semi update

Not much of one, will do more later.

Beast of a headache, thought I had a cold. But went out, ordered new glasses on Sat, with aid of brilliant Doc aide who picked out great frames on the first shot. It still want surgery someday.

barelyproper helped me with shopping on Sat--have three more pretty blouses from Target (yay clearance!), shoes to dance in, or go to work in (note to BP--will need to do something to the soles, were slippery on the Masonic floor). There's a pair that makes me feel like Hummel porcelein.

I know, that makes no sense. Trust me.

She also helped me with hair stuff. Yes, I just typed that. Yes, your monitor is working fine.

Blew obligations to people on Sat, but I needed to do this for myself. Quiet time to myself, wanted a relaxed time to prep for the evening. Went to Ball (this was a last-minute-as-of-Thurs idea).

Felt spooked as usual, too shy, out of place. tsgeisel was kind enough to put the clutch in and get me waltzing on the floor. Met two other pryankster adjuncts who also did same. Note to Fezzis: you have a marvelous young Fez who says he just spent his first season in your guild. He's charming, a good lead---and when he noticed me hanging out, just watching, for the last waltz, his Inner Fez kicked in, and he asked me to dance. He's a good 'un!

My attitude improved by the time the first break. Once the country dances were less packed (shorter lines so I could fit in, my Pryankster attitude kicked in.
During waltzes, I still will not ask for a dance.
Once the country lines shortened, I was not afraid to encroach on the bottom of a set, and announce, "I can be a boy or a girl---can I get a partner?"
(I took until the 2nd half of the ball before I got to be a girl! But I made sure to look for other shy women and pull them into sets.)

Had a lovely Night Drive home---miss those---used my CD player for the first time for blues in the night. Home at 2am, in bed by 3pm.

Slept late. Realized my shoulders were tired. I'm embarassed to think why: I was holding my arms up for waltzes, and I had to remind myself to stand up straight and hold my shoulders back. Decided I needed a Date with Self day, or Church for Self Day. Either requires I get out and get indulgence or solitude. I packed my paints and pastels, got JimBoy taco platter for brunch, and then drove to the country roads outside of Vacaville. Munched, read funnies, watched the wind whip through the fields. Too windy to sit out and paint. Decided to drive on to Morning Sun Herbal Farm.

I've been promising to take care of lawn, and experiment in small degrees of gardening. So, I bought four examples of ground cover, and some compost. Took copious notes of what they have available now, for ideas on what to buy inthe future. (I'd like some tall fragrants, lavender and rosemary, the usual herbals that we all want---but I'd like an assortment of sages, as we have in the arboretum. Culinary, non-culinary, silver, green, flowering in all colors---a sampler. Will also think about butterfly foliage.)


For the interest of you Green folk, here are the samples that came home. These *should* be alright for Low Water, strong sun exposure.

Elfin Thyme, Catmint (Nepeta, low), Mount Atlas Daisy, and the nursery owner's suggestion, Creeping Jenny. That last needs a country dance.

Will see if I can actually make these work.

Home, made chicken soup with mushrooms, carrots, onions. Also made salsa out of the last of the tomatoes and some litt serrano red peppers off our bushes. GOOD change of pace from jalepeno, along with lime juice and garlic. After letting it sit, pour the excess juice into the soup.

This is going to be interesting matzo ball soup.

OK, need to transcribe Spanish notes, and make lunch.

Need some food advice tonight: matzoh balls

Per the matzoh mix (I can hear the purists screaming now)....I can mix the dough, then set it in the fridge for 15 minutes to set up.

Can I mix it up tonight, and set it up overnight? Or will that ruin the flavor and consistancy.

They suggest using water or broth. Was thinking of using broth....but I know some folks swear by seltzer water.

And they box mentions cooking these in water. Should they be cooked in hot soupy goodness---or would that have the same effect as cooking rice or barley in soup (I always pre cook those before adding).

So....if I can prep the balls tonight, post here or email me.
If I can prep the balls tonight, I you want to vote on broth vs. seltzer, as above.
The rest can wait.