As such things are wont to happen, it was inadvertence as much as imprudence that led to a recent instance of self-induced physical discomfort .  I am always struggling to produce good-tasting, nutritious meals, thinking up combinations and recipes that will appeal to my husband's sometimes-exacting standards, and mine as well.  After hearing the weather forecast for Sunday which, following Saturday's relative mildness and full sun, was destined to become overcast, windy, wet and much cooler, I soaked dried kidney beans overnight.

And, because the small portion of beef I had removed early in the morning was still frozen by the time pre-preparation came about, it cut easily into small bite-sized chunks.  I began with chopped onions and lots of chopped garlic cloves in olive oil, added the floured-and-seasoned beef chunks to brown them well, then the chopped tomatoes, tomato puree, chopped yellow and green bell peppers, drained kidney beans, and lots of chili powder and hot-pepper flakes.

It took no time before the house was pervaded by the promising aroma of the dish slowly simmering on the stove, promising to warm our very viscera at meal time on this inhospitably-cold and miserable day when the rain refused to cease, after having followed hours of snowfall.  I mentally congratulated our digestive systems and alimentary canals for their forbearance.

We enjoyed that delicious meal, with its accompanying fresh vegetable salad and concluding bowl of fresh clementine 'cuties'.  The chili was hot and delicious, as anticipated.  Neither of us felt, afterward any symptoms of say, heartburn, indigestion.  Because, we assumed, our bodies were well accustomed, after a wintertime of Sundays planned with hearty bowls of bean-and-vegetable soups.

It was not until the following day that the revenge of the hot chili flakes took their toll.  Neither of us ventured too far from a bathroom, that day.