more animals
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
excuses, excuses, excuses
I had meant to blog Friday night, but while I was out running errands Friday afternoon, Dan was calling his parents and arranging a date with me for Saturday afternoon. When I got home, I discovered that they'd agreed to keep SuperCat for the afternoon and that we'd be able to spend several hours together.
How can a girl turn down a date with the best guy in the world?
I couldn't.
And so Friday night, instead of writing, I did a lot of the things I had planned to do Saturday morning like: clean the kitchen, and work on Christmas crafts. I was still behind when I finished, but I was behind when I started, so I think it all evened out somehow.
Saturday morning we took Supercat to her grandparents, where she stayed to help them decorate their massive fresh-from-the-snowy-forest Christmas tree and we left for lunch. There are a large handful of restaurants in their little town, but since I don't eat wheat, most were out of the question. We settled on Chili's.
Normally, I prefer non-chain restaurants, and I honestly didn't think Chili's had anything I'd be able to eat, and had already mentally decided on a plain salad (sigh), but once inside, was really surprised. First, they have a menu specifically for Celiacs, which changes frequently and how awesome was that? Second, they describe on the menu what needs to be done to tweak regular menu items so that they can be made safe. They did all of the hard work ahead of time.
For example: I know that croutons have wheat in them, so it's easy to ask for them to be left off, but if the waitstaff isn't well informed, it's difficult to figure out if say, the veggies are dusted with seasoning that has flour, or exactly what the salmon is crusted with. Instead, the waiter was super helpful, answered every question knowledgeably, and as a result we had a stress-free, leisurely meal. Here's Chili's allergen menu(^) (alert: it's a .pdf file), in case you ever wondered what people with food allergies do when they go out to eat.
The service and the food were both great. I had a salad, a steak and veggies, which were all prepared the way I had asked. Dan had the habanero ribs.
We split a frosty chocolate milkshake for dessert and laughed and talked about html standards and and funky conspiracy theories.
We talked about a port knocking application that showed up on my phone's marketplace. I always laugh when I hear the words, cause they sound vaguely obscene. What it really is: remotely opening external ports on a firewall by making connection attempts on certain closed ports. It's the computer geek version of knocking shave and a haircut to gain entry into the all-boys club. Enabling port knocking prevents hackers from getting in easily, because they can't knock on just one port (door) to get in. They have to knock on several to enter just one, and it has to be in the right sequence.
I also always giggle when he mentions "IPTables", the firewall in the Linux operating system, but which to me sounds like the sorts of names Bart makes up when he prank calls Moe's Tavern on The Simpsons. From the episode Some Enchanted Evening:
Moe: Moe's Tavern.
Bart: Hello, is Al there?
Moe: Al?
Bart: Yeah, Al. Last name: Coholic.
Moe: Lemme check... [calls] Phone call for Al. Al Coholic. Is there an "Alcoholic" here? [bar denizens laugh] Wait a minute...[to phone] Listen, you little yellow-bellied rat jackass, if I ever find out who you are, I'll kill ya!
IPTables reminds me of that. I need to grow up.
I took pictures of him while we chatted and ate. He doesn't always want his picture taken, but he's usually a pretty good sport about it:
He finally gives in to the picture taking
After lunch... well, the small town where his parents live is just that: small. Not much to do, but we were committed to staying out for the several hours we'd booked, so we ended up at Wal*Mart, picking up a few small things, looking at all the electronic gadgetry, and marveling at the zillion-and-one flashy Christmas decorations. We made fun of the truly horrible Bratz Dolls (it looks like they are going away in January, don't cha know?(^), and saw what was new in sporting goods. We tried to find wooden skewers (they were out) and did find a new coffee maker to replace the old, busted coffee maker, and so on until it was time to check out and go get the SuperCat.
When we got there, SuperCat was so excited! She'd had a great time helping with the tree, and she had done a very good job. On the way home, she fell asleep, tuckered out.
We were happy, too. It's important to spend alone time together once in a while, even if it's just to walk around Wal*Mart and look at stationary and talk and pick out new coffee makers.
So that was Saturday.
Sunday I sewed. I sewed and sewed and sewed, mostly by hand, mostly small dolls for small doll houses for Christmas. I'd take pictures, but it's late and I'm tired and the light is bad.
I absolutely positively will tomorrow.
In the meantime, here's a picture of the parking lot at Target I took tonight while Dan ran in. It was 3 degrees below zero, and just starting to snow (again).
It felt bleak and dismal.
It looks like the set from Alien.
You know, when they're on the planet and find the alien for the first time?
How can a girl turn down a date with the best guy in the world?
I couldn't.
And so Friday night, instead of writing, I did a lot of the things I had planned to do Saturday morning like: clean the kitchen, and work on Christmas crafts. I was still behind when I finished, but I was behind when I started, so I think it all evened out somehow.
Saturday morning we took Supercat to her grandparents, where she stayed to help them decorate their massive fresh-from-the-snowy-forest Christmas tree and we left for lunch. There are a large handful of restaurants in their little town, but since I don't eat wheat, most were out of the question. We settled on Chili's.
Normally, I prefer non-chain restaurants, and I honestly didn't think Chili's had anything I'd be able to eat, and had already mentally decided on a plain salad (sigh), but once inside, was really surprised. First, they have a menu specifically for Celiacs, which changes frequently and how awesome was that? Second, they describe on the menu what needs to be done to tweak regular menu items so that they can be made safe. They did all of the hard work ahead of time.
For example: I know that croutons have wheat in them, so it's easy to ask for them to be left off, but if the waitstaff isn't well informed, it's difficult to figure out if say, the veggies are dusted with seasoning that has flour, or exactly what the salmon is crusted with. Instead, the waiter was super helpful, answered every question knowledgeably, and as a result we had a stress-free, leisurely meal. Here's Chili's allergen menu(^) (alert: it's a .pdf file), in case you ever wondered what people with food allergies do when they go out to eat.
The service and the food were both great. I had a salad, a steak and veggies, which were all prepared the way I had asked. Dan had the habanero ribs.
We split a frosty chocolate milkshake for dessert and laughed and talked about html standards and and funky conspiracy theories.
We talked about a port knocking application that showed up on my phone's marketplace. I always laugh when I hear the words, cause they sound vaguely obscene. What it really is: remotely opening external ports on a firewall by making connection attempts on certain closed ports. It's the computer geek version of knocking shave and a haircut to gain entry into the all-boys club. Enabling port knocking prevents hackers from getting in easily, because they can't knock on just one port (door) to get in. They have to knock on several to enter just one, and it has to be in the right sequence.
I also always giggle when he mentions "IPTables", the firewall in the Linux operating system, but which to me sounds like the sorts of names Bart makes up when he prank calls Moe's Tavern on The Simpsons. From the episode Some Enchanted Evening:
Moe: Moe's Tavern.
Bart: Hello, is Al there?
Moe: Al?
Bart: Yeah, Al. Last name: Coholic.
Moe: Lemme check... [calls] Phone call for Al. Al Coholic. Is there an "Alcoholic" here? [bar denizens laugh] Wait a minute...[to phone] Listen, you little yellow-bellied rat jackass, if I ever find out who you are, I'll kill ya!
