Saturday’s snowstorm meant my Sunday paper did not arrive until late Sunday afternoon, which curtailed my usual Sunday morning habit of curling up with the Sunday Times and a pot of coffee. I decided this was a fabulous opportunity to work through the rather ambitious stack of books I had grabbed on my last visit to the local library. Continue reading
Category: books
Really very random.
I’m getting over a nasty little bug going around that a friend of mine described as making you feel as if you got punched in the gut. Personally, I think it felt more like I did way too many crunches at the gym and therefore I am hopeful that when I am finally at 100%, I am going to wake up to discover fabulous six-pack abs as a result.
A girl can dream, can’t she? Continue reading
A Cookbook History Lesson.
Saturday of Oysterfest, Abigail brought a box of goodies for me that I promised to blog about later. Inside the box were a number of items that belonged to her grandmother that she thought I would enjoy. Old cookbooks and dishes, namely Fiesta ware, two things I seem to have a collection of.
A most practical give away.
I know at least some of you have heard of Mrs. Wheelbarrow, aka Cathy Barrow, blogger and columnist for the Washington Post, if only because so many of you sent me her star-shaped watermelon rind pickle blog post this past summer. But did you know her food preservation knowledge is now available as a cookbook?
My Favorite Books: D.V.
I love Patience Crabstick’s Friday Reading Assignment posts. They inspire me to write more about what I read, although to be honest, my reading list is not nearly as lofty as Patience’s. She is currently working on a Fifty Classics Project while I tend to read well, nothing that highbrow. For the last few months, I’ve been reading what Edie is reading, partially to keep tabs on what she’s reading and partially because she hands me books she wants to discuss with me. I keep intending to write about at least some of these books – they are not all The Fault in Our Stars and The Hunger Games – but first is a book I recently shared with her. It’s one of my all time favorites – D.V. , Diana Vreeland’s autobiography. Continue reading
An Early Christmas Present.
I got a message from my neighbor Steve the other day, he was cleaning out his mother’s things and was I interested in some old cookbooks and loose recipes he wanted to see to a good home? Continue reading
Of crafts and swaps.
I don’t know how I first heard of the Craft Swap Craft Cville was throwing. The point is, I heard of it. And was more than a little excited. Swap your craft supplies that are just sitting there for ones you might use? Yes, please. Continue reading
Perspective.
Is the glass half empty or half full? It’s all how you look at it.
I’ve been spending quite a bit of time navel gazing here lately, pondering the greater meaning of life, exactly what talents I do possess and just overall taking stock. I blame the change of season and the start of a new school year for this. Also an upcoming birthday that is bringing along a hint of a mid-life crisis I-don’t-even-know-what-to-call-it-because-it’s-not-a-crisis-as-much-as-it-is-some-heavy-duty-life-stuff, that when I talk to friends about why this is forthcoming, all agree, it’s a pretty damn valid impetus and furthermore, I’m handling it pretty damn good, all things considered. Continue reading
“Pull Down The Night”
I came home recently to find an unexpected package on the front porch. I did not recognize the return address, but was absolutely delighted upon opening it to find this:
The follow up to my dear childhood friend Nathan Kotecki’s first novel “The Suburban Strange“, “Pull down the Night“. Continue reading
Just to say.
My friend Kristin lost her son not quite three years ago and started a foundation in his honor. Our hometown paper did a beautiful story on her that you can read here.
And then go the website for the Jedediah Thomas Smith Foundation and pre-order the forthcoming foundation cookbook. It will make fantastic holiday gifts for the cooks in your life, it helps a good cause AND includes a recipe from me – my Aunt Loretta’s Mrs. Van Popple Cheesecake. All proceeds go to the foundation, which gives assistance to families battling childhood cancer.
I still carry a picture of Jed in my wallet. It reminds me that each day is a gift, to not take anything for granted. And to remember a very special little boy who’s short life has left a long lasting legacy.
Chicken Wire & Paper Flowers 