Who Let the Hedgehogs Out? – & – Blue Willow Saves the Day

My husband asked me a question this morning that one doesn’t hear every day. “Did you leave a hedgehog out?”

Rather than reply with a facetious query as to who else might have, I concurred.

And no. We didn’t import those spiny mammals into our menagerie.

The last time we shopped the giant international market, Jungle Jim’s, I found these cute Japanese red bean filled buns in a representative shape. They weren’t expensive, so we brought a box home.

Don't call me Sonic...

Sad to say, the texture proved a bit dry, though I appreciated the lack of extreme sweet featured in most Midwest treats. With one left and freezer burn setting in, this lonely critter got set out on a plate to thaw.

Color Enhanced

They had been microwave heated in past, a tricky balance of defrost and high settings. Alas, this countertop method dried out the little guy further, though I’m sure the frost visible on its tiny intact head didn’t help.

The filling was a disappointment...

As you may know, the plate beneath bears the Chinese Blue Willow pattern first popular Stateside in the 1920’s. A fan since childhood (not the Roaring Twenties), I requested a few place settings for our wedding. Selected for special occasions, they saw zero use. For everyday wear and tear, we stuck with his old CorningWare set from long distant college days.

A few years ago I admitted having grown tired of that blue flower pattern and gained approval to choose anew, the old decent set donated to charity. Knowing from reviews that these new bowls would be too tiny for salads, I decided to pull out some more befitting from, you guessed it, my Blue Willow cabinet.

By the way, I bought additional recent manufactures from a kind colleague and avid antique collector, adding to our original collection despite their lack of usage. Anyway, the bowls brought into rotation saw not a single breakage.

Oh, and I once broke a plate from our old CorningWare. Shards appeared for years.

To my chagrin, the same hardiness could not be attributed to the newer CorningWare. After a few months the cute simple swoops became damaged, dulled and disappearing in increments quite unlike those vintage blue flowers.

Looking at our stack of nice untarnished bowls made me decide to replace all that increasingly ugly dishware (to which food tended to cling throughout various dishwashing cycles, I might add). The rest in storage, one now serves as a water catcher for my Christmas cactus.

Wish I had a use for the rest, not much fit for charity.

The China from my former coworker, made in the home country, show more white between the central and edge designs while our original pieces (as shown above) came from England and have a tighter configuration. All are servicing well, holding onto their designs and shrugging off food stains.

Did you know the term ‘blue plate special’ is thought to have originated with this design’s popularity?

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To Bean, or Nattō Bean – & – Itty Bitty Bananas

Sorry about the bad pun. And the Japanese word is pronounced naht-toe in reality. But I couldn’t resist (sorry, Liz ~grin~).

This type includes four servings to a package, others only three.
All provide nutritional information in English on the bottom.

I may have mentioned fermented soybeans before. Having heard about it years ago as a favorite classic Japanese breakfast (now, not so much as I understand), I had to taste. My first one came frozen via US Postal Service, believe it or not, because no grocery store I knew carried such a thing. Now, a nearby multinational market called Jungle Jim’s has a freezer full of various brands from which to choose.

Each serving is in its own little Styrofoam box.

Most Americans I know would be put off by the fermented beans’ slimy texture. Back in my office days I would take this to work for my lunch on occasion. As much as the meal itself, I enjoyed horrifying my domestic colleagues while intriguing our Japanese transplants.In truth, it’s a mystery how I managed not to make a mess at my desk. This morning I wiped my mouth after every bite, and went so far as to wash the lower half of my face afterward. Heh…

It’s seriously sticky stuff.

That clear plastic off to the right kept the sauce packets from getting gooey.

Nattō has been around for thousands of years. Commercial production began in the early twentieth century with the discovery of a bacterial starter culture simplifying the process. Thanks, Wikipedia, for the good article.

There is a sort of coffee flavor to our favorite brands. Served over rice and topped with the contents of both these savory sauce and hot mustard packets included, it’s quite satisfying. I add a dash of regular soy sauce to the rice, as well.

Chopsticks were gifted me by the proprietress of our favorite Chinese eatery.

Jungle Jim’s also carried miniature bananas from Costa Rica. How nice to have a taste of the fruit without getting tired of it. My husband and I have taken to sharing the larger kind available from most grocers. Today I teased, asking if he wanted to split a banana before handing over one of these little things. My cheekiness earned a laugh.

