tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86309992024-03-13T16:47:31.051-04:00The Cabinet of Prof. KittyHome cookin', running, parenting, Vermontness."Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.comBlogger812125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-38163102454890478682024-03-03T16:59:00.005-05:002024-03-03T17:09:20.917-05:00February Days 2024<h4 style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">"<span>The true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life."</span></span></h4><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">--William Morris </span></p><p><span>Let's continue checking in each month on what is UP! This time I'm looking back at February and covering some New Things, media that I consumed, and Favorites, plus photos. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>New Things</span></h3><p><span><b>StarDragon Oracle:</b> Happy Year of the Dragon! I am interested in dragon energy. In the Western culture that I know, dragons are often villains. Think Smaug sitting steaming on his stolen hoard. The virgin-eating monster in "Dragonslayer." The poor dragon that St. George is always standing on. The creepy edges of old maps marked "Here be dragons." Dragons are sometimes called "worms," even though they are obviously much more sophisticated and magical (sorry, worms). Yet I think in other cultures dragons are powerful otherworldly entities that are not necessarily evil. Because I'm interested in exploring dragons this year, I ordered myself the StarDragons oracle cards by Paolo Barbieri. Here are two of the cards that I particularly like. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtTF_KBxCZ90hvSsQ6_eu83_B9huP75HAgSsb337xnz8zhkyXdTl-5t5gkNkRvPEsKBJjq8nrVJIzH36iulgEf0OSQnlBf7UvsqApaXV7KBUuQkGM9ZD3gJ9zaPPGx7UJSkSTpGmp6ohIDIpt290QtScj7SBhNfK93TOsqe2gjFfgvGOJOlxoKg/s4032/IMG_5815.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtTF_KBxCZ90hvSsQ6_eu83_B9huP75HAgSsb337xnz8zhkyXdTl-5t5gkNkRvPEsKBJjq8nrVJIzH36iulgEf0OSQnlBf7UvsqApaXV7KBUuQkGM9ZD3gJ9zaPPGx7UJSkSTpGmp6ohIDIpt290QtScj7SBhNfK93TOsqe2gjFfgvGOJOlxoKg/s320/IMG_5815.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">THE SELF: Gathering your power<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXGh8BvktceXBVgQUpb3rQDIdht337OMNJCW8OrbCmHb7UqMiwzZ_RXcfJ2KGvxit9KJBU_BFLnh6dCtHtgiQUbBLYxACSdqT_sAlcBZl_ibXHUthyjBw60ymgd1SVcHoGv3hPYkpJvBeDIjpNZwey9XjR2VKVlLgoYePPDk1eOkVeb31jOIiTQ/s4032/IMG_5814.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXGh8BvktceXBVgQUpb3rQDIdht337OMNJCW8OrbCmHb7UqMiwzZ_RXcfJ2KGvxit9KJBU_BFLnh6dCtHtgiQUbBLYxACSdqT_sAlcBZl_ibXHUthyjBw60ymgd1SVcHoGv3hPYkpJvBeDIjpNZwey9XjR2VKVlLgoYePPDk1eOkVeb31jOIiTQ/s320/IMG_5814.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MIRACLE: Making a difference<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span><b>La La Land piano music</b>: I recently re-watched the film La La Land and it's so good. It's a story of youth, love, Hollywood, music, ideals, and then what happens when your real life path unfolds. Actual life is not the same as what you dreamed, but it can still be okay. The music in La La Land is vivacious and catchy so I ordered the piano music to try it out for myself.<br /></span></p><p><span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPii1eFvSMJ4qNk71O41WjDQrA_59JaWg5doEI3jdGgK-CvOZkSAgtAJ-x5dlECBVGa276xVFMiUiVKcy7B9IqFBEovSzeZtswnmPI_tjdoOkOXI2jZW59U7M7KkgSa2lCyc-5_jXk6W0IMKMyrAqRGuq4HGBis90dqKwC59IlnaMG1f-iJyHKw/s4032/IMG_5837.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsPii1eFvSMJ4qNk71O41WjDQrA_59JaWg5doEI3jdGgK-CvOZkSAgtAJ-x5dlECBVGa276xVFMiUiVKcy7B9IqFBEovSzeZtswnmPI_tjdoOkOXI2jZW59U7M7KkgSa2lCyc-5_jXk6W0IMKMyrAqRGuq4HGBis90dqKwC59IlnaMG1f-iJyHKw/w400-h300/IMG_5837.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La La Land film music next to my beloved Joe Hisaishi film music <br />(the genius behind Studio Ghibli soundtracks)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span><br /> </span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>Consumed</span></h3><p><span><b>Maggie O'Farrell:</b> I'm always on the hunt for novels that don't make me feel cringey or miserable along the way. I am tired of stories about people being mean or horrible situations or just dreadful, eye-rolling material. "Instructions for a Heat Wave" by Maggie O'Farrell was a great relief and I devoured the book over the course of a week. It's about a family in 70s London that has a specific issue and they get back together to hash it out. The writing also has lots of time-hops to give background on everybody. It reminded me of "The Corrections" by Jonathan Franzen, which I really like. (I wrote about The Corrections in my <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2021/12/2021-reading-list.html" target="_blank">2021 Reading roundup</a>.)<br /></span></p><p><span><b>Scamanda: </b>This is an 8-episode investigative podcast about a California woman who started a blog about her cancer diagnosis and then began requesting and accepting donations to cover her enormous medical costs... except there's a major twist to the story. Most podcasts that I listen to are single episodes about a particular topic or an interview, so I got hooked on this long narrative arc that was really well done. You can <a href="https://lionsgatesound.com/shows/scamanda" target="_blank">listen to Scamanda here</a> (or on your favorite podcast app). Since finishing Scamanda I've been on the hunt for similar long-form podcasts, and have listened to both "Behind the Magic" and "Filthy Ritual." (All 3 of these have British hosts with plummy accents that adds an extra level of goodness.)<br /></span></p><p><span><br /></span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>Favorites</span></h3><p><span><b>Sourdough:</b> In 2023, a family member got into the idea of bread-baking and sourdough starter, and made a batch of starter named Joseph. Joseph still lives in our fridge, though that family member's baking interest waned somewhat. This past month I decided to feed Joseph and try baking some <a href="https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/rustic-sourdough-bread-recipe" target="_blank">Rustic Sourdough</a> loaves. They were not bad! I have a lot to learn about baking so I'm going to keep trying.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMx_WOxR73wJKNd66mM4bodHMvM5d3TUHybNwRAuD9bU-NtUX-iOSOJQUb_j7x5VczmvC6zMuTIlMn3L_9BEVR0Oh0ghYb6u6SYL8RtI2b6nCqF6bYJ7_jPwynXpmaF0ZD8Lo4Xo6y6NB4SR1OkYBU6biSjd0sSZ2dEYYj7UltFdFCVV62qg5NkQ/s4032/IMG_5818.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMx_WOxR73wJKNd66mM4bodHMvM5d3TUHybNwRAuD9bU-NtUX-iOSOJQUb_j7x5VczmvC6zMuTIlMn3L_9BEVR0Oh0ghYb6u6SYL8RtI2b6nCqF6bYJ7_jPwynXpmaF0ZD8Lo4Xo6y6NB4SR1OkYBU6biSjd0sSZ2dEYYj7UltFdFCVV62qg5NkQ/s320/IMG_5818.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span><p></p><p><span><b>MassMOCA:</b> Over school break, our family went back to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (<a href="https://massmoca.org/" target="_blank">MassMOCA</a>) in North Adams, Massachusetts. The Gunnar Schonbeck interactive music room and the James Turrell immersive light installations are still there (I wrote about them in this <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2018/05/a-visit-to-mass-moca-massachusetts.html" target="_blank">2018 blog post</a>, and we like to visit them every time we go). <br /></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQn665t2zneoU41-wVKLhFEgAQyCg6rp4FWojkj95F2OWUqQ680kI33DZbbvPRBr24-OjWe4s1dNl_nNHc6UnXh9bOD_fXBn_qk0AAf2j3mBhr5YNuYMZRYNgpsw01WrKCL9R1H1r5vqQN4q2clzEOCmjGrNep7gXzqCAJ3weXbhST7_K26b61Q/s4032/IMG_5831.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQn665t2zneoU41-wVKLhFEgAQyCg6rp4FWojkj95F2OWUqQ680kI33DZbbvPRBr24-OjWe4s1dNl_nNHc6UnXh9bOD_fXBn_qk0AAf2j3mBhr5YNuYMZRYNgpsw01WrKCL9R1H1r5vqQN4q2clzEOCmjGrNep7gXzqCAJ3weXbhST7_K26b61Q/s320/IMG_5831.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">section of wall painting in the Sol LeWitt retrospective<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_-afP1nP7lwI7Ztaw6yx-6nhmXBl-tIVk6UNZCYABB34obPSepdpkEPHDUD5kq81xAcyhOy0V7VrgfBa_SjGTWGSXsrB9Kd7xMagd4vsWMbxpOM6IBuQBuK1PwpZoD-yB7K3SDQQc-MLf4r3fKBQ4eFZL8ntrmtP8Mm0UgBIRmC9KKIbsD-t-w/s4032/IMG_5826.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_-afP1nP7lwI7Ztaw6yx-6nhmXBl-tIVk6UNZCYABB34obPSepdpkEPHDUD5kq81xAcyhOy0V7VrgfBa_SjGTWGSXsrB9Kd7xMagd4vsWMbxpOM6IBuQBuK1PwpZoD-yB7K3SDQQc-MLf4r3fKBQ4eFZL8ntrmtP8Mm0UgBIRmC9KKIbsD-t-w/s320/IMG_5826.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a few of the ready-to-play instruments in the Gunnar Schonbeck rooms<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Ga7HrMiEif8a_l8nb9RMWi58xjbPlZ7HTHQ3YJJjjBimhxM6Rt2dz_l3nPFAT9jldmnWrZvaRSFYg6Xo1KBJ3EpZz2Ipe_vCjz1VhaqKnsuo5BjSTQS2TvcHESmbzmDZ64-bpWGmDKvVhs0eyj1heLuFtl3L8yCUzuyLOg6tdtpr7kB015b_g/s4032/IMG_5824.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6Ga7HrMiEif8a_l8nb9RMWi58xjbPlZ7HTHQ3YJJjjBimhxM6Rt2dz_l3nPFAT9jldmnWrZvaRSFYg6Xo1KBJ3EpZz2Ipe_vCjz1VhaqKnsuo5BjSTQS2TvcHESmbzmDZ64-bpWGmDKvVhs0eyj1heLuFtl3L8yCUzuyLOg6tdtpr7kB015b_g/s320/IMG_5824.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo of a photo in the Elle Perez "Intimacies" installation<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTlixezdMFc4ljKQdz7i509ebiDj3ywp6HDyevH-mOnqPiTG4IkxVs54jGAHoUx7UM66Gg5zTx9Jo8PNcW1WTCctJjwWVg6RJ0ee0EZ5UQD0KDWDN04mWykXbcj06qb7VxeO9vQ8b98RZ-UPW3FAbWxB5sXlbDjcxxGmyUpG5exd_y1vGPL3Vgg/s4032/IMG_5823.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTlixezdMFc4ljKQdz7i509ebiDj3ywp6HDyevH-mOnqPiTG4IkxVs54jGAHoUx7UM66Gg5zTx9Jo8PNcW1WTCctJjwWVg6RJ0ee0EZ5UQD0KDWDN04mWykXbcj06qb7VxeO9vQ8b98RZ-UPW3FAbWxB5sXlbDjcxxGmyUpG5exd_y1vGPL3Vgg/w300-h400/IMG_5823.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"The Tarses Family Presents an Exit Sign Pointing to Another Exit Sign"<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC-hqQDBgbZnzRtCeL7G3BL-vfSWKKGedi3tpKb7_bVC1qzJ5wsAAQepS0_QTAnZoW_12a1ROZnWHPo0a5B22ihaocVZ856_R8JengSpSRDQ0T23EYbqdn5hFjf-LzxdoPfmJLckuDHRJ4CCNfhrWdYJcSU7CGpV0ZxbBxbI4xBmB8JxKCnwxGA/s4032/IMG_5820.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikC-hqQDBgbZnzRtCeL7G3BL-vfSWKKGedi3tpKb7_bVC1qzJ5wsAAQepS0_QTAnZoW_12a1ROZnWHPo0a5B22ihaocVZ856_R8JengSpSRDQ0T23EYbqdn5hFjf-LzxdoPfmJLckuDHRJ4CCNfhrWdYJcSU7CGpV0ZxbBxbI4xBmB8JxKCnwxGA/s320/IMG_5820.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Cosmic Latte" by Spencer Finch, one of my favorite spots<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUM9gXu53qZrojOuyB0hye1kd3tCjJDLmMaiwIzLUT6QNPxBqEkxPvB7YVVmOJCzyhibGgPPL0l04aqNNgK0QMuHKo_NA_D28x5OgzK5y5sN6M_rHXaHbiWvXi08zpFGkK90MzRABzxRtpdrPBHAnXOPnauEyoPWB4AWb45QUc2JAEmWzhZExSA/s4032/IMG_5822.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUM9gXu53qZrojOuyB0hye1kd3tCjJDLmMaiwIzLUT6QNPxBqEkxPvB7YVVmOJCzyhibGgPPL0l04aqNNgK0QMuHKo_NA_D28x5OgzK5y5sN6M_rHXaHbiWvXi08zpFGkK90MzRABzxRtpdrPBHAnXOPnauEyoPWB4AWb45QUc2JAEmWzhZExSA/s320/IMG_5822.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ghost silhouette of old factory stairs (not part of the art... or is it?)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAsoUTbiJLZQHk2Ke7JR1Wsc_0Vvr5-bdUs9CGulaxjLxERDUGtUVhe7fwRfB3ERuH8ijFmQ-b24oEVRepD6eUZiTfgaE_VkGIXYHBCu6PRFHaHHypNiedP_imdg7Xz1zuV48xtuOC3HW5_XT8Eq_0Hg5x7Ye6iKV1QBOzgsShHJN1vvyd1sxdg/s4032/IMG_5819.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAsoUTbiJLZQHk2Ke7JR1Wsc_0Vvr5-bdUs9CGulaxjLxERDUGtUVhe7fwRfB3ERuH8ijFmQ-b24oEVRepD6eUZiTfgaE_VkGIXYHBCu6PRFHaHHypNiedP_imdg7Xz1zuV48xtuOC3HW5_XT8Eq_0Hg5x7Ye6iKV1QBOzgsShHJN1vvyd1sxdg/s320/IMG_5819.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Museum cafe window view, with sculptures by Franz West in the background<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span><br /></span><p></p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>Phone Photos</span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaNJXOd00p7Guq3fXwKSr8HlE7zkSg6Cv-eKfKkp7xK_jYZ46zoJVQC3tCUkjnLznbHDYLAlB6mbitbC7c49oh5-FSlDvgv3snCR3mq1tv0kzmUMgup1QNn3qPmMUG7BCqHWGn2OPOd98LpDtgW7moHVQm_WlK1AzUP2cD2hBZtVDmsvGBm8C6g/s3024/IMG_5809.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilaNJXOd00p7Guq3fXwKSr8HlE7zkSg6Cv-eKfKkp7xK_jYZ46zoJVQC3tCUkjnLznbHDYLAlB6mbitbC7c49oh5-FSlDvgv3snCR3mq1tv0kzmUMgup1QNn3qPmMUG7BCqHWGn2OPOd98LpDtgW7moHVQm_WlK1AzUP2cD2hBZtVDmsvGBm8C6g/s320/IMG_5809.HEIC" width="320" /> </a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">First snowdrops of the season were spotted blooming in early February (earliest ever that I can recall).</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2CIi31vd3gbYx2pAWJy886TudfZ8EMjCIyOs2RjsJrEsZhfCK0PuHR8Ije7Sk8h-ap-lOQWLpRm45Tn3uyteFX9DMeCMg9DeapfdhBHdb7eWqM4Ox7LWwSpPTJaXkJ24uxAS184i-UcywoUTsZrVlSjrX4x3E2w0fyoX_tMCIWPLwq0FjwmdtA/s4032/IMG_5774.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2CIi31vd3gbYx2pAWJy886TudfZ8EMjCIyOs2RjsJrEsZhfCK0PuHR8Ije7Sk8h-ap-lOQWLpRm45Tn3uyteFX9DMeCMg9DeapfdhBHdb7eWqM4Ox7LWwSpPTJaXkJ24uxAS184i-UcywoUTsZrVlSjrX4x3E2w0fyoX_tMCIWPLwq0FjwmdtA/w300-h400/IMG_5774.HEIC" width="300" /> </a><div style="text-align: left;">A boisterous lunch at a town cafe included listening to the album "Jeff Wayne's Musical War of the Worlds" to celebrate the 126th birthday of the HG Wells novel. This specific music is a major part of my childhood but I've never run across anybody else knowing what it is, so hearing it on a random Friday afternoon in Brattleboro was a mindblowing experience. (This photo shows the album on display in a plastic sleeve with a sign about the 126 year milestone in front of it, and a little flying saucer on a pendulum swinging on the shelf above it.)<br /></div>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-40233162610112876242024-02-02T20:37:00.002-05:002024-02-02T20:37:31.087-05:00January 2024: Let's catch up!<p>I'm trying a monthly round-up format here on the blog. For January 2024, I'll cover these categories: New Things, Favorites, Currents, and Photos. Let's do this!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">New Things</h3><p>January is my birthday month and I bought myself this single-volume 50th anniversary edition of The Lord of the Rings. Do you like my Aragorn bookmark? (I've had the bookmark for years--it's just been waiting for this book I think.) I like having the whole trilogy in one place, and this seems like a good quality paperback but also not too chunky or heavy. I've started reading it again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eyq5GDuoroj6ZOpi_ykvFDgu1LQgsc6EzfewBvr10TQYfjKSY1I6w77DY-5gafPhRZwaJsIk_5dhbLQ8zOKBXtgli80Bo7OG_pdOfizQPosAMG-xPzSOfkmRGKmDfDuE_r7trPpx2Aj2RmIy1H1E-dddOWC0l0I6F_7h53Vc6DmqXhzQMJMGCw/s4032/IMG_5777.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7eyq5GDuoroj6ZOpi_ykvFDgu1LQgsc6EzfewBvr10TQYfjKSY1I6w77DY-5gafPhRZwaJsIk_5dhbLQ8zOKBXtgli80Bo7OG_pdOfizQPosAMG-xPzSOfkmRGKmDfDuE_r7trPpx2Aj2RmIy1H1E-dddOWC0l0I6F_7h53Vc6DmqXhzQMJMGCw/w400-h300/IMG_5777.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I got a new divination deck called the Earth Alchemy Oracle, written by Katie-Jane Wright and illustrated by Nikki Strange. I love the interesting combinations on the cards and I find the keywords to be unusual and inspiring. I'm excited to explore!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_Xz0Dx9A95FgHyDUtsLZAkSsJMhZIZgNDvcjcIDWVQKiaBrUv5agszGKTdAsuWgDJXON_BWoz8ouiEChESPhRAbj8LeCXyXEzUb10mo_gwCsjPLDTyYVnSecoeisJKk_zqjByXin6OrCzTCGfdYQbTvgC2m97k6fAf9XEKcSL5elNuAKBQP68w/s4032/IMG_5776.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_Xz0Dx9A95FgHyDUtsLZAkSsJMhZIZgNDvcjcIDWVQKiaBrUv5agszGKTdAsuWgDJXON_BWoz8ouiEChESPhRAbj8LeCXyXEzUb10mo_gwCsjPLDTyYVnSecoeisJKk_zqjByXin6OrCzTCGfdYQbTvgC2m97k6fAf9XEKcSL5elNuAKBQP68w/w400-h300/IMG_5776.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I bought myself a pair of Oxford wingtip shoes that I'm planning to wear when the weather gets warmer, possible with no socks or tiny white socks. See below re: Bleachers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4Ba9gygMov9OezUMY7I2QXmqk2K8R7sWzK3lQuUyTuNj8mFqbDloHNsTYGQ_jQEkPPZxlpI3V2kwEUUTHZwiR00uFrI02xzED3RgyuYlxXewcYP9q8rxmyOz3Dw05lRGUpw7m_HVyWHMxhkK6q4o66Qj9MlCerNJWxdBIpw5eSSTHH_twJdN9Q/s4032/IMG_5778.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4Ba9gygMov9OezUMY7I2QXmqk2K8R7sWzK3lQuUyTuNj8mFqbDloHNsTYGQ_jQEkPPZxlpI3V2kwEUUTHZwiR00uFrI02xzED3RgyuYlxXewcYP9q8rxmyOz3Dw05lRGUpw7m_HVyWHMxhkK6q4o66Qj9MlCerNJWxdBIpw5eSSTHH_twJdN9Q/w300-h400/IMG_5778.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Favorites</h3><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">This month I have been soothed by the YouTube channel of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCPo80wZcMc" target="_blank">HannahMartinRG</a>. Hannah Martin is a professional ballerina who lives in England and posts a weekly vlog about her life--what she eats, what work is like, how she is trying to take care of both her body and mind, and how she spends devotional time with her Bible. It's not a particularly religious vlog but I like that she spends time each day on something spiritual. Overall I find Hannah's content to be very chill and she makes me feel calm and grounded.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The new video from Bleachers (<a href="https://youtu.be/kmpyfDF_pes?si=JCNZyc1QBPjJdh8i" target="_blank">Tiny Moves</a>) blew my mind. It's hard to explain, but what happens in the video struck me as so raw and emotional. It's a simple premise and I don't want to spoil it, but I will warn you that you might want to buy a pair of Oxford shoes after checking it out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the dinner menu at home this month is cottage pie. This is basically like shepherd's pie but made with ground beef instead of lamb. I try to use a lot more mashed potato than meat mixture. I essentially follow <a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15509/proper-english-cottage-pie/" target="_blank">this cottage pie recipe</a>, but I also add about half a cup of frozen corn when making the meat part. It is stick-to-your-ribs warming and comforting on a winter's evening. <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMS_dW5KqlhBY5buSynI1BMtCA6bxoJtpsbxKQpXNhTZwo7npxqjjPZeeF780OuLHTzAy0qiqTOSIJir3jtDFUeKoqZMgdBcV6_JI0mXA-YwDBIi3h3rADqzyANBaKxm7PnaUpmuuRfHCJybi2x5p61O5iewSU_xK2x6vdUB-nS66jC7wGfLF3Q/s4032/IMG_5767.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMS_dW5KqlhBY5buSynI1BMtCA6bxoJtpsbxKQpXNhTZwo7npxqjjPZeeF780OuLHTzAy0qiqTOSIJir3jtDFUeKoqZMgdBcV6_JI0mXA-YwDBIi3h3rADqzyANBaKxm7PnaUpmuuRfHCJybi2x5p61O5iewSU_xK2x6vdUB-nS66jC7wGfLF3Q/s320/IMG_5767.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pie contains 1 pound of beef, 2 russet potatoes & 3 Yukon gold potatoes<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Currents</h3><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm currently reading <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/59702201" target="_blank">Re-Sisters by Cosey Fanny Tutti</a>. The author is one of the founders of industrial music and is still creating fascinating music and sounds. This book is about 3 different women and their experiences in trying to go their own way and being considered "uppity" (my word choice, not hers). She writes about herself (Cosey Fanny Tutti expressed herself through art, sound, and performance), about Delia Derbyshire (who worked in the BBC's Radiophonic Workshop for many years and basically created the Dr. Who theme), and about Margery Kempe (a 15th century mystic who behaved very strangely for her time and had all kinds of problems as a result). I find Cosey Fanny Tutti fascinating and have also listened to her be interviewed on several podcasts. She don't take no crap.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went to see <a href="https://gkids.com/films/the-boy-and-the-heron/" target="_blank">The Boy & the Heron</a> this month, because I am a self-described "Ghibli-head." The director, Hayao Miyazaki, says this is his last film, and apparently there are many messages or call-backs hidden into the film. It was rather inscrutable and got increasingly complex as it went on--it's like a poem of a film that needs to be re-viewed and re-considered to really dig into the meaning more. Earlier in the month I rewatched my favorite Miyazaki film, Spirited Away, which is still completely wonderful.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Phone Photos</h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"> </h3><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSYRJIjEgZ0ifh-xX68zbQVqDn_a_Rxe3dgjvcrFWBTv5ZszrgjzIZIrfbu3XAjH40y53Cm2VrqPnQ0sZpMW4mGDEaOufFSuWKs9JW3Lgci68SZQKP00SzQNwHCvx1Q2NGR3R3Y4eRMLyUu9HUuutdu5pIE3g7qRmPxbzmcoxN80mLIzxY7kJDpQ"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7329292380334870434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjSYRJIjEgZ0ifh-xX68zbQVqDn_a_Rxe3dgjvcrFWBTv5ZszrgjzIZIrfbu3XAjH40y53Cm2VrqPnQ0sZpMW4mGDEaOufFSuWKs9JW3Lgci68SZQKP00SzQNwHCvx1Q2NGR3R3Y4eRMLyUu9HUuutdu5pIE3g7qRmPxbzmcoxN80mLIzxY7kJDpQ=s320" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">My co-workers gave me food to celebrate my birthday including this delicious bowl of steaming hot ramen.</p><p class="mobile-photo"> </p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7aTsTjf9H2-pG5qEK9ygVi-uCvxB_3JLUStiuKs9pXB0oX0fq7lQZJUGyFeVSzkRUhhRUKmj5ns3NUWmcQ6Rhhvh6yt0pBSBs9xTcMrPGD9DcvWAtXqiaeCUSEblyvf_LahqH9J16kKT-toONUzT7lEHomPYi8MgJZc1nCYy0boAaxBEFe9eiDQ"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_7329292421033195410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7aTsTjf9H2-pG5qEK9ygVi-uCvxB_3JLUStiuKs9pXB0oX0fq7lQZJUGyFeVSzkRUhhRUKmj5ns3NUWmcQ6Rhhvh6yt0pBSBs9xTcMrPGD9DcvWAtXqiaeCUSEblyvf_LahqH9J16kKT-toONUzT7lEHomPYi8MgJZc1nCYy0boAaxBEFe9eiDQ=s320" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo">My family spent an evening typing prompts into various AI generators. This one was, obviously, "Joe Biden riding a bear."</p><p class="mobile-photo"> </p><p class="mobile-photo">That's it for now! Tell me about your January in the comments? <br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-15979424977543834732023-10-07T21:28:00.003-04:002023-10-07T21:28:57.116-04:00Crunchy Cucumber Salad with Cherry Tomato & Avocado<p>This salad is perfect if it's a hot summer day, or if you have excess cherry tomatoes, or if you want a quick salad that almost everyone likes, or all of the above! It's very good made with in-season tomatoes just off the vine and fresh cucumbers, particularly small pickling cukes. But it's also perfect any time of year made with regular grocery store ingredients.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnOV99he1QZaXVqPvtsRn1I_ft06lFDtSSfrgeiLM64RURk5VnEgCkTftZvlLfeSl_30hVhTDRCsm4vZHyJXSWuA0faldBGPB_2gQOpsQLX00CkZ_xrLfeEITDy-sOw4Uotw61QgmxF3rLaqENoXVghUp2d39b7PCbiozoQ7eaugMjKyhjUcUCg/s4032/IMG_5367.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLnOV99he1QZaXVqPvtsRn1I_ft06lFDtSSfrgeiLM64RURk5VnEgCkTftZvlLfeSl_30hVhTDRCsm4vZHyJXSWuA0faldBGPB_2gQOpsQLX00CkZ_xrLfeEITDy-sOw4Uotw61QgmxF3rLaqENoXVghUp2d39b7PCbiozoQ7eaugMjKyhjUcUCg/w300-h400/IMG_5367.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In this version I used homegrown <br />yellow pear and orange Sungold tomatoes</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We were introduced to this salad when visiting family friends over the summer. They gave us a delicious dinner that included this favorite, and when I got home I started making it again and again. It is so yummy! The basic premise is to combine the cool sweetness of small tomatoes with the fresh crunch of cucumber and tie it together with slick, creamy avocado chunks. It's all flavored with whatever is your fastest/favorite vinaigrette.</p><div><br /></div><i>Ingredients:</i><div><br /></div><div>1 pint sweet cherry tomatoes, any kind (best choice = orange Sungold)</div><div>3 small pickling cucumbers, or any cucumber (1-2 if it's larger size)</div><div>1 ripe avocado</div><div>1/4 cup <a href="http://logomachia.blogspot.com/2013/08/all-my-oils-with-grapeseed-oil.html" target="_blank">vinaigrette </a>(homemade or premade)</div><div>black pepper to taste<br /><br /><p><i>Assembly:</i></p><p>1. Smash or cut up your cucumber. If using fresh pickling cucumbers or similar small cukes, my suggestion is to smash them rather than just cutting them up. Smashing creates all kinds of jagged edges and surface area for the avocado and dressing to nestle and spread into. However, you can also cut up any cucumber for this. If using a larger type you may want to peel it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe9055uMmjIQgZczyw4XMmW-UT-arATBAfjgbuLrpzKoWVQUcQVsr9EyiCR5kynppNYwZ8MrEFjiv3qRSUME5y5m1OFtfjwgR0AADHcRK7yz0H6-cKCw2IU0mAAGHVq2hbW243nNeuh900LYADqMiCWKBJlWN3A8RpMzsl7tYDnN8RcFU65D2AA/s3024/IMG_5450.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTe9055uMmjIQgZczyw4XMmW-UT-arATBAfjgbuLrpzKoWVQUcQVsr9EyiCR5kynppNYwZ8MrEFjiv3qRSUME5y5m1OFtfjwgR0AADHcRK7yz0H6-cKCw2IU0mAAGHVq2hbW243nNeuh900LYADqMiCWKBJlWN3A8RpMzsl7tYDnN8RcFU65D2AA/s320/IMG_5450.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I use the butt end of a chef's knife to smash, <br />then turn the knife and cut up any large pieces. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMO8aYJc7vFdhMUvDXAN_SKKI6Rj3tdl-LBkwU5CJEAEvGYZKeOAX9OcY_NHu-XqfrWoLB8F0w223EtapQIoCwYuWUW6RdZZ7FumTa_7ruNe9nOYwAX_sFLZ9uu0dS5sGUn0qsLF0jpmcqiJZFntRHmlHOK8hQ1j06JVzEeq_yzOkxU8oWc4MXA/s3024/IMG_5452.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMO8aYJc7vFdhMUvDXAN_SKKI6Rj3tdl-LBkwU5CJEAEvGYZKeOAX9OcY_NHu-XqfrWoLB8F0w223EtapQIoCwYuWUW6RdZZ7FumTa_7ruNe9nOYwAX_sFLZ9uu0dS5sGUn0qsLF0jpmcqiJZFntRHmlHOK8hQ1j06JVzEeq_yzOkxU8oWc4MXA/s320/IMG_5452.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are not officially pickling cucumbers <br />but they are the right size and they smash nicely.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>2. Cut your tomatoes in half. Peel and cut up the avocado into chunks. Combine all ingredients.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB2h9T0P2WBgVgyM0QpsJrg8954GAyzMXKKXfgIfT8ijN2GIOpOcEaDfZAFmxEGQo6_q8lIwIqqNJ3LMmXGuJOpS8x1Ln_t4UPHR6QBWldqSYsRBVSKgsDisTVDjDxwgLMqGxDl43oP5jn5qs3Z_1JFsnAzf4Ph5EnuLXAbe6UUsv-0016miiMQ/s3024/IMG_5453.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJB2h9T0P2WBgVgyM0QpsJrg8954GAyzMXKKXfgIfT8ijN2GIOpOcEaDfZAFmxEGQo6_q8lIwIqqNJ3LMmXGuJOpS8x1Ln_t4UPHR6QBWldqSYsRBVSKgsDisTVDjDxwgLMqGxDl43oP5jn5qs3Z_1JFsnAzf4Ph5EnuLXAbe6UUsv-0016miiMQ/s320/IMG_5453.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqhaf1Y05Dvu5fUHlH2TwmnGHNjOnrjHRqZdzuZzKVbMOFb4s7hFQzjQslmbHdHDtcpYUjKesTMEGO1zdffnm0LyymQgCi7ibpze_QIpNbPfNuMjx8-TuvezqrGBPpbjpnRHQzLZMnp1w0pohFUusu_5TYjkl7ohIjX9ErrXVymOVIuSNhS0UUA/s3024/IMG_5455.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqhaf1Y05Dvu5fUHlH2TwmnGHNjOnrjHRqZdzuZzKVbMOFb4s7hFQzjQslmbHdHDtcpYUjKesTMEGO1zdffnm0LyymQgCi7ibpze_QIpNbPfNuMjx8-TuvezqrGBPpbjpnRHQzLZMnp1w0pohFUusu_5TYjkl7ohIjX9ErrXVymOVIuSNhS0UUA/s320/IMG_5455.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p>3. Pour on dressing and gently stir everything together. You can also add black pepper if you like. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOka4HHinuRdHEspaCvPSFPXWcpm1pYWm_EOQPQ-Ce9v9FBNvwOKxgU2a5CPT-C4utyiJfWi9aFjcVmt1U7I_xPwKbURrER1rT60yVY2E_J2lo1WnkLsFZGpYMkAnGtLeXS4gypJOgpxxwLVi9EtG7F3I8XWqmV089qhGFoGbBms5pCe4akVsynA/s3024/IMG_5456.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOka4HHinuRdHEspaCvPSFPXWcpm1pYWm_EOQPQ-Ce9v9FBNvwOKxgU2a5CPT-C4utyiJfWi9aFjcVmt1U7I_xPwKbURrER1rT60yVY2E_J2lo1WnkLsFZGpYMkAnGtLeXS4gypJOgpxxwLVi9EtG7F3I8XWqmV089qhGFoGbBms5pCe4akVsynA/s320/IMG_5456.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p>And now, serve! I like to put the big bowl on the table with small dishes and let people serve themselves. This salad is so easy and refreshing. I hope you try it!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ePCsyXAwvYY0Gar2qAGwwys7XsBWuMzo9zCioO5paC1o0_7DrhZ5jUGGp1UZhKqJWDXHI1hA4R_vZv9OswFMT8TpanhbROBtL2FOQrlzig4Lof9GjdYO0oQ-O-JIQt2sruLTiAJzik9okwg4CF3DKvTOupoANBEe4GQZz6vxEOzLpXydf9kmOw/s3024/IMG_5457.