Happy Halloween!

As I've blogged before, autum is not my favorite season, but autumn flavors are my favorite. I went to a pumpkin carving party last weekend (see photo for impressive carved pumpkins!), and I intended to make these cookies then, but I ran short on time so it didn't happen. Tomorrow, I'm headed to a Halloween/Birthday party, and it still totally and completely pumpkin and cranberry season, so I gave these cookies a whirl. A friend makes pumpkin cookies by mixing a can of pumpkin w/ spice cake mix, and those cookies are delish and w/ a good amount of spice, but I just so happened to have ALL of these ingredients on hand (including pumpkin!), so I opted for this recipe.

The dough itself is easy enough to mix. There's some leftover pumpkin, but I imagine myself using it in pancake batter (OMG, I can't wait!). It didn't say to let it chill before making the cookies, and maybe it wasn't necessary, but the dough is certainly sticky and a little hard to work with. After making the first batch, I threw it in the fridge to harden it up a bit. My first batch were also quite big... ah well, you live, you learn. The cookies also are more cake like then I expected. But I do love soft cookies, so I'm pretty happy with them.

I'm not a huge frosted cookie fan. I don't think it's needed, and since I LOVE pumpkin, I didn't want to mask any of that deliciousness. BUT, I also love cranberries, so I thought to meself, perhaps I can add a fresh cranberry on top and it'll bake in. I was a bit worried that they may not burst, but they all did. I split the batch half and half, but they're all lovely...

Since today was the last day in the office before Halloween, we all dressed up. We ended up taking a bunch of pictures in the middle of the afternoon, and it was a blast. I didn't have my full costume on, but just a bit of a test run for tomorrow night's retro party! Here's a pic of me and my colleagues Shelby and Delysha...

Family Reunion

Last night about 20 Drahan's convened in northern Maryland for my first ever family reunion. I was a bit nervous to see family members I hadn't seen since I was 12 or 15, but all in all it was a lot of fun. There were some I hadn't met, some I couldn't have picked out of a lineup if you paid me, and others that it was like no time has passed. It was great catching up w/ all.

It had rained for 3 days straight, so it was cold, wet, and rainy, and not quite what we were hoping for, but we all packed ourselves into Charlie's while Uncle Sidney made pizzas. I got my parents up on Skype and everyone was able to say hi to them. I think that was a lot of fun for my parents, to see everyone and feel like they were a part of the reunion. Sid and Penny's food was good, and Penny made a cake from my childhood, so that was yummy.

Eventually the youngest generation (not mine...) went out to the barn to ride some horses bareback. It was fun to watch them, and I was really impressed by how good everyone was.

Here's a pic of me and my cousins Parker and Adam.

Vegetarian Enchiladas

So enchiladas may be my favorite meal. I love everything Mexican. EVERYTHING. I think it has to do w/ my appreciation for all things cheesy. My dad makes awesome cheese enchiladas, and I've been pretty successful at turning Christmas Eve dinner into Mexican night w/ enchiladas and tacos, and I'm pretty sure that's the best tradition ever. BUT, I'd never ventured to tackle enchiladas myself. My dad's have tons of steps and makes a boatload of food, so I think I was always overwhelmed that it would be a lot of work and produce too much food. Then one night Mollie invited me over for dinner and she'd made enchiladas and they were delicious, and didn't seem too difficult to recreate.

So I was at the store, planning on making an eggplant feta pizza when all the sudden the urge to make enchiladas overtook me. Corn tortillas were on sale, I had refried beans in my fridge I needed to use up, my cousin had brought me some fresh jalepenos, BUT there was only one type of enchilada sauce, and only one can wasn't dented. I bought that one... Then I came home and googled recipes to get some ideas.

I diced up jalapenos and a banana pepper and sauteed that w/ onion. Then I stirred in some cayenne pepper, chili powder and cumin into the refried beans. I warmed some corn tortillas, then smeared the bean mixture, threw in some peppers and onions, some shredded cheese and then rolled it up. I filled up a small baking dish and then just poured the can of sauce over top, threw some more cheese on top along w/ some dried cilantro. What is easier than that? Threw it in the over for abt 30 min and the enchiladas were done! Easy and delicious. Now that I know how easy it can be, I want to try and experiment, especially w/ the sauce. I used red, but would like to try the green. My dad stirs in some sour cream to make it creamy. Perhaps I'll attempt to make my own sauce... We shall see

Cream of Asparagus Soup

I saw this soup made on Cooking for Real on the Food Network a few weeks back, and it looked super easy, and super yum. Everyone knows I love asparagus, and I've been making more and more soups.I like to make soups cuz I can bring in a big tupperware of them to work and have lunch for the week. I generally toast a frozen roll that we have at the office, and I feel like I have a pretty healthy lunch...

