Burning Mass

Although it's been warm and sunny during the day, the temperature has been drastically dropping overnight.  Usually these dips would be cause to start a fire.

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Manual

I was perusing ThreeShelledWalnuts looking for an image of a fire in our wood stove when I happened upon these gorgeous handcrafted bags by Infusion.  Would I be willing to pay $170 for a bag?  I think that the answer is yes.  For something handmade that I love, I would pay $170.

The trusty purse that I paid $40 for over four years ago is still in everyday use and beyond tattered.  Admittedly, I haven't really been looking, but newness is most definitely in order.

Acrux

This past weekend was a whirlwind adventure.  I enjoyed the opportunity to deviate from the normal routine.  Other itty-bitty, minor deviations can be found as follows:

Thank you YumEarth for making candies unlike the others.

Bright socks have more fun.

The Mitten State gets a little dark sky delight.

A calendar to set the tone for 2014.

Dreaming of another cozy sweater.

Making a List, or, Too Early?

Is it too early to make a Christmas wish list?  If it isn't, I want a Standard wall clock (or something very similar) that doesn't tick.  ...no ticking.

Distinction

What?!  J. spotted the same fancy-pants artwork, that I pulled from my Grandma's basement, in Joy and Darnell's trailer.*  I repeat... What?!

Admittedly, we've been on a massive My Name Is Earl binge.

Mid-Term, or, Progress Report

Of all the garlic and shallots that were planted, only one variety has shown any signs of growth.  Still... it's amazing that with little to no care, it's growing.

Savor

I discovered seven end pieces of four different types of bread just chillin' in the refrigerator, and instead of converting them to plain old bread crumbs, I made bread pudding.  I love bread pudding, but had never attempted to make it before.  It's easy and breakfast perfection on a cool, autumn morning.

Bliss.

Achird

21 october 2013 . monday . (day one thousand three hundred eighty-six)

With the recent full moon and a general lack of enthusiasm, I've been feeling hard pressed to find bright lights.  There have been a few though.

A new Wes Anderson film that is bound to rock my world.

Podcasts to get me through the doldrums of daily chores.

Freakonomics.

The Moth.

Fresh Air.

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

This American Life.

The continuity of a project 1386 days in the making.

Charity

What does one do with thirty-five pounds of quince?  

I'm considering:

Beef and Quince Tajine

Quince Slab Pie

Tunisian Lamb and Quince Stew

Quince Vodka

Persian Quince Jam with Cardamom and Rosewater

Sugar Quince Cubes

While I decide, we'll enjoy the simple delight of their very fragrant aroma.

Link, or, Follow

It's been nearly two years since I've explored my ancestry through ancestry.com.  Over the weekend, I picked up where I left off.  It's a bit of a rabbit hole for me, and if I let myself, I would follow the trail for hours and hours (like 10+ and/or until the wee-hours of the morning).*  

Family histories are so fascinating to me.  Thinking and learning about my ancestors centers me.  It may sound strange, but it has a similar effect on my psyche as travel does.  It opens my perspective to so much more than the circumference of my daily experience.  It also, somehow, makes my existence feel both significant and minuscule.**

*Because I love many things graph-y and chart-y, I'm easily sucked in by the details.

**Residing in that balance between importance and meaningless is where I feel most at home.

Truth or Fiction: Older and Wiser

Today I enter my thirty-fifth year.*  I'm pretty sure that it will be a good one, possibly even stellar.

*(So far) I'm one of those people that enjoys the extra number that comes with each birthday.  Thirty-four feels really young still so I like the idea of being in my 35th year, which sounds... older.

Class[ic]

If you're a fan of pencils, I seriously recommend trying the Mirado Classic.  I just love them.  Using these pencils feels special.  They're appropriately housed within and next to two other items of value.*

*Your Weekly Encouragement Calendar and an all purpose tin both specially designed by my dear college friend, CGB (now CGP).

Oh Happy Day

Domino, my very favoritest magazine is back!

Allium

Unless meticulously and constantly tended, a garden quickly takes on a questionable appearance.  Thankfully with the departure of our foster dog and the giant behavioral leaps of our own plus the two day break in the rainclouds, J. and I were able to devote a bit of time over the weekend to weeding and planting.  Four 4x4 foot beds have been prepped and planted with garlic and shallots.

Although the deer shouldn't be a problem but the excessive amount of stray cats very likely will find a use for the fresh ground, I reused the cages that I made for the shelling bush beans this summer.

Achernar, or, River's End

Monday, monday...  Another week is here.  To help get through, like shining stars, here are a few of my favorite things.

Fantasies of a new cold-weather coat.

A weekly fix of my celebrity crush, Adam Samberg.

Old 99 Brewing Co., a local little guy, grandly opens.

Exhibition worthy diagrams!

Greenhouse inspiration.

What?!  A whole town decorated with quilts each fall.

Stall

Thanks to more than sixteen hours of combined labor, there is more visible floor space in the garage than there has been since we bought the house over two years ago.  It still isn't functional in the most ideal fashion, but... it's functional.  

Assuming I can find a level section, I'm looking forward using the open area to building a self-designed chicken coop.

Shutdown

No more shade/rain tent.

No more giant table.

No more twinkle lights.

No more parties until December.

Tenth Month

October has arrived in full force, and if you're looking for a cheery new October desktop, look to Geninne.

Best of Friends

Marrow's lady friend left us today to join her new family.  J. and I are thrilled to be a one-dog household again.  Even so, it was fun having her for the last sixteen days.  

My guess is that Marrow also has mixed feelings about her departure.  His horseplay pal and lounging around buddy isn't here to pester whenever the whim strikes him.  Yet again, she isn't here to push him around or fight him for bones which are rightfully his either.