Two bites and you're done.

Have you laughed out loud today?

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Learn Something New Every Day, and Laugh

Watching television last night, SO and I learned that a Japanese architect wants to build the world’s tallest wooden skyscraper. Let me reiterate. This is a tower fabricated out of wood… In Japan, a country prone to earthquakes.

It boggles the mind. Without missing a beat I turned in my seat. SO hit pause. Forgive me for what comes next.

Not Sure He Intends to Add Plants (which seems even more disastrous)

“I have the perfect name for it,” I said.

“What?”

“Jenga.”

“And we’ll next hear about Jenga Tower on ‘Engineering Disasters’.”

I almost choked. We paused the streamed Internet broadcast for about five minutes to recover.

Given the chance, would you choose to live in any skyscraper?

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Okonomiyaki!

I was a moody, timid child. Glad to say those traits have improved to a vast degree. Part of that is just maturity, I suppose. Still, my SO and I tend to sit quiet while another might speak up in complaint of this or that, especially at restaurants.

The other day at a local Japanese eatery enjoying a bowl of savory Osaka soba (tender pork rib meat with thick noodles in a rich broth), I decided to speak up about something very different from complaint. Having learned it’s possible to order off menu, I bolstered my courage and asked our friendly waitress if the chef would ever agree to make okonomiyaki.

Her face lit up! She asked my name, telling me to call ahead to make the request, and said we would call it the Darla Special. I am tickled pink. SO suggested that could be my birthday meal later this month.

Here is a Wikipedia article on those savory Japanese pancakes if you are interested. There are many variations and I made up my mind to give the chef his choice if asked. I like to think trusting his judgment would impress him as well as being the wisest way to go. These men and women in the kitchen know what they’re doing.

My Breakfast, Leftover Osaka Udon
Definitely no 'Consolation Prize'

Now I will just have to laugh if I end up not liking it and already have a contingency plan. If it’s not to my liking, I’ll just act like I struggled to decide before leaving the house and then request the standard noodle dish. ~grin~ Amusingly, the proprietress asked if I’d ever been to Osaka upon my first excited order of that udon. I answered, “I wish!” My reply amused her. I will admit over the phone that pickled ginger doesn’t agree with me (probably sacrilege, but oh, well).

Have you eaten any of the foods I mentioned?

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Adventures in Writing – Experimenting with Music

Many of my fellow writers rely on music to set the tone. I am no different, except perhaps in musical taste. Instead of  atmospheric instrumentals such as most of my friends choose, I prefer hard driving rock tunes whose words are engrained on my brain. Mouthing the provocative lyrics by the band Korn is not distracting. In fact, I find my fingers fly across the keyboard.

Yesterday a tease from my partner about my obsession over Palaye Royale (“You’ve abandoned all your pretty Japanese bands.”) made me decide to experiment. For a change of pace I pulled up the visual kei concept album ‘merveilles’ by Malice Mizer.

As it turns out, the sometimes sweeping violins and oft sentimental tone of Gackt’s sweet baritone actually drove a main protagonist out of the room. To be fair, Nickolas was too ticked off at Alexandra for reasonable conversation, anyway.

Late, Great Malice Mizer Drummer Kami
He Also Inspires My Vision of Nickolas

And I decided what to do if the direction stalls out my National Novel Writing Month word count. I can always have Nicky and Alex ‘make up’ after Johnny leaves the room. ~wink~ We shall see. As I type this I’m in my key writing time and need to get back to NaNoWriMo.

What should I experiment with today? Any suggestions?

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Men and Their Hair: One Woman’s Opinion

I have liked long hair on guys for as long as I can remember. Blame the eighties rock and roll scene if you want. I still like the look if pulled off properly.

Australian Artist Gotye

How Adorable is This Guy?

Lately I keep hearing haters disparage the ‘man bun’. Personally, it doesn’t bother me. People should be able to wear their hair however they want. Would you begrudge a samurai from the Edo Period his chonmage?

Topknots Helped Keep a Helmet in Place

Jared Leto Rocking a Chonmage

And for these styles in particular I approve for two simple reasons. For one, alternatives on how to wear long hair means more men might do so.

