Cucumbers, Miso and Buddha.

I'm feeling under the weather today. Which during a three kiddo week can be less difficult in some ways and more in others. Mia has discovered her feet. This means that no matter where she is or what she is near she kicks and kicks and kicks. Being only two this can make Kiki a little pissy, yelling 'Stop that Mia' or 'Don't do that!' as Mia kicks away her toys, food, or just her. Now to be fair Kiki should learn to move away but she just loves to be near Mia.

I was surprised with how involved Kiki has wanted to be with Mia since she was born. I was expecting a bit more resistance or at least annoyance at not being the only kiddo anymore. But I was completely wrong. Kiki loves her little sister so much! She loves to be there when Mia wakes up in the morning, tries to help with her diaper, and goes running to rub Mia's belly to try and make her feel better as soon as she starts crying. She really is a wonderful big sister. And the two of them together can be the sweetest pair.

At the same time though there are afternoons like these, it seems the less energy I have the less composure the kiddos have. Kiki woke up from her nap sobbing. I tried everything: Food, potty, cuddles, back rubs, story time. She would not be consoled. This led to Mia losing her cool as well. They tend to feed off one another.                            

But all that aside, it turns out our good friend is arriving tonight, giving me another excuse to make Lemon polenta cake. A task (along with a list of others) I need to get going on. Lastly I will leave you with a recipe that will use a fair amount of cucumbers if your garden seems to be producing more than you know what to do with!

Miso Cucumber salad

3 medium cucumbers
1 1/2 Tblsp miso paste
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tbls fresh basil shredded
1 Tbls ginger minced
salt.

First off slice all the cucumbers as thin as you are able. Put all the slices into a bowl and salt them all well. mixing with your hands and rubbing the salt into all the slices. set aside and  let rest about a half an hour.
Mix miso paste with the lemon juice and ginger.
Once the cucumbers are done resting, squeeze out all the liquid you are able using your hands and gently wringing like a dish cloth. Also dump out any water remaining in the bowl.
Pour the miso dressing over the cucumbers, add a splash of olive oil, and the shredded basil. Mix well till all the cucumber slices are coated.