SOMETHING NICE ABOUT BEN

As mentioned here, I haven't really posted much about my other half. And apparently when I have, the posts aren't nice things about Ben. This is a shame and UNintentional, because of course there are infinite nice things about Ben. Why do you think I've never had any other man? ;) Here is a prime example:

We both had long work-days today, and after picking me up at 5, we went straight to give the Mazda some new tires. While we waited we talked of our hunger & what we should have for dinner... (These work/break days have been full of eating out, eating fast, or eating at the Juárez home. It's been a while since we had a home-cooked meal in our apartment.) So we rolled into our little carport at 6, still undecided about dinner. I was tempted just to pour a bowl of cereal, but at the same time I wanted real food.

In a wishful thought-out-loud, I almost moaned on my way to the fridge, "I want... black bean soup."

I wasn't thinking of any certain recipe. I don't know if I've even ever had a black bean soup. But I like black beans and soup sounded yummy, and I said it all at once...

Before I knew it, Ben had it all out on the counter: cans of black beans, cauliflower, zucchini, red bell pepper, garlic, onion, and oil & water simmering in the pot. He boiled some chicken, and added the shredded pieces. I just cut the veggies and set the table while he did the magic seasoning. Not from any cook book. Not from any recipe. He just knew what to do. Right then and there on the spot.

Of course he didn't stop there, he warmed fancy bread in the oven & whipped (or blended) up a fresh smoothie with banana, strawberry & orange.

And that's what's nice about Ben.

OK, so it's not a Martha food photo, but at least you get the idea
of why we were so happy to eat healthy. . . all thanks to Mr. Nice Ben.

Ooh, and even more from Ben:
He took a better photo--just for this post.