Amber's (scaifea) Thread #4

Hey, everybody!

I'm Amber, a one-time Classics professor, turned stay-at-home parent/lady of leisure, turned part-time library assistant, turned once again Classics professor. I spend my free time sewing, writing, knitting, baking, and, of course, reading.

My reading life is happily governed by lists, which means that I read a healthy variety of things across various genres.

I'm 45 going on 12 and live in Ohio with my husband, Tomm; our son, Charlie, and Mario the Golden Retriever.

Here I am in Dr. Scaife Mode (you can tell that because my hair is, for once, actually combed and not just in a messy bun):



Favorite Books from 2020
The Lumberjanes collected comic volumes
Call Down the Hawk
New Kid
The Wise Man's Fear
The Slow Regard of Silent Things
Pride and Prejudice
Silver in the Wood
A Tale of Two Cities

What I'm Reading Now:
-Lord Foul's Bane (BSF Award)
-Return of the Thief (series read)
-Song for a Whale (Schneider Award)
-Camp (romance list)
-A Promised Land (audiobook)
-Farmer Boy (family bedtime read-aloud)
-The Book Thief (books I'm reading with my friend, Rob)
-Gardens of the Moon (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books)

Books on Deck:
-Guard of Honor (Pulitzer list)
-Uncle Silas (books by year - 1864)
-(an unread book from my shelves)
-(a book from my Read Soon! shelves)
-The Experience of Insight (Buddhist reading list)
-A Likely Story (cozy mysteries)
-Henry VI Part 1 (Shakespeare re-read)
-The Ugly American (Banned Books)
-The King of Elfland's Daughter (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list)

The five-ish or so books I have going at once and the On Deck books nearly all come from the following categories and lists:

1. A book from the 100 Banned Books book (at least currently. As soon as I finish this list, I'll replace it with another, and oh, I've got tons of lists).

2. A children's book, for Charlie's library. I'm trying to collect books from various award lists, and I like reading them before reading them to Charlie or deciding to add them to Charlie's shelves. For this category, I’m currently working through three lists:
a. 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Die
b. The Newbery Honor books
c. Cooperative Children's Book Center list

3. A book from the Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy List, in chronological order.

4. A list I'm working through together with my best friend, Rob: The Hugo/Nebula/WFA/Bram Stoker (and other) lists (combined, in chronological order)

5. For this category, I cycle through 9 different stacks:
a. Agatha Christie's bibliography (in chronological order)
b. Stephen Fry's bibliography (in chronological order)
c. John Boyne bibliography (in chronological order, sort of)
d. Neil Gaiman's bibliography (in some order other than chronological (don't
ask)).
e. Christopher Moore's bibliography (in chronological order)
f. Maggie Stiefvater's bibliography (in chronological order)
g. The NEH Timeless Classics list
h. The National Book Award list (in alpha order by title)
i. The Pulitzer list (in alpha order by author)

6. An unread book from my shelves.

7. A book from my Read Soon! shelves.

8. A book on Buddhism or from the Dalai Lama's bibliography.

9. Book-a-year challenge: Three years ago, along with a few others in this group (*cough* Paul *cough*), I made a year-by-year list to see how far I could go back with consecutive reads. I've since been trying to fill in the gap years.

10. A book from the couple of series that I'm reading together with my mom.

11. A full-on re-read through Shakespeare's stuff.

12. A read-aloud-to-Charlie-at-bedtime book (or two).

13. An audio book, which I listen to as I knit/sew/otherwise craft/drive.

14. A romance novel, using as a guideline an excellent list of authors and works curated by lycomaflower (I know virtually nothing about this genre, but I now work in a library where many, many lovely people come through to check out books of this genre, and I want to know something about it).

15. This slot is reserved for books that just grab me and shout that they need to be read Right Now.

Books Read

JANUARY
1. Spinning Silver (Alex Award) - 10/10 = A+
2. Swamp Thing: Twin Branches (Stiefvater bibliography) - 8/10 = B
3. Manchild in the Promised Land (Banned Books list, AlphaKIT: M) - 9/10 = A-
4. The Wish Giver (Newbery Honor Book) - 8/10 = B
5. Silas Marner (audiobook) - 8/10 = B-
6. The Story of Tracy Beaker (1001 Children's Books) - 8/10 = B-
7. Thick as Thieves (series reread) - 10/10 = A+
8. Lumberjanes #16: Mind over Mettle (series read) - 10/10 = A+
9. Pilgrimage (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy Books) - 7/10 = C
10. Each Tiny Spark (Schneider Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
11. The House on the Borderland (Green Dragon 1001 Fantasy list) - 6/10 = D
12. Beyond Religion (books on Buddhism) - 9/10 = A
13. Outlander (romance list) - 6/10 = D
14. Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun (Newbery Honor Book) - 7/10 = C
15. Far Away Across the Sea (1001 Children's Books) - 10/10 = A+
16. The Daylight Gate (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-
17. The Queen of Attolia (family bedtime read-aloud) - 10/10 = A+
18. Works and Days & Theogony (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A-

My buddies, Charlie & Mario:

Next one is yours - welcome!

Happy number four, Amber.

Happy new thread, Amber!

>6 PaulCranswick: >7 FAMeulstee: Thanks, folks!

Happy new one, Amber! Yes to the chocolate in the topper.

>9 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Right?! Perfect photo. That's even my favorite kind of chocolate bar (chocolate with almonds/hazelnuts in)!

I love hazelnuts!

You don't mind if I sit down for a while? How is Charlie doing? I read about the increasing fever in the last thread.

Happy new yadda yadda yadda.....

>11 Crazymamie: Oh, Mamie, you have *such* good taste! Hazelnuts are second only to hickory nuts in my book. *happy sigh*

>12 PersephonesLibrary: *snork!* I love it! And thanks so much for asking about Charlie, Käthe - he's *much* better today and the fever seems to be gone for good this time (still keeping my fingers crossed, though).

>13 katiekrug: Katie:

>14 scaifea: I am glad to hear that. He has got the weekend ahead so he has got time still to fully recover!

>15 PersephonesLibrary: Yes! And it's not like we've got big plans or anything. #thanksalotcovid

Happy new one!

Your opening photo reminded me of why I am having so much trouble getting started today. I failed to drink my morning cup of coffee. I got so busy with laundry that it slipped my mind. I didn't eat breakfast either. I guess I wasn't hungry. I did eat lunch, but now I know why I'm so tired! Is 5 pm too late to have that morning cup of joe? Probably. Hopefully I'll do better tomorrow.

>17 figsfromthistle: Thank you!

>18 thornton37814: Lori: Ooof, yeah. That coffee definitely helps in the morning. And the tea in the afternoon. Way back when I was in grad school, I used to forget to eat meals here and there. Somehow that just doesn't happen to me anymore...

