G+ Migration Blog

Weird chain from reading posts to thinking about this, but I have made super-awesome jam in the past, and it is a great way to get those fresh fruit flavors when the fruit itself is no more. Maybe the best way. Of course, this is heavily influenced by the quality of the fruit, but I don't bother if it isn't yummy. Anyway, I was thinking about how refined sugar is probably really not so good to be eating but I like making things out of fruit. So I looked at how much sugar is in ice cream. It's very little. Enormously less than jam. Obviously, the flavor gets a little diluted by the cream/milk, and you have to keep it frozen, and it doesn't last forever, like jam does. But I'm thinking ice cream might be healthier than jam? Not that you are supposed to eat as much jam as you usually do ice cream. What to do, what to do?

One of a lot of quotes from the Roycrofters, most often Elbert Hubbard. This one is on their dinner menu at the Inn. Guess there were foodies even 100 years ago.

Today's selection of growing things.

I am going to remove all the colorful interjections from this and just state that I hate the way google keeps messing with photos in g+. It is constantly adding things to "highlights" and every single time I remove them, next time they mess with photos, it is back. Things I have specifically and repeatedly removed from highlights, the stupid thing keeps putting back. Dear google, I DON"T WANT THEM THERE. Every setting I can find I have set to not do this. If you know of something I might have missed, please tell me, because I am getting severely irritated.

They are absolutely still teaching this in medical school. Further, you are taught to differentiate the types of hemorrhages you may see, and there is a specific description that is supposed to be shaken baby syndrome. Nobody wants to see child abuse, but wrongly accusing and/or convicting someone is just as devastating to people's lives. We need science and logic, not dogma and emotion. This is too important. Unfortunately, I think the last sentence from the article explains it all: “A baby has died,” she said simply. “They want to blame somebody.” http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/magazine/06baby-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/06/magazine/06baby-t.html?_r=2&ref=magazine

Interesting link. It's really about making toum, the lebanese garlic paste or garlic mayo, but it has a whole thing on emulsification and the science behind it that is applicable to making mayo or aioli and so forth. There's also a video of a chef making it. http://www.mamaslebanesekitchen.com/dips/lebanese-garlic-dip/#sthash.voOSyVZI.dpbs http://www.mamaslebanesekitchen.com/dips/lebanese-garlic-dip/#sthash.voOSyVZI.dpbs

Other randomness. Due to the date appropriateness, over the past several days I have been listening to several different audiobook versions of Douglas Adams' classic trilogy. It' s pretty awesome hearing the man, himself, but I really enjoy the Stephen Fry and Martin Freeman recordings, as well. Some books, you get one decent recording, others maybe none. This is all good, so I can't choose a favorite!

I made falafel from scratch tonight, but I used fresh peas as the seasonal legume. They came out really well and I would do this again. The only tweaks I'd use is I like onion and garlic, so I'd up the garlic to 3 or 4 cloves, and the onion from a half to a whole one. I might add a tiny bit more coriander and cumin, as well, but not much. Definitely recommend this twist. It's a little lighter than chick peas or favas and it's a pretty green color.

I really like today's google doodles.

Great. The weather gets warm/hot and the criminal activity starts.  The town we live in is pretty frequently nationally ranked for being one of the safest places to live in the country. However, we border other towns and the city. Unfortunately, it's easy to walk, ride a bike, drive a car into our neighborhood and there were multiple garage and car theft break-ins on our street last night. Fortunately not for us, but for several of our neighbors. Hopefully, that means we will have our own special patrols for a while, which is what they usually do.

https://twitter.com/DanielSolis/status/602942750103830528 https://twitter.com/DanielSolis/status/602942750103830528

I was curious, so I did some looking. Apparently there is such a thing as a Giant Alaskan Malamute. Which would explain the "puppy" I met at the Farmers' Market. It would seem they can, indeed, exceed 180 lbs and get as large as 35" at the shoulder o.O  Good grief. They're a small horse.

Some of us have a sense of humor, even if it's sick. I took my dad to his favorite donut place this morning, and as we were driving there, he said since it was Memorial Day, we could always hang out at [famous cemetary]. See, this is where the special military burial area is (my dad's a Vet), and because he was supposed to only have 6 months to live, he has an assigned plot, now. So I told him we could go and I could take a picture of him and we could send it to people, but then we decided that might upset my mom. Personally, I would like to celebrate the fact that he is not dead (2 years, tyvm), but some people do not share our sick sense of humor. So we settled for donuts and coffee.

