tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63906853386469861032024-02-22T01:47:41.597-08:00brood and swarmSarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-80240690544593476672012-02-08T22:54:00.000-08:002012-02-08T22:54:00.386-08:00News from two doctors.I heard from Dr. Drone that some interloper wild bees took over the hive this fall. I haven't been out to see them (on account of baby) but we've had such a mild winter, I'm confident they're doing okay. I've written "GO TAKE PICTURES AT BEE YARD" on a note in large, marker letters. Once i find that note again in a few months, I'm sure that will happen.<div><br /></div><div>Pictures or no, I'm excited to imagine actual honey this year. I've been eating a lot of oatmeal with honey and almonds this winter and I've convinced myself that eating my own honey that I steal from bees with my own hands and put into a container that doesn't look like a bear will be the most delicious thing ever. </div><div><br /></div><div>In a related story, I was discussing baby food allergies with our pediatrician and she mentioned that kids aren't actually allergic to honey, and that the recommendation to avoid it in infants is due to several botulism outbreaks from a few years ago. I'm nodding my head, like, yes, we don't like botulism, yes! And she adds, "so unless you're planning to feed her honey processed out of someone's backyard, it should be fine."</div><div><br /></div><div>And then I'm nodding my head, like, yes, I am planning to feed her honey processed out of someone's backyard!... but maybe not until I've eaten a significant quantity myself? What is the social etiquette for telling your pediatrician you plan to feed vaguely questionable items to your child? Or is this a need to know basis?</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-2225589436176625792012-02-07T22:51:00.000-08:002012-02-07T22:51:00.482-08:00This baby?She grows fast.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-_eye_FxGrsgS3To-yQMjoyPwqo7awLe62td-PLjCqkNhOyTAf8E6i8ghTTMSOv72MZ7Diqp4fqau7MsOtLlJyiD6q7newvjCQf-Nvl_EAltdd3hrdsdVVdGCi12Y16JTOCIyW9Qasc/s1600/happy+drooly+tree+girl.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-_eye_FxGrsgS3To-yQMjoyPwqo7awLe62td-PLjCqkNhOyTAf8E6i8ghTTMSOv72MZ7Diqp4fqau7MsOtLlJyiD6q7newvjCQf-Nvl_EAltdd3hrdsdVVdGCi12Y16JTOCIyW9Qasc/s200/happy+drooly+tree+girl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706283407500138882" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>(She did not </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-59743724871401237372012-02-06T22:49:00.000-08:002012-02-06T22:51:00.919-08:00Oh, hey.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Z9dXyq06k5gVIK1OOoPHQiqlyYNcE17hbPywKOFe-88ljJx_6puVDDKjBZomXXRGNBDcDqYtOtRrkx16KHOvZVjrYtN21mNXpSfr408eGr7P2I3ppOteNeREsNMgNuW1a8jotNQGyU/s1600/esm%25C3%25A9+jane.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74Z9dXyq06k5gVIK1OOoPHQiqlyYNcE17hbPywKOFe-88ljJx_6puVDDKjBZomXXRGNBDcDqYtOtRrkx16KHOvZVjrYtN21mNXpSfr408eGr7P2I3ppOteNeREsNMgNuW1a8jotNQGyU/s400/esm%25C3%25A9+jane.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706282565013886258" /></a><br /><div><br /></div>Oh hey, I had a baby! <div>She's pretty great. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-35246235790723747212011-03-22T15:15:00.000-07:002011-03-22T15:15:00.669-07:00Belly product review #3: Olive Oil!<div>That's right, plain store brand olive oil.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk4GAJI7LPWvdtjKK86RMylcH7fVQoXwkbb-Wce3pD-M_-lsMhtHjZdgZsUBSQ6nM-Ot9eyoej1tg48miy0_SHrho1sfL_UHDf3a2gvU8rkKc_AHieoB44bfNEnZhFrY6joK7tDuyJWw/s1600/how-olive-oil-works-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 398px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqk4GAJI7LPWvdtjKK86RMylcH7fVQoXwkbb-Wce3pD-M_-lsMhtHjZdgZsUBSQ6nM-Ot9eyoej1tg48miy0_SHrho1sfL_UHDf3a2gvU8rkKc_AHieoB44bfNEnZhFrY6joK7tDuyJWw/s400/how-olive-oil-works-3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584805186548342850" /></a><br /><div>My awesome ex-hippy mum suggested this as her favorite go-to belly soother during all of her pregnancies and I'm always game for a natural solution to skincare woes.</div><div>Here's the breakdown:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Smell 5/5</div><div>I like the smell of a decent olive oil anyway, it's clean and natural. Better, the smell faded really quickly once it was applied. I was worried the heat from my body would make me smell like bruscetta all day, but I think maybe the scent molecules dissipated faster because of the heat. Look at me making bogus vaguely scientific claims!</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Texture 4/5</div><div>This was surely the easiest application yet. I poured about 2 tbs. in little bowl and then just lubed up my hands and rubbed them all over my belly. Which is now giant, by the way. Yes- my hands were a little oily after and yes, so was my belly. I wouldn't throw on a shirt you value right away, but it absorbs very quickly, probably less than five minutes, so compared to the balm style rubs, this seemed really easy. </div><div><br /></div><div>3. Skin outcome 8/10</div><div>There's a reason people have used olive oil to clean their skin for centuries. It makes your skin feel luxuriously soft. I only docked some points because a nighttime application doesn't seem to get me through the whole day- I'm itchy again by dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div>Total 17/20</div><div>Well done Mom. Well done. I think I'm going to start using this on my face. And my dinner. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>There are roughly 7 billion different products for itchy pregnant tummies out there. Any other suggestions for where I should look for the perfect one?</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-13959444728566383912011-03-21T09:09:00.000-07:002011-03-21T09:58:34.219-07:00Test #2: Palmer's Cocoa Butter CreamAfter more days of testing, I'm ready to report on another belly cream.<div><br /></div><div>Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZGFxfkDo2oe4qIunT12qr6-X2wsyRrDNMheC-ZKHdGo7XrC_NjO2p70rLoBjPg1QljLKzpEHePUjDfKQ_AFse43boTnhppB7Lz7vQxf_tVX_4XacsRGrN-T8V9m7kGh3QGX-QCpgSek/s1600/palmers-cocoa-butter-cream-100g-jar.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZGFxfkDo2oe4qIunT12qr6-X2wsyRrDNMheC-ZKHdGo7XrC_NjO2p70rLoBjPg1QljLKzpEHePUjDfKQ_AFse43boTnhppB7Lz7vQxf_tVX_4XacsRGrN-T8V9m7kGh3QGX-QCpgSek/s400/palmers-cocoa-butter-cream-100g-jar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578047358201484354" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(85, 85, 68); line-height: 18px; font-family:tahoma, 'Trebuchet MS', lucida, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">1. Smell: 2 (of 5)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I really liked the chocolate smell that came wafting out of the jar at first, it reminded me of the way my christmas stocking smells every year, but since the Palmer's (like Burt's Belly Balm) literally sticks with you all day, the smell got old really quickly. My nose is super sensitive right now and the last thing I want to deal with is carrying any strong scent with me everywhere.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">2. Texture: 2 (of 5)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Again, there are notable similarities to the Belly Balm here. The cocoa butter is creamy and nice when your hands are warm and you're actually rubbing it on your skin, but getting it out of the tub is a total pain. Chapstick form people! Do you hear me R&D folks of the world?! Giant skin balm chapsticks...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">My belly stayed sticky and a little greasy for hours and hours after putting this on. I'm kind of getting used to the feeling, but I wish I didn't have to.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">3. Skin results: 7 (of 10)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; font-size:small;">This might have scored higher if I had tried it first. My skin was not itchy after over-night applications, but it wasn't particularly soft either.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; font-size:small;">In a slightly gross update, I am also developing tiny pink bumps, not unlike baby pimples, scattered across my belly. Dr. Google and my pregnancy book confirm that this could be a totally normal change due to hormones. Or we could blame the Palmer's. I do tend to have sensitive skin anyway, so for now, I'm discontinuing the Palmer's and I'm on to product number three: a left-field suggestion from my Canadian ex-hippy mom...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="white-space: pre; font-size:small;">STAY TUNED!</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Overall: 11/20</span></div></span></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-79532998152360720112011-03-02T18:01:00.000-08:002011-03-02T18:10:29.698-08:00Proof<div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGU0tfyTV_GiBIwPSKpuuZNLnoJA0fU_7htm64pGGN1p7bOmQBIdGH0IyfwsXj7u0gTRTdw9U14CfIPcaON0gyZqjDI9a-P86vjed-dtKpi-0LUPLhdJHLGWXWbTHIhmum61AEOZDW5g/s1600/IMG_3367.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGU0tfyTV_GiBIwPSKpuuZNLnoJA0fU_7htm64pGGN1p7bOmQBIdGH0IyfwsXj7u0gTRTdw9U14CfIPcaON0gyZqjDI9a-P86vjed-dtKpi-0LUPLhdJHLGWXWbTHIhmum61AEOZDW5g/s400/IMG_3367.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579668523231598178" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>Can you see how rich this earth is? My landlord is really unbelievable for not letting me garden in this.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Spring is making itself known. Some informal data collection today turned up two inch iris sprouts in my yard, the tiniest breakthrough of what I think is probably last year's daisies, and buds on campus trees. The 50 degree sunny weather is practically coaxing life out of the ground.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SIiyUrYwTHesH5Z2V1AIsITQC-SBnJ5L_dZZxbJaJo0CNKTTn4n9yAe9mPFpMng3if9RtFgiO3KOhWCA8uJZcWL2Xqa9g_3Ypt1QfYbQ1JL9g7zx7UELSnw2x9lq7xSxPuE4KComjuQ/s1600/IMG_3371.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6SIiyUrYwTHesH5Z2V1AIsITQC-SBnJ5L_dZZxbJaJo0CNKTTn4n9yAe9mPFpMng3if9RtFgiO3KOhWCA8uJZcWL2Xqa9g_3Ypt1QfYbQ1JL9g7zx7UELSnw2x9lq7xSxPuE4KComjuQ/s400/IMG_3371.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579668517835510178" /></a>My green fingers are twitching, but there isn't much I can grow here unless the perfect new place opens up with a garden-friendly policy for renters. I am trying to contain myself to growing humans this season, but it's hard to ignore the call of the dirt!