The Non-Flip-Flop Sister

I am not a good shoe shopper.  I love shoes. I used to say Nine West was my favorite store.  But then shoes went funky on me and I got left behind.  I didn't buy shoes for a while.  But shoes wear out and faced with the need to purchase new shoes, I ventured out looking.  Not buying.  But at least looking.  Practicing, I call it.  But all I see now are tons of shoes with a bit between the toes (like a horse bit)...commonly known as flip-flops.  (Formerly known as thongs but nobody wants to go there anymore)

I used to wear flip-flops.  But then I stopped.  I recently asked my sister, "When was the last time you saw me wearing flip flops?"  Oh she couldn't remember.  Grade school?  Maybe junior high?  "Somehow you have become the non-flip-flop sister," she announced.  Labels be damned, I say!  I will not be the non-flip-flop sister anymore. Not that I think that is such a bad thing.  I mean "Non-smoker" is a good thing, right? But what about "Non-flip-flop"?  How could something as innocent as a toe bit have precluded me from the world of fun summer shoes?  I vowed to re-enter the shoe world by conditioning my feet to the point that I could wear flip-flops again.  I dream of a whole world of shoes opening up to me once the feet are capable.  I calculated that a late summer purchase would give me time to ease into the wearing of the shoe and that by Spring 2011 I would be ready...or at least the feet would be.  I visited Nordstorms shoe site on line to browse.  I asked friends for recommendations....I thought it over.  I announced my intentions...I even shopped once or twice...but never bought any.   

But then my Mom was visiting Labor Day weekend.  I told her of my plan.  I think she likes a challange and so it was on....We found these lovely Teva Mandalyn Wedge flip flops.  Oh...the pattern/color?  Andante Kimono.  Very likely my first pair in 25 years! To think...flip-flops were always flat in the old days...now you can get a good heel on these things.  I love them and really think this is going to work out perfectly.  A few observations however: 

1. My feet are cramping more these past two weeks.  I suspect the shoes.  But I won't give in.  It will pass.
2. I'm a fast walker....but you just can't go fast in these things...they are definitely a strolling shoe, hence "andante", a moderately slow pace.  Even the name of the shoe is whispering to me, "Slow down." And so I am slowing down, enjoying the relaxed pace-hoping I can adopt a similar state of mind as well.
3. You shouldn't try to change directions too fast...of course this goes hand in hand with strolling (or would that be foot in foot? part and partial?....
4. Maintaining presentable, well groomed, exfoliated and moisturized feet is a must when wearing these shoes.  Your foot is just about naked!  Nobody wants to see a dirty rough naked foot.  These shoes will require additional pedicures for the feet, whether professionally or personally performed. Oh well.  I think I can handle that.    

All in all I am pleased.  I'm adjusting well and should be a shoe buying machine (in training) come spring! Or at least that's my theory.  Either way, I got a nice pair of new shoes.  Thanks Mom!

Homemade Limoncello-The Wait Begins.

Finally got around to trying my hand at making homemade limoncello, that sweet lemon liqueur of Italy. I found some organic lemons (without wax or pesticides). They were just Eureka Lemons, not the Meyer that are so highly recommended.  They seemed a bit small so I zested all 26 of them even though my recipe only called for 18-20. It took me about an hour to zest all the lemons, add 1.5 liters of 100 proof vodka and stow away in a nice cool dark cabinet.  I had a huge gallon jar...I washed it out put in in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes to sterilize it.  My batch is only 1/2 gallon though. Guess I will try to make a double batch next time if I can find enough lemons. After 45 days I will add a simple syrup and put back in the cool dark for 45 days.  Then, filter out the zest and put straight into the freezer.  Serve ice cold straight or use to mix cocktails.  Or how about splashed over pound cake?  I like the sound of that! 

Spatchcocked-The Pastured Chicken gets Grilled!

Getting ready to grill a pasture raised chicken that I bought from a nephew of a friend....check out this blog page for more info on the chick!

www.amagifarm.blogspot.com

I made a herb paste with 10 cloves garlic, rosemary, thyme in 1/4 cup olive oil. Strained it, reserving the oil, and put the herbs/garlic with salt under the skin. I'll use the flavored oil over the top after the chick gets grilled! Should be delicious! Thanks to the farmer!