Joy of Cookery

I was very lazy about cooking this summer, subsisting on cereal, sandwiches, and the occasional frozen dinner. The last couple of weeks, though, I've finally gotten back into the swing. I just finished the first helping from a big pot of slow-cooked beef and barley soup, which (as is my habit) I will eat for dinner all week. It was delicious. I have to remember that I'm perfectly capable of making meals that taste better than anything Healthy Choice has to offer. (But not Marie Callendar, I'm afraid, though their meals have the signal disadvantage of being bad for me.)

I'm beginning to think about what I'll make for Thanksgiving week. Dessert is settled; I will make pecan pie. (I've done it before, I can do it again.) Nothing firm yet as to the main dish or the sides, but I'll think of something.

Guidance

In some states with elective judges, the Bar Association or some other advisory board provides recommendations (Well Qualified, Qualified, or Not Qualified) regarding the incumbents and/or the challengers, if any. Illinois is not one of those states. How lucky I am to have Rep. John Shimkus leaving messages on my phone as regards this or that judge. Those whom he recommends, I will not vote for. (I despise Shimkus, even apart from our ideological differences, for reasons I have alluded to earlier.)