Happy Halloweenie

What a pretty little head

The 100 grand bars are open. I love them and will only have one. I believe we purchased candy that I do not like other than the 100 grand bars, so I am safe. I am working from home today and I managed to get my presentation together and now its time to get cracking on other things.

We carved one pumpkin last night and scooped out the insides of another. I need to find my keyhole saw to carve that puppy. The white pumpkins (Luminas) are hard to carve. I like the good old fashioned sugar pies. I'll be saving my rouge vifs for someother occasion, like soup.

Well, back to work and then packing and then well, who knows, maybe another futile attempt at shopping at Banana Republic.

An aside: what is with me and the word manage? I managed to say blog it at least three times yesterday. I must have a management issue.

I made quince juice, but not quince preserves, so I must freeze the juice in hopes that maybe next weekend I can actually complete the task of preserve making a la Christine Ferber, who clearly doesn't leave town the with regularity that I do.

30 minute parking

I ran to University Village today in search of something to wear for next week. Don't get me wrong, I love to shop, but really not now and not feeling like I am currently feeling. I managed to find 30 minute parking, ran into Talbots, picked up some garanimaly skirts and tops and left 250 bucks poorer (one sweater, two skirts) and now I better not eat between today and Wednesday. Managed to get out of there in less than 15 minutes.

I feel pathetic.

I did manage to plant 160 bulbs, rake lots of leaves and complete my beauty maintenance for the 6 week cycle. :) Thank goodness for that.

With apologies to the Bon Vivant, the 25 for $25 postings are out for November. We have Nells on the radar for next weekend and Campagne reserved for the following week. November is a busy month chez nous, but we'll find some way to get Cascadia and maybe something else in as well.

Thanks for the fiddle faddle, but honestly

Sugary goodness - just in time for Holiday baking.

Alaska Airlines recently sent their elite tier flyers a box of Harry and David's Moose Munch to thank them for putting up with the summer of delays and cancelled flights. They sent out a lot of these boxes, including two to our humble abode.

Alaska Airlines no longer staffs their elite desk reservations and help desk 24 hours a day anymore, so if your flight from Boston is now 3 hours late arriving and you are going to misconnect to Carlsbad or Kotzebue, who are you going to call?

No one.

Alaska recently posted a nice story about their third quarter profit. You think they could stop sending out moose munch and maybe use that money to hire a few graveyard shift gold desk agents?

Trust me, we'd all be happier in the long run.

thank g-d for blogs like this

Just the info I needed today.

uppity and down

Honfleur September 2004

I'll be the first to admit that I have had a priss-poor week at work, but it almost behind me and I am no where near to be for my meeting next week and boy howdy, I'll be working this weekend on it.

However, it'll all get done. It always does.

What is with down this year? I just got the Eddie Bauer Winter catalog and its chock-o-block of downy goodness. Check this out, just in case your pearls get cold. I am thinking that this might be on my wish list for the winter travel season, especially if pillows and blankets continue to disappear on flights.

So, I checked out the new Ipod yesterday. I am thinking that I will get one in the not too distant future. The screen resolution is great and since I'm a lover of gadgets, I'll cave.

Other than that, papers to write, data to manage and bags to pack. At least we have a quiet weekend here, farmer's market, fighting for parking at Trader Joes, hitting Home Cake Decorating for meringue powder and colored sugar for the big christmas cookie party (planning ahead as usual). I had no idea this place was so popular, I have been going there for years with my mom. There will be partying at 10:01 PM on Saturday (2 of the 3 part of the dreaded generals completed!) and bulbs to plant as usual. If I manage my time well, I may even run to the shelter and drop off two grocery bags of airline amenity kits that will be mucho appreciated. I'm a big lover of the list and crossing it off.