No Complaints Here

Also, you know the old saying, ‘let your hair down’? Yeah. I want to be there when some of these guys do that. And I’m talking to you hot dudes at my gym.

To Quote Joe Cocker, You Can Leave Your Hat On

Just don't do comb-overs, fellows, please. At that point let. It. Go. Or if you can't, and I understand, just don't expect to be taken as seriously as this guy:

Captain's Uniform Optional

 What’s your opinion? Long? Short? Up? Down? Do you care?

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Bliss Interrupted - A Haiku for the Day

Bliss Interrupted

Weightless, earthbound flight

She emerges wet, shriveled

Gravity drags her

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Thursday Thirteen - Japanese Snow Monsters

Once again, the website Pink Tentacle offered some spectacular Asian flavored images for me to share. Here are some of the amazing snow and ice sculptures formed around trees in the northern mountainous regions of Japan:

Thursday Thirteen - Asian Foods

Here are some of the interesting things I've encountered among the various Asian dishes available in the Midwest of America:

1. Unagi Don is broiled eel over rice - a rich and flavorful Japanese dish I've been enjoying for years.  It's even better broiled than grilled, probably because of all that fat.

2. Hwe Dup Bap combines lettuce, rice, and raw fish with a delicious spicy bean paste.  It sounds like an odd mix but I've enjoyed it on several occasions.

3. Seafood salad from my favorite sushi establishment is a mysterious mix of plant and animal matter that tastes fabulous with a lightly sweet and sour dressing.  Sesame seeds add a perfect little extra flavor.

4. Flying fish roe is a crunchy treat for sushi lovers.  Putting a raw quail egg over the mouthful adds a creamy texture that is to die for.

5. Kani Su from my local Chinese/Japanese fushion restaurant is a delicious blend of artificial crab (kani), cucumber, and seaweed in a light sauce.  I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

6. 1,000 year old egg is a bit gamey for me, made with duck egg the way it is.  The gelatinous white was especially unappealing.  I'd still be curious to try a milder chicken egg given the same clay pack treatment.

7. Seaweed salad is something I first enjoyed while visiting North Carolina's Outer Banks.  I'm so glad our local place serves this crunchy treat.

8. Grilled squid warms my tummy with its spicy mayonnaise sauce.  Chewy and delicious!

9. Cold, steamed spinach is a refreshing appetizer with its light vinegar dressing.

10. Dol Sot Bi Bim Bap is a tasty Korean blend of rice, beef, vegetables, and bean sprouts topped with a cooked egg.  Sizzle it to crispy in the hot stone pot, top with hot bean paste, and enjoy real comfort food.

11. Katsudon makes for a great winter Japanese meal.  I really enjoy breaded pork and egg as a savory mix over rice.

12. Sea urchin has recently reentered my menu at our local sushi restaurant.  Raw, it's pretty pungent, but unique and worth a try.

13. Natto is fermented bean curd, quite tasty over rice if you can get over the slimy threads.  I usually enjoy it for lunch as opposed to the typical breakfast time dining.  This food is allegedly becoming less popular in Japan but I appreciate the taste and texture on the tongue.

Flash Fiction - A Short Story Packed into One Chapter

Marmalade Jam

Sometimes, bitter can change to sweet. You just have to open yourself to life’s possibilities.

Carol put down her book and looked at her hands. The fingers were straight and strong, but the skin looked thin and fragile.

“Marmalade, how did I get so old? I was an old bitty before you were a kitten.”

The cat blinked sleepy golden eyes and nodded her regal, orange head to honor her mistress. The fat tail bounced languidly against the carpet. Any lover of felines would recognize a happy, healthy cat. Carol smiled.

Trying to get back into her reading, Carol realized what was nagging her. She put the book down again and stretched.

“You’re probably hungry, aren’t you? Let’s get you some canned food, Marm.”

She rose without so much as a wince, grateful for the martial arts class that kept her limber. Carol had realized a long time ago that it was never too late to start anything. While she might never be a black belt, she felt better nearing eighty than at forty.

“What’ll it be? Do you want ocean whitefish or chicken medley? I swear, your food sounds better than some of the stuff I ate before my writing took off.”

Carol listened to the sound of the surf through the open window as she held two cans of cat food down for Marmalade’s interested inspection. Whichever one ended up being marked with a cheek would be the cat’s dinner.

“Chicken it is.”