Another in the series of Cavness Tours souvenir postcards. Your photo art is quite awesome Jessica Musinski.

No family this weekend. My sister and niece finked out on me and went to her friends' place in northern Michigan, instead. I don't see what's so great about a cabin, a boat, fudge, and fresh cinnamon sugar doughnuts. I mean, I might if I was there, but I'm not.

As an offset to a different post, the first thing my dad said to me this morning was that the photons had eliminated the dihydrogen oxide from the surface of my car. (There was frost this morning) My dad can be fun when he's feeling good.

Oh, ye counselors, wise and temperate -  My mom had an issue with one of her eyes, and I made some suggestions. The immediate response was I don't want to talk to you, I'm talking to your father. My father just looked at me, because I promise he was thinking exactly what I was. To wit, oh, ok, I have/she has no professional expertise, here, so sure, no problem ... wtf? So I just walked away, because there was no point. Today, mom tells me oh, btw, my eye is all better because of the things she did. As in, mom came up with brilliant ideas all by herself and I should now be terribly impressed how she knew what she was doing all along. The part which is sad to me is that what I originally suggested was basically that she do what she was doing and here's what should prompt you to go from self treat to seeing doctor. I never said there was anything wrong with what she was doing, and she doesn't have to prove to me that she knows better than a professional/doesn't need my...

Hey, Detroit area peoples. There is a possibility I might visit Michigan again in June. Iirc some of you may be away around the 13th? Might I ask when some of you might be around? I am attempting to try to plan when might be the best time to come, if possible :)

The lady who taught me how to make strudel has graduated from Farmers and other Markets to a storefront! They had their grand opening today. It's adorable. They bought one of the remaining little houses in a super artsy/trendy part of the city and turned the main floor into a bakery and storefront and turned the upstairs into their new home (I hope they soundproofed it well - it's a noisy, busy place, esp at night and on weekends). They did repaint it, so it doesn't have the color scheme shown in the photo. http://buffalorising.com/2014/10/sweet-temptations-du-jour-to-open-in-allentown/ http://buffalorising.com/2014/10/sweet-temptations-du-jour-to-open-in-allentown

Today has already included: 2 farmers markets walks 1 breakfast washing my car - maple, cottonwood, bird, pollen - yuck pruning the apricot trees due to what I am pretty sure at this point is borers cleaning up after the pruning meeting the largest malamute I have ever seen It was 30 something degrees this morning when I went with my dad to the farmers markets. I had to dig out my winter clothes and a hat and gloves. What is the deal, hey? It's early days, but there are starting to be things to get at the markets. This is also where the very large dog comes in. There are lots of people who bring their dogs to the markets around here. Well, someone had this huge, fluffy dog with them today. A 160 lb. not yet full grown Alaskan Malamute, that was a rescue dog. This does not surprise me. Someone probably thought they were getting a cute puppy and instead got something that doubled in size every day. He's at least 28" at the shoulder. This is unusually large, even for a malamu...

sprayed trees, yoga class on Friday

Ceci n'est pas mon chat. http://www.pleated-jeans.com/2015/05/18/this-is-not-my-cat-24-pics/ http://www.pleated-jeans.com/2015/05/18/this-is-not-my-cat-24-pics

Oh, good. Frost warning for tonight.

The news is just full of positive learning experiences these days: - That 19 kids family apparently has some issues that are making them less of a poster family for the politically hyper-conservative, it would seem. Although if the now adult had problems as an adolescent, I'm not sure how much of that is omg, horrible permanent evil person vs. how much does a severe upbringing potentially mess you up? He apparently "forcibly fondled" at least one and possibly more girls (as a minor) per a police report. So messed up. - The ongoing crisis of Rohingya muslims in Myanmar/Burma. Which I knew a little about before this latest disaster because there's a large Burmese immigrant community here, so I had learned a little about the different regions and groups. However, it's a major mess, and has been for decades and possibly hundreds of years, depending on whose version of history and how you view it. Human beings are just going to keep killing each other off over stupid s...

