This is how I am seeing things with all of the “War Drums Being Played” by a bunch of hysterical EU politicians. All dressed nicely and trying to frighten you that the bogeyman (Russia) is going to attack real soon! To be honest, these politicians, both elected and unelected leaders, are nothing more than nicely dressed monsters.

This quote comes to mind:

The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.

H. L. Mencken

https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/h_l_mencken_101109

Yes, as of late here in Europe, there has been a whole new set of headlines in the media about how Russia is going to attack. Last year, EU Boss Ursula von der Leyen said that by 2030, we should see an attack. The other day, on my MSN feed, I saw some headlines from British online publications. This headline from Telegraph.com

Britain and Europe Are Preparing for Conflict With Russia Without Fully Examining the Consequences

By Jaffa Levy on September 24, 2026

Then there are other stories about how people should stock up, and also what to stock up on. Which I might add is a good idea for a number of reasons. Bad weather strands you, or a disaster. But it is the headlines all shouting about how Russia has the EU in its crosshairs.

But Russia is attacking; according to the “Elites,” all one has to do is read or listen to Speeches by the head of the EU Commission, Van Der Leyen, or the NATO Secretary General, Rutte, below:

There are others as well. Just a few more little tidbits, like blocking Kaliningrad- just another provocation.

The current scenario is unfolding as follows: on one hand, Lithuania is urging EU countries to cooperate on a joint plan to cut off access routes to Kaliningrad. Lithuanian officials have recently made controversial statements on the matter, such as when Prime Minister Mindaugas Sinkevičius said in an interview that his country “will not surrender (…) [but] fight back and engage” in the event of a conflict with Russia. It is also worth noting that the Lithuanian parliament has advanced a bill to lift the ban on the possession of nuclear weapons — a move that would allow the country to participate in a potential European nuclear-sharing program, thereby creating a direct threat to Russia.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/lithuania-nato-members-plotting-blockade-kaliningrad/5942120?doing_wp_cron=1790774565.1245090961456298828125

Now, if this is accurate, then that would be one hell of a provocation. Russia, if it responded, would be blamed for everything, and if it did not, then the Western Media would label it as weak. Would this then be a “False Flag” event ginned up by the EU? It is possible, and the West is famous for that.

French intelligence services have reportedly accelerated their timeline for a possible major Russian attack from 2030 to autumn 2027, yet the same officials acknowledge that attributing any such attack to Moscow would prove exceedingly difficult, which raises the obvious question of what strategic purpose such an operation could possibly serve if its authorship remained permanently ambiguous.

This logical inconsistency becomes even more pronounced when one examines the specific claims being made, such as the assertion that Russia would stage an attack on NATO territory and then pretend it was accidental, a scenario that presupposes NATO members would simply accept such a transparently manufactured excuse without demanding evidence or accountability.

The pattern of accusation without substantiation has become very consistent in European states, with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning that Russia plans hybrid strikes with drones or rockets on European countries supporting Ukraine, while simultaneously insisting that the official narrative would frame any such attack as accidental.

https://www.globalresearch.ca/europe-fabricate-event-pretext-hot-war-russia/5942156

Well, you can check these sources out, or you can say I am full of crap. That decision is entirely up to you. All I am trying to do is provide another side of the story and information. If one is not informed, then one is unable to make a decent decision. I know it may sound far-fetched, but stranger things have happened in this world.

And a list of false flag actions:

When A “Perfect” Story Arrives Right On Time

History rarely moves in straight lines, yet public outrage often does. A fire breaks out, a border is “attacked,” and the villain shows up with suspicious speed, talking points, timelines, and the moral high ground. Sometimes the villain is real, and sometimes the evidence points elsewhere, or stays murky while the consequences stay permanent, especially when fear is already in the air. In the clean version of events, people respond to what happened; in the real version, people also respond to the story that gets repeated loudest. Here are 20 moments where that story, whether staged, twisted, or simply exploited, helped shove history onto a new track.

20 False Flag Operations That Quietly Changed World History - HistorySnob

Just to name a few, and I am sure that the list goes way beyond into ancient times.

At this point, I am sure that many out there are screaming that I am some sort of Russian Agent, Troll, or whatever. If that makes you feel better, fine; better people have called me worse.

