I found a table! The old one, with its load of junk, was followed by the stopgap card table during the kitchen remodel. And now, finally, a nice *round* table to take their place. It looks so good that I'm not even tempted to pile it with junk. Every time I walk by and see it, with its embroidered centerpiece and art glass vase, I catch my breath in wonder. A real dining room table.
The best part? It's a thrift store find. I saved at least $500 over antique prices. Heh.
This weekend it's up north again, to attend a baby shower for my daughter-in-law. Twins! I'm very pleased. I was waiting anxiously for grandchildren, but managed (somehow) not to ask the nagging question, "When?" Maybe there's a gold star waiting in Heaven for me for managing to restrain myself there (grin!).
When I return home, all those delayed projects are going to jump on me at once. I have pickets to nail to the driveway gate; shades and bench covers for the kitchen; and drapes for the living room. Then there's the settee and chair to recover. And Adult Ed will have begun. Whee!!!
Photos to post after this coming long weekend. Stay tuned.
How is this letterpress related? I suspect because of the conspicuous absence of letterpress printing being mentioned here! I have a half-finished project to complete in Sunnyvale, so that's for this weekend. It's my first tightly-registered two-color job, and if I do say it, I'm quite happy with the effect. It requires three runs, because I have only two of the two-color bits to use, so to print them two-color, and then again in black, requires 3 runs: one for each color, and one to show them side-by-side in black only. I'll have to cut some more paper for this coming run, then finish the entire job. It will be nice to finally have something interesting to show.
But in Goleta? Not much letterpress. The garage floor work will begin soon, and when that's finally complete the big press can move from San Jose to Goleta. And THEN watch out!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Into the Sunset
In more ways than one, the Gap Fire has headed into the sunset. It burned to the west, and firefighters got control of the housing areas that were in danger.
This shot was taken the night after I wanted it. It replaces the I-didn't-post-that cell phone shot. But the image expresses my relief at the exit of the Gap Fire from the edges of Goleta. After taking this shot, I walked out on the pier and got the shot from the post just down from here.
Somehow, I prefer this shot! ;)
This shot was taken the night after I wanted it. It replaces the I-didn't-post-that cell phone shot. But the image expresses my relief at the exit of the Gap Fire from the edges of Goleta. After taking this shot, I walked out on the pier and got the shot from the post just down from here.
Somehow, I prefer this shot! ;)
A week later, Gap is Gone
Despite the fact that the Gap Fire continued burning to the West of us (up the mountain range), the firefighters (long may they wave!) got the close edges of the fire contained -- HOORAY -- and things are much better now. By last Wednesday almost all the ash dropping on us has stopped.
But we have unfinished business here. I did not post the one, bad cell phone picture, nor the one taken from the Goleta pier. So here they are.
While walking on the pier, July 4th, I was so frustrated that my camera batteries were dead. The fire had spread to a very wide space indeed, and the flares were huge- and scary. Beyond awesome. I spotted another pierwalker, and grovelled a bit to borrow his batteries just for one shot. Here it is. I think it evokes my emotions at that moment. Shook up, desiring to document this scary event, but utterly awed by the size of the fire and its possible ability to destroy my hometown and even my home.
But we have unfinished business here. I did not post the one, bad cell phone picture, nor the one taken from the Goleta pier. So here they are.
While walking on the pier, July 4th, I was so frustrated that my camera batteries were dead. The fire had spread to a very wide space indeed, and the flares were huge- and scary. Beyond awesome. I spotted another pierwalker, and grovelled a bit to borrow his batteries just for one shot. Here it is. I think it evokes my emotions at that moment. Shook up, desiring to document this scary event, but utterly awed by the size of the fire and its possible ability to destroy my hometown and even my home.
Friday, July 04, 2008
Smoke in all our eyes
Yeh. It really is. I went to the beach about dusk to get some shots of the Gap fire from the pier (great panorama of the mountains), but rats- my camera batteries had croaked AND I had no new ones with me. I tried taking a shot or two with my cell phone, but talk about the wrong tool. I'm not posting those.
I walked out on the pier, despite all the floating ash, and found it busy with fishing folks and lots of others, more so than usual. Most were staring at the hills in awe. The fire seems to have doubled since last night, and active flaring was going on. It was impressive.
Frustrated, I spotted a guy with a camera and asked if he had any extra batteries. Nope, he didn't, but I asked if I could take ONE shot please on his batteries. Fortunately his were the same size as mine, and I got my one shot. Sadly, it was hurried, so it blurred. I'll have to process it and post it tomorrow. Power was off again when I got home. I read by candle lantern until power came back on.
Spent the rest of the evening digging out family photos and placing the boxes next to the back door just in case -- a further evacuation area is only a mile and a half away. Even with a freeway in the way, I'm getting prepared. These things can move very fast.
Tomorrow, I hope I'll have photo. And that I still have power. If you're a praying person, please pray for poor old Goleta, and blessings on you.
