Cinnamon Daze

2009-01-18T11:06:00.001-05:00

This blog has ended. I have started again here.

Kind of a crap-out

2008-05-13T14:44:00.005-04:00

The reality is, I don't have the energy to write up multiple posts on our amazing 5 night 20th Anniversary Trip to St. Maarten.

Suffice it to say, it was everything one hopes for in an island trip. Now granted, we haven't been to Hawaii, which, from all I hear, is one of the ultimate destinations in island vacations, but our time in St. Maarten was pretty darn nice.

I am not going to throw up a bunch of pictures here with all sorts of annotated blurbs.

Just go here, and set it on slideshow (you can adjust the speed with which you want to spend with 113 images) and you will get a flavah of our good time!

Images by Others that I Like

2008-05-13T14:22:00.006-04:00

I think, I will try and get some rather more regular quick posts up of various things without having to worry about the images that accompany my text.

So, today I inaugurate a new series. This is when I will provide the link to an image that catches my eye and why. In many cases, I have already posted a comment to the image back on the photographers blog, so there may be a little bit of repeat here and there.

On the photoblog artographer, there was this image which I totally love because:

1. amazing but muted colors
2. the water and reflections
3. he got it all the elements from foreground to background in the frame in an integrated manner.

Do you love this?

Due to very important copyright images, I am not going to post a copy of the actual image so you'll just have to click away!

http://artographer.shutterchance.com/photoblog/gear_/

Can't Play Without Sticks - Evidently

2008-04-23T21:38:00.008-04:00

So, we are back from St. Maarten (blog post coming up) and trying to get back in the swing of things in a non-Caribbean island way. Very hard, let me tell you. I keep looking at the island pics and sigh!

Oh well. So, back to the routine of life. It was good to see the boys and the dear daughter again. And feeling somewhat guilty, we rounded up the boys to take them to the park so they could get WET!

From our house, Dumbarton Oaks park is +/- 10 mins away on a normal day. On this day it took nearly an hour. The dutchman was cursing a bit - certainly not the easy peasy way of life we had just experienced in St. Maarten, but full on weekend traffic construction DC nonsense. How long does it take to fix a road? 500 years? AARGH!!!

The picture above is taken out the side window of the jeep. Bo is in his usual position, tongue hanging out, big smile on his face. It doesn't seem to matter where we go; it's all an adventure for them. You can sort of see the bicyclist on the top (the path we were trying to get to), the traffic cones and the line of cars behind us. Very frustrating.

We finally made it and took the straight path to the water. Many other dogs were there and Tucker, being the extrovert of the two, made some friends, but the day was basically devoted to the getting, and moving and teasing and throwing of sticks.

In our two golden household, the boys very much have preferences. Tucker is all about the sticks. Sticks all day, every day, in every situation and flavor. Bo is the tennis ball freak. Sticks are a distant second choice. But here, because we forgot to bring any balls, sticks had to suffice for Bo which totally cuts into Tucker's dominance of the stick game.

Tucker pretty much did not have a moment when he didn't have a stick in his mouth. Is he ever going to outgrow these obsession? Our backyard would really breathe a sigh of relief if he were to move on to something else ...

Luckily, there were some moments of sharing.

A Safari to the Tidal Basin

2008-04-23T20:35:00.008-04:00

They actually call it that - a photo safari. I had signed up for my first photo group experience online not knowing what to expect. This one was billed as Sunrise with the Cherry Blossoms. Essentially, it meant turning up at the paddle boats at 6:15 armed with camara, lenses and tripod. That's right. You read that right. 6:15 am!

All I can say is I must really like to take pictures to wake-up, get dressed, and make my way in early morning dark. Sunrise was supposed to bring that wonderful light that illuminates the cherry blossom petals and makes the water glow.

Well, so I get up, get dressed, and drive to GW (no parking at the tidal basin), and take a taxi to the meet-up spot. Only, there's no sunrise. There's darkness and gray and fog.

Ha! Is it murphy's law? I was rather excited to do this photo shoot and hoped to learn some tips and techniques and get some nice pictures. I had even ordered a new fast zoom lens, the Sigma 50-150 f/2.8 just for the occassion.

Turns out I didn't learn much of anything. It wasn't really a lesson, just a faciliated group experience. What I got out of it was the safety of people around at a time and place that I would never go to alone. Surprisingly, all of the 15 or so people that signed up for this particular safari were women. I read somewhere that 51% of DSLR buyers are women, so maybe it shouldn't be so surprising. I used the tripod for the first time ever and was really clumsy with it. Seems like I will have to get some practice with it to figure things out. In the end, I mostly bagged the tripod and carryed it around with me ackwardly. Still, all in all, I'm glad I did it, and will do more of these. Hopefully, next time the light will cooperate.

Here's one of my fellow safari members taking a picture down low.

I have two favorites from the morning. Gotta make lemonade from lemons, right.

One of the benefits of being there at 7 in the morning is you catch a seat at a picnic table

Finding flaws

2008-04-11T21:26:00.004-04:00

Don't you hate it when things you think are great have flaws? So, the other day I was heading to Whole Foods to pick up a few things and, like I often do, I had my camera slung over my shoulder.

I swear I didn't know about it ahead of time for sure, although I had the "possibility" of it in my head somewhere, but I told myself, nah, that's just paranoia.

Turns out, Whole Foods has this really paranoid and all corporatey rule about photography in their stores. As in, no photography ever. You probably knew about this already but I didn't.

So there I was, in Whole Foods and I came across a display that looked interesting. I pulled my camera up to take a picture and before I could hit the shutter for the third time, a whole foods employee came up to me to tell me not to take picture. "Corporate Policy."

I'm not sure about this, since I never really asked, but it seemed that the security guard was everywhere I was. And in fact, when checking out, there he was again at the end of the line just hanging out. Icky. Generally I am one of the converts. Love the whole vibe of the place. Ask me if I felt completely let down. I did. I will still shop at WF, like I have a lot of WF-like choices, not, but still ...

Who do you love?

2008-04-11T20:59:00.008-04:00

The dutchman would (should :-)) say the obvious things. But there is a new love in the mix these days.

He doesn't have a name for it, like red rider or rocketman or whatever boys name their powered and mechanical toys. But the unamed toy is a thing to be savoured, and stroked and dreamed about. Or so he tells me. I can sort of relate as I have those feelings for my camera but, I don't quite think it's the same.

Like many things in life, when you buy a bike, it's just the beginning. There are endless things to attach and modify and change and improve. A couple of Saturday's ago, a very happy couple of hours was spent installing a fancy-shmancy new seat.

The installing didn't take all that long, but once you've got the tools out, and the polishing cloth is there, why, time doesn't matter. And even the boys got in the action.

