The return of cooler weather has been wonderful, although it will get hot again at the end of the week. My brain feels functional and creative although the various arthritic body parts are beginning to complain. Yes, I'm talking about you, hips and left index finger. Still beats having sludge for brains. Hmm, I may have to put on long pants ( Read more... )

It is the Summer of House repair at Huddling Place, and I seem to be Speaker to Contractors, which is how I spend quite a few of my days off We've paid off the house, you see, and will be retiring late next year, so this is the golden opportunity to smear money on what we can of the house before reality sets in ( Read more... )

Home with a cold. I haven't had a bad one in quite some time so am relearning all the strategies for survival. The cats hated the first day of constant sneezing. This second day isn't as explosive ( Read more... )

There is almost no snow on the ground. I keep thinking I should start some seeds indoors under my shop lights. I know it's silly, but I keep thinking I should. Maybe some impatiens and pansies? They take a long time to germinate. That would get me into the habit of watering and tending, and remind me to exercise more ( Read more... )

Went to see the Edo Pop exhibit at the Institute of Arts and loved it. It's going away Jan 8, so if you are local and want to see it, better get there. Friends warned me that it was large and engrossing, so I ate lunch before going and sat down when I could ( Read more... )

Happy new year to everyone (and of course again when the year of the Dragon starts). I had tea with friends yesterday afternoon and felt remarkably civilized. Jana's fancy porcelain cup collection and Catherine's baking always make it an Occasion. I forgot to ask to view the Winter Book that Jana bound for the Center for the Book. Will have to ask ( Read more... )

This year I'm wintering in Minnesota. It's pretty nice so far--very little snow, lots of fresh air, good co-ops ( Read more... )

I made some cookies for the cookie party at work with some new cutters. The bears came out OK, but the poor bison and especially the moose lost limbs. So I picked out the best and frosted them. Later (and I have posted this on Facebook) it occurred to me that I could salvage the wounded by just breaking off the rest of the legs and squiggle a ( Read more... )

Headed out for the last day of the season for the Midtown farmers market. Lots of squash of all descriptions, stacks of Brussels sprouts, onions, potatoes, green tomatoes, apples. I didn't need much, but it was nice to be there. Happy people, beautiful local vegetables, cheese, eggs,fresh air,the light rail going by in the background, the smell ( Read more... )

Made pesto yesterday, more tonight, and probably more after that. Good year for the basil. Ratatouille this week end--tomatoes, zucchini, beans, eggplant and onions all at their best and cheapest. All for the freezer, and later this winter, for us.