tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46726993893326558822012-02-16T08:00:49.094-05:00Hi, Mom! Hi family and friends. Here's what I've been doing. Some days I add more pictures than fit on one page. Be sure to keep going back to Older Posts until things look familiar.Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.comBlogger14221100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-22633514705599778802012-02-16T07:47:00.007-05:002012-02-16T08:00:49.106-05:00

Out of order pictures, to catch up with the ones on the camera.Daisy in the snow. There wasn't much snow, but Daisy loved what there was. The cold weather invigorates her.The side bed covered in snow, which didn't bother the plants in it at all.This is a later meal, because I bought this tshirt at Marscon. I'm not sure exactly what I've cooked, but I'm well enough to cook again at this

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-83145476398646253312012-02-11T21:59:00.002-05:002012-02-12T10:26:18.282-05:00

Brenda Beck hosted the AW Wine Auction and Social. She has a marvelous house for a party - and 45 wine glasses! (I offered to bring some but she thought she might have enough.Here I am enjoying a taste of one of the wines while conversing.The chapter members with our scholarship award winner.Beloved Daughter enjoying some wine and appetizers. I brought stuffed grape leaves and BD brought

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-18960749996567930112012-02-09T23:38:00.005-05:002012-02-11T03:35:07.703-05:00

Have you missed me? I've been sick - first a bad cold and then bronchitis. I felt horrible! But I'm better now, thank heavens.Better and able to go to the theater. We went to the Folger to see the Gaming Table, which was very amusing and fun to see. Great set, with many staircases, two right side up and four upside down! Two of the characters got lost in the set and needed help finding their

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-50908518048434441102012-01-15T10:01:00.002-05:002012-01-20T14:12:52.895-05:00

I always try to buy art at Marscon. I like the idea of original art and I like supporting local artists. This year at the Charity Auction I won a hotly contested Green Man sculpture. I'll take a picture later, when it gets it's home in our yard, which will be sometime after I get well, if that ever happens. I'm really tired of being sick, and blowing my nose, and coughing, and sleeping all

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-53886077694649136632012-01-15T09:56:00.007-05:002012-01-20T13:45:46.170-05:00

Coyote Run and their last gig at Marscon. They're going to cease touring. I'm going to miss them. Coyote Run is one of the highlights of Marscon for me.It's hard to get good pictures without flash in the darkness, but here they are.Chelle shines out, with her gold hair.Cragin was in the audience, but I had to dance!And dance....And dance ....And dance ....I love dancing to Coyote Run!And we

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-80937738517020489042012-01-15T09:55:00.027-05:002012-02-11T03:39:24.741-05:00

Fireside ChophouseMarscon now includes an annual visit to the Fireside Chophouse, for a lovely meal. We had steak. Well, Mandy had chicken. Their food is good. Their website is horrible. So the link takes you to their Yelp reviews. Trust me. I'm doing you a favor.I closed my eyes for this toast.Mandy and Beloved Daughter.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-36980946614872261512012-01-15T09:55:00.024-05:002012-01-20T13:29:24.422-05:00

So there I was at Marscon - sick with the family cold which Cragin and Beloved Daughter both had already gone through. The con and room were already paid for. Mandy and Beloved Daughter were going anyway. And it's Marscon! So I went and slept all day Saturday, missing several workshops that looked like fun. Cragin, however, went to workshops. These are the ones he attended.Writing 101

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-56685987055588283152012-01-15T09:23:00.005-05:002012-01-20T13:23:24.840-05:00

Mandy is turned into a zombie by Wade Cutrell.Wade works on.The resulting zombie is surprisingly friendly, if gruesome.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-38227686237671469342012-01-15T09:19:00.007-05:002012-01-20T13:19:20.819-05:00

The End of the World as We Know It was the theme of the con, although they became so enamored with zombies that Zombies might as well have been the theme. I'm not saying that is bad; there were a lot of interesting zombie activities.Here Beloved Daughter and Cragin are at breakfast. Cragin joined us for the whole convention this year. That he did so is good, as I was sick and slept through most

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-66149021902096099412012-01-15T05:40:00.006-05:002012-02-11T03:35:51.608-05:00

Daisy in the snow. I don't even remember when this snow was, but it fell all day and didn't stick.Daisy enjoyed it.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-6983693739995580282012-01-01T21:13:00.009-05:002012-01-03T06:59:05.161-05:00

Looking back at 2011 - what worked, what didn't? (I reviewed Retrospectives 2010, 2009 and 2008 as research for this entry.)ExerciseI keep at it. That's the good part. It's still hard to keep at it. That's the bad part. I gained back 15 of the 25 pounds I lost. Still down 10 pounds. Would like to lose the rest (again) but that's the eating and not the exercising, I think. My basic

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-6100286326172872792012-01-01T12:45:00.041-05:002012-01-01T22:45:33.633-05:00

Becca broke out the Fire Baton

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-19005945543027229572012-01-01T12:44:00.003-05:002012-02-11T03:36:14.354-05:00