They call it Honda Love

A Tale of Two Sauces

2008-04-01T21:51:00.019-04:00

Green Sauces that is. Did you know my love for greens is not limited to salad leaves and spinach and chard? My rock-solid real greens love is reserved for herbs. And that would, of course, mean fresh herbs. Part of my spin through the market on sunday is to stock up on my herb trifecta: parsley, cilantro and dill.

Yes, there are other herbs out there. Basil, rosemary and thyme come to mind. But week in and week out, the trifecta stands tall. It's a sad day if I open the fridge and there isn't one of the big three in there waiting for me to yank a hunk for one thing or another.

Hunks of herbs to garnish are one thing, but sometimes you need the full monty. You need entire bunches to make yummy, herby green sauces.

I am sure you have your own secret stash of green sauce recipes, but that's ok, they can remain secret. I, on the other hand, will magnanimously share with you the top bananas in my stable: Green sauce, and Cilantro green sauce. Yes, I know, really exotic names for these sauces but what can I say. Green sauce can be distinguished from Cilantro green sauce by the fact that it does not, in fact, contain cilantro. Parsley and Dill are the main actors in this sauce.

And since I am really inconsistent with my exact measurements and directions, I have visual aids this week. Here is the cookbook from which the base recipe is taken from

and the page with the specifications (if you want to see the recipe, click to make the image bigger)

You can see from the picture that I have pencilled in a few extra things. Basically I take a bunch of italian parsley (flat-leaf) and a small bunch of dill and wash and rinse the mostly de-stemmed herbs. I give them a rough chop.

Ok - did you notice the knife? Yeah, it's a bit artistically buried in the mound of wonderful parsley and dill. But, for the record, it's only my favorite knife in the whole world, and it comes to me via my very generous & savvy sister (she knows the good stuff).

Here is another shot of my Shun knife just because it's knife love. Go ahead, click on the image so you can see the Shun goodness.

In the processor goes garlic (to taste 1-4 cloves; I usually add 2 small ones since even though I love garlic, sometimes it overpowers and this is one of those instances) and that gets whirred until minced. Then I stuff the parsley and dill into the processor and whirr away for awhile.

Into the bowl goes a little water, some cider vinegar, a little lemon juice, a little dijon, some olive oil and a couple of spoons of sour cream or creme fraiche. A little salt and pepper. Really, I can't even begin to figure out measurements. Take a look at the recipe and go from there, although I have to say I don't use anywhere near 1 cup of olive oil and I usually have way more than a half cup of parsley. Which doesn't really help you, I know. Experiment.

The other extra that I use is Sambal chili paste (see pic way below). It's the secret - bam - ingredient. Only use about a teaspoon or two though as it's pretty potent.

It should be smoothish - I can't get it completely pureed but that's ok. Stick it in the fridge and it will thicken up somewhat.

Cilantro green sauce (cilantro chutney) has - drum roll - cilantro as the star. This is a very piquant sauce to slather on almost anything. Well, you would slather it on everything if you were me. It's basically an Afghan green sauce that I used to obsess over many years ago when Kabul West was open in Bethesda. The cilantro chutney at at that restaurant was the highlight for me. I would always ask for seconds and thirds of the condiment as if it were the main ingredient and everything else on the menu was in support of it. Ass backwards. Alas, Kabul West went the way of many a restaurant and is no more. Luckily for me, I found a reasonable substitute and have been making it ever since. At the end of the post you will find the basic recipe. You decide what modifications you want to make.

All you do is take a bunch of cilantro, de-stem most of it and spin it dryish.

Check out this mini salad spinner from OXO. Another kitchen gadget love. I've got the baby and the big mama spinners and seriously don't know how I would live without them.

Into the food processor, chop the garlic and once in little pieces, add the cilantro, some toasted walnuts (crucial ingredient in this chutney) some cider vinegar/lemon juice, salt and pepper. The secret ingredient here again is the Sambal chili paste. Remember a little goes a long way.

It should look like this. Of course, adjust for your tastes but it's meant to be a sharp and assertive and, like the other green sauce, packed full of vitamins. Did you notice that this chutney doesn't require oil. That's not a typo.

Can you tell which sauce is which? The parsley green sauce is on the left and the cilantro chutney is on the right. I have to say, in looking at the pictures of these sauces that the parsley sauce look a bit runny and not quite creamy enough (I do believe I totally forgot the olive oil altogether which would have emulsified the sauce a bit more and it should be a tad creamier looking. But, it still tasted mighty fine and it's quite a bit thicker now than it was when I took these pics). which all goes to show just how much leeway you have with these things. Still, I'd start with the recipe from the book before you stupidly leave out things like the emulsifying oil - doh!

I don't have a long list of suggestions for what to use with these sauces. The parsley and dill sauce is a must with chilled salmon (and cooked salmon for that matter), and the cilantro chutney gets glopped onto everything and anything. And in the winter, you really can't beat these uncooked, fresh and raw green sauces to cut through all the stolid winter fare.

Enjoy.

Afghan Cilantro Chutney
(base recipe)

1 cup roughly chopped cilantro
2 garlic gloves
1 green chili
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup lemon juice/vinegar
salt

place ingredients in processor and process until a textured paste is achieved.

Another sunday, another morning at the farmer's market

2008-04-01T20:59:00.007-04:00

I actually skipped two sundays. That's two sundays where I didn't roam the vendors and stock up on local and healthy goodies.

You know, it's sometimes good not to be too obsessive about things. I find that when I don't make it to the weekly market, I appreciate it all the more the next time I do go.

Taking the camera with me has become de riguer of course, and I am very excited about the changing nature of the market as we transition from winter to spring. But, for the moment, things are still very much in winter mode with most of the vendors. At the Dupont market, you know spring is around the corner when the hours change, as they will next sunday.

On this sunday, however, I was drawn not to the apples, my normal magnetic north (say it ain't so), but to the chard, swiss chard that is. There is no way you don't smile when you see this green. Mother nature outdid herself when she designed the stalks of chard.

Sometimes it's one color, like this orange sherbert chard

but often, one bunch of chard will be a mini rainbow

you imagine that the chard is really masquarading as an uber healthy green, when really the stalks are candy sticks

but it's not all food, healthy or otherwise at the market

the flowers and plants are just as important

the lillies were gorgeous as usual, and it's hard to resist them when they are massed together

Of course, it's even better when you combine the two

More signs of spring

2008-04-01T20:32:00.004-04:00

I've got a date with a Photo Safari coming up next week. My first photo workshop of sorts. This one involves getting to the tidal basin at 6:15 am. Yup, you read that right. I have to be there at 6:15 to capture the cherry blossoms as the sun rises. Long-range forecast indicates rain so ask me how I will feel about the 5:00 wakeup call if it's pouring down. Fingers-crossed the forecasters are wrong.

In the meantime, when there has been nice light, and even when there hasn't, I've been out and about trying to catch a few budding signs of spring.

