Tuesday, February 23, 2010

It's Cloudy So Here's Another HEOC..........

Fun day on the 22nd with our northern NV skies clearing by midday. So outside to clear off the accumulated frozen waters & get some fresh air. Just awesome out here, cold, and bright, dry air with a hint of spring . My gaze turns toward the east and there rising off my neighbors roof is my pal Luna day 8. Seeing our moon in the daytime sky is always a treat for me. I shovel and clear my piece of real estate with haste for the skies look good for at least a late afternoon & early evening Luna show and as I walk back in and I hear the voice of my wife "SUG whats for lunch?" My brain goes into overdrive through my cooking files : fast, tasty, filling, with reserve energy stocks as I try to ignore the call of the Lady Selene in the eastern sky - got it!

What's for lunch: Course Mashed Refried Bean Burritos is the lunch that fits the bill. I soaked and cooked up 2 pounds of pintos the other day and they are ready to use. Olive oil in the skillet heated, add some beans. As they warm up I add garlic, jalapenos, salt, some prime rib rub, oregano, green chili salsa, lime juice and a little water. Simmer 15 minutes and then course mash. When cooked through these are served on streamed flour tortillas with leftover salad fixings, Greek style yogurt creme, avocados, brown rice and your choice of hot sauce. The smell in the house was inspired. Mrs. SUG enjoyed her piled high version as she worked on school, and SUG had the satisfaction of eating his gazing out to the backyard and dreaming of a moon view.

What to look at: Fra Maura Crater Complex at Lunar Daybreak. Sitting on the border land between Mare Cognitum and Mare Nubium this fine treasure trove is largely ignored accept if you are interested in locating the Apollo landing sites. Here we have ancient craters either flooded by flowing Lunar lavas or covered by Imbrium flying far and fast debris. Maybe both! The two "smaller" craters on its S.E & S.W create a interesting shadow dance as daylight advances. The scoring and depositing effect of the Imbium blast is obvious in the area and the interplay of morning light and shadow only enhance the view.

Like a bean burrito this may seem like a ho hum Lunar feature and lunch. But do it right and it is a very satisfying optical and lunch treat that you will want to experience again!

7 comments:

Jo said...

I am making this tonight!!! It sounds sooooooo yummy!!!

Sidewalk Universe said...

OK! Remember do not mash the beans too much and take in a view of Luna to have the full experience!

Moon views can also be enjoyed online if you can't see her due to weather or other factors.......

Drive-by Astronomy said...

Sug you are really good at this healthy eating stuff. I will try harder. Looks great ... I can be there by Saturday. Will there be any leftovers? Have the scopes ready to go on the back patio too.

Sidewalk Universe said...

You know my friends that "healthy"is a relative term.
Some may say that we are not healthy enough, some that we are to over board, some we should eat no meat, some do you eat any - yes we do. I have 2 posting prepared for the future that are meat centered. Today's din din was really fun and good.......

We eat very simply and we are "fresh" oriented. You have probably notice we eat a lot of grain, rice, beans, legumes, lean meats. Not a lot of processed stuff, or convenience food.

I like my astronomy the same way. I will always be a simple observer and simple tools and do simple observations. But how they nurture my soul and bring perspective to my life. I like the uncomplicated, simple.

Mike there were no leftovers on the refried beans - wiped out, gone. Everyone here expressed a desire for them soon. Do not kid yourself Mike, you are making good life changes right now. Bring your 60mm Coronado please.

Johany I hope yours turn out great and that you are able to enjoy them with something astronomical!

Marc Fitkin said...

An inspiration you are!

I have lost 50 pounds over the year as a result of eating right and getting out, walking, snowshoeing, and indoor biking (sometimes outdoor)...had no choice really when the doc said I had insulin resistance (genetics and poor choices). 50 pounds down, 50 more to go...I should be a rake next year.

M:)

Sidewalk Universe said...

Way to go Mark! Both you and Mr.Drive By are on the same course. Healthier people = better astro times for sure!

Hopefully he will see your post!

I like being a rack or more like a edge on galactic view!

Drive-by Astronomy said...

Congratulations Marc on the weight loss. It was actually The SUGster who was in part responsible for me changing my eating habits. I am down 15 lbs and feel 200% percent better already. Significantly more energy to get me up for those early morning observes and/or snow shoe treks as well as the extended evening observations that continue until the early morn.
Keep up the great work! Just awesome Marc!