If you have a spare bike and some time this weekend -- drop it off for a good cause - Katrina Bikes.

nm

step by step, bulb by bulb

Greenwich, England February 2004

On Monday afternoon I planted 70 bulbs. Nice huh? Mostly small cupped narcissus, mostly naturalizing, mostly white. I like white narcissus because they really pop out in the back garden. 70 bulbs seems like a lot, but dearest ones, I have like another 800 to go. I am not kidding. We have a bulb fixation that puts us on the same level as Martha or some small parks and rec department. Our goal is to get them in the ground before January 1st and it happens. No worries, they all come up in the spring and they look great. However, we don't plant them in one fell swoop, we do things slowly, when we can steal a moment or three. I ripped out a bunch of raspberries and moved some stuff this fall and planted a few rare rhodies that I got from the Rhodendron Species Foundation. I will underplant with narcissus, a few galanthus and muscari. I am not big on tulips, but I may put in a few species tulips in the same area. I figure 300 bulbs can go into that bed. No bulbs are in there now, but it still takes planning.

The same concept applies to my increasingly frustrating work. It is easier for me to apply in the garden than at work. I need to think of work as a garden and soon I'll chip away at the bags of work that need to get done in the same manner.

humpy and foggy

I woke up late today and cranky. I turned the heat on when I got home but it appeared not to have gone off. I woke up sweltering and the temperature was too high. Finally fell back asleep to see that I had overslept by 1.5 hours.

Yikes.

I also called Lands End, the pants I want are not available in the store and even if I ordered them today, they wouldn't get here by monday on Second Day, so forget you. I'll either plan ahead or shop locally. Maybe just shop locally on Friday. I hate shopping for things like pants. My mom's tailor in SD manages a one day turn around for hemming, here its more like a week. I guess I'll just wear skirts and hope that they all fit.

Well off to play in traffic downtown.

Just in the nick of time

October Hydrangeas

Okay, I just came home from the acupunturist (get that metabolism back on track!) and it was raining. This should not be a real problem as I live in Seattle, but since I hung laundry outside to dry (quelle luddite and how martha), I was prissed. It was dry and I was happy.

Along with the millionth catalog from some outfit that sells cat polarfleece jackets and the christian coalition book of the month club (what is with that?) was the new lands end catalog.

Wow, some nice stuff in there including some pants that could get me through these troubled times (inablity to get into last winter's wardrobe). But damn skippy, if I could just get them to fedex me tomorrow so that I could take them to the tailor so that I can make it to DC looking polished.

Hmm, it may be worth it.

What do you think of these? Not really my type, but need something that will work with heels, not make me look terrible and go with a heather grey cashmere top and maybe one shirt? No one really cares what I wear but me. I sort of like it. :)

I love shopping on line, however, it is the inablity to check the sizing that kills me. I'd have them hem them if I knew they would fit.

I guess maybe its time to hit nordys in hope of finding a skirt and a pair of pants to make it through next week.

Well off to play in traffic to have dinner with some folks from FT and maybe get tired enough to go to bed without any need for manic cleaning.

nm

high maintenance

I'm due for beauty maintenance this week. Those girly things you would never have considered doing five years ago -- facial, pedicure, manicure and other things are now manditory. When did we become so floofy? So obsessed with bikini waxes, microdermabrasion and hot stone pedicures.

Or should I say, when did I become too floofy?

So, if you meet me in the street, don't freak out, my brows are usually well groomed.

Another before Halloween sighting

Orangey goodness

Just got an email from Peets. I love Peets, glad to see them in Seattle, but come on.

Not to scale

Ugh. Thus goest the neighborhoods. Thanks to our mayor, basically any variance is granted to developers no matter what the community feels. We're densifying our neighborhoods with the addition of faux craftsman houses with three car drive in garages and traditional homes wired for CAT-5. Add the requisite drought tolerant parking strip (removing any mature trees that existed to lessen the burden on homeowners, poor things) and the newly constructed just 6' fence around the yard and we've really added a neighborly feel to the 'hood.

