tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14344428516112240152024-03-14T01:39:00.973-04:00blogbabyWe who laugh at ourselves will never cease to be amused.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.comBlogger334125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-53042389335770972542014-09-23T11:54:00.000-04:002014-09-23T11:54:02.867-04:00Things I've done today...Rewound a ball of yarn done too tight at the store: Knit a few rows on a shawl<br />
Made breakfast: Toast, sausage, apple butter and apple cinnamon oatmeal from scratch<br />
Laundry: That mountain has been conquered<br />
Canned apple butter: 4 pounds of apples makes 4 cups<br />
Baked bread: Why not?<br />
Made tomato sauce: From scratch for supper tonight<br />
Cleaned up after myself: No one else is going to<br />
Knit some more: That shawl isn't going to knit itself<br />
<br />
All that and it's not even noon.<br />
<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-36176786356493119412014-03-04T09:23:00.000-05:002014-03-04T09:23:07.378-05:00Does there have to be a title?Wouldn't it be nice to make a fresh start? From the ground up? To let go of everything and discover a new way to live?<br />
I can feel a longing for that in my life. A desire too let go of old habits, old ways of doing things, old ways of thinking and feeling and reacting and to discover who I am now, after all this time without any of that stuff dragging at me.<br />
This life hangs on to me though, tentacular hooks of love, relationship, responsibility that would shred my scarred soul if ripped away.<br />
I think I know a little of why the caged bird sings.<br />
<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-91744216679019817062012-06-15T12:15:00.003-04:002012-06-15T12:15:56.385-04:00The "I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT'S A PANCAKE RECIPE!" recipeThese pancakes are practically unbelievable. As in you won't believe it til you make them. Seriously<br />
Ready?<br />
<br />
Get out your blender<br />
Get out your non stick skillet and a little butter<br />
<br />
Crack 4 eggs into the blender<br />
4 oz of cream cheese go in next-add a spoonful of sugar if you feel like it<br />
Put the lid on and blend thoroughly<br />
<br />
Set the blender by the stove and put your skillet on to heat and melt the pat of butter.<br />
When the pan is hot pour in a little batter-this works best if you make 4" pancakes<br />
When the bubbles set flip those babies over(you might need to spray the spatula with some nonstick spray), the second side will really only take few seconds-like 20 or 30, no more than a minute.<br />
<br />
Put them on the plate you're going to eat off of- trust me it works better that way.<br />
Serve with warmed fruit-I used some unsweetened frozen berries and some maple syrup.<br />
<br />
Crazy huh? <br />
CRAZY DELICIOUS!<br />
I'd take pictures only you'd see nothing but berry juice stained plates, speaking of , I'd better get in the kitchen and clean up =)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-65451640052063117892012-05-27T23:33:00.001-04:002012-05-28T00:31:55.765-04:00I don't know if you know this about me but I've seen somebody literally beaten to death before my very eyes. <br />
Bones shattered, limbs hanging useless, dangling from broken arms, legs - pleading for mercy that doesn't come. I, he was helpless to do anything but scream and plead with Powers that dont' listen to stop, that don't listen to reason, they just don't and there's nothing to do but just watch. NOTHING. Don't go there just don't-nothing to do but watch this man be beaten to a pulp right there, to experience this sense of helplessness of nothingness as you watch unable to do anything. NOTHING. NOTHING NOTHING I was nothing. No one around me was anything. I was no thing except this we- this one person, my love, holding a picture of us and what could be, our future, our possibilities and what ifs h- holding each other back from our own certain death at the protest of a man losing his life so HORRIFICALLY before me , before us. <br />
<br />
<div>
<div>
People die all the time.<br />
</div>
<div>
Our-my-own daughter died in our-my-arms.</div>
<div>
She died of natural causes.</div>
<div>
She wasn't beaten to death as this man was. She wasn't pulped and broken to death because she was hungry.<br />
She just died.<br />
<br />
Rest assured,<br />
I've seen death.<br />
