Fall/Mister Rogers Update

So, I went on the internet to search for a picture of Mister Rogers in his scary clown mask, and lo and behold, I found one. The funny thing is, this is a DIFFERENT clown mask than the one he put on in the episode I saw today, so that means he has donned scary clown masks at least twice on his show. The one today was worse than this one. If you search, you can find the video that goes with the picture above, which in some cases has been overdubbed with scary evil clown voice. I will not post a link, because I will not support Mister Rogers smearing. But he really shoulda thought twice about the masks. (Shiver).

Here is a picture of a re-enactment of my fall down the stairs. Do you like my purple satin dress? Just kidding. That's not me. My aunt Kathy sent me the photo. She falls down a lot, so she probably had it saved on her computer somewhere. It might even be her!

As it turns out, I think my injuries are worse than I thought. As my grandma likes to say, "I'm all stoved up." The actually saying is, "all stove up," without the -d. It is a very southern way of saying you are sore and stiff. As in, "Oh Lo-ord, Mahtha, ah'm all stove up. Ah reckon ah cain't hardly move." Please, everyone, HOLD THE RAIL. I got cocky. Don't let it happen to you.

Downward Spiral

This is the back staircase at my house. This morning, as I was going down it in the dark and trying to be really quiet, I fell down about the last five steps. I was wearing my slippers, which aren't slippery at all, but I think I just mis-stepped at the spirally turn. Who knows? It was dark. I have bruised a heel and possibly my tailbone, but nothing is sprained or broken, so that's good. And the giant thud did not wake up the Peanut, so I was able to make Kev's lunch, and more importantly, the coffee, before she got up.

This post is dedicated to my cousin Brad who has an imaginary Fall Down Log, in which I am honored to be included.

Unrelated: We were just watching Mister Rogers, and he brought the most terrifying clown mask you have ever seen to show his television neighbors. I almost had to turn it off.

Soup and a Snowman

Aaaaaaaah, yes. Guinness Beef Stew on a cold and snowy winter day. You can't get much better than that. I used this recipe, and stuck to it more or less except for the following: In step two, where you cook the vegetables, I used onions and carrots as suggested, but added mushrooms too, because we are a mushroom family. Also, I didn't add in the potatoes with the other vegetables because I thought they would get overcooked and mushy, so I just threw them in the pot about 25 minutes before I planned to serve the stew. (I used Yukon Gold instead of Russet just because I like them better in stew). It was really good, and I don't usually like beef stew all that much. The meat was really tender. I think the lady who published the recipe was right about using the Guinness and the wine (I used Coppola Claret)...very tasty. Anyway, this stew is kind of time consuming. I started on it at about 3:30 and we ate at 6:30. There is just a lot of washing and peeling and chopping and stirring. So, make it on a Sunday when you have some time to spend in the kitchen. Good stuff. I think I'll turn the leftovers into pot pies tomorrow night.


While I was making stew, Kev and Daphne were hard at work on the world's smallest snowman. I wish I could have joined them. I think Kev did all the work while his helper ate snow. She must think the world is covered with ice cream when it snows or something. I keep telling her it's just water, but she won't listen to me. She just scoops up handfuls and licks it off her gloves. Yuck. I gave up trying to stop her. Anyway, the snowman is still out there this morning, although he has lost his carrot nose. I should try to find him a tiny flag in honor of inauguration day.

Speaking of which, is it unpatriotic of me to ask who is paying for all these inauguration festivities? Just curious.

Unrelated: They are re-making the Electric Company. Not sure how I feel about that.

And one more thing: Add to my Texas list

• Watch the Mavericks.

That is all for now.

Snow

January 2009 128
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

It has been snowing off and on today, and it is just beautiful. So pretty, in fact, that I am considering waking Daphne up early from her nap to go play in it. The sun is out, and it is going to melt soon. And I really want to make a snow man.

Tonight, we are scheduled for Soup 4: Guinness Beef Stew. Perfect timing. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Lazy Sunday

There is pumpkin bread baking in my oven. The whole house smells good. A giant flock of Canada Geese just flew right over my house, honking away. I went out to watch, even though it is about 24 degrees. It was just like Winged Migration. See that movie if you haven't already. Daphne is asleep, and Kev is off to Kohl's in search of the perfect pants. And I am blogging, waiting for the pumpkin bread to get done so I can eat it in my chair by the fire with a nice decaf latte before Daphne wakes up.

The picture has nothing to do with any of this, but I like to have pictures in the posts for color. It is a peanut plant on Day 17 of it's life. We got the peanut plant kit for Christmas, and I am determined to follow all the steps and grow at least one actual edible peanut this spring. Daphne helps me water it every day. She must be good luck, because it's doing well. And I can't grow ANYTHING.

