At noon, several of my colleagues took me out to lunch. Since one of my colleagues is a vegan, we decided to go to a Vietnamese vegan restaurant that was located within walking distance of the office. We had a yam "shrimp" appetizer which looked, felt, and tasted very much like shrimp. I ordered a soy "pork chop" which was served with caramelized onions, zucchini, broccoli, and Yukon gold potatoes. Again, the pork chop looked like meat, but it had a softer, spongier texture. But it tasted OK. Other items on the menu included burgers, shiitake mushroom "oysters", and "fish". I don't quite understand the need to make plant-based food imitate meat. But, as a non-vegan/non-vegetarian, I did not miss the lack of animal-based food.
Once again, I took it easy after I came home. I rested a bit, spoke with cousin P and friend F who called, video chatted with daughter, and cooked rice and a smoked sausage stir-fry for dinner:
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| Smoked Sausage Stir-fry |
Smoked sausage stir-fry is one of the easiest, quickest dishes to make. I always start with putting the rice to boil. Then, I slice the sausage and whatever other items I decide to add (today, it was broccoli, carrots, and canned pineapple chunks), and by the time the rice is cooked, the stir-fry is done.
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| Dinner |
Today, I am grateful for:
- Being taken out to lunch by my colleagues
- Well wishes from friends and colleagues
- Phone calls from my cousin and friend
- Emails from another friend
- Another relaxed evening
How was your Thursday? Have you eaten at a vegan restaurant?
These last days must be hard. I know they would be for me. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteSaying goodbye is difficult. I drove into work today, I kept telling myself, this is probably the last time I will be doing this (although, I'll probably come to the office at least once or twice more to fill out and hand in the final paperwork, my employee ID, etc.)
DeleteThe stir fry looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteI've never eaten at a vegan restaurant. I have a vegetarian friend who buys imitation 'meat' made of tofu. I think they have too much unnecessary stuff there just to get the meat look and taste.
Thank you, Nil. Yes, I kept wondering how they managed to get the taste - they must add something. Even so, the food was good.
DeleteGoodbyes are hard, so is the end of a chapter in life, even on a small scale. DH and I usually attend at least two conference events a year and there is the pleasure of meeting old friends and new ones, taking part in various activities including special meals, the excitement of seeing people receive awards and so on. Suddenly it's the last day and some are already heading home. It's almost like a balloon deflating! It's especially poignant, too, when one lives in another country or town for a year or so and then it's time to leave. But life goes on back home and new interests take over. I hope that you will find, as my mother always believed, that when one door shuts, another opens. I'm sure that you will find some surprises along the way, and you will also be able to keep in touch with your colleagues at their special events. ((((Hugs))))
ReplyDeleteYes, it's hard to say goodbye, but the time is right to do so, I feel. It's going to be a change, and I generally don't like change, but my mother used to always say that change is good. I might still come back to the office once or twice to tie up a few loose ends, and there are a few colleagues with whom I'll keep in touch, but, I won't miss the day in and day out stuff.
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