The Witt house is always Party Central. Everyone comes, brings food and booze, and has a good time. Many of the household went out for dinner, but Cragin and I joined them for the party afterwards. Most everyone dressed up and were looking good! I have pictures as evidence.Kay & Beloved Daughter (BD) all dressed up for the partyKay, Matt, and NathanSparlin with the BIG champagneRachel, BD,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-1940314961406887972011-12-31T22:31:00.003-05:002011-12-31T22:34:40.646-05:00

The news is that it isn't anymore, at least not for me.This is the email I received:Good Afternoon, I'm so sorry to inform you that at the moment we have to suspend your service until further notice. Since we opened in DC, we've been serving a very large area across DC, Maryland and Virginia. We've been able to serve this area through an arrangement with a courier service, but unfortunately

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-34318826487702064702011-12-31T18:41:00.031-05:002012-02-11T03:39:24.736-05:00

Dressed for the occasion, and ready to step out on the town! Cragin and I are ready to go to the tasting room at Restaurant Eve for our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Beloved Daughter is driving us and picking us up after, so we can also enjoy the wine pairings and cocktails before dinner.Drinks at the bar"It's like Sweet Basil, only It's Not" That's the name of the drink. It's ginger root and

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-84953035103161204932011-12-31T16:33:00.009-05:002011-12-31T22:02:51.428-05:00

Brunch and GiftsSparlin opens one of his gifts.Bekka and Bekka are both wearing the shawls I gave them.Russ opens his architectural Legos. What a concept!Russ also gets - something else. I can't really tell what from the picture.One of the few spicture we could find where Rachel had her eyes open! She's looking down, but they are open. She's opening a box full of tools (to put in her tool box

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-75271632374581505112011-12-31T12:12:00.011-05:002011-12-31T20:35:52.662-05:00

Christmas Morning at home - gifts andallSpoonBeloved Daughter (BD) bought me a spoon at the Alexandria Farmer's Market this summer. It's not a surprise; I tried out my stirring motion with every spoon there to find the perfect one, which this one is.Robot watchBeloved Daughter also bought me this totally cool robot watch. I love it!Beloved Daughter gives Daisy a great big Christmas hug.Glider

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-51855666388955541752011-12-31T12:11:00.005-05:002011-12-31T20:31:14.150-05:00

Ham, brussels sprouts, and corn-bean salad. Beloved daughter had turkey and sweet potaotes and green beans, with the brussels sprouts. And lots of butter on the sprouts, just in case they were too healthy.My plate. Cragin doesn't like sweet potatoes. Beloved daughter doesn't like ham or beans. I like everything!

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-6032178445122437202011-12-22T13:52:00.004-05:002011-12-27T13:31:47.312-05:00

I've been wanting to spend some quality time with Beloved Daughter (BD) and lunch at Vermillion seemed the answer.BD started with the butternut squash soup.I had the beet salad.Then I had the trout, which was also yummy.BD had hanger steak with fries and salad.Yummy!For dessert, I had the pumpkin beignets with ice cream.Beloved Daughter had the dessert of cookies & confections:hostess cupcake,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-74294500202086960782011-12-22T13:50:00.003-05:002012-02-11T03:37:59.078-05:00

AW has a Yankee Christmas Swap every year, which is well attended and highly enjoyed. I planned to take lots of pictures, but my camera batteries died and I didn't have backups with me. So I'm including some pictures I might normally not have used because Marnie's hair is falling in her face. But it's the one I have.Christmas decor.Marilee won the quilt raffle!Mary Beth poses with glass in hand.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-54156671804237990532011-12-22T13:27:00.006-05:002011-12-27T13:21:22.889-05:00

I am not as happy with my America's Test Kitchen Slow Cooker cookbook as I am with the other cookbooks in this series. The recipes require a lot of pre-cooking in the skillet and then post cooking of adding things and straining and doing something with the sauce. It's a lot of work for crockpot cooking and doesn't seem to save much time.This is Chicken Vescuvio from the Healthy Cooking for 2011

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-68546728710032212542011-12-22T13:27:00.005-05:002011-12-27T13:18:40.059-05:00

I looked through the blog while in Little Rock and thought this was a little heavy on flower pictures and not so much about the flowers. So I'm trying to describe more and take process pictures. However, I seem to have forgotten to do that this time.I have this process picture showing the roses before they are prepared and some of the snapdragons.This one, which is very similar.And finished

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-77493888938881989902011-12-22T13:03:00.004-05:002011-12-27T13:15:49.145-05:00

I thought it was way past time to have the Witts over. So I made two kinds of soup and got out the Russ Bowls. Here Russ and Sparlin are hanging out after supper with coffee (Russ) and computer (Sparlin).Beloved Daughter is being entertaining.In the kitchen are veggies and hummus, salad, cheese, and wine.Split pea soup in the crockpot.More hanging around after eating in the living room.Turkey,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-88042838911055046012011-12-07T17:32:00.005-05:002012-02-11T03:39:24.744-05:00

Tuesday night dinner at the Columbia Firehouse in Old Town.Serious about the conversation. (mini po'boy in view)Cragin ordered the oyster po'boy, with fond memories of oyster po'boys in Shreveport. And he reports that it tasted good. But it was a mini po'boy. Po'boys are big; this was a tease.Not so serious about the conversation.A toast......to having steak when others have burger.Cragin used

