EvilDucky

Birthday cake!

2010-06-14T14:20:00.001-07:00

2009-10-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

Monster under my bed!

2009-09-21T07:58:00.000-07:00

Ella's new hobby is crawling around under my bed even though she barely fits! Its really freaking cute though so I had to share! :)

Shitake FAIL

2009-08-21T13:38:00.000-07:00

My shitake growing experiment is coming to a premature end. After getting a house inspection it was discovered that termites are eating the logs AND the garage they are sitting next to.

WARNING- DO NOT PLACE LOGS ON THE GROUND NEAR ANY STRUCTURE!

You will attract termites!!!

:(

Why there is a piece of bread and a towel in my car

2009-08-17T10:59:00.000-07:00

Today as I was driving home on my lunch break, the most surreal thing happened. Right as I pulled on to my block, a beautiful white dove fluttered down seemingly out of nowhere and landed right in front of my car. I was sort of stunned cos it was almost as if it happened on purpose, you know? So anyway, I slowly pulled around it and into my driveway. As soon as I got out of the car I had the urge to walk over to where the dove was, in the middle of the street a couple of houses down. I shrugged it off, telling myself it was probably just a white pigeon, and just some kind of coincidence. Halfway through microwaving my lunch, I peeked out the window and saw it was still wandering around in the street, and I said ok ok, I HAVE to go see it. So I walked out the door and down the street, and sat down on the curb near the dove. I held out my hand to it as if I had some sort of treat (my mistake for not ACTUALLY bringing it a treat) and spoke sweetly to it. I asked he (or she) if maybe he got lost, and told him how pretty he was, and that someone probably misses him! And he walked up to where I could almost have touched him. He was very beautiful, snow white, and DEFINITELY not a wild pigeon. But he didn't have a band on his ankle like most pet birds have. Regardless, I decided he was definitely someone's pet, and that I would run home and grab some bread to lure him back to me, and a towel to throw on top of him so I could gather him up and put him on my screened in back porch until I get off work and could get him a cage and some proper dove food, and run an ad in the paper saying "found- pet dove" or something like that...

But alas, when I returned with the towel and the bread, he was no where to be found! I put the bread and towel in my car, in case I happen to see him in my neighborhood again when I am driving around, so I can catch the poor lost dove!

PS- I totally regret not having my camera for any of this! UGH!

Post 101 = Mehndi

2009-07-27T19:44:00.000-07:00

My latest artwork...on bestest canvas ever! :)

Blackberries!

2009-07-14T18:17:00.000-07:00

Today I picked wild blackberries at my CSA.

The wild ones are very prickly! Ouchy...

These cute little guys are young Guinea hens. When they get bigger they are going to help keep the bugs off of my veggies! :)

I picked a total of 6 cups so there is definitely going to be some pie making very soon! I love my CSA! :D

WTF. . . Snapping Turtle?

2009-05-26T19:03:00.001-07:00

I came home from work today and noticed something rustling in my back yard. I could tell it wasn't a rabbit, or a cat, and I wondered what in the world was back there INSIDE my fence.

Turns out it was this dude. . .

Luckily for me Velocibadgergirl and I had yoga class tonight, and I knew she would be able to help me rescue the snapping turtle!

It was HUGE! So I got my snow shovel out (which ironically hasn't yet been used to shovel snow), and with Velocibadgergirl's help we scooped him up into a storage tub she conveniently had in her car.

We drove him to a nearby park with a lake and released him!

I wish I'd taken video of him once Velocibadgergirl flopped him out of the tub, because he tumbled hilariously sideways and into the water.

It was very dramatic!

But he is fine and safe and no longer in my back yard. YAY!

And thanks again, Velocibadgergirl for your help! :D

beautiful blendings

2009-05-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

7:50am

"Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life." ~John Muir

1:10pm

Morel Hunting

2009-04-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

On Sunday I went out looking for morel mushrooms with my boyfriend, and my brother and his girlfriend.

We didn't find any morels, but we did find some other neat things out in the woods!

Population =Tire

I can imagine all sorts of awesome things that could live in this hole...

Tiny Shroomies

2009-04-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Nest

2009-03-26T19:25:00.001-07:00

A dove has made her nest in my decorative, pretend birds nest.

I love how it looks like the little fake birdies are tending to her or something. Maybe they're pissed off that she stole their nest? It will be rediculously adorable when there are eggs and baby birdies though. It'll look like they've got a fake mom and dad, hehe.

Roasted Garlic and Asparagus Quiche

2009-03-22T10:30:00.001-07:00

It is finally spring! Asparagus is in season, and I am obsessed with roasted garlic right now, so I wanted to create a quiche to incorporate both.

Oven roasted garlic has an almost sweet flavor. Very different from fresh garlic!

Mmmm, asparagus!