They are having a "Passport Fair" this weekend. I have never heard of this before. Is this some new thing, or is it just because I am now living in a major international border crossing area? P.S. It was announced on the news, but have not found any details to clarify online.

Ok. I know it's relatively cold out, but that's no reason for all the spiders to decide to appear in my room this morning. This is not the room you are looking for; you can go about your business. Elsewhere. K thx, bye.

I made kale chips the other day. It worked out surprisingly well but I learned a few things. I thought getting a bag of pre-cut kale, like you can use for salad, would be a great time saver. Not so much. Had to sort through to get rid of any stalk bits, and the pieces varied wildly in size, which made it very hard to crisp but not burn all of them. I made my own flavoring mix out of dehydrated veggies, spices, herbs, lemon zest, and nuts, which worked out better than I hoped and tasted quite good, but it's another step and a little more clean-up. If I did this again, I think I would go with a wetter mix and crisp the kale first, then put on the mix, then re-crisp it so more of the flavoring stayed on each chip. It is also worth noting that they are much better the next day or two than freshly made. Some of that sulfur-y, cabbage-y, kaleness lingers the day they are made. Leading to my last point, which is that it is time consuming because you have to spread the kale out so it crisp...

Proto produce of the week.

http://mashable.com/2015/05/20/tess-holliday-people-magazine/ http://mashable.com/2015/05/20/tess-holliday-people-magazine

In an effort to motivate myself, another list of things I did. Edition: Sunday. 1. Vacuumed and dusted upstairs. 2. All the Laundry (ok, not the towels and sheets. FINE.) 3. Acquired new tools for the Ant Defense Force. 4. Did some garden things.* 5. Took pictures of some garden stuff, which, obs, I finished posting today. 6. Installed window AC in my room (thank you ineffable Van der Waals forces that called AC into being.) 7. Made hard boiled eggs. 8. Made egg salad, with Sriracha per somebody else's idea as seen on g+ (you know who you are). 8. Cleverly adapted a Command adhesive cord organizing clip into a marker holding clip. *Speaking of which, I cannot find japanese eggplant sets or plants or anything for love or money this year. What is up with that?

Because the weather was so hot, everything bolted and Mom's spring garden bloomed and died in about 1 week while I was gone. These are the late spring/early summer things coming up already. The cottonwoods also exploded yesterday, and that hideous fuzz is everywhere, including on some of the flowers. I played with my olloclip macro lens a bit on some. I wish I could figure out how to get a decent white balance on my phone, though. Bright sunlight completely blows out some of the details and makes it hard to capture decently anything with the effects of the light itself.

It may or may not be obvious why I find this amusing. http://xkcd.com/1526/ http://xkcd.com/1526

I forget why, but they played "Springtime for Hitler" on the radio the other day, and it's been totally earworming me for going on day 2. Aagh! This has, however, led me to the realization that John Barrowman is the guy who sings this in the new movie version. With seriously bleached blonde hair. It's kinda weird, now that I know of him in other contexts. Although I'd recognize that cheesy grin almost anywhere. Now if that song would just Go Away. k thx

In case it would upset someone, trigger warning. This is about HR 36, a bill to ban abortion that mentions rape and incest. While I get it that it is unlikely to pass, that anyone would vote to support such abusive laws offends me deeply. These people are delusional. Taking out language that required a woman to report their rape to the police in order to get a legal abortion after 20 weeks apparently makes the rest of it ok. (This held it up because Republican women objected to that bit. [gasps, clutches pearls]) "The legislation, H.R. 36, would ban abortions at 20 weeks or later except to save the life of the mother or in cases of rape or incest of a minor." Sounds like the standard stuff that's been used to get things passed before. Oh, we care about the mother and the abused. Except: "Rape victims must have received counseling or medical treatment first. Young victims of incest would have to have had the crime reported to law-enforcement authorities or to a gover...

Today's date is sort of a palindrome: 5-15-15

Ant Wars, the Saga: Mostly stopped the basement invasion, but have found a few stragglers. Continue to fight holding action at new sight in kitchen (getting in around the garden window). Have found more giant carpenter ant queens outside. #3 has led directly to #4, code name: Dalek. We have called in the exterminators. #OperationDalek #theantscomemarching

He was sick for a long time, but it is super sad. How do you describe people who are such an incredible influence? Rest in Peace, B.B. King. Goodbye everybody I do believe this is the end Goodbye everybody I do believe this is the end Yes, I want you to tell my baby To forgive me for my sins http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/15/entertainment/bb-king-dead/ http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/15/entertainment/bb-king-dead

Joyeux anniversaire, mon amie!

