Reminiscing about my Trip to Europe - 1983
I went to Europe with my sister SusieQ, and our mother in 1983 - talk about a fun trip of a lifetime - I would so love to go back with you guys. If I win the Powerball we are all going - that would be so great!

There are so many stories, some I can share, some I can't.  For instance, when we were planning to go, I was sure I would not have enough money.  In the early 80s I didn't realize you could save money, too funny.  I worked as a temporary Secretary and made around $10 or $12 an hour.  I had my Ford Pinto (the wagon not the blow up car, lol), and I was living with a girlfriend of mine.  We lived on the edge of Hartford, Connecticut on a street called Highland off Farmington Avenue and one street up from Prospect Ave.
 
I don't remember what I was paying for rent. But I moved from that apartment to Huntington Street the edge of the north end of Hartford. I paid $100 a month for that place. I had one room in a 7 or 9 bedroom house with 2 baths and a formal dining room and kitchen that you could use with a comfortable living room and a large color console TV.

It really was a fancy place to store my junk - until I came back from Europe. I had my own apartment back in the late 70s on Forrest Street right next to Hawthorn Street that has the original Hawthorn house that I could see from my apartment. It was pretty cool. I loved that neighborhood - close to Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stow Houses.

So I took on a second job working nights doing secretarial work. I worked for the CT. Lottery commission before the "Postal" event at the Wethersfield office. I also worked at a travel agency and a law firm. The law firm was the best. I could come and go as I liked for my evening hours. I usually worked from 5:30 PM until about 10 PM. I was typing from voice transcribed tapes. I had to type everything they needed done on those tapes. They used those tapes to remind themselves of everything. I learned a lot about the legal profession. They were a company that worked for insurance companies. They were working on lawsuits. So I typed up all their forms, letters, legal documents, etc.

I got friendly with all the people in the law office. One of the lawyers and I used to joke around. They had a bottle of Champagne in their refrigerator. It sat there all the time I worked there before I went to Europe. So asked him what the bottle of Champaign was for. He said sometimes they celebrate events, so they kept a bottle handy.

The last night I worked before going to Europe, they gave me the bottle. That was so cool. This is my favorite drink. I feel that every time I drink, I like to believe I am celebrating something.

And then we got into a very large plane and flew over the Atlantic Ocean headed for Paris, France. First country, first City. We wound up in Brussels instead. The students were picket or something the airport in Paris. We took a hot bus from Brussels to Paris. Which took the rest of the day and we had to be taken to the Airport since that was our original destination. They could not drop us off in Paris. 

I had exchanged some money before we left to Francs which came in handy since we needed cash for cab fare.  I don't think he was happy that I had Francs, since we were American he was expecting dollars.  Sorry.  My mother was surprised, but happy because by the time we got in it was late and it was one less thing to think about.

At the airport they had great information offices and they got us a great hotel on the right bank. I believe it was on Rue Avenue at a hotel with the similar name. Not sure it is still there today. We would go down around the corner and get our afternoon tea. By the time we left they had the tea tray ready for us, which we took to our room and brought back later. They were so friendly and beautiful.

Then we went to so many wonderful sights. The Eiffel town is all that you image it to be. We didn't go up, there was a line. But see it from different locations was really special. We walked down the Champs Elysees in a parade of people and we stopped to enjoy a cafe to watch the parade of people. Another experience worth the memory and feeling.

We walked to Mont Mart, took a tour of the Opera house, walked across this really cool bridge - a lot of bridges, saw the mini-Statue of Liberty and took a drive out to Versailles. We would have wine in the afternoon with cheese. Tried the bread, fruit tarts, chocolate deserts and so much more. Goose liver called pate was one of my favorites and their yogurt was beyond unbelievable. French food is all that they say about it. We went to a little cafe where the writers and artist of the day would hand out, and discuss their ideas. 

After a week in Paris we headed for Germany, Austria, Italy, the French Riviera (olala), Spain, back to Paris and then over the Chanel to London for a week or so. We spent 6 or 7 weeks in Europe. The most amazing thing that happened when I got back was the experience of going to the bank.

For you see for the past 6 or 7 weeks, we had been doing money exchange of travelers checks. My job during the trip became figuring out the exchange rate from US dollars, getting us around within the towns and cities we stayed in. Two of my best skills involving numbers and directions.

So, I figured out the exchange rate. Go to the bank or information centers that cashed our checks for their currency and in those days there was no euro currency as one. Each country had their own currency and far different exchange rates. Paris was 7 francs to 1 us dollar. Germany was 2 marks for every us dollar. Italy was the hardest to figure out it was like 13000 lira to 1 us dollar. England was just the opposite and the only country where the US dollar was lower than the British pound. I believe it was like 1 British pound to 1.60 US dollar. 

