I have pretty much talked myself into not eating dinner because it's too much trouble right now, so I don't feel like I can help with that, sj.

Yeah, that's what I had too. I think I ate something today. That's adulting.

Sometimes it is.

I have to really watch the carbs--rice and tortellini are pushing it. So are the beans, but with the veg--plus raw carrots and occasional fruit and the protein, I walked that line pretty well. I'd live on bread and pasta if I could...but you know, pasta...or death? Sort of decides itself.

I will not primp veg--it never improves it, and it's a waste of time *for me* and a constant frustration of expectation. So I just won't. There are few that I'll eat raw or steamed, and I went with those.

ETA: -t, Rue Morgue?

E2TA: Maria, I'm glad the scare is over. Or resolved. Relieved.

No, Bev, a Futrelle. I suppose it may have been an elaborate homage but I really feel like, y'know, the orangutan has been done, I don't need to see it again.

I make a baked potato with chili poured over for dinner when I am on my own. Or ramen with frozen veggies Thrown in.

The first thing I cooked for myself was English muffins with Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese and a slice of tomato, grilled in the toaster oven. Yum. The next favorite easy dinner was a big russet potato and melted cheese. I felt pretty fancy when I learned how to make spaghetti and French bread pizzas.

Today there are more vegetables and way less cheese on my plate.

My bff insists that I don't eat real meals I eat snacks. And it's often true. But tonight I got takeout from the fancy vegan restaurant and had a tasty tasty salad with tempeh and avocado and grapefruit and stuff. I often eat heated up Trader Joe's frozen dumplings, or pizza rolls, or cheese and meat and crackers, for lunch or dinner.

It's hard cooking for one absent tomatoes, potatoes, peppers (including chiles, etc.), pasta, rice, and bread. I do eat the last three *sparingly* but meat and veg fast and easy...kind of sparse on the ground. Hot pockets are right out.

Some good, sharp cheddar and a sliced apple have been my dinner pretty often. I keep broccoli in the fridge at all times because it's easy to steam or even dip in salad dressing or hummus and eat raw. When I was going into the office, I cooked batches of things to take for lunch. Since COVID, I've been doing takeout from local restaurants a few time a week (supporting local small business—yay!), and I can often make one of those last for two meals, especially from my favorite Chinese and Indian restaurants. And a PB&J is a classic for a reason.

So I caught up, and now I am hungry! I've always enjoyed cooking so I make a great variety of things. The Instant Pot, Air Fryer, and Microwave have all improved my life. I love all the options.

I have house guests. My SIL and her SIL. With my son's GF, the 4 of us watched a chick flick to keep awake until my son got home from work for he could see his aunt. Son doesn't get home until midnight so I am generally asleep. DH arrives today sometime. So many people!

Since I was going to have a bunch I made a big pot of beef stew yesterday. It was very well received. Yay Instant Pot!