IPTables reminds me of that. I need to grow up.
I took pictures of him while we chatted and ate. He doesn't always want his picture taken, but he's usually a pretty good sport about it:
Don't go toward the light! You'll miss lunch!
He finally gives in to the picture taking
After lunch... well, the small town where his parents live is just that: small. Not much to do, but we were committed to staying out for the several hours we'd booked, so we ended up at Wal*Mart, picking up a few small things, looking at all the electronic gadgetry, and marveling at the zillion-and-one flashy Christmas decorations. We made fun of the truly horrible Bratz Dolls (it looks like they are going away in January, don't cha know?(^), and saw what was new in sporting goods. We tried to find wooden skewers (they were out) and did find a new coffee maker to replace the old, busted coffee maker, and so on until it was time to check out and go get the SuperCat.
When we got there, SuperCat was so excited! She'd had a great time helping with the tree, and she had done a very good job. On the way home, she fell asleep, tuckered out.
We were happy, too. It's important to spend alone time together once in a while, even if it's just to walk around Wal*Mart and look at stationary and talk and pick out new coffee makers.
So that was Saturday.
Sunday I sewed. I sewed and sewed and sewed, mostly by hand, mostly small dolls for small doll houses for Christmas. I'd take pictures, but it's late and I'm tired and the light is bad.
I absolutely positively will tomorrow.
In the meantime, here's a picture of the parking lot at Target I took tonight while Dan ran in. It was 3 degrees below zero, and just starting to snow (again).
It felt bleak and dismal.
It looks like the set from Alien.
You know, when they're on the planet and find the alien for the first time?
Namaste.
Current Mood:
(freezing)
Current Mood:
(freezing)Friday, December 12, 2008
The Buddhist Cow Says Mu
How can you possibly go wrong with a quiz that contains an awesome question like Do you like waffles? From the Thursday Thunks meme, on Friday morning (of course).
1. Do you like waffles?
I love waffles! There are really great gluten-free waffles on the market, made by Van's(^). Sometimes we make it using GF baking mix. I haven't made them from scratch yet. When I was still eating wheat I have to admit that the best waffles I ever made were made with Jiffy Mix(^) and the worst I ever made were made totally from scratch using the recipe in The Joy Of Cooking. They were way too greasy. Yuck.
The ones from Vans are great because they're, well, great - they taste like waffles, not too sweet or funky due to the lack of flour. And because they are in the grocery store, vs going to the health food store. And because they aren't expensive. A lot of gluten-free food is pretty expensive. There are several factors involved - testing, cleaning equipment, smaller batches, costly ingredients.
It's spiffy to find things that aren't expensive, taste good and are easy to find.
We like Waffles so much that we have a cat named Waffles. Our Waffles was actually named after Fern's cat Waffles, though. Fern doesn't have an accessible blog at the moment, but when he does, I'll link to it. He's one of the most important people in my life; the brother I now have, a best friend, and a confidant. As wonderful as Fern is, and while his cat is no doubt awesome, scientifically speaking, our Waffles has been determined to be the best cat on the planet.
Waffles:
Waffles on the bed
More Waffles. Doesn't he have the sweetest face?
2. Name 3 things that is within your reach right now, excluding anything to do with your computer/laptop.
A water bottle, a lamp shaped like the Eiffel Tower, and my camera.
3. Do you hang laundry out on a line outside?
Rarely. I often hang it in the laundry room to dry. In Colorado, the air is so dry that even inside, clothes dry in a just few hours.
4. Loss of vision, ability to speak or hearing - which do you choose? (you have to choose one....)
I've already lost some hearing in my right ear due to a childhood injury, and I'd be ok with losing the rest. Well, not ok, but it would bother me less than the other two. I watch closed captioned TV and can read lips, so it wouldn't be much of a shock to lose my hearing, whereas I can't fathom losing my vision or the ability to speak.
5. On a scale from 1 - 10, how are your computer skills?
Well, compared to my husband, pretty poor. His skills go to eleven, as Nigel Tufnel(^) would say. But compared to your average user, probably about an 8 with PCs; a 6 with Macs; and maybe a 4 with Linux.
This is the place where I tell you I intend to become more adept at Linux, like I always do. The truth is, it isn't Linux's fault - it's mine. Linux is not hard to learn at the user level, I'm just really busy with the SuperCat. I am at a point where I could use Linix 24/7 at the user level, but I would like to know a lot more and not have to rely on Dan for technical support.
On the plus side, I did dump Windows off my desktop machine, and my laptop now dual boots, so I am making measurable progress. Yay, progress.
6. Do you volunteer or donate to anything around the holidays?
I used to volunteer a lot, but haven't for a while, and am ok with that for the time being. My time is best utilized at home and probably will be for the foreseeable future. I will return to volunteering, eventually though, as I do miss it. We do donate to the ARC(^), which does a lot of good work.
7. If a person receives a DUI while in government office, should he lose his/her position?
I don't have enough information to make a decision.
Was the person elected, appointed or hired?
Does their job involve passing legislation involving drunk driving? Are they otherwise in a decision-making position?
Without more information, I can't answer.
Which totally brings us to MU!!!!! My friend Ben shared the concept of Mu a couple of weeks ago, and I was delighted to read about it.
Mu, where have you been all my life?
Mu (in Japan and Korea) or Wu (in Chinese) means "none", "without", and "no meaning". Mu is the answer to give when there is no correct answer possible or when there isn't enough information to give any answer at all. When "yes" and "no" are both wrong, "Mu" may be the answer.
Mu has a place in Buddhist philosophy as a kōan. A kōan is an often paradoxical question, story, riddle or statement that makes you think about things intuitively that may not be thinkable any other way.
These are kōans:
This is Mu:
marvel at the awesomeness of Mu
8. Do you take vitamins?
I administer vitamins in the form of Flintstones Chewables (now with Betty), and I take one occasionally, but generally no.
9. Do you wear fingernail polish?
My hands are too often in and around craft materials and water to have polished nails. I keep my nails clean but not polished since they'd chips too frequently to look neat for very long. My toenails are polished, though. Bright pink at the moment.
10. If every flower in the world only grew into one color, which color would you want?
The color of blue hydrangeas in the shade on a late summer afternoon. How's that for specific? I love hydrangeas and everything they represent - the bounty and beauty of summer flowers, and the languid warmth of late afternoons as the shadows grow. Hydrangeas made up the bulk of my bridal bouquet and I can't wait to grow them again.
Beautiful blue hydrangeas
Stock Photo from the morgueFile, image information found here(^)
1. Do you like waffles?
I love waffles! There are really great gluten-free waffles on the market, made by Van's(^). Sometimes we make it using GF baking mix. I haven't made them from scratch yet. When I was still eating wheat I have to admit that the best waffles I ever made were made with Jiffy Mix(^) and the worst I ever made were made totally from scratch using the recipe in The Joy Of Cooking. They were way too greasy. Yuck.
The ones from Vans are great because they're, well, great - they taste like waffles, not too sweet or funky due to the lack of flour. And because they are in the grocery store, vs going to the health food store. And because they aren't expensive. A lot of gluten-free food is pretty expensive. There are several factors involved - testing, cleaning equipment, smaller batches, costly ingredients.