The pelicans were fishing tonight. The sky was quite dark with smoke, but there they were, cruising above the water like ghosts of the smoke, white patches on their heads gleaming in the grayness. I always enjoy watching them dive- they simply jacknife into the water and come up with fish. Tonight, the fire was omnipresent over my shoulder and the smoke kept reminding me of it. Somehow, I couldn't enjoy the pelicans as much as usual, so I went home.
I walked out on the pier, despite all the floating ash, and found it busy with fishing folks and lots of others, more so than usual. Most were staring at the hills in awe. The fire seems to have doubled since last night, and active flaring was going on. It was impressive.
Frustrated, I spotted a guy with a camera and asked if he had any extra batteries. Nope, he didn't, but I asked if I could take ONE shot please on his batteries. Fortunately his were the same size as mine, and I got my one shot. Sadly, it was hurried, so it blurred. I'll have to process it and post it tomorrow. Power was off again when I got home. I read by candle lantern until power came back on.
Spent the rest of the evening digging out family photos and placing the boxes next to the back door just in case -- a further evacuation area is only a mile and a half away. Even with a freeway in the way, I'm getting prepared. These things can move very fast.
Tomorrow, I hope I'll have photo. And that I still have power. If you're a praying person, please pray for poor old Goleta, and blessings on you.
The pelicans were fishing tonight. The sky was quite dark with smoke, but there they were, cruising above the water like ghosts of the smoke, white patches on their heads gleaming in the grayness. I always enjoy watching them dive- they simply jacknife into the water and come up with fish. Tonight, the fire was omnipresent over my shoulder and the smoke kept reminding me of it. Somehow, I couldn't enjoy the pelicans as much as usual, so I went home.
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Adding a link for Gap Fire photos
These are not mine. The photographer was at the fire lines with crews early yesterday morning. http://www.independent.com/news/2008/jul/02/ray-fords-gap-fire-photos/
Just go look- there are some good shots there, far better than my distant ones with cheapie point-n-shoot.
Just go look- there are some good shots there, far better than my distant ones with cheapie point-n-shoot.
The Gap Fire, Goleta
The hills are alive, not with the sound of music, but with the scary sight of flames. A wildfire called the "Gap Fire" broke out July 1 in the hills above my home in Goleta. The last news that evening was that it was perhaps on 5o acres; tonight the report is 350, but it's probably more like 500 acres - and growing.
In 1955 the Refugio Fire burned that area. I remember being a very small child and standing on our back porch with my parents at dusk, watching the flames creep downhill. Last night I had the same feeling. Unsettling. This time, I am the responsible adult, with no mommy and daddy to make me feel safe. Good thing my Heavenly Father takes care of me.
This has been an opportunity for me to consider just what I would save, were I to have to evacuate. There's no way I can move my presses and type, though I can perhaps manage to pack a few of the antique faces. But my focus must be on family heirlooms, photos, genealogy; financial, of course; computer; and cats. Oh, yes, and my favorite small sewing machine. All that will fit in the car. Clean underwear, too.... clothes are replaceable, but clean underwear! Wouldn't you? I mean! I have no problem wearing donated clothing or thrift store purchases, but underwear! Nope, that would not be me. I wants me own.
Kitty carriers are at the ready. Likewise cosmetics, prescriptions, and computer. If I gotta go, I gotta go. At least the gas tank is full.
Here are a couple of my attempts at photography of the Gap Fire: The first shot is July 1, from my back porch. It was a baby fire then. The white blob is a street light that got in the way.
Second: about 6:30 PM today, June 2, from the Goleta Library, looking into the hills nearby. Fire had expanded about 10 times its last night size. In that shot it may be about 3 miles away from the Library.
Shot three, taken looking across Fairview from the Library. The sun was an orange blob in a smoky orange/gray sky. The camera doesn't do it justice, except to emphasize how ominous a wildfire sky looks.
Shot four was taken at deep dusk from the street a block from my house. Flames are much lower down the mountain than they were last night. The tree you are looking through is a palm tree, silhouetted against the firelight. Distance seems to flatten the image, but the fire is still about 4 miles from that palm tree.
Finally, this shot was taken about 9 PM from the Fairview Avenue Overpass (101 Fwy). The fire is expanded, lower, and flaring 20 - 30 feet high. You can see the freeway below, the horizontal lights of the shopping center, and the ridge alive with fire above. This is not even the entire width of the fire, just what the camera could capture with incredibly low light.
In 1955 the Refugio Fire burned that area. I remember being a very small child and standing on our back porch with my parents at dusk, watching the flames creep downhill. Last night I had the same feeling. Unsettling. This time, I am the responsible adult, with no mommy and daddy to make me feel safe. Good thing my Heavenly Father takes care of me
This has been an opportunity for me to consider just what I would save, were I to have to evacuate. There's no way I can move my presses and type, though I can perhaps manage to pack a few of the antique faces. But my focus must be on family heirlooms, photos, genealogy; financial, of course; computer; and cats. Oh, yes, and my favorite small sewing machine. All that will fit in the car. Clean underwear, too.... clothes are replaceable, but clean underwear! Wouldn't you? I mean! I have no problem wearing donated clothing or thrift store purchases, but underwear! Nope, that would not be me. I wants me own.