Do you put celery in your egg salad?

I spent the last two weeks in Ann Arbor visiting my sister and Bethany Willick, Christina L Brainard, and Maggie Brazeau and Mark Brazeau. I came back to ... something. But nevermind that, because I got to do the following: - ate buckwheat pasta in a creme fraiche and shallot sauce with fresh asparagus and morels (mmm, morels) at Jolly Pumpkin - see Avengers - see all the AGOT episodes - ate at this amazing middle eastern place - Zamaan Cafe - not your usual and delicious! even had "Turkish" coffee with cardamom in it - ate delicious Korean food at Arirang - ate delicious food cooked by Bethany Willick - ate delicious grilled food by Maggie Brazeau and Mark Brazeau - spend time at Zingerman's and Crazy Wisdom Tea Room - take care of and get abused by 3 rescue pets (cute to be provided later) - meet an adorable new puppy (yay!) - have breakfast at Zeff's with Christina L Brainard - nom - study and read a lot - have breakfast at Zola Bistro - where they do not make mena...

Today's accomplishments: 1) planted heritage/hermitage/heirloom cherry tomato seeds 2) planted mix of 5 kinds of basil seeds 3) lunch with Dad 3a) tested frozen custard place - lo, they have real custard 4) cleaned more shelving in basement cold room 4a) relocated many old, empty canning jars to another shelf 4b) discovered disintegrating portion of basement wall behind area of shelving from which jars were removed 4c) confirmed this was left from old damage due to leaking which had been repaired, not new leaking; determined panic not required at this time 4d) swept up dust from disintegrating concrete and old paint, tried not to inhale highly probable gypsum dust 4e) washed newly cleared section of shelving small Monty Python yay

Ugh, seriously? Enough with the bazillion species of ants! #insecthater

Hello, terrible weather. We are in you.

Little things that are stupid: the Avengers bandages for kids? They only have four characters. Guess which four?

Thank you for the horrible ant dreams.

AUGH. GIANT CARPENTER ANT QUEENS. AUGH. No, seriously. Large, 1 inch long, very solid looking. More than one of them. AUGH.

Happy day to all you mothers out there.

Ok, idiots who decided that it's fun to just randomly set off fireworks at 11pm. They are loud, you are idiots, and it is annoying. P.S. Also illegal. P.P.S. I doubt the penalties are sufficient to make them stop, since I'm pretty sure the police are over in that neighborhood regularly for full-on criminal activities and I know they get called when there's possible gun fire.

Omg, it was 90 some degrees today. 90! Where's my spring? I demand my spring!

Brain gone. Did not sleep well last night. Dog being weird. Ugh. Coffee just making shaky. Maybe need more hydration. Augh.

Happy Piano Day!

I want to write something cutesy and trite, but I'll just say Happy Birthday Allyson Williamson!

Hey, you were born! Happy birthday Leigh Butler!

No comment. http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2015/04/14/miscarrying_woman_denied_medication_misoprostol_can_be_used_for_both_abortion.html?wpisrc=obnetwork http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2015/04/14/miscarrying_woman_denied_medication_misoprostol_can_be_used_for_both_abortion.html?wpisrc=obnetwork

Survival traits that are not currently socially acceptable*. Exercise is still good for you, but for some people, no matter how hard they work out, they will never be tiny. "In fact, while women who had low- and intermediate-levels of obesity-related genetic variants lost weight and fat mass and increased their lean mass, women with the highest levels of those variants gained weight and lean mass, while their fat mass stayed steady." http://www.latimes.com/science/la-sci-sn-obesity-genetics-resistance-exercise-leaner-20150430-story.html *Being able to keep fat stores is probably an evolutionary adaptation to the fact that for the overwhelming majority of humanity's existence, you would have to endure periods of food scarcity or starvation. Still true in many parts of the world. Plus, fat functions both calorically and metabolically to reproduce or raise young.