I will say this: I am not pro-Russia, nor am I pro-Ukraine. What I am is pro-peace damnit. I am tired of all those who have been killed, soldiers and civilians alike; I am tired of land and property destroyed and future people driven from their homes, and having to deal with nothing. Tired of idiot, corrupt leaders in all of the capitals pointing fingers.

I also have a lot of questions on the whole thing. Now, should Russia have attacked now? But I understand why, and I do not agree. Should Kiev shelled citizens in Donbas? No to that either.

So the question is who to beleive. I have said this before: there are three sides to this- Side A, Side B, and what really happened. There is enough blame to go around for all to blame.

QUESTIONS I HAVE

Now I would like to ask you to participate a bit. First, I am going to ask you to sit back for a minute and think. Think real hard. The first question I would ask is why in the world would Russia attack Europe? Why? And please do not give the canned answer that they want to re-create the old USSR. Part of that is that you would have to ask what Russia would gain, except a huge headache.

As most know, European countries are in trouble with their economies, ugly crime rates, and a mass of immigrants who are a drain on the systems. Most industries are shutting down as they are unable to keep up with the ugly energy price increases. All the time, the EU elites are saying, “Hey, let's go to war; that will fix everything.”

Oh, but they are going to attack any time now! BS. That is the same thing I heard from 1972–1976 while I was assigned to West Germany at the time. The USSR, any day now, was going to come speeding across the Fulda Gap, and bombers would cloud the sky. Guess who did not show up? The USSR and the Warsaw Pact. As I was close to the East/West German border, there were a lot of us watching them watch us, and vice versa. BUT we were ready.

Another question is: how many soldiers would be needed? Hitler attacked the USSR in 1941 with about 4,5 million troops, both German and Axis allies, along a 1800 mile front. Now, does the Russian army have that many troops, equipment, and supplies?

Now what if Europe decided to attack Russia? Same thing! One small item that many do not think about is the length of the logistical lines (supply lines). The Germans ran into that during WW 2, so did Napoleon in1812. Also, the weather. Goes for both sides.

Now, another point that many do not think about. Say it starts with conventional weapons, but say one side is losing. A line commander decides to set off a tactical Nuke. NOW WHAT? It escalates, and we see mushroom clouds all over Europe: Paris, London, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kiev, Minsk, Rome, etc. And the US gets involved. So now we all die!

I think that many need to go back and read President Kennedy’s speech he gave at American University in June 1963.

Some say that it is useless to speak of world peace or world law or world disarmament — and that it will be useless until the leaders of the Soviet Union adopt a more enlightened attitude. I hope they do. I believe we can help them do it. But I also believe that we must reexamine our own attitude — as individuals and as a Nation — for our attitude is as essential as theirs. And every graduate of this school, every thoughtful citizen who despairs of war and wishes to bring peace, should begin by looking inward — by examining his own attitude toward the possibilities of peace, toward the Soviet Union, toward the course of the cold war and toward freedom and peace here at home.

For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.

https://www.jfklibrary.org/archives/other-resources/john-f-kennedy-speeches/american-university-19630610

Take a moment to read the entire speech, and sit down and, for the love of G-d, THINK. Just change the Soviet Union to the Russian Federation.

If not, and you want to continue on with the current thought of the way we are going, fine. And as far as all of you neocons and keyboard warriors, you can all go to hell. Think for a change of you children, your grandchildren.

I Have Said My Piece.

Well, this was inspired by a comment on another Social Media platform by someone I have known for 60 years. Ground beef was $6,75 a pound, and had skyrocketed to that in just a year. Hinting that it was President Trump’s fault. If you cannot tell, he does not like President Trump, and we are friends despite our political differences.

There are many reasons for the high costs, and pointing a finger at one source, person, or reason is like……well does not hold water. So, I did a little digging, and was amazed at what is out there. So here goes.

One of the reasons for the high cost is that the supply of cattle to go to market and be slaughtered is down. Here is some informatuon:

Causes of the Beef Shortage

Decline in Cattle Herd

The U.S. cattle herd has shrunk to its lowest levels since the 1950s.

Factors contributing to this decline include:

Drought: Ongoing drought conditions have severely impacted pasture quality.

High Production Costs: Rising costs for feed, equipment, and other inputs have made cattle farming less profitable.

Market Incentives: Current market conditions favor selling cattle for slaughter rather than retaining them for breeding.