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ePCsyXAwvYY0Gar2qAGwwys7XsBWuMzo9zCioO5paC1o0_7DrhZ5jUGGp1UZhKqJWDXHI1hA4R_vZv9OswFMT8TpanhbROBtL2FOQrlzig4Lof9GjdYO0oQ-O-JIQt2sruLTiAJzik9okwg4CF3DKvTOupoANBEe4GQZz6vxEOzLpXydf9kmOw/s320/IMG_5457.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p></div>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128414.540093663821153 -107.717534 71.160561336178844 -37.405034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-85146052928292561832023-09-24T11:18:00.002-04:002023-10-07T21:31:00.846-04:00Homemade Granola with Nuts, Seeds & Candied Ginger<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUkltlDUGzq3-wa4ltbGPHYg2fCbDSxlg2jUtPX1P_d_637IxbE6VWoeI82HYeZD4LdSF2afG62gz8-YYyWbLq_UL3qXJatzhPbWytPeuI6xQfg8i0g96RCL7dvsogYyGewoLveZRadP88M5O45Hh-v_VhYO-fgF3F5WbmGhiutWABu77JyW6yA/s4032/IMG_5362.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUkltlDUGzq3-wa4ltbGPHYg2fCbDSxlg2jUtPX1P_d_637IxbE6VWoeI82HYeZD4LdSF2afG62gz8-YYyWbLq_UL3qXJatzhPbWytPeuI6xQfg8i0g96RCL7dvsogYyGewoLveZRadP88M5O45Hh-v_VhYO-fgF3F5WbmGhiutWABu77JyW6yA/w400-h300/IMG_5362.HEIC" width="400" /></a></p><p>Whenever I get into a routine of stocking and restocking a certain grocery store item--buying it again and again, basically--I wonder if I should figure out how to make that item myself. For example, for many years I've been buying locally made granola. It is delicious and crunchy and full of different nuts and seeds, but it is also packed in plastic and the price has been going up from 7 to 8 to 9 dollars a bag. Can't I make my own granola with less plastic and for a lower cost? </p><p>I was also inspired by a friend who makes batches of granola at Christmas time and gives it as gifts, packed in mason jars with jaunty fabric on the lids. She uses candied ginger and it's such a treat to run across a bright burst of ginger in your morning oats. So, this is the story of learning to make my own granola, loaded with nuts and seeds and candied ginger. Most of these things can be purchased in the bulk section of the local natural foods store, so I feel like I'm reducing some plastic use. (Note that the jar of ginger shown below has been refilled with bulk ginger.)<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQSz0PRpjdW6PGQXwI1YiQQwr8cHIkEmEftBsADZDg8I7TGo3dTq2c6NL3uAswyQz09ptHVcfVPGkeql_6Rvx-ZB6ZJU364IFFHyqjezGxaPySCSKRn2a72iC7KlMCSpPzQ1wAQdc_MM13AjwwCG9_sv6wH-Kl8PSlmfq2Kkm_jXdtmdbQHRHqw/s3024/IMG_5023.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEQSz0PRpjdW6PGQXwI1YiQQwr8cHIkEmEftBsADZDg8I7TGo3dTq2c6NL3uAswyQz09ptHVcfVPGkeql_6Rvx-ZB6ZJU364IFFHyqjezGxaPySCSKRn2a72iC7KlMCSpPzQ1wAQdc_MM13AjwwCG9_sv6wH-Kl8PSlmfq2Kkm_jXdtmdbQHRHqw/s320/IMG_5023.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>A few tips for this granola: The basic premise is that you bake everything together EXCEPT the delicate coconut flakes and the cranberries and ginger. If you put the coconut in too early it will burn, so you just want to toast it ever so slightly. And the candied stuff doesn't need to be baked at all.<br /></p><p><i>Ingredients:</i><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3 cups rolled oats</li><li>1/3 cup pumpkin seeds</li><li>1/3 cup pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc., roughly chopped</li><li>1/4 cup coconut oil</li><li>1/4 cup maple syrup</li><li>1/4 tsp vanilla extract</li><li>1/2 tsp kosher salt</li><li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li><li>pinch ground cloves (optional)</li><li>1/2 cup coconut flakes (I like to use the wide ones)<br /></li><li>1/4 cup dried cranberries</li><li>1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped</li></ul><p><i>Assembly </i><br /></p><p>Heat oven to 325F. Prepare a baking pan with parchment paper.<br /></p><p>In a large bowl, mix together oats, pumpkin seeds, and nuts.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKdoNqE1S6cchNnY9pG00ikq52pcx33TCQCu1KV84QCjl0tNfF-icKTHaUFTrqW8ALG-Lbel6EO0PwrKu5BdI_pr8vIt_siOSs4XUZHPe9z17CWsdym9lJPCbyxIh42nDd6_P1pcZ1w6fvg7hJza6J25l9mTIR2VXc7jowys279_gdiZntdrTlw/s3024/IMG_5420.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSKdoNqE1S6cchNnY9pG00ikq52pcx33TCQCu1KV84QCjl0tNfF-icKTHaUFTrqW8ALG-Lbel6EO0PwrKu5BdI_pr8vIt_siOSs4XUZHPe9z17CWsdym9lJPCbyxIh42nDd6_P1pcZ1w6fvg7hJza6J25l9mTIR2VXc7jowys279_gdiZntdrTlw/s320/IMG_5420.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's how much I chop the nuts--only a little bit<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>On stovetop, heat coconut oil and maple syrup until just warmed through. Add vanilla, salt, and cinnamon (and optional cloves) and stir to dissolve the salt as much as possible. (It may still be visible and that's okay.)<br /></p><p>Mix the liquid together with the dry ingredients, getting most of the oats coated in the oil-syrup. Then spread the mixture onto the parchment paper, even things out, and slide into the oven.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXONr252YOryIXdVhEXNM_VBF9m2kIsz8IEpOOxF4wvIHmiCv9nGonIhAq59-eGU7F-fKycAyeSgDReBQrmm0P5zwCfxoz4p_CkKmXIWpTIP5P81Ga-mv4SamYP53v1z7YJslm1Bf02QLlYEKoOaFILp7Ma9Pt86dufHlW4KB61GT2epaW3rBd4Q/s4032/IMG_5022.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXONr252YOryIXdVhEXNM_VBF9m2kIsz8IEpOOxF4wvIHmiCv9nGonIhAq59-eGU7F-fKycAyeSgDReBQrmm0P5zwCfxoz4p_CkKmXIWpTIP5P81Ga-mv4SamYP53v1z7YJslm1Bf02QLlYEKoOaFILp7Ma9Pt86dufHlW4KB61GT2epaW3rBd4Q/s320/IMG_5022.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p>Bake for 30 minutes, checking for toastedness. I like my granola to be just lightly golden, particularly the nuts. If you think it needs a bit more time, put it back and check again in 5 minute intervals. You can stir it around during baking whenever you like. </p><p>Once it's the color you want, add the coconut flakes and bake for 2 more minutes (until the flakes are just browned on the edges). Remove from oven and set somewhere to cool.<br /></p><p>When the granola is cool, mix in the cranberries and ginger pieces. Then store in a sealed container. <br /></p><p>I like to eat my granola sprinkled over yogurt with fresh berries. It is my favorite breakfast!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wkvg-ao2eKoVKU-0lw3yTLYKo71Zi8QIKQ0eUDYSeow0MgJEL6BXGjRFvGc6giURjg6PNg4VSav4G3oINtrEAu0EjiA4zH0fIMQTLbmXfywNEZ-FmThVwnpx4cXK_LN2WQPtAya4TOVTgR54-VzXdgSHR3BgOoWIGIFlU-3tKQshXvYKrqFeSg/s3024/IMG_5361.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wkvg-ao2eKoVKU-0lw3yTLYKo71Zi8QIKQ0eUDYSeow0MgJEL6BXGjRFvGc6giURjg6PNg4VSav4G3oINtrEAu0EjiA4zH0fIMQTLbmXfywNEZ-FmThVwnpx4cXK_LN2WQPtAya4TOVTgR54-VzXdgSHR3BgOoWIGIFlU-3tKQshXvYKrqFeSg/w400-h400/IMG_5361.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Bratteboro, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128430.684870157790673 -90.139409 55.015784842209328 -54.983159tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-41078001137167620602023-05-29T20:56:00.004-04:002023-05-31T16:57:28.298-04:00Let's Check In! May 2023<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jj8ZtUdPAOyIlp6F3rTX7pQUs7xMhPQ9N01FPwOphTt5odySQ1ndnfytnV6bJWq0AsitMC_tUEdvBHacSY7Reb09BvB_ei0kQPW1VjNW7399isbzS51gPjyQfJMxfaDOLqJscg_CZiF1OFMb08PRMaPH9nrwnZoYWKSizf8Bu9WRdD_hwTg/s4032/IMG_5161.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jj8ZtUdPAOyIlp6F3rTX7pQUs7xMhPQ9N01FPwOphTt5odySQ1ndnfytnV6bJWq0AsitMC_tUEdvBHacSY7Reb09BvB_ei0kQPW1VjNW7399isbzS51gPjyQfJMxfaDOLqJscg_CZiF1OFMb08PRMaPH9nrwnZoYWKSizf8Bu9WRdD_hwTg/w640-h480/IMG_5161.HEIC" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt. Wantastiquet as seen from a kayak on the West River, Memorial Day 2023<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> <br /></p><p>Hello dear reader!</p><p>This is my first post this year and it's already the end of May. I'm so sorry to leave you hanging if you've been checking here for updates. (And if you have, thank you!! I love you!!) I am still here and doing fine, but I'm finding that blogging is falling low on my list of things to do each week. Here are some things I've been doing and thinking about. </p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Roller Skating</h2><p>An encouraging friend got me out on the ice rink quite a bit this past winter, and as ice skating season ended, she suggested we switch to roller skates instead of just hanging up our gear completely. The local parks & recreation has roller skating at the thawed ice rink in the spring and fall, so I've been going and even taking lessons! I have learned to skate forward, stop, fall correctly, skate backward, and am currently working on a turn that takes me from forward to backward in one terrifying maneuver. Roller skating is an amazing feeling, kind of like flying, and especially great if there is good music playing.<br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Korean Food</h2><p>I am still obsessed with Korean food and have fallen into a pretty solid pattern of Korean lunches. I am slowly putting together some photos and notes about this and maybe in future I'll write a post about my tteokbokki, bibim guksu, mul nangmyeon, kimchi fried rice, ramyun and fish cake soup experiments.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zpXFKP6WMx2Ek2_hHx_Ffa-qzBM3G6f-7GkDuk5yPHoy3C4WTW3UMsGOZAr9j7MBE3SDZNc27rH1neRKQyey5rPWmLY1dJ85TizCQ5z2r4wRUkAixAForkqz7gTrC7Vb9fXMIydK0gKOioT1muiFgUMIVt296dDVmh2i3APl6W51QcDvRoE/s3024/IMG_4624.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zpXFKP6WMx2Ek2_hHx_Ffa-qzBM3G6f-7GkDuk5yPHoy3C4WTW3UMsGOZAr9j7MBE3SDZNc27rH1neRKQyey5rPWmLY1dJ85TizCQ5z2r4wRUkAixAForkqz7gTrC7Vb9fXMIydK0gKOioT1muiFgUMIVt296dDVmh2i3APl6W51QcDvRoE/s320/IMG_4624.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Running</h2><p>After spraining my ankle in 2020, I got back to my former schedule of weekly short and long runs, but then I came up with a case of trochanteric bursitis. The pain didn't seem related to running particularly, but I cut down on my running for a whole year. I still ran 3-times a week or so, but only a mile at a time. When I finally got my bursitis diagnosis, I started doing a bunch of things to counteract it, including taking Turmeric, doing 15+ minutes of daily yoga, using a topical cream with CBD in it, and getting monthly acupuncture and massage. This medley of things didn't necessarily erase my discomfort right away, but it did make me feel more energetic and inspired to run more, which I suddenly started doing in February. I am slowly gaining back strength and endurance and it feels great. Bonus: the bursitis pain has started to fade. Touch wood! </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Tarot & Oracle Cards</h2><p>During the pandemic I decided to teach myself about Tarot (specifically the Rider-Waite-Smith tradition), and from July to September 2020 I researched one card a day (there are 78 cards total). Since then I've been dabbling in one-card draws and some larger readings. It's pretty fascinating both in the symbols and meanings of the cards, and the way that the human brain can form connections and stories when presented with any of these symbols in any order. I've collected several tarot decks since then, and also some decks of Oracle Cards (which can be any system and meanings and don't have to follow tarot rules).<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfOM0hBOwOntRrcq4LuT1mPT3RGoKFgYOiZGVXPp7PVAfxS0pUkpzj9HZXbpbb2L-ZkQsUYiyHZpyw5pPy93206k-vY-F6ShPTrtlmSH0jePm7x8JytORGkyQFMhHNB5hSq3qAmjERscnoFY8149EykSUiPGEOxd44KI2MWJpg2Apqgc0hpg/s4032/IMG_4577.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfOM0hBOwOntRrcq4LuT1mPT3RGoKFgYOiZGVXPp7PVAfxS0pUkpzj9HZXbpbb2L-ZkQsUYiyHZpyw5pPy93206k-vY-F6ShPTrtlmSH0jePm7x8JytORGkyQFMhHNB5hSq3qAmjERscnoFY8149EykSUiPGEOxd44KI2MWJpg2Apqgc0hpg/w480-h640/IMG_4577.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbcrafter's Tarot + Good Karma Tarot</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Community College</h2><p>I'm in the midst of a 10-course certification in Community Health with the local community college, which I'm doing as professional development for my job. I'm now on my 4th class, having completed Introduction to Healthcare last summer, Intercultural Communication last fall, and Principles of Public Health this past winter/spring. My current new summer course is Case Management. I've been writing a lot of essays and online discussion posts for the classes, and may even share some of what I've been working on here on the blog.</p><p>What about you? Leave a comment with one thing you've been up to in 2023!<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128414.540093663821153 -107.717534 71.160561336178844 -37.405034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-23323373698200828892022-12-31T17:05:00.006-05:002022-12-31T17:05:41.583-05:0035 Books in 2022<p>It's the last day of the year! That means it's time for me to assess the books that I read in 2022. I believe that what you read really shapes you. Books affect how you think, and that affects how you act and how you perceive the world. Books change you. Books are important!</p><p>Originally I wanted to read 52 books this year: one a week. But sometime in late November I realized I would need to amend my goal because I was way behind. I use Goodreads to track my reading, and I edited my goal from 52 to 35, which happened to match the number of books I was likely to get through by today. And lo, I have just finished "Hamlet: Globe to Globe," by Dominic Dromgoole, and am now able to take a look back. Let's do it in screenshot form!<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhHxZT5QREci3F9zrpOuu5DKCeRutRNVhsbQagaqWbxRTyk-o4s2QSa0UH_9ZQ1tvLyGsh9PADjsCf9EP4EOmSsRJuhAE86jFQ4Ar5cylQGxjY_ACPpNg2BtL_9NLeeb4bSOpoyWslFsYbKggDSElx7oMRMg3lBmfGBtLLGJ-GIsd1nzDorc/s1914/IMG_0072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1914" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhHxZT5QREci3F9zrpOuu5DKCeRutRNVhsbQagaqWbxRTyk-o4s2QSa0UH_9ZQ1tvLyGsh9PADjsCf9EP4EOmSsRJuhAE86jFQ4Ar5cylQGxjY_ACPpNg2BtL_9NLeeb4bSOpoyWslFsYbKggDSElx7oMRMg3lBmfGBtLLGJ-GIsd1nzDorc/w640-h438/IMG_0072.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIquDbaUMdvNXg3nBxgmWhv9fSbZ-d4XfRWVzJNV5tr4VIYpZ0866J5b-AJIz5KBMWMEeQWBLP2sbozzOQ-I_wXtkz4kGTZDNfd00f8SeI4SDA_mR4QaUtFPd7sVvay_icMjRu7wZpQG_tu3wyDZ4xRRhB7LyJ-nR0cvm4nZq9J-MJQxCPUHE/s2028/IMG_0073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="2028" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIquDbaUMdvNXg3nBxgmWhv9fSbZ-d4XfRWVzJNV5tr4VIYpZ0866J5b-AJIz5KBMWMEeQWBLP2sbozzOQ-I_wXtkz4kGTZDNfd00f8SeI4SDA_mR4QaUtFPd7sVvay_icMjRu7wZpQG_tu3wyDZ4xRRhB7LyJ-nR0cvm4nZq9J-MJQxCPUHE/w640-h416/IMG_0073.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRD1JYkNZsE7ghhKiHitArVT_SUKHaMRPr8z6-owvGtl7xefnQO47PpMDNP4pvWlOXc-v0DEgnbd2H0z1Y40y39TRitQapJ94CFr6I2GXLfdj4Blv4fsdfctAVqn-8PXpAf_98tiGAY089MgVKi2Wzx4v59Bcme7ggO9fkC-RO3ccFnWflrI/s2102/IMG_0074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="2102" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeRD1JYkNZsE7ghhKiHitArVT_SUKHaMRPr8z6-owvGtl7xefnQO47PpMDNP4pvWlOXc-v0DEgnbd2H0z1Y40y39TRitQapJ94CFr6I2GXLfdj4Blv4fsdfctAVqn-8PXpAf_98tiGAY089MgVKi2Wzx4v59Bcme7ggO9fkC-RO3ccFnWflrI/w640-h404/IMG_0074.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvBm1C5J9_N_evPLrO84h7wHdy09qUMT7thX4_bRF9PHU9xxJa-Pd4Uy4vpu7NdMU8VBcgVVmPbTw1n-rXRzXflFZm-rQFBnPhSV-BR5zA43LhYvoctYHA9Ng5ckr3Bc7-LvPzwvSc59403gj00lTQvYh1nTnJ_p-vG8e-vjXdD3UIuxnKBw/s2113/IMG_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1320" data-original-width="2113" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPvBm1C5J9_N_evPLrO84h7wHdy09qUMT7thX4_bRF9PHU9xxJa-Pd4Uy4vpu7NdMU8VBcgVVmPbTw1n-rXRzXflFZm-rQFBnPhSV-BR5zA43LhYvoctYHA9Ng5ckr3Bc7-LvPzwvSc59403gj00lTQvYh1nTnJ_p-vG8e-vjXdD3UIuxnKBw/w640-h400/IMG_0075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>If you must know, it was "1Q84" by Haruki Marukami that threw me off. That book alone took me at least 2 months to read, mainly because it is 940 pages long. But it was so excellent I didn't want to give up. I kept going and going and going, and it ended up being one of my favorite books of the year. In my Goodreads review I wrote, "The story gently but inexorably connects up the lives of an assassin fitness-instructor, a novel-writing math teacher, and a creepy/pathetic PI. It's a mix of ordinary life plus sex, death, and supernatural weirdness. Murakami layers up the world and events calmly and slowly and creates a unique engaging vibe that kept me turning pages to FIND OUT."</p><p>My other favorite from this year was "Shutter Island" by Dennis Lehane, which took me about 2 days to read. My review: "Dammmmmmn, Lehane! Now that's how you write a psychological thriller. Oddly, this book had overlaps with the nonfiction book I'm also reading, which is The Body Keeps the Score, about trauma, PTSD, and the body-mind. Shutter Island covers this same internal territory with an eerie, page-turning plot and a jaw-dropping finish. I really liked (and was horrified by) Mystic River, and I appreciate that Shutter Island is also solid as a book but completely different, set in an insane asylum/penitentiary in 1954."</p><p>Some other statistics:</p><p>I read 14 novels total, 6 of which were of the spy or thriller genre.</p><p>I read 2 showbiz memoirs (Dave Grohl & Barry Sonnenfeld), 3 science books (about climate change, Parkinson's Disease, and PTSD), and 14 books by women. </p><p>I read 2 books about fraudulent financial exploits--one about WeWork and one about One Coin (cryptocurrency). I don't know why, but failure and deceit in the business world tickles me.</p><p>I read 4 religious books--two about Mother Mary, one about the Kabbalah (a novel by a rabbi), and one about "Secret Religions" of the UK and US.</p><p>I did a terrible job reading books by non-white people--I only see two out of the 35 (I'm counting Haruki Murakami and Clarissa Pinkola Estes). I will do better next year.<br /></p><p>So... what did you read in 2022? What did you love? What did you hate? (Me? I hated Cosmopolis by Don DeLillo.) What do you plan for 2023?<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128417.274167835611649 -107.717534 68.426487164388348 -37.405034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-14708186809040082522022-12-23T16:58:00.005-05:002022-12-23T16:58:58.673-05:00Meet Our Rice Cooker!<p> Cuckoo!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_0rHbkEsvs7KHf5HvQOfb7QwQHpT4NiQXOD0vW-1fEFBwhblHuN4dmUXU3BQkOQHyfOMh8W85ihlu6m4f-UEHUFQDjvc7c0lG-9qZlDGYC5ySi2tGRzaXbaaqYH--88cIh5j8vXQcFQsZFzEBsJHaqvCbtHLmHNOMmils8j266MK0_cGD-0/s4032/IMG_4709.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_0rHbkEsvs7KHf5HvQOfb7QwQHpT4NiQXOD0vW-1fEFBwhblHuN4dmUXU3BQkOQHyfOMh8W85ihlu6m4f-UEHUFQDjvc7c0lG-9qZlDGYC5ySi2tGRzaXbaaqYH--88cIh5j8vXQcFQsZFzEBsJHaqvCbtHLmHNOMmils8j266MK0_cGD-0/s320/IMG_4709.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>On a fall trip to H Mart in Burlington, Massachusetts, my companion and I decided to splurge on a small countertop rice cooker. We got the least expensive option because we don't really know anything about rice cookers. We are loving it!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eu_XmNuZ_3Wt8nZMgoiYLcXRW5IRsnYz2v8RHaP2ArpNWxNN5uw-eNld40TTBE5V1oxakiF6BnUKSBa-9RoDSdP_Srl1xGi3Jp95YZN-tRkHEh6P-TbHcVmeeAxr_BW0XqS22WWe3eiub0yMwRci0uAjSpnSS7NLjZ8zAe1U1hG8fIm-rOw/s4032/IMG_4773.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5eu_XmNuZ_3Wt8nZMgoiYLcXRW5IRsnYz2v8RHaP2ArpNWxNN5uw-eNld40TTBE5V1oxakiF6BnUKSBa-9RoDSdP_Srl1xGi3Jp95YZN-tRkHEh6P-TbHcVmeeAxr_BW0XqS22WWe3eiub0yMwRci0uAjSpnSS7NLjZ8zAe1U1hG8fIm-rOw/s320/IMG_4773.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inner pot is non-stick and has measurement lines for water<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8hT7xrANK6lxOjo96Cc55wn3TKwsXVD_rTHtodOjwhplUgKwBpHPVyTwjWNDKZ6h_dCaIOTluw8M18oEqT1aGhpfIEeTD5lw5VhFqV99vSQ3yIiRlOIZc75RKgT5gZfxchrsAG4wTsmNrSAdgHzrwAMHZjM32v_4hK9SGyg_hq7Kb_o8dyo/s3024/IMG_4774.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR8hT7xrANK6lxOjo96Cc55wn3TKwsXVD_rTHtodOjwhplUgKwBpHPVyTwjWNDKZ6h_dCaIOTluw8M18oEqT1aGhpfIEeTD5lw5VhFqV99vSQ3yIiRlOIZc75RKgT5gZfxchrsAG4wTsmNrSAdgHzrwAMHZjM32v_4hK9SGyg_hq7Kb_o8dyo/s320/IMG_4774.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice is rinsed until water runs clear, then it's ready to cook<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>We purchased a 15 pound bag of USA-grown rice, and we've been cooking it
up 2 cups at a time. The rice cooker is very easy to
use--you just rinse the rice a few times in the non-stick inner pot,
then fill with water to a specific line on the side of the pot. Then you
pick your settings and stand back! </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB46Hm6tlx2KIfCWYboBNC_7r1zkShA1wevfDRi8YJ-PvDchXsbRamjEU_fBuWM3bv8-MDT9-DPEk1EdI1nN-SQZENz7W9-IHQYZQ2e0YJiF_Qb9N5eue9XBmgOZ51buXEDjf2QPova7G5N6l-gG77VvK3hPUI99oE7CdV-ZigGDqowIxfnFo/s4032/IMG_4710.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB46Hm6tlx2KIfCWYboBNC_7r1zkShA1wevfDRi8YJ-PvDchXsbRamjEU_fBuWM3bv8-MDT9-DPEk1EdI1nN-SQZENz7W9-IHQYZQ2e0YJiF_Qb9N5eue9XBmgOZ51buXEDjf2QPova7G5N6l-gG77VvK3hPUI99oE7CdV-ZigGDqowIxfnFo/s320/IMG_4710.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>The rice cooker beeps when it's done, and then it counts the hours that it's kept the rice warm for you. (In the photo above, the rice just finished, so it says "0H" meaning zero hours.)<br /><p></p><p>May I say that owning a rice cooker is a revelation in rice cooking. The batches are perfect every time. The cooker has pre-programmed settings for all kinds of things, including baby food-making. So far we have used "glutinous" (which we use for all white rice) and "mixed" (which we use for brown rice).</p><p>The Cuckoo rice cooker also has different "speeds" for the rice (my term)--you can use the regular settings and get finished rice in about 30 minutes. There is also a Turbo setting that does it faster, and a reheat setting that can restore cold leftover rice to fluffy, warm deliciousness.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAi-UeLN0jY7sND4M6Kdwo1YVgkWKzBKzVmHhdVBFucuMbA_hmK-ZZQnZzV83oo8kIVVlaig5eZM-gZzIT0lXk8A636GR75MGLyAnhsj8FAOMGfM1lsrR9cTPcPSFcU5Ia4ojjk2ddu5ScDt_XIbv_raOZ0HllN2X3AL5n6whBCjVCHt5wz0/s4032/IMG_4711.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAi-UeLN0jY7sND4M6Kdwo1YVgkWKzBKzVmHhdVBFucuMbA_hmK-ZZQnZzV83oo8kIVVlaig5eZM-gZzIT0lXk8A636GR75MGLyAnhsj8FAOMGfM1lsrR9cTPcPSFcU5Ia4ojjk2ddu5ScDt_XIbv_raOZ0HllN2X3AL5n6whBCjVCHt5wz0/s320/IMG_4711.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>We also splurged on this suction cup rice paddle and caddy (above) that attaches to the side of the rice cooker. This was an excellent purchase because the paddle is always right there when needed.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj_QlxsrzXhripOS59gH2qZA_BwREFQmr2pQLGcvpw_0JM8UqcTGQsZlzmZV7nEtMVmXGA9Wn3ILEITkcUeraNvkiHlp6BGEoH80LhoGgDzioRi3Z2kCgiSfSyRRdBvSlIy_wD0B_WyVH3nggoeyeKy4rJXxkhkoJ7leklg6HOmx2Ai8L5dw/s4032/IMG_4712.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpj_QlxsrzXhripOS59gH2qZA_BwREFQmr2pQLGcvpw_0JM8UqcTGQsZlzmZV7nEtMVmXGA9Wn3ILEITkcUeraNvkiHlp6BGEoH80LhoGgDzioRi3Z2kCgiSfSyRRdBvSlIy_wD0B_WyVH3nggoeyeKy4rJXxkhkoJ7leklg6HOmx2Ai8L5dw/s320/IMG_4712.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>It's my understanding that rice needs to be fluffed up once it's done cooking. Then it can sit in the rice cooker and be served out as desired. The cooker will keep the rice warm until you turn it off. I am curious how long it's OK to push this holding pattern... should you eat the rice within 3 hours? What about 12? We did find that rice left to warm for 72+ hours (by mistake) is not good.<br /><p></p><p>It's also my understanding that rice needs to be readjusted after removing a portion so that it's all uniform and fluffy again. I got this from Paolo from Tokyo's tongue-in-cheek video called "<a href="https://youtu.be/StsK2V7x8-A" target="_blank">Why Japanese Wives Hate Foreign Husbands</a>" (one potential area of strife is lack of rice adjustment).<br /></p><p>If you eat a lot of rice and have the counter space, I do recommend getting a rice cooker! This is the only one I've ever seen in person, but I really like it.<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Guilford, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128414.540093663821153 -107.717534 71.160561336178844 -37.405034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-29659462766793161192022-11-05T10:15:00.005-04:002022-11-05T10:18:34.667-04:00Pasta salad with chicken and veggies<p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm4sjDS3C-Dp3Axhk7f9w3LfggEBR7gaIyTjXCEl_wm4CWkJVrzIt65nQyYbVuzgA5sYvB7ID_rXZngaKzC3aRF7kIlRdLbDq8ce_ZrQ-DaZS3SxE2Av8lnAVNeR9SVKnpo-JdluqlD7QzAQhJHrjW1Rk_PvZzzN3x7G9irlkbkGvFMbneOQ/s3024/IMG_4424.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGm4sjDS3C-Dp3Axhk7f9w3LfggEBR7gaIyTjXCEl_wm4CWkJVrzIt65nQyYbVuzgA5sYvB7ID_rXZngaKzC3aRF7kIlRdLbDq8ce_ZrQ-DaZS3SxE2Av8lnAVNeR9SVKnpo-JdluqlD7QzAQhJHrjW1Rk_PvZzzN3x7G9irlkbkGvFMbneOQ/w400-h400/IMG_4424.HEIC" width="400" /></a></p><p>Sometimes simple American food is best. I started making this easy dish recently and everybody in the family likes it! It's great on hot summer days as a dinner entree, or it can be a side dish any time of year. If you're a gardener and have small tomatoes and/or cucumbers growing, this is a great way to use them. The yellow pear tomatoes shown here are from our garden.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRaYLpg-K_JIXIZz3BORrX3YLJ4rKavy3W2RsPrZoMYutnlnLdkusok_EHFwNatwvFEK4eUVHwU9f_hz7ehX7aRv9eRoi8_f4BYFogB4RkycMCO_wz277lF1OcCJNNN-sEJq9eBWpAmI_C09CC30jjk-U1PTG9LeBFYYylbOTIxG97BI5Byw/s4032/IMG_4623.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyRaYLpg-K_JIXIZz3BORrX3YLJ4rKavy3W2RsPrZoMYutnlnLdkusok_EHFwNatwvFEK4eUVHwU9f_hz7ehX7aRv9eRoi8_f4BYFogB4RkycMCO_wz277lF1OcCJNNN-sEJq9eBWpAmI_C09CC30jjk-U1PTG9LeBFYYylbOTIxG97BI5Byw/w400-h300/IMG_4623.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">Ingredients<br /></h4><p>1 pound Farfalle (bowtie pasta)</p><p>apple cider vinegar, about 1/4 cup plus 2 T, divided<br /></p><p>Olive oil, about 1/4 cup plus 2 T, divided</p><p>Feta cheese, about 3 ounces, divided</p><p>Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon<br /></p><p>Pepper, pinch <br /></p><p></p><p>Cooked chicken, 1/2 pound or more (don't have this? grab a package of chicken tenders and saute them in butter for about 15 minutes, then slice)</p><p>Cucumber, diced (any amount)<br /></p><p>Mini tomatoes, cut in half (any amount) <br /></p><p>mini mozzarella balls, drained, 8 ounces<br /></p><p> </p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Assembly</h4><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Cook the farfalle according to instructions and drain in a colander in the sink. </li><li>While the pasta is still warm, drizzle on about 2 T olive oil and toss lightly, then do the same with about 2 T of apple cider vinegar. Let cool. (The theory here is that the pasta will soak up the flavors better when it's warm.)</li><li>Next, make creamy dressing by combining about 1 ounce of crumbled feta cheese with the rest of the olive oil and apple cider vinegar, mustard, and a pinch of black peper. I like to use a stick blender for this. Then, toss the dressing with the farfalle in a large bowl.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjQZcVKPTKoVLOfgCu1gZOzH436rewtfv2VIb38__m_p0uppw7O41vjNXsVR7GgkbG-TdEPrMcXS5Fzt5ejtsDXuLGsV5PMiH9bPPvupurCd5LOii3d5VETwxotMROfv3rDSa-BpG_04LC2PGhnegJTUTWoDyjFmBprkZrViItzCGl48vO6o/s3024/IMG_4619.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjQZcVKPTKoVLOfgCu1gZOzH436rewtfv2VIb38__m_p0uppw7O41vjNXsVR7GgkbG-TdEPrMcXS5Fzt5ejtsDXuLGsV5PMiH9bPPvupurCd5LOii3d5VETwxotMROfv3rDSa-BpG_04LC2PGhnegJTUTWoDyjFmBprkZrViItzCGl48vO6o/s320/IMG_4619.HEIC" width="320" /><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZruUc7BuoGjLphorIJUjxFfN2fcsmQvD8G7df2N8Czc3jEjUCOFa97IAP72rcQE69ORmX4XGAENKsDqFdigc0sINMHep9IsRGpk9otNAQyZwO3vn2UnFTWgRRQvUai65PQaWTG_0UUQ_g5rU8fWSo0WNnVQ16xYUK4hGI9PzMY1ER2SzGfE/s3024/IMG_4620.