It's spiffy to find things that aren't expensive, taste good and are easy to find.
We like Waffles so much that we have a cat named Waffles. Our Waffles was actually named after Fern's cat Waffles, though. Fern doesn't have an accessible blog at the moment, but when he does, I'll link to it. He's one of the most important people in my life; the brother I now have, a best friend, and a confidant. As wonderful as Fern is, and while his cat is no doubt awesome, scientifically speaking, our Waffles has been determined to be the best cat on the planet.
Waffles:
- is incredibly empathetic and always comes and lays with us if we're not feeling well or could use some cheering up.
- sleeps with us, and is never too warm.
- lets the other kitties eat first.
- roars when he purrs.
- is huge, really long and muscular.
- defends other kitties against the scourge that is the dog.
- loves his mommy.
- has his own following on MySpace.
Waffles on the bed
More Waffles. Doesn't he have the sweetest face?
A water bottle, a lamp shaped like the Eiffel Tower, and my camera.
3. Do you hang laundry out on a line outside?
Rarely. I often hang it in the laundry room to dry. In Colorado, the air is so dry that even inside, clothes dry in a just few hours.
4. Loss of vision, ability to speak or hearing - which do you choose? (you have to choose one....)
I've already lost some hearing in my right ear due to a childhood injury, and I'd be ok with losing the rest. Well, not ok, but it would bother me less than the other two. I watch closed captioned TV and can read lips, so it wouldn't be much of a shock to lose my hearing, whereas I can't fathom losing my vision or the ability to speak.
5. On a scale from 1 - 10, how are your computer skills?
Well, compared to my husband, pretty poor. His skills go to eleven, as Nigel Tufnel(^) would say. But compared to your average user, probably about an 8 with PCs; a 6 with Macs; and maybe a 4 with Linux.
Tux, the Linux Mascot
This is the place where I tell you I intend to become more adept at Linux, like I always do. The truth is, it isn't Linux's fault - it's mine. Linux is not hard to learn at the user level, I'm just really busy with the SuperCat. I am at a point where I could use Linix 24/7 at the user level, but I would like to know a lot more and not have to rely on Dan for technical support.
On the plus side, I did dump Windows off my desktop machine, and my laptop now dual boots, so I am making measurable progress. Yay, progress.
6. Do you volunteer or donate to anything around the holidays?
I used to volunteer a lot, but haven't for a while, and am ok with that for the time being. My time is best utilized at home and probably will be for the foreseeable future. I will return to volunteering, eventually though, as I do miss it. We do donate to the ARC(^), which does a lot of good work.
7. If a person receives a DUI while in government office, should he lose his/her position?
I don't have enough information to make a decision.
Was the person elected, appointed or hired?
Does their job involve passing legislation involving drunk driving? Are they otherwise in a decision-making position?
Without more information, I can't answer.
Which totally brings us to MU!!!!! My friend Ben shared the concept of Mu a couple of weeks ago, and I was delighted to read about it.
Mu, where have you been all my life?
Mu (in Japan and Korea) or Wu (in Chinese) means "none", "without", and "no meaning". Mu is the answer to give when there is no correct answer possible or when there isn't enough information to give any answer at all. When "yes" and "no" are both wrong, "Mu" may be the answer.
Mu has a place in Buddhist philosophy as a kōan. A kōan is an often paradoxical question, story, riddle or statement that makes you think about things intuitively that may not be thinkable any other way.
These are kōans:
- what is the sound of one hand clapping?
- when you can do nothing, what can you do?
- what is the color of wind?
- If you have ice cream, I will give you some.
If you don't have ice cream, I will take it away.
That, of course, is the famous ice cream kōan by Jack Kerouac
This is Mu:
marvel at the awesomeness of Mu
8. Do you take vitamins?
I administer vitamins in the form of Flintstones Chewables (now with Betty), and I take one occasionally, but generally no.
9. Do you wear fingernail polish?
My hands are too often in and around craft materials and water to have polished nails. I keep my nails clean but not polished since they'd chips too frequently to look neat for very long. My toenails are polished, though. Bright pink at the moment.
10. If every flower in the world only grew into one color, which color would you want?
The color of blue hydrangeas in the shade on a late summer afternoon. How's that for specific? I love hydrangeas and everything they represent - the bounty and beauty of summer flowers, and the languid warmth of late afternoons as the shadows grow. Hydrangeas made up the bulk of my bridal bouquet and I can't wait to grow them again.
Beautiful blue hydrangeas
Stock Photo from the morgueFile, image information found here(^)
I have a busy day of sewing ahead of me, and will try to post some pictures f my work later this evening.
Until then,
Namaste.
Current mood:
(busy)
Current mood:
(busy)Thursday, December 11, 2008
Way Too Many Onions! French Onion Soup
I accidentally bought a 10 pound bag of onions last week, not realizing that I already had a nearly full 10 pound bag, giving us close to 20 pounds of onion-y goodness.
Sad vintage ceramic onion full of Splenda on my stovetop
We use a lot of onions, but 20 pounds is a bit much to have on hand in cold-weather months, when the house is heated. Without a cool storage place onions can go bad quickly.
In an valiant effort to save the onions from certain ruination, I made French Onion Soup yesterday afternoon. I don't have an exact recipe, but honestly don't think it needs one. It is delicious and worth the minimal effort it takes. The hardest part is slicing the onions. I use a crock pot, so it probably does take a bit longer than doing it in an open pan, but again, that's not a bad thing. Slow cooking allows the soup a chance for the flavors to meld and mix, adding to the end result.
Some of the ingredients for French Onion Soup
(vintage onion jar for effect - no kitschy ceramics in the actual soup)
1). Thinly slice enough onions to fill your crock pot:
I use a large 6-quart crock pot and make a huge batch, but know that we'll eat it over the next few days plain with bread and a salad; in place of au jus with sandwiches; cooked down and thickened to use in pot pie or shepherd's pie, etc. It won't go to waste.
If your crock pot is smaller, adjust accordingly. If you don't have a crock pot, this will take less time, but require more monitoring.
It takes about 4 pounds of onions (yellow and/or white) sliced thinly, to fill my crock pot.
2). Add ½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, sliced into 8 pieces or so on top of the onion slices.
Thinly sliced onions with butter pats on top. This is my 6-quart crock pot.
3). Turn the crock pot to low, put the lid on, and check frequently at first to be sure that low isn't too high (mine has warm, low and high as options). Crock pot performance varies, so check if you aren't familiar with how your pot works. It takes several hours for the onions to go limp, then eventually become clear and then begin to caramelize. If the onions are crispy or charred at all, the temperature is too high.
After about 90 minutes in my crock pot, the butter had mostly melted and the the onions had wilted a bit, well on their way to caramelized yumminess:
After 90 minutes, the onions are wilting and the butter is mostly melted.
8). Top with cheese of your choice, and set bowls under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese begins to bubble a bit.
9). Immediately remove bowls from oven, and carefully set on individual small plates to serve (because they will be very hot!!!
10). Serve with a hunk of French bread, bread sticks, or with crackers. I usually serve it with a small salad and fruit.