Kitty carriers are at the ready. Likewise cosmetics, prescriptions, and computer. If I gotta go, I gotta go. At least the gas tank is full.
Here are a couple of my attempts at photography of the Gap Fire: The first shot is July 1, from my back porch. It was a baby fire then. The white blob is a street light that got in the way.
Shot three, taken looking across Fairview from the Library. The sun was an orange blob in a smoky orange/gray sky. The camera doesn't do it justice, except to emphasize how ominous a wildfire sky looks.
Shot four was taken at deep dusk from the street a block from my house. Flames are much lower down the mountain than they were last night. The tree you are looking through is a palm tree, silhouetted against the firelight. Distance seems to flatten the image, but the fire is still about 4 miles from that palm tree.
Finally, this shot was taken about 9 PM from the Fairview Avenue Overpass (101 Fwy). The fire is expanded, lower, and flaring 20 - 30 feet high. You can see the freeway below, the horizontal lights of the shopping center, and the ridge alive with fire above. This is not even the entire width of the fire, just what the camera could capture with incredibly low light.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
What's a meme and why am I being grilled?
For starters, I'll admit that I'd heard people writing about memes and had no clue what they might be.
Then I found that my Evil Twin had tagged me to complete one. And made her explain. Heh. So now I am faced with a bit of writing/updating to do. The Long John Kitty below (last post before this one) always makes me laugh, but it's clearly time to move on.
So, then. Dale-Harriet's list:
1. What's the last book you read that you thought was really super, inspiring, you'd recommend it to most anyone?
That's a toughie. I re-read my books constantly. And the last book I read was not for the entire trip, because I read it while dis-assembling it to rebind it. But it is interesting, inspiring, super, and holds my attention. It is Watership Down, a work of fiction about wild rabbits, by Richard Adams. No kidding. So I just googled the title, and find that some reviewers didn't like the plot because the female rabbits weren't portrayed as anything but breeders. Oh come now. It's a story, and a very well-written one indeed. If one looks at the book from the perspective of a British-written, throes of war kind of way, it works. The characters have positive traits and work for the benefit of the group, a lesson we all need. And my final disclaimer is that I have not read an entire book through for a couple of months- my kitchen is in the clutches of the Remodel Monster and the entire house is rather scrambled as a result :) Next question?
Tattoos: yes or no? Do you have any? Tell us! Do you think they're gross? TELL US!
Oh, this one is easier. No-- but I threatened for years to get one. Just a tiny one. On my left forefinger, with a row of little dots to represent measurements. Why? For tatting! Why for tatting? Well, when making picots it would be so neat and fabulous to be able to measure the thread against said tattoo dots.
Problem: odd, colored marks on someone's finger get misinterpreted as ink splotches or just plain ol dirt. What color would work? Well. Red looks like an injury: what kind of vampire would leave little red fang marks on a finger?? Black? Ink or dirt. Blue? Looks like ink. Green? Ink or grass stains. Yellow? Cigarrette stains? After examining the possibilities, I acknowleged that perhaps that tattoo was not the one for me. Frankly, nothing else floated my boat, so I remain tattoo free.
I don't think tattoos are gross. I like many I've seen. But I also think many have crossed the line from decoration into poorly chosen/bad taste. I believe God gave us perfectly good skin to use, and there's nothing wrong with leaving it undesigned!
Where have you lived?
Goleta, California was my childhood home. Spent a summer in Mexico, then lived in Prescott, Arizona for most of my first year of college; then Isla Vista and Santa Barbara, California. Pleasant Hill, California was my next stop, followed by the Mountain View/Sunnyvale area for 30+ years. I'm back in Goleta now, in my childhood home with 2 cats and a remodel underway! Whew. I hope there aren't any more places to list, but one never knows!
Do you listen to the radio? What are your favorite programs, & on what station?
Yes. Usually KDFC (when in the SF Bay area) or KDB in Santa Barbara: both classical stations. I listen until some kind of ad comes on with too much palaver, then turn it off. Just now, late afternoon, I'm listening to a Mexican station thanks to renters next door who don't have the consideration to turn down their music. I actually like Mexican music, but on my own schedule thenkyewveddymuch.
Is there a movie that makes you cry no matter how manythousands of times you see it?
Oh, almost any of them _can_.... but in spertickler, Secondhand Lions. It's sweet, sappy, romantic, adventurous, and does it to me every time. But I cry over Bambi too. :)
What snacks do you enjoy?
Everything and nothing. With high triglycerides I have to be very careful. For the nonce, I am sticking to raw almonds (yum!) dried fruit (mostly prunes & cranberries), and candied ginger. And trying to cut back. I allow myself one serving of Very Dark Chocolate a day.
Being careful manages to suck some of the fun out of snacking, and when temptation hits, I head for the chips & guacamole! LOVE avocados. I feel lucky to live where avocados grow so very well, and grew up eating them on the half shell. Recipe? Naah-- just a spoon and a little salt. Oh, and lemons. Used to eat them for a snack. Yum- pucker power!
===========================
But Dale, most of my friends don't have blogs. So I can't tag anybody except you-- Stephanie is too busy, likewise some of the others whose blogs we read. Oh well!
