I have heard from a few people since I haven’t posted since last weekend. I am not sure if I am posting too many or too little, especially when not a lot is going on. I guess you will let me know.

Darrel ended up getting up early and fishing last Saturday, Sunday, and Monday and only ended up with a small silver on Monday for his efforts. He did end up being quite exhausted after all that and ended up taking a nap – in bed! – on Monday afternoon.

(Which reminds me, as he is taking another nap, please check with me before coming over by calling my phone or texting.  We had a neighbor come by while Darrel was sleeping and I was in the back yard.  He was quite noisy and woke Darrel up.  While he is feeling a bit better, this chemo has kicked his butt more than usual so I am feeling protective.)

His sister, Barbara, came over on Tuesday and we went to lunch at the Tin Room in Burien. We also did a little quilt shopping for her. Then we came home so she could visit with Darrel.

Wednesday, I had Barb, brother Ed, and Wilma over for dinner. Fried some fish and had a squash salad along with coleslaw. Squash and cabbage both came from the garden.

Thursday night we went to dinner for my dad and my belated birthdays, with my parents and Courtney. Tried a new Thai restaurant in Federal Way, Kwan Tip Thai. It was rated on Tripadvisor as the #3 restaurant in FW. Not that impressed.

Friday night we had the Wamsleys over for dinner and to watch the Seahawks play San Diego. I fixed lamb that had marinated in wine, garlic, rosemary, and lemon for 3 days, along with grilled squash and roasted green beans. I also fixed a yogurt mint sauce. It all turned out pretty well and the Seahawks won!

Darrel went fishing Friday morning with his buddy, Max. Then launched our boat on Saturday morning and fished, again with Max. He also dropped the crab pots.

We went out for a dinner cruise on Saturday night. A lot of the times, I will grill something on the back of the boat while we are fishing. This time I poached salmon at home and made a Salmon Salade Nicoise. It is one of my favorites.

While we didn’t catch any fish, we did get a ton of crab. Darrel went back out this morning with a neighbor, Jeff. They ended up getting 2 salmon! But, only 4 crab! You just never know.

Salmon Salade Nicoise

Salmon Poaching Liquid

Fennel fronds
Celery leaves and stalks
Peppercorns
Carrots
Onion
Shallots
White wine
Water

Simmer for an hour to blend flavors. I add the small potatoes for the salad and cook in the liquid, then remove. Reduce heat until it is 95 degrees. Lower salmon filets into liquid and poach for about 10 minutes, depending on thickness.

Blanch green beans for 3 – 5 minutes, drain, and dry well. Assemble salad with lettuce, green beans, onion, red pepper, tomatoes, potatoes, hard boiled eggs, Nicoise olives (I actually used Kalamata), and top with salmon. Dress with lemon vinaigrette. (Next time I make the vinaigrette I will measure the ingredients and post.)