Jabberwocky for 2005 June 23

Apparently "they" are going to replace a number of the utility poles in this neighborhood. A huge truck--like a logging truck--full of poles came through and left them one by one in the gutters in appropriate places. One of the places is right by our driveway, so I assume they will replace that old pole between our driveway and Lurine's yard. It's been a mess already. It took the work crew a whole day to replace one on Palm Street near Oleander, and they had the street blocked with equipment, trucks, and a cherry picker. A flagger was there directing traffic because the street was down to a single lane. When they do ours, I won't be able to get into the driveway, and Gretel will probably freak. She doesn't like big trucks and machines.

They also fixed the potholes in our street today. That is, they filled them with asphalt crumbs. I don't know how long the repair will last because they didn't steamroll it. It's certainly a lot smoother now. This is a good thing because last week the home health nurse sprained her ankle getting out of the car at my house. She stepped in a pothole in the street and twisted it very badly. I'm wondering if the home health put in a claim to the city for it and they decided to repair the street? I wonder this because this neighborhood certainly doesn't seem to be on their priority list.

I've been working on this recipe, and I think I've got it down. Pound flat and dredge chicken breasts in flour seasoned with salt, pepper, and thyme. Saute mushrooms in butter. When mushrooms are done, remove them and saute chicken in butter, slowly, on medium heat. When chicken is browned, remove it and deglaze the pan. (I used cooking sherry.) Let it boil down until almost nothing is left, then add a little bit of chicken broth and sour cream. I used about five ounces sour cream for two pieces of breast. Return the chicken and mushrooms to the sauce and simmer, covered. Serve over rice.

Of course, the whole time I was cooking this, I had "help" in the kitchen. She was very glad to lick my plate after I ate.