Dan eating delicious French Onion soup. Yummy!
Yay, he likes it!
Allez cuisine!
Helpful Hints:
The usual suspects
Sad vintage ceramic onion full of Splenda on my stovetop
In an valiant effort to save the onions from certain ruination, I made French Onion Soup yesterday afternoon. I don't have an exact recipe, but honestly don't think it needs one. It is delicious and worth the minimal effort it takes. The hardest part is slicing the onions. I use a crock pot, so it probably does take a bit longer than doing it in an open pan, but again, that's not a bad thing. Slow cooking allows the soup a chance for the flavors to meld and mix, adding to the end result.
Way Too Many Onions! French Onion Soup Recipe
- Yellow or white onions, sliced very thinly, about 4 pounds.
- Dry Sherry, about ½ cup
- butter or margarine, ½ cup. I use butter. You should use what you prefer.
- minced garlic, about 2 tablespoons. You can mince your own, or use the stuff in jars. I use the stuff in jars. We really like garlic, so this may be too much for your family. Adjust accordingly.
- pepper, to taste
- grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta ^) to taste. Widely-used in medieval Europe, this spice is peppery, but is not actually pepper. If you don't have any, use more pepper. Or not. Lots of people don't like as much pepper as we do, and there is almost no shame in that at all.
- beef and/or chicken broth, 2 quarts. Either is good, neither are shown in the picture below. I use gluten-free, which is easy to find if you read labels.
- Better Than Broth beef soup base. Or chicken. Use the one you like best. Concentrated broth, this is pretty salty. I start with 2 teaspoons or so, and adjust up until the flavor is right. You could use bouillon cubes instead, but the BTB(^) tastes better to me - more meat flavor. I have found it at Target and Wal*Mart in the grocery dept on the same shelf as bouillon cubes. It comes in jars.
- white cheese, sliced or grated. I use Swiss or Gruyère, others use Provolone or whatever else they like. I can't give an exact amount, because we don't eat all of the soup at one time. Basically, you want enough to cover the top of the soup in individual oven proof bowls. If you don't have oven-proof bowls, use micro-wave safe bowls, top the soup and nuke the bowls until the cheese is melted. This would be under a minute (perhaps 45 seconds) in my 1000 watt microwave.
- bread. I don't use bread in my soup, because we don't eat gluten. Instead, I serve it with GF bread sticks. If I added GF bread, it would go mushy. If gluten isn't an issue, lightly toast bread slices, one for every serving of soup and reserve.
- dried Parmesan cheese, optional. I sometimes add a sprinkle at the end before the cheese goes under the broiler.
Some of the ingredients for French Onion Soup
(vintage onion jar for effect - no kitschy ceramics in the actual soup)
Directions:
1). Thinly slice enough onions to fill your crock pot:
thinly sliced onions & butter
I use a large 6-quart crock pot and make a huge batch, but know that we'll eat it over the next few days plain with bread and a salad; in place of au jus with sandwiches; cooked down and thickened to use in pot pie or shepherd's pie, etc. It won't go to waste.
If your crock pot is smaller, adjust accordingly. If you don't have a crock pot, this will take less time, but require more monitoring.
It takes about 4 pounds of onions (yellow and/or white) sliced thinly, to fill my crock pot.
2). Add ½ cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, sliced into 8 pieces or so on top of the onion slices.
Thinly sliced onions with butter pats on top. This is my 6-quart crock pot.
After about 90 minutes in my crock pot, the butter had mostly melted and the the onions had wilted a bit, well on their way to caramelized yumminess:
After 90 minutes, the onions are wilting and the butter is mostly melted.
4). After the onions have cooked clear and are beginning to caramelize, which in my pot takes about 5 hours, add the garlic, sherry, Better than Broth, and broth.
Nearly-finished soup
5). Carefully raise the heat and cook for another hour or so, until the soup has reduced a bit. Check frequently to assure that the pot isn't over-heating the soup. I don't allow it to come to a full boil, but do allow it to come to a simmer, so that it begins to slowly reduce.
6). Season with pepper and grains of paradise (if desired).
Four pounds is a lot of onions, isn't it?
7). Ladle soup into oven proof bowls, add a slice of toasted bread (of your choice - if I could eat "regular" bread, I'd use a French baguette).
Nearly-finished soup
5). Carefully raise the heat and cook for another hour or so, until the soup has reduced a bit. Check frequently to assure that the pot isn't over-heating the soup. I don't allow it to come to a full boil, but do allow it to come to a simmer, so that it begins to slowly reduce.
6). Season with pepper and grains of paradise (if desired).
Four pounds is a lot of onions, isn't it?
7). Ladle soup into oven proof bowls, add a slice of toasted bread (of your choice - if I could eat "regular" bread, I'd use a French baguette).
9). Immediately remove bowls from oven, and carefully set on individual small plates to serve (because they will be very hot!!!
10). Serve with a hunk of French bread, bread sticks, or with crackers. I usually serve it with a small salad and fruit.
Dan eating delicious French Onion soup. Yummy!
Yay, he likes it!
Helpful Hints:
- I don't have a fail-proof trick to stop the tears you may shed from cutting lots of onions, but not cutting the root end off until I have to seems to help, as does slicing near a faucet with warm water running. YMMV, of course.
- Don't use cooking sherry, as it's often salted so you can't drink it. It is sold in the grocery store vs the liquor store, so it's salted so as to be undrinkable. Buy the liquor store version instead as it's much cheaper and doesn't taste like the Dead Sea.
- Be safe. Check your crock pot often until you are familiar with the way it works. My Low may be your High.
- If you feel like there is too much fat in the recipe, chilling the completed soup and skimming the solidified butter from the top is an easy way to fix it. Also, low-fat Swiss is a great choice for the cheese.
The usual suspects
I rarely ever use the back burners, even though I cook a lot. I just never seem to need it.
Friar Cookie Jar detail. He looks sneaky, don't you think?
The unused back burners hold my three favorite cookie jars, a Twin Winton Lamb cookie jar, a Friar cookie jar (I don't know his manufacturer) , and a McCoy Cookies Barrel cookie jar. Plus the sad onion guy, and usually a set of salt and pepper shakers.
Namaste.
Friar Cookie Jar detail. He looks sneaky, don't you think?
The unused back burners hold my three favorite cookie jars, a Twin Winton Lamb cookie jar, a Friar cookie jar (I don't know his manufacturer) , and a McCoy Cookies Barrel cookie jar. Plus the sad onion guy, and usually a set of salt and pepper shakers.
Namaste.
Current mood: 
(hungry)
(hungry)Wednesday, December 10, 2008
A Basic Human Right
This is from a blog meme I ran across today called BlogDriveInsanity(^):
Yay, learning new stuff!
And second, to answer the question, I guess I would say that I am most passionate about the right to self defense. Without the right to protect yourself, all other rights immediately cease to matter. If you aren't walking the Earth anymore, the right to vote; to property; to clean air and water; to food, the right to anything becomes meaningless.
I'm not talking about the dubious "right" to be an aggressor, or the ability to go to war. Simply put - I mean the innate right to stop aggression against yourself or those you care for. To feel safe and secure to the best of your ability without harming others who are innocent in the process.
