grouping

tool lust

My current tool space/ work-surface is the top of a high boy dresser that J's mom used to keep a chicken in- the fowl had it's choice of the 5 drawers to roost in. It's an old hardwood piece that is quite tall and can really take a pounding when I have to hand-set rivets or grommets or the like.  The only problem is that there isn't much surface space for little more than my hand press, a small cutting mat, small but lovely tool tray, and a mason jar.  In the mason jar I keep the larger implements like a mallet and hammer.  Unfortunately, if I am careless I can easily tip over the jar spilling the contents to the floor.  I can only hope that my landlord does not notice the pock marks left by my hammer.   Oopps. So it's understandable why I could lust after such a lovely yet utilitarian piece like this.   You can find it here.

middle school romance

Ha, this little gem reminds of the time I bought some chocolate lip balm from Lush and texted J and asked him if he would make out with me like it was middle school. Same sentiment.

yes, I have become one of them

J came home late and tired.  There wasn't anything in the fridge. We dug through the cabinets and pulled out some ramen from Central Market.  I had kimchi ramen with the babies from my walking onions- in my opinion the only vegetable that has a live birth, and copious amount of lettuce.   And yes, I am stooping to photograph my dinner.  Blame it on the MSG.

spicy berries

Before J and I went camping, I threw a few pints of strawberries into the freezer that were growing tiny, white, delicate fungal beards.  Okay, some were- I am frugal but not cheap enough to save the truly rotten.  Since we have the tiniest freezer created by man, I needed to remove bruised berries to make room for some bags of tamales that were not consumed during our forest romp.  I was left with a pile of frozen berries.  What to do?  Make balsamic, black pepper, strawberry preserves that's what.  Easy peasy.  I didn't really measure... I placed the three ingredients in a pot in amounts by taste and simmered until it had a nice thick consistency.  I thought it would pair well with brie but it was the sharp cheddar that nailed it.