Nancy , the amazing paper artist, tagged me for Eight Things. Instead of answering the questions, I’m going to revise it to random things that have crossed my mind or happened to me.

1) When you go shopping with a friend who looks fabulous in hats, you come home with a cool new hat (thanks, Mrs. Mousethief)
2) Heated car seats are the best invention ever
3)We have escaped the flooding, thank you to those who have checked in, but there is quite a need near us as the flood devastation is widespread.
4)Tamara’s link to these cool shoes have started a love for Zappos . Not only did these shoes come just about immediately, but now Eddie’s gift has come from there as well.
5) (subtitled “This one’s for you, Angela”) I love the new song with Robert Plant and Alison Krauss. Who would have thought?
6) I re-read “The Secret Garden” last weekend, and was amazed at how vividly reading the words reminded me of when I first read it, I could picture where I was. What’s odd, though, is I didn’t have that impression at the end of the book. I can’t decide if I never finished it, or if it wasn’t as impactful.
7) Beware of clear drying glue that isn’t. I ruined a craft that way this week.
8) And, tonight we celebrate Eddie’s birthday, which was Thursday. Happy Birthday, love, and Many Years!


If you play along, let me know.

-C tagged me with a food meme to pass along a favorite Lenten recipe. This Squash Soup has been adapted and changed from a recipe found in a Co-op newsletter years ago.

2/3 cup dry beans (the original recipe called for 1/3 this type, 1/3 that type - what I do is just use the many bean soup mix from the bulk aisle)
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed
2-3 cups vegetable broth, plain water, or water with a bit of miso
1 cup peeled and chopped squash (I have used all kinds of squash, including zucchini during the summer. A couple of years ago, it occurred to us Eddie to roast the squash first and spoon into the soup that way, it’s been a delightful revision)
1 can diced tomatoes
1 large can (or two small cans) tomato sauce
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
Place all the ingredients into a pot on the stove and simmer all day, adding more liquid as needed. You can add almost any kind of vegetables you want (potatoes, carrots, etc).

Serve with hearty bread. I’ll often make dumplings and put on top of the leftovers and reheat. There’s nothing the kids like more than the same soup twice in a row for dinner (big grin).

I hope that helps relieve the monotony, -C. And, if anyone wants to share one of their favorites, let me know.

(photo credit)

Heard while driving, Vol. 12.9.2007

"I've been wondering what group I fit into, and decided I'm a nerd core goth"
"Really, how many are in that group?"
"Just me"

I'm glad he's found some place to fit in (it's hard at 16, you know.) And be happy! And, it was a nice day with just the two of us - interesting chats, we went mall shopping, and had a nice Starbucks together.