Then I found that my Evil Twin had tagged me to complete one. And made her explain. Heh. So now I am faced with a bit of writing/updating to do. The Long John Kitty below (last post before this one) always makes me laugh, but it's clearly time to move on.
So, then. Dale-Harriet's list:
1. What's the last book you read that you thought was really super, inspiring, you'd recommend it to most anyone?
That's a toughie. I re-read my books constantly. And the last book I read was not for the entire trip, because I read it while dis-assembling it to rebind it. But it is interesting, inspiring, super, and holds my attention. It is Watership Down, a work of fiction about wild rabbits, by Richard Adams. No kidding. So I just googled the title, and find that some reviewers didn't like the plot because the female rabbits weren't portrayed as anything but breeders. Oh come now. It's a story, and a very well-written one indeed. If one looks at the book from the perspective of a British-written, throes of war kind of way, it works. The characters have positive traits and work for the benefit of the group, a lesson we all need. And my final disclaimer is that I have not read an entire book through for a couple of months- my kitchen is in the clutches of the Remodel Monster and the entire house is rather scrambled as a result :) Next question?
Tattoos: yes or no? Do you have any? Tell us! Do you think they're gross? TELL US!
Oh, this one is easier. No-- but I threatened for years to get one. Just a tiny one. On my left forefinger, with a row of little dots to represent measurements. Why? For tatting! Why for tatting? Well, when making picots it would be so neat and fabulous to be able to measure the thread against said tattoo dots.
Problem: odd, colored marks on someone's finger get misinterpreted as ink splotches or just plain ol dirt. What color would work? Well. Red looks like an injury: what kind of vampire would leave little red fang marks on a finger?? Black? Ink or dirt. Blue? Looks like ink. Green? Ink or grass stains. Yellow? Cigarrette stains? After examining the possibilities, I acknowleged that perhaps that tattoo was not the one for me. Frankly, nothing else floated my boat, so I remain tattoo free.
I don't think tattoos are gross. I like many I've seen. But I also think many have crossed the line from decoration into poorly chosen/bad taste. I believe God gave us perfectly good skin to use, and there's nothing wrong with leaving it undesigned!
Where have you lived?
Goleta, California was my childhood home. Spent a summer in Mexico, then lived in Prescott, Arizona for most of my first year of college; then Isla Vista and Santa Barbara, California. Pleasant Hill, California was my next stop, followed by the Mountain View/Sunnyvale area for 30+ years. I'm back in Goleta now, in my childhood home with 2 cats and a remodel underway! Whew. I hope there aren't any more places to list, but one never knows!
Do you listen to the radio? What are your favorite programs, & on what station?
Yes. Usually KDFC (when in the SF Bay area) or KDB in Santa Barbara: both classical stations. I listen until some kind of ad comes on with too much palaver, then turn it off. Just now, late afternoon, I'm listening to a Mexican station thanks to renters next door who don't have the consideration to turn down their music. I actually like Mexican music, but on my own schedule thenkyewveddymuch.
Is there a movie that makes you cry no matter how many
Oh, almost any of them _can_.... but in spertickler, Secondhand Lions. It's sweet, sappy, romantic, adventurous, and does it to me every time. But I cry over Bambi too. :)
What snacks do you enjoy?
Everything and nothing. With high triglycerides
Being careful manages to suck some of the fun out of snacking, and when temptation hits, I head for the chips & guacamole! LOVE avocados. I feel lucky to live where avocados grow so very well, and grew up eating them on the half shell. Recipe? Naah-- just a spoon and a little salt. Oh, and lemons. Used to eat them for a snack. Yum- pucker power!
===========================
But Dale, most of my friends don't have blogs. So I can't tag anybody except you-- Stephanie is too busy, likewise some of the others whose blogs we read. Oh well!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Who sez cats are uncommunicative?
If this works, an outrageous youtube video posted to Cute Overload should be visible. Hope you enjoy it! He is the most verbal cat I have ever seen. Miss Flora swears in Cat (and only when Cicero deserves it); This guy heckles in Human.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Feet at Rest
It pleases me to share the news that the purple socks are finished. Only one was in progress two weeks ago, so these have gone waaaay faster than Dred Green. They are plain-Jane, purple woolen from Knit Pics. I like the yarn a lot: it's machine washable and comes in a good color range. Another pair of socks is already underway, this time lavendar. These are top-down, with about an inch of ribbing above the heel. I plan to do some experimental crochet for the sockses topses.
On other fronts, Cicero has been happily playing in his new "tent"- a folding nylon structure. He has already figured out that if the toy I'm dangling for him is lying on the roof, all he has to do is poke it from inside and it goes flying off for him to grab. This picture catches him in action.
Saturday, January 05, 2008
Halfway to finding a table. And other wonders.
I really did it-- half my table is cleared of junk, and the rest isn't so deep as it was, either.
What's more to say? I have at least enough space to play a decent game of solitaire, or open a book all the way. I'm not going to post a photo tonight, since the job isn't really complete; but I now have the satisfaction of knowing I can find my dining table. Maybe I'll have to actually dine on it now.