Just cruising in, Amber.

Happy new thread Amber. Glad to hear Charlie is on the mend.

Happy new thread.

If each of your threads started with a single frame of animation you'd have a cartoon by the end of the year!

>20 MickyFine: Ha! Thanks, Micky!

>21 fairywings: Thanks so much, Adrienne - I'm so glad he's better, too.

>22 quondame: Ha! I don't know about that, but it would be a strange cartoon, eh?

Happy New Thread, Amber!

Happy New Thread, Amber.

Happy Saturday, Amber! Happy New Thread! Numero cuatro? Wow!

>24 EBT1002: >25 connie53: >26 msf59: Thanks, folks!

Today's agenda:
A little laundry (ick), a little baking (Parmesan Herb Bread), a little sewing (still working on piecing that quilt), and hopefully more than a little reading.

Family Game Night last night was a hoot. We have a version of Monopoly called Electronic Banking, with a big top hat that essentially runs the game for you. It keeps track of your money and who owes what rent to whom, and the voice is so weird and hilarious. Plus, half the time it misinterprets what Tomm says to it and he ends up paying money to people he doesn't owe, then gets comically angry, and Charlie and I dissolve into giggles. So much fun.

We also call Friday dinners Frozen Fridays: each week we all pick a treat to order from the frozen section of the grocery story and that's our meal. Charlie tends to go for waffle fries and fish sticks or pierogies; Tomm likes tater tots/crowns and pot stickers; and my favorites are egg rolls and sometimes mini cheeseburgers. So healthy. But, it's a nice treat to look forward to during the week these days (and we tend to throw in a salad, too, so don't worry too much about us).

On the reading front:
I found a few minutes here and there to make some progress with Return of the Thief, and of course I'm still slowly moving through A Promised Land on audio. I think I may start my reading day today with The Daylight Gate, but we'll see what mood strikes when I get there.

What We're Watching:
After Monopoly, we settled down for a couple of Graham Norton Shows; Rowan Atkinson was on one of them, and what a treat that was. So sweet and hilarious.

Can't keep up. Hff hff. Short o' breath. Your pace is such a challenge.

I think I need more coffee. I'm liking my new cheap Bella espresso maker.

Liking Mr. Obama's memoir-part-one. Sprinkling in several pages Pete Souza photos of the Obama presidency, some Prairie Home Companion jokes, and the occasional short story by Carson McCullers.

Have an appointment for The Fauci Ouchie. But not until February 19. Something to look forward to.

Happy new thread!

>28 scaifea: Your family Friday sounds pretty awesome! That's one of the things that we miss out on as shift workers, as we don't get that end of week Friday feels.

>29 weird_O: Hi, Bill! *hands you a water bottle*

I don't know that I'd know how to work an espresso machine, but I do need my two cups of plain old joe in the morning, followed by two or so cups of tea in the afternoon.

I have the Souza book on my list but haven't gotten to it yet. I *am* loving mentally comparing Obama's book to Becoming, which I read a couple of years ago. Some nice parallels, of course.

My parents have appointments for their first FO (love that phrase!) next week, I think. I'm trying to be patient waiting for my own turn...

>30 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle!
It's funny that even when I wasn't working and Charlie wasn't in school, I still would get that Yay It's Friday! feeling. It would be harder if you're working different shifts, though.

Morning, Amber! I also get that "Yay It's Friday! feeling". It's never had anything to do with work for me because all of the jobs I've had required me to also work some weekends, so Friday never signaled the end of the work week. Friday just has its own vibe that is happy making for me.

>32 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Right?! There's just something about a Friday...

>28 scaifea: My "little laundry" yesterday turned into 6 loads because I washed all the bedding including pillows (4 loads). Only 2 loads of clothes!

>34 thornton37814: Lori: Ooof, not my favorite chore, but nice, clean sheets are worth it, yeah?

Happy new thread!

Hi Amber! I'm reading A Promised Land, too. A customer gave it to me as a Christmas present - the nicest, most thoughtful customer present any of them has given me. Trying not to read it too quickly as I expect it will likely be a number of years before the next one is finished.

Pete Souza was born in my town and grew up in the next town over. One time I sort of met his mother in the waiting room of our, apparently shared, income tax guy as she was leaving.

>36 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>37 Fourpawz2: The audiobook is great, of course; Obama is an excellent narrator. It's long enough, though, and I don't have must listening time these days, that it will definitely take me a long while to finish.

Neat story about Souza!

>35 scaifea: Absolutely.

>28 scaifea: I just had a huge order in from Porto's, a semi-local Cuban bakery. Meat pies! Guava cheese pastries! Stuffed potato balls! Frozen day is a regular thing around here, though Friday, which used to be dine out night, is now mostly for delivery feasts.
I used to stock up on Trader Joe's appetizers to bake for my only-for-myself dinners, but haven't for some time. Becky and I will still do ourselves a large plate of potstickers almost weekly, they take less than 5 minutes from freezer to mouth.

Hi Amber my dear, happy fourth thread. I hope all is well with you all and that Charlie is feeling better. We are both fine, Karen has been off all week taking some holiday time and keeping me busy, lol. Amy had her 28 week scan and all is well with the baby.

Sending love and hugs to you all from both of us dear friend.

>39 thornton37814: *grins*

>40 quondame: Yay for life's little treats, yeah?

>41 johnsimpson: Thanks, John! And thanks for the Charlie well-wishes! He seems completely over it now, thank goodness.
I bet it's been nice having Karen home this week, and yay for healthy baby and healthy Amy!

Today's Agenda:
I made waffles this morning, and this afternoon I'll make the Parmesan Herb Bread that didn't get made yesterday (I was in the sewing room longer than I had originally planned and time just got away from me), and try to get some quality reading time in. Moo Shoo Chicken for dinner tonight, I think, with Apple Crisp for dessert.

On the reading front:
I read a good chunk of The Daylight Gate yesterday and I think I try to finish it up today.

What We're Watching:
My pick last night, and we watched the Johnny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (I love both the original and this remake; this one is Charlie's favorite).

This morning's breakfast:

Happy Sunday, Amber, and enjoy those waffles!

Happy Sunday, Amber!

>44 bell7: Thanks, Mary! They were pretty good, but it was a new recipe and I think in future I'll stick to my trusty old recipe, which gets fluffier results.

>45 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! Happy Sunday to you, too!

Morning, Amber! Those waffles look most Yum. Birdy got a little individual waffle maker from Daniel and Kaitlyn for Christmas, and it makes the cutest waffles ever. She is going to make some again soon so we can use them to make breakfast sandwiches. I can't wait.

>47 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie!
I love the idea of an mini waffle, but it's already a bit tedious making regular-sized waffles one at a time for me. Ha! But using them for breakfast sandwiches? GENIUS.

