Reading Faces

There is, in our apartment, a delightful woman named Stella Daniels  (Definitely, provably, absolutely no relation to Stormy).  She is 102, blessed with a sharp mind humming along on all cylinders, and a wit any of us would envy.

Three years ago I would see her walking about the city on her own,  not today  She has help – good help – but her body at this age is not fully cooperative.

Last week I saw her in the courtyard and walked over to say hello.  She said ” Good morning Norm, I can’t look up very well, but I recognized you by your feet”

Bless you, Stella Daniels

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On my walk, I love reading faces and consider it one of the joys of city living.  Many are about as interesting as pages in the phone book   (If you’re too young to know what that means, ask a parent or grandparent).   Others reveal characters that could have been created by Stephen King, Tom Clancey, or Danielle Steel.  Some are whoppingly fascinating.

Two problems with reading faces: First adjectives, I look at a face and a description will sizzle in my head – happy,  intense,  afraid.  But really faces and the personalities and characteristics inside are too complex for simple adjectives.  Second  – a face will remind me of someone I know, and immediately the person behind that face is just like my friend.  This passing woman, who compares herself to the Iron Lady, would be shocked to know I think she’s a wimp.

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I love the process of cooking and do most of it for the two of us.  Usually, I start with a recipe, then maybe improvise, which often leads to disaster.  I don’t consider myself as much of a cook but occasionally will stir up a munchable morsel.  When I do I’ll pass it on.   like now:

A few sea scallops (the big ones), pan-fried in butter, just above a simmer.  When brown cut each in approximately half.  Serve as an hors d”oeuvre, with a dipping sauce made from mayonnaise and a small dose of Thai Yellow Currey Sauce (Trader Joes, but heck, anywhere).  Toothpick advisory in effect.