crossrhodes

This week was a good week for Lani. I had Indian food again for the first time in 2 years since we moved here. (Yummm!) It wasn’t the finest Indian fare compared to NYC restaurants — then again, nothing compares to NYC restaurants as far as this northern snob is concerned :) — but it was authentic nonetheless. Don and James aren’t big on ethnic food so we don’t exactly seek that type of dining experience as a family. But I found co-workers who shared the same taste.

Also this week, I had USA Today’s #1 Dish of the Year in Philly — Crackling Pork Shank w/ Firecracker Applesauce at Smith & Wollensky in Rittenhouse Square. Peasant food is making a comeback (i.e. creamed chipped beef is now a Stouffer’s gourmet found in your grocer’s freezer). The food industry is calling it “rustic” instead of “peasant” food, I suppose to justify the gastronomical menu prices.

We bought a new grill last night and christened it twice today. I love this grill… 700 sq inches of cooking surface, 3 heating units to separate the searing zone from the slow cook zone, built-in thermometer, side burner for sauces, porcelain-coated cast iron grate for even heat distribution, etc. It’s (almost) a home gourmet’s dream! A stainless steel exterior would’ve been nice but I’m not throwing good money on looks for something temporal that will get dirty anyway.

Last year I was helping James with 1-page book reports. This year I’m helping him write his resume. That’s right, his resume! Well, it’s technically a curriculum vitae considering his only paid work experience is lawn mowing in the neighborhood. He has “regular” customers in our development. I’m afraid if I blink it’ll be time to write college application essays.

He got his working permit from school and is starting to apply for a summer job. Our preference is somewhere within walking distance. We have a few retail stores and a landscaping business around the corner. My boss also offered to hook him up w/ one of our dealerships to wash cars, etc. He would like to work full time this summer and possibly keep the job on weekends when school starts, but we’ll see. School is still the first priority.

I’m still catching my breath from the last school semester. I think I did well. I’m just glad I don’t “have” to read or watch the news anymore for semantics. I already know people are dying all over the world. Watching it did not exactly enrich my life. I also need to keep up w/ my Spanish this summer or I’ll forget when I take Spanish 3 in the fall.

May is a busy month in the house of Rhodes. We finally landscaped after 2 yrs of living here. We’re not even quite done yet and may wait till next spring to finish the backyard. I never knew this living near the city but plants and shrubs aren’t cheap! Don’s also fixing the Volkswagen before inspection this month. I’m working on a project for James’ graduation in June. If time permits, I was also planning on finishing our bathrooms. The previous owner decorated the main bath with this tacky black and pink orchid border over ugly teal green walls. It doesn’t exactly have that fresh from the shower feeling. All I know is, our next house will already have mature shrubs and a gigantic garage w/ its own sink so Don doesn’t have to bring his tools into the house or wash his grease-monkey hands in the kitchen sink.

Would you believe James is going to high school already? He’ll be in Jr. ROTC freshman year… and hopefully beyond. I cannot wait to see him in uniform! The girls are just gonna love him! This summer he also plans to get his very first job. I’m probably going to regret saying this but here goes… I can’t wait till he starts driving so I don’t have to anymore!