Great, now I want waffles. Oh, well. Good morning, Amber!

>48 scaifea: Yes, but Birdy is going to make them - see the genius in my plan?!

>49 rosalita: Ha! Afternoon, Julia!

>50 Crazymamie: Mamie: *SNORK!* So. Much. Genius.

16. The Daylight Gate by Jeanette Winterson (Read Soon! Shelves) - 8/10 = B-
A fictionalized retelling of the post-Gunpowder Plot Pendle Witch Trials, featuring Alice Nutter, and with a cameo by Shakespeare.
I'm all for fictional versions of historical events, and I'm also absolutely here for stories about witches and familiars and Shakespeare, but this one was just on the other side of too dark for me. I get that to say these women were ill-treated is a massive understatement, but I don't necessarily want to be bludgeoned with it, repeatedly. And maybe that was the point of Winterson's narrative, and if so, well done, mission accomplished, but I would rather have seen her flesh out the story of Nutter more, spend those words used on bleak and gratuitous violence on spinning more web for Alice's mysteries. She's such a promising character, but she doesn't get much more than the nod of that promise. The writing is good; the sentences are clipped and abrupt and stark, which seems right for the content, although in a few spots I think Winterson takes it a bit too far and it crosses over into clunky for brief moments. Anyway. Maybe I just wanted the book to be a different kind of book than it is. I see its merits, but I may stay clear of Winterson in future.

Happy new one, Amber (sorry I'm so late but didn't get to spend much time on LT yesterday)

>53 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba! There's no "so late" here - you're welcome any time!

The waffles look delicious. Mamie got me craving a breakfast sandwich the other day and now I want waffles. *sigh*

>55 katiekrug: Ha! Sorry, Katie!

>52 scaifea: I read Frankissstein and made a funny experience: I liked her writing style, how she wrote and described everything. But what she wrote kept me on the edge of throwing the book into a corner.

Considering your review it looks like she's chosing interesting topics but doesn't fully manage to deal with it nicely (content-wise).

>57 PersephonesLibrary: Hi, Käthe! Oooof, yeah, I feel like she's an author that I can appreciate as having chops but not one whose stories I'm really interested in reading.

>52 scaifea: Ouch!
I'm glad of your very candid remarks. Like I was reading over on another thread tonight (a previous one of Amber's, I think), about Outlander. I sure don't need these grim scenarios described and re-visited throughout the narrative.

I found that Adrian McKinty bludgeoned me with descriptions of Belfast in the misery of The Troubles and just-cannot-read-another in the series. I'm thinking that I want story and setting and yes, evocative atmosphere but I feel so mentally/emotionally hammered by some passages.

(>57 PersephonesLibrary:) and you said, I figuratively want to throw the book across the room (or my e-reader) when I'm really interested in reading the plot and backstory.
(Hope I made sense here... I need to catch some sleep...)

>59 SandyAMcPherson: While I've freely dissed Outlander on other threads it hasn't been mentioned on mine.

>60 quondame: That's possibly why I thought it was your thread. I read your comment about the same off-putting thing (rape-torture etc) as I felt about the Diana Gabaldon series. Still not sure whose thread I was on, since I was scooting through so many. Hope you didn't mind?

My eyeballs are spinning from catching up at least a little bit on the threads... I really need to make time mid-week as well as Sunday evenings on LT so I can keep track of things more readily.

>61 SandyAMcPherson: No problem. I'd read a lot more if I didn't go through LT a couple of times daily, but it's not like I don't get in some time reading now & then.

>59 SandyAMcPherson: Hi, Sandy! I don't mean to be overly-harsh toward Winterson, especially since I think that brutal tone is a big part of the point for her in this book. And I know that others will likely love it, but it's just not my jam. I'm happy to help steer you clear of it, if you're the same way. (And yep, you made perfect sense!)

>60 quondame: >61 SandyAMcPherson: I'm pretty sure it was on my thread, just an earlier version.

Today's agenda:
It's a busy one, folks. Blech. I've already looked through Charlie's class work for the day, so I've got that part prepped, and I'll keep an eye on him as he works through it himself today. I also need to prep for classes (go through my lecture notes and get my slides uploaded to Nearpod), hold office hours, attend a department meeting, and teach two classes. And I need to get started reading the assignment for the myth class for Wednesday's class; it's been long enough since I last taught these texts that I want to reread them despite my existing and thorough notes. *sigh*

ETA: OH! And the YALSA award announcements are this morning! *bounces* So I'll be taking time out to watch those on the live stream, even though I already have too much to do, because priorities.

On the reading front:
I read a bit more of The Book Thief yesterday, listened to a bit of the Obama book, and read a bit of Camp.

What We're Watching:
It was Charlie's pick last night, so more Gilmore Girls.

Morning, Amber! Hoping the work part of your day goes quickly and smoothly.

>65 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! Good morning to you, too!

Good luck with your busy day, Amber.

>64 scaifea: Way to leap into the week! Glad Charlie's all good. Hope you enjoy the YALSA award ceremony. Is today the first day with the Three Graces and all the others?

>67 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie! So far so good; the YALSA's were a hoot and I'm nearly finished with my class prep, which leaves me a little bit of breathing space before my department meeting and teaching. Whew.

>68 justchris: Chris: Right? Yoicks. It's going pretty well so far, at least, and the YALSA's were fun. Last Wednesday was the first day for both of the classes I'm teaching, and the Three Graces were lovely and chatty in the best way for a discussion class. I'm looking forward to getting to know all the myth students this semester - it seems like a really good group.

>59 SandyAMcPherson: Not sure, if I understood that, Sandy. :)

>64 scaifea: Sounds like a harsh start of the week, Amber. Take care!

>70 PersephonesLibrary: Thanks, Käthe! I tend to stress more about getting prepped in time than is generally necessary - I'm all set to go with 90 minutes to spare before my department meeting.

And I think Sandy was just agreeing with you on the tension between being interested in the book in some ways and wanting to throw it across the room in other ways.

Hope you survived your busy day unscathed!

What did you think of the Newbery Award winner? It wasn't a title I'd heard of, though I confess I'm not as up on kid's titles as I was when I was a library assistant, hm, ten years ago. (How time flies!)

>72 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle! I was exhausted at the end of the day, but got through it. The first couple of weeks of teaching after a break are always pretty brutal.

>73 bell7: Mary: I had heard of the winner - and heard good things - but I haven't read it. In fact, although I already had a couple of the winners (Newbery and others) on my list, I've only read one or two this year. I'm excited to check them all out!

Today's agenda:
Course prep, keeping an eye on Charlie's work, a quick trip to the library to pick up holds, and maybe a bit of reading. Zuppa Toscana for dinner tonight.

My students loved the Bernie appearances! So fun.