Evilducky's Roasted Garlic and Asparagus Quiche-

Ingredients:

One unbaked pie crust (use your favorite recipe! Mine is whole wheat pastry flour and butter)

2/3 bunch fresh asparagus

3 tbs olive oil

1 1/2 heads garlic

1 handful of grape tomatoes or one small tomato

4 eggs

1/4 cup half & half

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

1 cup grated Swiss or Gruyere cheese

Directions-

Preheat oven to 400°. Wash asparagus and trim bottom 1/4 of each stalk. Lay asparagus in a baking dish and coat with 2 tbs olive oil. Cut top 1/4 off of the garlic heads. Drizzle them with the remaining olive oil and wrap them in foil together. Place the asparagus and the garlic in the oven. Take the asparagus out after 20 minutes and let cool. Take the garlic out after 40 minutes and also let cool. Once cool remove garlic cloves from their papery shells and mash with a fork. Chop most of the asparagus into half inch long chunks, but leave a few whole to decorate the top of your quiche. Turn oven down to 350°.

Beat the eggs with the half & half and sour cream. Add the smooshed up garlic, the chunks of asparagus, and salt and mix well. Fill your pie shell with this mixture, and top with the shredded cheese. Add a few slices of tomato and reserved asparagus spears to the top and bake for 40-45 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean.

Enjoy!

Shiitake Adventure

2009-03-19T17:44:00.000-07:00

I must admit, I cannot take credit for this awesome idea. It was all my boyfriend's doing! :)

After that bad ice storm we had, there were many fallen branches laying around town, including my back yard. So my boyfriend suggested that we take some of them and try to grow some shiitake mushrooms for us to eat! So he ordered us some shiitake spawn plugs from this place.

Last weekend we plugged the logs...

The first step was to drill LOTS of holes to fill with the spawn plugs. It was good that our wood was all nice and fresh, and that it fell during the winter, because the wood has a higher protein content in winter and the mushrooms will like it!

The plugs are small dowels cut from branches already full of shiitake mycelium. If mushrooms were plants (which they aren't) the mycelium would be the body of the plant, and the mushrooms themselves would be the flowers or fruit. These little plugs will (hopefully) allow the mycelium to spread to the rest of the log. Eventually, if the mycelium are happy enough, they'll go "bom-chicka-wah-wah!" and the result will be mushrooms!

After drilling the holes and inserting the spawn, the holes are covered with wax to seal them in.

Then we arranged the logs in the shady spot on the side of my garage, on top of some nice chunks of wood Velocibadgergirl gave me!

And now? We wait! It could be 6 or 9 months before we see any mushroom action, but I will definitely post photos if anything interesting happens! I'm super excited! I bet I'm the only girl on my block with a mushroom garden in her backyard! :D

Cinderella?

2009-03-15T19:00:00.001-07:00

There was a random yellow Barbie shoe in my driveway. I thought it looked cool.

Coming soon- part one of the Shitake Adventure!

a sea of peeps

2009-03-13T19:23:00.000-07:00

If anyone likes cuteness and lives near a Rural King store, the chick days are going on right now!

I wish I could have audio recorded them. Part of the awesomeness is all the tiny peeps!!! :D

Prepare to have your mind boggled

2009-03-12T09:09:00.000-07:00

Apparently there is a market for fake, press on, french manicured TOENAILS! People buy these! *head explodes*

Is it just me or is this exactly what is wrong with our society? Anybody??

Brak's Magic Toenail Song-

I have a magic toenail
I keep it on my foot
It's always there to rescue me
When someting goes ka-put

It has the cutest cuticle
Free of all disease!
As toenails go it's really quite
Extraordinary

Thank you Thank you
Thank you Magic toe nail

I love my magic toenail;
It's magical and good.
Sometimes I take my toenail to lunch
and give it a sandwich,
because it likes to eat the sandwiches

Thank you Thank you
Thank you magic toenail

I love you magic toenail!

Moonflower Seedlings

2009-03-01T18:45:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day Dinner

2009-02-22T13:58:00.000-08:00

I <3 Tiramisu

Spinach and Artichoke Lasagna

Best Valentines Day Ever :D

Winter Storm Pics

2009-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Food Porn

2009-01-18T12:45:00.001-08:00

On the left is a Thai green curry with shrimp and rice noodles. On the right a Thai salad!

YUM!

Three new items!

2009-01-11T14:59:00.000-08:00

I have added three new knitted items to the EvilduckyDesigns Etsy Store!

Farewell to the Pie Hole

2009-01-11T09:25:00.001-08:00

This pear pie with Gruyere crumble was inspired by the TV show Pushing Daisies. Although the show was brilliant and received 12 Emmy nominations, declining viewership led to its cancellation. *sigh*

This is the pie that the character Charlotte Charles makes for her cheese loving aunts, the Darling Mermaid Darlings, who are depressed because Charlotte is dead, and they don't know that the Ned the pie maker has brought her back to life.

Charlotte puts "herbal mood enhancers" in her pie to try to help her aunts out of their depression. My version of the pie is just seasoned with love, though I am experimenting with lust and malevolence as additives in my baking.

The recipe is here. Just substitute Gruyere for the cheddar! I used overripe Bosc pears and they worked very well.

