Two Weeks With The Cast of Iron Man

I am hoping that the gag order we signed has been lifted. After all, I would think that Director John Favreau wouldn't mind free publicity. Furthermore, Layne's part was such a small one. Who knows it might even wind up on the editor's cutting board. It would help a small-time writer such as myself to have a nice first-hand review published on Associated Content, for example. Therefore, I am praying the order is null and void. We worked on that set for two weeks and had a blast. Met so many wonderful friends, some of who will, no doubt, become household names soon, that I wouldn't have enough space here to mention them all.

And just in case, Layne's little role doesn't get cut, he's the young boy the insurgents toss around a bit. It's a village scene where Iron Man will come in and safe the villagers. It opens on May 2nd, 2008.









Gatekeeper Iron Man Lost

Exotic Dishes: Nasi Goreng

This exotic dish, Nasi Goreng, comes from the islands of Indonesia. I believe this little bowl of rice had its humble beginnings as a left-over. It is included in our family cook book, Come and Dine. And I'm glad to say it is very popular over at Yuwie. I might be a tad bit more of a successful blogger over there. We just ran a contest and gave away a copy of Come and Dine. Yuwie (video here) is a great community (plus you get paid to be there), if you'd like to check it out you are most welcome to. We have even formed a food club. Sweet! In any case, here's mom's famous recipe . . .

Ingredients:
2 C. rice (cooked)
1 small onion (sliced)
2 red chilies (cut)
1 tsp. trassie bakar (you'll find this in any Asian supermarket)
3 big cloves garlic
1/2 block salted pork (sliced)
1 cube chicken bouillon

Blend chili, garlic, onion and trassie in small blender. Set aside. On medium heat, fry the pork in frying pan till crispy. Remove from pan; let cool and then crumble. Set aside. In the pork juices, fry the chili mixture till cooked. Add rice to the pan with the chicken bouillon. Mix gently together. Top off with crispy, crumbled pork ( I like to mix that in too).

This dish is served best with cut up pieces of an egg omelet or with a sunny side up egg. Add slices of refreshing cucumbers marinated in vinegar, black pepper, sugar and salt. Enjoy!!!

Yuwie cook books Indonesian recipes

The Neighborhood Chronicles: A Golden Anniversary And SuperBowl

It has indeed been a very long winter already. Most of it, Lady Gatekeeper spent coughing, sighing and losing a couple of pounds here and there. Appetite has returned, however, which is actually not a good thing in her opinion. Nonetheless, health was needed to survive the first weekend of February.

Rather sad to report that the Gatekeeper missed attending her writers' group. It was a necessary "evil" one would suppose. There were plans to make for her parents' Golden Anniversary. Yes, fifty years my friends. Alas, it is something I will never attain. No worry, love might come again. One can only hope and pray.

In any case, February 3rd started out with a torrential downpour. One must not forget that Father's church (where we celebrated the Golden event) is a two-hour drive. Furthermore, it has been well documented that Californians do not know how to drive in the rain. Sure enough, we encountered two accidents. We were delayed long enough for Princess S. to put on her makeup.

Now to the Anniversary celebration. Lady Gatekeeper's family (seven in total) sang a pretty song for Oma and Opa. They did well, even though their leader (LG) forgot the words and proceeded to mix up all the verses. But the rest of the family were pretty awesome in following her and success was theirs after all.

There was delicious food, Indo worship music, festive decorations, laughing children and yes, the rain stopped.

Then the Gatekeeper's family visited Lord Brother J. and had the pleasure of watching SuperBowl XLII on HDTV. Outstanding!!! Lady Sister-in-law was not too impressed with the game and proceeded to fall into a well-deserved nap until the last three minutes of the game. Of course, we had no idea that we loved the New York Giants so much. But we cheered and carried on as if Eli Manning had been our hero all along. We suspect, however, that it was all about how much we disliked those amazing Patriots. They did look a little dull throughout the whole contest.

Well, these are the days in our neighborhood. It has been wonderful and by the way, the high desert has reached freezing temps again, the rain has watered our stony mountains and grass (or moss) has covered the land. Rivers are flowing, catch basins are streaming and the little calves have had to brave the weather. The sheep, zebras, little donkey, goats, and fillies have all sought shelter and sadly, our pups have still not made it home. We pray they are safe and happily living with a loving family. How is life your neighborhood?








Gatekeeper golden anniversary SuperBowl XLII