Work progresses, slowly, on type sorting and arranging. I work in the print shop (unheated, no power) until my feet get cold, then I come in and spend the rest of the day thawing them. It isn't even cold outside, but standing around makes my feet get cold. Even on padded flooring.
Cicero & Flora are getting used to each other. Cicero follows Flora around, telling her repeatedly how much he would like to be her friend; but she's reluctant to deal with this teenage upstart. When cornered, she hisses and growls. What a soap opera!
But hist! I can hear the Clarion Call of a sock... it's purple... and it's almost finished! Got to go watch TV, snorgle some kitties, and knit on sock! Happy weekend!
What's more to say? I have at least enough space to play a decent game of solitaire, or open a book all the way. I'm not going to post a photo tonight, since the job isn't really complete; but I now have the satisfaction of knowing I can find my dining table. Maybe I'll have to actually dine on it now.
Work progresses, slowly, on type sorting and arranging. I work in the print shop (unheated, no power) until my feet get cold, then I come in and spend the rest of the day thawing them. It isn't even cold outside, but standing around makes my feet get cold. Even on padded flooring.
Cicero & Flora are getting used to each other. Cicero follows Flora around, telling her repeatedly how much he would like to be her friend; but she's reluctant to deal with this teenage upstart. When cornered, she hisses and growls. What a soap opera!
But hist! I can hear the Clarion Call of a sock... it's purple... and it's almost finished! Got to go watch TV, snorgle some kitties, and knit on sock! Happy weekend!
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Closer and....
Only 2 days ago I despaired of Flora's accepting the Mew Kid, Cicero. But the fearless little guy has been following her around, making kitten noises and trills. He won't take no for an answer, and he's so sweet and friendly with his "Hello! I'm a little kitten, and you've simply got to love me" tone of voice. Never mind he actually outweights Flora... she only seems bigger due to her Fluffbudget supply.
I gave him free rein yesterday and today, despite Flora's mrouws and occasional hisses, he hopped up on my bed and made himself at home, Flora notwithstanding. Perhaps it was Cicero's name day today... but Herself decided to tolerate him!
Being still a kitten, he just can't resist a lashing tail, so he earned some of those kittycuss words.
I gave him free rein yesterday and today, despite Flora's mrouws and occasional hisses, he hopped up on my bed and made himself at home, Flora notwithstanding. Perhaps it was Cicero's name day today... but Herself decided to tolerate him!
Being still a kitten, he just can't resist a lashing tail, so he earned some of those kittycuss words.
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Onward!
So this month, I plan to dedicate a 15-minute chunk of time every day to clearing off and throwing out. Most of the pile shown does not need to be there. I am posting this photo to keep myself accountable. I will post one next month. The goal is that next month's photo will be something I can be proud of. This month's photo is not
I plan to win this war. I am smarter than any ol Pile o'Stuff. And I will WIN.
Miss Flora is Not Impressed
I had hopes that Flora, the 13-year-old, would cotton to Cicero because he's so sweet, he's not a girl, and her mommie instincts would kick in. Alas, to no avail. They have seen one another in passing, and under the door, but each time Flora tries to show me how many kittycuss words she knows. Her vocabulary is as astounding as her volume.
She is Not Amused. The photo says it all. Her superior Cattitude, her scorn of Lesser Cats, and her Lack of Amusement all show in this shot. Poor Flora. She is destined to be big sister, so she'd better get used to the idea.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Meowy Christmas
Ok, it's December, and I'll admit to going to the local shelters just in case a nice little red kitty shows up. I wanted to get a boy, so Miss Flora's adjustment would be easier, and a red guy in memory of my dear Goldie of childhood memory.
So dontcha know... none showed up. Well, no: one did, and was taken almost immediately. Good for him- not so great for me. But there was another little red guy whose sister was in sick bay... but no, I was told they must go together, period.
I kept going back, and Friday this little guy flirted outrageously with me. And I knew I had to ask about him. And whaddya know- the vet in charge decided they'd been apart so long already, he could go!
Without further ado, I introduce little Cicero- named after a printers' measure and a fine 19th century typeface. This is his "I am Tiger, see my claws" pose. When not posing for Tiger, he's a sweet purr monster.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Brownie Cookies
Yeah, actually they are. I am a fan of "No Pudge" Fudge Brownie mix, but wanted something a little different to take to a meeting. Wouldn't Fudge Brownie Cookies be fun! So I decided to experiment on said meeting.
1 box No Pudge Brownie Mix (Trader Joe's carries it)
1 egg
1/2 carton vanilla yoghurt
1/2 tsp almond extract (or vanilla)
flour to get cookie dough consistency
semi-sweet chocolate chips (about half a bag)
In mixer bowl, dump brownie mix, egg, yoghurt and extract. Mix on slow until moistened. Add enough flour to get a thicker (cookie-style) batter; fold in chocolate chips.
Drop onto greased (or sprayed) teflon baking sheet. Bake at 325ยบ for about 10 - 12 minutes. Cool on racks and keep covered when cool. Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Note: this dough is very sticky. Forewarned you have been.
