She
was cheated out of it last year, so the wife and I just had be sure she had a chance
to carve a jack-o-lantern this year. Even though the Mystery Guest
Blogger is in Ohio visiting her mother, I didn't want her to miss out
on the American cultural experience of pumpkin carving.
After
getting her into my usual Friday football game as my "assistant", and
getting a shot of her with the Mission High School Eagle, we spent
Saturday morning having fun!
Having fun carving up a poor defenseless pumpkin, that is - one she had picked out herself for the
slaughter.
After checking the web and some photos, putting a bunch of old
newspapers on the floor, warning the cat to stay out of the way and
selecting the right knives, she began.
I was reminded of the danger of provoking a woman with a large knife.
And I watched as the creativity started. Not content with merely following somebody
else's
ideas, she soon figured out what she wanted to do with her pumpkin.
Since the Mystery Guest Blogger was absent, she wanted her pumpkin to
speak for her - "Mommy - Where r you?" Outlining her cut marks with a
magic marker, she soon had her pumpkin talking for her.
Is
this life imitating art or art imitating life? (Don't blame me for
this photo - it was her idea. If her mother sees this, be assured
Trang does not usually stick her tongue out at me.)
And the final product. She took it with her when returning to her apartment - just so there would be some kind of
Halloweeny kind of thing on the front door step. The two candles I sent with her should have lasted the evening.
My
reward for showing her this deep American "cultural experience?" I was
treated to fresh home-made
pumpkin soup - Vietnamese style. (As soon
as I post this, I'm heating up the left-overs for supper. It is very yummy.) Though she put me to work grinding some peanuts, she
did most of the work - while my stomach growled in anticipation. Once
again, I was reminded of the dangers of provoking women with large
knives. She obviously knows how to handle knives - she told me she has
been cooking for her family since she was in the sixth grade.
In addition to the soup, she prepared a delicious entree of rice noodles, chicken hearts (yes, they are very good
- and tender too), cilantro, and of course, some fish sauce. I know I
have bragged on Vietnamese food before, but it really is delicious,
fresh - and very healthy. I love it!
And Trang knows how to make it right!