Struggling with identity- Vegetarianism

2009-01-04T13:44:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I decided to add an omega 3 supplement that includes fish oil to my otherwise vegetarian diet for health reasons. (Yes, I know some people say that pure flax oil supplements are just as good for you, but I have read conflicting opinions on this matter.) My health reasons were based on new research that says omega 3 fatty acids help balance chemicals in our brains. Through regular exercise and taking both the omega 3 and also a vitamin D supplement I have overcome my mild to moderate depression without the use of prescription drugs. (I know this will not work for everyone- if you are depressed, please see your doctor!)

The addition of a decidedly non-vegetarian supplement to my diet has led to an internal dialogue for me. Why did I become vegetarian in the first place? Like most vegetarians, it was a combination of several reasons.. .

#1 Meat production is both inhumane and bad for the environment. Most meat animals are raised in a cruel way that is not only bad for the animal's health but our health as well.

#2 Why should any creature have to suffer or die so I can have a full tummy when there are so many other options?

I always talked myself out of eating fish or other seafood mainly because of the environmental impacts and pollution risks. But then recently I came across Seafood Watch. Seafood Watch helps people select seafood that is raised or caught in an environmentally friendly way, and also which of them are less polluted! Well, there goes my "fishing is bad for me and for the environment" reasoning. So that just leaves not wanting creatures to suffer and die, right? I have no doubt that fish feel pain. I do not think my life has any more value than any other animal's life. I made the decision to never eat any creature I would not be able to look in the eye and kill myself. But I know I could kill and cook and eat a fish if I wanted to. And I am a healthier and happier person at least partly due to consuming a seafood product, so perhaps seafood has a place in my stomach after all.

But what about my identity? I have been a vegetarian for many years, and it has become a part of who I am. Also, people don't seem to understand "picky" omnivores.

Are you a vegetarian? Technically, no

Would you like a hamburger? No

Pork chop? No

How about a nice piece of chicken? No. . .

See what I mean? It just makes me look like an asshole.

But last night I had a lovely meal of poached U.S. Farm Raised Tilapia in coconut milk with green mango and curry leaves.

So, I guess it is official, I am no longer a full-time vegetarian. 99% of the time I still will be, but it is enough of a change to leave me as an outsider among omnivores and an outsider among vegetarians. But I have to be myself. I will not change just to fit into one society created box or the other.

To my vegetarian brothers and sisters, I still respect and admire you all.

To my omnivorous brothers and sisters, Don't be afraid to be "picky" or eat less meat if you want to. Who cares what "the man" says?

Peace out,
Evilducky

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

13 Rabbits

2009-01-01T12:23:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I received some wicked Lush body wash from my awesome boyfriend Maltune called 13 Rabbits. The bottle says, "Inspired by the signature of a mythical Mayan prince, 13 rabbits is like showering in liquid gingersnaps dunked in chocolate." So naturally, loving the bodywash and being the baker I am, I decided to make cookies inspired by my bodywash!

I used this cookie recipe and melted 60% cacao Ghirardelli baking chips (that were a Christmas gift from the Bibliophile) and dipped them in that! Now they are one of my favorite cookies ever!

Hope everyone has a safe and happy 2009

Etsy

2008-12-21T15:10:00.000-08:00

Evilducky Designs is now on Etsy!

Scarves and hats and fine art prints for sale made by your favorite ducky!

:)

Thrift Store Treasures

2008-12-15T18:08:00.000-08:00

I got these two wicked cool 1 and 1.5 liter Pyrex bowls at a thrift store this weekend for $3.

I love the smoky glass, peachy-pink designs and the fact that they are oven safe! <3

Free to good home. . .

2008-12-14T12:02:00.000-08:00

I finished the "ugly" magenta scarf and hat set (with optional pom-pom!) But it no longer has a recipient! Anyone know someone who would like it? If not I am going to donate it to charity, I think. Speaking of charity. Anyone know of any charities looking for older (but still good) digital cameras? Thanks!

Felting Fail

2008-12-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

I've been working on this bag for more than a year. I finally felted it yesterday!

And it is TINY! I wanted a big bag not a tiny purse. D'oh! I should have checked on it more often. I didn't realize it would felt so quickly!

My Trifecta of Old Ladyhood

2008-11-23T19:01:00.000-08:00

It is common knowledge that one of my preferred hairstyles is a bun. So, because I also love to bake and knit, I think I'd make quite a good granny! My trifecta of old ladyhood if you will. So, you know, 40 years from now when I'm ACTUALLY old I'll be a pro at it! I'll have oldladiness down to an ART. So, all of you who are better at being a 27 year old woman than I am? Just wait! *wrings hands together*

Without further adieu, here are my latest bakerly and knitterly accomplishments.

Scarf I am knitting to give as a Christmas gift. Chunky 2x2 rib! Sort of a barfy pink color! Pom Poms to come later!

Blueberry pie! YUM! I wish I had some more RIGHT NOW!

This is the body of a (hopefully soon to be) felted bag I've been working on for at least 2 years.

This is a detail from the bottom right corner of the previous photo. Oh, right. Add "cat owner" to my old lady qualifications list! ;)

Aaah! I have to enter!