1 box No Pudge Brownie Mix (Trader Joe's carries it)
1 egg
1/2 carton vanilla yoghurt
1/2 tsp almond extract (or vanilla)
flour to get cookie dough consistency
semi-sweet chocolate chips (about half a bag)
In mixer bowl, dump brownie mix, egg, yoghurt and extract. Mix on slow until moistened. Add enough flour to get a thicker (cookie-style) batter; fold in chocolate chips.
Drop onto greased (or sprayed) teflon baking sheet. Bake at 325ยบ for about 10 - 12 minutes. Cool on racks and keep covered when cool. Makes 3 dozen cookies.
Note: this dough is very sticky. Forewarned you have been.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Rust or TV? TV or Rust?
Today was my day in the Print Shop of the Museum (History Park, San Jose, California). But it was a low attendance day, so I did not ink up the press for printing. I proofed a cut or two trying to decide on my Christmas Card design, and entertained visitors who came in to see the Shop. Always a nice day.
Upon going to my Sunnyvale shop, I decided to work on my new-to-me press after dinner. I scraped rust and dried ink from the ink disk, scrubbed with solvent and steel wool, and whizzed around with a brass brush on the Dremel. The press, an 8x12 Golding Official (tabletop), is now much cleaner. I dug out the oil holes and added oil. Now the press is much easier to use than a comparable Pilot. It is also heavier, with greater impression strength, so I look forward to using it soon.
Rust removal: unless I can soak parts in Evap-O-Rust (a very good rust cleaner), I use steel wool and mineral spirits, or even WD-40. For the ink disk, my ink knife was good, since I could easily scrape the rust from the disk. I followed up with steel wool and WD-40. For the platen and paper bails, I used a Dremel with a soft brass brush. That worked admirably.
I found the oil holes, which were clogged with years of crud. Using a small drill bit, I turned it clockwise to lift out the debri and clear the holes. Then I could put a few drops of oil in each one. The press now opens and closes almost effortlessly. I am extremely happy with this press and can hardly wait to print on it. The trouble is, I have not yet ordered new rollers, so next month is the earliest I could get ink on this new wonder. Stay tuned!
After steel wooling, scraping, solventing, and dremeling, I am going to call it a night. It was Rust... or broadcast TV! I chose Rust.
Upon going to my Sunnyvale shop, I decided to work on my new-to-me press after dinner. I scraped rust and dried ink from the ink disk, scrubbed with solvent and steel wool, and whizzed around with a brass brush on the Dremel. The press, an 8x12 Golding Official (tabletop), is now much cleaner. I dug out the oil holes and added oil. Now the press is much easier to use than a comparable Pilot. It is also heavier, with greater impression strength, so I look forward to using it soon.
Rust removal: unless I can soak parts in Evap-O-Rust (a very good rust cleaner), I use steel wool and mineral spirits, or even WD-40. For the ink disk, my ink knife was good, since I could easily scrape the rust from the disk. I followed up with steel wool and WD-40. For the platen and paper bails, I used a Dremel with a soft brass brush. That worked admirably.
I found the oil holes, which were clogged with years of crud. Using a small drill bit, I turned it clockwise to lift out the debri and clear the holes. Then I could put a few drops of oil in each one. The press now opens and closes almost effortlessly. I am extremely happy with this press and can hardly wait to print on it. The trouble is, I have not yet ordered new rollers, so next month is the earliest I could get ink on this new wonder. Stay tuned!
After steel wooling, scraping, solventing, and dremeling, I am going to call it a night. It was Rust... or broadcast TV! I chose Rust.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Out of the blue
My Bible Study group has been bringing dinner once a month to a group of homeless who meet at a park. One of our church members started the group. It is totally informal, no plan, no agenda but sharing, and utterly cool.
Basicaly, the few of us who bring dinner show up with casseroles or rolls, plates, etc... provide beverages, and some of the others who also go often bring food, too. Everybody lines up and eats together. The only thing "religious" is that someone offers thanks to God before we eat.
It has been really interesting to get to know folks. Some of the same people show up every week, but others sort of drop in and drop out as they are available. Each week is a surprise. Organizers say they never know what kind of food, or what needy people, will show up. And sometimes something great happens. This evening, a pair of young men with instruments arrived, set up in the band shell where we meet, and began playing: a sax and a bass, doing jazz and doing it well. How cool was that! Totally out of the blue, and really pleasant for all.
We try not to stick together as "the group that brought food." We mingle and talk to everyone. Tonight, one guy blessed me with a handwoven rose I admired, which he made from a palm frond. Later, I asked his name and told him I'd like to put it on my Christmas tree. He offered his street name and his "real" name... and I felt the Lord leading me to affirm, "Well, God knows you by your real name, so I'll put that on the rose and pray for you when I see it on the Christmas tree." It was all I could offer in return for a gift freely given. I'm still smiling.
ON OTHER FRONTS:
I'm delighted to be able to report that I cased in _three_ of my so-called spineless wonders (old books) this week. One is complete and the other two are being pressed overnight. My learning curve in book repair is beginning to flatten out. I sewed and bound an antique crochet book (1888); re-sewed a signature-sewn paperback and bound it; and replaced the disintegrating cover on my 1959 Bible with a nice leather one. If I were less busy I could post photos, but I haven't even taken them yet!