On the reading front:
When I finished teaching yesterday evening, Charlie and Tomm were already deep into their DC Night, so I grabbed Return of the Thief, changed right into pajamas, and crawled into bed. I'm about halfway through it, and things are starting to...happen. *bounces*

>75 scaifea: I have that on my bedside TBR, might get to it soon. I really need to sit down and read a cole's notes on the previous books though, as it's been way too long since I read them and probably don't remember much about them.

>76 ChelleBearss: I reread through the series first, but it's also my very favorite series ever EVER, so the reread was a delight and not at all a chore. I would definitely recommend reading through a good summary of the series first, though.

Morning, Amber! Your evening sounds pretty perfect to me. I love rereading through a favorite series before going on to the new one. I did that last year with Ruth Galloway, and it was a lot of fun. I had forgotten so much.

>78 Crazymamie: It's so comforting to reread such favorites, isn't it? And with a series like this one, there's so much to pay attention to that I find something new in every reread. I love it.

I'll probably be doing some version of your evening tonight. Mr. Fine has his weekly virtual D&D game so I've got every plan of curling up in bed and reading when that kicks off.

>80 MickyFine: That sounds excellent, Micky! Enjoy!

>71 scaifea: Sometimes I am very slow at comprehending... :) Has Charlie fully recovered?

>82 PersephonesLibrary: Sometimes I am very slow at comprehending Me, too, Käthe. Me, too. So no worries!

And yes! Charlie seems fully back to normal - woot! Thanks so much for asking, friend.

>71 scaifea: Correct! Thanks Dr. Classical prof-person.
My writing clarity often leaves much to be desired...

>84 SandyAMcPherson: *grins*

Happy New Thread, Amber.

I like your Frozen Idea. I'm not sure what I'd pick though. Since I could eat pizza every day, it might be that.

>86 jnwelch: Hi, Joe! Pizza is always a good choice. Always.

Sometimes a quick trip to the library to pick up holds is like much-needed Christmas Morning feels. I love that feeling of getting excited about the new stack of books brought home. That is all.

>88 scaifea: I totally get that. What are you most excited about in your library stack?

>89 MickyFine: Ooof. Difficult choice. I have a couple of picture book winners from yesterday's awards announcements, and those are always exciting, plus a C.S. Lewis that I've wanted to read for a long time, the first of the Thomas Covenant books (again, I've wanted to try the series for a long time), and The Kind of Elfland's Daughter, which looks fun.

An embarrassment of riches. ;)

>91 MickyFine: Indeed.

>90 scaifea: Thomas Covenant, oof. Those books were everywhere once upon a time. And yet, I never got around to reading them. Now having heard there's rape scene on p. 77, I have no need to fill in this gap in my genre reading. I'm just fine sticking to A Man Rides Through and The Mirror of Her Dreams; those 2 had their squicky bits too, but not so egregious to prove how antihero the antihero is. I remember Daughter of Regals wasn't so bad either.

>75 scaifea: Glad your meme moment in class was a success. And dinner sounds lovely.

>93 justchris: I'm not going to click on the spoiler since I've just started the first book...

>94 scaifea: Well, let me know when you hit it. I think you'll know it when you get to it. 'Nuff said.

>95 justchris: I'll do my best to remember that the post is there, but it'll be a good while before I finish the book. I read his Gap Cycle years and years ago and absolutely loved it, but I know it got brutal in parts, so I'm assuming it's something similar. I've softened over the years and I may end up abandoning this one if that's the case, but I do know that I love his writing.

Today's Agenda:
Prep for classes, be here if Charlie needs me for his school work, monthly check-in meeting with Charlie's homeroom teacher, office hours, teaching. Still adjusting to teaching two classes instead of one, so a bit of hustle will be necessary today, I think, to get as prepared as I like to be (think: way over-). Things will settle into a routine soon.

On the reading front:
I started two new ones yesterday: Lord Foul's Bane and Song for a Whale; both seem promising so far.

What We're Watching:
Charlie and I watched a couple more Queer Eye episodes while Tomm was in his Tuesday evening class. We just love those boys.

I read one of this year's Caldecott Honor Books, Me & Mama, yesterday and it's a gorgeous one in both its language and illustrations:







Highly recommended.

Love that pictures! Really beautiful.

>99 connie53: Connie: Right? It is a beautiful book.

Morning, Amber! Those illustrations are just so full of beauty!

>101 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! They are, aren't they? The story is lovely, too.

I heard somebody mention pizza....

>103 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Ha! Well, funny thing: Tomm's having a rough week (he has to sit in on the Texas Board of Education meetings this week and they are...frustrating); last night he stalked out of his office to announce, "That's it - we're getting pizza soon. I need pizza." So I think we're getting pizza tomorrow night...

>104 scaifea: - We're probably getting pizza tomorrow, too. We can clink slices. Or not. That would be weird. Right?

>105 katiekrug: Well, it would be weird if they actually made clinking sounds.

Right. Note to self: no glass shards on pizza.

Safety first.

>108 Crazymamie: -

Pizza to prostitutes in 5 posts. #soproud

>105 katiekrug: Not weird at all, Katie.

>106 Crazymamie: Clinking is more a state of mind, Mamie. But, yeah, *that* would be a little strange. I'd probably still eat the pizza, though.

>107 katiekrug: >108 Crazymamie: >109 katiekrug: *snork!*

You're welcome.

>111 MickyFine: So very true, Micky.

>112 katiekrug: I can always count on you to bring the classy, Katie. *raises pizza slice in tribute*

>113 scaifea: - I'm totes a classy broad.

>114 katiekrug: Yeppers.

This thread cracks me up!

>114 katiekrug: TOTES



I just realized that my response to you in >14 scaifea: remains completely relevant. Pizza and Safety Girls is now officially the Thread Theme.

>115 Crazymamie: Woot! I'm all about a good time, apparently.

SO much class here....

>117 laytonwoman3rd: Pouring red wine over a white dress? I'm not sure that that doesn't disqualify her as a Safety Girl, Linda...

ETA: Although points for those eyebrows.

Hi Amber, I am glad to hear Charlie is back to normal again. Looove the picture book, it looks lovely!

>118 scaifea: Yes, I had that thought too...but you can't deny the CLASS.
(Maybe classy means you are immune to things like wine stains...)

>117 laytonwoman3rd: - Not enough pinky lift to be uber-classy, though ;-)

>119 PersephonesLibrary: Thanks so much, Käthe! I'm very glad that he's back to normal, too. And yes! The book is gorgeous and definitely worthy of a Caldecott Honor.

>120 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Oh, yes, definitely classy.

>121 katiekrug: Katie *snork!* I do think the eyebrows make up for the lack of pinky lift.

Just on a sidenote: You do realize that instead of thinking "lol" I have started to use "snork". 😅

>123 PersephonesLibrary: HAhahaha!! I LOVE IT!!