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZruUc7BuoGjLphorIJUjxFfN2fcsmQvD8G7df2N8Czc3jEjUCOFa97IAP72rcQE69ORmX4XGAENKsDqFdigc0sINMHep9IsRGpk9otNAQyZwO3vn2UnFTWgRRQvUai65PQaWTG_0UUQ_g5rU8fWSo0WNnVQ16xYUK4hGI9PzMY1ER2SzGfE/s320/IMG_4620.HEIC" width="320" /><br /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9fhT_w1YCrVoEXZdtnjK-i2w5ZSRpbXRD_wmbd6wqNLuSZ-2Sm5Wy8mhXqyrwLafI1iWDXxW89YkY1QNN059rf4mOonC0L7qJUZWLt131kxce7RD6FTHs0hvv3WoEmjt0iGEojVtYuUtHeQXv-lGLtHmB5djeITFWN6Kq2g0_tWx9PK0wVI/s320/IMG_4622.HEIC" width="320" />Ready for the rest of the ingredients<br /><br /></li><li>Last, mix in all the chunky ingredients--the chicken pieces, the cucumber, the tomatoes, the mozzarella balls, and the rest of the crumbled feta. It's nice to let everything meld together, so put in the fridge for at least an hour. Then serve!<br /></li></ol><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWINJ3hcjQsbyv7m5blmofkD_7uR5Ocy8SnyQ4MzCIVIJCjDlrSWEbQfO_Z90kOWnTqnNpCaXcXH6z5XBpCzBXzvg9NPdpfvlj659gWZOnhspBNx5II6NT2N5cIb3xEzdpPS-07FA4ZkCzcAiUUj2VaQ-9Vxep37ZB60sibgvQN144g1TvIY/s3024/IMG_4424.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglWINJ3hcjQsbyv7m5blmofkD_7uR5Ocy8SnyQ4MzCIVIJCjDlrSWEbQfO_Z90kOWnTqnNpCaXcXH6z5XBpCzBXzvg9NPdpfvlj659gWZOnhspBNx5II6NT2N5cIb3xEzdpPS-07FA4ZkCzcAiUUj2VaQ-9Vxep37ZB60sibgvQN144g1TvIY/w400-h400/IMG_4424.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>One interesting note is that we tried this without the mozzarella balls because they don't have very much flavor. But we found we missed their distinctive soft, chewy texture. Of course you can add any other ingredients you'd like here. Celery bits, kalamata olives, parsley, or red onion might be nice, for example.<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-49365403021507554962022-10-10T10:40:00.007-04:002022-10-10T10:43:24.408-04:00Shrimp-stuffed Renkon (lotus root)<p>As always, I'm on a mission to try new foods and/or recreate foods I've had in the past or seen online. Since I don't live in a big city where I can go to special markets and restaurants to find these ingredients and flavors, I just do my best with what I have. I know my creations are not super-authentic, but they make me happy and they'll do for me! </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eCHISSLMzNBJcDoboixaf7A__QrSg6gmyhiryvUm0WOPYCtVg6wKlDOLWfVwQ-0-AnnDRsKkscSzVe8kSkfYcVHeZgImQLTZXtB_bv5XhYqFlNT4pgy3cf2ALZUIl69zPhRf6nquwecPyWeQx-f9X-aJNFj7VCDxMkOSOF-CkX1NlqFhYnc/s4032/IMG_4152.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_eCHISSLMzNBJcDoboixaf7A__QrSg6gmyhiryvUm0WOPYCtVg6wKlDOLWfVwQ-0-AnnDRsKkscSzVe8kSkfYcVHeZgImQLTZXtB_bv5XhYqFlNT4pgy3cf2ALZUIl69zPhRf6nquwecPyWeQx-f9X-aJNFj7VCDxMkOSOF-CkX1NlqFhYnc/s320/IMG_4152.HEIC" width="240" /></a> <br /></p><p>Today's food is lotus root or "renkon." I found this at H Mart and wanted to try to fry them up with a shrimp filling placed between two slices of renkon. I followed <a href="https://japan.recipetineats.com/deep-fried-lotus-root-and-prawn-sandwiches-renkon-no-hasami-age/" target="_blank">the recipe from RecipeTinJapan</a>, a blog by Yumiko. Yumiko explains that there are few ingredients in this dish so the shrimp flavor and lotus root texture can really come through. And what is lotus root texture like? I find it a bit like if a potato were more crunchy. It has a mild starchy flavor like a potato, but also has some crunch to it. Not as crunchy as a water chestnut, but definitely has structure and texture to it.</p><p>Following Yumiko's recipe and description, here's my renkon journey.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBNKQXDUdCSsrwKBxLkx-DCx_LldZWI9KbZsgd8LoGsIONmznK4HMqxh73cS8GBZMJqnRAb1F786owqonrjPX6QTnWk_Rghsin77quZ8Law_fDXE4VI0qIks-99M8zehR4iPuOzgUp7tOvAn6skfAh-cegghqcosm7GhYyfLY9kBBnBYULX0/s320/IMG_4151.HEIC" width="240" /> </p><p>Assemble ingredients--renkon, scallion, minced ginger, cornmeal (my substitution for corn starch), and shrimp (mine are thawing in some water).</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhhAcYDbvkEZal4ceP7VOqRvTKzEUyADS2hydH0WrDptlVeu6-nGC8VzaSchUIEq2zZCNRaoiFw7w3rlKIRBqUziD2boZikR2Rw7KKvTuiKqQ2AxMQ3Z437AyRiEpiUQAad5fYKcZr4CsgTo3WViBKT-EYszLP_4n8jEp16pVw_7GOk4jWM8/s3024/IMG_4153.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhhAcYDbvkEZal4ceP7VOqRvTKzEUyADS2hydH0WrDptlVeu6-nGC8VzaSchUIEq2zZCNRaoiFw7w3rlKIRBqUziD2boZikR2Rw7KKvTuiKqQ2AxMQ3Z437AyRiEpiUQAad5fYKcZr4CsgTo3WViBKT-EYszLP_4n8jEp16pVw_7GOk4jWM8/s320/IMG_4153.HEIC" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p>Slice lotus root--slice can be thin but not TOO thin, maybe 3-5 centimeters.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmX0db85efSWZU15PtOUd3YlZEp--vD1dma2bdZ2iGv_TQws13mxwGC0CxgKd6-qW62oGlYtRmVQKTzrU0POAodN-OGIOkT305ZgNM43ofF33WB8MiAH8ih9wJTcNqC09vApnrbzAIrX_biQcxstn4hOvekWhab56jQFtgrEo-JBQFS6M09k/s3024/IMG_4154.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmX0db85efSWZU15PtOUd3YlZEp--vD1dma2bdZ2iGv_TQws13mxwGC0CxgKd6-qW62oGlYtRmVQKTzrU0POAodN-OGIOkT305ZgNM43ofF33WB8MiAH8ih9wJTcNqC09vApnrbzAIrX_biQcxstn4hOvekWhab56jQFtgrEo-JBQFS6M09k/s320/IMG_4154.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p>Here I'm trying to keep the slices in pairs so my "sandwiches" will have pieces around the same size.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7xYR9dQnbBpKQapZ5ORy84WpUm5SrlKN-0tIeEsKLzjFs2Z8YhUTbllG8fVJWQLmZ1FTe5X6a7n0mBWAAATBiW7_5Ie6SShN4Y1hdQFj5ILr4VxMSkaL6y_UxGYlTXbuUxga_dDGM5Xr2A8czD-Kjtj0bTdK2cCilNNOJ5cz0jD39lWt_oo/s4032/IMG_4156.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy7xYR9dQnbBpKQapZ5ORy84WpUm5SrlKN-0tIeEsKLzjFs2Z8YhUTbllG8fVJWQLmZ1FTe5X6a7n0mBWAAATBiW7_5Ie6SShN4Y1hdQFj5ILr4VxMSkaL6y_UxGYlTXbuUxga_dDGM5Xr2A8czD-Kjtj0bTdK2cCilNNOJ5cz0jD39lWt_oo/s320/IMG_4156.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p>The recipe says to pat the lotus root dry and then coat one side in cornflour. The shrimp filling will go on this side.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9ZeJO6sSKyrWw-vEyJWs8QZmlkneBu6-Mna3A6FsAGIX2POPePrmoJEUidrM49ObmFrHF-ZwP_l26mvz9bdBEKn0tHQyj-T7E89If6m8S-Cn2HWOaObf5uqwVi4SWvu9lmGCA-CfJvPmF5semCXXijhOwB54HsKy1S9xo-X_cWiz03b12Yw/s4032/IMG_4157.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY9ZeJO6sSKyrWw-vEyJWs8QZmlkneBu6-Mna3A6FsAGIX2POPePrmoJEUidrM49ObmFrHF-ZwP_l26mvz9bdBEKn0tHQyj-T7E89If6m8S-Cn2HWOaObf5uqwVi4SWvu9lmGCA-CfJvPmF5semCXXijhOwB54HsKy1S9xo-X_cWiz03b12Yw/s320/IMG_4157.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p>I prepared the shrimp filling by chopping raw shrimp and combining with scallions, soy sauce, ginger, and mirin (instead of sake). Then I topped half the lotus root slices with the filling.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIikOHyxbB5NCu51gal7t4ajHbwOtqG1kNHfNp4qCuq8TFWuo9S2gUF6_Gu78mrUcUW1OnOow27FdldzaWva7yeU07xlRuYdpn4A6MJwlaho8l_qmZQu5c3VImgfEFQqhktbDmZBuK5L__bmm_x7JPw2DYYlUUT4yO8UQrD9WG_Nf2H8Lw_0/s3024/IMG_4158.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtIikOHyxbB5NCu51gal7t4ajHbwOtqG1kNHfNp4qCuq8TFWuo9S2gUF6_Gu78mrUcUW1OnOow27FdldzaWva7yeU07xlRuYdpn4A6MJwlaho8l_qmZQu5c3VImgfEFQqhktbDmZBuK5L__bmm_x7JPw2DYYlUUT4yO8UQrD9WG_Nf2H8Lw_0/s320/IMG_4158.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p>Next, the "lids" go on each sandwich.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LQf25NUCvfMFLvsKcWhtT6_FRS8PqDqHn0FxImHAlw8CVNFkt2l5c0wIqBvtngpnaf4pd8gCnGkuVGmWvwtuH0JklqK4s5t8kkuyOJCe_un_UAitLOpEQD9NLgRt6ZifwfPiGNzHur2f6HH8LuZyXJLaF7-lbHK1k5a2fhKJunodZu3F02E/s3024/IMG_4159.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LQf25NUCvfMFLvsKcWhtT6_FRS8PqDqHn0FxImHAlw8CVNFkt2l5c0wIqBvtngpnaf4pd8gCnGkuVGmWvwtuH0JklqK4s5t8kkuyOJCe_un_UAitLOpEQD9NLgRt6ZifwfPiGNzHur2f6HH8LuZyXJLaF7-lbHK1k5a2fhKJunodZu3F02E/s320/IMG_4159.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p>Then, the sides of the sandwich also get dipped in cornflour. You do not coat the the top and bottom.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgRHbXfonjQX3XYRD_7qMAdC8wpLBjRVB8C-7TN8CZOrvZkXZK70rpyKncNBd2tMbLBC66-Fu0m_OBYQUL3Ik7gZcdDgHVPbW1pURKIe474Kj7CZ3hPD3toOfYajzCFaBtBRX1VMnYFkhTJOTQ2e839wTxtwadzm-XtsFmF9yAuQkQw9aI2g/s4032/IMG_4161.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZgRHbXfonjQX3XYRD_7qMAdC8wpLBjRVB8C-7TN8CZOrvZkXZK70rpyKncNBd2tMbLBC66-Fu0m_OBYQUL3Ik7gZcdDgHVPbW1pURKIe474Kj7CZ3hPD3toOfYajzCFaBtBRX1VMnYFkhTJOTQ2e839wTxtwadzm-XtsFmF9yAuQkQw9aI2g/s320/IMG_4161.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p>It's frying time! These get "deep fried" in about a centimeter (or less) of oil.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-XsUHiTAiOsq9R_OclmJGDcq6PpTEcsSpp0EcYAD3X8ukz1aWpkvVAYCGwYZI6GePhKVD6-EDh_EKkFHB5I-IFZ6nVOXV9DtpOT_26wNg8kc-JfhGIzQDCqr7qYN9KNsXXoPLg-XqX9arL4nrMqRQWydkPfcquii9mrwtcap-CD4PVmO1NI/s3024/IMG_4163.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-XsUHiTAiOsq9R_OclmJGDcq6PpTEcsSpp0EcYAD3X8ukz1aWpkvVAYCGwYZI6GePhKVD6-EDh_EKkFHB5I-IFZ6nVOXV9DtpOT_26wNg8kc-JfhGIzQDCqr7qYN9KNsXXoPLg-XqX9arL4nrMqRQWydkPfcquii9mrwtcap-CD4PVmO1NI/s320/IMG_4163.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>I found to get a nice browning, it took about 5 minutes of frying per side.</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hfZ6axIrFB2EhQB7orGU_66iMA7RgdxHx-AVMOF_h2Kf4d-2Vlx_0hPiIOrE3rK9BTaox-3jywIeis6j5r0z-imJcUPwjQipKEKo8EGs_4TOjbtmYjR3ctn2y8Z470NQTPSEOtJrATKUdSx-Mqs0CGzl6AdQl9MBWKLvt-X2XG1PUqnyMbE/s3024/IMG_4583.HEIC" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hfZ6axIrFB2EhQB7orGU_66iMA7RgdxHx-AVMOF_h2Kf4d-2Vlx_0hPiIOrE3rK9BTaox-3jywIeis6j5r0z-imJcUPwjQipKEKo8EGs_4TOjbtmYjR3ctn2y8Z470NQTPSEOtJrATKUdSx-Mqs0CGzl6AdQl9MBWKLvt-X2XG1PUqnyMbE/s320/IMG_4583.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>This is not the most gorgeous photo, but I'm happy to say that Shrimp-Stuffed Renkon was a hit with the family, and we all enjoyed this as a savory side dish. They're great with a dipping sauce like Tamari + brown rice vinegar or whatever you enjoy!</p><p></p><p>Have you ever tried renkon? Also, have you heard of trypophobia, which is an aversion to clusters of holes? I think this recipe would NOT be recommended for someone with trypophobia. I hear that lotus roots and seed pods are horrifying to people who HATE HOLES.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-8910592971682200212022-09-25T10:15:00.004-04:002022-09-25T10:15:55.419-04:00Eggplant with Garlic & Chili Oil<div dir="ltr"><div>September in Vermont is a good time for eggplant, especially if you go to farmer's markets. I've been working to perfect this spicy, silken eggplant recipe. It uses the <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2014/02/sichuan-chili-oil.html" target="_blank">szechuan chili oil</a> that I always have waiting in the fridge. Since nobody else in my household likes eggplant, I get this dish all to myself. <br /></div><div> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGliVOGOBOTHDemTV6S9jKWLee7IjSR1WI9c289raAvJ6yAePSusicDVzAlfvyFR6n09yAhPHURBT7A-wrPI9vQmCOXgjSlSQZtIl_EEto_22K8YYnBbYq0NqSCnDd6rRumWeUHWuKwlUENSemwT1Acy1iYQYPg_HDK6NJ7S6VNFWMBiqymo/s3024/IMG_4540.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGliVOGOBOTHDemTV6S9jKWLee7IjSR1WI9c289raAvJ6yAePSusicDVzAlfvyFR6n09yAhPHURBT7A-wrPI9vQmCOXgjSlSQZtIl_EEto_22K8YYnBbYq0NqSCnDd6rRumWeUHWuKwlUENSemwT1Acy1iYQYPg_HDK6NJ7S6VNFWMBiqymo/s320/IMG_4540.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ingredients</h3><div>2-3 Asian eggplants (the skinny kind)<br /></div><div>2 tsp szechuan chili oil (don't have this? try heating up plain oil and adding red pepper flakes while hot)<br /></div><div>1/3 cup chicken broth or made-up bouillon</div><div>1 tsp mirin</div><div>1 tsp sugar<br /></div><div>2 tsp soy sauce</div><div>1 T vegetable oil </div><div><div>4 cloves garlic, pressed</div><div>1 tsp-Tbsp ginger, chopped</div><div>1 green onion, chopped</div><div> </div><div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAdHTc4o8q6-KX0v70Ni5Xu5rjRVH6UYeY6iueL9ehLPTTO2FD0G4utm_j38yfettg7t6dJMM0hRMVYLIyBcP1v3jRctrz2djruVG0s5OkVXG1gblB9mBWIy8yzO7eiW7frpFiEXTlea5E_F4ih5IHvvXSxe0MgZrZmSDCoHLm2gU3OkjL4w/s3024/IMG_4544.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoAdHTc4o8q6-KX0v70Ni5Xu5rjRVH6UYeY6iueL9ehLPTTO2FD0G4utm_j38yfettg7t6dJMM0hRMVYLIyBcP1v3jRctrz2djruVG0s5OkVXG1gblB9mBWIy8yzO7eiW7frpFiEXTlea5E_F4ih5IHvvXSxe0MgZrZmSDCoHLm2gU3OkjL4w/s320/IMG_4544.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Assembly</b><br /></div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Boil pot of water. Cut eggplants in half lengthwise, then into diagonal chunks about 3/4 inch thick. When water boils, put pieces in water for 2 minutes. Strain out and place on paper towels. They can dry/cool as much as needed. <br /></li><li>Make sauce by combining chili oil, broth, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce. Set aside.<br /></li><li>When ready to cook, heat cast iron skillet to hot. Put in 1 Tbsp vegetable oil. Throw in garlic & ginger. Stir together to heat through. Then pour in sauce and let that just heat through.<br /></li><li>Add eggplant. Stir to coat. Then cover and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpuVpTQEqJr6cjzEJ6dPZBtTBihlB3FkltbODd390Fdoe_71-nFHNA2mG8wEcI3tX_tLPzTO5_yBNvqPJd12GWkM6n3AttoTJrYIZAznlu469bunE6f1yxZXYrh38_OG4slF3gIWRZkbyIp6o8Tn9wQ4K1N_dCKqefQewbsfvW_VYiNNaK5M/s4032/IMG_4545.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIpuVpTQEqJr6cjzEJ6dPZBtTBihlB3FkltbODd390Fdoe_71-nFHNA2mG8wEcI3tX_tLPzTO5_yBNvqPJd12GWkM6n3AttoTJrYIZAznlu469bunE6f1yxZXYrh38_OG4slF3gIWRZkbyIp6o8Tn9wQ4K1N_dCKqefQewbsfvW_VYiNNaK5M/s320/IMG_4545.HEIC" width="240" /></a></li><li>When done, some eggplant will be brown/caramelized and some will start to fall apart. The sauce should mostly be soaked in leaving a glaze of garlic-chili chunks. </li><li>Add green onion and stir together. Serve!</li></ol><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo3zmT-1JXZsPM0L3B4mzSasZ8ufL94n8UUXJH7udJ5FxL7vYC08lHSaSTFLHkcUPGrsUH7hO0yvcAHvs8_-xxydeJkQuPxV9XUehoTXaSfUzfgTouF_JlX6s9wPMsIpo39JPJrcmwRfdpLIo1gMVg-PTnjwtt4jd1iRK9yf2vqAkZQEs92c/s3024/IMG_4547.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNo3zmT-1JXZsPM0L3B4mzSasZ8ufL94n8UUXJH7udJ5FxL7vYC08lHSaSTFLHkcUPGrsUH7hO0yvcAHvs8_-xxydeJkQuPxV9XUehoTXaSfUzfgTouF_JlX6s9wPMsIpo39JPJrcmwRfdpLIo1gMVg-PTnjwtt4jd1iRK9yf2vqAkZQEs92c/s320/IMG_4547.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>So how do you feel about eggplant--love it? hate it? meh? I used to detest eggplant but I worked on acquiring the taste in my 20s. Now I like SOME eggplant dishes, and this is definitely one of them.<br /></p></div> "Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128417.274167835611649 -107.717534 68.426487164388348 -37.405034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-50044523526603422842022-06-30T19:34:00.001-04:002022-06-30T19:34:13.435-04:00Hugelkultur Gardening, Year 2<p>Hello! Happy summer! I'm here to report on our front-yard garden, which we set up in two rows last year for a <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2021/06/groundations-hugelkultur.html" target="_blank">hugelkultur experiment</a>. I wasn't sure what we should do specifically to "refresh" our hugels now that they're in their second year. (They're really just very heaped-up garden beds rather than a full-on "hill," but keep in mind that underneath there are layers of wood and leaves that are supposed to decompose over several years.) So I simply made up a plan for jollying up the hugels a little bit this year, with the goal of getting things planted by around Memorial Day (the last weekend in May).</p><p>My main challenge was that we had covered everything with wood chips last year. I didn't really want to just mix those into the soil by hoeing or raking everything together. So I tried to push the wood chips aside a bit...<br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>First I prepared by clearing weeds. I hoed and removed the tufts of grass and the dandelions that had set up shop.<br /></li><li>Then I did my best to rake the wood chip layer away from the center of the hugel and toward the edges, to better expose the soil underneath.</li><li>Next I poured a bag of "<a href="http://moodoo.com/moo-dirt/">Moo Dirt</a>" augmented topsoil along the top of each hugel, and raked to mix it with the soil already there. </li><li>Finally, I attempted to rake the wood chips back up so they covered things evenly again. </li></ul>I'm happy with how the soil got a fresh infusion of rich dirt, but my attempt to keep wood chips separate didn't really work. The wood chips are essentially mixed into the top layer of dirt now, but it seems fine! <p>Then it was planting time! Here's what's growing this year:</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FVPH5gu88_meCk6Aoo0aeuOM9RqPT_dXXILjR5ep_dBni0yPUis0K1KSlKeA5Bl1et1jKuTUwJPTovuu_yemkdglXlvYWnlz_2bBZFyGQLmVLFBdkRleCsOJ7YD1Bl1ck-3w6dLO4spbMScA65FiUND3crQJFO-O3aRNy5zde5KlY1pcF0M/s4032/IMG_4265.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8FVPH5gu88_meCk6Aoo0aeuOM9RqPT_dXXILjR5ep_dBni0yPUis0K1KSlKeA5Bl1et1jKuTUwJPTovuu_yemkdglXlvYWnlz_2bBZFyGQLmVLFBdkRleCsOJ7YD1Bl1ck-3w6dLO4spbMScA65FiUND3crQJFO-O3aRNy5zde5KlY1pcF0M/w300-h400/IMG_4265.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Cucumbers: I am in full battle mode with cucumber beetles as they have killed my cucumbers for several years in a row. I'm not being polite any more but just squishing them on sight. We have set up some trellis inventions for the cukes to climb should they survive that long.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE-2jkDxrta0ZpGun8j6Kwm0ygMFVBrdiIE93Ny2WidV2Du8OjM67D6DnWV1FxP_TAolT9aSGrAtAlci17AEGbUzslybgZLLx8Vbns9gcHZ5CAp26OF5P9xdpFebs23Dns3Fxj-XDrLEfbVXvSMXlVav5gpDXDJsFapaUgFj9x0Joalfs9A4/s4032/IMG_4264.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfE-2jkDxrta0ZpGun8j6Kwm0ygMFVBrdiIE93Ny2WidV2Du8OjM67D6DnWV1FxP_TAolT9aSGrAtAlci17AEGbUzslybgZLLx8Vbns9gcHZ5CAp26OF5P9xdpFebs23Dns3Fxj-XDrLEfbVXvSMXlVav5gpDXDJsFapaUgFj9x0Joalfs9A4/w300-h400/IMG_4264.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here's another angle of the cucumbers and trellising. I read that cucumber beetles don't like marigolds so I've planted those everywhere. Beyond the cucumbers are two summer squash plants, and at the far end of the hugel is a population of lettuce. I also put some kale plants here and there.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyVI4EOB79G1IvQZ9W38qXP4fA1MSjRq72ltCcNDgTBBZ1-HNkpc3uPz_vRua7dp4yPu1xDItLq45flxFO7n6raraliHP8-q9JqhBdvMcKPk8zJmINAIhZcxKYq1K4WQ0_5IVfWrcIE5oDvWdQSzH0dHzcNadPozh-BYK-IAzhx917wA1Wns/s4032/IMG_4263.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyVI4EOB79G1IvQZ9W38qXP4fA1MSjRq72ltCcNDgTBBZ1-HNkpc3uPz_vRua7dp4yPu1xDItLq45flxFO7n6raraliHP8-q9JqhBdvMcKPk8zJmINAIhZcxKYq1K4WQ0_5IVfWrcIE5oDvWdQSzH0dHzcNadPozh-BYK-IAzhx917wA1Wns/w300-h400/IMG_4263.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The other, streetside hugel has 3 tomatoes (foreground), and then chard and collards beyond that, and green beans at the far end. Everything seems happy over here!</p><p><br /></p><p>We pondered maybe getting more wood chips to re-cover everything, but at the moment I'm happy to just keep weeding and let nature take its course. On the plus side, several volunteer tomato plants have sprouted up from last year's plants. I also think that this sweet lettuce crop was probably all self-seeded because we let our lettuce go rampantly to seed last year. Check it out!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9jOI2YDN2_5d0uXcO19ar3oabf_7c8ZA4i_RM35Dat8hXv3K34Jeri6VOJ0AmQnWB1khkMenpVnvaN1X2XVoGbt0qxxLaSPuy_raYsPuvog9Wjq8SEDOJFLG0Wix5QFU6aKvXswPqPv0CqxnNpvP9UTjCiTTx7LaNKN7zYTFlK_ulaWZyeg/s4032/IMG_4262.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9jOI2YDN2_5d0uXcO19ar3oabf_7c8ZA4i_RM35Dat8hXv3K34Jeri6VOJ0AmQnWB1khkMenpVnvaN1X2XVoGbt0qxxLaSPuy_raYsPuvog9Wjq8SEDOJFLG0Wix5QFU6aKvXswPqPv0CqxnNpvP9UTjCiTTx7LaNKN7zYTFlK_ulaWZyeg/w300-h400/IMG_4262.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This lettuce in the foreground all just SHOWED UP as soon as frosty nights ended. It's been a delicious spring treat! We'll definitely let the lettuce go to seed again this year.<br /></p><p><br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-73081752265252915332022-05-30T17:58:00.000-04:002022-05-30T17:58:02.849-04:00Bathroom cabinet refurb<p>Things nowadays are often poorly made. Have you noticed this? So many things that used to be sturdy metal or wood are now highly plastic and/or highly flammable. These "convenient" objects seem to be designed to last 1 year in your home and then a million more years in some ocean garbage island. A great example of this? Bathroom cabinets. Ours was getting quite grubby and old, so I searched around for a replacement. But what I found in my price range was molded plastic, and much lower quality than the item I was replacing.<br /></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nyOHId5i5w/YX2Wb6XHjtI/AAAAAAAAXtw/emuclbKa0bsSNwvMqGCrl4dqsDZmWZcawCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3506.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3nyOHId5i5w/YX2Wb6XHjtI/AAAAAAAAXtw/emuclbKa0bsSNwvMqGCrl4dqsDZmWZcawCPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_3506.HEIC" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Total Rubbish<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>Despite the disappointing options, I had to do something. Our bathroom cabinet was having ISSUES--look at this rust!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uJuLJ8WLlY/YX2WorWKQbI/AAAAAAAAXt0/WXIHlqP7iwwv-yrkxFiunauTGQlsxjkeACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3621.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1uJuLJ8WLlY/YX2WorWKQbI/AAAAAAAAXt0/WXIHlqP7iwwv-yrkxFiunauTGQlsxjkeACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3621.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p>So my next idea was, "What if I renovate this thing? Maybe this rust is just cosmetic and can be fixed?" The cabinet was made in Bellevue, Kentucky, USA, and
obviously of a sturdiness and quality that I can no longer find. Our house was built in 1958 and I expect the cabinet dates to around that time too. It's made of metal and glass with adjustable shelves. Could it be... saved?<br /></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMfXOYQL1yU/YX2WorGHfII/AAAAAAAAXt0/zHgVJQwRZ0ckPvQK2G7ZF5QvIRnpPhFEQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3619.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wMfXOYQL1yU/YX2WorGHfII/AAAAAAAAXt0/zHgVJQwRZ0ckPvQK2G7ZF5QvIRnpPhFEQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3619.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made in Kentucky, USA<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Here's how I gave remodeling the bathroom cabinet a shot!<br /></p><p>Step 1: Remove from wall. This just involved a screwdriver and some persistent jiggling and pulling.</p><p>Step 2: Sand the rusty areas to smooth them out and remove debris and crud. I recommend doing this outside or in a garage. Then I washed off the areas and let them dry.<br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNlOBVkBGag/YX2XB8IEo3I/AAAAAAAAXuA/yQaA7-0D2DM2GeFD24yWFcGKvVZz6-qJwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3623.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TNlOBVkBGag/YX2XB8IEo3I/AAAAAAAAXuA/yQaA7-0D2DM2GeFD24yWFcGKvVZz6-qJwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3623.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Step 3. Treat rust areas. I used a product called "Rust Reformer" from Rust-Oleum (Vernon Hills, IL) that claims to "instantly transform rust into a non-rusting, flat-black paintable surface" and also it prevents future rust. It seemed to work!<br /></p><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHS-JKpw11s/YX2W8jqGxFI/AAAAAAAAXt8/4GRiz-4Tjok8m9FY6_6_0d3x84aXftckQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3625.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bHS-JKpw11s/YX2W8jqGxFI/AAAAAAAAXt8/4GRiz-4Tjok8m9FY6_6_0d3x84aXftckQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3625.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p> </p><p>Step 4: Tape off everything not to be painted (the mirror, mainly).</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgVEos-rIIg/YX2XWYTFccI/AAAAAAAAXuI/5b8p4bomrfsDXWWXXvcgXXOsksi_0pgggCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3631.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgVEos-rIIg/YX2XWYTFccI/AAAAAAAAXuI/5b8p4bomrfsDXWWXXvcgXXOsksi_0pgggCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3631.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><p>Step 5: Spraypaint! I hit this with 3 coats of white paint applied within about 5 minutes of each other, then let it dry for a day. Then I removed the tape.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1rakliLJTg/YX2XiN73III/AAAAAAAAXuM/Q0-pdRAbSbQB3KZU04lHxm1l1vhLjmSRwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3633.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O1rakliLJTg/YX2XiN73III/AAAAAAAAXuM/Q0-pdRAbSbQB3KZU04lHxm1l1vhLjmSRwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3633.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xofB6ble0Q/YX2XiMcsJ4I/AAAAAAAAXuM/mHFVGDkiY404TOylmhBgKEr3pwgY_mZ_ACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3634.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xofB6ble0Q/YX2XiMcsJ4I/AAAAAAAAXuM/mHFVGDkiY404TOylmhBgKEr3pwgY_mZ_ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3634.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Step 6: Reinstall! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntD4aYn7Q6g/YX2Xq-_iY1I/AAAAAAAAXuQ/kyz3m6d5OeYcMngIyQofE1P8icaF-CF6wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3636.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ntD4aYn7Q6g/YX2Xq-_iY1I/AAAAAAAAXuQ/kyz3m6d5OeYcMngIyQofE1P8icaF-CF6wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3636.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gk2VkKAVjI/YX2Xq-4HgHI/AAAAAAAAXuQ/GiKGeOuhxHsx43Zvn43md3rvBCJy7mwzgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3638.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Gk2VkKAVjI/YX2Xq-4HgHI/AAAAAAAAXuQ/GiKGeOuhxHsx43Zvn43md3rvBCJy7mwzgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3638.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glass shelves reinserted.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>Don't forget to take before & after photos with stuff inside.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4p7NR-e6bw/YX2Wovu6nWI/AAAAAAAAXt0/Nc0gy92F-2AfecuTp-GKAdF--3fMUDsPwCPcBGAsYHg/s3024