Economic Pressures

Ranchers are facing significant economic challenges, including:

Inflation: Increased costs for supplies and labor have squeezed profit margins.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic have affected cattle availability and processing.

Slow Recovery Process

Rebuilding the cattle herd is a lengthy process:

It takes about 30 months for a heifer to produce a calf that contributes to herd growth.

Any increase in cattle numbers will not significantly impact beef supply until at least 2028.

Impact on Beef Prices

The combination of a reduced cattle supply and strong consumer demand has led to rising beef prices.

Beef prices have increased significantly, with ground beef and other cuts reaching record highs.

The beef shortage is a complex issue driven by environmental, economic, and market factors, and it will take time for the industry to recover.

Economics of U.S. Beef and Cattle Market

So it seems that it has been going on for a few years, and it does take time. I know some folks in Texas, and their herd is down, and the main cause besides increased prices for feed, etc, is the drought. And the rancher makes little money on it.

Then there is the complaint about only four meat processors in the US. True, there are four meat companies in the US, two of which are foreign-owned. A bit of history on that, which goes back to 1967 and the “Wholesome Meat Act.”

The Wholesome Meat Act has done tremendous damage to local slaughterhouse infrastructure around the country. In 1967, there were nearly 10,000 slaughterhouses in the country A; today, there are less than 3,000.

The Wholesome Meat Act of 1967: Disaster for Small Slaughterhouses from the Start - Farm-to-Consumer Legal Defense Fund

How much safer is our meat? Might be a problem as we have to import beef from South America, and the screw worm there. I have read of major ground beef recalls for one reason or another. Has the so-called safety measures impacted the quality of the end product? Questions we all should be asking.

Now the latest is the price of gasoline. Am sure that is on everyone’s mind at the moment. Not only does it impact everyday Americans trying to get back to work, but it also affects shipping, farming, heating, and electricity generation. (We have not gone all green yet).

And I am sure that many want to point the blame in one direction, if they had not bombed Iran, then it would not be going on. That discussion, my friends, is for another day. Yes, it is ugly, but again, there is more involved than just a few players. One that is not talked about is insurance rates for the tankers/and shippers.

Pre-conflict, the insurance premium baseline for the Hormuz was extremely low (0.25% of a ship’s total value). Today, those premiums have spiked from 2% to 10%. Major insurers, including P&I clubs like Gard, Skuld, NorthStandard and London P&I issued cancellation notices for war-risk coverage in the Persian Gulf area, effective in March. Reinsurers pulled back, forcing repricing. The costs are far too high and the risk outweighs the reward.

It's Not Iran Trapping Ships In The Hormuz, It's The Insurance Risk

https://www.marketplace.org/story/2026/04/22/how-war-insurance-works-for-ships-in-the-strait-of-hormuz

As I said, it does hurt, but a question that I have, is it as bad as it was in 1973? Yeah, yeah, I know many may not remember the oil crises of 1973/1974, much less alive. I was and I do. Here is what Forbes has to say about it.

A Tale Of Two Oil Shocks: Why 2026 Feels Big, But Isn't As Big As 1973

I was at a post in Germany, and remember the “No Driving” ban on Sundays. Everyone dealt with it.

What I am saying is that there is more involved in it than one would think. There are no magic switches that can be flipped to make things better. I do not care what politicians say. Just stop, take a deep breath, and think for a minute.

As always, thanks for reading, and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask.

This all happened while I was out with our dog for our morning walk. He does enjoy going out, especially after a snowfall.

As I said, we were walking down the way, across the street is a daycare center, and the time was around 0815 or so, and I could hear the children playing. All of a sudden I heard some screaming and shouting. So, I turned and looked to see what was happening! I watched as two kids were on their toboggans and going down a hill. (bet you thought it was something else).

The screams and shouts were of excitement and happiness! We stood there and watched for about five minutes, even our dog watched, or at least I think he was. The little hill was fifteen to twenty feet long and about ten feet high. It did bring a smile to my face, and some memories of my youth in Kansas City and sledding down our street.

Also, a realization that came to me was this: no matter how loud the shouting and pearl-clutching. All of the “chicken littles” screaming that the sky is falling.