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-1745033084670270652011-12-02T17:35:00.007-05:002012-02-11T03:37:03.767-05:00

I do dearly love Synetic's Silent Shakespeare series. Synetic's Romeo and Juliet is beautifully lyrical, full of the energy and passion of youth. (I vaguely remember the energy of youth, I think.) I am amazed how Synetic continues to meet our rising expectations. Of course the fight scenes are astoundingly good. This is Synetic and we expect impressive fight scenes from Synetic.Washington

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-41825253151668729752011-11-27T12:53:00.003-05:002011-11-28T09:59:34.596-05:00

I'm standing by the box for the outdoor heater, which we bought at Black Friday sales half price for the Witts. They use their deck all of the time, even in the winter. Now it will be more comfortable for them. Early Christmas present. No one was home when we came by, so we left it on the deck.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-22996533573689117682011-11-27T12:39:00.002-05:002011-11-28T09:58:04.717-05:00

Cragin and I went to the Black Friday sales at The Tile Store to order the tiles Beloved Daughter and I picked out for the downstairs bathroom renovation - picked out in May! I then became bogged down in all the necessary decisions for the renovation and we didn't order them. But The Tile Store had in-stock tiles at 25% off, so it was time to order. The tiles were not in stock, but they gave

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-69887001404947630762011-11-27T12:35:00.009-05:002011-11-28T09:33:45.595-05:00

I was very excited about being home for Thanksgiving. We've spent the past five years traveling so that Beloved Daughter (whose time was more limited) did not have to do so. And it was fun. But I was ready to be home.I used America's Test Kitchen's (ATK) recipe for the turkey (stuffed variety). Because I don't care what the current theory is, turkey requires stuffing and dressing just is not

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-49878851763581370062011-11-27T12:32:00.003-05:002012-02-11T03:37:19.488-05:00

Here are the flowers which H Bloom delivered and the leftovers from two weeks ago (the purple and the greenery).So the leftover greenery and purple went into a hand tied bouquet with the spray roses and the accent leucadendron (in the middle).The main arrangement consisted of the spray orchids and the roses, with aspidistra leaves.The tiny arrangement for the bathroom consists of side pieces from

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-35729058589509504022011-11-27T12:26:00.002-05:002011-11-28T09:33:45.595-05:00

Cragin asked for a cake for his birthday. I was going to buy a frozen Sara Lee cake, but all they had at our small Safeway was chocolate and coconut,neither of which Cragin likes. So I made a cake. Tada!

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-89075066147674213142011-11-27T11:56:00.003-05:002011-11-28T09:33:45.595-05:00

Ratatouille - I love it! Who knew? I've never had it before, but I had eggplant from the last Farmer's Market and needed to use it. Ratatouille is delicious. It did take a long time to make, with many steps, but I really like having a new vegetable dish to use in my ongoing effort to add vegetables to everyone's life, especially mine.Served with green beans, grillades, and mashed

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-15684540439856123522011-11-12T15:17:00.016-05:002011-11-28T09:08:38.984-05:00

We saw this after we returned from Houston, but when I have this many posts it's difficult to keep them in order.The play was very good. Iago was front and center (which he often is) but the director choose to start the play with the words "I hate the Moor" setting the scene with Iago at the fore. Fortunately Ian Merrill Peakes, the actor playing Iago, was very very good. In the talk with the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-69782848970566860942011-11-12T15:17:00.015-05:002011-11-15T11:39:44.655-05:00

We weren't allowed to take pictures in the exhibit, so this is what I have to show off the King Tut exhibit. It was an interesting exhibit. The mummy itself is creepy!I started looking at toes on the statues. The feet were prominent, which means the toes were also. There were none showing Morton's toe. The feet were all the other. I wonder if they were going for symmetry or if they really

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-64666531142519146902011-11-12T15:17:00.011-05:002011-11-28T09:08:50.566-05:00

Texas Faire is great for people-watching, but we don't catch that many shows. I like to listen to the Bard O'Neill. This visit we left Mom and Jim listening to her as we raced about Faire with Beloved Daughter, so she can sense (with her feet) the immenseness of the Texas Renaissance Faire.Peter Beagle was there - much to my surprise. I didn't stop to chat, but I have read The Last Unicorn,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-4109678572878104612011-11-12T15:16:00.009-05:002011-11-28T09:08:50.566-05:00

Beloved Daughter and Uncle Jim, in a rare moment of repose at the Texas Faire. BD, Mom and me at Faire in costume. I know Texas does not care about authenticity, so I wore my feathers in my hat. When I wear this at Maryland, I don't indulge in feathers. Web and Jim in the garden at Faire. Web kept telling me I had one picture of him and that was enough. But at least he didn't walk away from

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-84038320383867770902011-11-12T15:16:00.008-05:002011-11-28T09:08:50.566-05:00