So when I walked into the US bank, with my paychecks that I had earned before I left, but had not cashed before I left, I had no clue what to do. In those days they sent the checks to my house, there was no direct deposit to my checking account. So I'm standing at the bank teller window with the check and no idea what to do next. I explained to the teller where I had been and that I was used to exchanging currency. So I have a paycheck, but I don't know what do to next. She was kind enough to explain that I needed to fill out a deposit slip, etc.

It was a cultural shock when I came home. Everything was so different. It's so hard to believe that you can forget your whole way of life in about 7 weeks when you go to other countries. That is exactly what it was like. I didn't go to work the first week I was home. I did line up a job for the next week. I had two paychecks, so I could live for a week until I got my next paycheck. 

I went back to working my day job and my night job, so that I could replenish my savings account, plus it was fun working for the lawyers and it was no problem with my social life - cause I usually got off early on Friday night and I didn't have to work Saturday or Sunday. I partied heartily at places like - 36 Lewis street, The Russian Lady, Brown Thompson and so many other great places. If there was a bar, I partied there - give a should out to Miss Piggy's (wish I could buy it - what fun). I wasn't a big drinker for the most part, but once in a while I have a few more than usual.

Like the time I waited for a date at the Russian Lady. There was this guy who was from New Hampshire who had a hot dog truck in the summer and wintered in New Hampshire. He would make decent money in Hartford on the streets as a hotdog cart entrepreneur and a few of his friends. Then they would head to New Hampshire in the winter, with the wood fires, hunting and fishing. They had the best of both worlds. He introduced me to a liquor called Frangelico (check spelling). Yum. I haven't had it in years. Eventually, my date showed up and I drank some more needless to say I got a little tipsy. Good think Ryan's Deli was in the Civic Center in those days. We went across the street and had breakfast which they served all day long. Breakfast is my favorite food.

Well that's one of the stories I have from my European trip in 1983. I was 27 and hot. The clothes were so radical. I wore a red dress that had a Spanish theme that was so pretty. Red is definitely one of my colors. Then I had an all white shorts outfit that had short sleeves. I had another pair of peddle pushers that were cobalt blue and shiny. I wore all of these with sneakers as they were the shoes of the day for walking. I see that the younger generation today has opted for flip-flops or slippers as "comfortable" shoes.

This has very little to do with Meta Given, but I wanted to expand on a post that I made on Facebook so I am putting it here for the time being.

Cabbage Soup Diet

Today I am starting the cabbage soup diet.  I have gone on line to see what I can eat and not for the next 7 days.
Reference: https://www.cabbage-soup-diet.com/

Day1
Cabbage soup, fruit all kind except bananas and you can eat all you want
Note: I stuck very close to this except I did have a few corn chips (5) and cashews 1/4 cup.  I ate a whole cup of raspberries - they were so delicious. 3 cups of Cabbage soup

Day2
Cabbage soup, vegetables and a baked potato with butter as a treat
Note: Day two I had corn chips, Jell-O, cashews, a little dark chocolate and started the day with a small breakfast - 1 egg, 1 piece of bacon and a few mashed potatoes.  I'll get on the scale tomorrow and see how it was.  2 cups of cabbage soup


Day 3
Cabbage soup, Vegetables and fruits
Note: So I got on the scale this morning and I have lost about 3+ lbs. in the last 3 days.  I started this morning with 2 eggs over well.  I am about to eat the first of cup of cabbage soup this morning and try to have 3 cups for the day.  I am prepared to have peas, fresh cut green beans and raspberries for other food items.

Day4
Cabbage soup, Bananas up to 8 with skim milk (I'll be doing almond milk)
NOTE: I have lost 6 pounds as of Monday.  That's right.  I have been on this diet since Monday and I have pretty much put down everything that I ate and I have still lost this much weight.  Yesterday after I blogged, I had my So-Delicious Ice Cream.  It has about 180 calories per serving with 3.5 g of fat.  It is made with either coconut, soy or almond milk products.  I also have had eggs for breakfast yesterday and today.  I had 3 cups of the cabbage soup.  Today eggs, bacon, green beans, and I am having my first cup of cabbage soup.

Day5
Cabbage soup, Beef 10-20 oz., 6 fresh tomatoes
NOTES: the rest of the diet consisted of eating a lot of beef and something with cabbage.  I took the bus to Maine and did not have the rest of the cabbage soup with me.  However, you can find salads with red cabbage and coleslaw just about everywhere.