>121 katiekrug: It's been so long since I was in finishing school....do we use the pinky lift when POURING, or only when DRINKING??

>125 laytonwoman3rd: - I personally lift at any opportunity because I am THAT classy.

>125 laytonwoman3rd: >126 katiekrug: *Impressed that anyone could PL while pouring without dropping the pot/bottle* You classy broads are amazing!

>117 laytonwoman3rd:, >121 katiekrug:, >125 laytonwoman3rd:, >127 scaifea:

>128 lycomayflower: - Philistine!

>96 scaifea: The Gap Cycle is, or starts out, much more brutally than Lord Foul's Bane which sets up excuses but acknowledges from the start that wrong has, irretrievably, been committed. In the consequences there is more similarity.

>128 lycomayflower: *SWOONS*

>129 katiekrug: How dare you, Katie. How. Dare. Dean Winchester is his own kind of classy!

>130 quondame: Well I suspect I may be okay, then. Thanks for the tip.

>129 katiekrug: He can hold his wine glass any old way he likes, the dear. I mean, LOOK AT HIS HAND. *ded. in puddle. puddle of ded*

>132 lycomayflower: And then there's Crowley...

>133 scaifea: I will see you a Crowley, and raise you an Obama. This might just settle the issue, I feel.

>134 laytonwoman3rd: Oooh close, Linda, but I give you...a Moose with a Teacup:



*mic drop*

Today's agenda:
Prepping for next week's classes, menu planning, grocery ordering, Charlie work tracking, maybe some reading? Pizza tonight for dinner and I am more excited about that than I really should be, I suspect: the last thing I thought as I drifted off to sleep last night was "*sigh* Pizza tommorrow!" and the first thought I had when the alarm went off was, "OH! Pizza Day!" So, yeah. I'm jazzed.

On the reading front:
No reading time on teaching days, or at least extracurricular reading time. I'll post my course prep reading a little later.

What We're Watching:
Agents of Shield last night (Tomm's pick). We're down to the last few episodes and whoa, stuff is HAPPENING.

Morning, Amber! Sweet Thursday! Hooray for pizza day!

>134 laytonwoman3rd: Love it! I liked having a "beer" guy in office, instead of a Diet Coke one.

>137 msf59: Morning, Mark! Ha! I assumed that was a coffee drink! I clearly don't know much about beer.

I love your excitement about pizza day. Is it the thought of pizza itself, or that it's take-out/delivery pizza ? Either way, happy pizza day!

>139 lauralkeet: Morning, Laura!

It's both, really. I mean, pizza. But also, take-out is such a treat these days that it feels like a special occasion!

We moved takeout night to last night, so no matching pizza tonight, I'm afraid. I'm sure you're devastated.

Try to have a good day anyway, Amber!

Morning, Amber! I love pizza. It's one of my very favorite things.

>142 Crazymamie: Morning, Mamie! Pizza is one of humanity's greatest achievements, really. Just...well done, World. Well done.

>133 scaifea: It's so funny - I think I have exactly that set of china! :-)

So, I understand we are discussing pizza? I am ready to roll the dough!

>144 PersephonesLibrary: I *love* that china! Very cool, Käthe.

And YES! Pizza!! Charlie loves it when we make our own - we should do that again soon...

17. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner (family bedtime read-aloud) - 10/10 = A+
Charlie is *loving* this series, as all smart people do. *glares in Micky's direction*



18. Works and Days & Theogony by Hesiod (translation by Stanley Lombardo (Myth course readings) - 9/10 = A-
Not my favorite ancient Greek text, but still pretty fun in parts, and absolutely necessary to any classical myth course.

>147 lycomayflower: Perfection.

What will you get on your pizza, Amber?

ETA: >146 scaifea: I'm going to grab a shiny shield and point it at you Perseus-style, lady.

I feel like Micky is trying to start another fight...

>150 katiekrug: I'm just feeling a little attacked when I very demurely said nothing when Amber hated on one of my favourite series...

Can not keep up! (Although all the wine is helping!!)

>149 MickyFine: Charlie likes just cheese (we call it Charlie Cheese Pizza, and in fact there is a menu item in a Wisconsin pizzeria named just that and just for him now), but I like Supreme, No Mushrooms.

(Also, *eye roll at your complete lack of hoplite skills*)

>150 katiekrug: Honestly, Katie, I like my chances if she's *pointing* the shield...

>151 MickyFine: *sigh*



You know what? Fine. FINE. Outlander is amazing. I'm a dummy for not liking it. (*whispers* MWT rules!)

>152 ronincats: Help yourself, Roni!

Not that anyone asked, but I like meatballs and onions on my pizza.

>153 scaifea: *snort* It's true my shield skills are negligible.

And you're not a dummy. Every book its reader and for that one, its reader is not you. *hugs*

I am also a no mushrooms person! See, we're still kindred spirits!

>154 katiekrug: Since I don't eat pork I usually go veggie or there's a chicken pizza with barbecue sauce that my favourite pizza place makes that I also like. Wouldn't turn down Charlie's cheese pizza though.

>154 katiekrug: Katie: I've never had actual meatballs on my pizza, but I do like all sorts of meaty toppings, plus onions are a MUST.

Apologies for not asking you specifically for your always-valued opinion, Mistress K.

>155 MickyFine: Well, I suspect I couldn't even pick up an actual shield, so.

Woot for no mushrooms! All is forgiven.

I do like a good BBQ Chicken pizza on occasion. Taco pizzas are also excellent.

I also don't like mushrooms in or on anything.

Barbecue chicken pizza is excellent, as is chicken parm pizza.

*adds meatball pizza to list of foods to stuff in our pie-holes when Amber comes to visit the Dirty Jerz*

>158 katiekrug: Chicken Parm Pizza? OoooOOOOOOoooo I need it.

And woot! to the food fest when I visit!!

And now there is another entry....

The best chicken parm pizza is actually vodka chicken parm so you get a tangier (tangy-er?) sauce. Breaded and seasoned chicken, lots of mozzarella, it's Most Excellent.

>160 katiekrug: That sounds so amazing. Definitely add it to the list!

Hi Amber and Happy Thursday (I'd say Happy New Thread but with my abysmal ability to keep up, I'd be saying that every time I post!).

Me & Mama looks so great. I'm going to see if I can get a book-book copy at our local library.

I have had The Daylight Gate on the shelves for a while now. I'll still read it eventually but I appreciate your comments.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead of you!

>162 EBT1002: Hi, Ellen!

Me & Mama is wonderful, although since it just won a Caldecott Honor earlier this week, you may need to get on a waitlist to check it out.

The Daylight Gate is just not my usual fare, I think, so please don't let my comments dissuade you.

And thanks for the weekend wishes! I'm wishing the same for you and P!