That there is some beauty and peace right here, in front of your nose. Then focus on it and what is really important. Yeah, I know we need to pay attention to what is going on around us, and I am for that. What I am trying to say, and I forget as well, is not to let it consume you. There are things we can control, and things we cannot. Let’sfocus on what we can control

So why Morocco, North Africa, and the Middle East? To be honest, I have had the privilege of traveling to these areas. Sometimes as a tourist with my wife, but a lot of time being deployed, and not to the nice holiday sights most go to. During those deployments, I had the chance to eat what the locals were eating, and fell in love with the flavors, tastes, and smells.

So in 2018, we were looking for a holiday/birthday, my wife, trip. Looked at going to The Canary Islands, well, decided not to, and decided to visit Marrakech! We got to our hotel, and as it was late, we were hungry and asked the desk clerk what was close by. He mentioned a place about 30 meters from the hotel. It was called Winoo.

We were amazed at the quality of food we got. I had a beef and prune stew that was delicious, and my wife had fried sole filets. Another amazing fact is when we got the bill, it worked out to about 12€/13$.

Here is a link to the dish I mentioned, Beef with Prunes

Slow-Cooked Moroccan Beef Tagine with Prunes - Moroccan Kitchen

Alright, I can hear you now. I don’t have a tagine. How am I supposed to cook this way? Have no fear, everyone.

That all changed when I recently talked with my friend Hafid Assab, who owns the Mosaic Cafe, a Moroccan restaurant in my hometown of Northampton, MA. Hafid, who was born in Morocco and has been cooking Moroccan food his whole life, told me that instead of a tagine, I could try using a Dutch oven or slow cooker. Here is Hafid’s Tagine Kefta recipe using a Dutch Oven.

How to Cook a Moroccan Tagine Dish without a Tagine - Mediterranean Living

I use a Dutch oven or a slow-cooker.

Another nice thing is that the meals are served with a variety of dipping sauces, Hummus, Baba Ganouj, Matbucha, and this WONDERFUL bread! See the photo below.

My wife’s and my favorite is the matbucha, a tomato and roasted pepper salad. And yes, I use roasted red peppers and tend to go light on the jalapeno, as many don’t like spicy.

Matbucha (Spicy Moroccan Tomato Dip) - Something Nutritious

Humus

What would not be complete without humus, as it is a staple in the region, and one that we love.

Once you learn how to make hummus from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought dip!

Hummus

This is a good recipe and easy to follow, and yes, I have used it and it is exactly like the one that I have used for years. I tend to use a bit less tahini, but that is my taste. Using canned chickpeas is nice as well as doing it the old-fashioned way. Just make sure that you rinse the chickpeas and drain. Also, I have made it 1 day before. Just bring it out of the refrigerator about 30–45 minutes before serving.

Baba Ganoush

Another traditional appetizer dish that one is able to find all over the region and is easy to fix. From Allrecipes, here is a simple and traditional version.

Traditional Baba Ghanoush

I do mine basically the same, but I slice the eggplant in half lengthwise, place on a cookie sheet, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for about 30 minutes or so. You will see droplets on the eggplant. Just pat dry and drizzle with olive oil and roast. Salting it this way tends to remove that bitter taste that one gets from eggplant.

Now, all we need is some bread and enjoy!

Haria

Ah, the national soup of Morocco. This is one of those that can be made with meat (lamb, beef, or chicken) and a blend of spices, or for some it can be made vegetarian or even vegan if so desired. I prefer mine with lamb and lamb broth.

The first recipe is from The Mediterranean Dish and is the Vegetarian version. Just follow the directions and use the vegetable stock.

Moroccan Harira Soup Recipe (Vegetarian & GF)| The Mediterranean Dish

Now, if you would like to use the meat version, as I said, I like to use lamb. I like to make the lamb stock by using lamb shoulder steaks, about 1 kilogram 2.2 pounds and 8 cups of water. After the meat has cooked, remove it and place it in a bowl to cool. After the meat has cooled, remove from the bowl and set aside. Skim as much fat that has formed on the top with a spoon. Just use the above recipe, and use the premade stock and lamb meat. As this is a hearty soup, it is great on a cold winter day/night!

Another one of our favorites that we make is Moroccan Chicken. here is a recipe that I have used and like very much.

BEST Moroccan Chicken Recipe (tutorial) | The Mediterranean Dish

One of the side trips that we took was a trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls, complete with monkeys!