</IMG_3618.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4p7NR-e6bw/YX2Wovu6nWI/AAAAAAAAXt0/Nc0gy92F-2AfecuTp-GKAdF--3fMUDsPwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3618.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before: Squalor</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFwhW3HUST3tiEWmLg0r_3DI4upPEAsssQb-nA9-xin6q6hKcuSzN2Mc2e6g7hn2jxXS7EIqnS3WOFtBgojaXnqji-nMg8YwgpZZYCw8qAoBGkeN1zNGI0_MunNutkAL-z00ReKjh0zGAANBWGcYhXQ9kJMEJZtWmju-n2rs6gN-PeLep1xU/s3024/IMG_4121.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinFwhW3HUST3tiEWmLg0r_3DI4upPEAsssQb-nA9-xin6q6hKcuSzN2Mc2e6g7hn2jxXS7EIqnS3WOFtBgojaXnqji-nMg8YwgpZZYCw8qAoBGkeN1zNGI0_MunNutkAL-z00ReKjh0zGAANBWGcYhXQ9kJMEJZtWmju-n2rs6gN-PeLep1xU/w400-h400/IMG_4121.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After: Oh Thank Goodness</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p>I'm really pleased with how this turned out. Of course it's totally practical to fix something I already have instead of throwing it away and purchasing a new (worse) thing. But sometimes that's hard to remember in a culture so primed to Buy More Stuff.</p><p>How about you? Any good tales of refurbishing something and giving it new life? <br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Dummerston, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128417.274167835611649 -107.717534 68.426487164388348 -37.405034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-77261928043691155132022-04-30T15:41:00.003-04:002022-04-30T15:41:33.279-04:00Okonomiyaki: Japanese cabbage pancake, Vermont style<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSrj71trtNai2xR8cUHGREmC007fxQs2VB6rUBH-7BbMSRtGh6ubPm0xMMiCCM5ARSsZRuIFWoTulCnmOnU-LRwmSSIMPuaO9yXFRwnm87ODGWah-ix3kPGLSTOcj6HMdkVaJssoZTevYJOMRmwFF8uR9KWwxguZS3j0n1Hq3BYi_8XDeHlc/s3024/IMG_4088.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzSrj71trtNai2xR8cUHGREmC007fxQs2VB6rUBH-7BbMSRtGh6ubPm0xMMiCCM5ARSsZRuIFWoTulCnmOnU-LRwmSSIMPuaO9yXFRwnm87ODGWah-ix3kPGLSTOcj6HMdkVaJssoZTevYJOMRmwFF8uR9KWwxguZS3j0n1Hq3BYi_8XDeHlc/w400-h400/IMG_4088.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Have you heard of Okonomiyaki? I was not aware of this Japanese veggie pancake until I saw Rie McClenny's "<a href="https://youtu.be/7mz9UKbGyzo" target="_blank">How to Make Homemade Japanese Food</a>" video (with Tasty). Her impressive Okonomiyaki shows up at minute 4:00. Rie makes it look so easy! All you have to do is make a thin pancake, layer on cabbage and bean sprouts and bacon, put on more batter, flip it over, cook noodles on the side, put the pancake on top of the noodles, fry an egg, put the pancake on top of the egg, flip it over, then cover with yummy sauces and bonito flakes that dance in the heat. </p><p>However, when I tried this at home, it was a mess. (It was delicious, but I didn't have the space or the tools to do the flipping correctly.) Also the bacon didn't cook properly and had to be removed before eating.<br /></p><p>But I wanted to try again. Next I found a recipe and video from Aaron and Clare (who are based in Seoul). This one is called "<a href="https://aaronandclaire.com/easy-perfect-okonomiyaki-recipe/" target="_blank">Easy & Perfect Okonomiyaki</a>." It had fewer ingredients and only one flip. I tried it, but cut down ingredients even more to come up with my Vermont version of this tasty dish. It makes a great lunch and I think still has nice savory flavor, plus real substance from the cabbage. Here's my recipe!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzqN9vNfI9W5kl1Azz2pDs0CODOrWGYKoDdcD2VJj5g_zXUy-aipiWdvIt7I7imcN4TL2nEOrDyeOLniVU8lMVok8XoMc6ertnoxcpMKZojDMHMZ7LBEn-rPCwc9xCmrHcdjLlV_JtmPNiuz0TzhylWPLe14h2seaGzI5kWCqSCw7aRUk_Qo/s4032/IMG_4075.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKzqN9vNfI9W5kl1Azz2pDs0CODOrWGYKoDdcD2VJj5g_zXUy-aipiWdvIt7I7imcN4TL2nEOrDyeOLniVU8lMVok8XoMc6ertnoxcpMKZojDMHMZ7LBEn-rPCwc9xCmrHcdjLlV_JtmPNiuz0TzhylWPLe14h2seaGzI5kWCqSCw7aRUk_Qo/w400-h300/IMG_4075.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ingredients:</h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>About 2 cups of green cabbage, sliced thin or shredded</li><li>About 2 heaping T of Pickled ginger (can chop slightly)<br /></li><li>4-6 shrimp, cooked and chopped (optional) </li><li>Tempura bits (completely optional, but if you make your own tempura,
save the fried bits from the oil and add them to your okonomiyaki)</li><li>About 1/2 cup of any plain pancake mix, or Okonomiyaki flour (or regular flour in a pinch)<br /></li><li>1/2 cup water (or more for texture) <br /></li><li>Okonomi sauce or any Japanese or Korean or American barbecue sauce</li><li>2 T Mayonnaise</li><li>1 t Maple syrup</li><li>Bonito flakes (Katsuobushi) <br /></li></ul><h3 style="text-align: left;">Assembly:</h3><p>First a disclaimer--I know recipe is a far cry from real Japanese food. But I still want to experience some of the flavors, so this is my best attempt with what I've got.</p><p>Step 1: Combine the shredded cabbage, chopped shrimp, and pickled ginger in a bowl. If you have tempura bits, add these too.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzosOC5jGT_k4YHkQanLJ5OoMNEkoQilzm4gCOlq3GDCNhM4qMQVbtSEPzGBerCdfaK7SAcGh1tuLW93SF24ZTtlHRKyxT4xwfXI6XFAyzPHEm8rcJ6u_orREiTLK_DnROZwnTBCy8tOVtE60qzqzJGQGtfY8fOMaaoXfcXIUF_0W1IDQ3fbw/s3024/IMG_4079.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzosOC5jGT_k4YHkQanLJ5OoMNEkoQilzm4gCOlq3GDCNhM4qMQVbtSEPzGBerCdfaK7SAcGh1tuLW93SF24ZTtlHRKyxT4xwfXI6XFAyzPHEm8rcJ6u_orREiTLK_DnROZwnTBCy8tOVtE60qzqzJGQGtfY8fOMaaoXfcXIUF_0W1IDQ3fbw/s320/IMG_4079.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCAV0d4jO-TtTybuNEmlckgg2Ta9PpXio0dLiT3jbFeSi9FMDMGDdxQi38-4Oxf0hbDZcGJIB60Gh46zfQ4HT_SDQvg3OJl-X-o-J13fgnXXNvNPTa7E8sPbdXR2SiNiB2isbHMXpjpR3fsVHZUA5c7oUlPCAdv5NJnVUbYeSTgEzBpcD_JI/s3024/IMG_4080.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCAV0d4jO-TtTybuNEmlckgg2Ta9PpXio0dLiT3jbFeSi9FMDMGDdxQi38-4Oxf0hbDZcGJIB60Gh46zfQ4HT_SDQvg3OJl-X-o-J13fgnXXNvNPTa7E8sPbdXR2SiNiB2isbHMXpjpR3fsVHZUA5c7oUlPCAdv5NJnVUbYeSTgEzBpcD_JI/s320/IMG_4080.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>2. Sprinkle on okonomiyaki flour or pancake mix and mix in. Then add and mix in the water to make a very loose batter. (Essentially the ingredients are somewhat coated with the mixture, but by no means are we creating a pourable pancake-like mixture.) If there is not enough coating or it's too dry or too wet, adjust the flour or water as needed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvn1SwadDB81koR8AcdDA_JaUBaGTpDT7Vjnl_Jry0DQr12gLrciPYsTGZpMbRXvfJDh8kadrkqaz1KnfyPM-vHGwG7zYDZz8Cs0sz_W7ZXv-S5VmGPwjpMNBuVj0MvTIXWB_-T-KxQNTIV3gVvoXQnbwYeGKLty1LUjP2TgXHWT_o05mW_o/s4032/IMG_4081.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvn1SwadDB81koR8AcdDA_JaUBaGTpDT7Vjnl_Jry0DQr12gLrciPYsTGZpMbRXvfJDh8kadrkqaz1KnfyPM-vHGwG7zYDZz8Cs0sz_W7ZXv-S5VmGPwjpMNBuVj0MvTIXWB_-T-KxQNTIV3gVvoXQnbwYeGKLty1LUjP2TgXHWT_o05mW_o/w300-h400/IMG_4081.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>3. Preferably using your hands, clump a generous handful of the coated cabbage mixture onto a griddle or large skillet. The pancake should be about 6 inches in diameter. If you have room for two, go for it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaN1CqXAwzc7n-JSNl6gq_2530-Kg8lr8AMGOT4tH2pNvjfwI5Lpb7daW2aW2DwcMoKwGEMqVxYVsHKjARnPVc2_rBD7OHqVedQq9IUDC56D42RFun1kxGe3H63CxuRmIlrOupNF0Qdv5sA_LL9uXZ_Vg2D2Fb_497LBue3FEzvC84kJ1IeJ8/s3024/IMG_4082.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaN1CqXAwzc7n-JSNl6gq_2530-Kg8lr8AMGOT4tH2pNvjfwI5Lpb7daW2aW2DwcMoKwGEMqVxYVsHKjARnPVc2_rBD7OHqVedQq9IUDC56D42RFun1kxGe3H63CxuRmIlrOupNF0Qdv5sA_LL9uXZ_Vg2D2Fb_497LBue3FEzvC84kJ1IeJ8/s320/IMG_4082.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>4. Cook one side over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Using a wide, reliable spatula, flip the pancakes and cook for about the same time on the other side.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1XeyKOieAu7s62Kf9rgQG0UxWi1ylDdUTfQL-RPy2nSlK2qI1GT8lQjJyLg1FEq8xmromH2SmOVLwF5KAaslMWFPsmfrGtHOvbeqPE9cLj8T0C883y2TFRcxjSoPrG_1H5CjC84dEkJyKqE-KPd_BH2RHGrgsrFWoWQtAzzQJHexaiM8keY/s3024/IMG_4084.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl1XeyKOieAu7s62Kf9rgQG0UxWi1ylDdUTfQL-RPy2nSlK2qI1GT8lQjJyLg1FEq8xmromH2SmOVLwF5KAaslMWFPsmfrGtHOvbeqPE9cLj8T0C883y2TFRcxjSoPrG_1H5CjC84dEkJyKqE-KPd_BH2RHGrgsrFWoWQtAzzQJHexaiM8keY/s320/IMG_4084.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>5. Meanwhile, prepare the toppings by mixing the mayonnaise and the maple syrup together in a small bowl. Here are my three toppings at the ready.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArNYbxpato9js9jiyNycn_HLgs0acQmui-duJegfasUnNbIEXd9cdEImoK7GRq6PuMRGcSloaHOPjAxVn_rXFTezmzOoLnnEpRIXezEy2q4K0sgemJY_lvFn-SpNHkFIWTblB8qnjfCydTLnwhv4G04jliTujnG8hmv5z6OVdtCHMC8tGKqA/s4032/IMG_4077.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArNYbxpato9js9jiyNycn_HLgs0acQmui-duJegfasUnNbIEXd9cdEImoK7GRq6PuMRGcSloaHOPjAxVn_rXFTezmzOoLnnEpRIXezEy2q4K0sgemJY_lvFn-SpNHkFIWTblB8qnjfCydTLnwhv4G04jliTujnG8hmv5z6OVdtCHMC8tGKqA/w400-h300/IMG_4077.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>6. When the pancakes seem cooked through (in about 10 minutes, maybe less), place on plates and slather the top with the sweet mayo. Then, squeeze on Okonomi sauce in a pleasing back-and-forth pattern, and finally, sprinkle generously with bonito flakes. If you think you don't like bonito flakes, please try them anyway! Their smoky, salty, briny taste brings the whole dish to the next level and is worth getting used to!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXvYX-GXgIOdI-hjwqwR2DRIk2Cc1HM2lOIsDrY0GcPzfHAD93yzwvC89vdm0Xw-k5lJ0UOpSSprzKpbvSR-29tI44lOGRoE2e7IT8N0N3zp_8y__gvvMXRRy3fn4VsCkCQi4DQvOUjPwBhK16l60HjQ8c-ClQwm-KI7HacJDETI3lKs4jt8/s3024/IMG_4086.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXvYX-GXgIOdI-hjwqwR2DRIk2Cc1HM2lOIsDrY0GcPzfHAD93yzwvC89vdm0Xw-k5lJ0UOpSSprzKpbvSR-29tI44lOGRoE2e7IT8N0N3zp_8y__gvvMXRRy3fn4VsCkCQi4DQvOUjPwBhK16l60HjQ8c-ClQwm-KI7HacJDETI3lKs4jt8/s320/IMG_4086.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vD6nu0uOFfWiNTu5F1M-O8nGm-UxKv89qzGEONizUAnbfHyUzkmoMRe9GeTfCXnTurkZZgyUURBIgV3JoS4iYlObtKC6p7wafM_ih0PkYsISMBGu0PwtFfkldBAjsrEdcbhu2I9epRcet_m0XFLM2FgPi2eKbCnVo0E6YJTWcNZeq6m4Kd4/s3024/IMG_4087.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vD6nu0uOFfWiNTu5F1M-O8nGm-UxKv89qzGEONizUAnbfHyUzkmoMRe9GeTfCXnTurkZZgyUURBIgV3JoS4iYlObtKC6p7wafM_ih0PkYsISMBGu0PwtFfkldBAjsrEdcbhu2I9epRcet_m0XFLM2FgPi2eKbCnVo0E6YJTWcNZeq6m4Kd4/w400-h400/IMG_4087.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>That's it! The Okonomiyaki pancakes are ready to eat! <br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8503275 -72.56128414.540093663821153 -107.717534 71.160561336178844 -37.405034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-58098989633985778752022-03-31T17:49:00.003-04:002022-03-31T17:49:56.040-04:00Winter Museums<p>As the first quarter of the year ends this week (hello, April!) I want to celebrate some museum-going that I did during the winter. For me, part of welcoming a new year and envisioning a fresh new self involves a natural desire to see new things. To "get new things in my eyes." I like to do this by visiting museums. This winter I went to 3 museums with various family members. Here's a recap with some photos!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Museum 1: <a href="https://www.brattleboromuseum.org/" target="_blank">Brattleboro Museum and Art Center</a> (BMAC), end of January </h3><p>I took a Friday lunchtime to visit this local treasure with a special & artsy family member. The museum is small enough to see in an hour (it is inside what used to be a train station, if that helps to picture the size). Here are some photos of 3 of the exhibits.<br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">"Evolving Traditions: Guild of Vermont Furniture Makers" </h4><p>Professional regional woodworkers combine artistic inspiration with their significant furniture-making skills.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5iqu6w-L9LyBHTpGvRTjqGNkYZXfGVn0ScVK2ppmbUp6E3LIhfe-KK3nmp4p2526Ap-TXDf7Zjx_jW6IGGAJMuZV5tey06iqxMFAr95P1gE5kfsxevO-rj-q3CnTn0xIMlVhaQu8UQ2Q1NmNQ84df0uMzF7yNaRRVfCGctnlB3aBCTOuXwro=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5iqu6w-L9LyBHTpGvRTjqGNkYZXfGVn0ScVK2ppmbUp6E3LIhfe-KK3nmp4p2526Ap-TXDf7Zjx_jW6IGGAJMuZV5tey06iqxMFAr95P1gE5kfsxevO-rj-q3CnTn0xIMlVhaQu8UQ2Q1NmNQ84df0uMzF7yNaRRVfCGctnlB3aBCTOuXwro=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>This is one of Charles Shackleton's "Chairs of Enlightenment." It's a bit hard to tell, but the upright areas on this chair-back are actually lit up. <a href="https://www.brattleboromuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Wall-Labels_Evolving-Traditions_Shackleton.pdf" target="_blank">Shackleton's wall-label</a> tells us that in the time of Chippendale (18th century), the back of the chair was where the artisan really got to show off ornate work.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVYlgO5nNVFTaBRq9--o3-EI4ok4fyDfmM5XoAa6dP_c0WkfCZMCyrrR1J2gzg3FNo0dKcdrXJwPKWSK-JywFkQB1byncskvKmoZiuNfTKIRkz14fu-BUDSK24qgH1Dsb9T9pAuPKeJQDeSpAHK5v5LVwuhCX_rIalsUUr5KjW99hKgImCEr0=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVYlgO5nNVFTaBRq9--o3-EI4ok4fyDfmM5XoAa6dP_c0WkfCZMCyrrR1J2gzg3FNo0dKcdrXJwPKWSK-JywFkQB1byncskvKmoZiuNfTKIRkz14fu-BUDSK24qgH1Dsb9T9pAuPKeJQDeSpAHK5v5LVwuhCX_rIalsUUr5KjW99hKgImCEr0=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>Jason Breen created this remarkable piece (with paintings by Margaret Shipman) and calls it "Cephalopod." He explains on the <a href="https://www.brattleboromuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Wall-Labels_Evolving-Traditions_Breen.pdf">wall label</a> that it is an "altar to the Earth" and made of wood from a beloved fallen apple tree. The dome is Spalted Maple (a sugar maple that has started to rot). Fun fact: I blogged a bit about Jason Breen's <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2011/10/woodworking-studio.html" target="_blank">woodworking shop</a> back in 2011.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Painting with Paper: Natalie Frank<br /></h4><p>Natalie Frank uses pigmented cotton and linen paper pulp to create feminist portraits that are literally painted WITH paper. Frank explains that she was inspired by "the roles of women in<span style="font-weight: 400;"> tales of the Brothers Grimm, </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> and the 17th-century feminist tales of Madame d’Aulnoy."</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFlNq-4iM5DYEBQxdmZR3If5iIg8lq7534sF9XexXlExQ6JDk5hYum-xAqPzfuMQTQNtfn3UpuhYgKchrPyAucjjxW4pUpu4bwvSY8ZRUoBtTGIq2I04ommog1XuhL939e5Hn4wTmzACu3lVMuo01tT1-wfX70doxxH-DHSUOlA1oCi76_D_k=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFlNq-4iM5DYEBQxdmZR3If5iIg8lq7534sF9XexXlExQ6JDk5hYum-xAqPzfuMQTQNtfn3UpuhYgKchrPyAucjjxW4pUpu4bwvSY8ZRUoBtTGIq2I04ommog1XuhL939e5Hn4wTmzACu3lVMuo01tT1-wfX70doxxH-DHSUOlA1oCi76_D_k=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Woman with Fox," Natalie Frank. I love how the fox's little paw breaks through the bottom edge of the piece. The paper medium looks so fluid and bold.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Zp2syw9Tt6DDaAHuPRl8_enrFWohDtH2G0ZLOrEqcEamY3q1W2gbsb9WVnuuYouPW7fGdwDyRvNjIos2-QOZQt1NzsMmBEwDLxQwXiIOVZUL4RvJeCdo076QhWfH2N218hSAops9go0MaUw9r9IuBvBr5i2AXRoC_Lln2u0Eoph1oNsuFp0=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8Zp2syw9Tt6DDaAHuPRl8_enrFWohDtH2G0ZLOrEqcEamY3q1W2gbsb9WVnuuYouPW7fGdwDyRvNjIos2-QOZQt1NzsMmBEwDLxQwXiIOVZUL4RvJeCdo076QhWfH2N218hSAops9go0MaUw9r9IuBvBr5i2AXRoC_Lln2u0Eoph1oNsuFp0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Woman with Crow, Natalie Frank. What an arresting face and expression!! <br /></p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Inspired by the Past: Vermont Glass Guild<br /></h4><p>We LOVED this exhibit. The museum had received some ancient pieces that spanned 4,000 years and came from places all around the world, like Korea, Iran, Costa Rica, and China. Of course, the BMAC is a non-collecting museum of contemporary art... so the plan is to use this as a study collection. The Vermont Glass Guild took on the challenge first and created new works inspired by these ancient items. The pairings were really cool! You can take this <a href="https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=vkmCCKnzBf8" target="_blank">virtual tour</a> if you want to see more of the show.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmlM6JahOJxx1bvXg7bMUmxDu0QFaIsr2hpBs-FCoJVCAHehdR3jhHQLKQNH9VOSV4tdyRmiIiYyjNwAZHB5wFtWDo8vczZOsfRPDQgkanFT_0KFCE4jPYKlpNUm92yvsnrHkD8J1u2Rk_orqZED1ty2HUmCRPDmiM8IG9_87NaAToTw7Y-_E=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmlM6JahOJxx1bvXg7bMUmxDu0QFaIsr2hpBs-FCoJVCAHehdR3jhHQLKQNH9VOSV4tdyRmiIiYyjNwAZHB5wFtWDo8vczZOsfRPDQgkanFT_0KFCE4jPYKlpNUm92yvsnrHkD8J1u2Rk_orqZED1ty2HUmCRPDmiM8IG9_87NaAToTw7Y-_E=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p>This archeological-dig piece was created by local glass artist Robert Burch and called "Brattlebeach 2121." It's inspired by the large storage jar up in the corner (Iran, 5000-3500 BCE) as well as other ceramics from the collection. It's kind of fun and irreverent to see the items just jumbled together with sand (and even glass hermit grabs mixed in). It helps to set the scene of jumping around in time.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Tz5KMQrHSvJUDmaotIzu00Ag4vrFMMJSHix0HDnKCrglvX1HwMJhJYVC8R0aGNxHXm8rcbiumZV4rDkT9WPjDo9fAKIG9uemFREreC2zd_rRHi3NKrL87pyVXdj1TrGw7jlEYPhiYzl-k3FMjQGHspXa1ScIMY-T8wdjrZgtrln6NjqTy0I=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Tz5KMQrHSvJUDmaotIzu00Ag4vrFMMJSHix0HDnKCrglvX1HwMJhJYVC8R0aGNxHXm8rcbiumZV4rDkT9WPjDo9fAKIG9uemFREreC2zd_rRHi3NKrL87pyVXdj1TrGw7jlEYPhiYzl-k3FMjQGHspXa1ScIMY-T8wdjrZgtrln6NjqTy0I=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>We loved these glass pull-toys (a manatee, an owl, a cow, and birds) made by Marta Bernbaum and inspired by the "bull-shaped vessel" (Iran, 1000-700 BCE) that's raised up in the center.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fdxl5P8ZGieYOha6QUBtARzG43soPcUu_1Ftj2TLYj7Smb6pHy4b_kLfsi6Uh4NIi3hMbnaEpcBak3sSyQOnsgnKrmR_a1HFtmMFdVNAe8sxpb1DJfLetAhzqz-W3PudJoZZAo7mMiHkPrkuW95xpZmAyRbV4QSHSq0aI-9yIiJpi91zRSw/s4032/IMG_3873.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fdxl5P8ZGieYOha6QUBtARzG43soPcUu_1Ftj2TLYj7Smb6pHy4b_kLfsi6Uh4NIi3hMbnaEpcBak3sSyQOnsgnKrmR_a1HFtmMFdVNAe8sxpb1DJfLetAhzqz-W3PudJoZZAo7mMiHkPrkuW95xpZmAyRbV4QSHSq0aI-9yIiJpi91zRSw/s320/IMG_3873.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div>Close-up of the manatee pull toy.<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Museum 2: <a href="https://www.svac.org/" target="_blank">Southern Vermont Arts Center</a>, mid-February<br /></h3><p>A few weeks later, this same family member and I made the drive out to Manchester, Vermont, to the Southern Vermont Arts Center. The museum campus is nestled on a wooded hillside a little outside of the town Manchester, where it has been located since 1950 (the Southern Vermont artists group itself has apparently been around since 1922). There were two main exhibition buildings on the former estate--and when we visited they were showing Hiroshige in one building, and contemporary woodblock prints in the other.<br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Hiroshige and the Changing Japanese Landscape</h4><p>First we went to the Elizabeth de C. Wilson Museum, where a BUNCH of <a href="https://www.svac.org/class/hiroshige-2021/">Hiroshige woodblock prints</a> were on display. Utagawa Hiroshige is the 19th century Japanese woodblock master (1797-1858). The museum signs did a good job of explaining a bit about his life and his art. I learned (or was reminded) about <i>ukiyo-e</i>, which means "pictures of the floating world" and refers to the imagery in the prints that reflects life's enjoyments like theater, sumo wrestlers, beautiful women, animals, landscapes, and teahouses. One room was full of prints of the<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fifty-three_Stations_of_the_T%C5%8Dkaid%C5%8D" target="_blank"> 53 Stations of the Tokaido,</a> which was the 300-mile long road between Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto (the imperial capital). The combination of the mundane (women dragging customers into a teahouse, as seen in the second image below) and majestic (views of Mount Fuji!) made these prints hot sellers at the time. It was remarkable to see so many all in one place--all from the collection of a Vermont artist.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrKeL2QoVWDA0Dl9dTnJetztHj3hHLYGn41EpzWVcvROlgdK4KEjDyBOcQnhwelSqJX3HzFSI-8HZ6aarHOeiUU47OywSjpu3jlhv-77CtBeWi-TIQeCAn8UcSgMV9YzGGZ1dUbr6ghc44shlERnwHdbzbu7ILYt2nlNsSi-wEeyB4V1hjrGo=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhrKeL2QoVWDA0Dl9dTnJetztHj3hHLYGn41EpzWVcvROlgdK4KEjDyBOcQnhwelSqJX3HzFSI-8HZ6aarHOeiUU47OywSjpu3jlhv-77CtBeWi-TIQeCAn8UcSgMV9YzGGZ1dUbr6ghc44shlERnwHdbzbu7ILYt2nlNsSi-wEeyB4V1hjrGo=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQd5GZ7TeqB9aCaaJQzyiB_iLBdDHqGHyN96zcNfzZ41GxeGPrcGs_xG5vEliyO_HXW_k-erRFslbEPcY_L6vYDrgmj58fc0fyb3ZQ5XLEt_ZKyiiuy4k5aAQYLhvj7fH8Dz62vB7L6irAhdMt23lh7w7k1kRnDW0UdM-C04lZxu6bLx0AH1o=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQd5GZ7TeqB9aCaaJQzyiB_iLBdDHqGHyN96zcNfzZ41GxeGPrcGs_xG5vEliyO_HXW_k-erRFslbEPcY_L6vYDrgmj58fc0fyb3ZQ5XLEt_ZKyiiuy4k5aAQYLhvj7fH8Dz62vB7L6irAhdMt23lh7w7k1kRnDW0UdM-C04lZxu6bLx0AH1o=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfYvsPVD5MjnCnoJDWkdXG4aF96naAlejfYfWUt8VmpgK08rPOrutcry24HgpOZuLSZXBawu-gpnLwNCYizpfqQchYgVV5-QKMSnWE3e5t1IBhI5vxFClsFduLMo3hpGSkcS_HBOdiB3Aef0zcnVjxyIF6Z6ICLoFymcL4A13DYoJprt31eE/s4032/IMG_3909.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfYvsPVD5MjnCnoJDWkdXG4aF96naAlejfYfWUt8VmpgK08rPOrutcry24HgpOZuLSZXBawu-gpnLwNCYizpfqQchYgVV5-QKMSnWE3e5t1IBhI5vxFClsFduLMo3hpGSkcS_HBOdiB3Aef0zcnVjxyIF6Z6ICLoFymcL4A13DYoJprt31eE/w400-h300/IMG_3909.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfQdr1cPBgwuZl8foviN6lIE0UMuA6sPP7xove3i7ffYcWTWuq8wtv94tC-3kKZAUYLsq1F0-xAE_0-AG59edyDCjhDFHnz95YSP7GAUuHmIrF3yJqeFgAhdTkpIoYxOwU6JPV_261ekY-oOV3EVe0z9T061k91B55X1XAy9hYzwf50gbTRk/s4032/IMG_3911.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCfQdr1cPBgwuZl8foviN6lIE0UMuA6sPP7xove3i7ffYcWTWuq8wtv94tC-3kKZAUYLsq1F0-xAE_0-AG59edyDCjhDFHnz95YSP7GAUuHmIrF3yJqeFgAhdTkpIoYxOwU6JPV_261ekY-oOV3EVe0z9T061k91B55X1XAy9hYzwf50gbTRk/w400-h300/IMG_3911.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;">The World Between the Block and the Paper</h4><p>The other main building of the SVAC, Yester House, was devoted to a contemporary showing of <i>mokuhanga</i>. This new-to-me word means "wood block print." I learned here that the tradition of woodblock printing is alive and well in the world today! There is a vibrant group of women that call themselves the <a href="https://mokuhangasisters.com/" target="_blank">Mokuhanga Sisters</a>. Not only was their work displayed in this show, but each artist invited another mokuhanga artist to <a href="https://mokuhangasisters.com/the-world-between-the-block" target="_blank">show their work as well</a>. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4XdJZvpAPdy6tb5un2HS8FyM5dP4G6pjYxAKp6wF8Dc6Ae1uFcMFLl6CkYtsxzZUI6SELGDbzrWdT3E6_mCFUKGNGeJEv7DnR9zYQODqWttRbrpnSTqBCxpl-5-IVRP-rwGtUPnr0SR2OrqO8suZV0qIPOnRRPCPq10PWpSDkjAIT-cijCB0=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4XdJZvpAPdy6tb5un2HS8FyM5dP4G6pjYxAKp6wF8Dc6Ae1uFcMFLl6CkYtsxzZUI6SELGDbzrWdT3E6_mCFUKGNGeJEv7DnR9zYQODqWttRbrpnSTqBCxpl-5-IVRP-rwGtUPnr0SR2OrqO8suZV0qIPOnRRPCPq10PWpSDkjAIT-cijCB0=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Two times two," by <a href="https://www.aprilvollmer.com/" target="_blank">April Vollmer</a>, author of the book <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/231579/japanese-woodblock-print-workshop-by-april-vollmer/" target="_blank">Japanese Woodblock Print Workshop</a>.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjk5GyZVOGJ2EwTSz_hev348Kx5fPBwQX1-pBLgegGKFRijxtApKGo0NMsxXuA6P_SLuZccn9AwsBFGYg3aKN9UqyXVgqfMRaB-ztX0_Zm4OjxaK-2N53quVgcg0C6FedSzA7mkPMtv6ywfDXObPOIMTc-53Cj9qut0wocpZG-CCO8e0WfCkmc=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjk5GyZVOGJ2EwTSz_hev348Kx5fPBwQX1-pBLgegGKFRijxtApKGo0NMsxXuA6P_SLuZccn9AwsBFGYg3aKN9UqyXVgqfMRaB-ztX0_Zm4OjxaK-2N53quVgcg0C6FedSzA7mkPMtv6ywfDXObPOIMTc-53Cj9qut0wocpZG-CCO8e0WfCkmc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Delirious birds and bees," by April Vollmer. You can see how she uses several individual blocks to repeat patterns in each quarter for a kind of mandala effect.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiglBixd59CjgC2PCf8JouFuc5N8pe0hBhVRf6dzuHcGowsiwdJ2hrwgd7kEIkSjOZLo5xxBsDgsRElmH2lA-SXy9LGwyomp5oraFUGzRA-55B1qK6Col4CMZv14ezbZv6fQfm60t1PvsARfiScc4r-9412bQ2p47GWJ_a8igS_P9AS3kWb17o=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiglBixd59CjgC2PCf8JouFuc5N8pe0hBhVRf6dzuHcGowsiwdJ2hrwgd7kEIkSjOZLo5xxBsDgsRElmH2lA-SXy9LGwyomp5oraFUGzRA-55B1qK6Col4CMZv14ezbZv6fQfm60t1PvsARfiScc4r-9412bQ2p47GWJ_a8igS_P9AS3kWb17o=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>These are "Apple Tree" and "Fir Tree" by Mariko Jesse.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfS61zhv9YUWozjhsYG39Ae-dfXuXWwJRMXRp1iMmD1PoyU28-7uUz4aG4Isp0gFvqHubHd6r1Fe8ptJxhWVwv8Gbprcd5CkOCsIVxU-eHdtse0YS_WevLvOJr33cv027fKCcgP_MAaA_FQ9KZid2Lp7JgEAyubLAtDxPhPzxaii3XHLwAqEs=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgfS61zhv9YUWozjhsYG39Ae-dfXuXWwJRMXRp1iMmD1PoyU28-7uUz4aG4Isp0gFvqHubHd6r1Fe8ptJxhWVwv8Gbprcd5CkOCsIVxU-eHdtse0YS_WevLvOJr33cv027fKCcgP_MAaA_FQ9KZid2Lp7JgEAyubLAtDxPhPzxaii3XHLwAqEs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Two Bears in the Woods" by Ayao Shiokawa.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPXPnIPEkfEHD-fulegj8-XAgYGYR-L46ikG8GI5-ZMu8Twfq0J1EnOQkbhSdzYcw9DHWVSK2kBZQ4JPDkUy7hqL31grFhibdk-UwSMlUij7lEQiwCzEjmLExVUfqI9pbnEwXlp9oO4q24uS8_OAuvULjhT2vxQueqtI9RR4n10Q2S4gqeZvE=s3024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPXPnIPEkfEHD-fulegj8-XAgYGYR-L46ikG8GI5-ZMu8Twfq0J1EnOQkbhSdzYcw9DHWVSK2kBZQ4JPDkUy7hqL31grFhibdk-UwSMlUij7lEQiwCzEjmLExVUfqI9pbnEwXlp9oO4q24uS8_OAuvULjhT2vxQueqtI9RR4n10Q2S4gqeZvE=w400-h400" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> "Water from Heaven" and "Linden Falls" by Terry McKenna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivFZzsTnnv812217tOBVXEq_qD_r7rszOSag0QF07NFiBu1GF4fDe0oE4yiB9cBC0sEubXzXEQgWavxwQ1kR-Qcl6-vnp4GagJO6s2hSemB6bGtm5XRFlgkctBNJmOgnjvq-laSOaiu7ZhaNyZpEPuRoxp3vzc4q8c9LrCT4-wEPvx9Kz3iu8=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivFZzsTnnv812217tOBVXEq_qD_r7rszOSag0QF07NFiBu1GF4fDe0oE4yiB9cBC0sEubXzXEQgWavxwQ1kR-Qcl6-vnp4GagJO6s2hSemB6bGtm5XRFlgkctBNJmOgnjvq-laSOaiu7ZhaNyZpEPuRoxp3vzc4q8c9LrCT4-wEPvx9Kz3iu8=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Fold Mokuhanga Luminous Magenta," by Mia O.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQFq-sSArsk7mU_YGlqz5Dee5eMQv3zmNWE1uJWa5o4wniIRxlYOb_HFSyNEAmAqfLahaaX7C4SeBiv66k1vYL-WGM8HHoGqj2ulOu3zmtlm-5DL7u3O2YkqiZtcSSZTSxCgt1ZSuz19mx0tpj5TVdXBXiLGQxpqI5WfetJkW6uU2XvyskleM=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQFq-sSArsk7mU_YGlqz5Dee5eMQv3zmNWE1uJWa5o4wniIRxlYOb_HFSyNEAmAqfLahaaX7C4SeBiv66k1vYL-WGM8HHoGqj2ulOu3zmtlm-5DL7u3O2YkqiZtcSSZTSxCgt1ZSuz19mx0tpj5TVdXBXiLGQxpqI5WfetJkW6uU2XvyskleM=w640-h480" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the story of these four prints by Katsutoshi Yuasa. During the pandemic, he found online a live webcam that had a view of Mount Fuji from the same angle as one of Hiroshige's Stations of the Tokaido. He created this 4-seasons approach called "VR Tokaido 1-4" both inspired by Hiroshige as well as the accessibility of the view. The web cam during the pandemic let the artist see Mt Fuji similar to how those who bought Hiroshige's prints could enjoy this view. (He explained this in a Zoom artist's talk given later in February--you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5sFjLT1AbE" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">see the replay here</a>.)<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXN0yxGQmvYi_8hTywc1yVXtpMkYLt_CYWTJxjqfEsCHhTJrAVBaUaYEqO5BcJfj_Dc6uN9rfOfGwt-zpdHla21IC2dt1YRVukKUnbbIJ79DZY8f-OXod7pyhnLFJ7tpT-Md48SnlvjGESXTtKaP3LiENKYciK-F1JwmVtgoQi7muSDvdADcc=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXN0yxGQmvYi_8hTywc1yVXtpMkYLt_CYWTJxjqfEsCHhTJrAVBaUaYEqO5BcJfj_Dc6uN9rfOfGwt-zpdHla21IC2dt1YRVukKUnbbIJ79DZY8f-OXod7pyhnLFJ7tpT-Md48SnlvjGESXTtKaP3LiENKYciK-F1JwmVtgoQi7muSDvdADcc=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>"Queering Space-Time" by Matthew Willie Garcia. I love this.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOjtzAvCQsr62vOYnFwuWJovdW8EJOwDbY7Gax2NXmqR8tN-OgTuKFGTHm0UhHYokYeRg0VSs57PZeVK4cNE91qau39giZT4ZuUzE5eV017gR9k5PfISVrxve5hbi6yNLTxAye1KmY1Zk7M7leMFOK27NXBnPxtK0tXSXtzc7hv75eswPu-KY=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOjtzAvCQsr62vOYnFwuWJovdW8EJOwDbY7Gax2NXmqR8tN-OgTuKFGTHm0UhHYokYeRg0VSs57PZeVK4cNE91qau39giZT4ZuUzE5eV017gR9k5PfISVrxve5hbi6yNLTxAye1KmY1Zk7M7leMFOK27NXBnPxtK0tXSXtzc7hv75eswPu-KY=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>"Avo" by Brendan Reilly. I'm really inspired by the two steps shown here. I want to come up with my own simple progression like this. Good art doesn't have to be all complicated.