2008-11-06T20:44:00.001-08:00

Okay, so tonight I went to the Mall with my mom to help her pick out some new jeans. And while we were in Fancy Clothing Store I noticed a flyer about a tee-shirt design contest. Turns out it is my DREAM CONTEST! I am not even kidding.

First off, the winning design will be featured on a tee shirt. The proceeds from the sales of said tee shirt go to help poor and homeless women. That should be enough incentive right there, right? Right??

But get this! The winner not only recieves $2,000 in merchandise from said Fancy Clothing Store, but ALSO gets a free flight for 2 people to California for a 4 day artist retreat, including fancy hotel, "fine dining", yoga instruction, and spa treatments!!! The artist retreat features instruction on a painting technique such as encaustic, abstract or impresia. And they frickun give you fresh fruit, truffles and champagne while you paint! HOLY CRAP! WANT!!!

*I realize there is no way in hell I will actually win this contest, but I will keep you posted!

PS- HURRAY for President-Elect Obama! Woo!!!

Rock the Vote! Sorta. . .

2008-10-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of "lets all get out there and vote" I'd like to ask you to vote for which cheesecake I should make for Halloween!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

OR

Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cheescake

OR

Cappucino Cheesecake

*Disclaimer- Much like the actual election process, your vote may not actually count. I may just decide that I feel like one or the other! So there!

**There has already been a write-in vote for carrot cake cheesecake by Maltune.

Caramel Apple Tart

2008-10-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

Special thanks to SnappyJDog for the generous gift of the tart pan! Wish I could share the tart with you! :D

Photo Blog- Shakamak State Park

2008-10-23T08:08:00.000-07:00

Resistance is Futile

2008-10-19T18:59:00.001-07:00

Ok, now I'm just bragging

2008-10-12T14:08:00.000-07:00

This is what my boyfriend and I made for dinner last night- Homemade fettucini and alfredo sauce with homemade garlic bread. Mmm. . .

My Pumpkin

2008-10-03T19:20:00.001-07:00

Today I bought a pumpkin so beautiful it almost doesn't look real! It was only FOUR dollars and it is HUGE! I love it so much! :)

Savory & Sweet

2008-09-28T10:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made my first homemade peach pie, and probably my tenth or so spinach and tomato quiche!

Caramel Apple Cake

2008-09-21T14:21:00.001-07:00

On Saturday I made the Carmel Apple Cake from the King Arthur Flour "Baker's Banter" blog. I'm starting to get excited about Fall! Pumpkins! Apples! Knitting! Crispy leaves! Cooler weather!

Awwww yeeeaaah.

Chicago!

2008-09-18T17:05:00.002-07:00

Last weekend the Bibliophile and I went to visit SnappyJDog and her husband in Chicago!

SnappyJDog and husband walking in the rain. It rained the WHOLE weekend. Ask J-Dog about her basement. . .

There was a random poodle house guest joining us for the weekend. Here she is posing with the Bibliophile for a picture. Also you can see cards from 1000 blank white cards laying on the table. Its a pretty good game, and it was J-Dog and her husbands first time playing it.

J-Dog's cat Keenan is SUPER fluffy and adorable.

His brother, the MoCat, was waiting on the stairs for us to show us how adorable he is too.

Gorgeous tomatoes from J-Dogs Garden! I was totally impressed with their beautiful yard and the amount of produce they are getting. Well done!

The desert menu at the Chicago Diner, an all vegetarian restaurant! The Bibliophile, J-Dog and I are all vegetarian, so we were in heaven! We highly recommend the red velvet cupcakes. The seitan sandwiches were excellent also.

Maggie doesn't like having her picture taken, but I managed to snap one of her before she got too upset. Also The Poodle again, haha. I loved that Poodle! :D

Last but not least- Bodhi, the Bo-dog. What a sweetie.

<3
Other highlights of the trip include visiting the Lush store. I purchased more of my favorite bodywash, along with some new things to try out! I have a new favorite soap (they discontinued my old favorite, the avowash.) And I am pleased with the performance of the Therapy massage bar. I'd never tried one of their massage bars before!

Anyway, many thanks to J-Dog for being so awesome and letting us come crash at your place! It was lots of fun visiting with you again! :)

All Better!

2008-09-18T17:05:00.001-07:00

Ella is all better! She can start to get more exercise now and doesn't have to go back to the vet for any more leg-checkups! YAY! <3

Backyard Critters

2008-09-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

I took the trash out this evening and was surprised to find two lovely guests RIGHT outside my screened porch!

The first one was NOMing on my parsley. . .

He's an Eastern Swallowtail caterpiller. (Here's what he will look like when he grows up!)

The second guest was rustling around in the leaves and startled me.

I think he might be a Fowler's Toad. . .but I could be wrong.

Isn't he so fat and cute!?

Why my medicine cabinet is dangerous to my vision. . .

2008-09-07T12:30:00.001-07:00

Its like a power struggle in there between things that go in my eye, and things that SHOULD NEVER GO IN MY EYE, EVER.

I should probably at least reorganize it so the eye friendlies are nowhere near the eye terrorists.

More madeup muffins! weee!