I was a long time in becoming convinced that I could protect myself. And that even if I could, that I should. One thing that prompted me toward action was seeing other women taking the steps to defend themselves or others.
Women like Jeanne Assam(^), from my own neck of the woods, who saved untold lives at New Life Church last year.
Women like Stephanie Nielson, author of The NieNie Dialogues, who decided earlier this year to take firearms training and get her concealed carry permit because of crime in her neighborhood. She wrote about it eloquently in a post entitled NieNie get your gun(^).
And women like an unfortunate neighbor of mine whose home was invaded over the summer, and who was beat mercilessly. She didn't have the means to protect herself or her family.
So, I made the decision, took the classes, and did the most important thing: practice, practice, practice.
range practice
I made some interesting discoveries along the way:
Finally, I mentioned Stephanie Nielson above, a blogger I've very much enjoyed reading for some time. Stephanie and her husband, "Mr Nielson" were in a terrible airplane accident in August, 2008, and they both sustained life threatening critical burns.
While they recover, their loved ones are reposting previous NieNie posts. To read her blog, click on the link above. If you'd like to learn more about these two wonderful people, or if you would like to help, click the icon below.
My answer would be... Well, I would start with the fact that I've never heard of the United Nations' Human Rights Day(^) before now, even though this is the 60th anniversary of the first one.Wednesday Mind HumpWelcome to another Mind Hump. Today is Human Rights Day.
What human right are you most passionate about?
Yay, learning new stuff!
And second, to answer the question, I guess I would say that I am most passionate about the right to self defense. Without the right to protect yourself, all other rights immediately cease to matter. If you aren't walking the Earth anymore, the right to vote; to property; to clean air and water; to food, the right to anything becomes meaningless.
I'm not talking about the dubious "right" to be an aggressor, or the ability to go to war. Simply put - I mean the innate right to stop aggression against yourself or those you care for. To feel safe and secure to the best of your ability without harming others who are innocent in the process.
I was a long time in becoming convinced that I could protect myself. And that even if I could, that I should. One thing that prompted me toward action was seeing other women taking the steps to defend themselves or others.
Women like Jeanne Assam(^), from my own neck of the woods, who saved untold lives at New Life Church last year.
Women like Stephanie Nielson, author of The NieNie Dialogues, who decided earlier this year to take firearms training and get her concealed carry permit because of crime in her neighborhood. She wrote about it eloquently in a post entitled NieNie get your gun(^).
And women like an unfortunate neighbor of mine whose home was invaded over the summer, and who was beat mercilessly. She didn't have the means to protect herself or her family.
So, I made the decision, took the classes, and did the most important thing: practice, practice, practice.
range practice
I made some interesting discoveries along the way:
- Women are most certainly welcome at firearm ranges. I'm never the only one there. Women made up exactly 25% of my training class, and there are often knowledgeable women working in sporting goods stores that sell firearms.
- People in the know are willing to answer questions, make suggestions, and offer explanations. There are no stupid questions, and all of my questions have been answered with respect and patience.
- Everyone involved with firearms that I've met takes safety and competence very seriously.
- It feels good to become competent at something that had previously seemed so scary and once I did become competent, the scare factor went away.
Finally, I mentioned Stephanie Nielson above, a blogger I've very much enjoyed reading for some time. Stephanie and her husband, "Mr Nielson" were in a terrible airplane accident in August, 2008, and they both sustained life threatening critical burns.
While they recover, their loved ones are reposting previous NieNie posts. To read her blog, click on the link above. If you'd like to learn more about these two wonderful people, or if you would like to help, click the icon below.
Namaste.
Current mood:
Current mood:
What Have I Done?
Nothing bad, I hope.
Nah.
It's a list of experiences I may (or may not) have had.
Things I've done are in bold; things I'd like to do are in italics.
From Lea Is Gluten Free(^), an awesome GF blog.
1. Started your own blog?
Obviously.
2. Slept under the stars?
Many times. I was a Girl Scout!
3. Played in a band?
Badly and briefly, but yes. My school's 4th grade orchestra.
4. Visited Hawaii?
I've always wanted to visit Hawaii, especially since my Dad was once stationed there.
5. Watched a meteor shower?
Many times. At least annually for many years.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity?
Yes.
7. Been to Disney World?
Many times with my dad & the girls. Dan and I need to take the girls & the Supercat.
8. Climbed a mountain?
Not in a long time, but yes.
9. Held a praying mantis?
They have scratchy feet.
10. Sang a solo?
You wouldn't want me to, as I have an awful voice.
11. Bungee jumped?
My husband has bungee jumped (from a hot air balloon, no less), but I would never ever do it. Ever.
12. Visited Paris?
I would very much like to see Paris. My sister went a few years ago & loved it.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea?
I wasn't at sea, but the storm was. Does that count?
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch?
I taught myself to knit. And I taught myself how to use polymer clay. And a bunch of other artsy/crafty things.
15. Adopted a child?
Thought about it a bit; but I'm not sure it's feasible.
16. Had food poisoning?
I was green
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty?
No. Not for lack of trying, though. Every time I've been to NYC, its been closed for one reason or another. I did walk to the top of the Washington Monument a couple of times.
18. Grown your own vegetables?
Many times.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France?
I'll have to see her on my trip to Paris.
20. Slept on an overnight train?
Two different trains. The California Zephyr from Denver to Chicago, and the Cardinal from Chicago to West Virginia. The train is a wonderful way to travel. Dan & I are taking the other half of the California Zephyr route next year when we travel to San Francisco, so I will be able to add several more nights spent on trains then.
21. Had a pillow fight?
Many times. See Question #2 (I was a Girl Scout)
22. Hitchhiked?
Sorta, once.
Bad: it's a really bad idea and don't ever do it.
Good: a friend picked me up.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill?
Ya. Naughty naughty naughty.
24. Built a snow fort?
Yep. The first time was at Big Bear Lake(^) when I was a kid.
25. Held a lamb?
When I lived in West Virginia, once a year in the Spring there would be a petting zoo outside the grocery store & I always took the girls. My oldest loved sheep - her "lovie" was a lamb. Anyway, we always held the babies. They are so soft and sweet.
26. Gone skinny dipping?
(blush) yes (blush)
27. Run a Marathon?
Yes. Exactly one. I did very poorly, but I did finish it. Yay, me.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice?
never been to Venice, though it is probably higher on my list than Paris.
29. Seen a total eclipse?
No. Many partial, annular & lunar eclipses. One hybrid, iirc. No total eclipses, though.
Speaking of which, you know the Carly Simon song You're So Vain?
Well I hear you went up to Saratoga and your horse naturally won Then you flew your Lear Jet up to Nova Scotia To see the total eclipse of the sun
That eclipse took place July 10th, 1972 and a friend of mine was there. He wasn't the subject of the song though. How spiffy is that?
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset?
Over the Pacific and the Atlantic
31. Hit a home run?
No, but I got to 3rd base once on my own at-bat. Considering how sports-averse I am, that wasn't too shabby.
32. Been on a cruise?
No. My husband and I have talked about the Alaskan cruise thing, but I don't know if I would like to spend that much regimented time or not, and neither does he.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person?
