Oh, I almost forgot...
I bought blueberries and peaches from the Farmer's Market. I ended up buying enough to make just a batch of blueberry jam. I ran out of jars to make another batch of jam. I am turning the peaches and a couple apricots into sorbet. I added honey, a little corn syrup and sugar to the cut up fruit, cooked it, and whizzed it up with the stick blender. It's cooling in the fridge and will be frozen tonight. The fruit wasn't very sweet, so I added some honey for flavor and sugar to sweeten it. I like to add corn syrup to sorbets to keep them a bit soft. I find they freeze solid otherwise because of all of the water. I didn't add too much of any of the sweeteners, so it's still not super sweet. The honey was a good idea. This weekend I will go back for more peaches and blueberries for jam.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
I think I was a lizard in my last life.
Three words I never want to hear again. Record. High. Heat. I just can't function in this weather. I get home from work and I just fall asleep. On the bright side, in all of this heat and humidity, my new apartment is nice and cool. I get direct sunlight in my living room so it gets a little warmer, but not much. My bedroom is still really confortable. I may not have to buy that second air conditioner after all.
Yesterday on the way home, there were so many Indian co-op kids that the only language that could be heard was Hindi. It was pretty cool. It made me feel like I was some place significantly more exciting than Raleigh.
My morning have been free of Special Ed, which makes me eternally happy. The afternoons, however, not so much. A few weeks ago, he was reading a book to learn Spanish. Two days ago, he got on the bus carrying a copy of La Conexion and a copy of Que Pasa?. Apparently he's a quick study.
There's an Asian woman on the 105 in the afternoons. From her name tag, I learned that her name is Ma, she is from Burma (Myanmar) and she works at the Radisson. I see her most days, but recently she has gotten very excited and animated when she sees me. I don't think she speaks much, if any, English, but she's super friendly. She gets this big smile and waves when she sees me. Tuesday on the way home, we were passed on I-40 by two 18 wheelers carrying squashed cars. She was fascinated by that. It was kind of funny. I want to learn how to say "hello" in Burmese so I can properly greet her.
Over the past three mornings, Babushko has confirmed that I am indeed the nicest lady of them all. (As if there was any doubt!) Unfortunately, that's still the most he's ever said to me.
On Tuesdays, there's a yoga class I like at the Y. I made a deal with my bosses that I get to leave 15 minutes early on Tuesdays so I can catch this class, which is at 6:15. If you aren't there before 6:15, the instructor won't let you in. I have never been able to make it to that class. Tuesdays conspire against me. This past Tuesday, my first bus was late, which made me miss the second bus I need. I want to go to this yoga class because I'm a little stressed out, right? What's more stressful than constantly missing the damn class? Grrrrr. Clearly I need this class.
I still have no way to post pictures as my brother still has my camera cable. (ahem.) As soon as I get it, I'll post on Flickr at least most of the 632 pictures I took in Vermont. I leave for California in 20 days. I can't wait. Twelve days of doing nothing but bumming around Mountain View, Haight-Ashbury, and playing Wii.
Yesterday on the way home, there were so many Indian co-op kids that the only language that could be heard was Hindi. It was pretty cool. It made me feel like I was some place significantly more exciting than Raleigh.
My morning have been free of Special Ed, which makes me eternally happy. The afternoons, however, not so much. A few weeks ago, he was reading a book to learn Spanish. Two days ago, he got on the bus carrying a copy of La Conexion and a copy of Que Pasa?. Apparently he's a quick study.
There's an Asian woman on the 105 in the afternoons. From her name tag, I learned that her name is Ma, she is from Burma (Myanmar) and she works at the Radisson. I see her most days, but recently she has gotten very excited and animated when she sees me. I don't think she speaks much, if any, English, but she's super friendly. She gets this big smile and waves when she sees me. Tuesday on the way home, we were passed on I-40 by two 18 wheelers carrying squashed cars. She was fascinated by that. It was kind of funny. I want to learn how to say "hello" in Burmese so I can properly greet her.
Over the past three mornings, Babushko has confirmed that I am indeed the nicest lady of them all. (As if there was any doubt!) Unfortunately, that's still the most he's ever said to me.
On Tuesdays, there's a yoga class I like at the Y. I made a deal with my bosses that I get to leave 15 minutes early on Tuesdays so I can catch this class, which is at 6:15. If you aren't there before 6:15, the instructor won't let you in. I have never been able to make it to that class. Tuesdays conspire against me. This past Tuesday, my first bus was late, which made me miss the second bus I need. I want to go to this yoga class because I'm a little stressed out, right? What's more stressful than constantly missing the damn class? Grrrrr. Clearly I need this class.
I still have no way to post pictures as my brother still has my camera cable. (ahem.) As soon as I get it, I'll post on Flickr at least most of the 632 pictures I took in Vermont. I leave for California in 20 days. I can't wait. Twelve days of doing nothing but bumming around Mountain View, Haight-Ashbury, and playing Wii.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Today's Forecast: Hot with a 90% chance of sweaty.
Sad to say, Summer has arrived in NC. It's going to be around 90 this weekend, humid, and generally unpleasant. Later this week, it's going to be around 95. I went to the Farmer's Market yesterday. I bought blueberries and peaches from this really cool kid. What can I say...he drove a hard bargain. I'm making peach and blueberry jam today. Should be tasty. I love smoothies with peaches and blueberries together, so it should work together as a jam. The strawberries were very tasty, but I still have 11,000 jars of strawberry jam left over from last summer.
