Chalking This Up to Grade 43: I'm Not Sure It Is Good To Admit The Only Years I Wasn't In School Were Ages Birth to Four (But the Riggies)

As always, I labored on Labor Day.

Most teachers do, because they have too. The day after Labor Day is the 1st day of school for many in the northeast, and definitely for those of us at Fairfield University. Yes, I had surgery the 2nd week of August and this caused me to sit still, but I'm not sure how rested I got as I tied bows on summer programs, caught up on writing projects, and set out for another round of grants. And then the syllabi needed to be created. 

I guess I am thankful that I was forced to sit still so much. I think I'm ready, even if I am tired. I do, however, get to teach the classes I love to teach and even if class sizes are shrunk this year due to low-interest in the teaching profession, I'm going to give it my all.

I also want to shout out to Oona, who resurrected my love of Utica Chicken Riggies. We've been talking about them for weeks and when she sent me a top ten list of CNY foods (including Wine ice cream. Really? Wine ice cream), I decided I would set out to attempt to make chicken Riggies in Connecticut. After all, I stopped at the farmer's market and they were loaded with peppers. They didn't have cherry peppers, but I did what I could.

I gave myself a B- at first, but as the ingredients sat for a while, and were reheated to match Bev & Leo's salad, the flavor popped out. So, I moved into the B+ range. The only way I can do better is to get a creamier sauce and a hotter pepper. It was a great back-to-school treat.

Ah, but Oona was absent. A container was left for her in the fridge, but the entire meal was meant for her. It's her turn to give them a try next...we'll see what she can do. I found my recipe online, but afterwards perused several others to see what I was doing right or perhaps a little wrong. I am sure those living in Utica have multiple variations. Perhaps I am glad they weren't as spicy as usual. They tasted great with Pam's flat bread garlic pizzas. It was a nice meal before the chaos returns.

Late night class for Day One and a day of writing in the morning and afternoon. I'm looking forward to meeting my tiny crew this evening and getting to work. 

And just like that...we shall see.