I fear for several houses on my block. I do indeed.

I'm okay with densification as long as it is to scale, appropriate in style and adds to the street scape, not detracts from it.

thank g-d for little favours

Currently in the new JFK Terminal 9 Admiral's Club for the second time today. Outbound flight had a major mechanical and they found us a new plane, thankfully, in this terminal.

There are some pretty peeved people. I think they should all be thankful that 1. We're in the new terminal with decent food options and light and air and space 2. They found us a replacement plane in 15 minutes 3. There is no downgrading of equipment 4. We didn't have to do the terminal 9-8 third world shuffle 5. We didn't find this mechnical somewhere over Saginaw.

So, I'm missing dinner at Dahlia Lounge. There is always Wednesday night. Right?

By some act, my upgrades cleared for both flight.

They were showing March of the Penguins. I wanted to watch it, but I didn't want to be seen bawling next to my very important person who felt like ripping paper during the flight and decided that his secret confidential banking infomation didn't need his attention anymore, so he left them for the cleaning crew.

What a boy.

Like losing a friend

We think we know why you fly - Admiral's Club Logo at SEA.

The American Airlines Admiral's Club in Seattle closes it doors on October 31st. Ironically, I fly out on the Dulles redeye that night. Mid SeptemberAmerican Airlines notified Seattle-based members of the close through mail. The letter explained the closure was due to increasing operating costs and exorbitant rent by the Port of Seattle. I am distressed by the closing for a number of reasons -1. What will happen to all the folks to worked at the club; 2. Could this be the end of mainline service from Seattle; and 3. Why is the port making it so difficult for airlines to do business at SeaTAC. I am also sad because those who fly American Airlines will have no longer have an advocate in Seattle. My relationship with the gate agents is good as well as the the ticketing folks, but honestly, I don't really know them. My interactions with them are minimal thanks to ticketless travel and expedited boarding. I see the AA club crew all the time when I fly on Alaska and American. They call me if my flight is late or I'm going to misconnect and are good at protecting us on later flights. They can do miracles on clearing upgrades, most importantly, they are just good souled and hearted professionals.

I will miss them all.

Coincidentally, The Admiral's Club has just started to sell Lifetime Memberships. Yeah Right.

falling asleep on the couch means always having an interesting pattern on your cheek

I'm whomped. TH and I did redeye turnarounds last night. Boston for me, DC for TH. The best part was getting off the plane in SEA and leaving the airport together. The worst part, not having enough time to get to DD outside of B security at Logan.

Oh well.

Managed to get to the market to get some Conference pears and more baking apples from Booth Canyon Orchards and some chanterelles for dinner. Don't usually see Conference Pears outside of England.

Tomorrow, more of the same and I'm still in 9B on my outbound. Definitely doomedto coach on the return, but looking forward to a late celebratory dinner at Palace Kitchen. ;)

how to survive a redeye flight

Trust me, I'm an expert.

Take a shower ahead of time, change into something comfortable, find one pair of those eyeshades, some ear plugs and some music ( I prefer soundtracks to fall asleep to).

Don't eat anything heavy for dinner, don't drink anything alcoholic either before or on the plane. Drink water, but you'll wake up somewhere over Buffalo and your seat opponent will be drooling on your shoulder and you'll be trapped.

To avoid being pinned, take the aisle seat.

If you are lucky enough to be flying in First or some sort of configuration where they serve something resembling food, tell the Flight Attendant not to wake you up for such things.

Trust me, food on the plane is not worth waking up for. However, dunkin donuts may be worth waiting for. :)

I'll report back tomorrow.

nm

Friday means ....

Persimmon tree leaves.

Nothing really. Another day, another meeting and another set of priorities and tasks moved up or down the list. The biggest thing that I will look forward to today is going to the University Library to pick up some books on models of peer to peer data sharing. Can you sense the excitement?