</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-8023755463397012582011-02-27T19:05:00.001-08:002011-02-27T19:12:51.456-08:00February showers?The first thunderstorm of spring and we're not even in March yet! <div>Does that mean April flowers in our futures?</div><div><br /></div><div>There is something so incredibly cozy about rain. We lived in a farmhouse with a tin roof when I was a little girl, and the percussion of a good storm is still one of the sounds of home to me. It doesn't matter how wild and fearsome the elements may be: I'm safe and warm with slow roasted pork and homemade potato salad, a lap full of cats and this baby's tiny flutterings. Seriously, do people wish for more than this?</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-90540348260077832712011-02-26T08:44:00.000-08:002011-02-26T09:08:24.528-08:00Gestating a ladyWe're having a girl!<div><br /></div><div>I had fully convinced myself there was a boy in there, but I guess she's just already bucking conventional gender norms. I like that in a fetus.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhK_bTa54xjVRUdcecbkq2lt4gLu8aBVGEs56kI6jy-BeiIKrQ4gFJDZHdkXWQgBzcgykCiAcTdRuFXA0dtoMcYNN-rBk2cpnoldaE0T9ZN0BtaquWJexbk-8dkvZcm7yu0BHLpGbVI4/s1600/20+week+peek+a+boo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 272px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJhK_bTa54xjVRUdcecbkq2lt4gLu8aBVGEs56kI6jy-BeiIKrQ4gFJDZHdkXWQgBzcgykCiAcTdRuFXA0dtoMcYNN-rBk2cpnoldaE0T9ZN0BtaquWJexbk-8dkvZcm7yu0BHLpGbVI4/s400/20+week+peek+a+boo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5578045273332119282" /></a>I think ultrasounds are a little like those magic eye pictures from the 90s- you have to kind of stare at them for awhile before the picture pops out at you. This is the picture we got that makes the most sense- she's playing peek a boo, or expressing irritation at being prodded by sounds waves. The head's to right for anyone still confused.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-92156823067978210582011-02-20T20:42:00.001-08:002011-02-20T20:54:15.295-08:00Test #1: Burt's Bees Belly BalmOkay, I'm three days into testing the first dry skin/pregnancy tummy lotion:<div><br /></div><div>Burt's Bees Belly Balm</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Iee5goW9OiMXbp6-FlRBvmB4gLq2K5Oi22ZL9SnKhg9zAy1MooYxuy0JnLERymCMnmGrNi9L1xDpuFjSaXWi_mbEYGYo9KxO_emOw42irj20npAogQrsjV8ETsUHRXNFSYL9fyW_62g/s1600/51OLkAMtGpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Iee5goW9OiMXbp6-FlRBvmB4gLq2K5Oi22ZL9SnKhg9zAy1MooYxuy0JnLERymCMnmGrNi9L1xDpuFjSaXWi_mbEYGYo9KxO_emOw42irj20npAogQrsjV8ETsUHRXNFSYL9fyW_62g/s400/51OLkAMtGpL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575999121008826162" /></a><br /><br /><div>Here's how it scores so far.</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Smell: 5 (of 5)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is fragrance free, which is kind of cheating, but I'd rather have something neutral than something yucky. And for once, fragrance free means fragrance free. No smell at all.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Texture: 2 (of 5)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is made out of natural oils and beeswax, good ingredients certainly, but they're not really a lotion. It comes in a palm-sized, flat tin, and you have to kind of swab your hand around in the balm until the oils and wax melt on your fingers, then grease up your belly (or wherever). It's kind of messy, and it takes me a long time to cover this new expanse of skin. Once it's on, it feels a little waxy, my shirt stuck to my skin a bit, which is also not a great feeling. I tried just rubbing the tin directly on my skin and it was a lot better- if they made this in a giant chapstick form, it would be much better.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Skin results: 8 (of 10)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I have to dock some points for the greasy/waxiness of the initial application, but once I woke up, my skin felt fantastic! Some internet reviewers credit this stuff from preventing stretch marks, and I can't speak to that claim yet, but everywhere I applied the balm was soft and not at all itchy. </div><div><br /></div><div>Overall: 15/20</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So far so good, I like the results and the lack of perfumes, but the application hassle definitely makes this a before bed only balm. I'm going to keep searching for something I can use after my shower or even throw in my bag for mid-day itch relief.</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-67593436018712308402011-02-20T20:28:00.000-08:002011-02-20T20:42:12.139-08:00Testing baby belly skin productsWhen you're growing a new human, skin tends to stretch and become a incredibly itchy. It's also the tail end of winter, when my skin is already dry, so the one two punch of a winter pregnancy has left me scratching and clawing at myself like a mental patient. <div><br /></div><div>I'm going to try out a variety of products for the greater good. You also probably have dry skin right now, even without a fetus in your belly, so I figure my scientific rigor can be put to good use here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm going to test the products based on three categories: </div><div>1. smell: 5 possible points</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I like natural smelling scents, vanilla, cinnamon, etc, and HATE things that smell like chemicals. I have thrown full-blown, foot stamping temper tantrums regarding plug in air fresheners that smell (to me) like a science project. If you're going to rub something into a large amount of epidermis every day, it shouldn't smell like grandmothers, cleaning products, or Japanese candy.