Here is a list of some things I want to do in Texas (besides hang out with my family):

• Go to dinner with Anne and Emily
• Hang out with my friends from HS.
• Have good Barbeque.
• Get happy feet (I think I still may have a free gift certificate!)
• Get a burrito at Freebirds (thanks, Rob)
• Go to Central Market
• Go to the bookstore by myself
• Knit something / Go to the Shabby Sheep
• Drive past my old house (maybe)
• Sleep in
• Play with Albert

It probably won't all happen, but some of it will, and I can't wait. If only I didn't have to fly on a plane to get there.

OK...pumpkin bread time. Aaaaah. Sometimes I'm so glad this isn't a football house. I like Sunday.

Daphne Made Me Put This On...

...and she keeps calling me "Super Space Mommy." I have to go...she wants me to get in the space ship now. But I have to ride in the back seat.

Space Peanut

This is what came walking into the kitchen this morning while I was cleaning up the breakfast dishes. I certainly hope this is just a phase. I do not have a strong enough constitution to see my only kid shot into space.

The Artist at Work

The Peanut loves her new easel from Grandma and Grandpa. Here is a video of her using it this morning.

Every day, she asks to paint. Keeping the paint colors separated is out of the question. But that's OK I guess. I don't know what we're going to do with all these pieces of art. Right now, we use a hippo-shaped chip clip to hang one at a time from the blinds in the play room. Our fridge is not magnetic.

It is COLD here today, and going to get even colder later in the week. All this cold, and no snow. It isn't right.

Last weekend, we walked over to the weekly farmer's market down the street. We bought apples, eggs, breakfast sausages, and a pork shoulder. It was all so fresh and good, and I felt good about feeding it to my family. I don't want to get all preachy about being earth-friendly on you, but if you want to read a really good article about "eating green," get the newest Bon Appetit magazine, or follow this link. I really believe that every little bit helps. I wish the farmer's market was every day.

Have I mentioned how much I love Flight of the Conchords? Hooray for three free months of HBO. It will expire soon, and I will be very very sad.

In happy news, Daphne and I will be making a trip to Texas very soon. Perhaps I'll make a list in my next post of things I want to do while I'm there. Yee-Haw!

Soup 3

Soup 3
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

Soup Number Three was potato with country ham (recipe here) and it was DEEEEElicious. Perfect for a cold winter night, which is what it was here last night. I used a little onion and garlic instead of leeks, but otherwise, stuck to the recipe. I also made some croutons to put on top, and topped it all with a little grated cheddar. Very easy and quick to make. I highly recommend it. We're having it again tonight.

A Break from Soup

Cheese Souffle
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

I got a souffle dish for my birthday. Back in August. Today, I finally got to use it. This is a cheese souffle using this recipe. (I used smoked gouda instead of cheddar, and also put a little minced garlic in with the butter. Otherwise, followed the exact recipe). It was GOOD. Don't fear the souffle. It isn't that hard. And it's like eating a cloud. Maybe I should change this to the Winter of Souffle.

I am dedicating this, my first souffle, to my friend Kevin M., in honor of his new job and because he was nice enough to go to a very very girly souffle restaurant to help us celebrate my 40th birthday.

On an unrelated note, I saw a mockingbird today. It made me happy. It's the first one I've seen since leaving Texas.

Soup 2

Soup 2
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

This is the second Winter of Soup soup. It is Roasted Garlic and Butternut Squash Puree, from the Williams-Sonoma "Soups" cookbook. It was easy to make, but time-consuming. I stuck to the recipe until the very end, when I could see that the squash to liquid ratio wasn't going to work unless I wanted soup the consistency of paste. So, I used less roasted squash and added some water. I thought it was too rich and squashy, so I added some nutmeg, cinnamon, all-spice, and a little cayenne, plus some cream. Then it was better (thanks to Kev for being my taster/spice advisor). I still didn't love it though. I thought it was a good appetizer soup, but not a good meal soup. It was still too squashy for me. But Kev liked it and ate three bowls. Daphne tried it, made a yuck-face, and had some fruit and cheese for dinner. It is definitely not a very kid-friendly soup.

I was disappointed, because I was trying to recreate the delicious butternut squash soup I had at "Jane" in New York City last month. Theirs was served with a big blob (I hate the word "dollop") of mascarpone cheese and some spicy pumpkin seeds. Our lame grocery store didn't have mascarpone cheese or spicy pumpkin seeds, so I whipped some heavy cream and bought a six-pack of David's snack-size packets of salted pumpkin seeds. It just wasn't the same. Oh, how I miss Central Market!

This was my first time using leeks, which was kind of fun.

Time to choose Soup Number 3!

Nuevo Ano

Happy New Year!