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Museum #3: <a href="https://massmoca.org/">MASS MoCA</a>, end of February<br /></h3><p>During winter break (end of February) we followed our tradition of heading to the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art in North Adams, MA. We love it there! This was at least our third family trip and they have quite a few permanent installations that we know well. (You can also read my blog about <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2018/05/a-visit-to-mass-moca-massachusetts.html" target="_blank">our 2018 visit</a>.)</p><p>I enjoyed the art as usual, but this time I decided to photograph some of the in-between spaces at the museum. Since it's an old factory that's been renovated and converted to galleries, I enjoy finding little nooks where I can revel in the factory-ness that still clings.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaFXCrSOWpaAAWtpH7KEtIGzT072LRM50oMrt0VhrhNODrCwhkP1mAnZmF3m_C0dEUMKvDXEspyyCk2wcOJxK8k5_Z-CtfDAJraCVzVL4be_nc83lXrLN2KdjNhnvX5iUruxk641ChiFQsh0D9pEIIAEHpzVzlrtGeaXRdwww21cNjkNb5DhU=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaFXCrSOWpaAAWtpH7KEtIGzT072LRM50oMrt0VhrhNODrCwhkP1mAnZmF3m_C0dEUMKvDXEspyyCk2wcOJxK8k5_Z-CtfDAJraCVzVL4be_nc83lXrLN2KdjNhnvX5iUruxk641ChiFQsh0D9pEIIAEHpzVzlrtGeaXRdwww21cNjkNb5DhU=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The doorway to the big "Building 5" exhibit. This is always an amazing place because it's just HUGE and artists can go wild filling the space with whatever their imaginations can limn. Glenn Kaino's "In the Light of a Shadow" was there this time. It was a moving and revelatory 30-minute shadow and sound experience that brought me to tears with its simple yet powerful messages about humanity's place in the universe. Wow.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXzh0vX_nXwl_FJnsKi1y1MbkLuOyXBoZV3qi9myk7TcPx5i3c4PvDba3KFJkh6SJwuDJbhtt7KKlvuOA0zDQaFX01Fgu_ejRZF63uRspFBKCAXgyJUOJPhkWhH5Jrzpw5gf2NDClAS7ilJYugEWKVHVD6_c0uk2DfiV725DII1sgekEMHmFs=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXzh0vX_nXwl_FJnsKi1y1MbkLuOyXBoZV3qi9myk7TcPx5i3c4PvDba3KFJkh6SJwuDJbhtt7KKlvuOA0zDQaFX01Fgu_ejRZF63uRspFBKCAXgyJUOJPhkWhH5Jrzpw5gf2NDClAS7ilJYugEWKVHVD6_c0uk2DfiV725DII1sgekEMHmFs=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This stairwell has floating shelves covered with figurines (dolls and action figures of all kinds).</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyJZodm3MhqDyuynZCyIUYe3_R3_Q6qWV5IR0cHsFVZRPjg6LDjODDhHaF67XRAjKuAikgL8eenMcoVb6y8uJWD8zE-beR9HF8dcKDhL8VJ4xV1Bo0HxmJMAIU6PJI7Oq9aHcMan9Ix6_WTIEaUB156oaAa3oFeVtlcvpoi2p7GRFFbhojRrw=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgyJZodm3MhqDyuynZCyIUYe3_R3_Q6qWV5IR0cHsFVZRPjg6LDjODDhHaF67XRAjKuAikgL8eenMcoVb6y8uJWD8zE-beR9HF8dcKDhL8VJ4xV1Bo0HxmJMAIU6PJI7Oq9aHcMan9Ix6_WTIEaUB156oaAa3oFeVtlcvpoi2p7GRFFbhojRrw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The French version of a "don't touch the walls" sign in the permanent 3-floor Sol LeWitt section.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoxgMRjpsn3yPeJWbO23CgH-PbNU4BvQLE5IBBpdfT_O3rZRam2jjZAqrqKpaII1x_sTejAa1WSrz-xuZPrbgFuBLhb1PB-cTYwmg7yWkeyVM5Z6wTpDUuZV0WtFGPJALV7okNsa-WBQ9-t2Our3ttl5qagl6jpg02X0lIi1vrcswxTDdX3Wo=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoxgMRjpsn3yPeJWbO23CgH-PbNU4BvQLE5IBBpdfT_O3rZRam2jjZAqrqKpaII1x_sTejAa1WSrz-xuZPrbgFuBLhb1PB-cTYwmg7yWkeyVM5Z6wTpDUuZV0WtFGPJALV7okNsa-WBQ9-t2Our3ttl5qagl6jpg02X0lIi1vrcswxTDdX3Wo=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg92LMqlqoaCcMwPkr6mhYdmKtmM0BqBvbBsoHSqjFALZj5h8Da2Dhuros1JLoFkWrVcNGO0nhDXp-XCKnDAY96tcKnAZU3PXcOhIerQdMAmOCRHab6PXItnuu5vFz2ee8xF6QuQsjFeQfdEVyKT7DVYexuUVMBTWDpvhDypMIDGQc0k8V3Yko=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg92LMqlqoaCcMwPkr6mhYdmKtmM0BqBvbBsoHSqjFALZj5h8Da2Dhuros1JLoFkWrVcNGO0nhDXp-XCKnDAY96tcKnAZU3PXcOhIerQdMAmOCRHab6PXItnuu5vFz2ee8xF6QuQsjFeQfdEVyKT7DVYexuUVMBTWDpvhDypMIDGQc0k8V3Yko=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I realized if I looked out a window I could see over to the "Cosmic Latte" room by Spencer Finch--that's the light installation on the second floor of this brick building. (See also the closed ice cream shop below, and a lone crow in the tree above.)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwchDqQ1f6PehEUB5LJs8haKkcT1vGvxfU4W8lwEYXCLqg5YdVdRCbrRW6tvohb6jBa-xOR_6cUImlqoZlUIHbHesPjoj2MVQI1b7VehIYX0sM7s4LBnUwJv9PkzHMFzxzuLJqjGAX3ui78EgNXVjDMe4RtfYIEPvEKjJRcwcTQKNTxC14pKk=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwchDqQ1f6PehEUB5LJs8haKkcT1vGvxfU4W8lwEYXCLqg5YdVdRCbrRW6tvohb6jBa-xOR_6cUImlqoZlUIHbHesPjoj2MVQI1b7VehIYX0sM7s4LBnUwJv9PkzHMFzxzuLJqjGAX3ui78EgNXVjDMe4RtfYIEPvEKjJRcwcTQKNTxC14pKk=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Table and chairs in a stairwell.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6McHbDkj7wwjfgZO_2-J70Jsk_vuRkC6P4occ1Bch4vaaqw_rNNlbcYLq04tcwnRBBFhsq_qBdPyxABEMs9Bm3EGDBSYm9K4ynvka0mQO-4R_dHMaU8ge-hXVjCF-AWv475Tc5u7drPADdBpeKpFnny6oWiRA2uxTNAAibrouf_Qvp0aGC9s=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6McHbDkj7wwjfgZO_2-J70Jsk_vuRkC6P4occ1Bch4vaaqw_rNNlbcYLq04tcwnRBBFhsq_qBdPyxABEMs9Bm3EGDBSYm9K4ynvka0mQO-4R_dHMaU8ge-hXVjCF-AWv475Tc5u7drPADdBpeKpFnny6oWiRA2uxTNAAibrouf_Qvp0aGC9s=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Look at THIS stairwell! I love its feeling of being slightly off limits... like you're not supposed to be there, like you've sneaked behind a scrim and are seeing the real workings of things. </p><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqBGw8GAAY_JfL0zF5dybPyjPZUqJ28jgN3_s_uxb5SJgcx0hxPRP7Rn2nRV98I69hJ7KTK0bUlBpzUTvBilnvkMXTiLuMvjnVTc1r-iNhkTb4jrveSQ_Zd3Irdq-dV5NMcP5mdwjWORuzrilzINqAI_9xo6az_0yOi40U64Fji0oC1oSOxxQ=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqBGw8GAAY_JfL0zF5dybPyjPZUqJ28jgN3_s_uxb5SJgcx0hxPRP7Rn2nRV98I69hJ7KTK0bUlBpzUTvBilnvkMXTiLuMvjnVTc1r-iNhkTb4jrveSQ_Zd3Irdq-dV5NMcP5mdwjWORuzrilzINqAI_9xo6az_0yOi40U64Fji0oC1oSOxxQ=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>A kind of artistic cul-de-sac. Where even am I? </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiai2jLHlyy7zlAoezB5J3sUjjRb4_D4h2ar4Rwrruk5dCV2qalce8rfHbca7UQ9GDdhZBfW343jcarOCgC0vnz3_sbCKaGA6fh92VWPXbQpXxbfi0j-wGofl6WFX6GpgqZR-LNhEmHUJ-f9Zv5oh3akP_jydhTjQjEsZs7R7XZq-YgoivT9GA=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiai2jLHlyy7zlAoezB5J3sUjjRb4_D4h2ar4Rwrruk5dCV2qalce8rfHbca7UQ9GDdhZBfW343jcarOCgC0vnz3_sbCKaGA6fh92VWPXbQpXxbfi0j-wGofl6WFX6GpgqZR-LNhEmHUJ-f9Zv5oh3akP_jydhTjQjEsZs7R7XZq-YgoivT9GA=s320" width="240" /></a></div><br /> Goodbye MASS MoCA! Goodbye winter 2022! Here's to a warm, flourishing, beautiful Spring ahead.<br /><p></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-82254484514592313962022-03-19T15:37:00.003-04:002022-03-19T15:37:25.070-04:00H Mart Gadgets<p>For my birthday this year I planned a big shopping trip to <a href="https://www.hmart.com/" target="_blank">H Mart</a>, the Korean American chain that specializes in authentic Asian groceries. You should know that I watch a lot of YouTube content about Japanese and Korean grocery shopping and cooking, so I had a lot of ideas about what I wanted at H Mart. You can get stuff there that is impossible to find where I live. Of course, you have to go pretty close to a big city to find an H Mart, so that is what we did. Two family members and I made the trip on a cloudy Saturday at the dawn of 2022.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gkOGmZXOcSzvseeJ4NAbrKH__qZ5KRJo4zPms77_VallTVENjoA8pnh3HVw-HnUFFj4K09YgaOMStlmL5cmwXeSfx0Ic791NPmcCcRtCC3jwyzVaLPn7Lny5IoDHLI1QS2NwKC9soSRndHQUaACa0HJfFNNYr4MMW7kFRHlepNBZ3pqazkw/s4032/IMG_3805.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9gkOGmZXOcSzvseeJ4NAbrKH__qZ5KRJo4zPms77_VallTVENjoA8pnh3HVw-HnUFFj4K09YgaOMStlmL5cmwXeSfx0Ic791NPmcCcRtCC3jwyzVaLPn7Lny5IoDHLI1QS2NwKC9soSRndHQUaACa0HJfFNNYr4MMW7kFRHlepNBZ3pqazkw/w400-h300/IMG_3805.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">H Mart in Burlington, Massachusetts. Sorry this is not a good shot<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The closest H Marts in our part of New England are in the Boston area--there are two, and we spontaneously decided to go to both of them. Above is a picture of the second one, which is in Burlington, Massachusetts and is a gigantic, stand-alone store the size of, say, a Whole Foods. It was incredible.<br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZIQZtzQ1HdCYkap6KD9yUe16ef5QtRryhubTPrLLb5cCXNyzW6Svu3ZZ5IGU2LQrZ4GrzoPe5cE7-XqlNm9bHj7-YZd_y8hylBbq99yFmr1tu6vwm62zMnUnVe-q9aw1sjomMBkJQ95wC7zukpBKBYAomrdYVdv1BepUgtU7HMmyvVpOO_A/s4032/IMG_3799.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZIQZtzQ1HdCYkap6KD9yUe16ef5QtRryhubTPrLLb5cCXNyzW6Svu3ZZ5IGU2LQrZ4GrzoPe5cE7-XqlNm9bHj7-YZd_y8hylBbq99yFmr1tu6vwm62zMnUnVe-q9aw1sjomMBkJQ95wC7zukpBKBYAomrdYVdv1BepUgtU7HMmyvVpOO_A/s320/IMG_3799.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>But first, we went to the H Mart in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which is in Central Square. We used to live near Central Square and this H Mart location has taken over the space that <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2012/06/15/cambridge-gets-mart/0sLSKdUbhw1xnjkhjuwefM/story.html" target="_blank">used to be the Harvest Co-op</a>, a natural foods store right on Mass Ave. There is a very small food court there (a ramen counter, a curry counter, and a bakery). Ramen counter seen above.<br /></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvsfb4eRZnNlK0fDUmChiQx4t6LF1PUbn4EHDX8cBAK6YSuXVUXVvgLO3hRc_4E7rn7jzOMYuTdYM4NVwkFaTPNFfuBWXPrh42Rq76TQ1AP9bm12bxd5f9jOKGBpuEvU939DSY1Ph0hMO07xNlU-ecAFI-a-rj1NqTTo0Xmo7afdB9X4cwtI/s4032/IMG_3800.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCvsfb4eRZnNlK0fDUmChiQx4t6LF1PUbn4EHDX8cBAK6YSuXVUXVvgLO3hRc_4E7rn7jzOMYuTdYM4NVwkFaTPNFfuBWXPrh42Rq76TQ1AP9bm12bxd5f9jOKGBpuEvU939DSY1Ph0hMO07xNlU-ecAFI-a-rj1NqTTo0Xmo7afdB9X4cwtI/s320/IMG_3800.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I tried a Calpico soda for lunch. It was a little like a slightly creamy, non-fizzy Sprite. Not bad!</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicixgH1h36JMggtaR64mxA96YR4Gc1vGzG49MaSLZwBJ2T5jWa6-dTv8IKZ-c63EHjituSIXaNFWk86Oubv9EnYgLIQYaw3CXzKSHYsvv5dAewXkC2Bwlx3FYAbwPgsLRF9MnmxMOOWPWhLpVT7xyuWMTzzTAnfux819OJkFpu68G4Epgg6Kk/s3024/IMG_3802.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicixgH1h36JMggtaR64mxA96YR4Gc1vGzG49MaSLZwBJ2T5jWa6-dTv8IKZ-c63EHjituSIXaNFWk86Oubv9EnYgLIQYaw3CXzKSHYsvv5dAewXkC2Bwlx3FYAbwPgsLRF9MnmxMOOWPWhLpVT7xyuWMTzzTAnfux819OJkFpu68G4Epgg6Kk/s320/IMG_3802.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Here's the ramen bowl that one family member ordered.<br /> </p><p> </p><p></p><p>While at the two H Marts, I managed to get a LOT of Asian groceries. I was so excited! I found some rambutan (or lychees, which are the prickly-looking fruits that I'd had when <a href="http://logomachia.blogspot.com/2016/09/costa-rica-part-1-finca-luna-nueva-eco.html" target="_blank">visiting Costa Rica</a>). </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZQqlMeTiB73npq392KUKmXXPTo4en9WPt2Mlit44u6C1CKLoH65rZ8n-FEeqcDpD_y3Li8b-ioit9VVMuulI-GsZUX-PVd0afsNBtpvlQG41Z95cfiRjnWurrRHUNodQXWlt8SI_aL4mwTdlLd-2AFjGJVVrp8fRB7RUE4A2eO3fCqmCGxo/s4032/IMG_3806.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZQqlMeTiB73npq392KUKmXXPTo4en9WPt2Mlit44u6C1CKLoH65rZ8n-FEeqcDpD_y3Li8b-ioit9VVMuulI-GsZUX-PVd0afsNBtpvlQG41Z95cfiRjnWurrRHUNodQXWlt8SI_aL4mwTdlLd-2AFjGJVVrp8fRB7RUE4A2eO3fCqmCGxo/w400-h300/IMG_3806.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rambutan (lychee)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><p>I also got fermented mustard greens, shakers of perilla seeds and rice seasonings, prepared kimchi, pickled mustard greens, lotus root, crushed garlic, spicy condiments, Jasmine tea, fish cakes (eomuk), rice cakes (tteok), Japanese Okonomiyaki pancake mix and sauce, soft tofu, beef stew and kimchi soup kits, packets of ramyun and other noodles, laver flakes (seaweed), tempura mix, and bao mix (the fluffy steamed pork buns).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6CyiApZL5PEG3Tb-AFvJnnf1d87dgJVpTDJzZp-mDKDLZokj8hsC_d-nfKbU-XrITCly4yyG1JUlhmLlP9hask5uo3YTOnFX3cMtbgkCep0ovA5X60pa5dzCAhwdf3y16S83Ppzdhf7xp0VEnGdSSmWylF29-g9aDchjb4I5Z5bjtGN_C4I/s3024/IMG_3818.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6CyiApZL5PEG3Tb-AFvJnnf1d87dgJVpTDJzZp-mDKDLZokj8hsC_d-nfKbU-XrITCly4yyG1JUlhmLlP9hask5uo3YTOnFX3cMtbgkCep0ovA5X60pa5dzCAhwdf3y16S83Ppzdhf7xp0VEnGdSSmWylF29-g9aDchjb4I5Z5bjtGN_C4I/s320/IMG_3818.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sichuan pepper noodles (5 pack)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxgmgfsCABSQqwY2rMC1uBOK61vev7IcFP6UJN8e2IcvgMbWvvkkIqUl_5XGBeteLLASycsuYiVY4im9ubWeiNqVygFLpXeB-BDDNp_cwXv1ChbtKODa1IGuxLZbiMljdfofDkTiP6uIdmJXiJpkA0sVJMoyVLeb4Ao_4iQyBaMZt5SLLb18/s4032/IMG_3812.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDxgmgfsCABSQqwY2rMC1uBOK61vev7IcFP6UJN8e2IcvgMbWvvkkIqUl_5XGBeteLLASycsuYiVY4im9ubWeiNqVygFLpXeB-BDDNp_cwXv1ChbtKODa1IGuxLZbiMljdfofDkTiP6uIdmJXiJpkA0sVJMoyVLeb4Ao_4iQyBaMZt5SLLb18/w300-h400/IMG_3812.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pickled cabbage soup kit (after using--it was delicious)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>We also picked up some interesting gadgets and I'd love to show them to you! All four of these items have become important parts of our kitchen tools.<br /></p><p><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Kimchi container</h3><div style="text-align: left;">First up is my kimchi container, by Easy Film. It's constructed with a nice folding handle for carrying or moving around in the fridge. Then there's an inner gasket-type lid that also has a handle and a venting spot so you can really seal it in, or open it to let the juices or bubbles out. I made my first batch of non-easy kimchi following <a href="https://www.maangchi.com/recipe/tongbaechu-kimchi" target="_blank">Maangchi's recipe</a>. (Her recipe calls for 6 pounds of napa cabbages; I halved it and used 3 napa cabbages.) (If you enjoyed the book <b>Crying in H Mart</b>, which I <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2021/12/2021-reading-list.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">loved last year</a>, I think this is the same recipe Michelle Zauner used.)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtxd5IgEOrtdjnlygTiHkfMv0EJi1gqqUdAEog1UbIyng6x_Ty0GwKRDJxxvs0-DdYQlpOeuqKkONd70gTjxiAPh9re5r7Lap6myBrloqoveJI4KdbKNBWI3dCt4mjmwi5uTpHTL0y3XNRsNLk1njnhc5TP9izlROIm-9005aESQbtKjEC9Yk=s3024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtxd5IgEOrtdjnlygTiHkfMv0EJi1gqqUdAEog1UbIyng6x_Ty0GwKRDJxxvs0-DdYQlpOeuqKkONd70gTjxiAPh9re5r7Lap6myBrloqoveJI4KdbKNBWI3dCt4mjmwi5uTpHTL0y3XNRsNLk1njnhc5TP9izlROIm-9005aESQbtKjEC9Yk=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0x9zJvVacV_s91bHhx_wHD6dXG5vdhy8AIGB54CmqqtAtf7-o33SkQjzGhCkivqoOXFHz0mpZFLlfWqDy7hF55pLK7w2cawk37SI6By34CnPq4Y9sXko1yM2adSjdbumro-9HuD2cAaPq1BwgbCEBi4wIbcAJ9CWXFYTo7Eu0tTFGG8Qky70=s3024" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi0x9zJvVacV_s91bHhx_wHD6dXG5vdhy8AIGB54CmqqtAtf7-o33SkQjzGhCkivqoOXFHz0mpZFLlfWqDy7hF55pLK7w2cawk37SI6By34CnPq4Y9sXko1yM2adSjdbumro-9HuD2cAaPq1BwgbCEBi4wIbcAJ9CWXFYTo7Eu0tTFGG8Qky70=s320" width="320" /> <br /></a><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXPg4xIjGQiwvxc5IEBye7t3ressdWHnV9u5GzGgv1hF4UyHFHhb1C99RGuR_BYIIDE2sI6bp1UN4kRKGFoE9Rd4V4TmuR4un3sRXWpUursm71gzZt0cI1IJAKZpIV805tz7c_RZ2_DZLL6Tj5A_6MJxVb2RRKpbBeFFRK97d1ZF813xm5TMA=s3024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhXPg4xIjGQiwvxc5IEBye7t3ressdWHnV9u5GzGgv1hF4UyHFHhb1C99RGuR_BYIIDE2sI6bp1UN4kRKGFoE9Rd4V4TmuR4un3sRXWpUursm71gzZt0cI1IJAKZpIV805tz7c_RZ2_DZLL6Tj5A_6MJxVb2RRKpbBeFFRK97d1ZF813xm5TMA=w400-h400" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>My kimchi is percolating nicely!</p>
<p><br /></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F41ifS0Z-ORpkgcXW-ccGO0A3AnfRg2dNX1YRt6ZbmJrtjU5FeGV_cx5LH4fXAchvcoXfijOpsyrqOfWLX983lJUdaCDXj5eLW5qweOxEpG9NXMLODAfqqYPmyUVI-fdcgTQGhG6f3TI214KFsBfCgEqkhZP6hSHPa21zWlXPkpgF8KRf6Q/s1334/IMG_3833.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8F41ifS0Z-ORpkgcXW-ccGO0A3AnfRg2dNX1YRt6ZbmJrtjU5FeGV_cx5LH4fXAchvcoXfijOpsyrqOfWLX983lJUdaCDXj5eLW5qweOxEpG9NXMLODAfqqYPmyUVI-fdcgTQGhG6f3TI214KFsBfCgEqkhZP6hSHPa21zWlXPkpgF8KRf6Q/w360-h640/IMG_3833.PNG" width="360" /></a></td></tr></tbody></table>
<p style="text-align: left;">Before we peeled off the stickers we used Google Translate on them, but something got lost in translation as it says "Reproduce the taste of kimchi poison." NOT accurate.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Rice Roll Frame</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">It is COMPLETELY POSSIBLE to make nice triangular rice rolls just using your hands. But I love a gadget sometimes, so I grabbed this plastic rice roll frame to try out. It's pretty satisfying.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliZqJ0txgnNfOTV4FAirXd6oS96kDAcKzf3Xz4BduHz5HyaOL63-nM87d0UV-dv-FsBPOU7ATc0qsFYbbumbZRGGIESJsX-LYs-ofVRKLwa8inDMbWDsBPrBlCGJ29lC3GZlHV7z_jYCNCgr_FvAq6q2LKKCYZ0QaHjhyyfi5klY8jn2WSeU/s4032/IMG_3844.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgliZqJ0txgnNfOTV4FAirXd6oS96kDAcKzf3Xz4BduHz5HyaOL63-nM87d0UV-dv-FsBPOU7ATc0qsFYbbumbZRGGIESJsX-LYs-ofVRKLwa8inDMbWDsBPrBlCGJ29lC3GZlHV7z_jYCNCgr_FvAq6q2LKKCYZ0QaHjhyyfi5klY8jn2WSeU/s320/IMG_3844.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-OybDj74TTH7YcIvt-t2Ssw22k7rfq4q10FRJymZTuCfT1Hyijpr9b4tJ_65Hi4H3OUtIFbEwndAtGlaMe7TJ_ayScDrThVgg1Tg-dskgcU8asD1_XbH0Jl-thmI7kRxaDaq28_4U9IMw8_cZYhzyGuQnh-L2xqBXJhpFkqbkDR1Q-VXMzM/s3024/IMG_4030.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs-OybDj74TTH7YcIvt-t2Ssw22k7rfq4q10FRJymZTuCfT1Hyijpr9b4tJ_65Hi4H3OUtIFbEwndAtGlaMe7TJ_ayScDrThVgg1Tg-dskgcU8asD1_XbH0Jl-thmI7kRxaDaq28_4U9IMw8_cZYhzyGuQnh-L2xqBXJhpFkqbkDR1Q-VXMzM/s320/IMG_4030.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rice roll frame just has two parts<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPUKjXqtqqpwja9l2DS_F1TQrAq1eenSuSaM_ct6MBcHO7LEyXw8naHcjm391f1eJHRkoVGhC1hhDQZNtpv9gvZBzdyaNWVFe5TsDIR_B-BSyAkB8gXJBnG9PbF0MwBx8kfBXhycZIE2cwPcBfl8sxsXF60zWCH-8yC0EsuCACSSOJMGj1os/s3024/IMG_4031.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPUKjXqtqqpwja9l2DS_F1TQrAq1eenSuSaM_ct6MBcHO7LEyXw8naHcjm391f1eJHRkoVGhC1hhDQZNtpv9gvZBzdyaNWVFe5TsDIR_B-BSyAkB8gXJBnG9PbF0MwBx8kfBXhycZIE2cwPcBfl8sxsXF60zWCH-8yC0EsuCACSSOJMGj1os/s320/IMG_4031.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1: Fill with rice<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe6QeVxy6HzjxwYg8pJBa9EoiZj5bwnupt9D66XukNY1bnm6Ewt2UjDqrP9KgnoCyJU5tVjv9axA700Ab0RqPeMHQtvT7bDRfHLoie4eOySOILbcbvVq1UR3QaUtWmAuqKaJkA0qrwZxPt8EMYjKmGwUf7jEGkGXgRHb4iZ65QHtR4A0jNbo/s3024/IMG_4032.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPe6QeVxy6HzjxwYg8pJBa9EoiZj5bwnupt9D66XukNY1bnm6Ewt2UjDqrP9KgnoCyJU5tVjv9axA700Ab0RqPeMHQtvT7bDRfHLoie4eOySOILbcbvVq1UR3QaUtWmAuqKaJkA0qrwZxPt8EMYjKmGwUf7jEGkGXgRHb4iZ65QHtR4A0jNbo/s320/IMG_4032.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 2: Put on lid and squeeze<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAy304H_sqdsmaVHTeZ9J4-VN3xdQkg3KazDf_6HFIPjBsypXrarZ9dHbkNeBJfsl8-TtEBAf8Rh2jVnNtUAh3RkGMRVWNTj2ddiALta-7iqw5vHhiVZjlNep2kUKwKTfFbeSbJOu78CunzsgcBhK3f5U9VngCEYZStKkqLqjjle7Rpm6854/s3024/IMG_4035.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAy304H_sqdsmaVHTeZ9J4-VN3xdQkg3KazDf_6HFIPjBsypXrarZ9dHbkNeBJfsl8-TtEBAf8Rh2jVnNtUAh3RkGMRVWNTj2ddiALta-7iqw5vHhiVZjlNep2kUKwKTfFbeSbJOu78CunzsgcBhK3f5U9VngCEYZStKkqLqjjle7Rpm6854/s320/IMG_4035.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3: Press on the back of lid and pop out rice roll<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg3AstnGLpyUDqa0pIhW5GUgjlY5dUUWjf_5K_XSpEvzyEhbUm_e8yoV5XIrZFKSavmIcQq4oG3iwOQRmkDMDDY2BWsRvAgnyPdS6kCIhItX0pI2J5FcNBIg039IBWpgPh5EP33wsrRUQA1WmdHpdQvTnZ1u36kfRpvSABKFvmp8a-EjvG64/s3024/IMG_4037.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVg3AstnGLpyUDqa0pIhW5GUgjlY5dUUWjf_5K_XSpEvzyEhbUm_e8yoV5XIrZFKSavmIcQq4oG3iwOQRmkDMDDY2BWsRvAgnyPdS6kCIhItX0pI2J5FcNBIg039IBWpgPh5EP33wsrRUQA1WmdHpdQvTnZ1u36kfRpvSABKFvmp8a-EjvG64/s320/IMG_4037.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><td class="tr-caption"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Here's how you can serve the rice rolls. I put on some sesame seeds and Nori seaweed wrapper on one to make it
kind of Onigiri style. I've also made them with tuna salad inside and fake crab inside, and they're good with furikake (rice seasoning) sprinkled on top.<br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Are you wondering where that beautiful
rectangular plate came from? ALSO H MART.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Noodle Pot</h3><p style="text-align: left;">One of our party got excited about this noodle pot by Hello!. It is super cool. He bought it for himself as he likes to make ramen packets for an easy lunch or snack. This noodle pot can do it all! <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_d-KAQBIquAmGsArWHVPrUni8wofXvg_o1njUZScc0bDrifqwN7sw63OMpIes4JcpIkmO8pRKEBVchMgJa5y7lkkt5Rnoiu5KRI6NRZgxub_7zS4O4s1t1Ai33qdGrJNw1_NJwABHrq24GfIg8zV0mN2_zmTihhELef14V94hSfIrmoAvw9M=s3024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_d-KAQBIquAmGsArWHVPrUni8wofXvg_o1njUZScc0bDrifqwN7sw63OMpIes4JcpIkmO8pRKEBVchMgJa5y7lkkt5Rnoiu5KRI6NRZgxub_7zS4O4s1t1Ai33qdGrJNw1_NJwABHrq24GfIg8zV0mN2_zmTihhELef14V94hSfIrmoAvw9M=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pot has a handle and lid (and metal straining/steaming rack, see lower right). Just put your water in and set to boil to start.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm0jL68iLwUzO5lmGQ8fD950pSqn8u9WL8U0MZTH166DhxRlTKbmJ49sGL_6q-qrv7nfrXVFfRUMJ2BlDyrraVuGJD0jenKBxR93bHBgL4nyFAJhP4jxLLihY5l_SFIiULqyHDajfq_w6t3w8aRRhLyA-8Mb5BnWVKSq5mGPZWXMU7C7N2i4I=s3024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm0jL68iLwUzO5lmGQ8fD950pSqn8u9WL8U0MZTH166DhxRlTKbmJ49sGL_6q-qrv7nfrXVFfRUMJ2BlDyrraVuGJD0jenKBxR93bHBgL4nyFAJhP4jxLLihY5l_SFIiULqyHDajfq_w6t3w8aRRhLyA-8Mb5BnWVKSq5mGPZWXMU7C7N2i4I=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once boiling, add noodles. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij8fUohMY2ziOEetnC1MthZUHjB4Ripvf9DWc0x0OY1FKGfcK7FwCO-ETPwvivtqrgPn5S_l6yHo4jtJR4lyJj4Ex62O8iVhLV_kDWhqMIRUs01FfsjMWAO63ej2WDIJZ-6FirbIJr8uVisDHss-pJLmAuBSMd_x-tgaW-qwVZFEBaxlorAW0=s3024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij8fUohMY2ziOEetnC1MthZUHjB4Ripvf9DWc0x0OY1FKGfcK7FwCO-ETPwvivtqrgPn5S_l6yHo4jtJR4lyJj4Ex62O8iVhLV_kDWhqMIRUs01FfsjMWAO63ej2WDIJZ-6FirbIJr8uVisDHss-pJLmAuBSMd_x-tgaW-qwVZFEBaxlorAW0=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is a "Noodle" setting that is a bit below a full rolling boil, so adjust as needed.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizZlfHWeG8MpQ4UpCFIjcpw3X66hm8UM_a5nCrzmHQV1iYQl2BhWd47haL33p6RUMHcGwxHNRtq5G8agzQxHbVp_t3Uh--Cn7UsbizXthfm0Ulhpwz74Ku1jHbD2BwKvTpkXtvFC0YB54o5UlOOEL9Wovs2Bmc7spHrP5Akp7zq6__r0RqTG8=s3024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizZlfHWeG8MpQ4UpCFIjcpw3X66hm8UM_a5nCrzmHQV1iYQl2BhWd47haL33p6RUMHcGwxHNRtq5G8agzQxHbVp_t3Uh--Cn7UsbizXthfm0Ulhpwz74Ku1jHbD2BwKvTpkXtvFC0YB54o5UlOOEL9Wovs2Bmc7spHrP5Akp7zq6__r0RqTG8=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the plug-in base that the pot goes on.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo89mfSEWH1EETDaMAZPAzpVdf5lno-Ih_aN1TNkJtR8z2mcta3pl1d82l50IzJcSi_9Be6b_GKHNaToV9KK0oilSeuL4edZ7sOkpU2ibRniTJK5PV0AdBE7s8758eCG0wIOwXL7rMDSpZcGD5C9N_ILcp3eqKf7_U0ttW6nkkUAaNQUhSXOo=s3024" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo89mfSEWH1EETDaMAZPAzpVdf5lno-Ih_aN1TNkJtR8z2mcta3pl1d82l50IzJcSi_9Be6b_GKHNaToV9KK0oilSeuL4edZ7sOkpU2ibRniTJK5PV0AdBE7s8758eCG0wIOwXL7rMDSpZcGD5C9N_ILcp3eqKf7_U0ttW6nkkUAaNQUhSXOo=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Depending on your recipe you can add your mixes and packets to the soup
in the pot and pour out, or drain your noodles and THEN add the mixes.
That's what I did here (this is the same Kiki sichuan noodle soup shown