I am sure I am the only one who can't identify these plants, but there you have it. Still horticulturally challenged. Maybe by next spring I will actually know the name of what I am shooting.

There are some things I do know like pansies (aren't I clever?)

and tulip magnolias (or would that be tulip poplars)

and hyacinth of course

and this tree in my neighbors back yard that I have been shooting from bud to budded - I think I once knew the name but it's escaped me now

Back from Shanghai to ... the life mundane?

2008-04-01T19:58:00.006-04:00

The Flying Dutchman returned home to a bit of nippy spring, but spring nevertheless. And spring conjures up - for the practically inclined - spring cleaning. There are a variety of tools that one can yank out of the closet for this task, but trust the Dutchman to yank out tools that are powered.

Now when I say spring cleaning, that doesn't mean hauling the rugs outside and beating them with a rug beater, or rotating the mattresses, or cleaning out the pantry. What it does mean is yard cleanup. Now do you understand the need for power?

The other thing he came home to was March Madness. It's a bit of a sad march madness for the Dutchman as, once again, his alma mater (and mine too) did not make it to the show. Still, hours of college hoops was his reward for two tough weeks in China. And despite not having UMD to root for, one does develop alternative allegiences. But, sometimes even the alternative teams disappoint (and Tucker seems to concur).

But it's the quality time with the dogs that he missed the most (of course, just below his missing of me and the dear daughter - at least I think we rate higher :-))

A Day At the Zoo

2008-03-17T21:45:00.009-04:00

So, Friday was interesting. The Dear Daughter was up very early to catch her flight to *cough* St. Thomas *cough*. Yes, you read that right. Spring break in the Caribbean. Sigh. I can tell you that when I was 19, the casual trip to the Caribbean was not so much in my reality. Ah well.

I actually took the day off from work as the Flying Dutchman was still in Shanghai and little Tuckie had a date at the vet for his de-manning. Poor boy. I really didn't need to hang around the house as he was going to spend the night recovering at the vet, but it was a long two weeks as single mom to the boys and I felt like it. So there.

So what did I do with my day?

I went to the zoo. Alone. By myself.

Turns out, it was really, actually, surprisingly nice. I enjoyed my freedom to linger or hurry without having to answer to anyone else. Of course, in casual observation, I was the only one without a child, or a parent, or a grandparent, or a tour group, or a boyfriend/girlfriend. No matter. When you have a camera, people accept your alone-ness, as if the camera legitimizes that state. Whatever. The weather was fine and it was a really enjoyable couple of hours.

It's really worth clicking on the images to see the detail on some of these. Almost all of these were shot with my 55-200mm budget zoom. Not too shabby for an entry level zoom.

The orangutans were in fine form on their overhead transportation system, called the O Line.

There were three orangutans out on the lines. Monkey nature is as interesting as human nature. There were some fascinating power issues played out up there on the lines.

This is Kiko, the oldest and biggest male. Doesn't he look he he shouldn't be messed with?

Kiko would hunker down in the middle of a line, effectively making it difficult for the other organutans to pass and move on from tower to tower. He seemed to find it all quite normal to drive the other orangutans a bit irritated as they tried various manoeuvres to get round him.

Kiko was slow and deliberate, but the females were all quickness and grace.

Back in the outdoor areas of the Primate house, a couple of gorillas were hanging out. This is one of my favorite shots of the day. The female seems to be saying, "you talking to me?" Is the male droning on or yawning?

More interplay from the couple

What is this green stuff?

Went by the Panda quarters and one of them was out but he/she was at the back of the enclosure and my 200mm didn't have quite enough reach to get nice close-ups.

At the farm animals exhibit, the zoo workers were out and about with some animals the kids could pet like this billy goat. I just had to include this shot of the kid who was not terribly interested in the goat. Gotta love his designer sunglasses though ...

Of all the exhibits, I found the elephant house to be the most depressing. Actually, I feel quite schizophrenic about the whole zoo experience. I love to see and watch the animals. I mean, how many of us actually gets to go on an african safari? But, the very fact that they are caged and confined and gawked at makes me a little uneasy. There is something not right about that. Still, the elephants were in this ugly dusty area (not really a huge area either). They looked resigned and apathetic. It wasn't terribly hot or cold; in fact, it was perfect weather (mid to upper 60's). I took a lot of shots but ended up keeping only 2 and even then, looking at them makes me sad and wistful for their obvious intelligence and regal bearing.

There was a pond-like area where massive amounts of turtles were sun-bathing in family clusters.

The birds were also soaking up the sun

But my favorites are always gonna be the big cats. They are beautiful, vicious, striking, fascinating.

and my most favorite of the big cats? Cheetas. It's quite possible that these beautiful creatures will be extinct in my lifetime. There is something so unutterably wrong about that.

It's a Salad Day Every Day

2008-03-17T19:54:00.003-04:00

I think I said in a former post that I take salads very seriously. It's true. If you were to ask me what food(s) I crave most often, I would most likely answer: "my salad." The thing is, "my salad" is way more than your average throw together accompaniment to dinner. All the major food groups are represented (well perhaps not all of them, but enough to past muster) in this meal in a bowl.

A few things are optional and a few are mandatory. The green part of the salad is usually some mixture of lettuces - mesclun, romaine, arugula, butterhead - I get at the farmer's market. I try very hard to not buy lettuce at Whole Foods, mostly, but not wholey, because I prefer, when possible, to eat produce produced locally. But, in as far as that is my preference, I don't not buy from Whole Foods if I haven't been to the farmer's market. You know what they say about dogma...

So, you may ask, what, pray tell, is mandatory in my salad? Mandatory is a little fungable. Well, I always cut up an apple, cold from the fridge; I almost always throw some of my agave pecans in; cut-up tomatoes, local in season, but little organic grape tomatos in winter; some sort of cheese, usually danish blue, is in the mix; and usually, but not always, a hard-boiled egg. Quite often, say 7 times out of ten, I make some bacon or little bits of fried prosciutto to toss in. So, you see, you've got quite the full spectrum of yummy, carb-free (ok, except for the apples and tomatoes, but they don't count in my universe) goodness. Greens, dairy, protein, vitamins - what more can you ask? I ask you.

But the main ingredient that I haven't mentioned, and the one that above all, will determine if I go to the hassle of all the rest of the "my salad" prep, is the dressing. Honey Shallot Vinaigrette to be exact. This dressing is the only dressing I make these days. I am sure I will tire of it, but it hasn't happened yet. If it's not made and in the fridge, then it's quite possible I will not have salad for dinner because, despite the fact that it's not hard nor time-consuming to make, when you are in the mood for "my salad," the dressing needs to be there, already made.

It's not terribly unique - I mean - how unique can a basic vinagrette be? I can thank Kathleen for the basic recipe, which I have tweaked to match my need for acid. Like all vinaigrettes, there is vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. There is also grainy dijon and honey and chopped up shallot.