Day6
Cabbage soup, Beef & Vegetables

Day7
Cabbage soup, Brown Rice, Fruit juice (I'll make my own - no added sugar), vegetables
NOTES:  I never got to this part of the diet as I was on vacation and again not in a controlled environment.  However, I lost 6 lbs. over all.  When I came home after day 11, I had gained a couple of pounds.  So it was very successful.  I am back on the diet starting at day 1.  I'll reboot until I have lost the weight I desire every week.  I believe you can eat this soup every week, as long as you eat what you want every so often.  That the plan.  Will keep you posted. (see below)

Recipe:
2-3 carrots
1/2 - 1 onion
2 spears of celery
1/4 head of cabbage chopped small
salt and pepper - even red pepper if you like spice
cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, Italian spices, basil leaf/ground
v-8 or tomato and chicken stock
add water for more liquid depending on how you like it

Use a Dutch oven or 8 quart cooking pan
put all ingredients in and bring to a rolling boil
turn down heat and simmer for 30 minutes no more and I don't recommend using a pressure cooking - unless you want mush

Then you can put in canning/Masson jars and seal.  This keeps your recipe fresh and so much more enjoyable; plus easily transportable.
If you make enough you will have for the whole week.  You can also blend this into a tomato smoothie.

The batch I made fit into 12 1 cup servings which if I eat 3 a day will last 4 day or 4 a day will last 3 days.  So I only need to make it twice.
************************
The cooking of the batch and canning took me about 1 hour from chop to canned.  The batch is very tasty and I would recommend the second batch make with difference spiced is you want it to be less boring.  You could also make several batches and changes the spices and even some of the vegetables in each batch. 

I recommend not putting in too much cabbage as that can cause bathroom issues, also don't overcook the vegetables and you end up with a crunchier soup.

I read somewhere in the last 3 years that cabbage was a mainstay in the diet during World War II because so many foods where rationed.  I find it hard to believe that if you ate a little of the cabbage soup every day for lets say 25 days and cut back on other things that would harm you nutritionally.
So I plan on expanding this diet so that I lose 20 pounds in a short period of time, but still ensure that most days I eat 1000-1500 calories a day after the first seven.

Day assessment - I did have a few things not on the diet, but overall I ate 3 of the 1 cup servings of the cabbage soup, had fruit, a couple of corn chips, and did not feel hungry, but full of pep - so all in all a good day.  I'll check in with you tomorrow if I can.
Day 3 assessment - This is very enjoyable.  I have not been bored with the recipe - it is very tasty.  I know I have eaten things that are not on the diet, but I have managed to lose 3+ lbs.  So I recommend you do what make you happy, try to stay as close to the diet as possible and relax - this just part of that long and winding road we are all on together.


Research 20170626:
In my research to try and find the WWII reference about cabbage I came across this article.  I would try this diet, but I would use Meta Given's recipes and menus.  She believed in variety, color and good tasting food that was economical yet fell within the proper nutrition that would keep you healthy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014/03/31/world-war-two-ration-diet-woman-loses-seven-stone_n_5061383.html

Cucumber Salmon Aspic

SALMON IN CUCUMBER ASPIC

Recipe by Meta Given

Ingredients:

1 envelope plain gelatin (1 tsp.)              1 tbs. vinegar

1/4 cup cold water                                   Dash freshly ground black pepper

1/'2 cup boiling water                              12-oz. cucumber, peeled and finely grated

1 1/4 tsp. salt                                            1 lb. can red salmon

1 tsp. sugar                                               lettuce

2 tbs. lemon juice                                      Mayonnaise (p. 1323)

Soften gelatin in cold water for 5 minutes.  Add boiling water and stir until dissolved.  Add salt, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar and pepper.  Cool, then add cucumber with its juice.  Chill until slightly congealed, stirring occasionally.  

Remove and discard skin from salmon; crush the bones and flake the fish.  Fold into gelatin mixture.  Place in a lightly oiled mold (about 1 quart).  Chill until firm, then unmold on flat serving dish line with lettuce.  Server with mayonnaise.  4 servings.

Update:  I would probably not serve with the mayonnaise cutting some of the calories for this really delicious local dish.

Cucumber

CUCUMBER AND RADISH SALAD

 

Rescipe:  Slice 1 bunch cleaned radishes and 1 medium peeled or unpeeled cucumber quite then, and arrange slices on lettuce.  Serve with French Dressing (p. 1320) to which grated onion has been added in the proportion of 1 tablespoon to 1/3 cup dressing.  5 Servings.

Simple easy and you can use a low calorie dressing.