Of course I made a few changes to the recipe cuz that's how I do... I had some celery hearts that were prime for soup making, and asparagus can be expensive, so I thought using some celery would be a good way to keep up the amount of vege, but cheaper. I sauteed up garlic, onion, celery and then added in the asparagus. I saved the tips to add at the end. I then added in vege stock-- i used a big carton and then just a bit of water cuz I always think stock is a bit salty. I brought it all up to a boil, and then let it simmer for 30 minutes or so. I poured it into a blender and blended away. I think that would make a decent soup, but then stirred in some sour cream (way less than in the original recipe) and a dash of skim milk. The sour cream didn't quite melt as well as I'd liked, but the soup still came out delicious. I added the tips to the asparagus after the blending, so they stayed pretty crisp and added some texture to the soup. All in all the soup was easy and yummy, I'd make it again. And I easily got 4 meals out of this, and could have probably stretched it out to 5...

Please note the photo of the blended soup and how perfectly it matches my counter!!

EMK & Me

This week has been kinda hard for me. It has a lot to do w/ Ted Kennedy, but it also has a lot to do w/ myself. I have been amazingly happy since I got to DC, I haven't for one second thought I made the wrong decision. In a way, that has been a bit disconcerting. Maybe its still the honeymoon, but when will that end? And will I come crashing down? How will I deal w/ that? What will come next? It took me a long time to learn to love Boston, but in a way that seemed like a normal, natural progression. Like most New Englanders, things usually have to grow on me. But w/ DC it was different, I came down here and right away knew this was the place for me. Basically, I never looked back... Within 6 months, I had a job and was packing my worldly possessions to take the plunge. I still think this is the right place for me, I'm loving my job, the city, my life-- personally and professionally. I'm interested to see how the Fall goes, when the weather changes, and being outside by myself begins to lose its appeal, but all in all, I think I'm good here...

Then Senator Kennedy died. We all knew he was sick. We all knew he wouldn't get better. We all know who will throw their names into the ring for the open Senate seat. But we all hoped it would be for Kerry's seat, not Teddy's. Then there's the timing. The end of August recess. The health care debate. Those town halls. The infamous filibuster. The 60 "democratic" senators (inc. Lieberman, ick), which we only just gained this summer w/ the recent seating of Al Franken. Looking back the signs were there; he didn't go to his sister's funeral, he sent a letter, dated 6 weeks prior, to Deval, Bobby and Terry asking for a quick, short-term appointment should he die before his term ends, but I never doubted that he would board that plane to come down and not only vote for health care reform, but likely speak on the monumental meaning of its passage. Alas, health care reform may have unfortunately died with him. One can only hope, as I did watching Orrin Hatch and John McCain speak at his memorial service tonight, that his death will reinvigorate the understanding of what this debate is actually for, and what the reform bills actually are comprised of.

But I wasn't ready, I am not ready to say goodbye to the lion of the Senate and the important and incredible work he did for the citizens of Massachusetts, and for all Americans. And, I wasn't ready for the feelings it would bring up in me about Boston, Massachusetts, and leaving. Overall, I know DC is the right place for me right now, for my political self, for my career, and likely my personal life too, but I can't help but think over and over this week, that Boston is where I should be. I should have been standing amongst my peers and colleagues on Bowdoin St, shoulder to shoulder w/ the guys from Capitol Coffee to bid farewell to my Senator. I've realized this week, that Boston truly became my home. I relate more as a Massachusetts resident, then I ever did as one from Connecticut. I know the inner workings, the main players, the inside jokes, the moonbats, and I miss them all. Maybe that will come in time w/ DC, but I'm not sure. DC is defined by its transient population. It is a place where people travel to for meetings, conferences,etc. It is a place where people from all over the country and the world come for short or long stays, but always with the plan to go "home" again. When I moved down here, I said I didn't know how long I'd be here, and that while I cannot say what the future holds, Boston was always a place I could see myself returning to. I didn't leave cuz I hated it, I left cuz I needed change. That is more apparent to me now than ever. In a way my future may be shaped by the loss of Senator Kennedy. The Massachusetts political landscape has just changed drastically, and depending on how it shakes out, it is possible I could want to be back there sooner, rather than later. Or perhaps a position would become available down here that would allow me to stay better connected to Boston. It is too soon to tell how it will all shake out, but this week has certainly made me think about my past, present and future in new and different ways.

