A few weeks ago, the FDA announced that there was a tomato recall due to outbreaks of salmonella that had been linked to eating raw tomatoes. Not all tomatoes were under suspicion. For instance, grape tomatoes were eliminated as a source. I work at McDonald’s and we pulled tomatoes from our store in compliance with the recall, even though not all states were affected and our state was not even on the list.

Then, we got an announcement that we could start serving tomatoes again. From what I understood, the source and locations had been discovered.

Now, the FDA is saying they’re not even sure tomatoes were a problem to begin with, and even if they are, they’re not sure where the source of the problem is and where any affected tomatoes might be. They did testing on suspect tomatoes and found no salmonella.

Now, I appreciate that the FDA is trying to protect consumers. That’s what their job is. But it looks like we all need to get new pocket watches to keep up with the timing of recalls such as this.

Today, a recall. Tomorrow, all is safe. The next day, we don’t have a clue what to tell the public.

Right now, the FDA is reporting new outbreaks of salmonella weeks after the recall. This means that people were still contracting a potentially deadly bacteria during a period of time when there were no tomatoes in stores or restaurants. I think they’re barking up the wrong tomato vine. Look at the handlers, the shippers, the warehouses, the trucks. The tomatoes aren’t the problem. Somewhere, there is a place that is contaminated. Maybe it’s in the boxes the tomatoes are shipped in.

The thing is, Salmonella comes from feces. It can be present on household pets, such as cats and dogs, on turtles, and on farm animals without those animals actually being sick. It can also be spread from human waste from infected individuals. While the FDA is out chasing killer tomatoes, maybe the should be looking more closely at the environment around packing houses and warehouses to see if there are carriers that come in contact with human hands, then tomatoes. Pet the cat - touch the tomatoes - spread the bacteria?

Also, tomatoes are hugely attractive to both turtles and cats. Both animals will eat tomatoes and touch every part of the plant. Perhaps that’s what the source is. The source might even be found right where the tomatoes are accessed by the public - in the stores and restaurants of areas where there have been outbreaks of salmonella.

Technorati Tags: tomato recall, tomatoes, McDonald’s, FDA

As wonderful as this house is that we moved into, and as beautiful as the unfinished wood siding is, there are some problems. For one thing, since the siding wasn’t finished or preserved there are places where it’s suffering some damage. I figure that eventually the owners will want to cover it with vinyl siding so the house will last longer. But they will still have to make some repairs before they do that.

I wonder if there is a vinyl siding that gives the board-and-batten look of wood that this house has now? It really suits the style of the house and the woodsy location out here in the country. Nevertheless, this house is a treat to come home to after work. It’s my sanctuary.

The kitchen isn’t large but it has loads of counter and cabinet space in its “U” shaped configuration. The counter nearest the dining table doesn’t have any cabinets under it. Instead, it’s open shelving. And since there are also no suspended cabinets over it, you get a sense of roominess in the open look of the entire great room. It goes from the kitchen to the far end of the living room with great space for dining, for living room furniture, and is really conducive to get-togethers, as we proved on Memorial Day!

Technorati Tags: kitchen, dining table, cabinets

It’s great to have a day off, though I prefer having two days off together. One day just doesn’t seem like enough to renew myself and also get things done at home that need doing.

I closed the store last night, and I have to open it in the morning. Now, I used to be a morning person but that has really changed over the years. I much prefer now to sleep a little later mainly because I work so late at night when I close. I close so much of the time that my internal clock is now adjusted to going to bed late and getting up late. When they switch my schedule around like this, I feel like I need energy pills just to get to work and make it through the first few hours of my shift.

Also, since I don’t open very much, I wind up having to relearn the breakfast menu and I’ve never even been on breakfast assembly or grill! If everyone doesn’t show up in the morning (that happens way too often), then I’ll be in a real spot trying to work more than one position. I really dread it.

Technorati Tags: store, internal clock, breakfast, grill

I was wanting a pitcher of sweet iced tea. So, I put the tea on to brew and put sugar and Splenda in the tea pitcher. I use both so that at least some of the calories are lower and we still get the consistency we want in iced tea. Well, I got too much sugar and not enough tea in the mix. I should have used two more of the small tea bags and less sugar. I don’t know what I was thinking, but this iced tea is super sweet and more like sugar syrup with a slightly brown color!

I tell you, the sweetness level is so high, I think I could take off and fly without even needing any flight deals for an airline! I’m going to have to brew two more tea bags and add it to the mix to at least have a good tea taste instead of what I’ve got now. It will still probably be too sweet but at least maybe I’ll taste more than sugar.

