BIFF! POW! ZAP!

This would look so good on me...

It costs ONLY $150,000.00, and only 8 are made each year.

Yes, I would give up my Jeep to tool around to construction sites in this.

Seriously.

Here's the link to the story.

Beverage: Tea (I used up about 3 bags that were on their last cup.)

Deb

3 out of 4 ain't bad.

I clipped Pilchard's claws tonight. This involves cuddles, ear and chin scratches, ears going back in suspicion and then laying her over onto her back and trying to convince her this is a good idea.

She's getting better, really she is. She didn't struggle until I started on the right back foot. I got the left front paw and the left rear paw clipped with soothing words and the "straight-jacket" approach. She just simply couldn't move.

I got 2 of the 4 rear claws clipped and she decided she'd had enough. There were growls and a couple of attempts to get away. I was able to grab and restrain her and get those last two clipped. Just one bandage tonight. This is an improvement. I'll wait until the weekend to do the right front paw. Yes, she gets treats after being subjected to this indignity. She holds me no ill will. She's actually asleep next to me right now.

Beverage: Dr Pepper

Deb

The start of fall 2010.

I got a few apples at my mom's when I visited over the weekend. Her husband has a couple of trees that he lovingly cares for. The apples are ripe and I found a nice selection on the ground.

This is the time to ratchet up the baking. I love the smells produced during this time of year. Plus the produce seems designed to be heartier than blackberries and will last longer in the fruit and vegetable drawers before I have to say, "Well, that's nicely composted" and walk it out to the compost pile. I'm sure you all know that the reason those drawers are in the bottom of your fridge is to help you get a jump on compost.

I decided on applesauce to start. I dumped the bag out on the counter and started washing the apples. One of them had a stowaway.

He was gently removed and put outside on one of the milkweed plants.

Once that was done, I set about peeling, coring and chopping up the apples. They are nicely juicy and have a tangy aroma. I brought 15 back with me and decided, after seeing how much I had when cut into chucks, that I needed to turn some of them into something else. I have decided on Autumn Apple Cheesecake. I have to go to the grocery anyway on Saturday. I'm out of some staples. I'll pick up a couple packages of cream cheese and make myself a cheesecake. I can freeze the slices and have cheesecake for dessert for awhile. In theory, it's brilliant. I just have to find my springform pan.

The 11 apples I chose to chop reduced to this. It's about half of a Dutch Oven's worth. I set the heat to low, put a lid on the pot and just let them cook. There was enough water in the apples already that I didn't need to add extra water.

I cooked them for 45 minutes and then checked their consistency. They weren't quite reduced to sauce at that point. I got the potato masher and smashed some of the bigger pieces and cooked the apples another 30 minutes. The smell! Oh the smell of cooking apples! No added sugar or cinnamon at this point. Just apples simmering over a low heat.

One hour and 15 minutes later, I had applesauce. It's a bit chunky, but I like it that way.

I added some sugar and cinnamon to taste as the apples were a bit tangier than I like. I've made two nice freezer containers full of home made sauce. This tempts me to buy more and make more sauce. Come winter, there is nothing more comforting than warm applesauce on a cold day.

Now to cook the acorn squash!

Beverage: Dr Pepper

Deb

Almost over

The joke around here is that we have two seasons, winter and road construction. I actually think there are three; winter, road destruction and road construction. The middle season is very short and usually involves barrels and barricades and moving 4 lanes of traffic onto the shoulder, particularly between the hours of 6 and 9 a.m. or 4 and 6 p.m.

I had to go into "the city" on Tuesday for a meeting to look at a job. Going in was the usual stop and go but coming out...

Most of the route from the point where the Eisenhower Expressway meets the bridge that crosses the Kennedy Expressway out to the 'burbs has been resurfaced. There are a few spots left to do but it's a wonderful drive. I was back at the office within 40 minutes. For those who know, the board at the Post Office said "13 minutes to Mannheim". It was just that.

I know this was paid for with stimulus money and there is a huge debate about whether sinking billions into infrastructure actually created long-term jobs, which is what we need right now. I know that people with whom I'm acquainted with in the construction industry were grateful for the money as they could hire more workers, many of whom had been laid off for 9 months. I also think, for those of us who have to spend our time driving on these roads, making the commute a nicer ride is a good thing. Yes, to the left you see ubiquitous stopped in-bound traffic. Still, when the road is clear and it's a smooth ride back to the office, your frame of mind is that much nicer.

Beverage: Dr Pepper

Deb