What a long week. So busy. When I visit my mother aside from throwing in a little shopping we spend a good deal of time clearing her desk and organizing whatever paperwork she’s amassed since my last visit. The woman gets requests for donations from every organization from Haitian Relief Fund to Flying Fur Rescue. I keep suggesting perhaps she choose one or two to target because most of them sound to me like someone sitting in their BVD’s in an apartment somewhere sending out a mailing. Ralph’s Childrens College Fund, or Gail’s 25th Anniversary Fiji Holiday Fund. Thanks to her generous heart she has more address labels than Santa. If she used fifty a day for the remainder of her life there would be no danger of running out. At one point as I was instructing her to toss an envelope in the trash, she pointed out that if she sent a donation they would return the favor by sending her a tote bag. Hmmmmm. Let’s do the math.$50/donation = $.75 tote bag. Not.
Aside from the mail she accumulates, the phone calls come in on a regular basis from this organization and that asking for money. I have finally convinced her not to answer any calls with unfamiliar names, though not fully convinced once I’m back home she doesn’t begin again.
While there her credit card bill came in the mail. After noting the high amount, she brought it to me indicating she had never had a bill of that size. Mother lives on a small trust fund created for her by her late husband as well as her retirement. Most of her expenses are handled via several credit cards which are paid off at the end of each month. This particular bill was $4,800. WHAT! That isn’t loud enough, but it’s the best I can do with the bold at hand. They really should have a Bolder Bold. This credit card slotted for household expenses usually runs around $1,500. Putting my glasses on I went through the items one by one finding fifteen items not charged by my mom. Whoever insinuated themselves into her account enjoyed several flings at Amazon, did some business on the Universal Web, and opened an account on several different APPS. They even stopped by Harry & David’s to order a lovely gift basket of seasonal pears. Thoughtful criminals really are the best. I have power of attorney so I called the credit card company and we spent some time sorting the good from the bad. The bill would be forwarded on to their investigators for further attention and a new card was issued for my mother to use.
I can’t tell you how disgusting I find people who prey on others vulnerable like my mom. I hear about it all the time and it’s right up there at the top of my list with poor customer service, and you know how testy I get about that.
I found a version of this soup in a magazine and put my own spin on it. Perfect for a fall table.
Lentil Pumpkin Bean Soup
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2/3 cups dried lentils, rinsed and sorted
1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. ground oregano
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. ground pepper
1/2 pkg. Sazon Goya Seasoning (optional)
1 15 oz. can of black beans, rinsed
1 15 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed
1 15 oz. can solid pak pumpkin
2/3 of a 15 1/2 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles
4 cups spinach
Heat oil in stockpot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5-6 mins. until translucent. Add garlic. Cook an additional minute. Add broth water, lentils, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and cover. Cook for 30-35 mins. or until lentils are tender. Add remaining ingredients up to spinach. Bring once again to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and continue cooking uncovered for 30 mins. Add spinach. Cook 3-5 mins. until wilted.
Serves 4-6
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