Today’s Borking Report!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking Day1 Comment

Today’s Borking Report!

It’s been hotter than hell here… and very sticky with humidity. Because of the heat and the old man’s general disposition, he hasn’t been going out but today, The Potato ventured out into the wilderness with his Auntie Paige.

Since it’s still muggy and gross… and I was ordering Starbucks delivery… I asked Paige if she wanted something and our order arrived just before she took the Potato out for his jog so she had a lovely Venti Matcha Latte to come back to after dragging the Borker around.

We were LINGERING too long with a bit of chat when we were told it was time for his BORK so off Paige went with the Commander of the Neighbourhood. Gus Gus has tremendous opinions as well as a skin infection he’s getting over but while the infection is diminishing, his opinions seem to get stronger. Woe to those who do not heed his warnings.

Mostly he just likes telling people off.

From his Auntie Paige:
This photo was taken at the stop sign where Gus likes to stand and announce himself to the hooligans of the neighborhood. 🙂 I was able to stop him from running and rolling in the grass. Hopefully that helps the sweet potato feel better!

Best,
Paige

Char Siu and a bit of Rambling…

On By Rhys FordIn FoodLeave a comment

I’ve got one week or so left before my hopefully last surgery. Seriously, I just wanna get back to sitting in traffic, paying too much for gas, and complaining about people in the Starbucks drive thru. Hopefully that will happen soon. I’m also sick of this whole thing dominating my life so I’ve spent the last few days working on projects and well, God, does my brain hurt.

So let’s talk about char siu. Possibly one of my favourite dishes in the world, especially when made into manapua / char siu bao. There’s just something about the sweet savoury pork and the yeasty steamed bread that hits the spot. Or even just a good glaze heavy char siu on rice. It’s fairly easy to make but oh, everyone has their own version. I highly recommend following Made WIth Lau. I do not follow the leave it out for 8 hours method but I do recommend letting it sit in the fridge then let it get to room temp before cooking. Also, sugar syrup for the last baste and if you are looking for red fermented bean curd, it CAN be purchased at many Asian online markets and even Amazon.

 

So… Back from the Hospital. Again.

On By Rhys FordIn Rhys Ford7 Comments

Long story short… I got sepsis and it hit hard last Thursday. Kinda sketchy for the first couple of days because well, it was like being run over by a train… very sharp pain, like being sliced by a ringing cymbal and deep chills. High temp and general fuckery. But strong antibiotics helped calm it down and I was released on Sunday.

I still feel like I’ve been run over by a train. Go figure.

You all are probably as sick of hearing about medical stuff as I am experiencing it so let’s talk about other things.

I do feel like my brain is slowly cracking loose of the shell formed aroouond it. Yeah, it’s been a hard haul these past few years but the grey matter has shown signs of arousal… excitement even about writing. or rather at least constructing scenarios which is always good.

On the reading front, I’m going through the JJ Graves series which are a nice light cozy set about a small town coroner and her sheriff husband. Good constructed plots. Nice twists. There’s a bit of a twee thing going on with a faux-sentient laptop but I’m hoping that dies down soon. It’s kinda icky. It’s bordering on being a Cousin Oliver so I’m just sort of skimming at those bits but the rest of it is damned solid for a brain delve.

Finished TA Moore’s Dirty Job (Book 2 of the Dirty Deeds series) I really love that the MCs are not good guys. I do. Link to it here. Honestly, go check out the series. Such tight writing.

The Potato went to the vet on the same day I was entrenched in the ER. He has a fungal AND a bacteria skin infection so he has all the drugs as well as eye stuff because on top of everything else, his tear ducts don’t work.

Been playing Pokemon. Trust me. When you’re stuck in a hospital room, you either Pokemon or Read and Pokemon was easier because I hurt too damned much to keep anything I read. I’m getting kind of bored with the selection of pokemon popping up in the game. Needs a bit more excitement. Okay, for me it’s like stamp collecting.

That’s been pretty much my week. My arms are mottled with bruises from IVs and attempts to IV and also blood draws…and attempts to draw blood. Better than it was the last time but still, I come home looking like some kid got at me with a purple marker. Do not eat the food at the hospital. That’s all I’m gonna say.

Writing et al. Or etm. And a recipe for Shoyu Chicken

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy Stuff, FoodLeave a comment

I keep gathering up the brain cells to get stuff down on paper. I also have to finish rereading Bound so I know where to go from there. I’ve got bits and pieces of things started so I have plot lines at the ready and all I need is for my brain to show up. Which hopefully soon.

Surgery day is set for Aug 17.

But writing has to happen before then. It truly is a habit that has to be hammered at every day. It’s too easy to let a bit of writing fall to the wayside and then you fall out of practice even if your mind isn’t ghosting off in some other realm. I don’t mind it wandering outwards… my brain that is… so long as it brings back good material.

Mine is like a goofy cat that brings its owners’ a leaf and claims that they’ve hunted and killed it.

I hope everyone has been staying cool or warm … depending on where you are. It’s cooled off here nicely and the house i sopened up. A lovely breeze is coming thru and well, we have had a late night skunk waft every once in a while. But all in all, still lovely.

