A hungry man's perspective

As told by David. Regina and I awoke at the crack of dawn Saturday, before the others, and tried to jump right into food preparation mode. Being away from this kitchen for a whole year brought a slow start, as we had to refresh our memory with where everything was kept. We had two recipes that were to take 15 minutes each. But after one hour we finally had Crab Crustinis, as well as Smoked Salmon Cucumber Boats ready for your morning coffee. That and cleaning up tuckered me out and I tried several tomes to lay down and nap. But the presence of 18 people kept me awake. Not that there was a lot of energy in the air. On the contrary, this year is more laid back than last year. Last year's cooking magazine produced fancier dishes than this one. There is far less eye appeal and more practicality. I wouldnt say that Cooking Light is healthy eating, rather, more on the side of quick and simple recepies. I notice the lack in the medly of flavors that came together with the fine cooking of last year. Still some delicious meals though. With no ability to nap and down time before my next recipe, I jumped on the band wagon of runners for a 3 mile jog. Staying in a house full of runners was very motivating - 11 of 18 of us went out. It's been months since I ran, but I kept pace and broke a nice sweat and felt great. By the end of the day my stomach was distended with 12 pounds of food. Fast forwarded to the run this Sunday morning and the picture was totally different. Warmed with several cups of tea, I started the 4-person run feeling warm and fuzzy. Ten minutes later the warm feeling faded to that of 28F cold with a bitter wind cutting through my hat, nipping at my ears. The weight of the previous day's binging wore on my joints. Knowing that if I stopped, I'd freeze and die out there, I pressed forward. I occupied my mind with thoughts of, I'f you could have a second home, where would you have it?" Ah, the wishful possibilities. But for now, I'll lay by the fire and enjoy the sounds of the conversations around me and await the next round of eating.