It's always been on my 'to-do' list.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors?
That would be Scotland and/or England. No, I have not yet.
35. Seen an Amish community?
Many times. I lived near some Amish folks for a long time, and we'd see them in town from time to time. There were Mennonites in the area, too. They all seemed very nice. Dan & I recently watch a documentary about the Amish Rumspringa (called Devil's Playground(^) that really raised my eyebrows in relation to what I thought I knew about the Amish.
36. Taught yourself a new language?
No. I keep meaning to learn some Mandarin before we go to China, but haven't gotten around to it. I speak a bit of Spanish, but I didn't teach myself (a series of teachers did), and an even smaller bit of Japanese.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied?
Yes, but probably because I'm not a money-driven person
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person?
::sigh:: not yet.
39. Gone rock climbing?
I used to rappel in high school.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David?
not yet
41. Sung karaoke?
No, but Dan has and he sings beautifully.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt?
Yes, it was very cool, but I liked the volcanic paint pots better.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant?
Yes.
44. Visited Africa?
not yet. I really want to see Egypt. My husband has been, though.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight?
Many times.
46. Been transported in an ambulance?
Once, when I was hit head on in a car accident when I was 6 months pregnant.
47. Had your portrait painted?
No. I don't know if I would like that or not. I'd have to think about it.
48. Gone deep sea fishing?
Sort of. On a boat where others were fishing, but didn't fish myself.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person?
Another "not yet"
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris?
Nope. Gah! What's with all the France questions? If I haven't been to Paris (see question above), then I haven't seen the various things in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling?
Yes. In a pool, in a lake, and in the Bahamas.
52. Kissed in the rain?
My husband. He's a good kisser.
<3 style="font-weight: bold;">53. Played in the mud?
As a child.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater?
Many times. We talked about going again last summer, but never got around to it. Hopefully we'll make it next summer.
55. Been in a movie?
No. How cool would that be, though?
56. Visited the Great Wall of China?
The restaurant or the Wall?
We're going abroad for vacation in the year or so, and China is very high on the list.
I hope to see it soon.
57. Started a business?
No, I'm not a very entrepreneurial minded person.
58. Taken a martial arts class?
No, and it really doesn't interest me much, though my husband seems to be thinking about learning Krav Maga, which would be pretty cool.
59. Visited Russia?
Not yet, but I would like to see Saint Petersburg.
60. Served at a soup kitchen?
Sort of. I volunteered in a battered women's shelter for a while., and I used to give out food from the food pantry at church.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies?
Yes, several times. Would you like to buy some Thin Mints?
62. Gone whale watching?
Yes. We saw whales and dolphins.
63. Got flowers for no reason?
My husband is the most romantic person on the planet and often surprises me with flowers for no reason ::sigh:: I'm very lucky that way.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma?
Yes, and I would still be doing it except that my veins collapse and they can't get enough to make it worthwhile anymore.
65. Gone sky diving?
No, and I never will.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp?
No, but I'd like to, although "like" and "Nazi Concentration Camp" hardly go together.
67. Bounced a check?
No. How boring am I anyway?
68. Flown in a helicopter
No, and I'm pretty unlikely to ever wish to do so.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy?
I have a stuffed sheep and a stuffed Dancing Bear from Captain Kangaroo, both from childhood. I don't have a lot else in that regard, so they are very important to me.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial?
Several times.
71. Eaten Caviar?
No, but I'd like to. I've been in the room with it, and don't know why I didn't try it. I will try pretty much anything, food-wise.
72. Pieced a quilt?
I've made several quilts. I'm going to start another after Christmas.
73. Stood in Times Square?
Many times. I ♥ NY
74. Toured the Everglades?
Yes. Lots of alligators, really pretty birds, and mosquitoes the size of small aircraft.
75. Been fired from a job?
Never.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London?
Not yet. See: all other questions pertaining to Europe.
77. Broken a bone?
Many. Mostly in my hands. I found out last year why that was happening, so it shouldn't happen again.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle?
Yes.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person?
Yes, and it looks a lot like the pictures. By that I mean that it's so huge and so expansive, that standing at the rim, it almost seems flat and not-quite real somehow. Amazing.
80. Published a book?
Not my own all-by-myself book, but I have had my writing published in a book. Does that count?
81. Visited the Vatican?
My sister went a couple of years ago, but I haven't been yet. I'm Catholic, she isn't, so I guess I'd better get on that.
She brought me a rosary, though; she's very thoughtful.
82. Bought a brand new car?
Yes. It's a vastly overrated option. Used seems to work better for me.
83. Walked in Jerusalem?
No, but my sister has. I sort of want to go someday, sort of not.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper?
85. Read the entire Bible?
Yes.
Twice.
86. Visited the White House?
It's lovely.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating?
Yes, but only domesticated farm animals. My husband hunts.
I'm taking hunter safety classes this winter, so I plan to join him next autumn.
88. Had chickenpox?
Yes, in 6th grade. I started getting sick at school on Valentine's Day, and tried to stay because I didn't want to miss the party at the end of the day, but I didn't make it. I have a small scar near my collar bone.
89. Saved someone’s life?
Perhaps. I gave someone CPR once.
90. Sat on a jury?
In early 2005, I was one of 200 or so people called for jury duty. It was my first time. It got narrowed down to about 4 dozen people pretty quickly, half of which went one place, half the other. Lawyers from both sides talked to our group (and I assume the other group, too). Then we were given a questionnaire to fill out, which we turned in & waited. Eventually, we were brought back in numbered order to the courtroom. I was # 13. Some of us were questioned again, and I guess they decied to keep things the way they were because they eventually chose numbers 1-12, and the rest of us were allowed to go home.
So, I missed it by >< that much, which was sort of sad, because I would have like to have served and will be happy to do so if I'm ever called again.
92. Joined a book club?
No. I read alone, baby. I'm a rebel.
93. Lost a loved one?
Terribly, horribly, yes.
I lost my Dad almost five years ago.
94. Had a baby?
Yes, several babies.
95. See the Alamo in person?
Yes, it's spiffy. Stay out of the basement, though. Bad jou-jou.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake?
No. First, can you actually swim, or do you just sort of float due to all the salt?
And second, ewwwwwwwwww. Have you smelled the Great Salt Lake?
Icky.
97. Been involved in a law suit?
Yes, for my former HOA as an officer. We won 7/7.
98. Owned a cell phone?
My current phone is a G1 Android (the Google phone), but I've had cell phones since they were huge hulking things in bags.
99. Been stung by a bee?
Yes. But not until I was in 5th grade. A bunch of us were sledding on a hill of mud at Girl Scout camp we ran into a wild bee's nest.
Ouchies.
100. Read an entire book in one day
Many, many times. I'm a readin' fool.
Namaste. =^..^=
Current Mood:
(geeky)
Nah.
It's a list of experiences I may (or may not) have had.
Things I've done are in bold; things I'd like to do are in italics.
From Lea Is Gluten Free(^), an awesome GF blog.
1. Started your own blog?
Obviously.
2. Slept under the stars?
Many times. I was a Girl Scout!