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. texture: 5 possible points</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Is it easy to put on? Does it feel greasy on your skin? Is it gritty? These are things I like to know before I drop money on an opaque tube of lotion.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. results to skin: 10 possible points</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>This is really the ultimate category- if it works, it's probably pretty good. I'll be testing for how it feels immediately after application before bed, and how my skin feels when I wake up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow: the first contender...</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-36600081494242508132011-02-17T15:47:00.000-08:002011-02-17T15:47:00.867-08:00Ice storm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-W99S8wedUg0LaCNJKSdLyYksygroZrhkcFQ3byBKnf9pgG83HEiYnsYGV0WBZA3wf1vS96D6QiqgQ7AHA1Hz09wfBDdzlvbSxlQRKc5j_Y3KMlLGZurN2dPlfslmunjXOCg3mpoYsM/s1600/IMG_3331.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-W99S8wedUg0LaCNJKSdLyYksygroZrhkcFQ3byBKnf9pgG83HEiYnsYGV0WBZA3wf1vS96D6QiqgQ7AHA1Hz09wfBDdzlvbSxlQRKc5j_Y3KMlLGZurN2dPlfslmunjXOCg3mpoYsM/s400/IMG_3331.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574440507472795410" /></a><br />We had some wicked interesting storms this winter with lots of sun and snow, which I prefer to cloudy, grey or wet cold.<div><br /></div><div>There was one particularly nasty ice storm though that quite literally knocked me on my ass a time or two. It was a little scary, but I'm fine, and learning that my balance is not what it once was. It's hard though, not to appreciate how glassine and unreal the world looks encased in ice. It makes me wonder what the last ice age was like, and if the first decade or so, you could still see trees and blades of grass under the encroaching glacial ice, struggling to hold on for spring.</div><div><br /></div><div>Our place is pretty toasty, the cats declared a temporary truce to snuggle up together near the vents, and Mr. Holt and I made some rather large pots of rather hearty soups. I'm holding on for spring though. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-37592863947784895732011-02-16T15:33:00.001-08:002011-02-16T15:59:59.139-08:00A brood of my ownI've been lax about posting lately.<div>I needed to take this winter to hunker down a little. Sleep a little more, drink a little more tea, and daydream a little more. It's 'cause I'm making my own little brood.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZCVwPQWbchwCubm-IYMmGK15r6QzYq7Rmaiqilm6henqCY7qC7cHhknG6dDownxcrMe-ABf9Wzpf6dE48qj8kM3kK5bVin2p-cqSnqVeRAy0aWJXtIB7-ojyyckTYc9Xy8BLplHG8gY/s1600/ultrasound+401.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZCVwPQWbchwCubm-IYMmGK15r6QzYq7Rmaiqilm6henqCY7qC7cHhknG6dDownxcrMe-ABf9Wzpf6dE48qj8kM3kK5bVin2p-cqSnqVeRAy0aWJXtIB7-ojyyckTYc9Xy8BLplHG8gY/s400/ultrasound+401.bmp" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574437455266229682" /></a><div>This snapshot is from Thanksgiving, but we've been letting the news out very slowly, for a variety of reasons, including work issues. I like this shot because you can see a giant head, two arm nubbins, and one little foot, which kicked like mad the whole time it was on-screen. Also, there is a tail present, which I am assured no longer exists. Ontogeny recapitulating phylogeny and all that...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">All's</span> well with us here, including this tiniest of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Holts</span>, and now that I'm back to nearly full energy levels, I'll try to keep this blog a little more lively.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-23489654424971081482011-02-15T09:31:00.000-08:002011-02-15T09:39:28.731-08:00My Nancy Drew fantasy come true<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiTHbdo-0oJeBUAbVCoEB8CMamJW4V1cFrNpnZA8ZvTWk4lvolxyxlN6rsHk-iJUoCLHxTTgclbJJRjygDLNaGkyIFmfMJBPdTxS6Y1meCLC6g3GXPEafsgr5yB3pIUSHNdH3xkn8L0g/s1600/police_bees_wide.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYiTHbdo-0oJeBUAbVCoEB8CMamJW4V1cFrNpnZA8ZvTWk4lvolxyxlN6rsHk-iJUoCLHxTTgclbJJRjygDLNaGkyIFmfMJBPdTxS6Y1meCLC6g3GXPEafsgr5yB3pIUSHNdH3xkn8L0g/s400/police_bees_wide.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573971556497048706" /></a><br />I always wanted to be a girl detective. I used to read a series of books about Trixie Belden, the slightly more rural version of Nancy Drew (every book featured a tortuously long choses session , detailing how Trixie had to do the dusting or help brush the horses before she could go solve the mystery). I also liked a series of books about Cam Jansen, who had a photographic memory. She would just say "click!" is she wanted to remember the scene. Then the book would show ou the picture in her mind and let you try to solve the crime. <div><br /></div><div>Encyclopedia Brown, Miss Marple, you name it, I loved 'em. I even seriously considered trying to get into the FBI after high school.