2008-09-06T17:48:00.001-07:00

So, the other night me and the Bibliophile made some buttermilk pancakes and we added sliced banana and chopped walnuts and honey (or maple syrup) on top. Ever since then I've been craving banana/walnutty type things. So I made up this muffin recipe to satisfy. . .and boy did it!

Evilducky's Banana Pancake Muffins

1/4 cup milk (I used buttermilk to make it more pancakey-oooh fancy!)

2 medium/large overripe bananas (mashed)

1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup if you want em REAL pancakey. . .but eww, I hate maple!)

3 tbs melter butter (or oil)

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat pastry flour (or more all purpose if you don't have any)

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

1/4 cup shredded coconut (optional)

some ground nutmeg to sprinkle on top (also optional)

Preheat oven to 400. Mix all wet ingredients and then add the dry till just combined (lumps are ok!) Fill greased or paper cup lined muffin tin and bake for 15 or so minutes. Should probably make a dozen but I only got 11 for some reason.

Enjoy! ;)

Really awesome cookies. . .

2008-09-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

I made these chocolate chip cookies from scratch to take camping. This post is for Rabidmonkey, who hates it when I post delicious food items that she doesn't get to eat! hehe

;)

My First Camping Trip

2008-09-04T18:42:00.001-07:00

Part 2- "The Horror, the Horror"

The second day of camping started out fine. We had an awesome breakfast, and decided to go hiking in an area we hadn't explored the first afternoon.

We saw a cute froggy.

And a nifty cave type thingy.

And "Anvil Rock"

So, after an hour or two we decided to head back. We had a nice lunch and then sat down to relax for while. Thats when we discovered we had a MAJOR deer tick nymph infestation.

Dude, these bastards are TINY. And VERY difficult to see. And just as dangerous as adult deer ticks. And we were both covered in DOZENS of them! We spent the whole day Saturday de-ticking ourselves and our clothing. It was rather unpleasant. But camping as a whole I'd still say was a positive thing, and I'm excited to go again in October with the Bibliophile and her boyfriend, SnappyJdog and her husband, and Velocibadgergirl and her husband! I've been researching and I'm going to try to find some permethrin to put on my clothes to prevent ticks before the October trip. Bring it on nature! *thumbs nose*

My First Camping Trip

2008-08-31T11:11:00.000-07:00

Part 1- Peaceful and Magestic

Yes, thats right folks, I'm 27 years old and I'd never been camping before. My boyfriend was kind (and brave) enough to take me out on my first expidition. We visited Garden of the Gods and the first day was so much fun! I kept thinking "I can't believe I've never done this before. . ."

I took these photos Friday when we walked the main trail. The views were spectacular.

By the end of the first night I was convinced I was MADE for camping. I loved the food, the fire, and the peaceful sounds the insects made. I seemed untroubled by the heat, the bugs weren't bothering me too badly, and I slept amazingly well! Everything was magical and perfect. It was so relaxing. . .

Stay tuned for Part 2-"The Horror, The Horror"

eco-frendlee

2008-08-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

Monster Zucchini

2008-08-21T19:54:00.000-07:00

Aieee! Its almost as big as my DOG.

Mystery Melon

2008-08-21T18:17:00.000-07:00

Coneless but still kinda pitiful

2008-08-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

This week from the CSA. . .

2008-08-13T18:34:00.001-07:00

Dog Biscuits

2008-08-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

Don't judge. . .you know you want it! ;)

2008-08-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

She's Back!

2008-08-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

I just left her for a few minutes to go feed the Bibliophile's kitty, and when I came back she was all sprawled on the floor funny, and didn't even lift her head to greet me, and for a second my heart sunk and I feared the worst. But then I flipped on the light and could see her tail waggin. *whew* Don't do that to me pooch! Sheesh.

Sorry if the stitches pic is too graphic. It really doesn't look as bad as I imagined it would. But it is pretty swollen and ouchy looking regardless.

She can't even freakin reach her water or her food dish with that stupid cone on. I sat on the floor and handed her individual bites of kibble this evening. She crunched on them happily and then I lifted the water bowl for her and gave her a drink. Wow. I am going to be hand-feeding my dog every morsel of food she gets for the next 2 weeks?! Suckage for both of us.

Brave Sweet Ella

2008-08-05T19:27:00.000-07:00

I know there are a lot of really bad, really important things going on in the world, and in people's personal lives. . .war, poverty, and illness to name a few. Compared to all that it may seem trivial, but my dog is having surgery Thursday. So if you would, please keep her in your prayers. It shouldn't be life threatening- she just tore a ligament in her "knee". I say she just tore it, but damn, if I tore a ligment in MY knee it wouldn't be an "oh I just tore it" it would be "OMG, its so horrible! I TORE A LIGAMENT IN MY KNEE! AAAAAHHH!" And I'd probably whine a lot and feel sorry for myself. But Ella hasn't whined. She doesn't feel sorry for herself. She just gets around as best as she can and lives.

