A Living Magazine - Grounded in Maine - Day 36 - Dinner with Heather

[Notice to IWALLK Readers: On Sunday August 28 and Monday August 29 I suffered a significant and painful heart attack while camped out in Waldoboro, Maine. I was eventually transported to Maine Medical Center, where another stent was placed in my heart within the one that had clogged (the one I had received in 2006). I spent three days in the hospital and was discharged. I am currently at my sister's house in South Portland recovering. Obviously, this Grounded in Maine Journey must be suspended for now as my heart muscle was damaged and needs to heal as best it can. My rather simple life has gotten more complicated again. I will catch the blog up to the day of the heart attack and the days after. I will also work on my long neglected books, posting updates about everything here periodically. Warm thanks to all the people who have given so much love and support during this time. Donations through this blog will help more than ever as they are my only source of income. Now, back to this Living Magazine...]

It was the third morning in the Damariscotta sleep spot... 

Another room in my outdoor house.

I was planning to meet my friend Heather on this night and worked all day at the Ampersand Café, then headed back up to Hannaford to buy some dinner for both of us later that night. I thought it might be nice to cook for someone else for a change. 

I had walked around the store that morning before heading downtown, just to make a mental list of what was available. So, I had a pretty good idea what I could afford to buy when I returned that afternoon. I think I did very well, buying two small marinating steaks, provolone cheese, salad, tomatoes, some Uncle Ben's rice pilaf, and a baguette, all for about $12. It was a shorter trip to Heather's than I thought, as she only lives about a mile from the center of town, or two miles from Hannaford.

When I arrived I was a bit early. But she didn't mind. She greeted me warmly and I finally got to meet her in person even though we were from the same town. I also met a nice friend of hers who had been visiting and then left. Heather is about eight years younger than I, so we just missed each other in high school. 

She let me have my way with the kitchen and I got to work. I marinated the steak in soy sauce, sugar and a bit of apple vinegar. Then I sliced up the baguette and a couple of tomatoes, frying the bread in butter until it was golden on both sides. The tomato slices went on top, covered by provolone that melted as the bread cooled; topped off with oregano and basil. It made a nice little appetizer. Even her son took a liking to it!

Then I cooked up the steak, let it cool while I pan fried the ready to eat rice pilaf, mixed up salad and added a bit of sliced tomato...

Okay not that pretty, but it tasted good.

We talked outside after eating and drank a couple bloody marys. I found Heather to be very delightful company. We must have covered every subject. It was interesting all the connections to people we knew in common. That was one of the most fascinating things. I also learned that like most of us, Heather has had her hard times--perhaps a few more than the average person, and certainly more than she ever deserved. I was glad and proud to be her friend. There really is nothing like meeting someone face to face.

It was a splendid time. The hour grew late and we said goodnight. I decided to sleep on the couch rather than a bed, just because it was more narrow--like my sleeping bag I suppose. I slept very well.