I think it's already the 3rd, but I wanted to blog a New Year's blog, and Daphne's engrossed in Charlie and Lola, so I have a brief window.

For the most part, 2008 was a drag. But there were some moments I will remember happily (do you feel a list coming on?). Here are a few good 2008 times:

• Trip to Oklahoma with the Mantooth family.
• Dave Brubeck at the Blue Note in NYC.
• East Texas Craft weekend with HS friends.
• Mommy's Night Out dinners with Anne and Emily.
• Sledding on Kev's birthday.
• Cooking Thanksgiving dinner with my mom.
• Indiana road trip.
• Pink Martini at the House of Blues.
• Picking up people at airports.
• Going to Colorado, having crepes.
• Oktoberfest at the Mighty Midget.
• Daphne's 2nd birthday party.
• Birth of the great Blueberry.
• Every time there was ice cream.

In 2009, I look forward to continuing the Winter of Soup, going to Texas, seeing our Cherry Trees blossom and Peonies bloom, getting unpacked, knitting, decorating the house, riding my bike, taking walks as often as possible, taking the Peanut camping, and getting my parents and brother moved up here, and probably some other stuff that I can't think of.

Well, Charlie and Lola is over, and Daphne's on the loose with crayons. Better get back to work now...Hope your 2009 is a good one.

Quick Soup Update

The Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice soup is even better left-over. It gets all nice and thick in the fridge overnight. Mmmmm. I will be very sad when it's gone.

Typical Tuesday

Daphne didn't take a nap today, so instead of relaxing in my chair with a book or some knitting, or getting some chores done, I got invited to a birthday party for Elephant Gerald (in the green chair). According to Daphne, he is two years old, and he wished for a box of frying pans when he blew out his candles. He plans to make pretend Lemon Soup with these pans.

In the high chair, you may notice a sort of Daphne-looking Cabbage Patch doll, courtesy of Aunt Kimmie and Uncle Marty. Her name, as stated on her birth certificate, is Anna Wanda. I call her Anaconda. Daphne calls her Anda-Wanna, and says her birthday isn't until Saturday.

Time to get back to the party. I am missing the cheese course. I think it's Gouda.

The Winter of Soup Begins

Soup 1
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

Last night I began the Winter of Soup with this Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice. Very good, and very easy. I used this recipe, and added carrots, mushrooms, and a little garlic. Next time I will use more rice, but otherwise I probably won't change anything else.

Big Wheel!

Big Wheel!
Originally uploaded by Tara H.

So, here it is. The Big Wheel. Don't you wish you could ride it?

Kev moved the seat as far forward as possible, but she can still really only go backwards.

Christmas was good. It seems like we spent most of it driving in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania goes on forever. Maryland, on the other hand, takes about 15 minutes to cross. The funny thing is, when you leave Maryland, there is a sign that says "Maryland thanks you for your patience."

Kevin turned 40 in NY the day after Christmas, so we all went sledding. In the snow. It was great. Daphne liked it, but was more interested in eating snow. One time, Kev and I went down together on my nephew's toboggan. It was so much fun...the sled just kept going and going and I thought we might end up in the Hudson River. It was one of the few carefree moments I've had in a long time. (Once I knew we weren't going to wipe out, that is.)

I got lots of nice gifts, so thanks to everyone. Daphne got some great stuff too. And we all pitched so Kev could get a new bike for his birthday, so there are going to be some fun bike-rides in our future.

Now that Christmas is over, it is time to buckle down and get some things done. I have a feeling I am going to know all the people down at the DMV by name before it's all over. There is a lot of stuff you have to do when you move from another state, and much of it requires about 10 forms of ID. Such a hassle, but it's gotta be done.

And the boxes. So many boxes.

And Christmas cards.

So, I better stop blogging and get some things done. I have promised the Peanut a walk today, as well as a game of The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I guess the boxes can wait.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

Aaaaaaaaaaaaah. At last. Christmas is upon us. And I am DONE. Well, except for sending out Christmas cards, which I have had to just let turn into New Years cards.

This has been a difficult year, and a difficult Christmas, for a variety of reasons. But now I am ready to move on and look forward to all the exciting things that are going to be happening in the next several months. Big things, of course, like my parents and brother moving up here to join us, but little things too. Not the least of which is making soup for the Winter of Soup (I got a new Williams Sonoma soup cookbook for Christmas). AND I also FINALLY got my Easybake Oven (thanks, M and D), so there are going to be a lot of teeny tiny cakes in my future. And now that Christmas is almost over, we will be able to concentrate on unpacking and getting more settled. A day is coming when there will be downtime. And knitting.

I had a very nice Christmas Eve, and plan to have a fun day tomorrow. Daphne is all excited, so she'll be fun to watch. She's getting the Big Wheel I bought a couple years ago. Kev put it together the other night and I cannot tell you how badly I wished I could ride it.