As there are so many dishes, too numerous to list here, there is a link with a number of them. Another thing and if you get to Marrakech, one must take in the market and it is best at night. Here is a video, and oh yes, go hungry!

25+ Classic Authentic Moroccan Recipes | Salima's Kitchen

Now, we will move on to Algeria and Tunisia. One thing that one will find in common with the foods is the overlap/similarity

• 20 Flavorful Algerian Recipes Authentic and Delicious - Just Love Cooking
• 25 Most Popular Foods in Tunisia - Tunisian Dishes w/ Recipes - Chef's Pencil

Also, one of my favorite dishes from this region is Shakshuka. You can find it all over North Africa and the Middle East.

It is a wonderful dish that is made with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and then eggs baked on top. It is great, and also makes a wonderful addition to a weekend brunch!

Shashuka

This is a great recipe and easy to follow, and I have used it.

Shakshuka

And one other thing that one will find in this region is the use of Harissa, a spicy chili paste that you will find almost everywhere!

And most are tasty and good. It adds, depending on the amount you use, a nice little kick. Now, if you feel up to it, and want bragging rights, one can make it oneself. A bit time-consuming, but also better than store-bought. Eve makes nice holiday gifts

There are several recipes out there, and all are good and vary from simple to a bit more complex. I will give the links to 2 of them. The Spruce Eats is the easiest, and The Mediterranean Dish a bit different.

• How to Make a Fragrant Harissa Paste From Scratch
• Easy Homemade Harissa (How to Make Harissa) | The Mediterranean Dish

Now we move over to the land of Ancient Egypt, and the foods are just as wide-ranging as the rest of North Africa.

The 25 BEST Egyptian Recipes

Moving on, up the coast of North Africa to Lebanon. And a couple of my favorite dishes from there is from there and similar to Steak Tartar, is Kibbeh Nayeh. Just make sure that the lamb is fresh, from a good butcher.

Kibbeh Nayeh Recipe (Lebanese Raw Kibbeh)

But wait, there is another version that is baked and just as wonderful. and that is Kibbeh bil Saneih (Baked Kibbeh). Here isa recipe

Kibbeh Bil Sanieh (Baked Kibbeh)

Link to other Lebanese dishes and recipes.

20 Flavorful Lebanese Recipes Authentic - Must Eat Food

Alright, everyone, I am going to wind down for now, as I am getting hungry myself. Just thinking of the flavors and aromas

With all of the nonsense, shouting, and BS from ALL of our politicians, I thought I would put something up that is what I think nice. There are times when everything seems like it is going to hell in a handbasket, and a little levity does help. I ran across these videos on Substack and thought let’s share these.

Some Street Art WOW

W.D. Lady on Substack

And The Dogs…..

• W.D. Lady on Substack
• W.D. Lady on Substack

We own a Bichon Frise who is named Johnny, and he is a character. Here are some photos.

Man, I like watching work

Okay, where is that dirty sock?

Alright, I’m Waiting

All the above photos of Johnny were taken by me, the author.

I hope that this brings a smile to your face and a little happiness as it did for me writing it.

Thank You For Reading.

First off, I want to say that this piece was a request from another writer/reader here on Medium. So Glenn M Stewart, fasten your seatbelt, and enjoy the ride!

Who has not gone into your favorite Indian or Nepalese restaurant, along with your meal, a basket of warm, yummy Naan Bread is set down. Warm, soft, either plain or brushed with oil and garlic or other herbs. You rip off a piece, then dip it into a curry sauce or some butter chicken. As you bite down and begin to chew this morsel, a burst of flavors and textures explodes in your mouth!

From Britannica

naan, teardrop-shaped, leavened flatbread traditionally baked in a tandoor oven (a beehive-shaped clay oven) or on wood charcoal. Although still a staple of South Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines — and especially associated with Indian cuisine — the versatility and flavor of naan have led to its incorporation into many different dishes and cuisines worldwide.

Naan | Description, History, Ingredients, Preparation, & Varieties | Britannica

So what types or flavors can be found? Here is a list of about 20 different types or flavors, and I didn’t know this. But why not!

20 Different Types Of Naan With Images

https://asian-recipe.com/types-of-naan-24233

Also

How Many Types of Naan Bread Are There? The Ultimate Guide!