above as a 5-pack).</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Omelette Pan</h3><p style="text-align: left;">I learned about rolled omelettes from my Asian youtube watching. We were on the lookout for a rectangular or square pan to try this out, and we found this one. My fellow shopper bought this for himself to make satisfying rolled egg dishes. <br /></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT1V8CA2-K3ypSeZLFER9KIkhYntEyiWykyYt1I0OrnRGEJN6gonjCjqxCJailQsxPTSBQ0KRIujKhdz7if8EVO-SSktj8PXrREzUml1fmlwUxIiYBOZHloiCqrany9VeS-IXhV5JxO_nKoF0jIokzFKVE5xDrMyB9-HRWtmNaf1IvNL8ZUU/s4032/IMG_4015.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT1V8CA2-K3ypSeZLFER9KIkhYntEyiWykyYt1I0OrnRGEJN6gonjCjqxCJailQsxPTSBQ0KRIujKhdz7if8EVO-SSktj8PXrREzUml1fmlwUxIiYBOZHloiCqrany9VeS-IXhV5JxO_nKoF0jIokzFKVE5xDrMyB9-HRWtmNaf1IvNL8ZUU/w300-h400/IMG_4015.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the rather wide non-stick omelette pan we got, along with a special wide spatula we thought would help with effective rolling.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZahYlHbZu9Omc2hGrSmVSayeoR7bEYb3fR_TTeFGPLYpiigRxMkHal1fuFJ9vRIadmaAMWY7sEEu69ELhkpEvIm1jAjdwmzdY3bg7LAv9r3VYyo8DunKNIVLnE9c3pY366iegH6-rXJsRn533SEKPI8w8UdeVW3FjkqL6ckIGsMn7Q5ww5ZU/s4032/IMG_4019.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZahYlHbZu9Omc2hGrSmVSayeoR7bEYb3fR_TTeFGPLYpiigRxMkHal1fuFJ9vRIadmaAMWY7sEEu69ELhkpEvIm1jAjdwmzdY3bg7LAv9r3VYyo8DunKNIVLnE9c3pY366iegH6-rXJsRn533SEKPI8w8UdeVW3FjkqL6ckIGsMn7Q5ww5ZU/s320/IMG_4019.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The idea is that you put in only enough egg to coat the bottom of the pan, let it cook, put in a filling if you want (I added cheese here), then roll it up.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-GMgsKBmLP-eDtHX6GzHUfDDvCT7YUxkwT6wN_i1MnwEceOp2sTKmy-JRPcuFVg2oT88p3C_h52fM8DIjrxE_hfJcTIcdOBusPxKeeiBltmJz5YdmPXWxG6YDDtQUMkw4eb4GUUpelwJFL14On230GOa8bHes08cbYsckeV2IOAGp-WmzBE/s4032/IMG_4022.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-GMgsKBmLP-eDtHX6GzHUfDDvCT7YUxkwT6wN_i1MnwEceOp2sTKmy-JRPcuFVg2oT88p3C_h52fM8DIjrxE_hfJcTIcdOBusPxKeeiBltmJz5YdmPXWxG6YDDtQUMkw4eb4GUUpelwJFL14On230GOa8bHes08cbYsckeV2IOAGp-WmzBE/s320/IMG_4022.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Then scoot that first roll to the end of the pan and pour another batch of egg. Repeat as often as you like.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJleDo-2F_bEFBNL9vJCVgcB9nqtaIV8yhkqcZTe8F4B065Qx_PxyTmLpKEI4ZRk9sImpw11T_KfuUXksEVE9piavQZ0K3-wx0loLRafwXnpeeHyM8NaYjrHNWuWSwp_UAGzPrGQlxAZm9QxqjRGZ4Uvc0W1hKG0zAWS26e9ECfb1cZ3pxx0/s4032/IMG_4026.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPJleDo-2F_bEFBNL9vJCVgcB9nqtaIV8yhkqcZTe8F4B065Qx_PxyTmLpKEI4ZRk9sImpw11T_KfuUXksEVE9piavQZ0K3-wx0loLRafwXnpeeHyM8NaYjrHNWuWSwp_UAGzPrGQlxAZm9QxqjRGZ4Uvc0W1hKG0zAWS26e9ECfb1cZ3pxx0/s320/IMG_4026.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my rolled omelette, seasoned with some Nanami Togarashi (a spicy Japanese condiment I picked up at, you guessed it, H Mart)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRWW2C57Fur9X3TgjedBLnjr7UDDHVmhQ1Y1SZq5BvxrE3Ei-1Txqbe0JCvXW9mCWn_FWOMt_EnxFktSlv8VeeUDULOB3FaWXqLye9LtBGj8LBbLUbX73mFUtetwAVLaQgOGgB0rBgrE_tNYCSmUBpFa-8O7Pimjx6zWHXy-KDfK0ncoDphM/s1000/IMG_20220317_135200-ANIMATION.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRWW2C57Fur9X3TgjedBLnjr7UDDHVmhQ1Y1SZq5BvxrE3Ei-1Txqbe0JCvXW9mCWn_FWOMt_EnxFktSlv8VeeUDULOB3FaWXqLye9LtBGj8LBbLUbX73mFUtetwAVLaQgOGgB0rBgrE_tNYCSmUBpFa-8O7Pimjx6zWHXy-KDfK0ncoDphM/s320/IMG_20220317_135200-ANIMATION.gif" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolling in action<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /> </p><p style="text-align: left;">So we went to H Mart in January and have been gradually working through everything we bought. The soup kits, the noodles, the condiments, the pancake and tempura and bao mixes. I've been enjoying our cool gadgets and our new-to-me ingredients (lotus root stuffed with shrimp and fried is yummy!). I'm hoping to go back to H Mart in the spring. I'll keep you posted!</p><p></p></div>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-51410056411859180622021-12-30T21:28:00.006-05:002021-12-31T09:15:11.104-05:002021 by the Books<p>This year I upped my annual Reading Challenge to 45 books. I know that's nuthin' for some people, but it was a lot for me! Let's take a look, shall we? </p><p>I have screen-grabbed my Goodreads list for you in 5 sections. This list runs backward in time, so Alison Bechdel at the top was finished two days ago, and Elizabeth Gilbert at the bottom was finished in early January.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgndfXcVcSTKSDlr4p8ZdQkxtXv-fKpUj31tyLCXy-9kzhuycPFcZExAVveRAUZaPBL0gBDmobkTBwgvzfMqJYR6RreBePzU2XU92GrjfK4l0TYsrkdz76Q_YpNs-IvFRZO1-tyZyCu-i8dZWYQkxY-bgIKnhmJ9V-f7_Vm6oWfU0CEEFu1zfI=s1707" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgndfXcVcSTKSDlr4p8ZdQkxtXv-fKpUj31tyLCXy-9kzhuycPFcZExAVveRAUZaPBL0gBDmobkTBwgvzfMqJYR6RreBePzU2XU92GrjfK4l0TYsrkdz76Q_YpNs-IvFRZO1-tyZyCu-i8dZWYQkxY-bgIKnhmJ9V-f7_Vm6oWfU0CEEFu1zfI=w576-h640" width="576" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqdFJ5yMmnfNt0unzuVXM_wU4GtcDZGoe0IPxWqyGZJI9vIo0DH9NsfFOoUWHwW13DBPQUwJauFKSWCEkABfU_lDJOBtJl7qsFZ-iqQPt4zCYXMuVUzmGuRdcfELFj4gAImxtiERWyAFow7EVsTRcGPBzHQrSr_tUoiIXWO3pw0jy_KKqoS-4=s1709" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="1535" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqdFJ5yMmnfNt0unzuVXM_wU4GtcDZGoe0IPxWqyGZJI9vIo0DH9NsfFOoUWHwW13DBPQUwJauFKSWCEkABfU_lDJOBtJl7qsFZ-iqQPt4zCYXMuVUzmGuRdcfELFj4gAImxtiERWyAFow7EVsTRcGPBzHQrSr_tUoiIXWO3pw0jy_KKqoS-4=w574-h640" width="574" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6yak3f1yr3sbTd_y9dqPOpeKaNntxQWKq4lSJD0eeyJN1d1budOplOZyflNNQ-gUJPcsz4tDet5dN2SB8Mv7bGUugAN6AUic10CQQisv1VN0jYWniA_OcoL_yX0Xye6ntPTC8Wv4wZx8eXuhGqU6UQtxqJfMpjuo4cC50766OklGJ6B4cGQk=s1685" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1685" data-original-width="1534" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6yak3f1yr3sbTd_y9dqPOpeKaNntxQWKq4lSJD0eeyJN1d1budOplOZyflNNQ-gUJPcsz4tDet5dN2SB8Mv7bGUugAN6AUic10CQQisv1VN0jYWniA_OcoL_yX0Xye6ntPTC8Wv4wZx8eXuhGqU6UQtxqJfMpjuo4cC50766OklGJ6B4cGQk=w582-h640" width="582" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjN6ZfbuFj9AVLHQIv58kcEfuhXK9Yws_nnEmxAju3xwGV_qTVajVM46MVS0O3cLYM0z5LTKWHQR7BkImRdmpDnfibA0C9hMp7XFIS7M9H5P8rjbysDrj98tG4uIibe9DBdtOmafSKwwFhSmjV-cKD7fqCPj1PzowUt6RJVh2HSeo5QgW-iI=s1699" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1699" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEizjN6ZfbuFj9AVLHQIv58kcEfuhXK9Yws_nnEmxAju3xwGV_qTVajVM46MVS0O3cLYM0z5LTKWHQR7BkImRdmpDnfibA0C9hMp7XFIS7M9H5P8rjbysDrj98tG4uIibe9DBdtOmafSKwwFhSmjV-cKD7fqCPj1PzowUt6RJVh2HSeo5QgW-iI=w578-h640" width="578" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl-dd_z9drCFE7zbLLGB3jb2Y6wAh-zQuDRJeXhZR2nXoPb69Iz62wO770tjwBwgrbfOiLssmwF4ctJyrXCVG5wwZ69KZiSKHjLzHFSO_9fD6tN0RUOa-x41hgeN60BbO4qHPZOQSRvL-kZRlNjKFX89F4DFodjbXqS39-pvrwyCgXL9furzc=s1531" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1531" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl-dd_z9drCFE7zbLLGB3jb2Y6wAh-zQuDRJeXhZR2nXoPb69Iz62wO770tjwBwgrbfOiLssmwF4ctJyrXCVG5wwZ69KZiSKHjLzHFSO_9fD6tN0RUOa-x41hgeN60BbO4qHPZOQSRvL-kZRlNjKFX89F4DFodjbXqS39-pvrwyCgXL9furzc=w640-h350" width="640" /></a></div><p> </p><p>I starred the books that I really LOVED this year, which were:<br /></p><p><b>Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner</b>--Michelle Zauner does a great job telling the story of her relationship with her Korean mother, and her grief when her mom died a few years ago. There is a LOT of amazing-sounding food in this book. <br /></p><p><b>Umma's Table by Yeon-Sik Hong</b>--This is a graphic memoir that covers some similar territory. The author and his family are Korean and live in Korea, and the story is an homage to his mother: how she cooked and cared for him and his brother, and what happened as she aged and grew ill. A fascinating glimpse into Korean culture that ALSO features a lot of amazing food.<br /></p><p><b>Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi</b>--This novel is excellent, a masterpiece of layered, thoughtful, rich storytelling. It is so well written and very contemporary. It's about a PhD student in neuroscience who is studying addiction in mice, and has lost her own brother to opioid addiction. I love what author Roxane Gay wrote about this book on <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/48570454-transcendent-kingdom" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>: "<span class="readable" id="reviewTextContainer3407792778"><span id="freeTextContainer155520191715514502">Not a word or idea out of place. Completely different from Homegoing. THE RANGE. I am quite angry this is so good."</span></span></p><p><b>How the Irish Saved Civilization by Thomas Cahill</b>--There is something deeply satisfying to me in piecing historical time periods together. Cahill's book helped me to put together what happened after the fall of Rome (around 450) up until the Viking invasions really crumbled the Irish monasteries about 400 years later. An excellent resource for anybody interested in the dark ages, monks, Irish myth, or just plain Irishness. It's a perfect pair with a fave book from last year, <b>Confessions of a Pagan Nun</b>. It also goes very well with the film "The Secret of Kells"--which seems so exactly about the same thing that I wonder if the film-makers also read this book.<br /></p><p><b>Piranesi by Susanna Clarke</b>--This novel is fantastic, like literally. The main character lives in a world of hallways and rooms and statues, and keeps very careful notes... but what has he forgotten? How did he get there? How can he piece together things he notices or half remembers or finds in his old journals but can't recall at all? This book is so creative and draws you into its world and its language inexorably. Pretty much perfect.<br /></p><p><b>Kitchen by Banana Yoshimoto</b>--This book contains two novellas, Kitchen and Moonlight Shadow, and was published in the 80s. The two stories were entrancing... something about the odd characters and the rather flat translation had a slow, calming burn. The stories seemed unremarkable upon consumption, like a warm bowl of plain broth, but later I kept thinking back to how I felt while reading these, which was nourished and interested and curious about what some of the strange flavors might be.</p><p>You may notice some <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">awkward </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">blue arrows</span></b> on my booklist. I was trying to show a reading train of thought. <b>The Index of Self-Destructive Acts</b> was a sweeping family saga set in New York City with the parents and the adult children each having various life-changing experiences. I thought it was intricate and pretty well-written. It reminded me of <b>The Corrections </b>and I thought maybe Jonathan Franzen had done it a little better. So then I picked that up and read it--and yes, Franzen is superb. In his sweeping mid-western family saga, Franzen has full command over each character and the full arc of what happens to him or her and its proper place in the whole story. Then, I thought maybe Charles Dickens might be the REAL master of the saga and character, so I decided to re-read <b>Great Expectations</b>. Honestly... the Dickens was dear, but I liked The Corrections best amongst these 3 books. (I KNOW.) I admire how Franzen has utter control over his material AND over the English/American language, and how it really shows.</p><p> </p><p>So... what did you read this year? Did you read anything on my list? What did you LOVE? Tell us in the comments below!<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05302, USA42.8546784 -72.55916619999999317.278518735611648 -107.71541619999999 68.430838064388354 -37.402916199999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-85273579708623077432021-10-30T14:46:00.000-04:002021-10-30T14:46:28.518-04:00Music on the Hill: Marlboro Open House<p>Once upon a time I applied to go to a small liberal arts college in the heart of the woods of Southern Vermont. It was called Marlboro College, and I wrote my application essay about how I was obsessed with King Arthur. </p><p>As a high school junior, I visited the campus with my mother one October day to get a feel for the place. To get there, you have to first get yourself to Brattleboro, Vermont, then drive 15 minutes uphill, go through the teensy town of Marlboro (don't blink or you'll miss it), and then down a back road that ends in the picturesque Marlboro campus. I remember a bunch of low white buildings nestled on a hillside. I remember cafeteria food that involved sprouts and lentils. I remember it was fall in Vermont, and the leaves and the autumn sunlight were gorgeous.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LZ-WJ4RP6g/YXVy1LTL1RI/AAAAAAAAXrk/1HT3LIDsS9s2swLXt_wj3o_iB_k8crO1gCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3671.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--LZ-WJ4RP6g/YXVy1LTL1RI/AAAAAAAAXrk/1HT3LIDsS9s2swLXt_wj3o_iB_k8crO1gCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_3671.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Ultimately I decided not to attend Marlboro College. (I did move to Vermont later.) And a few years ago, Marlboro College ceased to exist. The college campus, that was also home to the famous <a href="https://www.marlboromusic.org/" target="_blank">Marlboro Music Festival</a>, was sold off. This left a double question--what would the buyers be doing with the space, and what would happen to the Music Festival? </p><p>Fortunately, Marlboro Music has figured things out in an exciting way--they have now purchased the campus themselves (holding title through a nonprofit subsidiary), and the sale went through last month (September, 2021). And on October 23, <a href="https://www.marlboromusic.org/support/building-the-future/" target="_blank">Marlboro Music </a>held an open house for the newly built <b>Jerome and Celia Bertin Reich building</b>, which is a gorgeous office and rehearsal space nestled in a corner of the campus and surrounded by woods. It was a luminous fall day and perfect for showing off the elegant simplicity of the new building, all blond wood and windows that framed the trees and brilliant sky.</p><p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMgqMYNzfB0/YXVy69uVNkI/AAAAAAAAXro/1xc1l4RuFS8Et7W-9B2qN5qGclPgtCTUwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3666.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SMgqMYNzfB0/YXVy69uVNkI/AAAAAAAAXro/1xc1l4RuFS8Et7W-9B2qN5qGclPgtCTUwCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_3666.HEIC" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inner stairwell window becomes a tree-frame<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>The building forms a sort of "U" shape with a courtyard framed by two arms of the "U." Here's a photo looking toward the courtyard from the inside.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_dygGSOLSA/YXVvm4bhthI/AAAAAAAAXqo/t4uqH8lwBLkOFXLvaskjaWyb0TvFUK2ZQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3649.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2_dygGSOLSA/YXVvm4bhthI/AAAAAAAAXqo/t4uqH8lwBLkOFXLvaskjaWyb0TvFUK2ZQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3649.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>And here a photo looking back at the building from the courtyard.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcFdbmmKNDo/YXVvm23rPVI/AAAAAAAAXqo/H8Lizdc8UAIQBxfR0utSocYz4UIi_BpAACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3660.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EcFdbmmKNDo/YXVvm23rPVI/AAAAAAAAXqo/H8Lizdc8UAIQBxfR0utSocYz4UIi_BpAACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3660.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>There was a sweet little party outside with hot cider, cider donuts, and local apples. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uDEJQoV6O0/YXVwFS1wOqI/AAAAAAAAXqw/0B8wJMmkm6UTVzuAhJC6QWSLoR1qU2PLACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3659.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uDEJQoV6O0/YXVwFS1wOqI/AAAAAAAAXqw/0B8wJMmkm6UTVzuAhJC6QWSLoR1qU2PLACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3659.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>My favorite part of the new building was the music library. It is one of the arms of the "U" and kind of its own separate little building. Like a chapel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-na0CFoIWsZc/YXVw0ipz9_I/AAAAAAAAXq8/4-V2lpNI4rAgH0ui4BZepWMbWZ6ZslPTgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3662.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-na0CFoIWsZc/YXVw0ipz9_I/AAAAAAAAXq8/4-V2lpNI4rAgH0ui4BZepWMbWZ6ZslPTgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3662.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_60-t3O6ts/YXVw5h8mJEI/AAAAAAAAXrA/y6djuwa2OHgVBKPgHRoygvfdxGYYStcsgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3658.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_60-t3O6ts/YXVw5h8mJEI/AAAAAAAAXrA/y6djuwa2OHgVBKPgHRoygvfdxGYYStcsgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3658.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This room was so beautiful and amazing and stoked with art and culture that I almost had trouble breathing. It was overwhelmingly LOVELY. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1e0QJ8Bx09E/YXVxID-yifI/AAAAAAAAXrE/WFrSGqz2nyoqKByJLMlFxr6R5KEoe7xzACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3657.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1e0QJ8Bx09E/YXVxID-yifI/AAAAAAAAXrE/WFrSGqz2nyoqKByJLMlFxr6R5KEoe7xzACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3657.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is one whole wall of built-in cabinets and files that hold the Music Festival's actual music and scores. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUP5CWUpCw8/YXVxIBAhxnI/AAAAAAAAXrE/C6uorG2BSG4L80wrgeoYe_xrwR_0yb0VACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3652.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUP5CWUpCw8/YXVxIBAhxnI/AAAAAAAAXrE/C6uorG2BSG4L80wrgeoYe_xrwR_0yb0VACPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_3652.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>They are all neatly labeled.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2SBJHK3hPc/YXVxIJyLvdI/AAAAAAAAXrE/6A5hy-8ZmCgt-Q-gZqf8WpbN4G7Z4i0PACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3653.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2SBJHK3hPc/YXVxIJyLvdI/AAAAAAAAXrE/6A5hy-8ZmCgt-Q-gZqf8WpbN4G7Z4i0PACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3653.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p>Look, this section holds Haydn Quartets, Strings only!!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NT-OnSyMiwA/YXVxhoAkKxI/AAAAAAAAXrM/Jq3NgYlB-QIuYtMgoPqUrjLbxUl8L2glACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3650.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NT-OnSyMiwA/YXVxhoAkKxI/AAAAAAAAXrM/Jq3NgYlB-QIuYtMgoPqUrjLbxUl8L2glACPcBGAsYHg/w480-h640/IMG_3650.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are work tables in the center of the room, and low seats that also have drawers (I didn't look in the drawers, but I imagine they contain music, too.)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEejp-uPcJ4/YXVxhm3xkiI/AAAAAAAAXrM/mPqrHPu40944Y8ZmNBAvhrRqf_hzdi17wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3651.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEejp-uPcJ4/YXVxhm3xkiI/AAAAAAAAXrM/mPqrHPu40944Y8ZmNBAvhrRqf_hzdi17wCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3651.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>The books in the library are about music, musicians, and composers. They're well organized and labeled, just like the cabinets.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J0aIUKlSCc/YXVxhpLSDaI/AAAAAAAAXrM/gK2V204p2gMSvtxih-om3DDg_ukgzJSQACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3656.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_J0aIUKlSCc/YXVxhpLSDaI/AAAAAAAAXrM/gK2V204p2gMSvtxih-om3DDg_ukgzJSQACPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_3656.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>The sharp ceiling contributes to the chapel-like vibes. I told my companion I felt like going to light a candle in the corner, like you see in European cathedrals.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8t1dPyB6vuc/YXVx_whrcGI/AAAAAAAAXrU/97K1oCE8xgsBBLzFs_TT5PjvPC2tzJVPQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3654.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8t1dPyB6vuc/YXVx_whrcGI/AAAAAAAAXrU/97K1oCE8xgsBBLzFs_TT5PjvPC2tzJVPQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3654.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are also window seats along the outside of the library, joining the beauty of the room with the beauty of the Vermont landscape.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKYPH695vVE/YXVySWjbTOI/AAAAAAAAXrc/RSzNnHCEdDsZsC-sli7EEuhzqHgvef0OACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3664.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EKYPH695vVE/YXVySWjbTOI/AAAAAAAAXrc/RSzNnHCEdDsZsC-sli7EEuhzqHgvef0OACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3664.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">downstairs rehearsal room<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>This rehearsal room is the other arm of the "U"--it has similar peaked construction to the library.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gK7djjZ00lk/YXVySZJlFcI/AAAAAAAAXrc/j8YoogJk_Tw4yvvP7nNcXz1qsInOJ0qOACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3669.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gK7djjZ00lk/YXVySZJlFcI/AAAAAAAAXrc/j8YoogJk_Tw4yvvP7nNcXz1qsInOJ0qOACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3669.HEIC" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">upstairs rehearsal room<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>There's a second floor to the connector part of the U shape, and more rehearsal spaces up there. Above is one of them--a large room in the back/upper corner of the building, with two sides looking out into the woods.</p><p>We were so impressed by the gorgeous building showcased by a perfect fall day. We asked if it would be open to the public in the future so we could go check it out again or bring guests. However, we learned that it's private. It will be a working office building and creative space for the festival musicians, so essentially we got a unique chance to peek behind the scenes. How lovely that the festival participants have such a place to work and dream and play.<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Marlboro, VT, USA42.859526 -72.72592709999999314.549292163821157 -107.88217709999999 71.169759836178855 -37.569677099999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-30637274712609353662021-10-24T10:18:00.000-04:002021-10-24T10:18:22.624-04:00Let's get fermented<p>Recently I did some research on fermentation for a couple of writing projects at work. I watched the documentary <a href="https://vimeo.com/ondemand/fermented" target="_blank">Fermented</a>, which is a look at fermentation traditions and flavors, hosted by Edward Lee. I perused some library books on fermentation, including <a href="https://www.workman.com/products/the-noma-guide-to-fermentation" target="_blank">The Noma Guide to Fermentation</a> by Rene Redzepi and David Gilber. And essentially I learned (or confirmed for myself) that fermentation is a <b>transformative food processing method that uses the power of microorganisms</b>. Another example of a transformative food processing method is cooking with the power of heat. In fact, fermentation has been called "cold fire" because of its remarkable ability to process/transform/preserve a food a bit like cooking does. As a young family member put it during a discussion about fermentation, "Nature is interesting with all the things it can make through simple processes." Yes!!<br /></p><p>At the same time, I've been having a love affair with Korean food, which features a lot of very interesting fermented flavors, including fish sauce and gochujang (fermented sweetened chili paste). I've been making various pickled sides and condiments lately, mostly following recipes from <a href="https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/252746/cook-korean-by-robin-ha/" target="_blank">Cook Korean</a> by Robin Ha. And we also like other fermented things, particularly pickles and sauerkraut.</p><p>Here's a tour of what's fermented in our fridge right now.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axdJwhZ8tbw/YWmwvg1yiVI/AAAAAAAAXhI/2SpMjGr_Rg8eVK9GpsW92NBLsIYZqX5MgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3570.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-axdJwhZ8tbw/YWmwvg1yiVI/AAAAAAAAXhI/2SpMjGr_Rg8eVK9GpsW92NBLsIYZqX5MgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3570.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pa Kimchi (pickled green onions)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Pa Kimchi is a Robin Ha recipe and it is a kimchi (fermented veggie) made with scallions. I used fresh, long scallions from the local farmer's market, mixed them with quite a bit of fish sauce and red pepper flakes, then tied them as best I could into into knotted bunches for easy storage. This keeps in the fridge and I like to have it with some rice, egg, and seaweed (like a simplified bibimbap).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HDa67nOUTI/YWmxLFke8zI/AAAAAAAAXhQ/JM36xKfYG-I186ef_cCKEuz0zy4emplqgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3573.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1HDa67nOUTI/YWmxLFke8zI/AAAAAAAAXhQ/JM36xKfYG-I186ef_cCKEuz0zy4emplqgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3573.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginner's Kimchi<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Once or twice a year I'll chop up a batch of beginner's kimchi (also a Robin Ha recipe) and stash it in a big Mason jar in the fridge. It's a nice side condiment for various meals, and can also be the basis for kimchi fried rice (Kimchi Bokkumbap) that is easy and delicious.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lopEGSZ9g9o/YWmxkWQJ_FI/AAAAAAAAXhs/O6zYz39wG5onMf2gtqtd-XoJgV_J0YCYgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3574.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lopEGSZ9g9o/YWmxkWQJ_FI/AAAAAAAAXhs/O6zYz39wG5onMf2gtqtd-XoJgV_J0YCYgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3574.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tongdakmu (Pickled radish)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>This is yet another Robin Ha recipe--it is pickled Daikon radish (my Daikon was purple, so the pickles are this lovely lilac-pink color). She recommends having this with kimchi fried rice and it really does go well. It offers a cool, salty crunch alongside the flaming softness of the rice.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMfCSvFw51U/YWmx7gUNCRI/AAAAAAAAXiI/w3pfK8XequMcBdyd40OFlLkQlf3Hc9S8ACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3578.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NMfCSvFw51U/YWmx7gUNCRI/AAAAAAAAXiI/w3pfK8XequMcBdyd40OFlLkQlf3Hc9S8ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3578.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick-pickled red onion<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This is pickled red onion, and we eat it with burritos or wraps. I make it to copy the tastes of <a href="https://titostaqueria.com/" target="_blank">Tito's Taqueria </a>here in Brattleboro. Adding some pickled onion to your wrap will give it another welcome dimension of flavor. I usually slice my onion in thin rings, but for this batch I was using up leftover onion from another recipe so it's pretty chunky. </p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvSSF2eheoc/YWmyRK1c0JI/AAAAAAAAXiQ/DatLaAL6MvYgjGwGeHPKlbRC_kDldxfkQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3580.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvSSF2eheoc/YWmyRK1c0JI/AAAAAAAAXiQ/DatLaAL6MvYgjGwGeHPKlbRC_kDldxfkQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3580.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grillo's dill pickle slices<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>On the storebought side, here are some cucumber pickles that we always have on hand--these are <a href="https://www.grillospickles.com/" target="_blank">Grillo's</a> dill pickle chips. They are made with grape leaves and garlic slices (shown) which I swear gives them a special flavor and preserved crunch. These are great for sandwiches, burgers, or just snacking straight out of the container.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1CKj4v3c4k/YWmyi4uAhgI/AAAAAAAAXiY/ny8P6qTKzF4YFcn1Q9_KMFCCIivm7HUZQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3583.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t1CKj4v3c4k/YWmyi4uAhgI/AAAAAAAAXiY/ny8P6qTKzF4YFcn1Q9_KMFCCIivm7HUZQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3583.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bubbies kosher dill pickles<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Our second storebought essential is <a href="https://bubbies.com/" target="_blank">Bubbies </a>Kosher dills. These are lacto-fermented (no vinegar) and have that special, pungently sour pong that is something of an acquired taste. Once you've acquired it though, you'll crave Bubbies sliced into spears on the side of any meal, or just crunched straight out of the jar. So good.</p><p> </p><p>This week we didn't have any sauerkraut at home or I would include a photo of that too. We like it on hotdogs or, again, as a sour crunchy side condiment with many kinds of meals.</p><p>In my writing for work I came to the highflown conclusion that fermentation and human culture may go hand in hand. Who would we be without our cured meats, without millennia of wine and beer and pulque consumption, without traditional foods like soy sauce, miso, injira, kvass, yogurt, without our chocolate or coffee or tea or sourdough? It is called human <i>culture</i>, right?? Humans need fermentation in order to have interest, flavor, umami, depth, and JOY in life. Humans need to get fermented to get cultured. Yum.</p><p>Tell us about your fridge or fermentation fancies! What microbes have you got fizzing away and bringing something special to your world?<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.5578678-3.7619760434085094 -142.8703678 89.463806443408515 -2.2453677999999968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-53374837328988499652021-10-15T12:40:00.001-04:002021-10-15T12:40:36.055-04:00Roadside Nips: Photo Essay<p>I still run on roads 2-3 days a week, and this year I noticed something I hadn't really seen before. I've been seeing a lot of empty "nips" by the side of the road (also known as "airplane bottles," these are the mini plastic bottles that hold a single serving of liquor). I imagine that someone will knock back a tiny bottle as they're driving, then they just roll down the window and throw it out. </p><p>The first several nips that I noticed were all empty bottles of Fireball (which is cinnamon-flavored Canadian whisky). It struck me as an interesting phenomenon. I wondered: Is it <b>one </b>person in this area who loves to drink & drive and has a strong preference for Fireball? Or is it that Fireball's cinnamony punch is perfect for drinking straight out of the bottle, so anyone who enjoys drinking and driving might prefer Fireball for its palatibility? I started photographing the Fireball Nips that I came across. I soon found that people do drink and litter other types of liquor. (I have been seeing beer cans by the side of the road for years, but the liquor thing seems more prevalent lately). </p><p>Here is my photo essay on Roadside Nips. I may add to it later if I come across more.