Basicaly, the few of us who bring dinner show up with casseroles or rolls, plates, etc... provide beverages, and some of the others who also go often bring food, too. Everybody lines up and eats together. The only thing "religious" is that someone offers thanks to God before we eat.
It has been really interesting to get to know folks. Some of the same people show up every week, but others sort of drop in and drop out as they are available. Each week is a surprise. Organizers say they never know what kind of food, or what needy people, will show up. And sometimes something great happens. This evening, a pair of young men with instruments arrived, set up in the band shell where we meet, and began playing: a sax and a bass, doing jazz and doing it well. How cool was that! Totally out of the blue, and really pleasant for all.
We try not to stick together as "the group that brought food." We mingle and talk to everyone. Tonight, one guy blessed me with a handwoven rose I admired, which he made from a palm frond. Later, I asked his name and told him I'd like to put it on my Christmas tree. He offered his street name and his "real" name... and I felt the Lord leading me to affirm, "Well, God knows you by your real name, so I'll put that on the rose and pray for you when I see it on the Christmas tree." It was all I could offer in return for a gift freely given. I'm still smiling.
ON OTHER FRONTS:
I'm delighted to be able to report that I cased in _three_ of my so-called spineless wonders (old books) this week. One is complete and the other two are being pressed overnight. My learning curve in book repair is beginning to flatten out. I sewed and bound an antique crochet book (1888); re-sewed a signature-sewn paperback and bound it; and replaced the disintegrating cover on my 1959 Bible with a nice leather one. If I were less busy I could post photos, but I haven't even taken them yet!
Monday, November 05, 2007
Dread Green Sox are... dare I say it? DONE!
Yeppers, finished, complete, &c &c. Vested Fuzziness is not. But it's closer. It says here in the plan that my next step is to sew the thing together... minor detail. You have to be able to SEE the stitches to sew into them. And Fuzzy Vest does not like her stitches seen. I faked it up the side seams, and am stumped on the shoulder seams.
The entire thing is quite heavy-- odd for eyelash-type yarn. But remember, it's extra chunky. Right now I am feeling as if this vest will transmogrify me into a whale covered with bluegreen algae. It's really that color. Maybe the royal blue button band and ribbing will save this project. One can only hope.
But Dread Green are no longer UFO's! Now it's the Plain Purple sock project. I know. I said I would not start another sock until Fuzzy Vest was complete. And I DID NOT! But _this_ sock was lying around, looking suspiciously as if it wanted to become a UFO. In self-defense, I didn't give it that choice. UFO it is NOT. So there.
On the printing end of the world, very little accomplished. Unless you count moving out the Ancestral Tool Stash back into the garage. Then moving a type cabinet (taking out cases full of heavy type, piling them on horizontal surface, moving cabinet (grunt, shove), and replacing heavy cases. I figure I got my exercise _that_ day for sure.
Bookbinding last week was fun- I got three books ready to case in. And there they sit. Stalled for now. Later this evening I may do one on general principles. Live a little. Squeeze it in before Antiques Roadshow. Yeah!
BB (best buddy) Dale hasn't logged back on for a week, even to sweet talk her blog. Hope she manages to soon.
L8R!
The entire thing is quite heavy-- odd for eyelash-type yarn. But remember, it's extra chunky. Right now I am feeling as if this vest will transmogrify me into a whale covered with bluegreen algae. It's really that color. Maybe the royal blue button band and ribbing will save this project. One can only hope.
But Dread Green are no longer UFO's! Now it's the Plain Purple sock project. I know. I said I would not start another sock until Fuzzy Vest was complete. And I DID NOT! But _this_ sock was lying around, looking suspiciously as if it wanted to become a UFO. In self-defense, I didn't give it that choice. UFO it is NOT. So there.
On the printing end of the world, very little accomplished. Unless you count moving out the Ancestral Tool Stash back into the garage. Then moving a type cabinet (taking out cases full of heavy type, piling them on horizontal surface, moving cabinet (grunt, shove), and replacing heavy cases. I figure I got my exercise _that_ day for sure.
Bookbinding last week was fun- I got three books ready to case in. And there they sit. Stalled for now. Later this evening I may do one on general principles. Live a little. Squeeze it in before Antiques Roadshow. Yeah!
BB (best buddy) Dale hasn't logged back on for a week, even to sweet talk her blog. Hope she manages to soon.
L8R!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Sockitude!
The Dread Green Socks are almost complete! Well: one is. Turns out that while I carefully weighed out my yarn and divided by two and wound two skeins, neither had enough yarn to quite reach my toes. So, I had to dig around in the Stash for some greenness. Naturally, no chance of a match, or even an almost-match.
Toes will be in a heather green called Wildefoote (love that one anyway) by Brown Sheep. What the hey. I'm not a barefoot/sockfoot kind of gal anyhow. And besides, multicolor socks are no strangers to MY feet.
