Most of the time, if given a choice, I will cook with fake ground beef instead of real. The fake stuff doesn't have those nasty unchewable bits.

I use ground turkey. I add it to Rice-a-Roni or macaroni and cheese. Sometimes spaghetti.

I just wish fake meat didn't cost more than real meat. Shouldn't stuff made from soybeans be cheaper than stuff made from cows?

The fake stuff doesn't have those nasty unchewable bits.

Ew. What real stuff were you using?

Shouldn't stuff made from soybeans be cheaper than stuff made from cows?

I blame the Military/Industrial/Tofu Complex.

Aims, you won't be the taller of the two of you for much longer the way that kid is sprouting.

What real stuff were you using?

I've found that even the primo ground beef has some, I dunno, is it bone? cartilage? Those little white bits. yick.

Heh, I just looked down at my menu planning notes for the week and I see chicken, turkey, more chicken, pot roast and corned beef. I used to cook vegetarian more often than not but I haven't cooked in a while and I guess I'm craving my favorite meat entrees.

I am OK with meat that doesn't try to make you forget you're eating meat. Probably the thing I get annoyed with most is boneless skinless chicken breast. It doesn't taste like anything and is usually overcooked.

I like the fat and the marrow and the skin and all that stuff.

I am actually trying to get a few steps closer to my meat- get to know the pigs, lambs, turkeys, and chickens at the farm we buy meat from. I also enjoy the fish that we get in almost its completely natural form, heads and fins and eyeballs and all (it is gutted though).

Please forgive me for jumping past about 250 posts...I just need a place to lay my head for a second.

What I'm about to say is not for hairpats or sympathy...I really am okay. I'm just so full, I have to put some thoughts somewhere or I won't be effective the rest of the day.

The funeral for the friends who died on the Metro was this morning. They had another, huge public service last night. The entire city council spoke, so I'm told. I decided the best thing I could contribute was to take their dog for a really long, calm walk with his two new 'brothers.' The dogs in his new home are absolutely lovely and walking with them and Bartleby was a real treat...which you would not expect from a four-dogger.

I've been to state-like funerals before and they do not comfort me...so the quiet time with Bunkie seemed the best option. It took some pressure off the children and gave me some breathing room.

My bff, who was much closer to the couple, went to the service and it really drained her. She's feeling their loss more keenly now that the 'let's organize food and services and home stays...practical stuff' is behind her. Given our friend's rank, the military is handling everything with grace and efficiency, so it's leaving folks feeling a bit adrift with nothing to occupy their hands.

My heart aches for my friend.

Even more so because, last night, one of our very best dog park friends was killed by a slow moving truck. I was not there, but folks in the park said that they could hear his person's screams for blocks. I can't imagine how horrible that must have been. The poor driver wasn't even remotely at fault and he will have to live with that sight for the rest of his life.

Cosmo was a sweet, sweet fellow. He would come running (or rather, waddling, as he was morbidly obese, poor boo) whenever he saw me coming. He'd sit on my feet for hours if I'd just keep scritching his chin. His person would say, "Cosmo, look! It's Auntie Bonny." He'd rush to where ever I was with the equivalent of a doggy smile.

He was getting old and his weight was causing a lot of pain in his joints. Pretty soon, he'd have gone into the kinds of decay that could not be easily mitigated. So, in a way, it's a blessing.

He made no noise and there was no question about whether or not medical intervention was called for. So, it must have been really fast.

His person was actually the 'grandma' and I'm fearful of her daughter's reaction to it happening on her watch. Both of them loved that dog like I love Bartleby and I am distraught for them. I am going to offer to do a memorial service in the park for them. Everyone knew and loved Cosmo.

Today, I worked with a client whose 20 year old child succumbed to cancer on Friday. I am so grateful that he is coming to me. It is, without doubt, and for a lot of reasons, the most challenging time of his life.

At first, I was terrified that I wouldn't know what to say. As it happened, it was beautiful and I'm just loving his courage and willingness to be where he is. The fact that I can provide a safe place to express it all kind of chokes me up. I'm so honored. And I'm dedicated to helping him make this transition in such a way that 'the other side', which may never actually be reached in full resolve, is the best place it can possibly be for him.

I may also be doing a funeral service for this family. They all know me and the most perfect person may not be able to do it. I've done births, weddings, divorces and house blessings, but this would be my first transition ritual.

Loss is such a vital part of life. And it feels like there are so many hands reaching out to me right now. So much loss. I just pray my hands are big enough and my arms are long enough to embrace them all in whatever ways they need.

Here comes my next client.

Blessings to you all.

I like the fat and the marrow and the skin and all that stuff.

The skin's the best part!

t /Xander

After spending the weekend and watching the kids pick produce at my sister's I can't help but feel like I want them to have the same experience with their food that I had as a kid--they should know where their food comes from.