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I'm super thrilled that my chance to be involved with solving crimes may finally be on the horizons: NPR reported today that bees are now being used to help police.</div><div>You can check out the link <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/krulwich/2011/02/15/133748476/bees-who-work-for-the-police?sc=fb&cc=fp">here</a>- It's from Robert Krulwich's blog, one of my favorite <a href="http://www.radiolab.org/">RadioLab</a> dudes.</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you want to be when you grow up? What were your favorite detective books?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. - Mr. Holt points out that I do kind of solve mysteries now, figuring out stuff about the past etc. etc... This is a particularly romantic way of describing what I do, but it's Valentine's Day, and he's a romantic guy, so I'll take it. </div><div><br /></div><div> </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-42073516321490405072010-10-11T16:19:00.000-07:002010-10-11T16:26:07.203-07:00Bee Barn<div>About two months ago a tornado swept through this heart-shaped state and decided to make a giant mess. An even bigger mess than a normal tornado, because this one hit a barn holding several 50 gallon drums of honey: the Wooster Honey Bee Barn.</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyu1w2bHkFhLwDeOqm1_eEW-_-5CUjN4mc42Q79vXPghBxLY2wZIFESHOORjhDW4l3JUVAZdofjsV-IKa6-7-23GkLvF_IszDftMBf8Rcc3RJGLQIlmaCfLJCGuHWLihQ8AYpDW2Gs2g/s1600/bee+barn.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyu1w2bHkFhLwDeOqm1_eEW-_-5CUjN4mc42Q79vXPghBxLY2wZIFESHOORjhDW4l3JUVAZdofjsV-IKa6-7-23GkLvF_IszDftMBf8Rcc3RJGLQIlmaCfLJCGuHWLihQ8AYpDW2Gs2g/s400/bee+barn.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526933123568616274" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">image facebook snatched from the bee lab</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div>That's what it looked like at first, you can see more pics of the mess and the resulting clean up <a href="http://www.facebook.com/beelab">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I like to look on the bright side of things: Dr. Drone was a key player in the aftermath and he has a keen eye for salvage. A new/ancient smoker is coming my way!</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-9214534985468263542010-10-09T07:50:00.001-07:002010-10-09T07:52:40.257-07:00Jenna and her Barn HeartJenna over at <a href="http://www.barnheart.com">Cold Antler Farm</a> is hosting a book and wool giveaway.<div><br /></div><div>She's got it all- a farm, a truck, sheep, dogs, and yes, bees. I'm so jealous. </div><div>Her blog features gorgeous pictures and the day to day struggles of a girl and her farm, and I'm hooked. I suggest enjoying it with a your first strong cup of coffee in the morning. </div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-53238721446233495862010-10-09T07:44:00.000-07:002010-10-09T07:44:00.619-07:00Pumpkins and My Autumn Heart<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>My middle name is Autumn. Seriously- my mom was kind of a hippie back in the 80s.<div><br /></div><div>When you are literally named after a season, I think it kind of creeps inside you and takes over your heart. It's my season now, although I'll gladly share it with you. Let's all perfume ourselves in woodsmoke and dry leaves and soak in the ruddy colors. To begin, I'm on pumpkin watch. My favorites so far:</div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6mdHLwQxo9PC6AewNuaaBA7UE6-lNoRmRqnXOjBO8TaDci98qewUOLLnQbU2-awgF8CbHGosHMJtg95RDdbX6tJ3qhbtZl_QK956BvOs05FvDPvLnz6i9mVcy-yZKqLlWahjTl2Fu-g/s1600/IMG_3154.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje6mdHLwQxo9PC6AewNuaaBA7UE6-lNoRmRqnXOjBO8TaDci98qewUOLLnQbU2-awgF8CbHGosHMJtg95RDdbX6tJ3qhbtZl_QK956BvOs05FvDPvLnz6i9mVcy-yZKqLlWahjTl2Fu-g/s400/IMG_3154.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524945244916883314" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DH3RexHT13QTtSPHtbv14BTpKtSHFZYR2NIHgYFDVDSPaz93Q5cVJrt9bZR-PlB_bdXwbOcmB8HgqCTaMt0QELKkH6PCOalLjOHF8HyrWpUC-vILH0hGGltMxTvSjdJvR9LDvF7U79g/s1600/IMG_3165.JPG"></a><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DH3RexHT13QTtSPHtbv14BTpKtSHFZYR2NIHgYFDVDSPaz93Q5cVJrt9bZR-PlB_bdXwbOcmB8HgqCTaMt0QELKkH6PCOalLjOHF8HyrWpUC-vILH0hGGltMxTvSjdJvR9LDvF7U79g/s1600/IMG_3165.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DH3RexHT13QTtSPHtbv14BTpKtSHFZYR2NIHgYFDVDSPaz93Q5cVJrt9bZR-PlB_bdXwbOcmB8HgqCTaMt0QELKkH6PCOalLjOHF8HyrWpUC-vILH0hGGltMxTvSjdJvR9LDvF7U79g/s400/IMG_3165.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524945232518393938" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd8X1frvUzmaO0U4wKZjssgyO3ho97WICioXlR6ZfYrNxfQb-YCvKf8pBj_2mZqfHl4XRI7g7H1J2BCShy7CoIrs6TgfZAe_-rdvvFZyMngDtrG92NYiyuBur8cV366A_SSQNtbY2QfU/s1600/IMG_3162.