I made the basic costume for Mom for Tennessee Faire, starting in Martin when I visited with my sewing machine and iron. (Love that iron!) Since Tennessee, I added the sleeves (which she wore for Maryland Faire, but didn't need in Texas, with all the added hand-made eyelets that implies. I still would like to make a pill box hat, but this fake blackwork works well, I think.I took a lot of

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-75106263160811823042011-11-12T15:15:00.011-05:002012-02-11T03:39:24.738-05:00

Web cooked for us in Houston, but this is taco lunch. One goes to the taqueria truck. Then the server comes to the car and asks if one wants to eat there or to go. Web says that there means the tacos are served on the hood of the car (or the tailgate of the truck). We took ours to go.Mom enjoys the tacos.My tacos as served.Sunday night Web made coq au vin in the crockpot, which was very

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-43848995780320987262011-11-12T15:15:00.010-05:002011-11-14T09:07:16.920-05:00

End of trip picture for Beloved Daughter with her Uncles on either side.Jim at Web's house, ready to leap into action at any time.Web's cat, Comanche. Nefertiti hides a lot.Comanche however likes being close.Web and BD on the couch at Jim and Liz's house.Mom at Web's, ready for Faire.Jim and Mom at Jim's house, reading.More readingMore reading, this time with the Kindle.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-13504007845369773032011-11-12T15:14:00.010-05:002012-02-11T03:40:08.011-05:00

Here are the flowers as I received them.Some of the older flowers are still doing okay. So I separate everything out.Aspidistra leaves and my large oval vase.Greenery in the vase with the aspidistra leaves hiding the stems.I start adding in the pretty.Finished large vase.Vase with orchidsVase with left-over flowers and pumpkin, along with some greenery and blue berries from the evergreens up the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-22158128835895320282011-11-12T15:14:00.005-05:002012-02-11T03:39:24.732-05:00

Oriental CafeKenny (the owner) took our picture as we settled in for another delicious dinner at Oriental Cafe.Here I am with an array of food before me, chopsticks in hand.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-42273578845795185412011-10-31T23:55:00.005-04:002011-11-04T20:11:26.368-04:00

She really was there, but somehow we didn't manage to get a picture of Becka Ann.Chris came up with a fine array of wines for the tasting.Here I'm enjoying one of those fine wines, with Matt and Barry.Barry kisses Matt hello as Jafar looks on.I'm listening to Matt. Wow, Jafar's wine is RED.Cupcakes from Buzz garner a lot of interest from Sparlin, Beloved Daughter and new friend whose name I

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-40941198663980947322011-10-31T23:53:00.003-04:002011-11-04T20:03:00.390-04:00

I don't usually buy sweet treats, but felt the need today. Here is the produce - with one sconey treat also.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-27565665560884099942011-10-31T23:49:00.002-04:002011-11-04T20:05:17.139-04:00

We went to Opening Night of the performance. Usually I avoid opening night because I like them to have time to get into the groove of the play. I may rethink that, at least for Synetic. Synetic invites people to opening night, donors usually, so everyone there was really enthused about the play from the start. It was exciting to be a part of that. I had seen the play before, when they

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-45655264224100626932011-10-31T23:44:00.003-04:002011-11-04T20:05:17.140-04:00

Beloved Daughter and I went to see Patrick Stewart with Michael Kahn at the Sidney Harmon. He is very interesting and engaging, thoughtful about his Shakespeare and positive about his experience with Star Trek. One of the things he said was that he didn't have a film career, he had a franchise career. I did see him at the reverse color Othello a number of years ago and he talked about that

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-77889495338371419222011-10-31T23:28:00.015-04:002011-11-14T09:02:04.766-05:00

The very final day of faire and we dressed to go. It rained so much this year that I didn't go often. I don't mind the faire itself in rain, but I do hate driving through standing water to reach faire. Even though the low place where it used to gather has been raised, during extremely rainy weather, it still floods. And our weather has been extremely rainy. But the last day of Faire was

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-76532055834356737572011-10-31T09:44:00.004-04:002011-11-04T20:03:00.390-04:00

Roast beef, baked potatoes, green beans and Aunt Fannie's squash casserole for dinner tonight.Cragin lifts his glass in a toast to the meal.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-41774006080899093152011-10-31T09:43:00.006-04:002011-11-04T20:06:53.942-04:00

I think it just became confused by the Weird Weather we have been having. I'm glad I took the picture before the snow. It looks bedraggled now.I always have good luck with Nasturium seeds. They grow for me. That's why I plant so many. I can count on them to grow. This watery summer, however, pleased them no end. Look at how they've leapt out of the beds, over the fence, on the ground,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-39989851147691264502011-10-31T08:33:00.023-04:002011-11-04T20:06:07.392-04:00

Celebratory cake which Stephanie made for the initiation.Generations 2, 3, & 4The initiates and their flowers. Wow! I framed Beloved Daughter's head.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-82305566292077121262011-10-31T08:33:00.022-04:002011-11-04T20:06:53.942-04:00

Oct 13 deliveryHere are the flowers in the plastic, as they come to the house.And here are a whole lot of dahlias, cut from my garden.I used my dahlias with the H Bloom flowers to create these arrangements. The main big arrangement and the one dahlia with the yellow flowers turned out best, I think. I also think I need several small vases to put dahlias in. The arrangement with all dahlias is

