Thanksgiving

I'm spending this Thanksgiving by myself - somewhere between my desire to control the meal and my need to work for at least a few hours today, it seemed like the best idea this year.

It was gray and foggy this morning, but cleared by afternoon.


I made guinea hen with oranges, maple-ginger roasted vegetables, fig and almond stuffing, mashed sweet potato, and brown butter custard mini pies with cranberry glaze. There's orange-cranberry relish too, but I didn't make that.




Overall, I'd say it was an interesting experiment, but mostly a failure. The bird cooked very unevenly, and I had to put it back in when I started to cut off a leg and found it bloody inside. I didn't like the stuffing very much. The veggies were OK, but cold by the time I ate. The pie was good tasting, but I'm not sure what was up with the crust (the part I ate didn't have any) and the idea of making it in a cupcake pan was better in theory than in execution.

And now it's raining. Hm.

Lovely day

Catch up

In the past week, I've caught up on back episodes of "Sons of Anarchy," "Monk," and "White Collar." Now I'm watching all the movies I've been collecting on the Tivo and not watching.

Still waiting: three episodes of "Gossip Girl"

Alleged doughnuts

So, these are supposed to be French crullers from How To Eat a Cupcake, without the actual shape or glaze, because (a) I don't have a pastry bag and (b) I try to avoid things dipped in butter and sugar. Sad, but true. I agree with Cassie, they are very eggy in the middle, but without the glaze, maybe that's OK. It's almost like a breakfast bread.

And yes, I know, they look a bit like pretzels in these photos ...

Long week

OK, so it has been a very long week. The remnants of Hurricane Ida have been sitting over us since Tuesday, and brought with it lots of rain, wind, and a migraine. I had an appointment with my doctor on Wednesday, and he prescribed some medication - my first! - which helped quite a bit. I only had to take it once this morning, so I'm hopeful that this headache is on its way out.

My doc appointment on Wed. was my third appointment of the week, not including trivia, so I felt like I was in and out every day. Not conducive to getting work done. Neither is a migraine.

In other health-related news, I've had a neck and back ache all week. Yesterday, I used a heating pad all day in hopes it would help; it really didn't. Today, I've ignored the pain most of the day, and it seems less noticeable. I also bought a new (expensive) pillow and tried to rearrange my work space to put less strain on my neck. Let's hope it stops.

Oh, and this evening, I can't stop sneezing.

(Post 1001!)

Say 'hello' to my little friend

I do believe he is the cutest thing I've ever bought online. He's from the Black Apple -I've bought several prints and a painting from her, and I've loved everything. I was going to be this painting for Halloween, but didn't have time to put together the skirt. Maybe next year.

Emily's work is very in demand - at least, her updates sell out within minutes of being listed in her shop, so the only way to get one is to show up on time, hit reload every few seconds until items start appearing, and then either (1) don't be choosy, or (2) know what you want ahead of time and hope you get lucky. I mostly go by #1. I clicked on one of the bandit dolls, but she was sold. Then I clicked on the first cat dollie I saw and snagged him. I always make sure I'm logged into Etsy and that Paypal is ready to go. I click, click "purchase", and check out immediately - just because it's in your cart doesn't mean it's yours until it's paid for.

I love him, love him, love him ... and now he needs a name ...

ETA Oh dear. I believe he's just named himself Deeley.

Happy Halloween!

Yes, the yoga pants and black tanktop are my costume. Yes, I saw it on tv.com and thought it was brilliant. I'm #2 - Random Active. See the images on fox.com for an example.

Yay for costumes from TV shows that no one I know watches! It has become a tradition.

Pics

Baked mashed rutabaga.

Cat in a closet.

The hair - short and dark.