 
Someone Knows My Name


This is an unforgettable story of the life of Aminata Diallo, who was snatched from her parents and village as a young girl and sold into slavery. Her journey takes her from Africa to South Carolina where she is a slave but manages to escape during the upheaval of the Revolutionary War. The abolitionists help her find her way to Manhattan where she assists the British Government in recording the names of  "Negro slaves" who serve the King and earn their freedom. The author, Lawrence Hill, published this book in Canada as well, where it was called,  The Book of Negroes, which was the name of the book where Aminata recorded all names. I haven't finished the book yet, but most reviewers give it extremely positive reviews. I'm halfway done and enjoying this historical novel based on a true story.




What I'm Cooking: 
Pad Thai and Chickpea Garden Salad
Easy, Weight Watcher Friendly, and perfect for those who are gluten-free or vegan




















This Chickpea Salad
is one of my favorite salads! It is extremely delicious, flavorful, and has significant protein and fiber. Many times we make this our lunch.













What I'm Watching on Netflix:

The Kominsky Method



Michael Douglas plays an aging actor who had made it big but in retirement opens an acting school where he teaches, The Kominsky Method to aspiring actors. The series deals with aging, relationships, and the struggle to make sense of it all. Very witty, entertaining, and takes a good look at the challenges of getting older. I recommend it- It's a very good watch. Season 1 and season 2 is available. 


Sharing on Linking up to Sunday Salon There are no real requirements for linking up at Sunday Salon. Sunday Salon is simply a place for us to link up and to share what we have been doing during the week. Sunday Salon is a great way to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there.  



20 comments:

  1. Glad you got back home safely!

    Your Pad Thai looks great!

    Have a good week!

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  2. You have quite a productive week, Judee. W enjoyed The Kominsky Method a lot!!
    Have a lovely weekend!

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  3. Glad to read that you got home safely. Some people take such risks. We watched The Belmont horse race on tv yesterday and masses of people were crowded together with no masks! Your chickpea salad looks lovely.

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  4. What a stressful trip. I have been wondering what it would be like to travel right now. I'm sorry that people are not being more cautious in motels and public restrooms. I'm afraid I really don't understand that. But I'm glad you arrived home safely. I'm sure you'll be much more comfortable at home.

    I may have most of the ingredients for the chickpea salad. That sounds delicious. It is so bright and colorful, too.

    I've read quite a bit of historical fiction lately. There's something about reading about the terrible parts of past times that is calming to me. I think it reminds me that things can get better. I need to have hope.



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  5. I love that you 'flew the coop' and perfect picture. I need to add a few lovely puns and comics again to my blog. Get it humorous!

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  6. It must be a relief to be home in these times.

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  7. Glad you made it home safe. That salad looks really good so I looked for a recipe and added it to my recipe folder! I almost watched The Kominsky Method but got sidetracked. I may add it to my list to watch today.

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    1. I am so sorry. I thought I linked the link to the recipe.I fixed it on my blog https://glutenfreewithjudee.blogspot.com/2013/02/cherry-tomato-fresh-basil-and-avocado.html

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  8. Glad you made it home. This was our first winter in 8 years that we did not get away for a few months. The plan had been to go to Portugal for two months Feb and March, but we cancelled.
    We are requested to wear masks in our building in public areas but some people just don;t and it is very annoying.
    June was my favourite month when we had a garden!! LOVE peonies!!!

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  9. I do not understand why people don't wear masks. Ugh. Our President isn't helping at all. I understand he visited a place in Maine that was making the sterile swabs for testing and he refused to wear a mask so they had to discard all teh swabs made while he was there. Gr.r.r It's been a hard week but there is a lot of cause for hope for the future. Stay well. Stay safe. Please visit my Sunday Salon post. Thank you.

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  10. It seems your trip went as well as possible. Some people we know had trouble finding toilets here in Ontario.

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  11. You must be so glad to be back home! I love chickpeas and that salad looks so yummy. Awhile back I started watching The Kominsky Method but it just didn't grab me. Enjoy your week!

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  12. What is WITH people not wearing masks??? UGh. Your flowers are so pretty and that food looks delicious!

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  13. Glad you made it home okay! I would be nervous traveling too with everything going on. And I really don't get the mask thing, why people (especially in a hotel lobby) wouldn't be wearing!

    I love the look of those salads.

    Be well this week! :)

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  14. lovely temperature in Pennsylvania currently....
    Thank you for summary and recommend the film ...yes, I will watch it.

    Have a wonderful day

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  15. Judee, I'm glad that you got home safely. My husband and I want to get back to the Midwest for a variety of reasons and have had the same concerns as you about traveling. Good idea to have had all of the cleaning products with you! I'd love to try and make Pad Thai, one of my faves! I've picked up some books to read too during this pandemic and it's nice to return to reading 'real' physical books. Love your peonies! Happy Summer!
    Roz

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  16. You had an interesting week. Good for you! It must have felt wonderful to get out.

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  17. I am so glad your drive went so smoothly... although I certainly don't envy that 13 hour driving day, yikes!

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  18. My daughter-in-law and granddaughters are in Pennsylvania for the month. They modeled their masks for me before they left. (My state didn't have very many cases, and so is further along in reopening.)

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  19. I would have been concerned about traveling now too but glad you made it back safely in spite of the virus and protests! Our daughter and son-in-law have a condo near downtown and they couldn't even get their car out of the parking structure for an hour because there was a protest march going on in front of their building.

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