And of course this week has made me reinvigorated in my career path. I am honored to work in the same field as Senator Kennedy, and I believe that he would value the work that I do daily to ensure that women (and increasingly men) have access to reproductive health care informed through evidence-based science.I look forward to the day when Congress passes the Edward Moore Kennedy Health Care Reform Bill, and the day that President Obama signs it into law. A fitting closing chapter to Camelot.

Project Runway & Bruschetta

For weeks now, Mollie, Daphne and I planned to watch the season premiere of Project Runway together. Originally, we were going to do it at Daphne's new place, in the screening room in her building, but she had a work thing, so instead we went to Mollie's and Daphne came after work.

Mollie made veggies and rice w/ Indian sauce from TJs. It was yum! And, Daphne made a Blueberry crisp. I heart crisps of all kinds! I made a trio of bruschettas. I did an olive tapenade, a traditional tomato and white bean. For the white bean, I used this as the guide. This time I used scallions and chives, instead of red onion, and fresh basil and parsley from my herb garden instead of dried spices. I also used a bit more lemon juice to make it a bit more summery. For the tapenade, I just blended black olives, a clove of garlic and a bit of olive oil. Super easy, super delish. Finally, for the tomatoes, I diced up abt 3 tomatoes, added s cloves of garlic, fresh chives, basil, parsley and oregano, some s&p, and a dash of oil and balsamic. Online I had seen to drain the tomatoes, but I dismissed it. I wish I hadn't. I'm not sure exactly how to go abt draining them, but after walking to Mollie's, they were really saucy. Still yummy tho. I like combining a few of them together on one slice. Mmmm. And SOOOO easy!

Project Runway was also awesome, and I'm happy its back on! And while I agree with most that Korto deserved to win, and while I didn't really get Daniel's collection, I was happy he won.

Grillin'

For my parents last night in DC, we grilled out w/some friends. I found a grill on the street a few weeks back, and after a bit of a struggle w/ my landlord, ended up passing it over the locked fence in the back so I wouldn't have to bring it thru the house. Whatever, my landlord sucks, but I have a pretty decent grill now!

My parents and I made the majority of the food, and boy, oh boy, did we have a feast! My mom, per my request, made potato salad. It is quite the process and has a ton of ingredients, but it is amazing and I try to get her to make it for me once a summer. She also made her famous chicken, also from my childhood. Of course I haven't had it in abt 10 years, but I do remember it fondly. She marinates it w/ soy sauce, lemon juice and garlic. I marinated veggies-- portabellos and zuchinni in balsamic vinegar and garlic and eggplant in olive oil, fresh herbs and garlic. This was my first foray into marinating and grilling vegetables other than portabellos, and if I do say so myself, this was a HUGE success. The veggies were awesome! I also made a 3 bean salad. This is the easiest salad in the world, but always a big hit. It is a great way to clean out the cabinet and fridge, and I bring it to almost every summer potluck/cook out I go to. I typically use black, kidney and garbanzo beans. I then add diced bell peppers (this time red and green) and red onion (or scallions). I also added corn this go round cuz I had some in the fridge. In the past, I think I've added diced olives. I use salsa as the main sauce, but kick it up w/ some dried spices (cayenne pepper, chili powder, cilantro, cumin, etc). This batch came out w/ a bit of a kick... We also did some corn on the cob.

For additions, Daphne brought this amazing walnut broccoli dip (cream cheese base), haloumi cheese that you grill in tin foil, squirt some lemon juice on and crack some pepper on (delish!), corn pudding and incredible white wine sangria. Mollie made an incredible trifle dessert. It was fresh strawberries and blueberries with cheesecake pudding, angel food cake and whipped topping. So incredible. Needless to say, we were stuffed by the end of it all. But it was great to utilize the grill, eat outside and have my parents meet my DC friends. Another successful dinner party!