I am so bad with measurements these days. Almost everything is by eye. At the end of this post I have listed the orginal recipe which should serve as a proper starting point.

Whither Spring? It's coming

2008-03-09T20:54:00.015-04:00

it's worth clicking the image to see the detail on most of these

We all know just how much I hate February. But it seems that it does, eventually, turn into March. There are signs and signals everywhere - all of a sudden - that suggest the worst is over. Ah, but you know that March is a trickster, don't you. Still, you can't help but put the happy face on when you are out walking the dogs and spring is starting to reveal itself.

The dutchman, unfortunately, is, yet again, not here to enjoy things. And thanks to Michael, he is now the Flying Dutchman. Apropos I think. This time it's Shanghai. And for two weeks. So, for the Flying Dutchman, here's a taste of spring at home:

Forsythia (even I know that, duh!)

Cherry tree or pear or ...

So, here's where I really show my botanical ignorance, cuz I have no idea what it is

or this (same kind of bush I think, but looks very different - perhaps it gets more sun?)

more flowering something ...

and this spider cluster thingie (two views)

and of course, the dependable crocus

I've been a bad, bad girl

2008-03-09T19:44:00.013-04:00

cue Chris Isaaks... and since this is photo post, click the images to see detail

You see, it's a disease. A disease, I tell you. It's not my fault. It's not because I am weak.

I am a lensaholic. That's right.

One lens isn't enough. Neither, apparently, is two or three. And I very much doubt that four will be either, You see, they all do different things. And, again, apparently, that matters.

So, for the record, the two new babies are the Nikkor 55-200mm VR zoom, and the Nikkor 85m f/1.8 prime lens.

The zoom is cheap as zoom's go. I haven't played with it a lot but it will be handy for those days when I want a relatively light lens that gives me a range of focal lengths. I have been having some trouble freezing the boys into nice sharp images. They won't stop moving! You may have noticed that from my many posted pictures of the boys. Almost all of them are all ever so slightly blurry; some more than ever so slightly :-). The jury is still out on whether this lens is the solution to sharp dog pics, but I think it may be a closer step. The downside is that it's absolute crap when the light fades but until then, it works fine.

This was taken all across the yard with me on my back porch. I should learn that only mad dogs and englishmen go out in the noonday sun. Rule # 10 of photography: Don't shoot picture in the harsh light of day. If you click on the image, you will see what I mean. Ouch. could have been a cute photo. (But I still love it cuz Tucker looks like a teddy bear).

Bo is not really so fierce as he seems here ... did you notice, the stick is magically suspended. I am amazed it's as focused as it is (of course, it could be lots better, but this is me taking the pics, remember). Reasonable light, although sometimes dappled light is not what you want, their coats look nice and actually a little lighter than reality. Don't think I did too much in Elements for this one. I am trying, actually, to ramp back the amount of post-processing I do for each photo. I like the natural look generally, although, I reserve the right to totally swing the other way when the mood strikes.

This was also taken from across the yard. Much better light but still a little in the harsh range. You can tell by their coats. I may have even de-saturated some of the reds and yellows, but I don't remember. Focus is good though. Happy with this one.

But it's the 85mm f/1.8 that I have fallen in love with. It's a prime lens and fast and while it doesn't auto-focus on my camera (yes, another one, sigh!), and it cost almost as much as the camera itself, I already love it. This one, and my 50mm f/1.8 give me that magic combo of sharp with creamy, dreamy backgrounds. At least theoretically. Now, I don't often get those pictures, but hopefully I will with time and practice (and a new camera on which the lenses will auto-focus, isn't that right honey!). And while the dogs pics below aren't that magic combo, I did say I need to practice. And sometimes, you want more sharpness and less fuzz.

I may be a lensaholic but the Tuckster is a stickaholic!

Is this a kiss or a cheek grab?

A Word About My Nutritional Universe

2008-03-09T17:24:00.006-04:00

I am kind of amazed that it took this long to finally post something about my view of eating. It's pretty much front and center in everything I do - well, not everything - but, it must be said, I have become utterly predictable where food is concerned.

While not quite encompasing everything, my personal mantra is "Sugar is the Devil." Of course there is much more to that than a silly saying but it works to start with . It's hard not to be aware of just how politically correct it has become to exhort people to eat organic, local, sustainable, certifiably humane, etc., and do it with a straight face without appearing pretentious and preachy. But of course, on some level it is pretentious and it wouldn't be a stretch to call me a nutrition nazi behind my back. That's ok with me.

I think eating right can be utterly transformative. It was for me.

This coming October, I will be starting my program with the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. One weekend a month, I will be traveling to New York City to attend classes and sessions. I am pretty excited about this. Nervous too. I have never been to NYC and to go regularly is kind of outside my comfort zone. Maybe that's a good thing. I hope I will be able to expand my fledgling (and somewhat controversial) view of how we should eat at the institute. I will keep you posted.

For now, eat more veggies, enjoy the good fats, elimate sugar and refined flours from your cupboards and feel wonderful. There. I've told you what to do. Just call me matron.

Nuts, I say!

2008-03-09T16:35:00.011-04:00

Agave Spiced Pecans, that is...

This is second recipe post I've done and agave nectar is featuring promenently again. Hmmm.

I'm not at all sure that a day goes by where I don't eat nuts. Cashews, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts (oooh, pine nuts!). And these spiced pecans are basically always in the fridge because 1) I love them, 2) I love them, and 3) they're better cold.

They are not hard to make. In fact, it's a bit ridiculous to call this a recipe post because there is not much to it but there you go. Or here you are. Whatever.

So, you toast some nuts, then mush around a bit of butter on them, them sprinkle some sea salt, and pour some agave nectar/maples syrup that has been mixed with cayenne pepper. That's it, really.

Ok, here are some visual aids for this marvelously complicated recipe.

Grab some pecans and toast them in a big nonstick with a pat of butter (yes, I am trying to wean myself from nonstick but I'am not there):

Throw some cayenne in a bowl

Pour some agavenectar/maple syrup in the bowl and mix it around

Pour the pepper/nectar mix into the pan

Let the syrup coat and evaporate on the nuts and sprinkle with a little sea salt

Turn out to a board to harden and cool, once cool put in fridge and enjoy.

I pretty much use them in every salad I make, and I am very serious about my salads.

And in the evening, when I get that little wee craving for something, two or three nuts usually does the job.

Agave Spiced Nuts

16 oz. Pecans
1-3 tablespoons butter
1-3 teaspoons cayenne (the amount here is entirely personal)
1-2 tablespoons agave
1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
sea salt to taste

Blast From The Past

2008-02-28T21:35:00.008-05:00

Just for a change of pace, and to keep myself interested, I thought I would go back in time, almost two years ago, and revisit one my all-time favorite music moments. These photos are NOT from my new Nikon baby but from a relatively decent point and shoot Fuji F11.