How Many Types of Naan Bread Are There? The Ultimate Guide! - AmyCooksEats

Most of the Naan that I have eaten is at an Indian or Nepalese restaurant. As I was curious, can one make it at home without a Tandoor oven, and while doing some research, I did come across this recipe, and it is simple enough. And no Tandoor oven, and imagine that many of us do not. But a good griddle or grill will do.

Homemade Naan

And I got curiouser and curiouser, and thought, HEY, wait a minute, aren’t there more types of flatbreads similar to Naan? Well, did a little looking and yes, there are. Are they like Naan, maybe yes, then again maybe no. I did find several websites that offered some information on it. According to “Taste Atlas”, there are about 100.

Flatbreads of the World: Best Recipes & Restaurants | TasteAtlas

And from “The Spruce Eats”

https://www.thespruceeats.com/flatbread-varieties-1328776

Well, I hope that you enjoyed reading this as much as I did in writing it. If you have questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you again for reading

WARNING: reading this may cause hunger!

Flavors of the Southwest or Southwestern Cuisine, just what is it, and what are they? I can only assume that with a lot of people, they conjure up images of sitting around a fire with a pot of beans or a stew. Not even close, according to MASHED

Sometimes it seems like folks feel they can slap “Southwest” onto any food item featuring beans and corn and call it a day, but Southwestern cuisine is far more complex than that. Born of influences ranging from the centuries-old cuisines of the Native Navajo, Hopi, and Pueblo nations as well as the food of nearby Mexico, Southwestern cuisine is as varied as it is delicious. And thanks to innovative local chefs, it manages to walk the line between tradition and modernity.

Read More: https://www.mashed.com/438487/what-foods-is-the-southwest-actually-known-for/

Having lived in Southern Nevada and having traveled through New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado many times. I plan to share some food recipes with you, as well as some stories. I will also try to include recipes from the Navajo Nation.

The first time I had tried this type of food was in New Mexico as we were traveling from Kansas City to Las Vegas. Interstate 40 had not been completed, so we were on the old Route 66. We had stopped in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to visit some family friends. If I remember correctly, we were served some shredded beef, rice, and some corn, which they called Mexicali Corn. Corn with red bell pepper in it. Also, some funny-looking bread called sopapillas was served.

Now this version is drizzled with honey, and some eat it with powdered sugar. BUT, it can also be used to stuff meat, veggies into it like a roll of some sort. Which being I was 9 years old at the time, I thought that eating this way with my hands was pretty cool! BTW, the year was 1959.

MEXACALI CORN

This one is simple and can be made by using either a 15.5-oz can of corn ( drained and rinsed) or the equivalent of frozen and thawed. Add a tablespoon of diced roasted red pepper, heat, and serve.

Now this is simple, so I have jazzed it up a bit. I also like to add some of the little diced green chilies, like the Ortega brand. Or order the brand on Amazon from Hatch, New Mexico.

Amazon.com: Hatch Green Chilies

These are great to have around as they add flavor to a lot of dishes, or you could make your own!

Now for some variations. Take the same amount of corn, and add a similar amount of black beans, red pepper, and some cilantro *about 1–2 TBS of chopped cilantro, heat, and serve. This also may be turned into a salsa by adding 2 TBS of oil, juice of 1 lime, and 1 TBS of minced red onion.

But, this starts with some very pleasant memories of a trip through the Grand Canyon, and yes, that is someone sitting on the edge of that cliff.

After a day of driving and touring the Grand Canyon, we headed to a town called Kayenta, Az, that is in the Navajo Reservation. We discovered a little restaurant called the Amigo Cafe there.

Typical Mexican and Navajo food, and very good service. We were going to share an apple pie à la mode, then the waiter said no, you get apple pie anywhere, but the Fry Bread a la mode is not a dessert you can get anywhere.

Yummy ice cream on Fry Bread with both chocolate and caramel sauces. MMMM. More about Fry Bread later.

Another dish that I had, and not sure if one would classify it as Mexican or Southwestern, but it is good and I like it. It is Chili Verde.