Herb Garden and Uncooked Sauce

When my parents were in town, I bought a bunch of herbs and pots, to start a little herb garden on my porch. I now am attempting to grow mint, basil, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley and garlic chives. So far I haven't killed anything yet, and I am trying very hard not to... I haven't had much success in the past, but I like to blame that on living in a basement and not being a good waterer. Despite not having killed anything yet, I'm also hesitant to use my herbs in fear that they made not grow back, or that I over trim...

So after a week or so of keeping my plants alive, I decided to take the plunge and use some herbs! Also leftover from my parents trip, I had some lemons in the fridge that needed to be used up. A few years ago my mom made me a little cookbook of pasta recipes from my childhood. They're all super easy, and many are no-cook. I knew there had to be something in there utilizing lemon. There were two-- a butter lemon sauce, and a tomato lemon sauce. I opted to kinda combine the two...

I bought a pint of grape tomatoes, sliced them in half, added the zest of one lemon, and the juice of a quarter of it. I also put in 2 cloves of garlic, a drizzle of olive oil and then added some chives, parsley and basil. All in all, I thought it came out great. So easy... but fresh and flavorful. Perfect for a hot summer night when you don't want to heat up the kitchen. I finished my dish w/ some fresh grated parmesan cheese.
In other news, summer is in full effect now. This week it has been constantly around 90% humidity. It has also been abt 90 degrees. I don't think I've ever experienced anything like this before. You feel like you're swimming thru air. I cannot believe people opt to spend time outside. I saw people eating outside, and I just wonder why. If I could somehow get to the metro w/o going outside, I would. It is awful. Walking in the shade barely helps. I actually walked thru Macy's to get from one end of the block to the other, just so I could be in the AC. But I am still amazed at how lucky I've been w/ this summer. It is mid August and it is only getting bad right now. That's amazing. I don't know what I'll do next summer...

First Successful Cream Sauce!

I have tried to make cream sauces for pasta before, and I never am satisfied w/ my concoctions. Remember my MO is easy... so I've looked on Cooks.com and opted for easy mac-n-chz sauces. This usually entails a roux (flour stirred into melted butter), milk, and then cheese melted in. I've never made a successful roux, this means I end up w/ a sauce that has a slight flour taste (ick!) and never thickens properly. This time I googled cream sauce and bechamel sauce. I dunno how this was different because the ingredients were primarily the same (roux and milk), but it turned out MUCH better!

First, my roux was a success! I melted abt 3 tablespoons of butter and started by adding abt 2 tablespoons of flour. I believe my typical failure w/ roux has been too much flour, or not enough butter, so this time I made sure I stirred in all the flour before attempting to add any more. I'd say I ended up w/ abt even parts, but it may have still been slightly more butter... regardless, it worked!

Once my roux was slightly browned, I poured in some skim milk (no idea how much...) and started to mix in order to stir in the roux to help thicken up the milk as it warms. As you have gathered, it worked. Usually I grate in some cheese to try and thicken it, but not only does it increase the fat content, but it doesn't do anything to rid the sauce of that raw flour taste. This time I actually decided to add more milk because the sauce was thickening up so quickly and nicely. I actually had considered adding some half and half I had on hand in case I need some thickener... I did also add a small piece of bleu cheese I had... I'd say roughly 2-3 ounces.

I added diced white onion to the sauce as it cooked, asparagus to the pasta as it cooked, and tossed them together w/ fresh tomato and raw garlic. To the sauce I also added salt, pepper, nutmeg, and maybe parsley and oregano...

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised by my cream sauce. It was thick, it didn't have the raw flour taste, and I felt like it was pretty guilt free w/ not too much butter or cheese and only skim milk!

RWDC

Here it is, the Real World DC House-- @ S&20 NW

If you know me at all, you know I'm a reality tv junkie. Its weird that there's a show being filmed where I live, its even weirder that it is being filmed at the same time I'm discovering the city. It should be really interesting to watch...

So far, I've only had one encounter w/ the cast at a DC United game a few weeks ago. But, I am following some blogs and tend to be up to date on where they're going and when... Just don't think, we'll really cross paths much...