<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>June 12, 2021</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGROx7WGE7Q/YVDSsMdW2eI/AAAAAAAAXa8/6-ZX7eKL5_UbrHbVnRPbfp2vqb9PYwDvwCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3218.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGROx7WGE7Q/YVDSsMdW2eI/AAAAAAAAXa8/6-ZX7eKL5_UbrHbVnRPbfp2vqb9PYwDvwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3218.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireball</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p>June 17, 2021<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0kHwXtS_Gs/YVDTVkZHiVI/AAAAAAAAXbM/FH6gsqO_V78xJOgJDSdbNrk7fW7S0sj1gCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3237.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0kHwXtS_Gs/YVDTVkZHiVI/AAAAAAAAXbM/FH6gsqO_V78xJOgJDSdbNrk7fW7S0sj1gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3237.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireball</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br /></p><p>June 20, 2021 </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThTHk-SLEBg/YVDTVtYvnsI/AAAAAAAAXbM/7w8XHRs8kjYGVdMZULcTniPH_47zAHHkQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3251.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ThTHk-SLEBg/YVDTVtYvnsI/AAAAAAAAXbM/7w8XHRs8kjYGVdMZULcTniPH_47zAHHkQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3251.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. McGillicuddy's Mentholmint (1 of a pair)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-852w6fuLssA/YVDTVnL2N2I/AAAAAAAAXbM/XPOtA1RpThIZniVzLvsxKD9OpNXj_6VOgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3250.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-852w6fuLssA/YVDTVnL2N2I/AAAAAAAAXbM/XPOtA1RpThIZniVzLvsxKD9OpNXj_6VOgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3250.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. McGillicuddy's (both)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>September 4, 2021 (right outside a liquor store)<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2D0tIYI9P0/YVDS-tIz0tI/AAAAAAAAXbE/z0UBw024_JMU4Y1R6jpXoKhTTb4i4-_fwCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3471.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2D0tIYI9P0/YVDS-tIz0tI/AAAAAAAAXbE/z0UBw024_JMU4Y1R6jpXoKhTTb4i4-_fwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3471.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malibu coconut rum<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzXQRXic0l8/YVDS-m_-oTI/AAAAAAAAXbE/Po0Oo4BSdew-rwaG0_DMHXsOb2JhTDfvwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3470.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzXQRXic0l8/YVDS-m_-oTI/AAAAAAAAXbE/Po0Oo4BSdew-rwaG0_DMHXsOb2JhTDfvwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3470.HEIC" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack Daniels whiskey<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p>September 25, 2021 <br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVDLt5ZLIBc/YVDSzkxuOwI/AAAAAAAAXbA/VjI4-m10TngaZEu1VpSjkvwKfv44SYizwCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3525.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tVDLt5ZLIBc/YVDSzkxuOwI/AAAAAAAAXbA/VjI4-m10TngaZEu1VpSjkvwKfv44SYizwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3525.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fireball</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeyLFCNDf2s/YVDSzphrnJI/AAAAAAAAXbA/2jkf_WZ9gsYTpk2mK3RBaVMzcPz_vwtJACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3523.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VeyLFCNDf2s/YVDSzphrnJI/AAAAAAAAXbA/2jkf_WZ9gsYTpk2mK3RBaVMzcPz_vwtJACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3523.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tito's vodka<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxxITm8UK1M/YVDSzuV7z-I/AAAAAAAAXbA/w6g90SgqpP0YkW6hpIqLfsHG5cR5nno8QCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3522.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JxxITm8UK1M/YVDSzuV7z-I/AAAAAAAAXbA/w6g90SgqpP0YkW6hpIqLfsHG5cR5nno8QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3522.HEIC" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kahlua</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Are you seeing more nips than usual these days, or if you see one after reading this, will you come back and leave a comment? <br /> </p><p>There is a subcategory of running chat called "seen on my run" and people will tell crazy stories of bears or unique human phenomena that happened while they were out running. Personally I like to look at litter or roadside jetsam on my runs. The most amazing #seenonmyrun story takes place in Las Vegas, though what I saw that day is not really family-friendly blog material so you'll have to ask me about it sometime. Sometimes I see clothes strewn along the side of the road for yards and yards, and wonder if somebody got into a passive aggressive fight with someone else and just fed that person's belongings out the car window bit by bit while cursing maniacally. I come up with all kind of theories while I'm running!<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-32067728065774849432021-09-26T15:53:00.015-04:002021-09-26T16:01:25.468-04:00Homegrown Roma Tomato Sauce for Spaghetti<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZoMRgigvDE/YVDJY7UGT1I/AAAAAAAAXaA/JkH-er6P_3UPhKR-WO8Wp60boLQPQqwpACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3528.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rZoMRgigvDE/YVDJY7UGT1I/AAAAAAAAXaA/JkH-er6P_3UPhKR-WO8Wp60boLQPQqwpACPcBGAsYHg/w400-h300/IMG_3528.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p>Say you're growing some Roma tomatoes. What are you supposed to DO with them? I know that Romas, also known as "paste tomatoes," are good for sauces because they aren't very juicy. They cook down well into concentrated flavor, allegedly. So I decided to try making from-scratch sauce from the Romas we've been growing in our <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2021/07/garden-update-summer-2021-burgeoning.html" target="_blank">hugels </a>this year. This 5-ingredient recipe was inspired by Youtuber <a href="https://youtu.be/H6bzvtsJIeM" target="_blank">Joshua Weissman</a>, who was in turn inspired by Marcella Hazan.</p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lldcph0JJA/YUz-LOjZPOI/AAAAAAAAXX8/KRORvVaQ87YYoiQMppvnDfZTWGVGfwm_gCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3429.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0lldcph0JJA/YUz-LOjZPOI/AAAAAAAAXX8/KRORvVaQ87YYoiQMppvnDfZTWGVGfwm_gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3429.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p>My first test used an onion and I found the sauce too sweet for my taste. So this recipe uses only garlic. Here's what I came up with!<br /></p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Ingredients:</h3><p>7-10 Roma tomatoes<br /></p><p>extra virgin olive oil</p><p>3 cloves garlic</p><p>fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, parsley (optional)</p><p>salt and pepper</p><p>1/2 pound of spaghetti</p><p>Romano cheese or favorite topping</p><p> </p><h3 style="text-align: left;">Assembly:</h3><p>1. First you'll be peeling the fresh tomatoes. Boil a pot of water and set up a bowl of ice water on the side. Cut a cross in the tip of each tomato, then throw in the boiling water for ONE MINUTE ONLY. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsB8tGi2bQI/YVDMnbgclMI/AAAAAAAAXaQ/MHQo-sNBvRwWrjcmMDyyf8CFIIwqU2aDACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3515.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsB8tGi2bQI/YVDMnbgclMI/AAAAAAAAXaQ/MHQo-sNBvRwWrjcmMDyyf8CFIIwqU2aDACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3515.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>2. After one minute, scoop out the tomatoes with a slotted spoon and put in the ice water. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOA2n422Nmo/YVDM4fReMcI/AAAAAAAAXaY/IkkWxNjNzukmDKozvRU0sRvH8zsHr73FwCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3517.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OOA2n422Nmo/YVDM4fReMcI/AAAAAAAAXaY/IkkWxNjNzukmDKozvRU0sRvH8zsHr73FwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3517.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Then remove each tomato from ice water and peel it. The peel should come off pretty easily. You can also cut out the tough stem area at this point. (Yes, some of my Romas have spots. That seems normal.)<br /></p><p>3. Next dice the peeled tomatoes into small pieces. <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXbQgJqyUS8/YVDM_5XbvdI/AAAAAAAAXac/MuKHIz6oNW0QRD-QKSC4_7x_bk4kCW7PACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3518.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yXbQgJqyUS8/YVDM_5XbvdI/AAAAAAAAXac/MuKHIz6oNW0QRD-QKSC4_7x_bk4kCW7PACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3518.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Also, peel 3 cloves of garlic. Finally, if you have an herb garden or fresh herbs in your fridge, grab some fresh herbs of your choice. I used small sprigs of basil, oregano, and parsley, roughly chopped. </p><p>4. Now it's time to cook! In your saucepan, heat up a generous amount of olive oil--around 2 Tablespoons. Throw in the chopped tomatoes and begin to cook them down. Mine released some moisture and I kept them covered to try to capture all the possible sauce. (Later though, I removed the lid to help concentrate the sauce.) It's a nice idea to squish the tomato pieces a bit with a wooden spoon as you cook. Put in one of the garlic cloves, either chopped or squeezed in a press. Also add the green herbs.</p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqDfBR8BfLI/YUz-LEFXiXI/AAAAAAAAXX8/LqGVIuyAXCclsIdyQ6F7x3xjpAvycRGvgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3426.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kqDfBR8BfLI/YUz-LEFXiXI/AAAAAAAAXX8/LqGVIuyAXCclsIdyQ6F7x3xjpAvycRGvgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3426.HEIC" width="320" /></a></p><p>Cook for about 5-10 minutes. </p><p>5. Meanwhile, heat a pot of water to boiling for cooking your spaghetti. I saved the water from the tomato-peeling process and added a bit more water to that and set it to heat up on a separate element.<br /></p><p>Around when the pasta water is boiling, put some salt and pepper in your tomato sauce and squeeze in another clove of garlic. Cook your spaghetti according to package instructions (mine had a 10-minute cooking time).</p><p>6. Right around the time the spaghetti is done, squeeze the last clove of garlic into the sauce and turn it off. You should have a nice, chunky sauce. It is not naturally thick (it doesn't become tomato paste), but if you've taken the lid off at the right times, it shouldn't be too watery either.</p><p>7. To serve, just divide up your cooked spaghetti and spoon the sauce on top in the ratio you enjoy. I like to top with grated romano cheese too. In our home, this recipe served two adults, with a little bit of second helpings.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udsSPRCxUZY/YUz-LGKeztI/AAAAAAAAXX8/-inc20HpkyAR0hrZhR1nJfZg6NT_KIGAQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3430.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udsSPRCxUZY/YUz-LGKeztI/AAAAAAAAXX8/-inc20HpkyAR0hrZhR1nJfZg6NT_KIGAQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3430.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Happy Fall to you, I hope that you are enjoying some fruits of the season wherever you are!<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-52282746978991034992021-07-31T17:38:00.002-04:002021-07-31T17:38:20.111-04:00Garden Update Summer 2021: The Burgeoning<p>Hello friend! This is an update on our <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2021/06/groundations-hugelkultur.html">hugelkultur project</a> and how our garden is growing. </p><p>This time of year feels like "the burgeoning" to me... all of the plants are at the top of their game. They're putting things in order and getting to the tippy-top of the rollercoaster ride. Then in August things will start to ripen and over-ripen and grow and over-grow and fall over and twist and generally explode. The roller coaster ride will start its fast, accelerating ride down toward autumn and next thing you know, there's snow on the ground. Jeez! But first let's celebrate the rest of summer.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNQiGgimORE/YQW672ZlvJI/AAAAAAAAW9U/4era93ZQkiYvVcyrtgTOVQZ2OvbAUCKdgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3318.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNQiGgimORE/YQW672ZlvJI/AAAAAAAAW9U/4era93ZQkiYvVcyrtgTOVQZ2OvbAUCKdgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3318.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>The peaches are still green but starting to have a hint of color. (They might look peach-colored in the foreground, but they're really a greenish-yellow.)</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaIkOb4B0Eg/YQW67zPGugI/AAAAAAAAW9U/qSYGp_EeDXs3JPdtYYlSLfFq7ABpwnv4QCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3326.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DaIkOb4B0Eg/YQW67zPGugI/AAAAAAAAW9U/qSYGp_EeDXs3JPdtYYlSLfFq7ABpwnv4QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3326.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>The tomatoes are setting fruit at a tremendous pace and seem poised to ripen suddenly and all at once. We have already started getting a few ripe cherry tomatoes and pear tomatoes.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4sXSJaF7kY/YQW7ZfL_GkI/AAAAAAAAW9c/EPgKXSqPaF0niRL9MUuBHenairmGcZrngCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3325.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r4sXSJaF7kY/YQW7ZfL_GkI/AAAAAAAAW9c/EPgKXSqPaF0niRL9MUuBHenairmGcZrngCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3325.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>The onions are doing mysterious things underground and seem healthy. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Drx-c8q4a1U/YQW7kiRtc2I/AAAAAAAAW9g/61uZYBhuCoUnINn0IXcEmuVpAx9kS18TACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3307.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Drx-c8q4a1U/YQW7kiRtc2I/AAAAAAAAW9g/61uZYBhuCoUnINn0IXcEmuVpAx9kS18TACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3307.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p>The yellow pear tomato is our biggest plant--it has grown to 6 feet tall (hitting the top of our bamboo structure). I finally started to "top" (cut off) the growing tips so that the plant would instead focus on ripening its fruit. Indeterminate tomatoes are remarkably aggressive at growing and branching and growing and branching. (Good job, tomatoes!)</p><p>In addition to the burgeoning, there are also plants that are already producing, and some have even passed their prime.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDdjLPQzbFs/YQW8h_llUjI/AAAAAAAAW9s/EPI-iDwFIsAK1gdTAiTNf3KU5Ubg7DhSACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3311.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RDdjLPQzbFs/YQW8h_llUjI/AAAAAAAAW9s/EPI-iDwFIsAK1gdTAiTNf3KU5Ubg7DhSACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3311.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The summer squash has been very very busy.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOL2G8s7ttE/YQW8h2bYAII/AAAAAAAAW9s/i0Yd0amRsaA0wbMpffshu8L2OYxv7fkrgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3309.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOL2G8s7ttE/YQW8h2bYAII/AAAAAAAAW9s/i0Yd0amRsaA0wbMpffshu8L2OYxv7fkrgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3309.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Out of our three cucumber plants, only one has survived. I'm not sure if it's an infection from cucumber beetles, or just the incessant rain that we've had during July. But something killed two of our plants. We've since put in a replacement cucumber to see what will happen.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XwuS9530ig/YQW8h4t-JBI/AAAAAAAAW9s/tz0ZTATF0OIgLK_YX7g_Ul8avbL334m8gCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3312.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XwuS9530ig/YQW8h4t-JBI/AAAAAAAAW9s/tz0ZTATF0OIgLK_YX7g_Ul8avbL334m8gCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3312.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>The green beans are near the top of this photo and they are producing delicious, crisp-tender beans that we harvest every few days. Just a modest handful or two at a time, which is a perfect amount. On the right side of this photo is kale that is also producing happily. On the left is lettuce, which heat and age have caused to go to seed. We let a few plants "bolt" to see what they would look like. That 3-foot tall tower on the left is red lettuce that has thoroughly gone to seed.</p><p>There are also a few plant-friends around the place that aren't exactly vegetables. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6T72PpWDcpY/YQW9V56rCFI/AAAAAAAAW90/aCVGfNIFm_wg20VBNb4E80q7VJXhLOa6wCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3308.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6T72PpWDcpY/YQW9V56rCFI/AAAAAAAAW90/aCVGfNIFm_wg20VBNb4E80q7VJXhLOa6wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3308.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I planted marigolds alongside the tomato plants. They are very vigorous. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cur40H7X8U/YQW9VxNzm2I/AAAAAAAAW90/mkZtn3WtcLUfELL0Sxzmr3Vl6mvgX6b3ACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3313.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Cur40H7X8U/YQW9VxNzm2I/AAAAAAAAW90/mkZtn3WtcLUfELL0Sxzmr3Vl6mvgX6b3ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3313.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>I also planted some speedwell in the perennial garden. It has purple spikes of flowers that pollinators love. Look closely and you can see there's a bumblebee hanging on the right side of the flowers. The bees just sit there and sip for minutes at a time.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvlcYnAZb2A/YQW9V0Y9geI/AAAAAAAAW90/JADjjWrmlaI5yilinpQ8PRvVrMiMnCPLACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3320.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UvlcYnAZb2A/YQW9V0Y9geI/AAAAAAAAW90/JADjjWrmlaI5yilinpQ8PRvVrMiMnCPLACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3320.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Our CBD plant seems pretty happy. Or do you call it a hemp plant? A cannabis plant? I'm not sure what this plant is for (it's supposed to have no THC so it's not, like, drugs). Maybe we'll dry it at some point. <br /></p><p>I hope that your summer has been going OK. Ours is good, though I am trying to firmly NOT overcommit myself or get TOO BUSY. Overbooking yourself is so pre-COVID, man. Here's to treating ourselves and each other more humanely whenever we possibly can, from now on.<br /></p><p>Today is my fourth soberversary by the way! I have really been enjoying an alcohol-free life and would recommend it to anyone who feels like booze is playing too big a role in their coping. Read <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2018/09/1-year-alcohol-free-20-reasons-i-like.html">20 reasons I like not drinking</a> for details--they still hold true 3 years later.</p><p>Cheers to you (with seltzer and a side of delicious cheese and crackers)!<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-3224412776893868392021-06-27T15:40:00.005-04:002021-06-27T15:46:34.608-04:00Lady's Slippers and the Nature Conservancy<p>When I was a child, one of my many quirks was that I liked to earn money doing chores and then send it (in $5 increments if I recall) to causes that I believed in. The World Wildlife Federation and The Nature Conservancy were big favorites. (I also formed an organization called the ALS, the Animal Lover's Society, which had a membership of one--myself. I guess I wanted my charitable work to have an umbrella organization. Plus I could create an ALS logo, which was in marker with the lower curve of the "S" going back to underline the A and the L. Fancy!)</p><p>So this is to say that I have been interested in The <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/" target="_blank">Nature Conservancy</a> (TNC) for a long time. Their work of acquiring and protecting land and habitats has always made complete sense to me. And in the last few years, I have started sending them money once again. </p><p>I've also come to realize that I live very close to a TNC Natural Area. In fact it's one of my favorite places ever (I am loath to reveal it here, but you could probably figure out). We went there for a hike on Memorial Day recently, and enjoyed the quiet and the waters and the creatures of spring time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-006X1hce3fI/YNjLyEXBo8I/AAAAAAAAWsU/MUJW5zbxQJ8yUXx7TCzgZqEe8J2ougGbwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3204.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-006X1hce3fI/YNjLyEXBo8I/AAAAAAAAWsU/MUJW5zbxQJ8yUXx7TCzgZqEe8J2ougGbwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3204.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>Shelf fungi aka polypore<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54MGGK7_Eik/YNjLyKJzCII/AAAAAAAAWsU/pdDw4plWW9wBvGJrNWvRYB6Re5OwSr_lgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3202.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54MGGK7_Eik/YNjLyKJzCII/AAAAAAAAWsU/pdDw4plWW9wBvGJrNWvRYB6Re5OwSr_lgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3202.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>We brought a picnic of dilly beans, chocolate, crackers, and lots of sliced Vermont cheddar cheese.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHFnfviSCfs/YNjLyFeUIrI/AAAAAAAAWsU/NpGA-i-sd34lLtokGiaXXoVkdvDYfurwwCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3200.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHFnfviSCfs/YNjLyFeUIrI/AAAAAAAAWsU/NpGA-i-sd34lLtokGiaXXoVkdvDYfurwwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3200.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>Wildlife!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XOnvmS48SE/YNjLyCESWJI/AAAAAAAAWsU/44HzQQYIhr8i8K9ui732sEMtXIRY-wE6ACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3199.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7XOnvmS48SE/YNjLyCESWJI/AAAAAAAAWsU/44HzQQYIhr8i8K9ui732sEMtXIRY-wE6ACPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_3199.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>The woods are so lovely.</p><p>There was also a new TNC sign at the entrance to this natural area, and I saw that there is <i>another </i>area about an hour's drive away. It's called <a href="https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/eshqua-bog-natural-area/" target="_blank">Eshqua Bog</a>. When I looked it up later, I learned that it is famous for Showy Lady's Slippers that bloom around June 20. So on June 19th (Happy Juneteenth!) we packed up another load of snacks and headed off to the see the Bog!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPUgd8Y76m8/YNjNGMN7XwI/AAAAAAAAWsk/rYSsC5ScsQIcDP0B6EEqEcosOss8w_PCACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3247.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vPUgd8Y76m8/YNjNGMN7XwI/AAAAAAAAWsk/rYSsC5ScsQIcDP0B6EEqEcosOss8w_PCACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3247.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>You see the flowers by walking a boardwalk that travels above the squishy fen (this sign explains that Eshqua bog is actually mostly a fen, meaning it is fed by groundwater and not precipitation, like a bog).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFDlln_7b50/YNjNGJMdTAI/AAAAAAAAWsk/F3HimwJTTkM3PkLDdssE-LNewNVGy46UQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3246.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MFDlln_7b50/YNjNGJMdTAI/AAAAAAAAWsk/F3HimwJTTkM3PkLDdssE-LNewNVGy46UQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3246.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>There is a small parking area but also plenty of parking on the dirt road (Garvin Hill Road).<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joOcFNwERk0/YNjNGNZumhI/AAAAAAAAWsk/Ona_2g18E1I_NCyqVZLsI5z7AD5M2G90gCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3242.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-joOcFNwERk0/YNjNGNZumhI/AAAAAAAAWsk/Ona_2g18E1I_NCyqVZLsI5z7AD5M2G90gCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_3242.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Here are the Showy Lady's Slippers! They are so elegant. I love that powdery stripey pink, and the white petals make it look like they're about to fly away.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHoE_42dVMM/YNjNGM2-Y9I/AAAAAAAAWsk/PrqBGwE--sod6-a3aL9ZmlUOwK8pyGNTgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3241.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vHoE_42dVMM/YNjNGM2-Y9I/AAAAAAAAWsk/PrqBGwE--sod6-a3aL9ZmlUOwK8pyGNTgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_3241.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Yxg03rIt8/YNjNGCSiq2I/AAAAAAAAWsk/jqoEuNETijcyv2pr3zstZHqdJwmGFwE7wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3244.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0Yxg03rIt8/YNjNGCSiq2I/AAAAAAAAWsk/jqoEuNETijcyv2pr3zstZHqdJwmGFwE7wCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_3244.HEIC" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t08T8AQswZI/YNjNGI2-XrI/AAAAAAAAWsk/SGpnkqgyLQshQoQHBd2c1GL47DcQM911wCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3245.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t08T8AQswZI/YNjNGI2-XrI/AAAAAAAAWsk/SGpnkqgyLQshQoQHBd2c1GL47DcQM911wCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_3245.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><p>I also saw my very first Sundew--a carnivorous plant I'd always noticed in plant books but had never seen in person. The Sundew was MUCH smaller than I had imagined, so easy to overlook. (I found it because it was marked with a sign.) Isn't it cute!?</p><p>I'm inspired now to visit other TNC Natural Areas in Vermont. Many of the others are also wetlands. Here's a slightly cropped map showing locations with orange dots, such as Equinox Highlands, North Pawlet Hills, Otter Creek Swamps,
