midwestern rolls

I am finding it hard to sit down and write about our little happenings.  When there's wars, earthquakes and tsunamis, children fighting for their lives, to name a few.  And we’re over here, ordering sushi... 

Sometimes, our life seems like a dream.  And, I just don’t know how to rationalize the horrors others are facing with the happiness we find right now.  It just doesn’t seem fair.  Of course, our kids squabble and what should be nice drives through amish country looking into kitchen cabinet options turn into what will make my brother explode games.  But that seems so trivial when I pick up TIME magazine or watch videos of the tsunami online.

I am seeking to live fully these days, thanking God for the gift.  And yet, my heart aches for those who are unwrapping days they never in their life hoped to see.  We don’t know what tomorrow holds.  This life is a vapor.  We pray.  We prepare.  We hold each other close.

Some friends introduced us to this idea:  After the kids were in bed, we ordered a few sushi rolls from a local restaurant and enjoyed date night without having to hire a sitter.  And would you know lights off and lit candles hides a multitude of toys on the floor and messes you would have otherwise spent your Friday night cleaning up :)

How did I miss out on this all my life?  We're learning how to roll our own, because I have lots of catching up to do!  These rolls have smoked salmon, avocado, green pepper, green onion.  I don't know if there's a technical name for them, so I've improvised.  
And bring you midwestern rolls...

Annie's Eats has a helpful explanation on rolling sushi here.
This is the rice recipe I personally use.
sushi rice
1 1/2 c. sushi rice
1 3/4 c. water
3 T. unseasoned rice vinegar
1 T. sugar
1 t. salt
Put rice in medium bowl and cover with cool water.  Swish rice around with your hand, pour off water, and repeat until water runs clear (about 5 or 6 times).  Drain rice in colander and put in medium pot.  Add the water and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and cook, covered, 12 minutes.  Turn off heat and let sit 10  minutes.  Combine vinegar, salt, and sugar in small pan.  Cook over low heat, stirring, until sugar and salt dissolve.  Remove from heat and cool.  Transfer cooked rice to large glass bowl.  Slowly pour vinegar mixture over rice and gently fold together with spatula.  Let cool before rolling sushi.  Let stand at room temperature.  DO NOT REFRIGERATE.  


Just for memories' sake...

This was the scene that may have inspired all these ramblings, as we drove through the peaceful countryside with images of devastation on our minds... 

How do you know what will happen tomorrow?  

For your life is like the morning fog--it's here for a little while, then it's gone.  

What you ought to say is 

"If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that."  

James 4.14-15 (NLT)