Death .<br />
DEATH.<br />
How many of us see someone die right there? I mean right there? In our arms, in our circle of influence? A loved one sure, but a stranger? How many of us can effect the outcome? Some? Few? Me? My daughter died of croup. We are a civilized advanced country. We did all we could to save her. We failed.</div>
<div>
This man, this grown man, I watched him die.<br />
Held back by "helping" hands, he was MURDERED before my very eyes. Broken. Bleeding. <br />
Was her death the price I-we-payed to live? <br />
WAS IT? <br />
I am haunted by this idea.<br />
This guilt.<br />
HAUNTED.<br />
What could I have done? Could I have paid his fucking restaurant tab? Could I have been the fucking white person who couldn't be touched in that fucking 1999 China?</div>
<div>
I don't know.<br />
<br />
I know this though:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Life is precious.</div>
<div>
My heart is broken.</div>
<div>
I live.<br />
I live in a country where you won't die for skipping out on your restaurant tab. </div>
<div>
Where you have a chance.<br />
<br />
I've seen hopelessness and death. <br />
I've SEEN IT.<br />
<br />
SEEN IT<br />
<br />
Let's not go there.<br />
Let's not be those people.<br />
Let's fucking get over it okay?<br />
<br />
Let's live.<br />
Let's love.<br />
Let's be excellent to each other.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let's.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-82178822790018388132012-05-24T19:23:00.000-04:002012-05-24T19:42:55.748-04:00Italian Potato Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Kale-Bundle.jpg/250px-Kale-Bundle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4b/Kale-Bundle.jpg/250px-Kale-Bundle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We occasionally go to Olive Garden for an almost quick lunch, enjoying the soup and salad and if I'm feeling skinny, a tiramisu.<br />
Sometimes though going out is just too much bother and since I know how to make soup and reverse engineering recipes is kind of a hobby of mine, when I got a craving for some Zuppa Toscana I knew just how to make it. <br />
And...<br />
I DID!<br />
This soup is so delicious and I think my version is actually better than the "name brand".<br />
<br />
<br />
Here's how I did it:<br />
<br />
One big soup pot on a medium flame<br />
One good glug of olive oil into the pot<br />
One medium yellow onion chopped and dropped into the oil<br />
1/2 lb of Italian sausage removed from it's casing and broken up into the pot. (I splurged on this at Earthfare and got 2 links of hot Italian sausage) <br />
6 smallish red potatoes chopped and then dropped into the pot when the sausage is mostly done<br />
One box of chicken stock poured in on top of everything (32oz I believe as I decided to not get the biggest new box at the store)<br />
<br />
Give it all a stir and be patient.<br />
<br />
Simmer for awhile-at least 30 to 45 minutes and give it a taste. I needed to add some salt (grey Celtic sea salt in my case) and the sausage wasn't very fennely so I added about 1/8 tsp of fennel seed which I crushed with my fingers before adding it in<br />
<br />
You aren't done yet!<br />
<br />
Get out your potato masher and start mashing until it's the texture you like - don't go too crazy as you still want plenty of potato chunks!<br />
One bunch of fresh kale goes in next - stem it and tear the leaves into smallish bits and stir them into your hot soup<br />
<br />
TURN OFF THE HEAT! <br />
This is very important for the soup to be a success, after all you don't want your soup to "break" do you?<br />
<br />
Now for the last step:<br />
Stir in about 1 cup of whole milk or enough to make the color "right" (this was another splurge from Earthfare- organic, non homogenized, and minimally pasteurized-delicious I must say).<br />
<br />
Serve yourself a bowl and top with a fresh grating of Parmesan cheese.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
*instead of tiramisu we made oatmeal raisin walnut cookies which we have eaten the heck out of.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-18778505284949780542012-02-14T17:28:00.002-05:002012-02-14T17:28:28.485-05:00Call me Sid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