So what is this memorable musical moment? It's May 29, 2006, London, and at 8:00pm David Gilmour takes the stage at the Royal Albert Hall. And I am there! Let me repeat myself. Royal Albert Hall. David Gilmour. Me. I'm not sure I'll ever stop grinning about it. Ever.

It was a packed weekend. The Dear Daughter had her Senior Prom on the night before we left for London. Don't even get me started about the whole my daughter is old enough to be graduating from high school reality. And it's even worse now that she is a sophmore in college. I love to live in denial so we will move on off that subject.

Well, bad mom that I am, I made the DD cut short the after prom party thing that lasts all night that they do these days, and haul it back home so we could make the early flight to Heathrow. Needless to say, she sacked out for much of the flight. I, on the other hand, was unbelievably excited and keyed up. It had been a long time since I had been in England, and if you know me, you know just how much I love England. And Pink Floyd? Do I even have to say?

We arrived late afternoon and immediately headed to the hotel I had found that didn't cost the earth. Well the room had that ghastly wallpaper that is really a cliche about old London hotels and three rather basic twin beds. It also boasted the smallest elevator I have ever been in (mirrored too!).

London was wonderful. Of course it was. We were only there for 3 very short days but we packed in a good bit of sightseeing and shopping and eating. Did I say eating? Of course I did.

But the main event was the Monday night concert. I won't go on about just how amazing it was and how emotional I was. Take it as a given.

David & Rick

And who do you think David said he wanted to bring out to help him sing Arnold Layne? None other than another David, this one called Bowie. I don't need to tell you what the reaction of the audience was. You can imagine it for yourself.

The incomparable Comfortably Numb solo. Yes, I was crying.

I am so there if he ever does this again.

Day Four of Bokeh

2008-02-28T06:00:00.002-05:00

Stepping away from the orchids for a day, here are two shots taken early evening after work on a rather icky day of freezing temps and ice in the garden in our back alley. Not so shabby to have a back alley with a small community garden.

Here's my verdict on these pics. They both show bokeh, even creamy bokeh, and the ice is interesting but that's about it. Good bokeh doesn't elevate these photos much past interesting. And I know it's a broken record but you can really see the ice here and here.

On a side note, it seems that Opa has broken his hip and is scheduled for surgery. Not so good. Fingers crossed he can get pins instead of the full-blown hip replacement. This is going to be a hard road for ahwile. I am sending positive vibes for a successful surgery and healthy recovery.

Day Three of Is It or Is It Not Bokeh

2008-02-27T06:00:00.001-05:00

Ok, so another one of the Botanic Garden series.

I really like this one. Can you say that about your own photo? There is bokeh here but it doesn't necessarily work in tandem with the orchids.

I call it White Orchids Orbiting the Earth. Now, when I look at this photo, that's what I see! :-). What do you see?

I have to disclose that the Dutchman actually did the crop on this, because he saw the space theme where I didn't. Much as I hate to admit it, he was right.

It's best seen large, of course. Despite my miserable attempts at focusing this 50 mm (not sure I have ever taken a really sharp picture with it yet), parts of this are in focus, so I am happy.

So, It's Been 5 Weeks

2008-02-26T14:43:00.005-05:00

So it’s been 5 weeks since the Nikon D40 landed in my lap. I knew I wanted to try again, this photography thing, but I was afraid. What if, like the other times, I didn’t get it, or bond with it, or just wasn’t artistic enough (my lifelong fear and regret), or, basically, ever pick it up and use it. These cameras aren’t cheap; even ones like the D40, Nikon’s budget entry in the world of DSLR’s. It’s not a throw-away thought to try again.

So, it’s been 5 weeks. And I can't seem to get enough of it. Sure, it’s probably just one of those passing obsessions, but I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s more than that. I am even ok knowing that the images I am taking right now are pretty crappy, but it’s a journey, right? Very slowly, I am absorbing the itsy bitsy things that matter. A jumble of composition, lighting, perspective, technique, location, equipment and desire all combine to distinguish a great photo from a good one. And I want to take great photos not merely good ones. I am content to take it one step at a time. I am content to take mostly turkeys as long as there is incremental progress. And maybe I’ll never quite get to where I want to be. Who knows, but it’s in the trying that takes you places.

So it’s been 5 weeks. It feels like I have seen more of DC in the last month than I have in donkey’s years. And it’s a DC in February. Could there be a worse month? It’s all grey, brown, and more brown deadness of winter. Still, everything is fodder for the camera. I find that I look at things differently now. That twig, that bare branch, that side of the building with the ray of light? All are images in my head. The trick of course is translating what the eye sees into something either representative or artistic. That little trick is slow in coming and, to be honest, it’s quite possible that it will never come, but, for the first time ever, I feel confident that it will come. No more little voice in my head saying: ‘well, you know, you are just not the artistic type, you don’t have those genes, you don’t have the eye, it’s just not who you are, so get used to it. Deal. Be realistic.’ But here’s the thing, one of the beautiful things about a digital camera is how much of a confidence builder it is. Instant confirmation. You can toss, you can trash, you can delete, you can screw-up royally. And all that trashing and deleting does one thing; it allows you to try again. And again. And one day, things begin to make a little bit of sense.

So it’s been 5 weeks and it feels like the tip of the iceberg. I lust after lenses like some lust after cars or celebrities or jewelry. Already (heresy!), the D40 isn’t quite enough and I lust after the D300 (notice that I skipped all the steps in between like the D50, 70, 80, 200). Hell, I know the D300 is way too much camera for me and my fledgling skills, but I pant after the possibilities. Rampant camera envy, I know.

So it’s been 5 weeks and the books and manuals and online training for photoshop, which I don’t currently have, but also lust after, are piling up. My head can’t take it all in like this. I’ve got to slow down. I nearly had a breakdown last Sunday when I discovered that all the shots I took at the botanic garden I took with ISO 800. After screwing around with every effing other setting (F stops, shutter speeds, white balance, raw vs jpeg), I somehow manage to totally ignore ISO. ISO 800 is what you have to push to if there is very low light. It leaves photos with a lot of noise and grain which on a sunny day like we had on Sunday, was a total waste. Luckily, the shots were ok, but I was kicking myself the whole rest of the day. But there is a lesson in that. It’s ok if you don’t get that perfect image because the process of being there and focusing on the beauty is a goal in and of itself. And I had a great time. I am finding that I am most grateful for that appreciation and focus coming back into my life. How many times do we see but not see.

Here’s to seeing the beauty.

Day Two of Is it Bokeh?

2008-02-25T21:58:00.006-05:00

Another shot from the series at the US Botanic Garden.

