gnowun In Hospital for Colon Cancer

Hey, folks--gnowun, know to many of you as Boris, called me over breakfast yesterday.

He's got colon cancer, and he goes in for surgery today.

Now, if you know Boris, you know that this is a man who never fails to give of himself for his community, or indeed anyone who asks--and never mind that giving that aid means he drives in from the Central Valley. I am honored to call him friend.

All permission for wealful work has been given, under whatever auspices, gods, or philosophies you feel called to do so. Surgery starts at 0900 PST--so now. Recovery is going to take a good while, too.

Sing a charm for the sharpness of the scalpel.
Sing one for the surgeon's skill.
Sing one for sailing on the sea of sleep.
Sing one for his safe return.

A suggested bindrune is Elhaz-Kenaz-Jera, but swing it however you like.

If you need a location do do your thing, he's at Mercy Hospital in Merced, California. He is known, variously, as Gnowun Uno, Boris of Bedlam, and sometimes even under his legal name. ;)

dpaxson and I plan to light out for Merced tomorrow afternoon, if you'd rather your astral care packages were sent c/o Someone Uno. *grin*

-- Lorrie

Savory Winter Barley

Last night, I came up with a vegetarian entree suitable for an Odin Party and tested it out on my favorite vegetarian, purplevenus and my favorite reluctant eater of veg (countgeiger) as well as two accomodating omnivores (dpaxson and myself). All approved and so, suitably multiplied, I'll be making it again next Saturday.

To give proper credit, auntiematter had the idea of using a risotto technique on barley, zoe_me burbled happily about hulled barley as opposed to pearled, and yes, Alton did an episode on barley(YouTube part one and part two, and here's the obligatory fansite page) but I haven't seen it lately.

For a wholly vegan preparation, use another fat instead of butter. You'll be missing out on browned butter, alas, but that's your call. Toasting the grains in butter before cooking ("risotto method") reduces cooking time, broadens flavor, and adds a creamy texture; otherwise you'll be simmering forever.

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( Savory Winter Barley Recipe within )