As if knitting dolly dresses out of cashmere wasn't crazy enough,<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hLiuCQI-etjRArBvkShLB98XEho9TTHaMNISuTrUe5E6pnc-uPMtXR3TboaXSLn-Hy4AvmUJeRlw64K6RfZrx4AHC2ZY9UGMFqtJSi5ouz4pUyW3NFK59AdUbVf2Q68fo32fpL8-E8bW/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hLiuCQI-etjRArBvkShLB98XEho9TTHaMNISuTrUe5E6pnc-uPMtXR3TboaXSLn-Hy4AvmUJeRlw64K6RfZrx4AHC2ZY9UGMFqtJSi5ouz4pUyW3NFK59AdUbVf2Q68fo32fpL8-E8bW/s400/IMG_5255.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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And taking a million pictures to get just the right one wasn't time consuming enough... </div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeVSltCQ0pHfoBdhooIuuG62uDXELea3_44h4D3bGbQB8dqTGpYLiz2uphNMcvFNhXQ8Y6JnL8rNOuljvSJN02iEBkvUIy6SZL38PDsc-Djl6dy_MA3JeGt1qHsd4EEksTo96KmsnTx5T/s1600/IMG_5254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeVSltCQ0pHfoBdhooIuuG62uDXELea3_44h4D3bGbQB8dqTGpYLiz2uphNMcvFNhXQ8Y6JnL8rNOuljvSJN02iEBkvUIy6SZL38PDsc-Djl6dy_MA3JeGt1qHsd4EEksTo96KmsnTx5T/s400/IMG_5254.JPG" width="300" /></a><br />
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I also take dolls apart and put them back together again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPQQ2IzC1nez9k3XMw8Lmk2GjcHZI6YfZhhA8d39jRA7zwMLz4akeWTtjq20ig5WdPkzltn-U2ZQdQz8_u30FTYA3O_PfpziQLUmFkethE0xrnxTdjKSqxkvrY52h3AvZL67-rnfTkuWF/s1600/IMG_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuPQQ2IzC1nez9k3XMw8Lmk2GjcHZI6YfZhhA8d39jRA7zwMLz4akeWTtjq20ig5WdPkzltn-U2ZQdQz8_u30FTYA3O_PfpziQLUmFkethE0xrnxTdjKSqxkvrY52h3AvZL67-rnfTkuWF/s400/IMG_5258.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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What's not to love?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRp9AipJqyoY6bst543C2lS7xJ1r5Tokn442l-fddrVcHvNGbq8Hb_iHpqlWfLlbPfAy_Y7MdlfHpj48fZYhzrNTquqqiGshnroq9vUOePFNH0EFfqRMgyKoAQZNFgcF3fDUjNxWvbUMA/s1600/IMG_5259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRp9AipJqyoY6bst543C2lS7xJ1r5Tokn442l-fddrVcHvNGbq8Hb_iHpqlWfLlbPfAy_Y7MdlfHpj48fZYhzrNTquqqiGshnroq9vUOePFNH0EFfqRMgyKoAQZNFgcF3fDUjNxWvbUMA/s400/IMG_5259.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-37730891074539624682012-02-02T15:52:00.001-05:002012-02-14T18:24:24.389-05:00Gentle River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://images4.ravelry.com/webcam/brookbaby/91451026/webcam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images4.ravelry.com/webcam/brookbaby/91451026/webcam.jpg" /></a></div>
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My newest dolly. I'm up to an embarrassing number now. This girl is beautiful as she is so I'll just be making a wardrobe for her.</div>
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Now for the hardest part, giving her a name.</div>
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-40780840375068609482012-01-04T12:51:00.001-05:002012-01-04T12:51:13.991-05:00I sit here feeling kind of bummed and wonder why that is.<br />
Then it hits me.<br />
Duh<br />
My Grandma died just two weeks ago.<br />
Sadness happens even when you're not actively thinking about it.<br />
I only need to keep it together for another week or so.<br />
This time of year sucks.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1Y9CRg3hIo/TwSQ9yT4lNI/AAAAAAAABL8/hezgu45--TE/s1600/fall+shawl+and+graduation+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a1Y9CRg3hIo/TwSQ9yT4lNI/AAAAAAAABL8/hezgu45--TE/s320/fall+shawl+and+graduation+054.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This one's for you Mom.</div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-42298619192763739792011-12-19T10:44:00.000-05:002011-12-19T10:44:03.015-05:00I wonder...I wonder where my words went.<br />
I used to write these rivers of words.<br />
They would flow swift and free,<br />
Bursting the dam and pouring over the banks of my mind,<br />
Surging through my fingertips<br />
and onto the screen.<br />
<br />
Maybe those words were more like an artesian well, deep and full,<br />
Which when tapped quickly reaches equilibrium,<br />
Taking years to repressurise.<br />
I wonder...Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-46361652701241174442011-12-18T06:17:00.003-05:002011-12-18T06:17:47.932-05:00I'm sucked into a connected world that has no real connections.<br />
I've lost the real in my real life.<br />
<br />
Or maybe I just woke up too early and need a cup of coffee.<br />
<br />
I need to clean out my dresser drawers.<br />