I kinda like the pale on black theme, and there is definitely some bokeh going on, but the question of the day is: Is the background too defined and distracting or does it work?

I think it's not good bokeh.

This was taken hand-held, at F/1.8. The orchids are a lovely pale color but not quite sharp enough I think. And the background could be just a tad bit creamier.

Still in all, I like this one, especially viewed large, where the less than sharp flowers look pleasantly fuzzy.

Tomorrow another one.

It's Bokeh, Baby!

2008-02-25T09:38:00.019-05:00

Bokeh???

Yes, it's a word. Wiki defines it thus, but basically it's a photographic term that is used to describe subjectively pleasing out-of-focus areas in images. You are not really supposed to make out exactly what the out-of-focus area is (harsh edges, etc.). It can't just be blurry backgrounds. It's something more ... Several adjectives such as creamy, buttery, silky, smooth (sounds like food or wine here :-)) are commonly used to describe great bokeh.

Subjective indeed. Get a load of the discussions here and here. Here's one I like from flickr. But even that one has some slightly distinct circles of color.

Evidently, it seems that many of us incorrectly use the term bokeh to describe our masterpieces :-). Bad us, those hordes of would-be obsessive amateur photogs for not getting it.

So, I am endeavoring to
1) learn how to get good bokeh and
2) learn to toss about the term in my flickr comments as if I know what I am doing. Yes, I know, a highly debatable prospect!

My intention is to post a bokeh picture a day from my little pot of experiments. I will say, in all modesty, that I think I totally nailed several that meet the good bokeh challenge. But, ok, here's where subjectivity comes in. I think I got it. Whether I did is anyone's guess. What do you think?

Today's picture is one of my favorites from my bokeh experiment task (I actually quite like most of them; they're like children). It was taken at the US Botanic Garden (a post on that soon, cuz I LOVED that place!). I used my favorite, never-leaves-the-camera lens, the 50mm F1.8, in natural light, handheld. I have no earthly idea what exactly these orchids are called and where they live and how to raise them. Maybe I'll find that out on my next trip (anybody up for a visit?). There's a little bit of harsh-ish edges here and there in today's photo, but, really, it's pretty darn creamy and colorfully delicious. Of course, a tripod would have made the orchids "tack sharp" - and yes, did you notice I just threw in yet another one of those photog terms - but I kind of like the slight blur on the flowers.

See you tomorrow for the next "is it or is it not" bokeh challenge. As always, click on the image to see them in a nicer size - it matters.

Granola is Not Just for Hippies (or ex-hippies)!

2008-02-21T21:14:00.009-05:00

Granola seems to have a few connotations. Many of them slightly pejorative, as in, you know, being labeled a granola-eating one of those kind of folks. I would find that a compliment, but that's just me. Whatever your take on the contextual aspect of granola, let's face it, it's still delicious and crunchy and relatively healthy. You don't have to live in Berkeley, CA or Takoma Park to love it.

Yes, there are about five million versions of granola. All of which basically circle back to some combination of toasted oats, seeds, nuts, fruit and sweetener. My version is not so different from your average batch o' granola. I have my own personal quirks though. I don't like dried fruit, I don't like raisins or currants, or anything vaguely mushy/chewy in amongst all the crunch. What I do like are a few quality ingredients, simply prepared.

This particular granola has become a staple in our household. The Dutchman actually complains if there is no granola. What, pray tell, is he supposed to put on his yogurt, or his ice cream? And, if I may say so, store-bought or even farmer's market bought, just doesn't compare.

Like most of the things I seem to be making these days, this is one of those throw it together jobs. Not real sure of measurements but I don't think a little more or less of anything will hurt.

So, to begin, in a small saucepan (I use a mini cast-iron butter melter thingie), throw together and melt a stick of butter, some vanilla, cinnamon, agave nectar and maple syrup. You probably want somewhere around 1/4 to a half a cup of your sweetener of choice. And needless to say, freak that I am about these things, most everything is organic. And double freak that I am, butter is not a problem in my universe, and is most definitely preferred.

In another skillet, lightly toast sunflower seeds, sliced almonds and, at the very end, just for a moment, the unsweetened coconut (so it doesn't burn).

Mix together the melted butter/sweetener with the oats, the toasted seeds and nuts and turn it all out onto a cookie sheet (with sides) and bake at 295 or so for 30-45 mins. Watch for too much browning (it can get too brown). Stir from time to time while cooking and make sure you let it cool thoroughly so it can crisp up before storing it.

I've got this whole routine down enough so that I can whip up a batch in less than 10 minutes (cooking time not included).

As always, you don't have to stay true to my quirky likes and dislikes, or food nazi preferences, so play around with amounts and throw whatever add-ins you think will make your granola the best

Granola

4 cups organic oats
1/2 - 1 or so cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup +/- unsweetened shredded coconut
1 stick butter
1-2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/3 cup agave nectar
1/4 cup grade B organic maple syrup (grade b and organic rather important here)

And For A Brief Moment, It Was Spring

2008-02-21T20:41:00.006-05:00

(remember to click the pics to see them as they are meant)

Monday the 17th was President's Day so we were off. And while February is still my number one hated month (in principle), this particular Feb 17 was lovely. Don't know if it set records, but it sure felt like it did.

We left the boys behind. Shock! Horror! And headed to Georgetown.

The waterfront was busy. People soaking up the sun.

Lots of georgetowny places to photograph

We actually avoided any shopping (thank goodness I didn't see a camera store). But did manage to end our jaunt in Papa Razzi where we had a nice lunch by the open windows

And where I had, wait for it ... salmon

Yet Another Installment in the Chronicles of the Golden Retrievers and their Sundays in the Park

2008-02-21T20:04:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Carolyn, we found a new park, Dumbarton Park, to visit on our perpetual quest to give Bo and Tuck their weekend adventure.

And wouldn't you know, of course it was close by, and everybody else on the planet knew of it. Except us.

Smack in Georgetown, it was, and even in winter, it had promise.

Did I say the boys loved it? Well, they did. Full of paths and waterfalls and nooks and crannies. And like all parks, there are some basic rules, as the sign makes clear.

Needless to say, we pretended we didn't see the sign ..

And at the end of one path was a large section of rock creek where the boys met a very funny bulldog. This bulldog loved Tucker (who wouldn't) and tried his best to keep up. Not quite the water dog, he valiantly went where Tucker went.

There were lots of stone thingies here and there, like this mossy bench

and wall

But it's always the water that calls ...

A Knock On the Door

2008-02-15T13:33:00.007-05:00

Pretty late last night, at a time I wasn't expecting anyone, came a knock on the door. The dogs did their job with deep threatening barks and growls. Of course, anyone who knows them knows that those deep voices are accompanied with wagging tails. Still, for the uninitiated, they sound as though they mean business.