Dinner Party

So I hosted a dinner party to thank my two good friends down here for all their help and support in helping me get set up down here in DC. Daphne lent me her awesome apt for a few weeks, where as Mollie has consistently lent me her husband, and I even managed to put his '94 Corsica in a coma for a bit. I'd been planning this dinner party in my head since the second I got the job (and even more so since I knew I would be living in a one bedroom apt!).

For starters we had 3 of the previous mentioned cheeses-- gouda (shout out to our times in Amsterdam), brie and bleu cheese. I also put out a mix of delicious olives I'd gotten at the market, some carrots and celery w/ homemade hummus.

For din, I made a pesto pea salad from Barefoot Contessa, altho I didn't really follow her pesto recipe and I did a mix of basil and mint, as well as a mix of baby spinach and mixed greens. I also made a summer squash dish that to me screams summer. As usual, I start by sauteeing garlic and onion, but then you add yellow squash and slow cook it over low heat for 20-30 minutes. The squash really cooks down and you can start to mash it. I then throw in some diced tomato because I think tomato (especially fresh) makes everything better. Plus summer squash for me can be a tough thing all on its own. I'm kinda weird w/ texture and I don't like things that make my teeth squeak. The primary example of this is mushrooms, but yellow squash have been known to do so as well. Somehow w/ yellow squash, I'm more willing to overlook it and this recipe is nice cuz the squash cooks down so much it doesn't seem to be "squeaky." Then you toss the squash w/ goat cheese and fresh basil. The end result is this amazingly creamy, but summery dish. Delish!

For dessert, I did another Food Network recipe from Semi-Homemade w/ Sandra Lee, Sangria Granita. I think we all know she is a lush, and to be honest my friends and I can be a bit of winos, so I decided to give it a whirl. You take a bottle of white, pour it into a pan, add 3 tbsp orange juice concentrate (I used orange mango), 1 tbsp limeade concentrate, 1 cup nectar (I used a Mango Naked Juice), 3 tbsp honey (I used wayyy less) and 1 tsp vanilla. Then you whisk it all together, throw it in the freezer and mix it every hour or so while it sets. It took abt 6-8 hours for mine to set. I served it with fresh peach on top. Sandra Lee says this makes 4 servings. There were 5 of us, and I still have half a pan of this in my freezer. She is a lush! Mollie brought over some chocolate dipped strawberries, which I thought went very nicely w/ my dessert because both were pretty light and fruity.

We ended the night by playing a riveting round of Apples to Apples. Mollie won, an attestment to her sense of humor. Tom was a close second meaning they truly are a good match! All in all, a great night-- good food, good friends, good times. Andddd, 5 bottles of the wine split between the 3 ladies. Oh yeah...

MJ

I wasn't a huge Michael Jackson fan, but I respect what he did for music and entertainment... and anyone who knows me can attest to my commitment to pop culture, so I DVR'd the MJ Memorial/Tribute and watched it after shopping for my upcoming dinner party. This meant I had numerous kinds of cheese, was hungry, and couldn't resist. Sometimes it is great to be a single 26-yr old living alone. Behold my dinner-- baby carrots, olives (some garlic stuffed), 2 kinds of crackers, bleu cheese, brie cheese, goat cheese, gouda and some red wine!

Independence!

I pretty much laid low on the Fourth of July, enjoying the long weekend and slowly putting together the apt. My two main friends in DC were out of town, so I just kept to myself and enjoyed three days off. Rarely do I crave all-American fare, but the Fourth is always one of those days. I marinated portabella mushrooms in balsamic vinegar and garlic then "grilled" it w/ some onions, topped it with some cheese and sliced tomatoes and served it up on a toasted bun. I also baked up some fries and made corn on the cob. I also enjoyed more than one yuenglings. The fact that I can now go to the store and buy yuengling has not yet gotten old! The portabella was great and I really need to prepare it more often. So easy, so satisfying!

Around dusk, I ventured out onto Penn where I had a straight shot to the Capitol and was able to see a good portion of the fireworks over the Monument. All in all, a relaxing, all-American day!

Ch-ch-changes

So I live in DC now. So far I'm loving every second of it. Sure I miss Boston, I miss my friends, I even miss my job, but DC is doing me right so far. I live in a great neighborhood, in a decent apt (I've had some interesting interactions w/ my landlord, but its a ton more space, not a ton more $$, and the neighbors are friendly), and the new job is good thus far. Its great to be near old friends, and rebuilding those relationships, while also making new friends. I feel pretty lucky.

