I came home with a splitting headache. Stress at work. Introspection. Headache.
*****************
The overcast skies had an enormous calming effect on me.
*****************
I unpacked the bag I took to the cottage on the holiday weekend. I gave my jammies a little sniff and got a snootful of that wonderful musty cottage smell. I folded up the jammies and tucked them into my drawer like a little sachet.
*****************
Bottle cap production is back in action. Hundreds of them, it seemed. The methodical process helped my headache to dissipate, along with a handful of ibuprofen.
*****************
Colors and colors. The bottle cap magnets are very colorful.
*****************
The aromas of archival glue, resin, and E6000 were extremely pungent, in a good way.
*****************
I took my time cutting up a fresh pineapple. So juicy and ripe. Yellow and sweet. It smelled even better than the resin.
*****************
The shoulds of the evening went out the window. There’s tomorrow for those. Tonight I’ll crawl under the quilt with my cottage jammies, forgetting about the pains of the day and savoring the good evening.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Learning All Over Again
One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to socialize and entertain more often. I vowed I would have my family over to my house for an event or just for fun at least once a season. This Mother’s Day counted as the Spring gathering.
As I’m the only female in the family who isn’t a mother I offered to host Mother’s Day for my mom and dad and Charlotte and her family. Of course the other ladies offered to make it pot luck, so I assigned scones to Charlotte (she makes the best scones I’ve ever had) and around-the-house munchies to my mom. (In my family if there aren’t munchies or candies sitting around on the end tables it just doesn’t count as a party.) That left an entrée, sides, drinks, and dessert for me to prepare. It wasn’t a daunting task, planning and preparing this menu, or so I thought.
Come to find out I’m extremely out of practice when it comes to putting on a meal for a group of people. What else could have gone wrong with such a simple menu?
1. Procrastinated on grocery shopping because I couldn’t decide on a brunch entrée in a timely manner. This resulted in my having to go to the grocery store on Saturday afternoon when the store is busiest.
2. Forgot to buy a pineapple when at the store. Luckily that blunder was saved when I saw we had almost as much fresh pineapple in the fridge as was called for in my fruit salad recipe.
3. Bought too much half and half. Luckily again my mom like her cereal with half and half, so I could give the remainder to her.
4. The new cookie recipe I tried for dessert turned out to be a disaster. What I thought would be a delicious springtime raspberry sandwich cookie from Martha Stewart turned out to be greasy, limp and chewy, and the filling was runny. They looked horrible, like big grease stains on the pretty antique plate. I also made lemon bars, which didn’t come out of the pan easily, and were also a little runny.
5. Because I’m not confident in my pie crust making abilities I bought two ready-made crusts from the freezer section in the grocery store for my entrée, asparagus quiche. I made the huge mistake of trying to transfer those crusts (after baking) to pretty pie plates before filling them with my quiche ingredients, causing them to crumble in my hands. This blunder put me over the edge. Husby was quite alarmed to find me crying over my obvious loss of culinary prowess. With the guests due to arrive in two hours he quickly ran to the store for two more pie crusts.
6. After cooking for a half hour past the requisite time the meat thermometer measured the temperature of the ham at 85 degrees.
In the end the quiche with new crusts remaining in the ugly aluminum tins was delicious, the ham heated up quickly after being sliced and placed back in the oven for a bit, and no one knew there was one cup less pineapple than the recipe called for. Charlotte’s scones were delicious, as usual. Mom’s munchies were gone by the end of the event. All in all it was a decent meal. Except for those dang cookies. They were horrible. Into the recycling papers with that recipe. Live and learn, I guess.
Now you’ll have to pardon me as I try to chisel the remaining lemon bars out of the pan.
As I’m the only female in the family who isn’t a mother I offered to host Mother’s Day for my mom and dad and Charlotte and her family. Of course the other ladies offered to make it pot luck, so I assigned scones to Charlotte (she makes the best scones I’ve ever had) and around-the-house munchies to my mom. (In my family if there aren’t munchies or candies sitting around on the end tables it just doesn’t count as a party.) That left an entrée, sides, drinks, and dessert for me to prepare. It wasn’t a daunting task, planning and preparing this menu, or so I thought.
Come to find out I’m extremely out of practice when it comes to putting on a meal for a group of people. What else could have gone wrong with such a simple menu?
1. Procrastinated on grocery shopping because I couldn’t decide on a brunch entrée in a timely manner. This resulted in my having to go to the grocery store on Saturday afternoon when the store is busiest.
2. Forgot to buy a pineapple when at the store. Luckily that blunder was saved when I saw we had almost as much fresh pineapple in the fridge as was called for in my fruit salad recipe.
3. Bought too much half and half. Luckily again my mom like her cereal with half and half, so I could give the remainder to her.
4. The new cookie recipe I tried for dessert turned out to be a disaster. What I thought would be a delicious springtime raspberry sandwich cookie from Martha Stewart turned out to be greasy, limp and chewy, and the filling was runny. They looked horrible, like big grease stains on the pretty antique plate. I also made lemon bars, which didn’t come out of the pan easily, and were also a little runny.