And apparently the Tribal People eat another one of my people’s foods… Shoyu Chicken. I haven’t seen it yet but I imagine there might be some conflict with their palates. I could be wrong. Depends on who makes the shoyu chicken. I’ll include my recipe for shoyu chicken after the video. 😀

Hilo Shoyu Chicken

  • 1/2 cup dried shiitake mushrooms or to taste. If large and whole, cut into slices
  • 4 (1/2-inch thick) slices of peeled ginger or 6 T of shredded frozen ginger
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 cup shoyu (soy sauce)
  • 1 cup brown sugar or 1 1/2 white sugar
  • 5 pounds chicken thighs
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Brown chicken then add rest of ingredients. Bring to boil, then simmer for 30-45 minutes. Serve over rice.

 

 

Monday’s Borking Report… Or When My Dog Decided He’s An Olympic Runner

On By Rhys FordIn Borking DayLeave a comment

Delayed Borking Report from Monday!

Things have been… well, my body decided my manageable state shouldn’t be manageable so… well, here we are 😀 The Potato, however, has been a delight although he does need a good scrubbing.

He was ready for his Auntie Paige when she got here. He does need to get up close to see who is there but I’m certain eventually he’ll be able to scent her better. It depends. Some people he KNOWS like Meegan McNelly, his Aunty Holly, Jennifer Wolfe, Bru Baker, Bee Nels and her kids / husband Tim and of course his Irish Scritcher, TA Moore… as well as others. But it takes him a bit. He does love his Auntie Paige but he also is VERY much aware that she cannot wrestle him back once he goes into full tank mode.

Because apparently Monday was ENGAGE TANK MODE!

This is when the Potato decides that despite his 14 years on this rock, he was Tamakoce Te’Hila personified and takes off running. Once he hits a stride, good luck pulling him off of it and apparently off they went.

It’s not good for him. He IS old and his joints will ache. He also pulled something in his left back leg but he LEEROY JENKINed his way through his bork and came back quite smug.

Borking is VERY serious business after all.

We’ll be skipping tomorrow because I have to get labwork done and then the Badger needs to go get his neck looked at. Coffee will definitely be had.

From his Auntie Paige
Good morning! Glad to see you two! 🙂 As I mentioned Gus wanted to run today despite my protests. Hopefully his foot is OK. Let me know if he needs a rest from walking on Wednesday.

Best, Paige

Today’s Borking Report…

On By Rhys FordIn Borking DayLeave a comment

Today’s Borking Report!

We skipped Monday because it was a holiday and it would be unfair for everyone to get to sleep in except for Auntie Paige. Even Gus slept in and then had a good day.

And he was ready to get dressed when it was time. All kitted up, he was waiting for his Auntie with so much happiness… also he borked at us for talking to her. Because we’re NOT ALLOWED to talk before bork.

Borking is VERY serious business. Lots of work to be done in a very short amount of time so he needed to get on with it.

He’s such an odd Potato. But we love him.

From his Auntie Paige:
Gus saw a woman with a stroller today across the street going the same direction as us so he spent the time looking over and borking as we walked. She smiled and waved so she must have understood that it’s not personal. 🙂

Best, Paige

Skipping the UK Meet for Surgery… :(

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy StuffLeave a comment

I am saddened to announce that due to health issues and doctors wanting to carve me up a bit more, I have to skip the UK Meet this year. Trust me when I say I am so disgustipated for missing the Meet. Please have fun without me and go bother the Five (TA Moore, Paula Rogers, and Andi Lee) for me. I’ll still be sponsoring the USB Drives and adding things to the collective files there. Raise a glass of whiskey in my name if you desire. And yes, damn I am so so sorry to miss all of you.

Friday Musings… And GeolRim

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy StuffLeave a comment
I just wanted to stop in and say hey. Mostly because a lot of times I get caught up in the whole healing / sleep process and man, it’s knocking me for a loop. Yesterday I went to yet another specialist to see if there’s a “final” surgery.
Because fucking hell, there needs to be a final surgery. We just don’t know when and where it’s happening.
I just got my Comic-Con San Diego badge in the mail. I am a registered Professional and sadly, I cannot attend. Which does give me a sad but hopefully next year.
Been watching The Boys because well, I love the satire and violence but mostly because I love Karl Urban and now that Jensen Ackles is also there…. hot damn.
I’m also kind of yearning to watch old Kdramas like Coffee Prince and Sungkyunkwan Scandal. Probably for happy nostalgia. Because well, those were great kdramas and well, SKK had the BEST gay-denial-lovers ship ever.
Also… great “Geolrim” ship video. Expert scene cuts. They weren’t THIS overt but as you can see, plenty of definite intimate scenes. The two also ended up being voted as Best Couple on an award show, “tying” with the other main couple in the drama. Just saying…
I do also miss cooking. Like there are so many things I want to make. Especially collard greens with hamhocks and sausage but no can do for right now.
The Potato also was shorn down for his Summer ‘Do and because he’s got allergies / skin issues. Got more meds for him and he’s doing great. He also got a very intense bath with huge scrubbies and was put out by the whole thing… until he could get out, get rubbed down by a towel and rolled about the living room floor.
Because that’s what he does.
So… What’s Going On in Your World? Give me a snippet of something you did today.