The weekend will be long, unfortunately full of the airport and really not very much fun. I just hope by the end I'll have finished my six feet unders and my reading for class. I seem to read, but nothing seems to be sinking in. I think its the dryness of the theory combined with the history selections which I believe don't do the topics in question justice at all.

Asides:

I remade my kiwi conserve. It looks better.

I have been jonesing for sliced canned peaches. I'm now bummed that I didn't can them myself. It isn't hard, I do it all the time, this year was just not my year. Oh well. There is still time for pears. There is nothing like canned peaches/pears and cottage cheese some days.

I have a million New England pie pumpkins I need to make into either pies or soup. I better get cracking. Tonight I'll be leftovers, but tomorrow it'll be soup. :)

Have a great friday.

nm

I lost it again

Returned to work to get the makings for dinner that I left in the fridge. At least it got refrigerated and the rocky road is in the freezer.

Sometimes I need a post it note stuck on my head.

nm

pungent memories

Still Life with Quince

Right now, the smell of quinces in the house is overwhelming. I just need to get started on the making of quince jam. The recipe is easy, yet daunting. Making my own quince juice is a big step. I'll have to buy some cheesecloth, but I'm up to the challenge.

My mom uses quinces alot for jams, jellies and for certain stews. They are not used much in this country. As a child, I remember my mom being so excited when she could find just two quinces in Seattle, they were so rare in the stores. However, some folks had them in their yards. My mom would boldy spot a quince tree in a neighborhood and start working her charm. In most cases, she would knock on the door of the house, introduce herself and say how much she admired the tree and would love a few quinces as they reminded her of home. In most cases, the quince tree owner would be ecstatic to rid themselves of the quinces and would tell her to help herself. She would pick what she could, without appearing too greedy and share the bounty with other Iranian cooks who would make amazing preserves and koreshts.

They had a mommy network that would pass on the bounty of things such as unripe grapes for "gureh" or verjus, grape leaves for dolmeh, figs from friends who had moved to Fresno, a special kind of raisin that Iranians have with their tea , sour cherries for a special kind of jam and albaloo polo (not just montmorency would work) . My parents would make a pilgrimage to Mt. Baker Vineyards for their sour cherries, Wapato for melons and small japanese eggplants for pickling and koresht badamjoon, St. Michelle Winery for grape leaves. They often went with other couples and made it a day complete with a elegant picnic and always came home with more to share for those who couldn't take the time off. It is a strong and sweet memory for me.

My parents live in California now, their are tons of Iranian stores with quinces, gureh that is already bottled, more japanese eggplants and the correct kinds of Iranian produce. Finding foods that remind one of home is not a challenge nor surpise any more. My parents still drive to a winery in North San Diego county for grape leaves. They let my mom pick as long as she brings them a lunch of dolmeh once in a while. While they still picnic, its mostly at the beach.

I miss my mom's stories of their trips, often spontaneous and community building. We try to do the same thing at least once a year, but for us its blueberries or peppers.

So, when I smell quinces, I think of my mom and I think the memories of a home 10,000 miles away.

Hah. Before Halloween.

Spotted downtown. Trust me, they make some of the best normal coffee in the world.

I knew it.

I'm not here for this, but I insist you go see The Wailin Jennys at the Tractor Tavern on November 1st. I love them and am seriously bummed I'll miss them. They are looking for restaurant suggestions, so pass them on.

Nothing else going of of note. I was just gifted with approximately 8 lbs of fragrant ripe quinces from our friend Amy who owns Cloud Run Farm in Philomath, Oregon. She makes a lovely quince paste and quince jelly which she sells at the Corvallis Farmer's Market. I'm going to make something of teh same using a recipe from Mes Confitures.

Stay tuned as my jam making seems to be failing this year, but I'm being persistent.

i'm losing it

I just ran an errand that included the purchase of two bags of groceries. They are still in the car. Good thing I didn't buy ice cream.

I'm really really tired.