This is all I got today.  I am tired - it's been a busy week.  Have a great weekend! 

Cucumber - This amazing Vegetable!

THE LIFE SAVING CUCUMBER

The amazing green cucumber - has many heath benefits - according to a post on Facebook - Cucumber will help you lose weight and is the Cure for Diabetes.  

That's right you read it here second.  I know this could be true, but is any one really willing to eat cucumber on a regular basis.  I challenge anyone who reads this to put it to the test.

1.  Every time you eat something you know is not good for or too much of a good thing, do #2 below.
2.  Eat cucumber in every meal for the next 24 hours.

I will help.  I am going to work cucumber into all my next blogs and writings.

The Wonderful, Yet Unbelievable Cucumber Diet.

You heard it here and it will change your life:

Here's the first blog about cucumber.  There is one and only Cucumber or is there?


According to the local foods.about.com website there are about 5 varieties: Armenian, English Cucumber, Garden Cucumbers or American Slicing, Kirby, Lemon and Persian.

So let's see what kind of ways we can incorporate cucumbers into our food:
I am going to try and write every recipe from my 1952 "Meta Given's Encyclopedia of Cooking" cook book written, organized, and developed by Meta Hortense Given in 1947.  Below you will find the recipe with as modern updates as possible in relationship to the original recipe.

The first recipe is Egg Salad Sandwich on page 1353:
**********************************************************************************
Recipe name:  CUCUMBER AND EGG SALAD SANDWICH FILLING
The ingredients are listed by the way in which they should be added to the recipe.  This is how Meta Given believed in listing items within her recipes.
3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped | 1 Egg                         1/2 tsp. salt       | 1/8 tsp.
3/4 cup diced cucumber          | 1/2                                   Dash Pepper   | same
1 or 2 teaspoons finely            |  1 tsp.                        2  tblsp. Mayonnaise,   | 2 tsp.
           chopped onion                                                       (p. 1323) mixed with 1/4 tsp.
                                                                                           prepared mustard    | 1/16 tsp.

Combine all ingredients lightly but thoroughly; use immediately as filling for sandwiches.  Makes about 1 cup filling, sufficient for 5 sandwiches. (for 1 has resized amounts)

Updates:  You can substitute egg white for egg (use 2 egg whites), substitute salt for other spices that you like and for the mayonnaise you can make the recipe on p. 1323, or from the jar and use either regular or light.  Regarding the bread, you can choose any bread of your choice.  They can be made or purchased at your personal likes.  Also, works as a wrap.
Original Recipe by: Meta Given from the "Meta Given Encyclopedia of Cooking," page 1353
**********************************************************************************

##################################################################
Recipe Name:  MAYONNAISE
1 tsp. dry mustard                                                       2 egg yolks (whites with thickener rice flour)
1 tsp. salt                                                                      1/4 cup cider vinegar or
2 tsp. confectioners' sugar                                                  lemon juice, chilled
dash cayenne pepper                                                  2 1/2 cups salad oil, chilled
  
Blend dry ingredients in mixing bowl.  Add unbeaten egg yolks and mix well; then add 1/2 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice.  Add a few drops of oil, beating in with a rotary beater or electric mixer.  Add a few drops of oil, beating in with a rotary beater or electric mixer.  Continue adding oil by drops, beating thoroughly after each addition, until about 2 tablespoons oil have been added and the mixture has thickened.  Beating in a little vinegar, and then continue adding oil by teaspoons until 2 more tablespoons have been used.  As mixture thickens, oil may be added in larger quantities, beating well after each addition.  Add vinegar to thin the mixture whenever it becomes very stiff.  Continue adding oil and vinegar with continued beating until all has been used.  Makes 1 pint.
Note: If oil is added too rapidly at first mayonnaise will not thicken; but this thin mixture may be beaten into another egg yolk, a little at a time, and the rest of oil and vinegar added when the new mixture has thickened up.

Update:
Substitute egg yolks with egg whites and a thickener like rice flour or corn starch (both are gluten free).  Lower the amount of salt, to an agreeable level (1/8 to 1/2 tsp.)  Swap out salad oil with olive oil.

 Original Recipe by: Meta Given from the "Meta Given Encyclopedia of Cooking," page1323
##################################################################

Local food dot about dot com that gives a list and descriptions of various cucumber types:

http://localfoods.about.com/od/summer/tp/cucumbertypes.htm

Previous post about Diet Pattern taken from "Meta Given's Encyclopedia of Cooking" cookbook from the 1953 copy that I have. 
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1180177735912909339#editor/target=post;postID=5674677780628011085;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=23;src=postname