I do want to get back into this blogging thing as I explore my new city and enjoy my new kitchen... I've made some decent meals in it, and have really been enjoying the extra space, the huge oven and readjusting to a gas stove.

Went to the market today and stocked up on veggies. Even got some yummy olives too. I love being so close to the market...

Yesterday I picked out a sofa that will be arriving later this week. Other than that, I'm in need of a coffee table and then my apt will FINALLY be complete. Hoping to get a bit more settled this weekend, to make room for the new sofa and chair and to be semi-organized in time for my first dinner party next weekend.

Now back to celebrating the nation's birthday in the nation's capital. And back to enjoying my Yuengling :)

Lions and lambs

Well, here we are on 3/31 and lo and behold it IS sunny and around 50. Not quite what I asked for, but close enough. And it's even supposed to stay nice tomorrow. Thursday is when the April showers start. Now I'm just waiting on those May flowers...

But seriously, tomorrow is April. 2009 is already flying by.

Calzones

This week, I got the craving for calzones. I've been enjoying ricotta as of late, and thought this might be a nice way to enjoy it. I picked up some wheat pizza dough and broke it into 4 pieces. I scooped abt a cup of ricotta into a bowl and added some seasoning (oregano, parsley, chili flakes, basil, s&p), a little of my flavored olive oil and some fresh garlic. For filing, I had green pepper, tomatoes and some frozen spinach.

I smoothed the ricotta mixture on the dough, then added the filing and then topped it w/ some fresh mozzerella. I folded the dough over and pressed the edges. I baked the calzones at 400 for about 20 minutes. My dough was a bit thin in the middle, so I def had some leakage. Not sure if I should have put in some breathing holes or if actually using a roller to roll out the dough would have helped. I just pulled and pushed the dough. I have very limited counter space, and no roller, so this combination forces me to generally try and toss dough. Poorly, but toss I try...
Overall, the calzones were good, altho I probably would use less ricotta next time. Also, my filing worked fine, but if you want to do something like broccoli, you'd want to pre-cook it a bit. My pepper def kept its crunch, which is what I'd expected.

Steamed Artichokes

So this is super easy, but delicious and satisfying. You just cut off the top 1/4 of the artichoke and steam for about 20 minutes. I put bay leaf and dried garlic and a squirt of lemon juice into the water, to add a bit of flavor to the artichoke. The artichoke is done when you can easily pull away a leaf. For a dipping sauce I add some vinegar to mayo. This time I used some yummy red wine vinegar my parents brought back from France. Mmmm.
The first couple of leaves, may be a little tough w/ little meat, but as you go, the more tender and meaty.

Making EC Easy

On Monday, 3/23, a federal court ruled that the FDA must revisit their ruling that limited over-the-coutner (OTC) access to EC to women over 18. Thru the ruling, EC must be available to 17 yr olds within 30 days and the judge recommended that the FDA revisit their entire ruling and consider removing the age restriction altogether. The judge also criticized the FDA for its political and ideological decision, based on the principles of the Bush administration, and not any scientifc merit.

I would like to point out that within a year of me writing my case study Making EC Easy: Improving Access to Emergency Contraception in Massachusetts two of my recommendations have come to fruition! First, Plan B got an ad on TV, which I hope will hape make EC understood as part of a responsible reproductive rights regimen, and now the FDA will reconsider the age restriction for OTC access. WOOT, WOOT!

Article on women in politics

My first of many article links I'm sure--

Former VT Gov speaking to college course, encourages women to run, notes duality (Huffington Post)

Not a lot of new discussion here, more of the same ol', but until that changes we have to keep talking abt it. It's too bad that this is the case, but it is something I can easily relate to.

Heroine?

So, I may have saved a man's life tonight. Working the second job, and one of my last tables was a father and son. After they got their meals, I realized the father was coughing non-stop for a bit and making some pretty horrendous noises. His son didn't seem too concerned, but I brought him over a glass of water, just to show that I noticed his discomfort. Later, much later, after he finally caught his breath, he thanked me profusely for my foresight. No biggie homes, just looking out. All in all kinda scary, but he was making noise the whole time, which is the sign that he's getting some oxygen in. Shook my hand when he left and thanked me again. I mean really, what else would you do in that situation?