No one needs that many t-shirts.<br />
<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-73620235421192088892011-12-04T19:57:00.001-05:002011-12-04T22:12:25.254-05:00Wit or something like itShe hollers from the bathroom "Come on, come here.... coooome oooooon I'm not getting any younger you know.......I'm getting old here."<br />
<br />
She's 6 going on 60 it seems, and truth be told I really don't care about the bubble hat but her tub time conversation is funny enough.<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-24607234176306883302011-11-22T07:48:00.001-05:002011-11-22T07:50:19.914-05:00I am a little bit vain. I know this because sometimes I look at a picture of myself-there are a few okay ones-and think "Hey, I look kinda good". <br />
At least I don't gaze at myself in mirrors all day. Not since I was a teenager anyway.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-34475267608808889372011-11-20T15:46:00.001-05:002011-11-20T15:58:04.466-05:00Beware: Dollies Ahead<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Say hi to Trixie!</div>
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Here's a before picture-what a difference.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5Mb9JSaRvC58DMAf4T3nChgO0HZhEbfgjpUH8woMZnT-C8q6H5oAhytAz1_swjgKZqBDx2l_M2rgC4kkWsGbSTms1w0jB_gScqBazlcv4ijeHg4KVLWCUa1IUaqeJPlJXp5wKnVB-zGv/s1600/Trixie+and+Sally+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB5Mb9JSaRvC58DMAf4T3nChgO0HZhEbfgjpUH8woMZnT-C8q6H5oAhytAz1_swjgKZqBDx2l_M2rgC4kkWsGbSTms1w0jB_gScqBazlcv4ijeHg4KVLWCUa1IUaqeJPlJXp5wKnVB-zGv/s320/Trixie+and+Sally+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-2150792556510734202011-11-16T18:00:00.001-05:002011-11-16T18:07:52.090-05:00WhoaHI!<br />
<br />
I go away for a month and look what happens?<br />
<br />
NOTHING!<br />
<br />
There are some weird fucking people on the television. I mean I know everyone is pretty fucking weird but these people just pick up their skirts and show their drawers right off the bat.<br />
<br />
Eh. I think I'd probably do the same thing.<br />
<br />
I finished two hats in three days. I know you really needed to know that.<br />
<br />
I have a new hobby. It's dolls. Yes, dolls. My midlife crisis has struck.<br />
<br />
You know I turned 40 right?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-64454216024431875192011-09-17T18:44:00.004-04:002011-09-17T18:44:58.923-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudvPr9vShWoJZ7-D2mqG24IdlJteu4JCecVKWSGLY4hpE1AvW1zOiYHGLb86Km9BRDSUifBPkn83SHuimuLGXU2uciLQ4zMEX9leaPJM4WDfOwNRp5VNThZCG92A3g5rnfn-hFqwnNpZZ/s1600/2011-09-17_17-04-43_385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgudvPr9vShWoJZ7-D2mqG24IdlJteu4JCecVKWSGLY4hpE1AvW1zOiYHGLb86Km9BRDSUifBPkn83SHuimuLGXU2uciLQ4zMEX9leaPJM4WDfOwNRp5VNThZCG92A3g5rnfn-hFqwnNpZZ/s320/2011-09-17_17-04-43_385.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Cause we're cool like thatBrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-75718989301461537322011-08-25T15:00:00.002-04:002011-08-25T15:11:29.752-04:00I was wondering...If you hit a butterfly with your car and it stops flapping it's wings in North Carolina, does it stop bad weather in say...Peru?Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-45353069292810602292011-08-23T19:43:00.002-04:002011-08-23T19:47:01.591-04:00What the HeckWe actually felt a little bit of that Virginia earthquake. <div>It was a strange experience.</div><div>I knew right away what it was.</div><div>Way up there on the "Weird-O-Meter".</div><div>
<br /></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-16743324311079212152011-08-18T18:03:00.003-04:002011-08-18T21:13:44.574-04:00Pants hitched up.<div>Belt tightened one more notch.</div><div>It's good.</div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-26828129176654330432011-08-02T17:47:00.007-04:002011-08-03T11:17:28.900-04:00What's for supper?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika2Dq7cfLDrk3KXjGWOMvb7kPso2tdIywj4d5RPhWO9JWBxDd73mJ06PvxfKpXatAzXJdByGLjCRsyvHvFcdFak8DETRQVQThm3sZoWtn-Yzpm2Eoqmcfj1kDx6JukZmUVUNmvTwqI087/s1600/0802011845b.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika2Dq7cfLDrk3KXjGWOMvb7kPso2tdIywj4d5RPhWO9JWBxDd73mJ06PvxfKpXatAzXJdByGLjCRsyvHvFcdFak8DETRQVQThm3sZoWtn-Yzpm2Eoqmcfj1kDx6JukZmUVUNmvTwqI087/s400/0802011845b.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636446778805833234" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Turkey, radishes and spinach.