Here is a piece about it

https://asktheman.xyz/

The original recipe was and is made with Pork, but I have also had it made with Beef or Turkey. Below is a recipe that is good and I have used with a little tweaking. As I cannot get fresh tomatillos here in Finland, I use canned ones that I found at Amazon Germany. (cheaper shipping than from the US)

• Suchergebnis Auf Amazon.de Für: Tomatillos
• Green Chili Verde

And here is a Vegetarian chili Verde Recipe

Giada De Laurentiis Vegetarian Chili Verde | Giada Recipes

One dish that I came up with is a simple chicken in Salsa Verde. Here is the recipe.

3 TBS of Olive Oil

2,5–3 Lbs of Chicken thighs, bone in.

Flour for dusting

1 Medium Onion, diced

1 tin of diced green chilis, drained and rinsed.

1 tin of tomatillos drained. Note 2

3 Cloves of fresh garlic, minced

1 TBS of Oregano or more to taste if needed.

1 tsp of cumin

1/4 Cup of chopped fresh Cilantro

Salt and Pepper.

Rinse the chicken and pat dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper. Dust with flour. In a Dutch Oven, heat the olive oil (medium-high) and brown the chicken on each side, about 3 minutes each side. After browning, remove and set aside. If needed, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the onions, garlic, and sauté till transparent, about 4 minutes, then add the peppers, oregano, and cumin, and cook for another 3 minutes.

Add the chicken and pureed tomatillos and bring to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked completely. Taste and adjust the seasoning, and adjust if necessary.

Place into a serving container, and I like to serve it along with chipotle-infused mashed sweet potato or yam.

Chipotle Infused Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Depending on the size of the Yams or Sweet potatoes

4 pounds of peeled and cubed sweet potatoes (about 5–7 small to medium)

Water for cooking

3 TBS Butter or margarine

1/4 Cup of sour cream

1 tsp of Chipotle peppers, finely chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Bring the water to a boil, and cook the sweet potatoes till soft, drain well, and place them into a bowl. Add the butter or margarine. And start to mash the mixture (I like to use a hand mixer). Mix in the sour cream and chopped Chipotle peppers and blend well. Adjust seasoning with the salt and pepper, and add more sour cream if too thick.

Serve this with the chicken, and then also add, say, some Mexicali corn or a nice salad. Enjoy.

Now we are coming to some points of discovery made while researching Navajo Foods. I assume that we all know of the First Nations’ use and love of corn, beans, and squash, or the three sisters. Here is a video explaining the legend behind it.

THREE SISTERS SALAD

This is a salad that we like, and here is the basic recipe for it that we use. You can add chopped tomatoes to it or other items that you may like. It is great for potlucks and makes a great side dish for summer BBQs!

1 15-oz can of corn drained and rinsed.

1 can of beans, drained and rinsed. We prefer black beans, but use what you like.

1 1/2 cups of chopped zucchini squash, or use a 50/50 mix of zucchini and yellow squash

1 green onion chopped

3 TBS of chopped roasted red pepper

2–3 TBS of chopped cilantro

1/4 Cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Juice of 1/2 lime

Salt and Pepper to taste.

Combine all vegetables in a bowl and toss together. Add the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper, and toss to mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding S&P or more oil and lime juice, and serve.

And as promised, Navajo Fry Bread. This is a tradition, and we tried a few variations while on the trip, especially after we had the fry bread la mode. Here is a basic recipe from Allrecipes

Navajo Fry Bread

It is versatile and can be used in many ways.

Navajo Taco

Navajo Burger

And again, Fry Bread Al la mode

There are a lot of dishes that we tried, and I will list some links to explain more.

Navajo Food

Also, some traditional Navajo recipes

18 Authentic Navajo Recipes Traditional - Simply Family Recipes

And from Taste of Home, here are 44 more

You Know You're from the Southwest If You've Had All These Foods

I want to say thank you for reading, and I hope that you enjoyed reading this as much as I did in writing it. One word of caution, these dishes are habit-forming and may bring smiles to your faces and the faces of family and friends. And if you find yourself in Kayenta, AZ, stop by the Amigo Cafe.

Yes, most definitely, I do have trust issues with those that we have elected who are supposed to “Represent Us” in Washington, D.C. I do not mean just since President Trump was elected, as many would think. No, it has been going on for years, probably decades, if we are to take a real look at it. And I blame all of them, the Progressives, Conservatives, Democrats, Republicans, and the many Bureaucrats.