5. Because I’m not confident in my pie crust making abilities I bought two ready-made crusts from the freezer section in the grocery store for my entrée, asparagus quiche. I made the huge mistake of trying to transfer those crusts (after baking) to pretty pie plates before filling them with my quiche ingredients, causing them to crumble in my hands. This blunder put me over the edge. Husby was quite alarmed to find me crying over my obvious loss of culinary prowess. With the guests due to arrive in two hours he quickly ran to the store for two more pie crusts.
6. After cooking for a half hour past the requisite time the meat thermometer measured the temperature of the ham at 85 degrees.
In the end the quiche with new crusts remaining in the ugly aluminum tins was delicious, the ham heated up quickly after being sliced and placed back in the oven for a bit, and no one knew there was one cup less pineapple than the recipe called for. Charlotte’s scones were delicious, as usual. Mom’s munchies were gone by the end of the event. All in all it was a decent meal. Except for those dang cookies. They were horrible. Into the recycling papers with that recipe. Live and learn, I guess.
Now you’ll have to pardon me as I try to chisel the remaining lemon bars out of the pan.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Sometimes Ya Have To Moan...
Today my hair is funny. It started out okay, but then the humidity hit it and now my head just looks like a hair bubble. Too bad, too, because I have to meet with an old friend for dinner - someone I haven't spent a decent amount of time with in over twenty-five years. I want to look good, but will look like a hair bubble.
Today my brain is also funny. I'm back in that twirly mode where I can't get anything straight. Completely disorganized. The clock is ticking and I have to get things done, but I have no idea what those things are.
So you'd think if my head (hair and brain) is funny, the rest of me would be in tip-top shape. Think again. I'm easing my way into my fat clothes, just in time for summer. I must not mind too much, though, because I just ate a gigantic M&M cookie for an afternoon snack.
In honor of my hair bubble, twirly brain, and M&M cookie behind, I give you The Lady. We love and respect her. And most of all, today, we are her.
Today my brain is also funny. I'm back in that twirly mode where I can't get anything straight. Completely disorganized. The clock is ticking and I have to get things done, but I have no idea what those things are.
So you'd think if my head (hair and brain) is funny, the rest of me would be in tip-top shape. Think again. I'm easing my way into my fat clothes, just in time for summer. I must not mind too much, though, because I just ate a gigantic M&M cookie for an afternoon snack.
In honor of my hair bubble, twirly brain, and M&M cookie behind, I give you The Lady. We love and respect her. And most of all, today, we are her.
Demurely Subversive can be found in my shop. Thanks for understanding.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
World-Wide Jam Session
Every day the internet shows me "the coolest thing I've ever seen." Today was no different. Here's a video from the Playing For Change project. Mark Johnson created the project to show how together we as the human race can inspire each other, and changes in the world, more than we can separately.
Street musicians of the world, you should be proud.
If you'd like to learn more about the Playing for Change project and to see more videos made to inspire changes for peace in the world, go to http://playingforchange.com/.
Street musicians of the world, you should be proud.
If you'd like to learn more about the Playing for Change project and to see more videos made to inspire changes for peace in the world, go to http://playingforchange.com/.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Dive Night ~ 4 Seasons
Dive Night is a once monthly adventure undertaken by me and Husby, along with our friends Ruthie and Ray. Each couple alternates choosing a restaurant, one which must come under the category of "dive." Our definition of dive: a neighborhood gathering spot hiding under the radar. Casual atmosphere and good food. We're out to find the best food in the Minneapolis/St Paul area without having to pay a fortune or dress up. A sip of beer or wine doesn't hurt either. See a list and links to the previous dive night posts here.
The Dive Night report is here. The participants: Me, Husby, Ruthie, and Ray, as usual. The place: 4 Seasons Restaurant/Drive-In. It used to be the 3-Seasons, but they turned it into something they could use all year round. During three of the four Minnesota seasons it is actually drive-in, which is about the coolest thing ever.
We didn’t hit it during one of those seasons, but had a marvelous time anyway. The restaurant is located in Mahtomedi, MN, right in the middle of town. It will take you back to the ‘50s with its neon and chrome. There were booths with slippery seats and a U-shaped counter with stools. One of the most refreshing things about this place was that it is a hang-out for high school kids. Nice high school kids. Many of the employees are high schoolers, and their friends come in for a soda and burger to visit with the waitresses.
Cool glass block windows, fab lighting fixtures, and a retro lunch counter
Our waitress was a nice high school girl who answered all of our menu questions with the finesse of a lifer. Interestingly enough all four of us decided to get the Friday night fish fry. With the all-you-can-eat fried fish came a choice of two sides. The restaurant is alcohol-free, so we all enjoyed pop or iced tea with our delicious dinners.
More specifically about the food, the batter on the fish was deliciously light. The onion rings and mozzarella sticks were dangerously greasy, which made them taste like heaven. As I mentioned before, the fish was all-you-can-eat, but the first serving was so generous none of us had seconds. The coleslaw went wonderfully with the meal, and the garden salad others chose as a side looked fresh and crisp.
