Weather Obsession

One common denominator that crosses all economic, cultural, ethnic, religious and social lines?  (Drum roll, please.)  The weather!  All kinds of weather, although the temperature of the moment around here is cold paired with more unpredictable cold.  The forecast is for rain, followed by freezing rain, sleet and ice followed by a changeover to snow and dropping temperatures. 
No matter who you are, your day is [...]

Furnace Love

Bizarre to even have thought of this, but at the moment, I am infatuated with and totally googly-eyed over the new furnace that was installed in this house today. 
Having lived with a noisy, natural gas-guzzling model that was 2 1/2 times bigger than what this house needs, a quiet, 95% efficient model is enough to [...]

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Cold and beautiful.  Those two adjectives could apply to many things–a physically beautiful person, an Arctic glacier, or even a tall drink of ice water on a stifling summer day.  In this instance, it applies to the shockingingly cold weather we are experiencing, and, the stunning blue skies that came along for the ride.   
The first [...]

Busy Times

As of this morning, life has kicked into high-octane gear.  Zero-to-supersonic in 60 seconds. 

My new “work-hobby”  is launching this weekend.  Having rented a booth at the local Fleatique, today marks the beginning of move-in and set-up.  Items that have been gathered are organized, but still need to have itemized identifying tags attached.
After the traditional [...]

Parmesan Soup

Heat 1 1/2-tablespoons unsalted butter and 1 1/2-tablespoons olive oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat.  When hot, add 1 1/2-cup chopped shallots (about 1/2 pound or 5 large shallots).  Cook, stirring often, until softened and translucent, for 3 to 4 minutes.  Add 3/4-pound Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into [...]

Rush Limbaugh is Disgusting

There.  I said it.  Holding my tongue is no longer an option.  Rush Limbaugh has always been a particularly annoying part of the landscape that I have managed to edit from my life by simply turning the channel.  This time, though, I feel as if I have to speak out against his attitude and his place [...]