</div><div><br /></div><div>Roasted Turkey Thighs</div><div>(this one takes some time but it is WORTH EVERY MINUTE!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Preheat oven to 350 degrees.</div><div>Put your biggest skillet over medium high heat and add a spoonful of bacon fat(you save yours don't you?).</div><div><br /></div><div>3lbs turkey thighs-this meant just 2 thighs when I was at the store(those things were HUGE).</div><div>Salt, pepper and sprinkle with ground sage the skin side of the turkey thighs.</div><div>Put turkey thighs skin side down in skillet until really brown-between 5 and 10 minutes.</div><div>Turn the thighs over and place the skillet in the oven.</div><div>Roast for 2 hours.</div><div>Remove from oven, let rest for about 10 minutes. </div><div><br /></div><div>After you have the turkey in the oven:</div><div><br /></div><div>Roasted Radishes</div><div><br /></div><div>1 large bunch of radishes or a biggish bag of them if you prefer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remove green tops from radishes-you can save these to add to the spinach later if they are in good shape.</div><div>Rinse radishes-and greens if you are using them-and cut in half or quarters depending on size.</div><div>Place in single layer in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.</div><div>With about 40 minutes to go on the turkey place the radishes in the oven alongside.</div><div>If they aren't browned, when you take the turkey out just turn the oven to broil and let the radishes brown while the turkey rests-DON'T FORGET THEM!</div><div><br /></div><div>After you have the turkey and the radishes in the oven:</div><div><br /></div><div>Creamed Spinach</div><div><br /></div><div>1 box frozen spinach (and the radish greens if you decided to use them).</div><div>1/2 onion thinly sliced.</div><div>1/2 cup heavy cream.</div><div><br /></div><div>Defrost the spinach and squeeze out all the water that you can.</div><div>Saute the onions in a little olive oil until limp(stir in the radish greens and cook til wilted if you are).</div><div>Add the spinach and when it's warmed through stir in the cream.</div><div>Grate in a little nutmeg and sprinkle on a little salt.</div><div>Stir til it almost bubbles and it's done.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything is ready now so fill your plate and eat up!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you feel like amping it up a bit spoon some of the rendered fat over the crispy turkey skin and make it glisten while boosting the flavor. You could also make a great pan sauce with the delicious brown bits by deglazing the pan with some white wine, stock or other liquid of your choice after you've poured off most of the fat. If you're feeling super daring save the strained rendered fat for frying an egg in or adding to some veggies or even heating up your leftovers in tomorrow. Trust me it is SO GOOD.</div><div><br /></div><div>*the leftover spinach made an awesome omelet today!</div><div><br /></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-36709775704409534582011-07-29T15:44:00.003-04:002011-07-29T15:57:41.836-04:00Things in my freezerI have a gallon bag of unshelled pecans in my freezer.<div>They've been there for a long time.</div><div>I think 7 or 8 years.</div><div>I doubt they are any good after all this time and honestly I have no intention of finding out.</div><div>They're the last of the pecans that I picked up at my Grandma's house right before she sold it.</div><div>That house was one of two that were the only constants in my growing up years and longer and though all of us were sad that it was no longer hers, we accepted and supported her decision to sell it. </div><div>I still have this Grandma and that's good but I have the pecan's to help me remember, well, everything else.</div><div>I think I must be a nostalgic squishy thing in the middle.</div><div>And perhaps just a little bit weird.</div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-61361840407472971952011-07-26T20:35:00.003-04:002011-07-27T11:46:45.572-04:00Flora and FaunaI was sipping hot tea, blearily taking in the view outside the kitchen window when a sudden movement caught my eye.<div>Bringing my vision back into focus what did I see but a hummingbird sipping from some Queen Anne's Lace growing against the fence.