We were so full from our meal and appetizers we didn’t have room for dessert; however, there were wonderful homemade confections available.
Prices were very reasonable, service was excellent, ambiance was retro. Very fun. I would recommend the 4-Seasons to anyone, and I’ll definitely return this summer to get a feel for the drive-in experience.
Addendum:
Ray and Ruthie simply had to have an adult libation that evening, so we picked another dive right down the street from the restaurant. This was truly a dive.
The Flame Bar has been in business since the '30s. It's dark and it smells...bad. If you're looking for a place to drink heartily without food (except for a bag of chips or a microwaved pizza, this is the place to go. While it wasn't someplace I would want to spend an entire evening, it was a pleasure to soak up the character of a real bar.
Behind the bar
The Dive Night report is here. The participants: Me, Husby, Ruthie, and Ray, as usual. The place: 4 Seasons Restaurant/Drive-In. It used to be the 3-Seasons, but they turned it into something they could use all year round. During three of the four Minnesota seasons it is actually drive-in, which is about the coolest thing ever.
We didn’t hit it during one of those seasons, but had a marvelous time anyway. The restaurant is located in Mahtomedi, MN, right in the middle of town. It will take you back to the ‘50s with its neon and chrome. There were booths with slippery seats and a U-shaped counter with stools. One of the most refreshing things about this place was that it is a hang-out for high school kids. Nice high school kids. Many of the employees are high schoolers, and their friends come in for a soda and burger to visit with the waitresses.
Cool glass block windows, fab lighting fixtures, and a retro lunch counterOur waitress was a nice high school girl who answered all of our menu questions with the finesse of a lifer. Interestingly enough all four of us decided to get the Friday night fish fry. With the all-you-can-eat fried fish came a choice of two sides. The restaurant is alcohol-free, so we all enjoyed pop or iced tea with our delicious dinners.
More specifically about the food, the batter on the fish was deliciously light. The onion rings and mozzarella sticks were dangerously greasy, which made them taste like heaven. As I mentioned before, the fish was all-you-can-eat, but the first serving was so generous none of us had seconds. The coleslaw went wonderfully with the meal, and the garden salad others chose as a side looked fresh and crisp.
We were so full from our meal and appetizers we didn’t have room for dessert; however, there were wonderful homemade confections available.
Prices were very reasonable, service was excellent, ambiance was retro. Very fun. I would recommend the 4-Seasons to anyone, and I’ll definitely return this summer to get a feel for the drive-in experience.
Addendum:
Ray and Ruthie simply had to have an adult libation that evening, so we picked another dive right down the street from the restaurant. This was truly a dive.
The Flame Bar has been in business since the '30s. It's dark and it smells...bad. If you're looking for a place to drink heartily without food (except for a bag of chips or a microwaved pizza, this is the place to go. While it wasn't someplace I would want to spend an entire evening, it was a pleasure to soak up the character of a real bar.
Mardi Gras beads hung from the ceiling
Behind the barSo come on up to Mahtomedi, MN for some small town fun. You'll be glad you did.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Blogs: Fact Or Fiction
It's no secret. Anyone who knows me at all knows I love to read blogs. Writing them is another story. Oh, I love to write them, but I don't know that I'm very good at it, especially when it comes to posting on a regular basis.
Most of the blogs I read are personal; at least they seem personal to me. They are accounts of people's everyday lives, complete with pictures and links and everything else technical.
I could account for my everyday life and include pictures and links too. The problem is, you'd be reading the same post every single day.
Tell me the truth. All you people out there who project lives of bliss and serenity, is it really that way for you? As a reader I find your blogs soothing and inspiring. But seriously, are you truly that serene? You're homeschooling your houseful of kids, keeping a house relatively clean (I see those pictures), maintaining a romantic and fruitful marriage, and on top of all that you have a business of writing a blog, writing for other blogs, taking all the pictures for your blog, creating for and maintaining an online shop of all the things you've made in your spare time, and even writing books on the subject.
Honestly, are you really that productive? Are your business ventures lucrative? Is your life really as carefree and wholesome as it appears on the pages of your blog?
Just curious.
And maybe a little envious.
Most of the blogs I read are personal; at least they seem personal to me. They are accounts of people's everyday lives, complete with pictures and links and everything else technical.
I could account for my everyday life and include pictures and links too. The problem is, you'd be reading the same post every single day.
Tell me the truth. All you people out there who project lives of bliss and serenity, is it really that way for you? As a reader I find your blogs soothing and inspiring. But seriously, are you truly that serene? You're homeschooling your houseful of kids, keeping a house relatively clean (I see those pictures), maintaining a romantic and fruitful marriage, and on top of all that you have a business of writing a blog, writing for other blogs, taking all the pictures for your blog, creating for and maintaining an online shop of all the things you've made in your spare time, and even writing books on the subject.
Honestly, are you really that productive? Are your business ventures lucrative? Is your life really as carefree and wholesome as it appears on the pages of your blog?
Just curious.
And maybe a little envious.
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