I hope all of you have a really great Christmas. Gotta get to sleep now before Santa shows up...

The Winter of Soup

I have officially declared this the "Winter of Soup." This means that I am going to make a whole bunch of different kinds of soups this winter since we now live in a cold climate. I am a little worried because Daphne, who used to eat everything, isn't crazy about soup these days, and I don't want dinnertime to be a stressful event. Anyway, feel free to suggest a soup recipe that you like, and I will tell you if it makes the cut this season.

My favorite soups are:
Mushroom,
Lobster Bisque,
Chicken and Dumplings,
Split Pea with Ham,
the delicious Roasted Butternut Squash soup I had in NYC last time I was there,
Cream of Tomato,
and
Gumbo.

Also, I would like to include more goat cheese in my meal plan. Please make suggestions if you have them.

I Have Always Wanted a Banister

So, I decorated it. Perhaps this will satisfy the neighbors...



Speaking of the neighbors, here is a tree that lives next door. It is a ginko tree. Here is a story about that tree:

The day we moved into our new house, we went on the front porch to take a picture. We smelled something bad, and I thought it was dog poop or fertilizer. A few days later, the Verizon man came to install the Fios package. Every time he came near me, I smelled a poop/fertilizer smell. I thought maybe this was a guy with real problems! Then a couple hours into the job, he told me that he had been stepping on fruit from the neighbors tree, and boy, did it stink. Aaaah! Mystery solved! So, as it turns out, every fall, this giant tree sheds the smelliest fruit you ever smelled, and there is nothing you can do but go out there and clean it all up from the yard, but you have to be careful not to get it on your skin because it will give you ginko berry disease which resembles poison ivy and can make you very sick. I suppose we will just have to make do. Poor Kev was outside for two days picking up all that mess.






Finally, here is our Christmas tree. We let Daphne help put the ornaments on. It was stressful, but sorta fun. Nothing got broken, anyway. And the stockings were hung by the (faux) chimney with mantle stocking hanger things from Target, which I have also always wanted.

So, I got my banister and my mantle things. Is it worth the price of the stinky tree? I reckon so. But then, I'm not the one who had to clean up the fruits.

Turkey and Such

So, Thanksgiving was good. My parents were here, and my mom taught me how to make all the food. It really wasn't that hard, just a lot of work for a meal that lasted about 15 minutes. I shouldn't say that, I guess. We actually got four meals out of the deal, so it was all worth it. Plus, there was pie. You can't beat that. Above, I am taking the finished turkey out of the oven. I used a bag, and it was good. Below, is everyone waiting for me and my dad to stop taking pictures so we can eat. The centerpiece was Daphne's hand-turkey surrounded by pinecones from the yard. What would Martha think?



While my parents were here, Kev and I made a quick overnight trip to New York City to see the great Dave Brubeck at the Blue Note. The show was great. So glad we went. Dave Brubeck must be almost 100, but he could still play, and his band was fantastic. We entered the club just as he arrived, so I took a picture with my phone, but I can't get the picture OFF my phone without subscribing to some expensive service, so it doesn't do much good.



We took the bus from DC to NYC, which wasn't bad. On the way home, we got stuck on the New Jersey turnpike, though, and a 4 hour trip turned into about 6 hours, which is a long time to sit on a bus without getting up. Still, it was way better than having to fly.





Tonight was the annual Christmas parade in our town. It went right past our house, which was very convenient. We bundled everyone up and braved the cold, and enjoyed the parade, which featured a camel! I think even LarryFeathers, who is visiting this week, had a good time. Daphne loved it because the people in the parade kept giving her candy. I think she got more candy tonight than she did on Halloween.





For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to decorate my house at Christmas by putting one candle in every window. This year, we made it happen. We also bought a wreath for the door from a local farmer, and we have a groovy retro light-up Santa by the back door. Apparently I am going to have to step it up next year, though. One of my neighbors told me to relax and not worry about trying to decorate this year..."We know you're new," she said.

That being said, she, and all of our other neighbors, could not be more friendly. Everyone has really gone out of their way to make us feel welcome. I am looking forward to getting to know people. I just have to get through the holidays first. I have not even made a dent in my Christmas shopping. The holiday knitting I planned to do is just not going to happen. And it will be a miracle if I get my cards sent out on time this year. Oh well. There are more important things than all that.

So, I hope that you are all doing well and enjoying the holiday season so far. I will try to blog more, and I assure you there will be pictures the minute we get snow. Tomorrow, we're decorating the Christmas tree, and there will likely be Kerbey Lane pancakes. Not much could be better than that. Maybe if there's time, I'll get back on here and tell you about the Stinky Tree.