It is tough with an animal though. I can't explain to her what is going to happen to her Thursday, or why her leg isn't working right, or why it is bad if she tries to jump up on the couch. . .but she trusts me to take care of her, and I know when I take her in she won't be scared or anything. I will try to not be scared, too.

too tard to capshun

2008-08-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Most of this is pretty straightforward anyway. . .except the weird yellow things. I think they are zucchini!!! NOM

Dinner

2008-08-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

This was my dinner last night! It was soooo good.

Beefy

2008-07-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

A gorgeous beefy 'mater from Danger and MacGuyver's garden! <3

yay food!

2008-07-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hi ho, Kermit the Frog here. . .

2008-07-29T07:15:00.000-07:00

We have a winner! Congrats to Basscomm for winning the contest.

The logo was from Sesame Street News Flash!

Contest!

2008-07-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

What is this logo from? Be the first to correctly identify it in the comments and win a silly prize! :D

Makin' stuff again. . .

2008-07-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

I've been making some colorful granny squares. . .

I decided instead of going out and buying new yarn, I'm going to use up some yarn I've got laying around for this project (I believe it is called "stashbusting", heh) and also accept donations of scraps of yarn from friends who also knit or crochet! (Thanks, Velocibadgergirl!)

In other makin' stuff news, I made some nice blueberry muffins last night!

Yay!

I'm kinda mean. . .

2008-07-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was hanging out at the computer with my doggie, and I decided to show her some youtube videos of other doggies. . .

I felt kinda mean. . .apparently she was super concerned about them. She whimpered, looked for them under the desk, and just looked downright worried. Anyway, I told her all the puppies are okay, I promise! <3

nom nom

2008-07-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Monday

2008-07-21T19:25:00.001-07:00

Baking Zen

2008-07-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made apple pie with brown sugar struesel.

Making the crust.

Prepping the apples.

Ella lusting after sour baking apples.

Ella enjoying eating baking apples. (weirdo!)

Now it just needs some topping. . .

Ready for the oven! 40 minutes later. . .

Oooh, aahhh!

I am not normally one to lust after fruit pies. I don't go out of my way to make them or buy them generally. This pie may have changed my mind. It was leaps and bounds better than any store bought pie I'd ever had, or even any home made apple pie I'd eaten. Part of it is probably my special crust. I did not use the crust recipe listed. I used my own personal favorite. I'm not a big fan of crust, so the struesel topping instead of a top crust really helped too. I usually prefer a fruit crumble or fruit crisp to a fruit pie. Anyway, perhaps more piebaking is my my future. Any suggestions for pie types/flavors? :)

Last porch post, I promise. . .

2008-07-14T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sorry for all the porch stuff, its just really exciting!
My happy little oasis.

Hammock Chair and Chicken Flag. Thanks to whichever craft store worker or ex worker that gave it to me. . .I forget which one of you it was! :P

Awesome new chairs and table from Target! Yay!

Part 3- All Done!

2008-07-13T10:02:00.000-07:00

Part 2- Progress

2008-07-05T15:24:00.000-07:00

Today's harvest

2008-07-01T20:20:00.001-07:00

Pants!

2008-07-01T20:08:00.001-07:00

Part 1- The List

2008-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

3 tubes GE Silicone II caulk
5 pounds #10 box nails
50' roll of fiberglass screen wire, 42" wide
4 2x4x10 wood
6 2x4x8 wood
96' of 1/4"x2" furring strips
2 boxes of 'outdoor' staples

Aluminum Screen Door, 36in wide, preferably used.

I already have one gallon of brown wood stain.

This week's CSA harvest

2008-06-29T13:02:00.000-07:00

Yes We Can Cookies

2008-06-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I made Michelle Obama's shortbread cookies. Apparently there is a Presidential Candidate Spouse's Cookie Bake Off (!?!) Yeah, I find the whole concept sexist, but dude, I love baking! And her shortbread was pretty tasty!

I love you guys!

2008-06-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to the Bibliophile, Velocibadgergirl, Teacher Incognito, RabidMonkey, and Danger for the most excellent birthday gift! :)

Boldly go where no bun has gone before. . .

2008-06-22T09:36:00.000-07:00

Lately my hair has been growing and growing. And subsequently, when I wear my hair up, my bun is getting bigger and bigger. This was all fine and good until today, when after putting my hair up I decided it looks like a blonde Deanna Troi bun. . .*sigh*

Black Eyed Susans

2008-06-16T20:09:00.001-07:00

They are so big I had to put my fist in the picture to show the scale. (No, I'm not trying to punch the flower.) But anyway, aren't they cool!?!

Potter Prequel

2008-06-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't read it yet, Rowling has written an 800 word prequel to the Harry Potter series available to read online.

I'll warn you though, it is a bit of a tease. Like watching an awesome movie trailer for a movie you WILL NEVER GET TO SEE!

But, I LOVE the Marauders, so. . .still, yay! Prequel!

Elfmaniac

2008-06-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

New Danny Elfman song! Sounds very much like Oingo Boingo!!! Happy Friday the 13th indeed! :D

Click here to listen to The Little Things from the Wanted soundtrack.