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd8X1frvUzmaO0U4wKZjssgyO3ho97WICioXlR6ZfYrNxfQb-YCvKf8pBj_2mZqfHl4XRI7g7H1J2BCShy7CoIrs6TgfZAe_-rdvvFZyMngDtrG92NYiyuBur8cV366A_SSQNtbY2QfU/s400/IMG_3162.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524945212612517042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Red pumpkins? What will they think of next?!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-54756273102759032282010-10-08T07:41:00.000-07:002010-10-08T07:41:00.589-07:00Apple Farm<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi588uF9_-uoEH_OcYDIOpl4sUe0iZxLNAlyGUTUPXeaYjLY5HMGwk6zgwjrItTv20TjS4PMBnL72emQzbbEM-vHzNiBX97Bmp_qVS3_bBvx2GapeCdSWpaCfoQSVZGyyc8-duW5yXfio0/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi588uF9_-uoEH_OcYDIOpl4sUe0iZxLNAlyGUTUPXeaYjLY5HMGwk6zgwjrItTv20TjS4PMBnL72emQzbbEM-vHzNiBX97Bmp_qVS3_bBvx2GapeCdSWpaCfoQSVZGyyc8-duW5yXfio0/s400/IMG_3135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524943529360606978" /></a><br />Mr. Holt and I recently took our young niece to the apple farm to pick some fruit and run in fields. I think we all needed to spend some time running in a field. Now I have a giant bowl of apples to work my way through and I've already exhausted my apple cinnamon muffin tolerance. What do you do with a half-bushel of ripe apples?Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-41673807738485546282010-10-07T07:35:00.000-07:002010-10-07T07:35:00.350-07:00Little Guys<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbRH8pcLOrJ09WStFG7tn6PzFBQ1mnpX1xv9R9XD12lLR34oZ2gVx5YfE13PhUryhmrmYAgk5Ijz8zXjIhan7Y4G3yE-FzB9az5tiHuELS1F50ZcwgRY2zRqZfaHmOlSTMnLcNu1783U/s1600/IMG_3088.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbbRH8pcLOrJ09WStFG7tn6PzFBQ1mnpX1xv9R9XD12lLR34oZ2gVx5YfE13PhUryhmrmYAgk5Ijz8zXjIhan7Y4G3yE-FzB9az5tiHuELS1F50ZcwgRY2zRqZfaHmOlSTMnLcNu1783U/s400/IMG_3088.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524942969051227890" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayazh4qDFWPREn5FYdsibRfxswS0WBnSVKmmGS_TiYYq9pIL5DQBGB-8kH3co6_OaI8_mNV6JyAK-C2J8XcSnuwUq_Or5ZcwZ-Qy-qsAWrnF81aixmUkavjebURqa5rBWlvxK_e9Umx4/s1600/IMG_3082.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhayazh4qDFWPREn5FYdsibRfxswS0WBnSVKmmGS_TiYYq9pIL5DQBGB-8kH3co6_OaI8_mNV6JyAK-C2J8XcSnuwUq_Or5ZcwZ-Qy-qsAWrnF81aixmUkavjebURqa5rBWlvxK_e9Umx4/s400/IMG_3082.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524942544963915474" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBmozHVgxbTPrhF56KBbaLkuHIZMkxDsX1tXgP2fJoJBThYpSjZAf4lVR4atoPN-txSXS9Uxj1q0fvnnoCao7NOWbQ7WzFQCFaxcnHfnBXlXsNphlBUkbIlONjuvKbWOxrIxlaOSwVk0/s1600/IMG_3068.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOBmozHVgxbTPrhF56KBbaLkuHIZMkxDsX1tXgP2fJoJBThYpSjZAf4lVR4atoPN-txSXS9Uxj1q0fvnnoCao7NOWbQ7WzFQCFaxcnHfnBXlXsNphlBUkbIlONjuvKbWOxrIxlaOSwVk0/s400/IMG_3068.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524942537468468210" /></a><br />Some very cold visitors arrive on my stoop this morning.<div>I think because of the crisp 50 degree air they were moving in slow-motion, barely fluttering their wings and wholly unconcerned at my presence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Two tiny butterflies, each the size of a quarter. Good Morning!</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-90157602175660600572010-10-06T07:31:00.001-07:002010-10-06T07:35:38.319-07:00Happ Fall Y'all<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdswOy8Ja2Dq1wq0RQuyiILMVRW-TEsC3cvFNeJR1DewfO5XIcGjhwJJsfswnVAZ2cVGYdLXqxQLFO_Jk1RfvhSkKGzK1hVDi60n8Mkkp92qSAyRr4LdOhq4NTS5EwpQg9T1pK4cx69gc/s1600/Lindsey+%26+Chris+B+-+ow+-+happ+fall+y%27all.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdswOy8Ja2Dq1wq0RQuyiILMVRW-TEsC3cvFNeJR1DewfO5XIcGjhwJJsfswnVAZ2cVGYdLXqxQLFO_Jk1RfvhSkKGzK1hVDi60n8Mkkp92qSAyRr4LdOhq4NTS5EwpQg9T1pK4cx69gc/s400/Lindsey+%26+Chris+B+-+ow+-+happ+fall+y%27all.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524940879305319218" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; ">Clearly from <a href="http://www.cakewrecks.com">Cake Wrecks.</a></span></div></i><div><br /></div><div>I'm so excited about fall, and so busy with fall I haven't been able to enjoy it much yet. I recently read Catch 22 for the first time and I loved it so much I decided to stop using that phrase casually. I just wanted to reference it to make the connection.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-58740863089818822232010-09-13T09:54:00.000-07:002010-09-13T09:54:00.114-07:00iReview<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuLOFe-WooPfLEKY2n6pKzxLkdlMspgarJQMgpF16dqTAqt-fkWB8peYRnY2_XaqEtclHpQSCpqmOYcqoB0QjDdq38xElOkeMAOMZA3KdTSwUpOG1TvLeaknMiLAK3Xn39lkwvhF5zYw/s1600/IMG_3005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuLOFe-WooPfLEKY2n6pKzxLkdlMspgarJQMgpF16dqTAqt-fkWB8peYRnY2_XaqEtclHpQSCpqmOYcqoB0QjDdq38xElOkeMAOMZA3KdTSwUpOG1TvLeaknMiLAK3Xn39lkwvhF5zYw/s400/IMG_3005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515701807681587746" /></a><br />I have been a macintosh user since the days when we still called them macintoshes. <div>We had our first mac desktop in 1987, and I've never owned a pc. I love my iPod and my macBook, and I even love the iPhone commercials.</div><div><br /></div><div>Naturally I have been drooling (in a polite, non-sticky, lady-like way) over the iPad since they came out. Imagine my delight when my 78 year old grandmother handed one to me! She wants me to "learn" how to "work" it and then show her how to check her email. She handed it over in a hand sewn cover. I love her. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've had it about a week now, and I am prepared to make a formal review. </div><div><b>The iPad is totally lame</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's fun to touch and manipulate things on the screen, and for me, it's a very intuitive interface. On that front, I'll give it full marks. It looks pretty. Unlike the iPhone, however, you need to be near wi-fi to do anything cool with the iPad. You can't store or open files independently from iTunes (like a paper from school, or a picture file from my aunt). That means that checking my email on the iPad is pretty much useless. I can't read pdfs, or use any webpages that utilize flash. After a few minutes of watching youtube, my wrists got tired from holding the remarkably solid tablet at a proper viewing angle.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's probably perfect for someone like my Grandma who will use it to respond to family emails, check the weather on her accuweather app, and read headlines from USA today. But is that worth 500$? Not to me.</div><div><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63tVzhBH91TlVEu28843tgkkyTZ1Y_GaFIbqXrxItCK2XU1ust0FqQyNRTMBexBSojw9xxzoiOK_UKhyphenhyphenSiuNjPROFeKyp0I3wkF4iv-s6urqIdowoJ3oj0fsTVyRpOiSYfsepy3ca4I0/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG"></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63tVzhBH91TlVEu28843tgkkyTZ1Y_GaFIbqXrxItCK2XU1ust0FqQyNRTMBexBSojw9xxzoiOK_UKhyphenhyphenSiuNjPROFeKyp0I3wkF4iv-s6urqIdowoJ3oj0fsTVyRpOiSYfsepy3ca4I0/s1600/IMG_3010.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi63tVzhBH91TlVEu28843tgkkyTZ1Y_GaFIbqXrxItCK2XU1ust0FqQyNRTMBexBSojw9xxzoiOK_UKhyphenhyphenSiuNjPROFeKyp0I3wkF4iv-s6urqIdowoJ3oj0fsTVyRpOiSYfsepy3ca4I0/s400/IMG_3010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515701817479601362" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:small;">Warhol seemed to like it, though. And yes, a cat paw will open your apps.</span></div></i></div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-59305967503553807642010-09-12T23:04:00.000-07:002010-09-12T23:35:52.415-07:00The spoils of a bridal shower<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6903r3x4-mjuOg6IBdTtfIwIf9TOUcmnbB7qNqmkBYRZ3PdfCktoOJloBdqruHFcjtodllx45k5YRXXSNhy_ExavDVGcqCpYsN-M3UvKUaRKhGikswP5ynZSXM3iG-vo-VW2-Bfw6mcg/s1600/IMG_3048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6903r3x4-mjuOg6IBdTtfIwIf9TOUcmnbB7qNqmkBYRZ3PdfCktoOJloBdqruHFcjtodllx45k5YRXXSNhy_ExavDVGcqCpYsN-M3UvKUaRKhGikswP5ynZSXM3iG-vo-VW2-Bfw6mcg/s400/IMG_3048.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5516275500769611970" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Carmel peanut chocolate apple favor. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; font-style: normal;">My friend Cindy made these for another friend's shower. I am lucky to be invited to such goings-on.</span></div></i>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-5320368346459426812010-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:002010-09-12T09:38:00.321-07:00Kick out the JamsLast night was an epic Friday at the Holt House.<br /><br />Getting tomatoes didn't work out; the lady who normally has box upon box of them at her stand down the street is taking a few days off. Pffft.<br />But I was not to be deterred, so I snatched up some pears and strawberries instead, and came home and raided my crisper drawer, and then I made these:<div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6jbIfwkmrP3qMRKJ7jaQsIAYiydyu_IckaIB690CkDkK-Ftp1pyhSPwdQRsTHx0BR6cgwz6dQVkhQFIMlCSfxYXK5KC-v7Xe_j1jd5LX053zB8OQCfcn1XhTewrHR0HXB-TEfHFWEbo/s1600/IMG_2987.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6jbIfwkmrP3qMRKJ7jaQsIAYiydyu_IckaIB690CkDkK-Ftp1pyhSPwdQRsTHx0BR6cgwz6dQVkhQFIMlCSfxYXK5KC-v7Xe_j1jd5LX053zB8OQCfcn1XhTewrHR0HXB-TEfHFWEbo/s400/IMG_2987.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515697129395766850" /></a><br />Strawberry jam, Spiced Pear Chutney, and Clementine Pomegranate Syrup.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq__PSoTX_F66F-V4Iq8afw-PN6khBlya2FF81E2c-DTKkESh_gR5dEi_i7BlriGyFVoHSglrDvS1WT5ZPx_zXGV7dv7eKuXBSyFqxUj8rwdak4ziRww7nUWtrXG1i_ylvw38kTCc6Tk/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjq__PSoTX_F66F-V4Iq8afw-PN6khBlya2FF81E2c-DTKkESh_gR5dEi_i7BlriGyFVoHSglrDvS1WT5ZPx_zXGV7dv7eKuXBSyFqxUj8rwdak4ziRww7nUWtrXG1i_ylvw38kTCc6Tk/s400/IMG_2990.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515697139601576642" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Pear chutney, sweet, sour and salty. And pretty.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homemade-Living-Canning-Preserving-Chutneys/dp/1600594913/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253022374&sr=1-4">The book</a> turned out to be really helpful, and just plain pleasant to read. I want to try a few more of the recipes, although I think in general <a href="http://small-measure.blogspot.com/">Ashley's</a> tolerance for cloves in her jam might be a little higher than mine. I think they kind of make things taste like ham so I left them out.