Turns out (true story), flowers were being delivered (at 10:00 at night???, who does that, turns out Johnson's Flowers does that).

[putting an aside in here: I am going to have to blog on the whole "turns out ...true story" way of conversing, which is entirely down to the Dear Daughter, turns out, true story! ]

Awww!! How lovely!

Turns out, these flowers were not from the Dutchman, who, as you know, was not here on Valentine's Day, and who would be the logical sender. I, too, nade that assumption. Incorrectly as it turns out.

True story, it was from the Dear Daughter to her mommy. Can I say AWWW again.

So here, for the Dear Daughter are some photos of this unexpected and entirely touching thougtful gesture (click them to see them properly)

The flowers came with a pretty and sweet card

The roses were especially pretty

As to the Dutchman, he has some serious one-upmanship to consider, and just in time, there is that little milestone of 20 years of marriage coming up ... :-)

To the Market We Go

2008-02-14T13:26:00.007-05:00

I have said this before, I hate February.

Today is valentine's day

(not my photo - don't seem to have valentine's pics - this one is from Yumi)

and I am sick at home feeling very sorry for myself. You see, I thought I would never get sick again. Silly me. I know nutrition has given me back health, vitality and skinnyness (I know that's not a word!), but I mistakenly thought that being uber-conscious of what one eats would magically make me immune from all the known and unknown microscopic bugs out there. Ah well, so I was wrong. It happens (although I am well enough to throw in a "rarely" :-)). I have decided that this little cold/whatever could have been far, far worse if not for just how healthy I was. So there. I have spun it to my satisfaction.

Anyway, the Dutchman has not been here this week. While I have been moaning about the cold and wet, he has been in Chicago, which totally trumps any of my whinging about weather. Before he left last sunday, we spent a little while at the Dupont Farmer's Market. Depite it being February, the market was busy. I feel so lucky to live somewhere where a market like this can continue even in the most hateful of months.

How can you not smile when you walk up and are confronted with this sitting on a table outside on a February day

But the heart of the matter at a winter's farmer's market are the root veggies

And you can't help but admire the artistic sense of these vendors (multi-colored holders with sprigs of rosemary tossed just so ...)

For me, it's always the greens that I come for. Week in and week out, I get my stash of greens

Along with greens, the other compulsive purchase are the apples. Man, do I love apples. Ask me how grateful I am that there are apples through the winter just for me

Just looking at this shot makes me smile. And knowing that a bag full of these beauties is in my fridge right now, well, you can imagine just how happy that makes me

Sometimes vendors get carried away with their instructions for behavior

But beauty can be had, even in February

Another Sunday in the Park

2008-02-14T12:32:00.007-05:00

(click on images to see them properly sized)

This time we headed off to Great Falls Park in Maryland. Of course, the entire reason we went was to give the boys an adventure. You have to picture this scenario happening: Bo and Tuck speak English of course, and so the minute the words park or go or car or ride are uttered, crazed dogs emerge from whatever lethargic state they happened to be in. Once the words are spoken, all is lost, as they will not back off. If you utter the words and then have to go to the bathroom, they are right there as close as velco; if you have to go the backyard for something, they tromp up and down, back and forth, right there with you. They will not let you out of their sight.

Then there is the getting in the car routine. Bo is a champ at hoping into whatever opened door there is. In fact, once he understands there is a car ride to be had, he would happily plant himself in the car for as long as it took for the slow humans to get their act togehter. He has been known to see the bags packed for the beach and, in order to not be left behind, he will stay in the backseat for up to an hour while we putz around loading the car. Poor Tucker, on the other hand, is less agile and graceful. In fact, he can't do it. This 10 month old is pathetic and has to be lifted into the car. What's up with that?

Once in though, the whole way to wherever it is we are going is a hoot. Butts are wiggling, various form of whining are to be heard and noses are pushed into necks and arms. Yes, we know we are going somewhere!

Great Falls Park is lovely and they have some side trails that - while ostensibly not for off-leash dogs - the dogs can run loose. Which the boys did with abandon.

Here is the house at the entrance to the paths and trails

Once off the main path, the dogs ran free, basically taking a hundred steps for every one that we took.

On this path was an island which Bo found first

Tucker wasn't sure, he seemed to be asking permission to head on over to the island

But then all the boys decided to go explore

As usual, where there is water, there is Bo and Tucker

Is that a snake?

If you read an earlier post on the boys and sticks, you know that sticks are almost as important as water, and when there is a stick in the water that doesn't seem to budge, well then, certain obsessive compulsive dogs are known to not give up!

But back to the sticks

Here and there, we stopped to look at odd things like this platform that wasn't doing its job anymore

Or how winter trees can sometimes appear spooky (especially in black and white :-)

Overall it was a great day

Smell the Coffee

2008-02-02T15:01:00.000-05:00

I'm one of those who can't drink coffee. Do you already feel sorry for me? It's not that I don't like the smell or taste of coffee, which I do - in the sense that sticking my nose in the coffee bag and inhaling makes me automatically close my eyes in aromatic bliss - but because it gives me the heebie jeebies. I shake, rattle and roll if too much caffeine makes its way into my bloodstream. Decaf coffee has other effects on this old system so I pretty much stay away from that too. I have learned to live with it, and really, it's not a problem. I actually like being off the coffee grid. I still get to smell the lovely aroma everyday because the Dutchman is addicted to his coffee.

Apparently, there was no coffee, let alone Almond Croissants this morning, so the Dutchman took the boys and they made a nice mini trip to the mini farmer's market just down the street. When I say mini farmer's market, I do not exaggerate. Some Saturday winter mornings, there's just one vendor, usually Bonaparte Bakery (the source of the best Almond Croissants in the area, possibly anywhere, and worthy of a blog post all their own). This saturday, there were 3 vendors: the coffee guy, the apple guy and Bonaparte. Even in the height of summer, there are never more than 6 or 7 vendors so it truly is a mini mini market. But, don’t get me wrong. I can walk to this one. It's half a mile away. I am grateful.

I just had to post a picture of the bag of coffee the Dutchman got from the coffee guy, who is, in real life, the father of Father-Daughter Roasters. How cute can you get! Not Father & Son or Father & Sons or Sanford and Sons or Miller & Son or, you name it and Son. The Daughter gets billing! As daughters everywhere should. This coffee, locally roasted, organic and free-trade sourced, and with the 2nd best name of a local roaster should be a keeper just on those facts alone. But, in the end, it's gotta taste good too. What's the Dutchman's verdict? Apparently it's thumbs up: the coffee is very good, not too acidic but with body and depth. I think it's a keeper.

The Dreary Day

2008-02-01T14:26:00.000-05:00

Generally speaking, how do you view the month of February? I'm not so fond of it actually. I have always felt that it's a month that you just have to get through. Like one of those forgotten towns on the highway where everyone is riding on by, with plans for somewhere else.