"Beauty in the flesh will continue to rule the world." ~Florenz Ziegfeld

2008-06-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

I referred a coworker to my favorite car repair shop this week. They have always treated me honest and fair and I like doing business with them. Anyway, my coworker needed her brakes to be completely redone, and her air conditioning charged. The brake repair ended up being quite expensive, so she decided to hold off on the air conditioning. It turned out the repair shop owner was on vacation this week, and she was dealing with his son who is around our age. When she went to pick up her car yesterday, the son had fixed her air conditioner. . .for FREE. (Also he asked her out for a couple of beers, but she respectfully declined.) Now, I like to think that people who are naturally exceptionally attractive like my co-worker lead lives quite similar to my own. Surely the sidewalk doesn't glisten wherever they step, and the universe bend to their every whim. But apparently sometimes beauty really is power!

2008-06-09T09:40:00.000-07:00

I had a real nice birthday this year. The party Friday night could not have been better, though I forgot to photograph the pie. Whoopsie. On my birthday (Saturday) I did a lot of baking. I made Banana Daiquiri Muffins, Ginger Spice Scones, and Garlic Twist Breadsticks.

Here's what my birthday dinner from Maltune looked like, including one of the breadsticks. . .

So yummy! :)

hmm. . .

2008-06-08T15:26:00.001-07:00

2008-06-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

The other day I was riding around with the Bibliophile and I spotted a turtle crossing the road. So of course I made her stop while I jumped out of the car and moved the little guy out of harm's way. Ever since, I've been super paranoid about things in the street, right? So last night I was driving home from my parents house and I was like, "HOLY CRAP! I'm going to hit that adorable little frolicking. . .cheetos bag?. . .oh.
In other news, it is my birthday tomorrow! Tonight I am having Velocibadgergirl, Teacher Incognito, Danger, MacGuyver, The Closeout Warrior, Rabidmonkey, Maltune, American Mutt, and the Bibliophile over tonight for PIE! I'll post pie photos and recipe soon.

YAY!

Bye!

2008-06-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

"That it will never come again / Is what makes life so sweet" ~Emily Dickinson

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum

2008-05-31T10:14:00.001-07:00

These guys are getting BIG. They'll be gone soon!

2008-05-26T17:44:00.000-07:00

No omlettes afterall!

CSA

2008-05-20T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today was my first weekly CSA pickup of the season! The growing season is off to a slow start, but here's what I did recieve. . .

* Oven Squirrel was not included.

Roses

2008-05-19T19:27:00.001-07:00

May 15th 2007

May 19th 2008!

I think someone gave my rose bush some steroids or something while I wasn't looking. It has pretty much tripled in size in the year since I planted it! I didn't even do anything fancy when I put it in the ground. Just dug a hole and put the root ball in and that was it. I always thought roses were supposed to be hard to grow or something. *shrug* Beginner's luck perhaps?

Stimulating!

2008-05-09T07:07:00.000-07:00

My economic stimulus check appeared in my checking account today like magic! I got the full $600. Now my search for a new washing machine (that I've been putting off) can officially begin. I'm trying to think of something a little more fun to spend the rest of the money on, not that having clean clothes in my own home won't be fun, heh. I may splurge on a massage though or some other frivolity.

How are you planning to stimulate the economy?

TGIF!

Yum.

2008-05-07T18:08:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when I get depressed I like to bake. This works out nicely for my friends, relatives and coworkers. At least I don't dance when I'm angry.

Tonight I made-

Pineapple Upside-Down cake with FRESH pineapple.

Chocolate chip cookies!

Eggies!

2008-05-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

Tiny omlette anyone?

Hope Quotes

2008-05-04T19:09:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for quotes. I'm not sure what the deal is. . .I know it sounds kinda lame. I realized that a lot of quotes I've been adding to my collection lately have been about hope. So, here is a hope themed sampling from my quote collection.

"I can endure my own despair, but not another's hope."

~William Walsh

"To eat bread without hope is still slowly to starve to death."

~Pearl S. Buck

"Far away there in the sunshine are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow them."

~ Louisa May Alcott

"Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without words, and never stops at all."

~Emily Dickinson

"Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of man."

~Friedrich Nietzsche

"Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good."

~Vaclav Havel

"Act in the direction of hope."

~Pastor Lynn Martin

Tiny Piney

2008-04-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, I ended up with a seventh tree. A very small Red Pine. I am now at maximum tree capacity for my yard, even though #7 isn't taking up very much room yet. Don't laugh at him, you'll hurt his feelings! Yes, the grass is taller than him right now, but he's supposed to grow more than 2 feet per year, so lookout, soon he'll be taking over the place. They apparently had little trees for sale at Lowes for Earth Day, and when I bought this tree (several days AFTER earth day) they were all sad and homeless and on sale for fiddy cents. Lord help me if I bought everything I saw that was sad, homeless, or only fifty cents. Sheesh.

In other news. . .a friendly neighborhood mourning dove has decided to nest in a hanging basket I just planted about $9 worth of flowers in. Luckily for her I won't water her eggs. Unfortunately my flowers will die. Oh well. Baby birdies soon, yay! :)

halp!