Let’s start to take a look at the government of the United States. We have 100 members in the Senate. 435 members in the House of Representatives. Yes, that is right, 435 to represent some 335 million plus people. So, how does one get the attention of your Member of Congress, unless you have a very vocal organization or a sack full of money? Forget it; you are like a bump on the road. So, how do we get things done, and do they serve you? How many times have we all heard the campaign promises of ________, then once elected or re-elected, they claim it is too hard to get this or that done. I call a giant BS on them.

Oh, but wait, there’s more, as the commercial goes. Then we have all of these agencies a bureaus. You know the ones, those that are supposed to manage things, but do they? Have you ever tried to get something accomplished at any of them? I have, and I wish you good luck. I hope you have patience. How many of the offices are in D.C.? I would say all of them. How many have full offices across the country, and can you get anything really done in that regional office? How many times have they said I have to contact Washington for clarification? I have heard many times, much to my frustration.

The Federal Government, as of June 2024, had some 3 million employees. Alright, how many contractors and how many of those? Well, here are a few of the top ones in 2022 as an exaample

Here’s a look at the top ten federal contractors, along with the total contract value awarded to each. It’s important to note that this data (sourced from USASpending.gov and SAM.gov’s Top 100 Data Bank) is based on available figures for prime contracts awarded over FY 2022.

Top 10 Government Contractors: 2024 Breakdown - FAMR

Yeah, take a look at the amount they were awarded! A couple of questions, did you vote for this? I know that I did not. And how much money was given to our members of Congress to get these contracts awarded? If you would like to know, go to https://www.opensecrets.org/, and look up your Member of Congress and or Senate. Start asking questions.

Back to the agencies and departments. filled with many, many employees. We have just seen that many of them were furloughed or terminated. I just wonder how many of them would have made it in the private sector? You know, working for a cutting-edge company that requires one to perform in order to continue working or get promoted? I owned a small company, and I can say that those who did not work, I had to let them go.

So with all of the screeching going on in Washington at the moment, why? Has the gravy train been shut down and fraud exposed? Then also ask yourself, if my member of Congress only makes 175,000 a year, has to maintain a home in the district that they are from, plus a place to live in DC, how do many of them end up millionaires? Ever wonder what kind of perks they get? Take a look here

Congressional Membership has its Privileges | Open The Books Oversight Report

So next time you go into that voting booth, ask yourself some questions and THINK.

Oh, one last thing, it is not something just going on in the US, it is across the globe. I can attest to that as I have lived in other countries.

Thank you for reading, and any questions, feel free to ask.

Another writer on Medium, Judy Haratz Cohen, wrote about Chicken Pot Pies, and after reading some of the replies, I woke up the other morning and thought of writing more on this one.

Yes, I remember when my mom was busy, sometimes one of these was put down for dinner, and at times while watching TV! Oh, the horror….LOLOL.

And Judy, this video is for you!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zI8faYcWf8U&t=56s

Nope, pot pies are great still, but I prefer to make my own. That way I can control what goes in, and NO garbage!

But pot pies are more than just the chicken pot pie, one can also use leftover turkey, or even roast beef, and lamb.

Easy Beef Pot Pie Recipe - Mr. B Cooks

https://www.deliciousmagazine.co.uk/recipes/leftover-lamb-shepherds-pie/?ref=tfrecipes

There are also some wonderful recipes for the Pork Pies like Jamie Oliver does. My wife likes this one!

How to Make Pork Pies Like Jamie Oliver

Also, one that we like is a veggie pot pie.

Easy and Creamy Vegetable Pie with Puff Pastry

Also, we love to make a Southwestern Chicken Pot Pie, and here is a recipe from Sunset Magazine.

Southwestern Chicken Pot Pie

You can also use turkey, roast beef, or lamb, or even a veggie one!

And at times when we are in our country home, which is about 6–7 months of the year, we do use store-bought pie dough or puff pastry.

I think or maybe an assumption, that most countries have some sort of savory pie, and we have tried a few. This is from Ostrali.com and a list of twenty-some pies.

23 Different Types of Meat Pies From Around the World

Here in Finland, we have what is called Kalakukko, or Fish Pie

https://chefreader.com/kalakukko-exploring-the-rich-tradition-of-finnish-fish-pie/

All are good, and fun to eat. So have some fun, make one and sit down with family and or friends and enjoy a savory pie!

Oh, and Judy Haratz Cohen, thank you for the idea. I had fun writing this one!