Maybe you feel differently. I hope so. I do realize that February is the month for Valentine's Day. And you may be shocked to know that, in this, my least favorite of months, I also celebrate my wedding anniversary with the Dutchman. Which is, I completely agree, a lovely thing to mark the years, but not quite enough, alas, to lift the February doldrums. And, can I say, when your entire backyard looks like a mud pit (mostly courtesy of the boys, thank you Bo and Tuck), it's really hard to meditate on green dense lawn and vividly bright flowers and sweet summer breezes and crickets chirping and ice tea with lemon and the food, oh the food from the farmer's market and ..................

I admit that my dislike of February might change if, for instance, I found myself living in Tahiti or Hawaii. But I don't. I live in DC and today, February 1st, seemed to embody everything I dislike about February. It was grey and rainy and dreary and cold and depressing.

It's in the Accessories

2008-01-31T10:21:00.000-05:00

What else do you do with a new camera except find things to keep it happy. That means it's time to accessorize!

I mean, would you leave the house without your jewelry, purse and makeup? I think not. Well, perhaps if you aren't a girl, but othewise ...

The same goes for cameras. There is no end of how you can accessorize your Nikon D40. And the first thing I got was this sweet little lens. It's evidently a "prime lens" as I am learning through the voracious reading I am doing in my attempt to master How To Take A Picture. The real name is Nikkor 50mm F/1.8. I got this lens, even though, it does not auto-focus on my particular Nikon. That means I have to manually focus everything. I actually knew this before I bought it. I promise. Despite being the newest of clueless DSLR newbies, I wanted a lens that was cheap and fast (but great!), and that had a maximum aperture of at least f1.8. That's right. I just wrote the words maximun aperture as if I was a pro at this. So far, I am finding the focusing a bit fiddly on this lens but, in natural light, I love the closeness and depth of field I get at the more wide-open apertures. And when I stand there manually focusing - inept though I may be - I feel like a real photographer.

What's next? Don't you think I need a good camera bag for the Nikon baby and its TWO lenses? I do.

Lemon Love

2008-01-30T10:19:00.000-05:00

I can't imagine a fridge without lemons (and limes). So when Meyer lemons appear in the store, hold on, I go into my happy dance. Originally from China, Meyer lemons are believed to be a cross between lemons and mandarin oranges. They look and taste exactly like that. They aren't quite as acidic as lemons so they lack that intense pucker punch. But they make up for it with their complex and perfumed juice and aroma. When they are in season (why don't I live in California?), they are almost too pretty to cut up and use, but then I bring in slices for my ice water at work and I feel extravagant.

I find the zest is particularly good for salad dressings and marinades.

But really, aside from their citrusy goodness, how can you resist having the picture-perfectness of a bowl of meyer lemons on your kitchen counter?

And if you want to do more than just stare at your pretty bowl, take at look at some of these ideas.

From the tap may be better

2008-01-30T10:18:00.000-05:00

photo from diejohndoe

Who doesn't think bottled water is healthier, purer, and safer than water from the tap? We know that bottled water of the plastic variety isn't exactly green, but now it seems it may not be safer to drink. Who knows. I have been enjoying my Sigg bottle at work and despite living in DC, a city not known for the efficiency of its water quality control, I use the tap.

Bumper Sticker

2008-01-29T12:09:00.000-05:00

In the parking garage at the university where I work, I always notice this bumper sticker: "Metaphors Be With You."

Do you think the driver is an English Professor who loves Star Wars?

Sometimes, in January, it's all about the sticks

2008-01-27T14:30:00.000-05:00

A good Sunday around here in the winter has several ritualistic aspects. First there is the lay-in bed longer than usual beginning. Some days it is just barely longer than normal; other days it's waaay longer. Today it approached 9:30 before there was movement. Sunday morning breakfast usually involves food that we don't generally eat during the week and usually that's some manner of French pastry: almond croissants for The Dutchman and half a plain croissant for me. When the dear daughter is around, she swings both ways.

Now, breakfast is always accompanied by the Washington Post, but on Sundays, that's even more of a requirement. We don't fight over the sections since I am a one of those non-newsy types - you know, style, arts, book world sort of newspaper reader - while the Dutchman dithers over the Outlook section, front page and sports. It really works out beautifully. It's all very civilized. On those days when I am not so lazy, I seek out the New York Times.

It should be said that Sunday newspaper reading is basically not to be messed with. Of late, the thing that throws the whole routine out of whack is my desire to also go to the Dupont Farmer's market. I love this market, I really do. Most of the year they are open from 9-12, and it's a virtuous morning if I get there at 9. Now, we're in winter market time and they give us all another hour to sleep in.

I can't say, though, that the desire to get up and shlepp off to Dupont is exactly shared by The Dutchman. Oh, he puts up with it, generally on those lovely warm days when he gets to bring the dogs and chat with pretty coeds who invariably stop by to bestow love on the dogs. But even then, the comfy chair, the croissant and the newspaper all call him to stay put.

That's ok. I like to do my own thing anyway. By in large, going to the farmer's market has been successfully incorporated into the weekend ritual. In summer, I can get a tad bit obsessive. Some weeks see me going to the Foggy Bottom market on Wednesday, the Mount Pleasant market on Saturday and Dupont on Sunday (there is an additional challange to summer Sunday's as the Takoma Park market is also on Sunday morning. What to do, What to do).

Today, however, even I was called to stay put. Come Tuesday or Wednesday, there is sure to be major regret going on when I open the fridge and there is no local pile of greens and apples and broccoli and ... well, you get the idea ... But sometimes, it's ok to stay put.

The other major Sunday ritual, aside from football, is the asking and answering of the question: "Where do the dogs want to go?" This isn't a trivial question in this household. The general well-being of the boys, Bo and Tucker (aka "little man") is subject to serious reflection.

And after some serious reflection, the answer to the Sunday question this Sunday was Little Falls Park. And this is where the sticks come in, because, no trip to the park occurs without sticks. Sticks trampled on, sticks chewed, sticks fought over, and mostly sticks thrown into water to retrieve, because that's what these dogs do.

Sometimes they each have a stick

And sometimes one has two sticks

But more often it's all about the stick the other one has

And while I would say that Bo tends to win that game, that's not always the case

Tucker has his moments too, especially if other dogs (not in his pack) think they deserve a stick as well

Sometimes you can get nice young girls from Norway in blue hats to throw sticks for you

But the really nice thing to do is share

It's not all about sticks though. There are bridges to cross

And ducks to chase

Sometimes, when the picture is too blurry, mommy can play in photoshop - this one, for instance, is suposed to look like a painting, but you have to click it to see it big...

But then, sadness, it's time to go home, which means back on the leashes ...

Once home, there is nothing to do but collapse in a heap and dream of next Sunday ... AND STICKS!