2008-04-30T17:48:00.000-07:00

2008-04-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

This cuteness is all I have for tonight. Soon to come- a post about tree #7!

2008-04-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

Meme stolen from the Bibliophile

1. What is your occupation? Graphic Artist

2. What color are your socks right now? It's above 60 degrees outside, therefore I am not wearing socks.

3. What are you listening to right now? Flight of the Conchords- The Humans Are Dead

4. What is the last thing you ate? Some sort of organic toaster pastry. A pop tart with a conscience?

5. Can you drive stick shift? Not very well.

6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Cornflower blue.

7. Last person you spoke to on the phone? The Bibliophile.

8. What’s your favorite yoga pose? Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose)

9. How old are you today? 26

10. Favorite drink? I like many different beverages!

11. What is your favorite sport to watch? ha!

12. Have you ever dyed your hair? nope

13. Pets? Yes! Three!

14. Favorite cake? Black Forest. Mmmm.

15. Last movie you saw? Last thing I saw in the theater was Spiderwick Chronicles. It was alright.

16. Favorite day of the year? Halloween!

17. How do you vent anger? Hmm. . .if I get REAL angry I usually cry. How wussy is that?

18. What was your favorite toy as a child? I lurved my My Little Ponies. Especially this aqua one I had with jewel eyes and rainbow hair.

19. Autumn or spring? Usually Autumn, but this spring stuff is pretty nice too. Except the part where it looks like some sort of plant ejaculated all over my car. Is that much pollen really necessary?!?

20. Hugs or kisses? Yes, please.

21. Cherry or blueberry? Both are nice. Except I don't generally like cherry flavored hard candy. But both fruits are wonderful, though.

22. Living arrangements? I've owned my own home for around 4 years. I have shared it with other people at various points, but right now it is just me and the three aforementioned pets.

23. Last time you cried? It has been a couple of weeks, HURRAY!

24. What is on the floor of your closet? Lots of shoes.

25. Who is the friend you’ve had the longest? I have known RabidMonkey since Kindergarten.

26. Favorite smell? A certain fella's chest. You know who you are.

27. Who or what inspires you? Artistically? Hmm. . .real basic stuff generally. Good/evil. Nature. Things like that.

28. What are you afraid of? Losing the people I care about.

29. Hamburgers? Meat-free ones, sure.

30. Favorite car? I sure love my 2003 Pontiac Vibe, but I also have an affinity for 1989 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24 convertible.

31. Number of keys on your key ring? 1 house, 1 garage, 1 work, 1 car, 1 parent's house, 1. . .I'm not sure what this last one goes to!

32. How many years at your current job? 5

33. Favorite day of the week? Probably Friday or Saturday, sometimes Sunday.

34. How many countries have you lived in? Just the one.

35. Dream job? I'll let you know when I figure that out!

2008-04-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

I only had to work a half day today! Neener Neener!

It sure is funny to think that 2 months ago we were having ice storms and today I am wearing a sleeveless dress. I don't mind warmer weather but I'd prefer it not get any warmer than this. . .and it's only APRIL!

I totally meant to make an earth day post on Tuesday, and talk about how I wish I could plant a tree in my yard to celebrate, but seeing as I've already got SIX trees, there isn't a whole lot of room leftover. I guess I could plant another tree behind my garage, but if I ever do plant a tree I'd like to maybe have a fruit tree, and since I dunno if I will live in this house long enough to see it bear fruit, it almost seems kind of silly. I have a nice variety of trees already though, I've got the redbud, two tulip poplars, two maples (I think) and a sassafras. It would be neat to have an evergreen tree someday, and maybe a ginko! Any of you have a favorite kind of tree?

Happy Belated Earth Day :)

Muffins!

2008-04-20T09:29:00.000-07:00

I've been having a lot of fun with Mark Bittman's How To Cook Everything Vegetarian that Maltune gave me for Christmas. All cooking is fun, but baking is my favorite! Bread, cookies, scones, and MUFFINS! This recipe is great for those times you have ONE overripe banana. Not quite enough to make banana bread, so what do you do with it?

Strawberry Banana Muffins (adapted from Mark Bittman)

Ingredients-
3 tablespoons melted butter
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup yogurt
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 egg
1 smooshed very ripe banana
1/2 cup diced and smooshed strawberries (other berries would work, too OR for just banana muffins substitute another ripe smooshed banana for the berries.)

Step 1- Preheat oven to 400ºF. Grease a 12 cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin cups.
Step 2- Beat together the egg, yogurt, honey and melted butter. Add the smooshed fruit. Pour this over the dry ingredients and combine till moistened.
Step 3- Spoon the batter into muffin cups. Bake for 20-30 mins or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Enjoy!

I'm baaaack. . .

2008-04-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

My back yard Redbud tree is in full bloom!

So, I finally have the internet at home again, and here I am blogging at work. Yes, I could have been blogging from work this whole time, so shoot me.

It's Friday, hurray! I'm out of work related things to do though, and the last hour on the clock is going super-slow. Hopefully more interesting blogging will happen this weekend. . .

TGIF