The rain it raineth every day, Upon the just and unjust fella, But more upon the just, because the unjust hath the just’s umbrella

Here in Boston, the thought of a picture perfect summer day on the Cape or the Vineyard can kindle some warmth in one’s heart and mind during the drudge of the dark snowy days of January. Unfortuanelty, we have had one of “those” rainy summers that just doesn’t make up for the countless cold days behind/ahead. With Fall nipping on our New England heels, I feel like summer has short changed me and has issued a “No Returns - Final Sale” policy – At least I can say I have been productive!...

I’ve found myself crafting through these wet and weary days to lighten my spirit and keep myself busy indoors (PJS is fed up with being dragged to the museums and art shows in town – isn’t it interesting how gents are always more than happy to be accommodating to gals early on in dating?... is the honeymoon over..already?)

Several of my cousins and a few clients have been reprodicin' as of late. I decided that a few home made gifts might be enjoyed by them (and in the process me!). Here are the fruits of my productive rainy days – Bibs, burp cloths and blankies aplenty!

Thai me up!

So, The ticket has been bought - I am off to a rock climbing adventure in Thailand for the majority of May!

I can't wait for the thrill of climbing in Krabi - but, I'm also looking forward to all the wonderful food. Be prepared for a onslaught of tasty Thai treats upon my return...

Rest, Kurt, rest.

Kurt Vonnegut Jr. 1922 - 2007

Vonnegut was the first writer to really inspire me – During my teenage years, his words were things to savagely devour. As I grew older, they became like old friends to revisit time and time again. I am saddened by his passing. So it goes.

This is the final line of my favorite book Cat’s Cradle.

If I were a younger man, I would write a history of human stupidity; and I would climb to the top of Mount McCabe and lie down on my back with my history for a pillow; and I would take from the ground some of the blue-white poison that makes statues of men; and I would make a statue of myself, lying on my back, grinning horribly, and thumbing my nose at You Know Who.

Minty Mind Muddler

This is my absolute favorite drink
I've been grooving on this little invention for a while now - order it by name and a bar tender will have no idea what you are talking about - It's really a home brewed Merry Baker concoction inspired by my hatred of Rum and my love of Moscow Mules and Mojitos. The secret to this drink is a good Ginger Beer (ginger ale is a distant cousin twice removed to the spicy punch of actual ginger beer). To find good ginger beer - try a Brazilian or Jamaican grocery. If you live in a tamer local with out an exotic bodega on every corner - try your local Trader Joes - they have a good representation of the sweet drink with a kick.

I N G R E D I E N T S
Vodka
Lime wedges
Simple Syrup
Mint
Ginger Beer


Muddle mint with lime wedges and simple syrup
Add Vodka to your tolerance level (enough for a dreamy blur of the eyes and rosy blush in the cheeks!)
Shake with crushed ice and ample ginger beer
Serve in iced tall glass and garnish with fresh mint

Food Glorious Food

This is all a bit delayed – but, I was never good at turning my homework on time. Here are my answers to the Apron Swap's Meme.
I’ve omitted the questions that were “mini” specific – again, with the kicking and the dead horse and the kicking…

1. What is your first food memory? I swear that I remember this moment to this day because every now and then I still get the gnawing want to stuff every inch of my face with certain food. Apparently when I was 2 ½ I was so excited eating my peas that I stuffed as many as a could into my nose – my dad, the white knight that he is, came to my rescue when I learned the important lesson that you can stuff your nose or your mouth, but not both. Dad turned me on my side and transformed me into a mini pea BB gun by blowing into my mouth – within seconds the little green suckers were shooting out my nose. What a Kodak moment.

2. What was your favorite dish/food as a child? Grilled Cheese and Alphabet Soup or Hot and Sour Soup and Fried Pot stickers with a side jellyfish salad - the first is what I would get if I was sick at home the second is what my family would eat if it was really really cold (as cold as it can get in Hawaii or southern California) and we were too lazy to cook. We would always go to a restaurant where a Huuuuuuggggeee bowl of soup would be brought out for the family and plate after plate of potstickers. My little brother and I would douse both with white vinegar to really give it a sharp satisfying bite.

6. What is your favorite food memory? Croatia 2004 – one of the most amazing meals of my life – Maybe it was sitting outside under a beautiful arbor – drinking amazing wine as the setting sky turned a startling pink. Starting with pear brandy and home cured proscuitto, savory bites of cheese and roasted potatoes, the most amazing arrangement of seafood, roasted lamb – why is it always the simplest things in life that turn out to be the most wonderful.

8. Name one thing you absolutely love to make and eat when you are feeling like a kid again: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – gooey buttery time travel

9. Name something you ate as a kid that you now look back on and wonder "what were my childhood taste buds thinking??" : Nothing comes to mind. I know there was a time where I was really into drinking pickle juice, but I might drink that now given an opportunity, maybe with a shot of vodka and a twist of lemon.

Sneak Peek

Inspired by Eeps' recent Apron Swap - I signed up for the latest Apron Swap without reading the "small" print. Turns out that this time around - the aprons were geared towards the mini bunch... and of course, this Mary is miniless.

Seems like everyone and their mother has been trying to make this obvious as of late - I was "thiiiissss" close to renting a Cambodian and Nigerian baby ala Angelina Jolie for my High School Reunion Family Picnic (Keep in mind this was our 10 year - and people actually showed up with up to 5 kids in tow!)

Anywho... back to the apron swap - I thought I would make the best of this opportunity to be crafty and use it as good inspiration to break out the ol' sewing machine. Today's wintery weather seemed like the perfect kick in the tushy to stay in and make my first attempt at sewing since at least 1995... The actual exchange doesn't happen for several more weeks, but, I had to show off the the goods of the day. P.S. I'm very proud of the pocket detailing.

TMI

I know the saying is, "keep your friends close, but your enemies closest" – but, I generally go by the old adage, "keep your friends close, and your old friends closest … because they know way too much." This has generally served me well - until now... Eeps wants me to share the dish on my wayward habits. You are all welcome to suggest medications appropriate for the below behaviors at your leisure.

Six Weird Things About You

THE RULES: Each player of this game starts with the 6 weird things about you. People who get tagged need to write a blog of their own 6 weird things as well as state this rule clearly. In the end, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says you are tagged in their comments and tell them to read your blog.

1. I am adverse to the number four – I never buy anything in groups of four or things that have the #4 on them – I will buy a pack of gum if my grocery total includes sets of fours – or, I will make a butcher add another steak if the total is 3.44 pounds – To make matters even more complicated - I also avoid numbers that add up to four.

2. I cover my thumbs when ambulances drive by.

3. I knock on wood- I will also force other people to knock on wood if they have in one way or another said something that might spite the gods to strike in the vicinity that I would also be hit by a bolt of lightning.

4. I am a flower snob. I hold a great stigma against red roses (I think they lack imagination). I have a history of scaring boys into not buying me flowers. Some might think this is ungracious. I wouldn’t disagree with them. I also hate carnations and baby’s breath – basically anything that is omnipresent in supermarket bouquets.

5. I can read and write upside down very well. At one time, I thought this alone would make me a very good CIA agent.

6. I can’t drink milk – it’s not that I’m allergic to it – I just cannot take a swig of the stuff without feeling queasy. When I was but a wee tyke, my older cousins told me that milk was cow pee – I have spent my life since not being able to drink the stuff. Yeah for osteoporosis!