But I am not further inspired to Sockitude. Lucky me, for I have a fuzzy vest UFO that has been calling my name in Threatening Tones of late. It's now two years old, and you know how cranky tired two-year-olds can be. So, out come the giant needles, and here I go again. I think, if I knit a whole lot during the evenings this week, it should be soon done. And by that time, just perhaps I will have figured out how to post photos here.
Stay tuned to see Silly Fuzzy Vest (a designed-on-the-fly production) and the Dread Green Socks, hopefully soon!
Taking a break from socks and ON-- to Quonquer the Eldest UFO!
Toes will be in a heather green called Wildefoote (love that one anyway) by Brown Sheep. What the hey. I'm not a barefoot/sockfoot kind of gal anyhow. And besides, multicolor socks are no strangers to MY feet.
But I am not further inspired to Sockitude. Lucky me, for I have a fuzzy vest UFO that has been calling my name in Threatening Tones of late. It's now two years old, and you know how cranky tired two-year-olds can be. So, out come the giant needles, and here I go again. I think, if I knit a whole lot during the evenings this week, it should be soon done. And by that time, just perhaps I will have figured out how to post photos here.
Stay tuned to see Silly Fuzzy Vest (a designed-on-the-fly production) and the Dread Green Socks, hopefully soon!
Taking a break from socks and ON-- to Quonquer the Eldest UFO!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Green Socks and Consolidation. Yep.
Redickle, but I'm still going on about the Green Sock. However long that ankle was, it is now vanquished-- I'm halfway through with the heel flap. Whee! Do I know how to have fun or what!
I have an excuse. Many of them, in fact. Back in August I bought out someone's hobby printing studio. I have been moving type cases filled with, what else, type. And cabinets. And all the detritus that comes with a shop of that nature, which means galleys of former jobs (now exhausted, fallen over and begging to be put back in their cases), rusty tools, and at least one mouse-poop filled case of type. About which more later.
But wait. there's more. I also foolishly committed myself to moving my storage. Not too bright an idea, but good will come of it. Good MUST come of it. I have two medium units; I am consolidating into one large unit, which is the equivalent of one and a HALF medium units. I can do this, but it requires me to get strict with myself and actually throw out stuff. And donate stuff. Because I WILL shoehorn into that unit! It will save me $100 a month, so that's good motivation.
So the weatherman almost throws me into a panic Tuesday night. He predicts RAIN by Thursday night or Friday-- and I still have a wooden type cabinet out in my _yard_ ferpetessakes, and some half-sheets of plywood out there, and I really MUST get all that stuff under cover. Assuming, of course, that this weatherman actually is correct. Here in central California, you can't always depend on it to rain when predicted. Usually it doesn't bother.
But... if I didn't get that stuff all in, of course it _would_ rain. So, scrambling around the yard like a madwoman, I managed to get the wooden stuff under cover, the outside sunshades rolled up, tarps on the Print Shop galleys leftover from the move, and other wonders. My hatches are battened. Let it rain! (and I hope it does).
Meanwhile, back in storage, I have moved about half the stuff I need to move. Hopefully I will get a tough high school kid on Saturday to help me with the rest. And I'll gloat right here in public about consolidating, and saving money, and finally finding some of my long-buried costuming supplies.
Hopefully I'll be back to sorting type and actually printing with it within 2 weeks' time. Stay tuned.
I have an excuse. Many of them, in fact. Back in August I bought out someone's hobby printing studio. I have been moving type cases filled with, what else, type. And cabinets. And all the detritus that comes with a shop of that nature, which means galleys of former jobs (now exhausted, fallen over and begging to be put back in their cases), rusty tools, and at least one mouse-poop filled case of type. About which more later.
But wait. there's more. I also foolishly committed myself to moving my storage. Not too bright an idea, but good will come of it. Good MUST come of it. I have two medium units; I am consolidating into one large unit, which is the equivalent of one and a HALF medium units. I can do this, but it requires me to get strict with myself and actually throw out stuff. And donate stuff. Because I WILL shoehorn into that unit! It will save me $100 a month, so that's good motivation.
So the weatherman almost throws me into a panic Tuesday night. He predicts RAIN by Thursday night or Friday-- and I still have a wooden type cabinet out in my _yard_ ferpetessakes, and some half-sheets of plywood out there, and I really MUST get all that stuff under cover. Assuming, of course, that this weatherman actually is correct. Here in central California, you can't always depend on it to rain when predicted. Usually it doesn't bother.
But... if I didn't get that stuff all in, of course it _would_ rain. So, scrambling around the yard like a madwoman, I managed to get the wooden stuff under cover, the outside sunshades rolled up, tarps on the Print Shop galleys leftover from the move, and other wonders. My hatches are battened. Let it rain! (and I hope it does).
Meanwhile, back in storage, I have moved about half the stuff I need to move. Hopefully I will get a tough high school kid on Saturday to help me with the rest. And I'll gloat right here in public about consolidating, and saving money, and finally finding some of my long-buried costuming supplies.
Hopefully I'll be back to sorting type and actually printing with it within 2 weeks' time. Stay tuned.
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