3. Played in a band?
Badly and briefly, but yes. My school's 4th grade orchestra.
4. Visited Hawaii?
I've always wanted to visit Hawaii, especially since my Dad was once stationed there.
5. Watched a meteor shower?
Many times. At least annually for many years.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity?
Yes.
7. Been to Disney World?
Many times with my dad & the girls. Dan and I need to take the girls & the Supercat.
8. Climbed a mountain?
Not in a long time, but yes.
9. Held a praying mantis?
They have scratchy feet.
10. Sang a solo?
You wouldn't want me to, as I have an awful voice.
11. Bungee jumped?
My husband has bungee jumped (from a hot air balloon, no less), but I would never ever do it. Ever.
12. Visited Paris?
I would very much like to see Paris. My sister went a few years ago & loved it.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea?
I wasn't at sea, but the storm was. Does that count?
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch?
I taught myself to knit. And I taught myself how to use polymer clay. And a bunch of other artsy/crafty things.
15. Adopted a child?
Thought about it a bit; but I'm not sure it's feasible.
16. Had food poisoning?
I was green
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty?
No. Not for lack of trying, though. Every time I've been to NYC, its been closed for one reason or another. I did walk to the top of the Washington Monument a couple of times.
18. Grown your own vegetables?
Many times.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France?
I'll have to see her on my trip to Paris.
20. Slept on an overnight train?
Two different trains. The California Zephyr from Denver to Chicago, and the Cardinal from Chicago to West Virginia. The train is a wonderful way to travel. Dan & I are taking the other half of the California Zephyr route next year when we travel to San Francisco, so I will be able to add several more nights spent on trains then.
21. Had a pillow fight?
Many times. See Question #2 (I was a Girl Scout)
22. Hitchhiked?
Sorta, once.
Bad: it's a really bad idea and don't ever do it.
Good: a friend picked me up.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill?
Ya. Naughty naughty naughty.
24. Built a snow fort?
Yep. The first time was at Big Bear Lake(^) when I was a kid.
25. Held a lamb?
When I lived in West Virginia, once a year in the Spring there would be a petting zoo outside the grocery store & I always took the girls. My oldest loved sheep - her "lovie" was a lamb. Anyway, we always held the babies. They are so soft and sweet.
26. Gone skinny dipping?
(blush) yes (blush)
27. Run a Marathon?
Yes. Exactly one. I did very poorly, but I did finish it. Yay, me.
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice?
never been to Venice, though it is probably higher on my list than Paris.
29. Seen a total eclipse?
No. Many partial, annular & lunar eclipses. One hybrid, iirc. No total eclipses, though.
Speaking of which, you know the Carly Simon song You're So Vain?
Well I hear you went up to Saratoga and your horse naturally won Then you flew your Lear Jet up to Nova Scotia To see the total eclipse of the sun
That eclipse took place July 10th, 1972 and a friend of mine was there. He wasn't the subject of the song though. How spiffy is that?
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset?
Over the Pacific and the Atlantic
31. Hit a home run?
No, but I got to 3rd base once on my own at-bat. Considering how sports-averse I am, that wasn't too shabby.
32. Been on a cruise?
No. My husband and I have talked about the Alaskan cruise thing, but I don't know if I would like to spend that much regimented time or not, and neither does he.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person?
It's always been on my 'to-do' list.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors?
That would be Scotland and/or England. No, I have not yet.
35. Seen an Amish community?
Many times. I lived near some Amish folks for a long time, and we'd see them in town from time to time. There were Mennonites in the area, too. They all seemed very nice. Dan & I recently watch a documentary about the Amish Rumspringa (called Devil's Playground(^) that really raised my eyebrows in relation to what I thought I knew about the Amish.
36. Taught yourself a new language?
No. I keep meaning to learn some Mandarin before we go to China, but haven't gotten around to it. I speak a bit of Spanish, but I didn't teach myself (a series of teachers did), and an even smaller bit of Japanese.
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied?
Yes, but probably because I'm not a money-driven person
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person?
::sigh:: not yet.
39. Gone rock climbing?
I used to rappel in high school.
40. Seen Michelangelo's David?
not yet
41. Sung karaoke?
No, but Dan has and he sings beautifully.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt?
Yes, it was very cool, but I liked the volcanic paint pots better.
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant?
Yes.
44. Visited Africa?
not yet. I really want to see Egypt. My husband has been, though.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight?
Many times.
46. Been transported in an ambulance?
Once, when I was hit head on in a car accident when I was 6 months pregnant.
47. Had your portrait painted?
No. I don't know if I would like that or not. I'd have to think about it.
48. Gone deep sea fishing?
Sort of. On a boat where others were fishing, but didn't fish myself.
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person?
Another "not yet"
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris?
Nope. Gah! What's with all the France questions? If I haven't been to Paris (see question above), then I haven't seen the various things in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling?
Yes. In a pool, in a lake, and in the Bahamas.
52. Kissed in the rain?
My husband. He's a good kisser.
<3 style="font-weight: bold;">53. Played in the mud?
As a child.
54. Gone to a drive-in theater?
Many times. We talked about going again last summer, but never got around to it. Hopefully we'll make it next summer.
55. Been in a movie?
No. How cool would that be, though?
56. Visited the Great Wall of China?
The restaurant or the Wall?
We're going abroad for vacation in the year or so, and China is very high on the list.
I hope to see it soon.
57. Started a business?
No, I'm not a very entrepreneurial minded person.
58. Taken a martial arts class?
No, and it really doesn't interest me much, though my husband seems to be thinking about learning Krav Maga, which would be pretty cool.
59. Visited Russia?
Not yet, but I would like to see Saint Petersburg.
60. Served at a soup kitchen?
Sort of. I volunteered in a battered women's shelter for a while., and I used to give out food from the food pantry at church.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies?
Yes, several times. Would you like to buy some Thin Mints?
62. Gone whale watching?
Yes. We saw whales and dolphins.
63. Got flowers for no reason?
My husband is the most romantic person on the planet and often surprises me with flowers for no reason ::sigh:: I'm very lucky that way.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma?
Yes, and I would still be doing it except that my veins collapse and they can't get enough to make it worthwhile anymore.
65. Gone sky diving?
No, and I never will.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp?
No, but I'd like to, although "like" and "Nazi Concentration Camp" hardly go together.
67. Bounced a check?
No. How boring am I anyway?
68. Flown in a helicopter
No, and I'm pretty unlikely to ever wish to do so.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy?
I have a stuffed sheep and a stuffed Dancing Bear from Captain Kangaroo, both from childhood. I don't have a lot else in that regard, so they are very important to me.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial?
Several times.
71. Eaten Caviar?
No, but I'd like to. I've been in the room with it, and don't know why I didn't try it. I will try pretty much anything, food-wise.
72. Pieced a quilt?
I've made several quilts. I'm going to start another after Christmas.
73. Stood in Times Square?
Many times. I ♥ NY
74. Toured the Everglades?
Yes. Lots of alligators, really pretty birds, and mosquitoes the size of small aircraft.
75. Been fired from a job?
Never.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London?
Not yet. See: all other questions pertaining to Europe.