<br /><br />Specifically, I'm gunning for the fig compote and the cherry marmalade.<br />Do you have any figs you want to donate to the cause?<br />Do you like cloves?</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-79343929061598835762010-09-11T09:51:00.001-07:002010-09-11T10:07:03.881-07:00Punk'd<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaOU6R_C37jIgeT0NpLNzSck2sMql_oKFgPAeIcbWZB6F5E-qkIgv9LoCaJoicZ1Cbg8FU5H47YkaTbI4an5SThYhHXb9Fh0wgFFEcKL6FOOAvuTW96AVkNyP9sXqzxfcgiPluZl0lkw/s1600/IMG_2996.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaOU6R_C37jIgeT0NpLNzSck2sMql_oKFgPAeIcbWZB6F5E-qkIgv9LoCaJoicZ1Cbg8FU5H47YkaTbI4an5SThYhHXb9Fh0wgFFEcKL6FOOAvuTW96AVkNyP9sXqzxfcgiPluZl0lkw/s400/IMG_2996.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515699911512081442" /></a>Decor today, muffins tomorrow...Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-48304477465367377692010-09-10T16:14:00.000-07:002010-09-10T16:14:00.468-07:00Summer Reading Wrap upAfter Labor Day I generally try to squeeze in a few last novels to tide me over until winter break. I can feel scholarly articles and heavy scientific tomes creeping up on me and I'm diving for one last refreshing deluge of fiction. Oh sweet fiction.<div><br /></div><div>With that in mind, I just finished a really moving, beautiful and too-quickly gone novel called Little Bee by Chris Cleave. It's part of the pact of the book that I can't tell you what it's about, except it did make me briefly rethink my plan to head to Africa next summer. I can also tell you it has nothing to do with honeybees, although that IS why I picked it up. I can also tell you it made me laugh out loud, and cry out loud too. In my opinion you cannot ask more of the written word.</div><div>So we have about two weeks left before school starts again. Maybe you have less? Make a little time for this one before Autumn is too far upon us. It's worth it.</div><div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczAeOxsqS6T4-SRXB__0L0-WltyCO2N4WCogAim1i2moRD5ivG2zMFW4TUaa1fm_RzY6my1zhCUCOKmzrYXz7ocsWfLYIhz86Mtf86bdZipoEFalVo5cWj3eUkJ3xE3Eyigt_n53mFSA/s1600/books.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczAeOxsqS6T4-SRXB__0L0-WltyCO2N4WCogAim1i2moRD5ivG2zMFW4TUaa1fm_RzY6my1zhCUCOKmzrYXz7ocsWfLYIhz86Mtf86bdZipoEFalVo5cWj3eUkJ3xE3Eyigt_n53mFSA/s400/books.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511346845839924050" /></a>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6390685338646986103.post-88574031484012217302010-09-08T15:28:00.000-07:002010-09-08T15:28:00.154-07:00The beneficiary of other people's tomatoes.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL4In4GaI_5Jjh1KoYVdexXZ5Ik3za5H6NowZzu2Pd_kCN6v3PRUePwUNYb8U7J8MyZ73hyBTfKT3FMDe2ZEKiUzKQnz7mtXhlwjKkci8f-mJ7vSujlZEKu6E-GT1XkaMo3XzX46wTAc/s1600/IMG_2781.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL4In4GaI_5Jjh1KoYVdexXZ5Ik3za5H6NowZzu2Pd_kCN6v3PRUePwUNYb8U7J8MyZ73hyBTfKT3FMDe2ZEKiUzKQnz7mtXhlwjKkci8f-mJ7vSujlZEKu6E-GT1XkaMo3XzX46wTAc/s400/IMG_2781.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511335976735453826" /></a><br />I can't have a proper garden here. It's a constant source of frustration for me from about March until November. It's a long story as to why I cannot even grow a tomato in a pot, but the end amounts to our home having no homegrown tomatoes in August. Clearly, that's an unacceptable situation, and luckily several loving gardeners have seen fit to help me get through this tragedy by gifting me with tomatoes from their own gardens. <div><br /></div><div>I'm like a meth addict for tomatoes too, if someone mentions they have one or more than they're apt to use, I'm sniffing around their windowsills dropping hints about how I can take care of that if they'd like. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far Cindy and Evan's tomatoes have become a Sunday dinner pasta sauce (and wow was is delish). My Grandfather's tomatoes have been turned into about fifty BLTs (Mr. Holt says thanks, his cholesterol levels do not.) and the Whitaker's tomatoes became salsa, and salad with cucumbers and shallots. (OM NOM NOM.)</div><div><br /></div><div>And now I'm thinking forward to fall, and I think maybe this year I can't get through the colder months without that sunny, bright deep umami taste of real homegrown tomatoes. </div><div>So I got a book:</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCUTaWl9hw8aAwVyZTDR4-X0SYrQyfjU85AdOxTgwCgqzC1chQ1f5igsAHUrFVnhvnZnIcOXF16cIhSKY3XMfl0hyphenhyphenauvEdGsR_CJyNOsa5Hksw9XDH4DNvoIedSXTXFaxyKCgdO87GgQ/s1600/517I9GIlyyL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCCUTaWl9hw8aAwVyZTDR4-X0SYrQyfjU85AdOxTgwCgqzC1chQ1f5igsAHUrFVnhvnZnIcOXF16cIhSKY3XMfl0hyphenhyphenauvEdGsR_CJyNOsa5Hksw9XDH4DNvoIedSXTXFaxyKCgdO87GgQ/s400/517I9GIlyyL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511337355078876466" /></a><br /><br /><div>from <a href="http://small-measure.blogspot.com/">Ashley English at Small Measure</a>, and tomorrow I'm getting a giant box of overripe, bruised and split tomatoes from a local garden and I'm going to can my guts out. This could be a big mess. </div><div><br /></div><div>Have you ever canned your own tomatoes? </div><div>Do you have any tips for me?</div>Sarahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10231947365153119064noreply@blogger.com0