Tiffany Painter

People tend to have strong feelings one way or another about leftovers. I have met people who state they don’t eat leftovers. They usually say this with some contempt for those of us who do eat leftovers. I actually feel bad for those people. They are missing out. I’m not saying all leftovers are good. There are a few things that I really don’t like as leftovers. Just ask my husband about the chicken enchiladas I recently made. My husband was thrilled to take some the next day for lunch. I tried to eat one though, and could not get past the sogginess of the tortilla after it spent the night in the sauce. So when it comes to anything that can get soggy, I will stand by the “No leftovers for me” people. But, there are so many things that make worthy leftovers: Chinese food (sesame chicken over rice), pasta (really anything from an Italian restaurant), pizza (more Italian), most meats (steak after a barbecue). The list just keeps going. Think how great the second meal is when you had a great time enjoying it the first time. Leftovers are like a screenshot of a happy day. And they take the pressure off of over eating. If you save part of the meal rather than stuffing yourself, you can have a second meal the next day. A meal that is already prepared and doesn’t mess up the kitchen. Besides, I hate waste. If my eating a bonus meal means less food getting thrown out, I’m happy to do my part. There really are so many perks to leftovers. If I haven’t tempted you yet perhaps the thought of leftover desserts will win you over. Who doesn’t love the leftover pies at Thanksgiving? Now that Valentine’s Day is over, technically all those chocolate hearts are leftovers. I for one, will continue enjoying those leftovers for a few more days.

2/12

power to make light 
such a useful winter skill
when sun works part time

2/13

my inspiration
trying to get me to play
not much of a work dog

2/14

enjoying the view
greeting the lake with a song
brightens day for all

2/15

swimming through the sky
face looking right into the sun
mighty beast hiding

2/16

watching and waiting
tide has turned and taken sun
snow softly falling

2/17

last night’s snow weighs down
sun working hard to lift up
snow creatures lurking