Knitting, Singing, the Universe and all....

Now that we have finished running about between Missoula and Portland like bees buzzing between flowers, I can tell you all about my favorite kitchen "gadget" this year..... the Pickl-It from the wonderful People at Pickl-It . I got a set for myself and  my sister-in-law, - since we both are fermenting fiends. A few years ago, I had gotten a Harsch Gairtopf crock (see earlier posts regarding sauerkraut making) because I was tired of skimming my 'kraut. Essentially, I love kitchen science, but I'm even more enamored of  accomplishing kitchen crafts with less oversight! The Harsch crock has a wonderful "burping lid" water lock system that allows you to leave your crock unattended for several days at a time while the fermentation beasties work in a safe environment. My Harsch crock is in almost constant use, and I would never give it up. But there were still times when I wanted something smaller....for those tiny baby carrots, or the 3 small heads of gard

We have a Rhubarb plant... Every spring, we get at least three large harvests from our wonderful pie-plant! This year, i thought we could do something beyond pies or crisps or stewed toppings for ice-cream.   So I chopped up about 8 stalks and simmered it in a simple syrup concoction (1 part sugar to 2 parts water - this batch used 4 cups of sugar and 8 cups water). Simmer this until the rhubarb seems to have fallen apart and is just a globby bit of green.  Strain the syrup from the rhubarb bits and bottle.  . We got about 3 liters (see the discombobulated rhubarb remains behind the bottles?) Jon made "Rubarb-A-Ritas" 2 double shots of tequila, a cup of the rhubarb syrup, and enough ice to cover the liquid in the blender.  WHIRRRRRRR Pour into a martini glass, rimmed with sea salt and garnish with a lemon slice.  Kids will like their rhubarb syrup mixed with some soda water (Rhubarb Soda Pop!) or in their lemonade :-)

First, the camera I have known and loved for 4 years decided to come down with photographic-parkinsons, and then we were incredibly deluged with Missoula Community Chorus responsibilities : Hiring a new Chorus Manager (Andy Morris - he's great!), then interviewing, auditioning, and hiring a new Conductor (Tod Trimble - he is going to take us far!!) and then it was time for our Spring Concert - and whew! So, Dear Jon helped me get a new camera - "just like" the old one, but with up-grades. It is going to take a while before I figure it out.... the whole back is a touch screen - so about every other picture, I  inadvertently change settings.... I also recently acquired a lovely pair of GREEN Shoes  and a Kindle (note the extraordinarily beautiful green embossed leather cover!) that I just had to show off. Naturally, the shoes required a new pair of socks, and Spring Spirals came to mind.... For Gluten-free people, Injera is a great substitute for wrap breads that I us

Tax Day! 2010!! Enjoy this day - we may never have it this "good" again!! 47 % of Americans will pay NO INCOME TAX at all on their 2009 earnings! Tax-Freedom Day : US citizens only had to work until April 9th (99th day of the year, this year) 2010 to pay their "portion" of Income taxes for the year. After this date, everything you earn, you keep :-) This is one day later than last year, but more than 2 WEEKS EARLIER than 2007, when Mr.  G.W. Bush was fearlessly in charge.  Here in Missoula, some of our neighbors are gathering in front of the federal building lying about their tax burden. What do you think they are really angry about? (I have a few theories myself!) Here's a sign my dear Jon made for us to wave back at them:

Where have I been? Chairing the Vintage on Broadway committee -  putting on the huge fundraiser for the Missoula Community Chorus! Successful this year- sold more tickets, had higher caliber Auction Items, food included an exquisite spam & olive spread on brown bread (our theme was 1940-1950 Golden Age of Broadway!), and this year's musical entertainment was polished and well-received! WHEW!! We raised over $12,000 for the chorus - and then I went to bed for a few days :-) Meanwhile, back in the spiritual realm,  TeaParty Jesus  has been giving people parables and questions to think about - here's just one example.......

Spring has arrived... and with it the miracle of marshmallow Peeps note: SHOCKING PICTURES!! NUDITY ADVISORY!! DON'T LOOK IF YOU ARE A PEEP PRUDE!!! Naked Peeps!! Here are some of this years' Peep Diorama Winners from across the U.S..... WE COME IN PEEPS PEEPTOWN Bakery and my favorite PEEP-O-SUCTION!