Well, things have been a bit tough lately with my not working in months.  We have been very frugal and watching every cent.  Last week I went on an encouraging interview.  It was one of those 2 on one deals as well. So, maybe a tad anxiety inducing.  As a treat ( I have a friend who always expresses amusement that I know how to soothe myself) we stopped in at the new Stew Leonard’s on the way home. It’s  a dairy, specialty supermarket.  The first one on Long Island opened not far from us and on the way home.  Feeling optimistic, we splurged on some ribeye steaks and baked clams.

Since Valentine’s was the coldest on record  if not a century, outdoor grilling was a non-starter.  I looked on Epicurious and found a stovetop recipe – 2 minutes on high heat on each side then a wine and garlic sauce.  I have been on the weak side the last few days and have been unable to hold things and off balance. Not sure if it’s stress or weather.  Refuse to believe in deterioration.   T also fancies himself quite the chef.  He said he would do the meat and I could do the sauce. Recipe said 1 tablespoon of oil heated till it shimmered.  “ how do I tell if this is shimmering?”  Mr. Excess had put in what looked like a quarter cup of oil and sprayed the skillet as well.  I said saute, not deep fry.  He dumped some out.  First side seared nicely.  Second side started to smoke and set off our fire alarm.  Cats dived for cover.  We disconnected alarm.  Second steak, first side ,house is getting really smoky.  It is 12 F outside.  T opens kitchen window and front door. T is asthmatic and starts to gasp.  Goes into bedroom and shuts door to try and block smoke.  He comes back out with shirt over his mouth and nose to remove steak.  I start sauce.  Now, part of my condition which has also been getting worse is I get really cold and my hand turns purple and my feet get so cold they burn.  We had worked really hard Valentines making sure I stayed at the right temperature.  At one point I even had on fingerless gloves.  So, needless to say as I am doing sauce I start to shiver and shake.  I make him close the window and door.  Steak was  excellent; atmosphere was smoky but not smokin’ hot.