Chickering Bog, LaPlatte River Marsh, Barr Hill, and Butternut Hill on the Champlain islands. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/3wZw4nDrKpMWqFd9aZAfPJ8AZQU92_dGNH86Y0DQ9SEg6E-__732JHQ7qC9jpEbHBnWfZhzVFwVoNO7Q9O7GwV8_Fv_PjjBkIKsf07eIeyYLcKZ8cPqTJVEXC610ilLB3UElVk63vKzGZzHQQA_vk-1l3zaWiZtRY8q4Opij1SD71Mwu3pWstxG3IIl8k2pmdMvqn_vK7Nr5WCCMcrq2isdmlq59M9npakHV6SKc8lH7xaKljIev7QK6rsm1iOQRY7VFEFWpoKjwYoiL2yzolnJAAxInM2apPR5kLsZ1zTjfkY2h3s7vjKVwKY66vSPeFOTO8eVJ0EtwUql2IgqRTwKzUyjiDVA60OjyQ9G3Z_i4jPAklOLUj0Aio9Be7G8PqA1HXSF3h6L_gxNEx4PItA8z0XIAMdjc_FbOT42vDybDYTRhMlcRTjoiwjDPYZY0CdAYgL256mTXpCAKqjC9yVMu5lHWgIch-A35HeoTphL3Q__IYIQ1pvZwNJv_tEW6ltayWC7-OJqwj_pBxCm3frxxKn96BaF5iWMJQz5Wv3_XafL3e2xdVai6stR4HCziNWuqv8gh105BqipZ5u3RfZeJ9fGn6U_u4jr1uMkNZcUFafsuJJDks6xrkfrCeC5hhidtMG-ZN-FwLEjyH_FRvRQzOdCYyGSDCb0vBmAfcTLRMIsyRsrN_UwuTfyPla-KRi-DpkmPFZxhmhPlXoo59ZNlZg=s851-no?authuser=0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="621" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/3wZw4nDrKpMWqFd9aZAfPJ8AZQU92_dGNH86Y0DQ9SEg6E-__732JHQ7qC9jpEbHBnWfZhzVFwVoNO7Q9O7GwV8_Fv_PjjBkIKsf07eIeyYLcKZ8cPqTJVEXC610ilLB3UElVk63vKzGZzHQQA_vk-1l3zaWiZtRY8q4Opij1SD71Mwu3pWstxG3IIl8k2pmdMvqn_vK7Nr5WCCMcrq2isdmlq59M9npakHV6SKc8lH7xaKljIev7QK6rsm1iOQRY7VFEFWpoKjwYoiL2yzolnJAAxInM2apPR5kLsZ1zTjfkY2h3s7vjKVwKY66vSPeFOTO8eVJ0EtwUql2IgqRTwKzUyjiDVA60OjyQ9G3Z_i4jPAklOLUj0Aio9Be7G8PqA1HXSF3h6L_gxNEx4PItA8z0XIAMdjc_FbOT42vDybDYTRhMlcRTjoiwjDPYZY0CdAYgL256mTXpCAKqjC9yVMu5lHWgIch-A35HeoTphL3Q__IYIQ1pvZwNJv_tEW6ltayWC7-OJqwj_pBxCm3frxxKn96BaF5iWMJQz5Wv3_XafL3e2xdVai6stR4HCziNWuqv8gh105BqipZ5u3RfZeJ9fGn6U_u4jr1uMkNZcUFafsuJJDks6xrkfrCeC5hhidtMG-ZN-FwLEjyH_FRvRQzOdCYyGSDCb0vBmAfcTLRMIsyRsrN_UwuTfyPla-KRi-DpkmPFZxhmhPlXoo59ZNlZg=w466-h640?authuser=0" width="466" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>How about you--do you like The Nature Conservancy? Have you been to any of their Natural Areas or similar places?<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.5578678-3.06703582150638 -142.8703678 88.768866221506386 -2.2453677999999968tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-76146237027348636202021-06-12T18:14:00.000-04:002021-06-12T18:14:03.543-04:00Groundations: Spring 2021<p>Hello dear reader! How are you doing these days? It seems like it's been one of the gentlest and most beautiful springs in recent memory to me, with flowers blooming extra long, the air perfumed with the scent of lilacs and apple blossoms and honeysuckle, and days of perfect weather that was not too hot or too cold. Now that it's June, the air smells like roses, particularly along the walking paths that border the West River here in Brattleboro, Vermont.</p><p>I want to tell you about a gardening project we have started NEW in
2021, and we'll see how it evolves for the rest of the growing season. I'm calling this post "Groundations" because it's a lovely word I heard ultrarunner Jorge Maravilla use in a podcast interview (it was the <a href="https://themorningshakeout.com/podcast-episode-160-with-stephanie-howe-and-jorge-maravilla/" target="_blank">Morning Shakeout</a> with Mario Fraioli). With all the nuttiness of the world, being able to work together on our garden and know that we'll have a little food coming our way from these efforts is very grounding and gives us foundations that feel good. It's all about the groundations.<br /></p><p>So this year we are trying <i>hugelkultur</i>, which is essentially a type of permaculture-slash-raised bed that doesn't have a frame. I believe the word means "hill culture." <a href="https://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/many-benefits-hugelkultur" target="_blank">Permaculture Magazine</a> calls hugelkultur "no-dig raised beds with a difference," though we definitely did a lot of digging to set up our hugels. Today I'm sharing how we set up our two beds and how they're going so far!</p><p>First, we decided to let the original plot that I <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2017/06/gardening-for-idiots-4-easy-steps.html" target="_blank">started back in 2017</a> go back to lawn for now. Instead we decided to dig two long beds--24 feet long it turns out--right across our front yard. We did this back in April when the ground had thawed but it wasn't yet blazing hot.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8j-hPaqq3U/YLKD7pOI0cI/AAAAAAAAWgQ/OpO1mrYkzewrUPehcvR7dv6H5zl-bOnVgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3145.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f8j-hPaqq3U/YLKD7pOI0cI/AAAAAAAAWgQ/OpO1mrYkzewrUPehcvR7dv6H5zl-bOnVgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3145.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><p>I am the "family forker" (I love using a digging fork) so I started things off by removing the turf in the area we wanted (turves are to the left in the photo above). Next we dug out more dirt to create two trenches below ground level.</p><p>The idea of hugelkultur is to put a lot of biodegradable material of different types into the structure of each bed. We had collected all of our maple leaves from last fall and wintered them in a bit of fencing. (Prof. Kitty trivia: the fencing we used was <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2020/06/now-more-than-ever-gardening.html" target="_blank">last year's</a> cucumber trellis and tomato trellis wired together.) </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CYNSTwdFzA/YMUmmr5bi6I/AAAAAAAAWkM/CRjxkjjrARs2vBR9FTPtpZdydoaQkYJGACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3146.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2CYNSTwdFzA/YMUmmr5bi6I/AAAAAAAAWkM/CRjxkjjrARs2vBR9FTPtpZdydoaQkYJGACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3146.HEIC" /></a></div> <p></p><p>We also spent several weeks in March and April collecting sticks and branches and rotting logs, including getting a local work crew to drop off their yard trimmings one day instead of putting it in the chipper.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gse4mi4zlI/YMUmgbFoF1I/AAAAAAAAWkI/ZmBqeG2IfVglQKGAvs67r27_AINjbjZZQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3144.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gse4mi4zlI/YMUmgbFoF1I/AAAAAAAAWkI/ZmBqeG2IfVglQKGAvs67r27_AINjbjZZQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3144.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><p>So after digging out the trenches, we built them back up with organic materials that will decompose over the next few years. First we put in the leaves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSIf-0zxw98/YMUn0Rc-xaI/AAAAAAAAWkU/tamWYeJT_qMgVetRD8cUhMGYCFdcup73ACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3147.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HSIf-0zxw98/YMUn0Rc-xaI/AAAAAAAAWkU/tamWYeJT_qMgVetRD8cUhMGYCFdcup73ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3147.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>Then we put in the newer sticks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FowmH6SsQ-o/YMUn_qH45eI/AAAAAAAAWkY/1IuUQnDPkpo5OaKFA-Cf02oiUuPBRe98wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3148.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FowmH6SsQ-o/YMUn_qH45eI/AAAAAAAAWkY/1IuUQnDPkpo5OaKFA-Cf02oiUuPBRe98wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3148.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><p>We topped that with older logs that had started to decompose already--the idea is that you're making an environment for both microbes and fungi to start their busy little communities.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFaPRO2_ZFE/YMUoSKLYmNI/AAAAAAAAWkg/ov1gJqxYuGUYD8J7JJLV9y929u84d51kACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3151.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WFaPRO2_ZFE/YMUoSKLYmNI/AAAAAAAAWkg/ov1gJqxYuGUYD8J7JJLV9y929u84d51kACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3151.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><p>We put more leaves on top of the wood, and then put the turves back on (trying to do this grass-side down). Finally we put the dirt on top while mixing in some bags of commercial compost.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTq1IazdcBI/YMUoqC7tjHI/AAAAAAAAWko/Ft7qTDA6r5Igk55yg5iM-ACaTBHnpajxACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3153.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gTq1IazdcBI/YMUoqC7tjHI/AAAAAAAAWko/Ft7qTDA6r5Igk55yg5iM-ACaTBHnpajxACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3153.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><p>In the photo above, the nearer left-hand hugel is done, and the right-hand one has the wood and leaves and is ready for turf and dirt. We were ready to plant! Except it was April in Vermont, so we needed to wait a few more weeks until the frost was done.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uiur84M5hzs/YMUo-XNIftI/AAAAAAAAWkw/TnjqYUmhacUtg7P7rzhPktQwCs1h3QXAQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3187.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uiur84M5hzs/YMUo-XNIftI/AAAAAAAAWkw/TnjqYUmhacUtg7P7rzhPktQwCs1h3QXAQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3187.HEIC" /></a></div><p>For the next part of the project, we got some wood chip mulch to cover the hugels and keep warmth and nutrients in and weeds down. In the above photo taken in May, the upper part of the frame shows a layer of the mulch on the hugel. We've never used mulch before, so this is a learning process--especially how to water a plant that buried in mulch as the water seems to just run down the side of our little hills. (We ended up clearing the mulch away from the plant stems, and we pour water into the little bowls that this created.) </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsjLFpJvH_s/YMUsf5kL7xI/AAAAAAAAWmc/pyEKL0l9IGABU7ld4il3C41hbQK_8aHEgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3190.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MsjLFpJvH_s/YMUsf5kL7xI/AAAAAAAAWmc/pyEKL0l9IGABU7ld4il3C41hbQK_8aHEgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3190.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>Above are the hugels after we got the plants in at the end of May. We buy starts from local farm stands because we usually just want 1-5 of any particular thing. We planted beans, summer squash, a sugar baby watermelon, lettuce, spinach, parsley, onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers. <br /></p><p>Below are the hugels today in June. (I don't know if "hugels" is the proper term, but we fondly call them our hugels.)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eS52NW1ZX7s/YMUq3MlRO2I/AAAAAAAAWls/NZYX-gSShfQcNmJ_XhvzluFKUh5MGW_ngCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3221.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eS52NW1ZX7s/YMUq3MlRO2I/AAAAAAAAWls/NZYX-gSShfQcNmJ_XhvzluFKUh5MGW_ngCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3221.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>Three cucumbers plants are starting to take hold and flourish.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e4k4gWRoMY/YMUq3JsBjeI/AAAAAAAAWls/u9fJWUP8TA8lVQAUgx0A03NWTNUJPsOgACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3220.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5e4k4gWRoMY/YMUq3JsBjeI/AAAAAAAAWls/u9fJWUP8TA8lVQAUgx0A03NWTNUJPsOgACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3220.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>The tomatoes are growing nicely so far. Our next project will be to concoct a bamboo trellis for them--we're inspired by the setup that Jag Singh demonstrates in his <a href="https://youtu.be/9zsDo3PJ0Vc" target="_blank">Cheap & Easy Tomato Trellis</a> video.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjnEBGbeqFc/YMUq3IMGREI/AAAAAAAAWls/qYlAf2Eddv4jd9BKeA53Jw2UxJf5dx4KACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3219.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YjnEBGbeqFc/YMUq3IMGREI/AAAAAAAAWls/qYlAf2Eddv4jd9BKeA53Jw2UxJf5dx4KACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3219.HEIC" /></a></div><p>The lettuces on the near side of this hugel seem very happy. I'd like to plant some chard and kale on the other side.</p><p>That's the hugelkultur story so far! We're excited to reclaim more of our yard for food purposes! My understanding is that the soil will get richer after overwintering, which is a great time for microbial activity. I'll keep you posted on how the plants end up spreading out--we gave them a lot of space and I hope that it's enough!</p><p>How does your garden grow? Are you planting in new ways this year? Have you heard of hugelkultur before? How are your GROUNDATIONS?<br /></p>"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-47634300418491206852021-03-16T20:41:00.001-04:002021-03-16T20:41:22.008-04:00Artful Ice Shanties in Brattleboro, VT<p>Here's a sign of spring in Brattleboro: when the ice fishing shanties start to disappear from their winter home on the frozen "Retreat Meadows." The spot, more properly called <a href="http://brattleborowords.org/project/retreat-farm-meadows/">Wantastegok</a> (the original Abenaki name for this area), looks like a small lake or pond, but it's actually part of the West River. In the wintertime, ice fishing shanties appear on the white expanse--these are the same shanties featured in the Brattleboro Museum & Art Center exhibit <a href="https://logomachia.blogspot.com/2021/01/ice-hair-shoes-words-visiting.html">we saw in January</a>.<br /></p><p>Then in March, when warm weather starts (sometimes only for a few hours at a time before going back to cold), I start wondering how long the shanties will stay out on the ice. There's often a weekend day when the shore is a cluster of trucks and people and shanties being moved around. And there always seem to be some holdouts waiting for <i>one more cold spell</i>... still out on the ice until the last possible moment before the meadow is truly thawed and on its way back to lake-like tranquility.<br /></p><p>This year we had something extra to look at--the <a href="https://www.brattleboromuseum.org/2020/11/10/call-for-entries-artful-ice-shanties-design-build-competition/">Artful Ice Shanties</a> exhibit that took place last month at Retreat Farm right on the outskirts of Brattleboro. <br /></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kqm7hign1Bg/YDu_Ful-O9I/AAAAAAAAWFY/1aWZJYmNFlY76W5-Tu96dCzR3KFeTKfYACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3022.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Kqm7hign1Bg/YDu_Ful-O9I/AAAAAAAAWFY/1aWZJYmNFlY76W5-Tu96dCzR3KFeTKfYACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3022.HEIC" width="320" /></a> <br /></p><p>Inspired by the museum's exhibit mentioned above, this was a
Design-Build competition that took place in late February (on land
though, which I was grateful for). The art shanties were very cool and all quite different from one other! Here's a quick tour of what we saw.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99eSVoVdWn4/YDu_Fk3oapI/AAAAAAAAWFY/w6VDjIGeBJka0WhQjQ_PbEocSfWEP8r0wCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_2999.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99eSVoVdWn4/YDu_Fk3oapI/AAAAAAAAWFY/w6VDjIGeBJka0WhQjQ_PbEocSfWEP8r0wCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_2999.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>This colorful shanty with paper 3D tentacles was inspired by the documentary "My Octopus Teacher."<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbZods5VYus/YDu_Fjnh5yI/AAAAAAAAWFY/w8jmdTFlFEIQRJHepAjT0yMgIbAmL-2vQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3001.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbZods5VYus/YDu_Fjnh5yI/AAAAAAAAWFY/w8jmdTFlFEIQRJHepAjT0yMgIbAmL-2vQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3001.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>This shanty was called "No Justice, No Peace" and made to confront systemic racism by recognizing the huge problem and its effects, and that black lives matter.<br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2JzWXaRjUk/YDu_FsFA68I/AAAAAAAAWFY/RZ0HhHEpcRA6OnwDsB8bUKjmpqpp7RMlACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3002.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T2JzWXaRjUk/YDu_FsFA68I/AAAAAAAAWFY/RZ0HhHEpcRA6OnwDsB8bUKjmpqpp7RMlACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3002.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>Breonna Taylor. No Justice, No Peace.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y9edTRK8VI/YDu_Fp9hneI/AAAAAAAAWFY/rzhEgev2sWQUPvEFiFBJBTkQ0lmBE6QeACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3003.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Y9edTRK8VI/YDu_Fp9hneI/AAAAAAAAWFY/rzhEgev2sWQUPvEFiFBJBTkQ0lmBE6QeACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3003.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>This gothic arch shanty is called "Icy Hue." <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoBkNNMdgnY/YDu_FmKvHJI/AAAAAAAAWFY/C8l8b-Xo69EgsWGX6ej2IyFsM85QgYMCwCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3004.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CoBkNNMdgnY/YDu_FmKvHJI/AAAAAAAAWFY/C8l8b-Xo69EgsWGX6ej2IyFsM85QgYMCwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3004.HEIC" /></a></div><p></p><p>Icy Hue has a spacious and inviting interior with chairs, table, tiny woodstove, cooler, and pre-cut fishing hole. I wanted to get inside and cuddle up with a hot fire and a good book.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiCs6NcVV-0/YDu_FvTWHuI/AAAAAAAAWFY/23Ob9THtQlc5NJipx1FIcMchK5h8SlLHgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3005.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KiCs6NcVV-0/YDu_FvTWHuI/AAAAAAAAWFY/23Ob9THtQlc5NJipx1FIcMchK5h8SlLHgCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3005.HEIC" /></a></div><p>Here's the other side of "Icy Hue."</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7EgwLas-20/YDu_FlJZYbI/AAAAAAAAWFY/NJ8GZgpNgJM8v7Lv16BhYtpDTyzPRLwrACPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3006.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7EgwLas-20/YDu_FlJZYbI/AAAAAAAAWFY/NJ8GZgpNgJM8v7Lv16BhYtpDTyzPRLwrACPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_3006.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>This shanty called "Curiosity" is decorated with natural materials like branches and bark and features a skeleton peering into a fishing hole. Presumably it is taking a while to catch a fish? Or maybe this is one enterprising skeleton.</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR7ZE5tTIV4/YDu_FqL-8wI/AAAAAAAAWFY/Elg8nte4bCErUvIWLh25pEmnEX0mxX-HQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3011.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZR7ZE5tTIV4/YDu_FqL-8wI/AAAAAAAAWFY/Elg8nte4bCErUvIWLh25pEmnEX0mxX-HQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3011.HEIC" /> </a></p><p><br /></p><p>This wood shanty resembling an ornate pallet project is illustrated inside and out.<br /></p><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhogQKacsqI/YDu_Fk5hOeI/AAAAAAAAWFY/tjcJ7yWyhM8jwm8jw5TcuLLOVgnJa462QCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3012.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zhogQKacsqI/YDu_Fk5hOeI/AAAAAAAAWFY/tjcJ7yWyhM8jwm8jw5TcuLLOVgnJa462QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3012.HEIC" /> </a></p><p>You can see there are scenes and images burned into the wood on the sides.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFRuuTnRmlw/YDu_FrsXKQI/AAAAAAAAWFY/-eafLA-2DwQ_BYL973ZnZVxOrtRSQqGGgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3008.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yFRuuTnRmlw/YDu_FrsXKQI/AAAAAAAAWFY/-eafLA-2DwQ_BYL973ZnZVxOrtRSQqGGgCPcBGAsYHg/w300-h400/IMG_3008.HEIC" width="300" /></a></div><p>This red and white shanty is called "The Wishing Well" and is intended to be a way to cast spells and set intentions by casting a stone into the well. By the way, each shanty had a unique award printed on its sign, and this one got the award for "IMPRESSIVELY OVERCOMING MERCURY IN RETROGRADE."<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FhqwOzUQzA/YDu_FlSdfAI/AAAAAAAAWFY/rCXo2nyG0J8D3er-v5KbZv7ctXY7SQqWQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3009.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7FhqwOzUQzA/YDu_FlSdfAI/AAAAAAAAWFY/rCXo2nyG0J8D3er-v5KbZv7ctXY7SQqWQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3009.HEIC" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeukWhDtG10/YDu_FqoHGrI/AAAAAAAAWFY/37E4E1VvQX8V-Etd1Q7kd3F8pwXJIw58QCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3010.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeukWhDtG10/YDu_FqoHGrI/AAAAAAAAWFY/37E4E1VvQX8V-Etd1Q7kd3F8pwXJIw58QCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3010.HEIC" /></a><p><br />The black shanty with moon images is called "Moon Die<sup>TM</sup>." I didn't actually figure out that it was a giant die until I read its name on the sign. This shanty is definitely the most noticeable from the road!</p><p><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upF1z56GRD4/YDu_FodlodI/AAAAAAAAWFY/tiYQe-zfVAEC8zAioxOujQO7c3d-cvG8ACPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3014.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-upF1z56GRD4/YDu_FodlodI/AAAAAAAAWFY/tiYQe-zfVAEC8zAioxOujQO7c3d-cvG8ACPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3014.HEIC" /></a></div><p> </p><p>Here is Moon Die with Icy Hue in the background, and Retreat Farm behind that.<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0vrg2IHpTk/YDu_Ftb2fAI/AAAAAAAAWFY/r7P0vBNI0CoL8BRV5pMU-m7l1-d57P-KwCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_3015.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0vrg2IHpTk/YDu_Ftb2fAI/AAAAAAAAWFY/r7P0vBNI0CoL8BRV5pMU-m7l1-d57P-KwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_3015.HEIC" /></a></div><br /><p>We really liked the Artful Ice Shanties! There was a nice number of shanties to look at, and each was thought-provoking and very creative.</p><p>Afterward we walked out on the ice itself. I've never been here in the wintertime, though I kayak here often in the summer. It was amazing to STAND right where I am used to floating. It was beautiful.<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQBO_nj9ZEI/YDu_Fhzy5QI/AAAAAAAAWFY/GMIBZhJIPAoFLKDR6gCBMVIL_Ay2muXcgCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_3024.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQBO_nj9ZEI/YDu_Fhzy5QI/AAAAAAAAWFY/GMIBZhJIPAoFLKDR6gCBMVIL_Ay2muXcgCPcBGAsYHg/w640-h480/IMG_3024.HEIC" width="640" /></a></p>I ran past Wantastegok two days ago and it looks like the shanties are gone. The ice is still there though (it's been cold again) and someone was out on the ice in the bright sunshine, flying an enormous red kite.<br />"Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Brattleboro, VT 05301, USA42.8509152 -72.557867814.540681363821157 -107.7141178 71.161149036178841 -37.4016178tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8630999.post-63670284764761239402021-02-27T17:19:00.005-05:002021-03-01T14:00:39.608-05:00Gratitude for Tea<div dir="ltr"><div>February is... not my favorite. I think, "When will winter end?" And I think, "I guess never." And then I think, "Well, I'll have another cup of tea." </div><div> </div><div>In wintertime, tea is my placeholder for many other things. Like going outside, or having any kind of inspiration to get something accomplished (maybe working on my knitting project, or cleaning something). Instead, I have some more tea. Tea gives my hands and my heart something to do, and makes me feel warm outside and hugged from the inside. I think tea is getting me through the winter, really. As February finally draws to a close this weekend, here's a little tour of my tea shelf and some thoughts about this wonderful substance.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let's start with caffeinated teas. I have learned from trial and error that I should only drink this kind of tea before noon, or else it will keep me awake past midnight. My favorite black tea is Red Rose: such a classic. Red Rose has been the go-to tea in my family for as long as I can remember. Remember when they used to put little collectible figurines in each box? Apparently you can still get figurines in specially marked boxes or if you order directly from <a href="https://redrosetea.com/">Red Rose</a>. I think Red Rose (Original) has a nice, soft mouth-feel--similar to a Darjeeling tea (it's actually Orange Pekoe). I like it with milk and sugar. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBAeOQoJhaA/YDKxtug00OI/AAAAAAAAWBU/VNcAlE4KllY6zkyr-CBpVlW4lhQ4diJMgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_2992.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HBAeOQoJhaA/YDKxtug00OI/AAAAAAAAWBU/VNcAlE4KllY6zkyr-CBpVlW4lhQ4diJMgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_2992.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div>I'm also working my way through a box of Lemon Lift black tea and a box of Chai black tea (which is black tea with spices in it). I like the latter with a big spoonful of sweetened condensed milk.<br /></div><div dir="ltr"><br /><br /><div>If it's afternoon, a nice fruit tea is good. I recently got two Bigelow teas--the Perfect Peach is great (it says that it's supposed to taste like peach pie, and I'm a fan of that). The Red Raspberry is OK but it has a bit of hibiscus-y tartness that's not very raspberry-like.<br /></div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_nCrAdV5go/YDKxxauwmSI/AAAAAAAAWBY/cTIN__l9bG0EQCxR9-Xt_fwcXA66RMiaQCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_2991.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H_nCrAdV5go/YDKxxauwmSI/AAAAAAAAWBY/cTIN__l9bG0EQCxR9-Xt_fwcXA66RMiaQCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_2991.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />Next, inspired by the peach pie tea, I started looking for other interesting fruity or dessert-y options, and found these two from Tazo. The Wild Apple Sarsaparilla claims to be "Inspired by the Midwest" which I think is hilarious. It's a little apple-y but also has a spicy-woody twist that is nice. The Glazed Lemon Loaf tea is lemon-y but also has notes of liquorice or anise, which I presume is to make it more robust and... loaflike.<br /></div><div dir="ltr"> </div><div dir="ltr"> <a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDiZnqxW64s/YDKx0tyGeNI/AAAAAAAAWBc/Ablj29-2oC0s-cq-ablvIk8VwOsJQYUcgCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_2993.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fDiZnqxW64s/YDKx0tyGeNI/AAAAAAAAWBc/Ablj29-2oC0s-cq-ablvIk8VwOsJQYUcgCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_2993.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><div dir="ltr"><div><br /></div><div>If it's evening and I'm still craving black tea, I really like Twinings' Lady Grey decaffeinated black tea. It has that same "soft sip" that I enjoy in the Red Rose. I'm also a big fan of Nighty Night Extra with Valerian in it from Traditional Medicinals. I swear it really does help me get to sleep. One of my favorite weekend treats is a mug of Night Night Extra and a slice of cake.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZmj4MTCYAs/YDKx6E7cq_I/AAAAAAAAWBg/m29ojQvWAPk325GLRAEqQ6zd8XaaK_N3QCPcBGAsYHg/s3024/IMG_2994.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZmj4MTCYAs/YDKx6E7cq_I/AAAAAAAAWBg/m29ojQvWAPk325GLRAEqQ6zd8XaaK_N3QCPcBGAsYHg/w400-h400/IMG_2994.HEIC" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I do have some tea goals. I would like to get my hands on Strawberry Cheesecake tea (made by Red Rose), to see what that's like. I'm on the lookout for white peach tea and mango tea. I also found a Sweet Rhubarb tea by Taylors of Harrogate that sounds pretty delicious.</div><div> </div><div>There are some teas I don't like--I'm not a fan of rooibos. I also don't love teas that are essentially a base of chamomile or green tea with other flavors added.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>If I ever get to Japan, I'd like to get some Karel Capek tea. (Yes, it is named after the Czech writer who coined the word "robot.") Karel Capek tea packaging is gorgeously illustrated by the founder Utako Yamada, who opened the Karel Capek tea and sweets shop in Tokyo in 2002. The flavors are fascinating like Milk Caramel, Fruits Party, and Girls Tea (Strawberry), and I would love to learn more about Thank You Tea, Birthday Tea, and Pancake Tea. Please watch this Rainbowholic video about the store and Utako Yamada if you'd like to learn more!</div><div> </div><div> </div> <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K-qgVh1SPa4" width="560"></iframe>
<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So tell me about you and tea. Do you love it? What flavors do you like? <br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div> "Prof. Kitty"http://www.blogger.com/profile/09190535840634896412noreply@blogger.com0Ontario P0L, Canada51.433236699999988 -82.338406225.857289333058922 -117.4946562 77.00918406694106 -47.182156199999994