<div><div>He didn't stay very long before flitting away, but my oh my, I couldn't have asked for a more beautiful way to start my day.</div></div></div><div> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmvg1Ew_msWZfjJAW3Y4L5BaKSlXBbSL9JcDo0wo9Z-Mprth9pSRD0Ttr_MA3imwrofqJpTj2MGKC7UZXLURHmPWJ-7tc_cWk7FDRiNEiu3aLYIfVQkz2mnuiBcW_-MC2f4sdQiPzFbYD/s1600/1129071452.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsmvg1Ew_msWZfjJAW3Y4L5BaKSlXBbSL9JcDo0wo9Z-Mprth9pSRD0Ttr_MA3imwrofqJpTj2MGKC7UZXLURHmPWJ-7tc_cWk7FDRiNEiu3aLYIfVQkz2mnuiBcW_-MC2f4sdQiPzFbYD/s400/1129071452.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5634036489135135538" /></a> The aforementioned window.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><u><br /></u></span></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-14729687510601334842011-07-15T12:53:00.005-04:002011-07-15T13:18:43.648-04:00Living<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhzXBKMjbM6RhwphvM81i2TWvyUP5sK-NOl0ey53oro55iKSdh0mw_Z9LAgWaAzLrvYjTYAPpTTf7iESju0LBZCMPwKtFeYJWrnASJLiJDShsjFXDV5Wh00_mpc4nk69jVjHyJYXlYVt8/s1600/stuff+from+vacation+dinosaur+world+054.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhzXBKMjbM6RhwphvM81i2TWvyUP5sK-NOl0ey53oro55iKSdh0mw_Z9LAgWaAzLrvYjTYAPpTTf7iESju0LBZCMPwKtFeYJWrnASJLiJDShsjFXDV5Wh00_mpc4nk69jVjHyJYXlYVt8/s400/stuff+from+vacation+dinosaur+world+054.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5629629262096036898" /></a><div>I've had nothing but busyness since the First of June. </div><div>House guests(the Beloved kind) and graduations.</div><div>Long drives and brief visits and crazy airports.</div><div>Swim lessons out the wazoo.</div><div>Freaked out back and good drugs.</div><div>Long drives and longer visits-YAY!</div><div>An actual BEACH VACATION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div>More long drives and good visits with family followed by...</div><div>NO KIDS THIS WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</div><div>You'd think I'd have gotten something done but mostly I've gotten lost in the silence.</div><div>It's been really really good in a very dreamy kind of way.</div><div>Time to wake up to LIFE now though.</div><div>Ironic in that the wake up came in the form of Big Daddy D's Grandmother(she was formal that way) dying during the night before the last so we'll have (long story I'll leave out for once) house guests and I need to get cracking on neglected housework.</div><div>Plus one of the kiddos will be back and we'll have a long drive and back again to the funeral this week.</div><div>Time to get crackin'.</div><div><br /></div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-88207012291946484562011-07-01T00:34:00.002-04:002011-07-01T00:38:00.165-04:00I'm wondering if I can make it til morning. So much pain I'm thinking of going to the ER. DAMMIT.Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-42882918907600296212011-06-29T17:50:00.004-04:002011-06-29T17:54:11.992-04:00Tip #5023It really is not possible to make sweet pickle relish in a blender.<div>My food processor would have been a better choice.</div><div>Anyone for a little sweet pickle mush?</div><div>It still works for tarter sauce at least.</div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1434442851611224015.post-65084725266718524542011-06-17T14:32:00.003-04:002011-06-17T14:51:56.511-04:00WWFT*<a href="http://chibioni.com/images/im%20flying.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 351px; height: 265px;" src="http://chibioni.com/images/im%20flying.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Flying somewhere over the Eastern United States I look out and see a <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=aerial+view+of+a+suburb&hl=en&biw=1022&bih=515&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=r6D7TfrcAcm_tgfe0-27Dg&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CCQQ_AUoAQ">suburb</a>, or maybe it's a <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=aerial+view+of+a+cemetery&hl=en&prmd=ivns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&ei=YqD7TaepK9K2tgeZtu25Dg&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&cd=2&ved=0CBQQ_AUoAQ&biw=1022&bih=515">cemetery</a>? <div>Sometimes it's hard to tell.</div><div><br /></div><div>*What would Freud think?</div>Brookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12280379332301301014noreply@blogger.com1