A knock at her door straightened Carol from her task with a start. She couldn’t imagine who would be calling. Setting the empty can on the counter, she whirled toward the sound. From the end of the hall she made out a compact figure.

“I’ll be right there.”

A young man’s voice called, “Mom?”

Now Carol had been a lot of things in her life but a mother wasn’t one of them. Intrigued, she picked up her pace. Now she could make out a duffel bag being swung upon the narrow shoulder. She unlocked and opened the door.

“This is Mrs. Youngblood,” she announced. “Carol Youngblood. Can I help you?”

“Oh. This isn’t the Negalis residence?”

He was obviously of Asian descent, with effeminate Japanese features and friendly brown eyes. Carol didn’t recognize the name.

“I’m sorry. I’ve lived here about a year but don’t know who owned the house before. I got it anonymously through a broker.”

Just then, an orange streak flew out the door. Alarmed, the young man looked at her.

“Is that your cat?”

“Yes! And he shouldn’t be outside! He doesn’t have any of his shots for that, let alone flea prevention treatment.”

“I’m Hiro,” the young man said. “Let me get him for you.”

He dropped his bag and darted off her porch. The cat made a beeline for the neighbor’s sandbox with Hiro hot on his trail.

Hiro never did catch the cat. Instead, he tripped over a child’s toy and landed in a heap. Carol resisted the urge to laugh, not certain if he was really hurt. She raced to the groaning man’s side.

“Are you all right?”

“I’m… how did you get here so fast?”

“I ran. You could have been seriously injured.”

“You’re not even out of breath,” he panted.

“This was nothing compared to my classes. Sensei Yamamoto works his students, even us old folks, very hard.”

“You’re in martial arts?”

Nodding, she helped Hiro stand and together they made it back to her home. A quick phone call to her attorney would solve the mystery of what happened to Hiro’s family. In the meantime, he’d dusted himself off and found himself facing her blunt questions.

“What happened with your family? Did you have a falling out? Forgive me if I’m being forward. I’ve learned that life is too short to do anything short of getting to the point.”

“That’s okay. It’s refreshing, Mrs. Younglbood.”

“Please, call me Carol, Hiro.” A scratch at the back door interrupted her. “Excuse me but it seems my wayward cat has made her way home.” She introduced Marmalade, who entered and resumed eating at her food bowl as if nothing had happened.

“Does that happen a lot?” Hiro asked, laughing.

“Honestly, no. I think someone wanted us to meet in more than passing.”

“Someone?”

“God, for lack of a better name. Would you still be here if you hadn’t just about been knocked senseless?”

“No. I’d be looking for someplace to stay. But… Why?”

“You look like you need a friend.”

“I guess you could say that.”

“Then tell me about your family. Say what you were considering before we were so rudely interrupted,” she continued, giving Marmalade a mock angry look.

“They kicked me out when they learned that I’m gay. Well, Dad did.”

“Oh? I’m so sorry. And they moved without telling you?”

“They didn’t know where to find me, but then I read in the newspaper that my father died.”

“That’s horrible! We need to get you home. How about some tea?”

“Yes, please. Thank you.”

Within an hour, Carol learned where Hiro’s family had moved. Before he left, impressed by her agility, the amused Asian American arranged to accompany her to her next karate class and fill out an application.

“I think I’ll be staying, Carol, thanks to you and Marmalade.”

“And I think you’re the inspiration for my next story. I hope you don’t mind.”

“You’re a writer?”

“CW Youngblood, at your service.”

“I’ve read all your books!”

“Then let me pour another cup of tea and we’ll drink to Marmalade.”

Thursday Thirteen - Dekotora

Having recently heard of these decorated trucks, I was happy to have found a good selection of photos on Pink Tentacle. Here are thirteen right off of that website.




1. Blinding is the only word that comes to mind.

 







2. Love the dinoasaur theme!



3. That's a lot of chrome



4. I wonder what these additions cost





5. Do truck stops bother with overhead lights?



6. I wouldn't want to put anything in this beauty



7. This reminds me of a slot machine somehow



8. Can you imagine a parade of these things?

9. I can't imagine this clearing a bump in the road

10. Is this really street legal?

11. Hitting deer must not be a fear for these drivers

12. I'd love to see these going down American freeways!

13. This rivals the Las Vegas strip