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-61091956012553007472011-10-31T08:33:00.020-04:002011-11-01T08:49:30.060-04:00

We tried taking pictures, but they just look like rain. It was snow. Great, big fluffy snow flakes working their way down to the ground, where they didn't stick. We're been in the area for thirty years, and this is the earliest it has even snowed. Just thought you'd want to know.Hey - turns out the video does sort of show the snow. So here it is. Humph! I got an error message. I'll speak

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-37795302553225608392011-10-31T08:33:00.019-04:002011-11-04T20:06:53.943-04:00

Oct 27I've been looking through my blog (four years!) and noted that the flower pictures, while beautiful, are also boring. So I'm going to try to add more commentary.Here are the flowers as delivered, still in their plastic bundle.First I gather all the remaining arrangements in the house and pull them apart, composting the sad ones and saving those I might be able to use. Then I look at them.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-43992587620301738232011-10-31T08:32:00.004-04:002011-11-04T20:03:00.390-04:00

We ate a lot while Mom was here. I planned Lunch and Dinner (capitalized when planned like this) to help her manage her diabetes. Mom says she tried to lose three pounds before she came so she could eat whatever she wanted while here. She didn't make it, but she did lose three pounds here while eating whatever she wanted.This is chicken with cherry tomatoes and blue cheese, succotash, green

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-91826529564633684062011-10-09T20:58:00.005-04:002011-11-04T20:03:00.391-04:00

At P.F. Changs after we found Bruno's Little Italy unexpectedly shuttered, which was a vast disappointment to all of the long-time Little Rock folks. Here Beloved Daughter (BD) and Becky get to know each other over delicious Chinese food.Becky tastes the wine and gives her opinion of the bottle.Don and Cragin discuss serious matters.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-89341860370494531822011-10-09T20:57:00.009-04:002011-11-04T20:11:26.369-04:00

The Shelton Cousins came over to the Shelton Enclave for Barbeque and catching up on goings-on.Harvey & Cragin sitting in the den ready to discuss weighty matters.Weighty matters didn't come up, but they certainly were ready.Self serve at the buffet, and yummy it was, also.Barbecue!Deb and Margaret at the table eating barbeque.Chris and Knox and barbequeBD, Mil, & Harve and still more

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-15100350073644629602011-10-09T20:57:00.004-04:002011-11-04T20:03:00.391-04:00

I forgot to take pictures! But it was wonderful to see Allison and she looked great. I loved catching up.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-77174986274542485842011-10-09T10:55:00.005-04:002011-10-18T10:23:42.786-04:00

Beloved Daughter and Debbie and I walked the Big Dam Bridge. Here BD and Debbie stand by the sign before we start our trek.View of the bridgeAnd view from the bridge, with Debbie and me admiring the sunset.And a lovely sunset it is, indeed.BD admiring the lights on the bridge.BD and bridgeMore view

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-29780125482666617402011-10-09T10:50:00.006-04:002011-10-18T10:18:32.054-04:00

Beloved Daughter and Laura pose in Laura's house. I have serious envy of Laura's house, although I realize that a lot of that envy is for what Laura has done with the house and I know she has spent a lot of time getting it envy-ready.the Shelton group on the porch. The enclosed porch, which is a great place to hang out.the kitchen with the herbs in vases - nice touch!Katy in the porch.Chris,

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-83077011127923873762011-10-09T10:35:00.013-04:002011-11-04T20:03:00.392-04:00

Debbie, Beloved Daughter (BD) and Cragin gather at the beginning of the market area.Here a sleepy (and cold) vendor awaits customers.Cragin shows his Cherokee. Chris loaned him the stick to go with the hair and headband.Cragin and Beloved Daughter,who has her coffee and therefore is happy.Chris with his back turned to the camera so that he faces the market beyond.Debbie and Chris discuss weighty

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-9515961708449201942011-10-09T10:04:00.007-04:002011-11-04T20:11:26.369-04:00

A visit to Little Rock calls for the clan to gather. Margaret and Debbie prepared spaghetti and meatballs and chicken spaghetti for a crowd, along with salad.Here the group gathers in the living room. Wow, we are definitely predominately female. In fact, Cragin, Chris, and Paul are the only males in the group of twelve.Marjorie, Marie and Beloved Daughter at table.Another shot of the gals

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-28491499099064823612011-10-09T09:47:00.005-04:002011-11-04T20:03:00.392-04:00

Going to the Star of India is a requisite visit during any Little Rock Trip. We've been to several Indian restaurants in DC, but the Star of India is the best one we've eaten in. The food is delicious and the tastes are clear and clean, not muddied together as sometimes happens in Indian cuisine.Here Debbie watches Chris enjoying his meal.Beloved Daughter spies the camera on her.The crowd of

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-75767182738991645702011-10-09T09:44:00.003-04:002011-10-12T21:42:02.662-04:00