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Being in my kitchen makes me happy. From planning meals to cooking them, I enjoy every aspect of the kitchen. It’s the heart of the home.

When I’m in the kitchen, I go about my tasks with a certain serenity in my heart. I don’t worry about world events. I don’t think about mortgage lenders. I don’t even concern myself with much of anything else other than kitchen duties.

The kitchen truly is the heart of my home. I love feeding my family and guests delicious home-cooked meals. It makes me feel like I’ve really accomplished something when I can put food out on the table for others to enjoy. There’s something very satisfying about watching people eat and knowing what they’re eating was created by your own hands.

Technorati Tags: kitchen, meals

My kitchen only has one window and that’s over the sink. I like the location, but the window treatment that’s here lacks something. It’s a lace topper over mini-blinds. So, I’ve decided to go a whole different route. I’m going to move the curtains out of the kitchen and use them in another room. In the meantime, I’ve got three of my hand painted, clear plates in the window to offer some privacy from the neighbor’s point of view when they’re outside. These plates effectively screen a full view while allowing light in.

Eventually, I’m going to suspend several of these plates in the window. They are beautiful when the light comes through them and they are very pretty from the outside, too. I’ve got some plate hangers and some lightweight copper colored chain. So, I’ll put long hooks over the window and just hang the plates with various lengths of chain so the whole window is covered.

I actually took a picture of what’s there so far. I just have to get it out of my phone and into the computer! I’ve misplaced my card reader, so as soon as I find that again, I’ll do the picture transfers and show you how things are progressing.

Technorati Tags: kitchen, window, window treatment

If you don’t already know how to cook, then you’re really missing out on great tasting food as well as a big budget helper. Cooking at home is far less expensive than eating out, and you remain in control of all the ingredients so you know exactly what’s in the food you’re consuming.

Learning to cook can also lead to new avenues of income, if you’re good at it and creative. You won’t know until you try it, though, and there are lots of sites on the Web that give you lessons and definitions of cooking terms. If you want cooking as a career, then you’ve got to be head-and-shoulders above everyone who is competing against you in this field.

Get good enough at it, and you could be answering ads for Philadelphia jobs where a chef or top cook is needed. You may just begin a whole new career for yourself that’s both fun and satisfying.

Technorati Tags: cook, food

We were hoping to have a cookout tomorrow for Memorial Day. However, there is rain predicted for today, tomorrow, and Tuesday, so it looks like cooking out is out. I’ll have to see what I can cook inside and how I can still make it festive and picnic-like.

I’ve got some hot dogs in the freezer. I got some chicken drummettes out of the freezer yesterday to let them thaw in the fridge. Today, I’ll do a little shopping after I get off work for things like pasta salad ingredients, fresh fruit, sandwich buns, and baked beans ingredients. I’ll also get some hamburger patties so I don’t have to fool with making them myself.

I think if I put in a movie or some music, set up the kitchen and dining are in a festive way, and just let people enjoy themselves, it will all work out just fine. After all, the idea is for people to fellowship together, isn’t it?

Technorati Tags: cookout, Memorial Day, picnic

I’m not up with the chickens, but I am up. I am enjoying a hot cup of Columbian coffee along with a cold buttered biscuit. This is one of my favorite breakfasts.

Right now, I’m sitting on one of the decks just off the living room of my house. It’s a cool morning and I’m enjoying the sun filtering through the trees just off the deck, the sound of songbirds in the woods, and the aroma of honeysuckle as it drifts through the air.

As I sit here, it occurs to me that this house is perfectly designed for family gatherings and for entertaining. The large kitchen, dining, and living room combination make for great fellowship. People can wander out onto the decks for fresh air and more seating. This might be a good time to join one of the wine clubs and have a wine tasting each month. I’ve done very little in recent years as far as social events, and it’s time for me to broaden my horizons.

Technorati Tags: Columbian coffee, biscuit, entertaining

I am getting more settled into the new house every day. There are still things to move, but it’s becoming more and more “home” with my personal touches added. This house is actually for sale, but not as long as we are renting it. However, given the improvements that have been made in the kitchen and the layout of the house, I’m very tempted to check on a free mortgage loan quote to see if I could buy this house.

It’s a beautiful retreat here. Right now, I’m listening to JS Bach on the stereo while the sun filters through the trees and spills through the huge windows onto the living room floor. This house has a calming effect on me. It’s peaceful and serene out here. Even though there are neighbors, they aren’t just feet away so I do get a secluded feeling here. In fact, when I look out the windows of the living room or my bedroom, all I see is the woods.

Good food served up in the kitchen, the heart of any home, tops it all off and makes me smile a lot.

Technorati Tags: house, kitchen, kitchen