Maine's Own Off-Topic Thread -- Pt.2 (Hope: appointed, construction, allergy)

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by Maine Writer

Two years ago I went to a workshop in Caribou given by Eliot Coleman (my hero). I met a half dozen potato farmers from The County who are transitioning to organic and improving their harvests. They're using natural fertilizers and soil enhancements rather than petroleum based fertilizers. Listening to them was interesting. This should mean their potatoes have a richer flavor that doesn't require a lot of butter, salt and pepper to make them taste good. Not that I'm giving up butter, salt and pepper mind you, but when you start with something full of flavor you can't lose.

And if you show up at their packing sheds with a few dollar bills and ask if you can get a 50 of Chiefs, they will hand you a bag and point you to the bin to pick out the ones you want.

[Maine Writer]

mmmm....I know. One chef's choice could make a whole meal. Add some broccoli, crumbled bacon, cheese sauce... I need breakfast!

[Northern Maine Land Man]

Those spuds are chefs, not chiefs. They are the best for baked potatoes. Mmm good. Another good potato is the superior. It makes good mashed, fries or baked all from the same bag. They now have spuds with red, white or blue skins. Use some of each and you can have patriotic French fries.

[Maine Writer]

There are red and blue fleshed potatoes too. I made mashed potatoes with the blue once. It turns a gross shade of gray and was too waxy for good mashed.

[McMar]

Wouldn't those REALLY be "Freedom Fries" NMLM? I think it is funny that you still see that term being used from time to time. Last year at a nearby small town fair (really, a big fair in a small town), that's what a vendor was serving.

[Bydand]

I realized the error after I posted it, but was too lazy to go back and change it.

That is what happens when I have been sick for a couple of days with the flu. Caring about minor things like spelling go right out the window. Still have to do the big things like take care of the Ruffians, cook, when the wife isn't here, and make sure they are getting better as well (all 4 sick this week-end)

[Maine Writer]

Hope you and the ruffians feel better quickly. I have one sickie, can't imagine FOUR.

T's been on the couch since Friday morning with the flu. Her 103.9* temp Friday night made me a little nervous. She hasn't eaten since Thursday and other than dragging herself to the shower yesterday she hasn't been off the couch. She's drinking now that she can keep it down so I think she'll avoid the dehydration that's been sending people to the hospital.

[McMar]

Ugh - I hope all of you guys with the flu get well soon. I just got over it, and it knocked me on my heinie for two weeks. I hadn't had the flu in 20 years.

I read two sad bits of info this morning: Polaroid film is being discontinued. And my local weekly market (runs April-Dec) is closing. It was awesome, with live music, locally grown veggies & fruit, artisan breads and cheeses, local artists and crafts, fun demonstrations, etc. My city considers itself artsy and hip (so do the tourists), but the local area population of around 275,000 cannot, or don't even support a weekly market. Tiny towns in Maine can support local summer markets because residents care about quality of food and buying local. Another of already many reasons that I'm becoming disenchanted with my home for the better part of 27 years.

[Elcarim]

Just got a note from SantaFeSisters. She had cataract surgery the other day, and isn't able to focus enough just yet. She wanted me to say hi to "friends" and let you know why she's disappeared. She should be back in a couple of days. She's feeling much better today, but says the light still hurts her eye.

Get better soon! We miss you!!

[Maine Writer]

Thanks El. I hope she'll heal quickly.