Beloved Daughter and I are waiting for our connecting flight at O'Hare. Both of us had ear issues on this flight.Cragin is taking pictures as we wait because the plane arrived twenty minutes early.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-78132409387547737472011-10-05T10:37:00.003-04:002011-10-05T10:40:24.988-04:00

These pictures are dark because - have I mentioned the dark and gloomy? Affects the pictures also.Orchids. I'm rather proud of this arrangement,which I thought up on my own.Roses - hard to ruin roses.All of the flowers before the arranging.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-58154082208710960282011-10-05T10:36:00.000-04:002011-11-04T20:08:28.401-04:00

Max and Daisy, lying together, wishing they were allowed in the dining room.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-36398363200526712652011-10-05T10:29:00.003-04:002011-10-05T10:40:32.229-04:00

Here they are - en masse! I have been cooking dinners and Cragin has been eating them. (Beloved Daughter and I have been eating them also, but there are no pictures of us doing so. This balances the vacations from which there are no pictures of Cragin.)The Cauliflower Dish is new. Cragin did not like it. BD and I thought it was OK, for cauliflower.Meatloaf, with green beans, sweet potato and

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-73345199487443381802011-10-05T10:27:00.004-04:002011-10-18T10:19:45.146-04:00

I blame the weather. It's been cold and rainy and drear. It's been so rainy that mushroom poisoning has been in the Washington Post. Seems like people have been picking and eating mushrooms from their yards and then getting sick. People never cease to amaze me. I just kick over the mushrooms in our yard. And we have lots of them. Lots and lots and the sun never shines and it's very

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-39413196036425577882011-10-04T19:51:00.006-04:002011-10-18T10:20:00.085-04:00

Sparlin decided it has been way too long - and he was right!Charlotte, center of attentionMatt and KayMatt arrived after dinner but in time for conversation.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-13705734000765544432011-10-04T19:47:00.004-04:002011-11-04T20:08:53.061-04:00

Hack & Slash Shakespeare MassacreBack row seatingSaying goodnight

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-25829106395451189372011-10-04T19:41:00.004-04:002011-10-05T10:42:38.999-04:00

Friday night dinner at the Oriental CafeGuest pre-blogged by CraginBD & KOh, look at BD's reflection. Nice.The food was good also.BD and KayI'm trying to use the chopsticks here. I keep trying. Some days I'm better than other days.Cragin and his better use of chopsticks.Crispy beefLobster! Yum lobster.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-22801285708394758672011-09-19T08:37:00.002-04:002011-09-19T08:40:14.128-04:00

I forgot my camera, so there are no pictures. It's been a while since I went to Faire alone, so I just wasn't as prepared as usual. I'm glad I went because I saw Corsort Anon, which is one of my favorite groups, and they don't show on the online schedule, so I never know when they are going to be there. I also saw Bloody Drama, which isn't on every weekend. I enjoyed myself, even if I have no

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-68439496271812063172011-09-19T08:19:00.007-04:002011-09-19T08:40:19.057-04:00

Cragin's car needed to go in for a non-urgent recall, so we took the opportunity of being in Springfield to have dinner at Outback. I can get the salmon prepared "light" which I believe simply means without the whirls of butter that usually accompany it. Cragin can get STEAK! We enjoyed the food, but our waiter was really not good. Here I am preparing to enjoy a carrot.Cragin cuts into his

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-15726335320233525122011-09-18T19:44:00.003-04:002011-09-19T08:40:25.322-04:00

Cragin and I had lunch at grounded - some time ago. I don't remember the exact date or the type of soup, but it was good soup

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-51736286717258881572011-09-14T16:20:00.003-04:002011-11-04T20:08:28.401-04:00

Just a few pictures from Max's visit, with facing views.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-70449960244474803172011-09-14T16:11:00.002-04:002011-09-14T16:20:00.333-04:00

The season is almost over and growth is slowing. But the reliable nasturtiums are still growing. You can see how the right side, which gets more sun, has much more flowers than the left side.The back bed, where only the reliable nasturtiums are still growing.The side bed, which I have weeded. This bed would probably be much happier if I watered it on a regular basis.Side box planter which

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-10692686042181698592011-09-14T16:09:00.002-04:002011-09-14T16:20:15.531-04:00

A light load this week. We needed more apples, especially since the yummy Honeycrisps are in season. And I bought Roma tomatoes to try oven drying them for sun-dried tomatoes. And a few peaches because they are still in season.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-22588194908911152552011-09-14T16:07:00.000-04:002011-09-14T16:20:15.531-04:00

The beasts don't seem to like radishes (although the leaves are quite eaten by small bugs). So I managed a radish. This is probably not cost effective, as a whole bag of radishes is only 99 cents and I think the seeds cost more than that. Still. From my garden. I am the only one in the family who likes radishes.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-72635851286224959432011-09-14T16:05:00.003-04:002011-09-14T16:20:15.531-04:00

Cragin complained about the microwave popcorn burning before it all popped. (I rather like burnt popcorn as long as it's really hot.) So I found this popcorn popper I've had for a while. It works great! We've been eating a lot of delicious popcorn.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-42986193560418022832011-09-13T07:41:00.002-04:002011-09-13T07:47:22.540-04:00