Still with the pizza...I'm dying here. I'll take mine topped with almost anything. (I've hesitated to try my friend Kathi's favorite, which is chicken-bacon-ranch, though.)

>135 scaifea: Adorable...no doubt about it. But I do not see ANY pinky action there.

>164 laytonwoman3rd: Mooses hain't got pinkies, silly.

>105 katiekrug: to >165 lycomayflower: Wow!! You're all a lot more awake than I am! I think I'd better go make a cup of tea, raise my pinkie and see if I can catch up :)

>135 scaifea: LOL! "Like" I'm familiar with this problem. I'm not much for pinky action either. When I try it, it looks like one of my fingers needs a splint.

>164 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: I'll try pretty much anything in pizza form, so chicken-bacon-ranch sounds pretty good to me.

Listen to that daughter of yours: Mooses don't have pinkies. I mean, clearly. But you are 100% spot on with the "adorable" assessment (says the Sam Girl).

>165 lycomayflower: Speaking truth to power. So brave. #myheroine

>166 RebaRelishesReading: Reba: Ha! Well, I'm entering the Desperately Need a Nap time of the afternoon, so I should probably have another cup of tea...

>167 jnwelch: You're in excellent company, Joe. Here, how's this?

>168 scaifea: Any "power" I may once have had with that one has dissolved with time and distance I fear.

>169 laytonwoman3rd: *awaiting response from "that one"*

>170 scaifea: Sure...encourage her.

>171 laytonwoman3rd: Only always. #SlytherinToHerHufflepuff

>169 laytonwoman3rd:

>172 scaifea: Of course you're a Slytherin! I'd forgotten. I'm a super even split of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. Every time I take a sorting quiz I get to choose between those two.

>173 lycomayflower: *SNORK!!*

>174 MickyFine: Nice!

I don't know what house I am. What do y'all think?

>176 katiekrug: For sure not a Slytherin -- you're much too nice and too much fun for that.

>176 katiekrug: Hmm, I'm not sure, Katie. Unlike Reba I think you might be Slytherin like Amber.

Time teamed with social scientists to come up with Sorting Hat Quiz you might try.

ETA: I came out more strongly Ravenclaw in that one than I usually do.

>173 lycomayflower: Oh very mature.

I'm very late to the "what I like on my pizza" discussion so will just say I am SO GLAD no one said "pineapple."

Well, it is sad to see mushrooms so maligned. I love them, love them on pizzas, in stews, in caponata, grilled and sautéed, in soup and salads, marinated and stuffed! Also on pizzas!

I am also late to the pizza discussion.
I find my toppings depend on where we get the takeout
- the Greek pizza place is always green pepper and onion
- the NY style pizza place is Buffalo chicken
- the gourmet pizza place is mashed potato, bacon, scallion

Maine can be a little odd with their pizza, I guess.

The best pizza I have ever had is a restaurant called Napoli in Connecticut. Large slices of cheese pizza were AMAZING!
Now I wish we had pizza for dinner.

>180 lauralkeet: - Amen!

>180 lauralkeet:, >183 katiekrug: Have you TRIED it? With bacon?

>184 laytonwoman3rd: ewwww.
Also: it's not the sweet-salty combination of pineapple and bacon that I find disgusting. It's pairing it with a tomato sauce.

Tuna (or any seafood tbh), pineapple and jalapenos.

And yes, yes, it's a bit niche.

Morning coffee anyone? >133 scaifea: Okay, it's similar but not the same. :)

>176 katiekrug: Oh, Katie, you're definitely in Slytherin with me. Totes. (It's where the cool kids are.)

>177 RebaRelishesReading: Wow, Reba. Just...wow.

Hey everybody, Reba thinks I'm neither nice nor fun! Cool. Coolcoolcool.

>178 MickyFine: Micky: Agreed. She's Slytherin. The true test is the Pottermore one, I think, but I've always come out Slytherin on other quizzes, too.

>179 laytonwoman3rd: *snork!*

>180 lauralkeet: Ha! Yeah, I don't like pineapple on pizza much, either, Laura.

>181 quondame: Not maligned, just not to everyone's tastes. You are welcome to them, happily.

>182 jayde1599: Oh, wow, Jess, those are some interesting combinations! I love that you have specific pizzas that you order at specific places. Very smart. And now I kind of want to try mashed potatoes on pizza...

>183 katiekrug: *does secret Slytherin handshake with Katie*

>184 laytonwoman3rd: Hm. I feel that bacon would only make things worse, Linda, but for me that's probably because I only like bacon either on its own or in a bacon sandwich.

>185 lauralkeet: Good point about the sauce, Laura. I also can't cotton to pineapple being warm? *shudders*

>186 BekkaJo: Bekka: Wow. Bold of you to admit to that in this particular atmosphere, it seems. I mean, pineapple *and* fish? But honestly it sounds just crazy enough to work.

>187 PersephonesLibrary: Morning, Käthe! And YES, please to the coffee. Also, I think that's definitely close enough to count - I'd be pretending I was having tea with Crowley all the time! *sigh*

Welp. Pizza night was...eventful.

Charlie and I ordered pizzas, of course, but Tomm ordered a gluten-free ham & cheese sub, which should have been safe for him (no garlic or onion or gluten). But halfway through the sandwich he realized that he'd just bitten into - and swallowed - an onion slice. So. The rest of the night was spend watching and waiting and worrying that we'd need to make a trip to the ER. Thankfully, although it was a rough night for him it never got quite bad enough to necessitate the ER visit. HUGE relief, although today, of course, we're both exhausted and looking at a looooong day ahead.

Speaking of which, Today's Agenda:
Charlie schoolwork oversight, grocery pickup, cookie baking (heart-shaped sugar cookies), course prep for next week, office hours.

On the reading front:
I got a bit of reading time in yesterday and spent it with Camp and Song for a Whale, plus about 10 minutes with Obama's audiobook.

Oh dear, I'm sorry your pizza night was marred by such anxiety, and so glad to hear Tomm is okay. Hope your day goes reasonably well given your state of exhaustion.

>195 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura. On my second cup of coffee this morning, hoping that will help...

Morning, Amber! Oof to your takeaway experience - I am so sorry that happened. Poor Tomm. Poor you. Very scary. Hoping today behaves itself.

>197 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie. I'm *so* relieved that we didn't need to go to the ER, but it was touch and go for a bit. I was so worried about Tomm, of course, but also very actually near to a panic attack over the idea of walking into a hospital right now.

Yikes! So glad Tom will be OK but what a scary situation to be out in. I hope you're considering calling the pizza place and giving them a piece of your mind.

