Getting to know you

I found this quiz on one of my favourite food blogs the other day and thought it would be fun to answer it here.

• metal or non-stick? I usually prefer non-stick
  
• cast iron or stainless? cast iron
  
• cutting board: silicon or wood? wood
  
• knife: carbon steel or stainless? either as long as it is sharp
  
• Kitchen Aide or hand mixer? Kitchen Aide
  
• cooktop: gas, electric, induction? gas if it weren't so complicated to add into my kitchen, induction if I could afford
  
• side-by-side, freezer on top, fridge on top? fridge on top
  
• apron or whoops? whoops
  
• mashed potatoes: by hand, ricer, or mixer? Never mixer!!!!
  
• sandwich or wrap? wrap
  
• pb & _________ ? jelly... I'm liking a morello cherry conserve at the moment
  
• pancakes: syrup or applesauce? syrup
  
• cake: scratch or mix? mix, just like Mommy always makes
  
• chili: beans or no? beans
  
• napkin: cloth or paper? cloth
  
• BBQ: takes the whole weekend to make or take out? I like a spontaneous bbq
  
• chicken: white or dark? dark
  
• ice cream: cone or dish? cone
  

For Andrea

Some lilacs for you...




... because you seem to need a smile, and because they remind of that day you and I took a lilac walk at St. Ben's. I'm so thankful for that memory and happy to share it with you.

Failed

So my list was not achieved. I failed. But I was productive in so many other ways.

First thing in the morning, even before changing out of my pajamas I set about transplanting (which was on my list). The grass was still too short to handle but I could move the rest. They're now sitting on the top shelf of the green house attempting to grow even bigger (hopefully).

Straight after that I planted some more pea seeds. This is where my productivity went astray, but in my defense I have been saying I need to do this for weeks.

As it was getting nicer and nicer outside I decided to keep gardening. So I filled the potato bags (more soil hopefully means more roots which means more potatoes!).

Then it was on to planting more lettuce leaves so we have successive crops for good salads this summer.

After all this I started on the dishes. I'm the type of person that leaves the dishes until I have enough to warrant an entire sink full of water. Which is usually just three times a week. While doing the dishes Neil arose, made us breakfast burritos and then we began a productive day together. It revolved around the drilling jobs we've been accumulating. First we put up the key safe which was easier than expected. Then we took down the small monitor in the living room and hung it on the wall in my study. I now am such a geek that I have two monitors to use at the same time (and I love it!).Then we moved on to hanging the new television in the living room. As you can see we still need to work on hiding the many cables connected to the television (this is the thing I hate about appliances). After all this we relaxed a little, had dinner and then Neil finished off the day by planting some more corn and climbing beans.

It was a very productive day. All of it needed to be done. So now I'm wondering if it's my list writing skills that I should be working on instead of my ability to stick to a plan. I think I learned that I should feel prouder of what I do get done than I feel guilty about what I don't achieve. Ah, those life lessons.

Achievement update

My dedication to achievement has not been strong recently. I've been much more focused on enjoying the here and now. Normally this isn't a good thing, but I have some projects (namely a Masters degree) to finish so I can actually enjoy the here and now without lingering guilt. So it's time to make a list, a public list, and stick to it.

Things to be done this weekend:

1. Final draft of collection management essay.
2. Rough draft of digital collection report.
3. move Echinacea, grass and pepper plants into small pots for greenhouse.
4. take bike to be fixed and choose new back fender, rear and front baskets.

That's it. Those are the things that have to be done. Anything else needs to go on a list of bonus weekend activities. Check in on Monday/Tuesday to view the productivity report.

lunch

My recent lunch experience is worth a chuckle (I think).

I ordered a coronation chicken filled baguette and a can of diet coke to eat in (as opposed to taking it away) at a local sandwich/noodle shop. The kind man serving me cut my sandwich in half and placed it on a square plate (just like home), then he opened a can of original flavoured Pringles and reached deep inside with a pair of tongs. He carefully pulled out one crisp and placed it on my sandwich. He reached into the can a second time, carefully pulling out one more crisp to place next to the first. He grabbed a can of diet Coke from the fridge behind him and handed it all to me.

I guess that's what you call a Pringles garnish -- much more practical and tasty than a bit of curly leafed parsley.

My new shoes

Feeling totally helpless

My home, Fargo, is flooding. I currently live 4,000 miles from Fargo in my other home, but I'm so longing to be there, to help. In 1997, my senior year of high school, the Red River flooded to a record 39.5 feet in Fargo. I learned then that every decimal point counts. This year is worse. This year the flood is at 40.82 feet so far and not expected to crest until 42 feet is reached. This year is also better. The city is so much more prepared and better organized. However, every year relies on the unfaling community spirit, which abounds in Fargo, and the ability to overcome a somewhat unpredictable north flowing river.

All I can do is watch the websites (valleyfloodwatch.com is the most frequently updated) and try to refrain from panicking. I'm so proud of everyone in Fargo. They step up and help each other in times like this. My friends Andi and Em have driven 400 miles to be there and help (thank you so much for your detailed update, it means a lot to me). Other friends have done similar, lots of them. All the people who live there that are just amazing. They've spent weeks finishing work, sometimes early, to go sandbag for hours. Many who have recently been evacuated from their homes moved to a safer part of Fargo and continued sandbagging day and night. My parents, especially my Dad, are frustrated by their ill health which doesn't allow them to get involved. I understand how they feel. It's agony just watching. My Mom plans to go to the Fargodome to help sign in volunteers at 4 this morning, my Dad has to stay home and make sure the sump pump pipe doesn't freeze.

This youtube video keeps making me cry... and yet I keep watching it.

Fargo, I'm proud of you. Responding to Red Alerts in the wee hours of the morning to help save communities around you. Forever-Fargoans travelling home to help people you love and people you no longer know. You can hold the river back! I will keep watching and waiting for my chance to help. Although money is all I can give, it will be given with all my heart.