Some people probably think I’m a hoarder. And they might be right. But my hoarding tendencies go far beyond the usual I-Have-No-Room-In-My-Basement/Attic/Back Room/Guest Room/Fill-In-The Blank Room. I’m a virtual hoarder. I hoard ideas. My brain can barely function some days because I’ve got so many ideas jockeying for space it’s like the opening bell at the NYSE. This is exactly why I don’t write as much as I’d like: I can’t decide on a topic. I mean, I still haven’t... Read more
English: A woman typing on a laptop Français : Une femme travaillant sur un ordinateur (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Honestly, it’s that time of the year, so you’re probably too busy to wonder where I’ve been or what I’ve been up to. Mostly, it’s been typing. I’ve been typing a book (for someone else, sorry) and some papers (for my daughter) and stuff like that. I promise I’ll be back. Hopefully before the end of the year, because if there’s anything... Read more
How’s that for an alarming title? Hmmm… I know it’s making you wonder, “Crap, has she really gone off the deep end this time?” Nah… Hear me out. Legend has it that during the religious war that resulted in the extermination of the Cathar “heresy” in the south of France at Carcassonne and Béziers in the 11th century one of the generals came to the man in charge of this “purge” and asked, in essence, “These people all look like... Read more
Well, not really, since this isn’t a newspaper, but you get the idea. After another bout (albeit shorter than usual) of discouragement and almost-but-not-quite depression, I’ve once again joined the ranks of the living, and had a banner day. I decided to go out and get the thread I needed to do all the mending. While this sounds pretty dull, it required a trip across town. Once I was there, I serendipitously discovered something I wanted, but hadn’t really been... Read more
Ironing, what’s not to love? Almost instant gratification that lasts longer than a dinner party! Hooray! (Of course, if I had this adoring swain by my board, I might engage in it a bit more often!) There’s nothing like the warm smell of linen, and the hiss of the steam as it puffs from the sole plate (Maybe it should be called the “soul” plate?), not to mention the satisfying feeling I get from seeing the wrinkles disappear from underneath... Read more
I still haven’t unpacked my bread pans, so I’ve been waiting to bake bread here. But it was bugging me, and Paul and Lindsay were both asking about it. So, no more excuses. I decided, “What kind of a baker am I if I can’t bake bread without a pan?” So here we are, bread dough rising. I’ll just make a shaped loaf, and I’m sure it’ll be just as tasty as it would if I used a pan! Just... Read more
Who isn’t amazed by those lads and lasses who balance a number of plates, keeping them all spinning at the end of various lengths of pole. And who hasn’t felt like one of those fellows, when there’s a lot of tasks to be done, all seeming to be of equal importance so that prioritizing seems impossible? I’m right there, these days. Or maybe it’s more like a smorgasbord. Like a church supper where there’s so many kinds of delectable desserts... Read more
Did you ever have one of those moments when you were looking for something and you just knew it had to be right around here, somewhere?! Well, it’s been seven days since we unpacked the truck. I am slowly (very slowly) getting unpacked. It’s not just unpacking though, it’s trying to mesh my things in with Paul’s. Trying to meld our lives, while we meld our things. On top of that, we hardly ever see each other. First, I left... Read more
Despite a brisk wind and a temp of 23° (-5° C), Paul, Lindsay and I walked the six and a half blocks to the excellent Milwaukee institution Beans and Barley this morning for lunch. Excellent Pesto Lasagna for me, Paul got one of their legendary burritos and Lindsay had the egg salad with sprouts. Excellent fortification for braving the wintry walk back, though we did stop at Whole Foods for some staples, since I decided I wanted to make bread... Read more
Reporting from Milwaukee this week, we found ourselves at the amazingly wonderful and well-nigh irresistible Peter Sciortino Italian Bakery. They haven’t changed a bit since I was last there, over ten years ago. Thank God, because if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Sciortino’s carries the full complement of Italian baked goods, from delicate cookies and hearty yeast breads, to luscious cannoli. Everything is super, and the place looks and smells delicious. I got a dozen cookies and figured that... Read more
After the Ecstasy, the Laundry...
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