We had the earthquake. We had the hurricane. We had floods. Then we had locust. That's what I thought when I looked out the window and saw a huge swarm of large insects.Okay, not really. What we had was a swarm of dragonflies. They were fascinating to watch. About 75 of them, moving across the back yard from right to left, moving very fast in figure eights. They were here for about 15

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-45459386679747903352011-09-11T08:49:00.004-04:002011-09-11T10:57:45.170-04:00

Yep, it's a little bit of everything. I'm catching up on my blogging.Here's the orchid and the ivy, before being transformed into "an arrangement."Here's the two finished arrangements, with some leftover greenery I will use later with flowers from the garden.As delivered by H Bloom, ready for me to go to the blog and then arrange.The Tortilla Casserole standby, with green beans and succotash and

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-59000317663166277412011-09-11T08:43:00.004-04:002011-09-11T10:53:36.850-04:00

We didn't go the first weekend, because of Irene, which is good because they closed the Faire! It's the first time since I've been going since they closed Faire. Probably a good idea, all things considered.Even this, the second weekend, it rained. But it was an OK rain; we could handle it.It's been a while since I blogged and I forgot that I need to select the last pictures first, so the

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-20793421826511355182011-09-03T10:05:00.003-04:002011-09-10T10:46:36.526-04:00

Daisy as we so often find here, completely racked out on the couch downstairs. That's one relaxed dog.

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-37917942881507507102011-09-03T09:38:00.004-04:002011-09-10T10:47:12.864-04:00

Samuel Beckett's Irish Gastro Pub Rhys from Dublin, who served us and amused us during our party time. View of the bar, which is nicely decorated, with Jodi's husband Alan sitting at the bar. He didn't join us but enjoyed his beer in solitude. Cheerful Table Live music - last night of the Jazz nights. BD and me

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-26905034312083629212011-08-28T17:23:00.005-04:002011-11-04T20:11:26.369-04:00

Sparlin brought over some rather yummy onion bread, which was devoured. He also brought a loaf of good French bread, which did not get eaten. So I made it into crostini. I basted it with melted butter and olive oil and garlic and toasted it in the oven. Then I put gorgonzola on some of it. And I put mozzarella and basil and tomato and sea salt on some other of it. Some of it I just left plain

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-9976937835424922012011-08-28T17:21:00.009-04:002011-08-28T17:39:08.207-04:00

We survived the hurricane with very little damage. We lost some small branches and leaves were everywhere! I'm tossing branches back over our fence into the power line property, from whence they came. Toss! Carry to the fence. Daisy surveys the damage. I left these pots to face the wind and rain. But I moved these pots to the side of the house, where they were protected. Leaves all over

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-6955438008152418482011-08-28T17:18:00.010-04:002011-08-28T17:40:11.099-04:00

It wasn't a Gulf style hurricane party where partiers face the storm together, but a get-together before the storm. We were going to go to Maryland Ren Faire, but decided we didn't want to drive home in the hard rain. So we moved the picnic to our house. Charlotte came with Barbara. Sparlin, Barbara, Russ and Charlotte and Daisy, vying for Russ's attention. Me and Schmanisky Cragin and

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-51351804280463046682011-08-28T16:37:00.009-04:002011-09-05T09:20:27.573-04:00

Beloved Daughter noted that I am getting better at arranging flowers. I've been using Petals for the People/ H. Bloom for a while now. So I've practiced arranging while guided by the videos. I've developed some techniques, guided by the videos. I've gathered more vases. And I spend a lot more time on it. I prepare the flowers. (It's something like prepping all the food for cooking.) I

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-46327404860837478642011-08-28T16:31:00.004-04:002011-09-05T09:20:52.760-04:00

Overwood George and Barbara took us out during Restaurant Week. They choose Overwood, to which Cragin and I had been before because Bekka Witt and Becka Williams both work there. Hor's doeuvres Trout and chicken raviolo George and Barbara Cragin Happy with the occasion And a good time was had by all.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-58756225346102584542011-08-25T07:16:00.003-04:002011-08-25T07:23:33.237-04:00

Virginia had an earthquake. It was weird. Beloved Daughter and I were home. BD said "What is that?" I started to say "Nothing," and then I felt it. The house quivered. It felt like what I imagined an earthquake would feel like. On 9/11 I heard the plane fly into the Pentagon rather than felt it, so I was pretty sure it was an earthquake and not an attack. But attack is now always a

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-27325743812943008112011-08-22T09:05:00.004-04:002011-08-22T09:35:17.469-04:00

I'm spooning some squash on my plate in anticipation. More squash spooning. I mix summer and zucchini (and make lots extra so later I can make Aunt Fannie's Casserole. For Aunt Fannie's, mix in one beaten egg and one teaspoon sugar. Top with bread crumbs and bake with whatever else you are baking. The original recipe calls for 400 degrees, but I've used 350 and it has worked fine. This is

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-46819947330790538352011-08-22T08:58:00.007-04:002011-08-22T09:58:24.320-04:00