77. Broken a bone?
Many. Mostly in my hands. I found out last year why that was happening, so it shouldn't happen again.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle?
Yes.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person?
Yes, and it looks a lot like the pictures. By that I mean that it's so huge and so expansive, that standing at the rim, it almost seems flat and not-quite real somehow. Amazing.
80. Published a book?
Not my own all-by-myself book, but I have had my writing published in a book. Does that count?
81. Visited the Vatican?
My sister went a couple of years ago, but I haven't been yet. I'm Catholic, she isn't, so I guess I'd better get on that.
She brought me a rosary, though; she's very thoughtful.
82. Bought a brand new car?
Yes. It's a vastly overrated option. Used seems to work better for me.
83. Walked in Jerusalem?
No, but my sister has. I sort of want to go someday, sort of not.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper?
85. Read the entire Bible?
Yes.
Twice.
86. Visited the White House?
It's lovely.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating?
Yes, but only domesticated farm animals. My husband hunts.
I'm taking hunter safety classes this winter, so I plan to join him next autumn.
88. Had chickenpox?
Yes, in 6th grade. I started getting sick at school on Valentine's Day, and tried to stay because I didn't want to miss the party at the end of the day, but I didn't make it. I have a small scar near my collar bone.
89. Saved someone’s life?
Perhaps. I gave someone CPR once.
90. Sat on a jury?
In early 2005, I was one of 200 or so people called for jury duty. It was my first time. It got narrowed down to about 4 dozen people pretty quickly, half of which went one place, half the other. Lawyers from both sides talked to our group (and I assume the other group, too). Then we were given a questionnaire to fill out, which we turned in & waited. Eventually, we were brought back in numbered order to the courtroom. I was # 13. Some of us were questioned again, and I guess they decied to keep things the way they were because they eventually chose numbers 1-12, and the rest of us were allowed to go home.
So, I missed it by >< that much, which was sort of sad, because I would have like to have served and will be happy to do so if I'm ever called again.
92. Joined a book club?
No. I read alone, baby. I'm a rebel.
93. Lost a loved one?
Terribly, horribly, yes.
I lost my Dad almost five years ago.
94. Had a baby?
Yes, several babies.
95. See the Alamo in person?
Yes, it's spiffy. Stay out of the basement, though. Bad jou-jou.
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake?
No. First, can you actually swim, or do you just sort of float due to all the salt?
And second, ewwwwwwwwww. Have you smelled the Great Salt Lake?
Icky.
97. Been involved in a law suit?
Yes, for my former HOA as an officer. We won 7/7.
98. Owned a cell phone?
My current phone is a G1 Android (the Google phone), but I've had cell phones since they were huge hulking things in bags.
99. Been stung by a bee?
Yes. But not until I was in 5th grade. A bunch of us were sledding on a hill of mud at Girl Scout camp we ran into a wild bee's nest.
Ouchies.
100. Read an entire book in one day
Many, many times. I'm a readin' fool.
Namaste. =^..^=
Current Mood:
(geeky)Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow
♪ It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ♫
After a day and a half of waiting and listening to the seemingly interminable up-to-the-minute Channel30/5/11/13/21NewsCenterAccu-WeatherQuickAlerts, we finally saw snow.
Yesterday afternoon, around 4:00 PM, my husband called and said that his boss had advised everyone to go home and finish the day working from home because the weather was getting bad. Just as he arrived home, it was as if the sky above turned on the snow-making machines and we went from an vast expanse of bare grass to several inches of the white stuff within 20 minutes or so. We get a lot of snow here, of course, but it doesn't usually start so abruptly. It continued all evening. Here are a few pictures from right after dusk:
Santa and Rudolph weren't fully inflated yet when this was taken, making them look as though they really, really liked each other.
inflatable heaven
all lit up
Our Christmas tree is about 7½ feet tall, but it doesn't look that big here, probably because we have gift bags circling the tree like covered wagons to keep the galloping herd of buffalo our giant dog from chasing the kitties under the tree and knocking it over.
It's hard to capture details, so you'll have to imagine the cool bubble lights. I always thought those were the coolest and thought that I'd have them when I grew up. I do have them now, and they are (in fact) the coolest.
4. When do you take the tree down?
I used to leave the tree up till at least the Feast of the Epiphany(^) (January 6th), but the last several years I've taken the tree down the day after Christmas, because that was all I could stand (after my Dad died). Somehow, this year is finally different, and I feel like celebrating again, even if only tentatively. I don't know if we will make it to Epiphany, but I'm certainly willing to try.
After a day and a half of waiting and listening to the seemingly interminable up-to-the-minute Channel30/5/11/13/21NewsCenterAccu-WeatherQuickAlerts, we finally saw snow.
Yesterday afternoon, around 4:00 PM, my husband called and said that his boss had advised everyone to go home and finish the day working from home because the weather was getting bad. Just as he arrived home, it was as if the sky above turned on the snow-making machines and we went from an vast expanse of bare grass to several inches of the white stuff within 20 minutes or so. We get a lot of snow here, of course, but it doesn't usually start so abruptly. It continued all evening. Here are a few pictures from right after dusk:
Santa and Rudolph weren't fully inflated yet when this was taken, making them look as though they really, really liked each other.
inflatable heaven
all lit up
It's hard to capture details, so you'll have to imagine the cool bubble lights. I always thought those were the coolest and thought that I'd have them when I grew up. I do have them now, and they are (in fact) the coolest.
The fireplace is to the left, and you can't really see it, but there is a very large clay chiminea shaped like an owl on the hearth full of pebbles and candles.
PS: I noticed that I forgot to include Question 4 from the yesterday's quiz. It should have been:4. When do you take the tree down?
I used to leave the tree up till at least the Feast of the Epiphany(^) (January 6th), but the last several years I've taken the tree down the day after Christmas, because that was all I could stand (after my Dad died). Somehow, this year is finally different, and I feel like celebrating again, even if only tentatively. I don't know if we will make it to Epiphany, but I'm certainly willing to try.
Bartolomé Esteban Murillo's(^)
Adoration of the Magi (17th Century)
Adoration of the Magi (17th Century)
Finally, a quick Q & A, because a friend was wondering about a few things after I posted a picture of our tree last night:
Q: What's that lurking behind your Christmas tree?
A: A copy of the poster for Le Chat Noir(^), the famous 19th century Parisian cabaret. Well, famous in the 19th century, anyway. The poster (not my copy, of course) dates to 1896. Here it is without a tree in front of it:
Q. The picture makes it look like your walls are painted purple. What color are they really?
A. Purple. A purple-y sort of dark dusty violet. I ♥ the color.
Namasté
Current mood:
(cold)
Q: What's that lurking behind your Christmas tree?
A: A copy of the poster for Le Chat Noir(^), the famous 19th century Parisian cabaret. Well, famous in the 19th century, anyway. The poster (not my copy, of course) dates to 1896. Here it is without a tree in front of it:
I always think the cat looks really cheesed.
Q. The picture makes it look like your walls are painted purple. What color are they really?
A. Purple. A purple-y sort of dark dusty violet. I ♥ the color.
Namasté
Current mood:
(cold)
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