HUNGRY GERALD

It was a Happy Day in Riverside, RI., with BSK; Toby, The Wonder Dog, and Pip, the sensitive, intelligent female. BSK had been dog sitting while daughter, Lesley R., and her husband, Massimo, were in Colorado visiting with daughter Arianna. HG had been living alone in HG/BSK’s Central Falls, R.I. loft. Watched much NCAA basketball and arrived (drowsy and bleary eyed) in Riverside. Twelve hours of sleep and HG was energized and ready for a big breakfast bowl of yogurt, raspberries and maple syrup (accompanied by cafe latte and 14 vitamins and medications). Summer arrived early. Sunny and very warm on the deck facing the Narragansett River. Scores of birds landing on the bird food platform. (Bird songs and joyous chirps galore).Many ducks and swans gliding on the waters plus sailboats, tugs, barges, etc. Few things are better than sitting on a sturdy deck sipping a second cup of coffee while watching water views dotted with swans, boats, etc.. (Summer didn’t last–got cold and grey in afternoon as BSK took the dogs on a beach walk). Apple Jack Negroni before dinner. Dined on another BSK culinary gem: Spaghetti in a sauce of zucchini, mint and ricotta. The zucchini, chopped shallots, chopped garlic were sauteed gently in olive  olive (Lemon juice was added gradually). Room temperature ricotta went into the mix. A handful of finely chopped mint plus lemon zest was swirled into the pasta dish. Salt, ground black pepper and Italian red pepper flakes provided the final touch..Another BSK triumph. And, BSK’s thoughtfulness is infinite. BSK  bought one of HG’s favorite desserts: Haagen Dazs Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. A Happy Day, indeed.