>199 rosalita: Thanks, Julia. The thought definitely crossed my mind, but mistakes happen. This is a tiny, local mom-and-pop place, and the folks who own and run it are lovely, hardworking, good-at-their jobs people - not the negligent type normally. Next time we order, maybe I'll mention it as just an "FYI, you may want to think about reinforcing awareness" type thing. And Tomm's usually really good about checking his food first, but, well, mistakes happen.

I can understand not wanting to open a can of whoop-ass on people you know are not generally negligent, but if it were me running that place I'd for sure want to know that is happened so I could make sure my staff understood the consequences of what can happen when we get careless. But you are the best judge of your own situation, for sure!

>201 rosalita: Very true, Julia, and that's why I may say something next time we order.

Oof, Amber. Sorry to see you had such a stressful night. And on pizza night!

Mr. Fine had a long and not great day at work yesterday so we ended up ordering pizza too and I definitely thought about being pizza twins with you.

>203 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. I love the thought that we were pizza twins! But I'm glad the pizza was the only common part of our evening.

>204 scaifea: Well, I had drama of a different variety this morning. Full details on my thread.

>205 MickyFine: Oh goodness, Micky. Let's hope it's not catching!

>195 lauralkeet: Oh, poor Tomm...and you. I can't count the number of times a bit of something that doesn't belong there has made it into one of my sandwiches when I order out....the assembly line construction thing has its perils, especially on a busy night.

>192 scaifea: "I only like bacon either on its own or in a bacon sandwich." *GASP* Bacon goes well on SO many things. *shakes head sadly* "I just can't cotton to pineapple being warm" *sigh* Have you never eaten a piece of warm pineapple-upside-down cake with whipped cream? Do I have to come OUT there?

>185 lauralkeet: The version I am fond of, from the little shop on the ground floor of my old office building, has very little tomato sauce, ham and bacon, and very small bits of pineapple; and I assure you the combination was simply delightful. I know it sounds weird. But this was a pizza-by-the-slice kind of place, and when I first saw it on display, it just didn't look that strange, so I tried it, and it became one of my favorites. I know we all have different tastes...as my dear friend Sheba used to say "That's why there's chocolate AND vanilla".

>207 laytonwoman3rd: Thanks, Linda. I agree that it's impossible to expect there not to be mistakes with food orders sometimes and that's why we're not really angry at the pizza place at all. And it's not as if we specifically said NO ONIONS ON THAT SANDWICH!! - on the menu it doesn't even come with it. If we had made it clear that we can't have onions, then sure, we'd have a right to be upset. But as it is? *shrug*

You're welcome to have bacon on everything you like. No judgement. Please to keep it off my stuff, though.

And yeah, who *doesn't* like warm pineapple upside down cake?! I mean, I'm not a monster. But I *do* pull the pineapple slice off the cake before eating said cake. I like the essence of pineapple in that case, but not the actual pineapple. It's really the gooey brown sugary mess I'm after, to be honest.

Your mention of vanilla and chocolate reminds me of the little side-of-the-road tasty-freeze stands and their delicious chocolate/vanilla swirl cones... *sigh*

All this bacon talk reminds me of my favorite uncle (and Charlie's namesake), who, for most of my kidhood, lived with us and who LOVED the bacon. My mom didn't cook it very often and never for breakfast; she only served bacon for her eggs and bacon dinner. Everyone got to short-order their eggs in whatever style they wanted, and then there was a ginormous serving platter piled high with bacon in the middle of the table. Uncle Charles, who was normally a modest eater (and a modest, quiet person in general - very different from his full-volume-all-the-time, boisterous siblings (my mom is somewhere in between the two extremes)), would unfailingly have a bacon sandwich (bacon and mayo on white bread, just like I like 'em, too) on his plate next to his eggs, a small pile of bacon on the other side of his eggs, and one or two pieces of bacon in the hand not holding his fork. So funny.

Thanks, Linda, for bringing that memory to mind. It's a good one and it's so nice to sit here and just think happily about him for a bit. He died when I was in college and I miss him tons.

>209 scaifea: That's such a lovely memory, Amber. Thanks for sharing!

>208 scaifea: "delicious chocolate/vanilla swirl cones" AND with that you have totally redeemed yourself. As long as you don't mention sprinkles.

>209 scaifea: Awww....sweet. And yet you're not putting bacon on everything?

>211 laytonwoman3rd:

>212 lycomayflower: You put those on my bacon and you've HAD it, understand?

>213 laytonwoman3rd:

Oh, no, so sorry about Tomm's sandwich! I feel like you all need a do-over on pizza night!

>210 MickyFine: I'm glad you liked it, Micky. He would have been at home here on LT - he was a huge reader, although he'd probably lurk more than he'd ever post. He was the kind of guy who didn't speak often and when he did it was with a quiet voice, but generally what he did say was *hilarious* - very dry, deadpan sense of humor.

>211 laytonwoman3rd: Linda: Oh, no, no sprinkles on ice cream, ever. Pretzels, though. And peanuts. But those only on a bowl full of vanilla.

And no, see, he only had free-range bacon and bacon sandwiches. It is The Way.

>212 lycomayflower: >213 laytonwoman3rd: *SNORK!*

>214 lycomayflower: *SWOON*

>215 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. And HA! I think Tomm may ixnay the pizza nights for a little while...

Tell him to get back up on that horse!

>219 katiekrug: HAAAAhahaha!! So inspirational!

>178 MickyFine: - That quiz says I'm Ravenclaw (62.7%)! My Slytherin score was 0.6%

Hmph.

>221 katiekrug: Question, Katie: Do you have an urge to retake that quiz and try to skew the results toward Slytherin?

>222 scaifea: - Kind of... Does that make me a Slytherin?

>223 katiekrug: YUP.

Well, ok then.

>222 scaifea: To paraphrase Regina in Mean Girls, "stop trying to make Slytherin happen!"

:-D

Holy crap, this place exploded...

And the best pizza right now is the meatball and pesto NY style from the local joint down the road from my house. So there!

>225 katiekrug: Welcome to the cool club, Katie.

>226 rosalita: Seriously, just because bad wizards are generally Slytherins doesn't mean we're all evil. Stereotype much, Julia?

>227 drneutron: Ain't no party like a scaifea party, Jim.

And I would definitely eat that pizza - it sounds delicious!

>227 drneutron: - Oh, yes, please! One of my favorites is from a place here that does crumbled sausage, fresh mozz, and pesto in a wood fired oven... Mmmmm!

>228 scaifea: - Wait. We're not evil? *pout*

>230 katiekrug: Ooooh, fresh mozzarella! Excellent.

>231 katiekrug: You can be evil if you want to be, Katie. You just go right ahead. This is a safe space.

>227 drneutron: Hmmm.....pesto......no... A teeny little bit in mayo on a sammich, OK, otherwise, too much herb for me.

