Yes, yes, some of it.

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No chicken.  The corned beef wore me out.  But, it is done, and well.  Browning the corned beef really does add... something.  Not so much flavor, but a more solid bite.  I added spices, hoping to bolster what the packet offers.  To be honest?  It... just... doesn't do much.  The brining process, that they do at the plant, pretty much sets the flavor.  Unless you brined it yourself, you couldn't really change much.  Still, worth a shot.

I did invite the friend over, and his gal if he felt comfortable with that.  Letting him know, she is always welcome in my home, and at my table.  My place is a bit rough, still... I make good food, and am mostly polite company... if you... can handle that I will say it as I see it.  So... if you ask, or bring up a hot-button topic?  I may well hurt your feelings.  Not my intention, but most people are... weak... to these things, and things I say.  Can't... quite handle the truth.  Still, it's not my intent.  And... people need to bone up.  I can... help with that.  *rictus grins*

Oh, I did have a spot of the meat and veggies.  Quite nice.  This time I used half water, a quarter beef stock, and a quarter chicken stock.  To be honest?  I couldn't tell a lick of difference.  Healthier?  Maybe.  I honestly don't know that either.  I believe it to be, but... that's... just me.  A lot of extra work for not being able to tell the difference, even if it is healthier.  Then again, I am pretty shot.

Tomorrow afternoon, or this afternoon, in fact if not virtue of a sleep cycle between, I will share some of my favorite food.  Then, in a few days, after that has been eaten down, I will take the sauce, add meatballs and fresh veggies... the meatballs spiced this time... and have another go at impressing him.  He is a cookie too.

He likes to grill.  I like to think I... showed him some of the ropes on that, got him started, peaked his interest.  He, I would guess, is better at that now.  But I showed him how amazing food off the grill could be, with a little precise effort.  Even chicken, which he didn't really care for generally.  I got him to eat quite a bit of it, a time or two.  Well, and steak, pork roast, chops, and a few other things.  Oh, he is better, these days.  But... I like to think I taught, and encouraged, the behavior.  Hoping to teach him a bit about soups, broths, and stews.  The thing about a teacher, the pride of it, is not in the act, but in the student becoming superior.

Anyway... it is about time to go on to bed.  Clean, shaven, weary from efforts, even if smaller ones, and done for the day.  Life is good.  Goodnight.