Monday, March 14, 2011

Sunday At Home or Creating Order Out of Chaos

Like the rest of the world, I can't stop watching the videos from Japan.
This one from the BBC shows when the tsunami first hits the land
It's truly frightening to see the unrelenting power of the tsunami.

As for the report that radiation has leaked from Japanese nuclear plants is going to cross the Pacific and hit the west cost

It is admitted that the first plant has melted down, and 6 more nuclear power plants in Japan are in danger. If they fail, this situation could get even worse. Japanese authorities are distributing potassium iodide to its population for thyroid protection.

For U.S. populations, we can hope that most of the radiation will disperse into the ocean and never reach us, however, with the U.S. West Coast in the direct path of the jet stream from Japan, it is a good precaution to stock up on potassium iodide or natural iodine from kelp, which can prevent the absorption of radioactive iodine, the most common complication from radiation poisoning.

OK, so I didn't run out and buy potassium iodide
Instead I took a clue from Faux Fuchsia and went out to brunch
which is something that I rarely do
But when life brings you circumstances that you can do nothing about
it's good to spend time with your brood
and enjoy a bloody mary
and catch up on what's going on in the lives of your children and their significant others
Since the weather was warmish we sat outside and enjoyed the sun.
Later in further FF style there was some gardening
specifically cleaning up my wildly growing mint, parsley and cilantro
and of course some cooking
with Chicken Chasseur de Ville for Sunday dinner
which was super easy to action

OK, so I admit that it wasn't real poulet chasseur because I left out the mushrooms and the cognac
but it was tasty anyway

Here are the basics
Saute some chicken ( I used organic boneless chicken thighs) in a little butter and oil
remove chicken from pan and add chopped red onion, chopped roasted red pepper, chopped garlic and cook vegetables until soft.
Add one can of chopped tomatoes (I used the no salt added kind) and some red wine and bring to a boil
Return the chicken to the pan and add some fresh parsley, basil and a bay leaf
Cover and cook in the oven for about 30 minutes
Serve with asparagus and hot baguette

There is something so calming about domestic activity
because when mother nature, who's not your friend by the way, brings you chaos
organizing your home, a reasonably achievable goal,
brings you at least some semblance of order out of chaos.
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6 comments:

Susan B said...

That video is just horrifying. Watching cars and even large boats being swept aside like so many plastic toys is almost beyond comprehension.

LPC said...

It is calming. We have home in place, Japan does not. And I do like your son's argyle:).

Anonymous said...

I absolutely agree, I bake to keep calm. In a bad week this place looks like a boulangerie.

Christina @ Fashion's Most Wanted said...

I can't add anything to what you've already said but I will definitely make a donation when I go to the bank tomorrow.

The chicken looks lovely... as does your son xx

Michelle Trusttum said...

Belle - I completely agree. After days of watching news of Christchurch in ruins and reading the stories of the dead while the tears rolled, I found gardening very therapeutic.
Gathering around our family table with simple,good food and an assortment of family and friends displaced by the quake is also a great tonic.
I cannot comprehend the colossal loss in Japan. The images are terrifying.

Elli Davis said...

Its sad, but you inspired me with the recipe,it sounds and looks delicious.

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