I had to deal with questions like, “Is that cup mine?” (How the hell do I know? Did I drink from it? No you did). “What is that green stuff in the eggs? I’m not eating that. I’ll eat white onions but not the green or red ones.” What is it about kids and food? I was lucky. My son ate just about anything. If you’re a kid and you want to get on my bad side — be a picky eater.

Since I’m lazy and wanted the weekend to pass by quickly, the kids got to eat whatever they wanted. Enter Papa Murphy’s pizza, Dr. Pepper, hot dogs, hamburgers, macaroni and cheese, Fruit Loops, Cheetos and Snickerdoodles. I made spelt wheat blueberry muffins thinking that might work, but nooooo, “They don’t taste like the store bought muffins.”  I tried.

 

A few luminous events were able to slip through the darkness that was my weekend. First, I discovered Honey Crisp Apples. If you haven’t tried one yet, be sure that you do. These apples are crisp, slightly sweet but with just an edge of tartness. I can only imagine how great they would be as fresh pressed cider. No surprise, the kids loved them. You can find them at Stadium Thriftway for $1.99 a pound.

 

Since I wasn’t about to eat a hot dog, I sought out large sea scallops at Fred Meyer. To my great fortune, they happened to be on sale for $9.99 a pound through Oct. 13! That, my friend, is truly an amazing price. They usually run about $12.99 a pound, previously frozen. Don’t forget to press the liquid out if you are planning to sear them. 

 

Last but not least, Shafer wines released their 2004 Hillside Select (100 percent Cabernet, 97 points Robert Parker), and Sandee snagged a bottle to complete her vertical of five. If you have the means, I highly recommend you pick some up. Their Relentless Syrah is also available in limited release, so get some while you can. Time to enjoy my spoils. …

 

Eat out, Tacoma. Let someone else do the dishes.