>227 drneutron: I get that. It can be strong stuff. I love it, though, and maybe because I don't get it very often, since Tomm can't have it (it tends to be pretty heavily garlicy). Now I'm hungry for it; I may get some next week and make some Pesto Swirl Bread for Charlie and me...

>221 katiekrug: Birdy is Ravenclaw. Just saying.

>234 scaifea: Pesto. Swirl. Bread. I'll be right over!

>235 Crazymamie: Woot for Ravenclaw Birdy!

I mean, we're all here probably at least a little Ravenclaw...

>236 drneutron: Post-vaccines, you are welcome over any time for some PSB, Jim. In the meantime, here's the recipe, if you'd like to try it yourself:

Ingredients:
• 1 envelope (.25 oz.) active dry yeast
• 2/3 cup warm water
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons prepared pesto
• 1 large egg white, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon water

1. Sprinkle yeast over warm water; let stand 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Add Parmesan, egg, sugar and salt; mix well.
3. Stir in flour to make a soft dough.
4. Knead dough on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes.
5. Place in greased bowl, turning to grease top.
6. Cover and let rise in a warm place until almost double in size, 30-45 minutes.
7. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray.
8. Punch down dough.
9. Roll dough to a 15x8-inch rectangle.
10. Spread pesto on dough to within 1/2 inch of edges.
11. Roll up tightly, beginning at one long edge.
12. Pinch seam and ends to seal.
13. Gently taper ends.
14. Place seam side down on baking sheet.
15. Let rise until almost double in size, about 20 minutes.
16. Preheat oven to 375⁰.
17. Cut several slashes in top of loaf in a zigzag pattern with a sharp knife.
18. Combine egg white and 1 teaspoon water in a small bowl.
19. Brush egg mixture over loaf.
20. Bake until golden, 25-30 minutes.
21. Remove loaf from baking sheet and place on wire rack to cool.

>233 laytonwoman3rd: - The pesto on the pizza I like is more mild than "regular" pesto, but yeah. Pesto doesn't work for everyone. Me? I love the stuff. Delallo makes an excellent jarred one that we like to put on cheese tortellini for a fast, easy dinner. With lots of fresh ground black pepper.

>237 scaifea: - That sounds delicious! Copying and sending to TW who keeps promising to start baking bread...

>238 katiekrug: Oh, yes, I love pesto sauce for pasta! (I'm getting so hungry now...)

And yay! Here's hoping TW gets to baking soon!

Every thread I visit today is making me hungry.

And don't hold your breath on TW baking. He talks a good game but is a worse procrastinator than I am. And that's saying something.

>240 katiekrug: Right? It feels like everyone is talking about food today. Yeesh.

I make my own pesto - I don't like the classic American basil-and-pine-nuts, the basil is too strong. I make it with whatever greens are on hand, about half spicy (basil, parsley, oregano, sorrel, whatever) and half mild (spinach, NZ spinach...I've made it with lettuce when I had some that was going to go bad. I made it with peas once but they didn't blend very well so I had peas popping up in my pesto - slightly weird). I grabbed the PSB recipe, I'll have to try that.

I use pesto on _everything_. My standard dinner is "rice and" - rice or another starch, with pesto, cheese, usually avocado, sometimes finely chopped veg, occasionally a chopped-up sausage or hardboiled egg...the part that doesn't change is the pesto and cheese. Bread spread (fantastic in grilled cheese sandwiches - or quesadilla, which is the same thing on tortillas), in scrambled eggs, just about everything. I also like it as pizza sauce (instead of red sauce - I dislike the flavor of cooked tomatoes, though I can and will eat it on pizza. I just like pesto, or white garlic sauce, better), though I haven't made my own that way yet. A couple of the places I get pizza have a pesto pie.

I wasn't planning to do much cooking today...

>242 jjmcgaffey: Yeah, Tomm can't have *any* garlic *at all* - that would also send him straight to the ER - so I tend not to have it in the house much at all. So making my own pesto just isn't in the cards. Good on you, though!

>243 scaifea: Garlic allergy is rough. Has he always been allergic or does he have the sadness of missing it?

>244 MickyFine: Yeah, he used to be able to eat it, I think. The garlic and onion thing causes severe stomach issues that sometimes require some sort of industrial strength IV antacid cocktail mix in the ER. We barely skirted that yesterday, but I've been through it with him before, after we went out to eat and something had garlic in it and he didn't realize until after he had a bite. The gluten issue is that it brings on migraines for him.

Oof, neither of those sound fun. Poor Tomm. Hopefully weekend dining is far less eventful.

>246 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky. He’s sticking to super bland stuff for a bit 7ntil his stomach recovers. So rice and eggs for now.

>168 scaifea: That is the size of coffee I need right now to get me through the rest of my nightshift

Sorry that Tomm had a bad pizza night experience. Perhaps home made next time to ease him back into pizza nights.

>194 scaifea: Oh my goodness, that sounds very stressful. Makes you feel blessed that you can eat just anything. I hope your next meals will be way more relaxed! Have you talked to the pizza place about the onion?

>248 ChelleBearss: Chelle: Ha! I hope you made it through your shift okay! And good idea - I need to have a homemade pizza day again soon.

>249 PersephonesLibrary: Käthe: It was *really* stressful, but I'm so relieved that it worked out without a hospital trip this time. Yeah, it's nice not to have food issues myself, although I do feel guilty next to Tomm. See above discussion with Julia and Linda about talking to the pizza joint.

Today's Agenda:
Baking (Chocolate Cupcakes and maybe some Banana Bread), laundry, maybe some sewing room time, and hopefully some reading.

On the reading front:
I started Gardens of the Moon yesterday, and honestly, it's off to a rough beginning. I'll press on for now, but we'll see. He's trying to cram in waaaay too much of the world-building details in the first few pages and it's more than a little annoying. I also read a bit of Song for a Whale and listened to more of A Promised Land.

What We're Watching:
Family Game Night last night: we played some D&D and then settled in to watch a Graham Norton episode and a QI.

Mmm, chocolate cupcakes. I'll take one with a glass of milk please!

>252 MickyFine: YES. Is there any other way to eat a chocolate cupcake? I mean.

>254 MickyFine: *SNORK!*

Oh, Dean, that's a strangely-shaped cupcake, buddy.

Unfrosted chocolate cupcake with milk for me, please!

Hey, Amber - check out what The Son did in grad school. Tesserae is a website used to compare Latin/Greek texts, he just released a major reworking of the tool. Interestingly, he’s at Notre Dame, the website owner is a SUNY-Buffalo. 😀

https://tesserae.caset.buffalo.edu/

>256 katiekrug: Aw, I always leave several cupcakes unfrosted because Charlie sometimes likes them that way, so you are welcome to one, Katie!

>257 drneutron: OMG, Jim. HOW did I not know this existed! It's amazing! And YAY for The Son's major update!! Very cool.

The new thread is up:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/329275