After the Farmer's Market, Rachel, Russ, Beloved Daughter and I went to Fontaine Restaurant in Old Town Alexandria. I had the Farmer's Market crepe - very appropriate for the outing. And it was very good also. Russ had the Wild Berry Dessert Crepe Rachel had the cheese and fruit plate Here are the three of us and BD's crepe plate. I bought flowers at the Farmer's Market. I got an even

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-19240206267036938652011-08-22T08:54:00.008-04:002011-08-22T10:09:02.336-04:00

We try to go out for Restaurant Week every year. (Yeah, we don't eat out much. I cook a lot.) This year we tried Columbia Firehouse and deemed it a success. The decor is beautiful, restful and yet full of images. The food was good, although we though the potatoes were all bland. And best, of all, we had a good time. Here Beloved Daughter (BD) and I toast the occasion. BD ordered a drink (

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-87921443558982302002011-08-18T15:07:00.003-04:002011-08-18T15:22:14.787-04:00

This is Tex-Mex Chicken Brown Rice Casserole from America's Test Kitchen. It was OK, but nothing to blog about (even though I am.) Same Casserole with the rest of dinner: cole slaw and broccoli.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-43426815807453360492011-08-18T15:06:00.005-04:002011-08-18T15:27:20.665-04:00

The small arrangement sits beside Paul's picture and next to the shell flower Rachel brought me. The large arrangement in the kitchen. Those ferny things go all over! It's a huge arrangement. H. Bloom blog suggested I put the Gerbera daisies in a separate arrangement, but I like their colors in here. I have grouped the roses and the Gerbera daisies. Last Saturday's Farmer's Market

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-16123118699136657482011-08-15T07:43:00.005-04:002011-08-18T15:22:14.788-04:00

Cragin took Beloved Daughter and me to Grounded for lunch. I had the lentil soup. Cragin had a torte.

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-58104118085262657542011-08-15T07:41:00.007-04:002011-08-18T15:22:14.788-04:00

Cragin grilled burgers and we invited the Witts. Sparlin became very creative and plated his burger. Beloved Daughter had a hard time just holding hers together. More pretty plating of the burger Rachel, Sparlin and me enjoying the fruits of Cragin's labor. The hot dogs all curly. We like them like that. They taste the same but they are more fun than regular. Rachel all set to enjoy

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-46974828098497937952011-08-15T07:37:00.005-04:002011-08-18T15:22:05.331-04:00

I took the last of the H Bloom calla lilies and put in a small vase with wheat flower and zebra grass. I took flowers left over from my large arrangement from the Old Town Alexandria Farmer's Market and put them in the small vase in the bathroom. I took some extra from the Farmer's Market and one dahlia from my garden and made a small arrangement. Zinnias from my garden with mint as an accent

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-63330218188362067822011-08-11T21:03:00.008-04:002011-08-12T13:14:39.251-04:00

A number of years ago we went to see the Community Bridge in Frederick and couldn't, because there was construction. This time we had a beautiful day and a very nice walk through the Community Bridge area. The Community Bridge is a trompe d'oiel bridge with all sorts of seemingly carved images which really aren't. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing all of the images and we took lots of pictures,

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-75558483909046405732011-08-11T19:43:00.006-04:002011-08-12T11:58:30.367-04:00

Quynn's Attic was a great find. One must know where it is, just off an alley, but the food is great! http://www.quynnsattic.com/ I started with Quynn's Old Fashioned Bean Stew, which had mixed beans, zucchini, squash, and spinach in a oven roasted tomato broth. I didn't see much spinach, but the soup was delicious. I also had The Confit of Duck Salad, which was very good. Normally I avoid

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-46602538694897140522011-08-11T19:39:00.009-04:002011-08-12T08:47:12.154-04:00

We drove to Frederick, Maryland, to go to the Frederick Coin Exchange. Dad had left me some Kurgerrands and I decided it was time to sell. Cragin took off work and Beloved Daughter went with us. It was a good experience. The owner, Matt, was very nice and professional. He's also straightforward about what he buys and at how much. This was a much nicer experience than when I sold my nephew's

Craginhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01702814300315350559noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-17772281140667281222011-08-08T12:02:00.005-04:002011-08-08T15:06:28.788-04:00

Here I'm closing my eyes as the picture is taken. But it's a good shot of the grapes and cherries decorated with mint and nasturtiums. Becka and I smile for the camera. Another picture of the snacks. Cragin pets Daisy and listens. Now it's his turn to talk. Cragin is a sport and takes us to Grounded for lunch. Dessert is half a salt-sea caramel cupcake, each. Yummy! Beloved Daughter

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4672699389332655882.post-86986779425868550682011-08-08T11:57:00.008-04:002011-09-10T10:56:18.968-04:00

We had Family Dinner on Friday because that's when Paul could come. Paul seems a bit unsure as we gather in the kitchen before dinner. Sparlin looks manic. But Beloved Daughter (BD) smiles at her hand-painted wine glass. Rachel happily toasts the party. Cragin smiles at the beer Paul brought. We're taste testing Cabot cheeses: regular, 50% less fat, and 75% less fat. Nobody liked the 75%

Kayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13120959937185736295noreply@blogger.com0