Brokeback Mountain

Just a few words on Brokeback Mountain ... saw it last night with Noel. It was showing on three separate screens at our local theatre, each apparently sold out. There was a good sized line at the ticket office, gay couples anxiously awaiting this much-hyped movie.

Haunting, sad, gorgeous and soul-crushing.

Reminded me of my youth, growing up in rural Oregon. It was a time when I became acutely aware of who I was and knowing that it would be impossible for me to be that person unless I went far from home.

See the movie.

A Very French Christmas Eve

It's our tradition to host friends and loved ones on Christmas Eve. We typically serve soup, salad and dessert. Wine flows as the merriment grows.

Since Noel is typically busy with church services, the production of said meal always fell to me. I know how to make only one soup: italian sausage with lentils (and a dash of curry). Serve with a nice Oregon salad: hazelnuts, dried cranberries, blue cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette. Follow up with apple pie and everyone is happy.

This year, we're going with something more cohesive, more challenging to my culinary talents. You could say that I am in the spirit of Christmas. And I need you're assistance.

The theme is French. I want to start the soiree with a French Onion soup. I'm currently testing recipes but would really prefer word-of-mouth recommendations from those that I trust. The soup will be followed this year by a grilled panini sandwich. I'm hoping to come up with a fabulous portobello/swiss/spinach (vegetarian option); I'm not committed to this idea and welcome any alternatives that you might suggest.

Next up: a simple spinach salad with mushrooms, thinly sliced red onions, bacon and slivers of hard boiled egg. I figure a nice and lite vinaigrette will be perfect. Strategically, I'm using the salad as a way to cleanse the palate before dessert. Maybe a grapefruit sorbet would suffice? I really need advice on this point.

Dessert: the Barefoot Contessa has an amazing croissant bread pudding recipe that I have made in the past and will be featured on this year's menu. The chocolate option for dessert is provided by Nigella Lawson. This recipe found it's way into my heart from a dear friend, Jim Armer (via Oprah). It's simple, decadent and sublime. I'd like to add a 3rd option for dessert. Maybe a simple apple pie would suffice? Perhaps even an apple tart.

Again, your suggestions are much appreciated.

Parental Notification before the Big Court

Soon we will have a clear indication on how the new look Supreme Court will advance the inevitable erosion of Roe V. Wade.

I'm not terribly passionate about the abortion issue. To me, there is simply nothing to be righteous about. I have no clear understanding of when life begins and as such have no moral footing to make judgements.

Without moral compass, I simply rely on legal precedent. Our nation's Forefathers were no more prepared to deal with this issue than we are. But they left behind sacred documents that pretty much guarantee a person's right to determine the course of their life without interference from outside authority. Thus the right to choose.

Does this choice extend to a 16-year old in New Hampshire? I say why not? Having or not having a child impacts the mother for the rest of her life. Why a parent should be required to influence that choice is beyond me.