I took the bus to the Farmer's Market yesterday. It was a major pain in the ass. I need to figure out how to get there on my bike. My only concern is that there are a lot of big hills between me and the Farmer's Market.
I took the bus to the Farmer's Market yesterday. It was a major pain in the ass. I need to figure out how to get there on my bike. My only concern is that there are a lot of big hills between me and the Farmer's Market.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Kind of Blue, kind of cool
There's a guy on the #48 who looks exactly like Miles Davis. Think collaborating with Coltrane Miles Davis. Think Miles in the early 60s. The girl who works next door and I were in the front of the bus. He greeted us in his French accent, "Allo! Ow are yoo laydeez?" He's cool. I think he works at the Lowe's Foods near work. Or else that's the only shirt he owns. He wears Dolce and Gabbana glasses. And he looks like Miles Davis. I wonder if he can play music?
Big developments on the #105, peeps. Cherry Cough Syrup Lady sat next to my this morning but had toned her perfume way down. As in, I could barely smell it. Do you think she read that previous post? If you did, Cherry Cough Syrup Lady, thank you.
Big developments on the #105, peeps. Cherry Cough Syrup Lady sat next to my this morning but had toned her perfume way down. As in, I could barely smell it. Do you think she read that previous post? If you did, Cherry Cough Syrup Lady, thank you.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Yo, Crip, whassup?
On my way home from North Hills tonight, I overheard the craziest conversation to date.
There were two older gentleman behind me, one on each side. Suffice it to say, they look like they'd done some damage in their day. They were talking like they knew each other. A woman gets on and recognizes the guy on the other side. She used to drive for the City Kitty up until about four years ago. She also recognized the guy behind me. She says, "you don't know me? Why are you looking at me like you don't know who I am?" Honestly, my guess is that he doesn't remember getting on the bus, let alone who drove it four years ago. She says next, "You remember? You had that broken leg. I used to call you Crip. 'Hey, Crip! How you be?'" Nothin. (It was at this point when I looked at her and busted out laughing, to which she replied with laughter as well. Thankfully.) This carries on for a couple more minutes before Crip recounts the story of how he got the broken leg.
Once upon a time, he was stopped by the cops. With six crack rocks in his mouth. (Sweet jesus!) They tell him he's not going to be arrested, he just has to sit in the back of their car for a little bit. (Um...really?) Then he went on about talking to the cops. He was a little hard to understand. Something, something, something...the cops tried to help him...weird segue...he spent 12 days in jail...his leg was broken...something, something. Yeah. Six crack rocks. And he spent 12 days in the pokey. The Raleigh cops are awesome. As hard as he was to understand, it really did sound like he had been rehabilitated. And that really is awesome.
As I was getting off the bus, the woman was saying to him, "you'll always be Crip to me."
There were two older gentleman behind me, one on each side. Suffice it to say, they look like they'd done some damage in their day. They were talking like they knew each other. A woman gets on and recognizes the guy on the other side. She used to drive for the City Kitty up until about four years ago. She also recognized the guy behind me. She says, "you don't know me? Why are you looking at me like you don't know who I am?" Honestly, my guess is that he doesn't remember getting on the bus, let alone who drove it four years ago. She says next, "You remember? You had that broken leg. I used to call you Crip. 'Hey, Crip! How you be?'" Nothin. (It was at this point when I looked at her and busted out laughing, to which she replied with laughter as well. Thankfully.) This carries on for a couple more minutes before Crip recounts the story of how he got the broken leg.
Once upon a time, he was stopped by the cops. With six crack rocks in his mouth. (Sweet jesus!) They tell him he's not going to be arrested, he just has to sit in the back of their car for a little bit. (Um...really?) Then he went on about talking to the cops. He was a little hard to understand. Something, something, something...the cops tried to help him...weird segue...he spent 12 days in jail...his leg was broken...something, something. Yeah. Six crack rocks. And he spent 12 days in the pokey. The Raleigh cops are awesome. As hard as he was to understand, it really did sound like he had been rehabilitated. And that really is awesome.
As I was getting off the bus, the woman was saying to him, "you'll always be Crip to me."
Meg on Le Metro
We took the Metro a few times while in Montreal. I nearly forgot to report on the haps there.
1. We ran into Jamiroquoi on the Metro. He was wearing blue Adidas high tops and dancing. I shall begrudgingly admit, he was kinda cute. In a Viktor Krum sort of way.
2. There was a large group of teenagers sitting together. One of them had a black and white gingham scarf-thing that he was wearing under his baseball hat. He spent a considerable amout of time repositioning it. No matter what he did, it still looked stupid.
3. Saturday night when we went out, a Hoochie Mama got on downtown. Ya know how I know she wasn't wearing underwear? Because her jeans were so tight and low, you could see her ass crack. But hey, as long as she felt sexy, right? That's more than I can say for myself most days.
1. We ran into Jamiroquoi on the Metro. He was wearing blue Adidas high tops and dancing. I shall begrudgingly admit, he was kinda cute. In a Viktor Krum sort of way.
2. There was a large group of teenagers sitting together. One of them had a black and white gingham scarf-thing that he was wearing under his baseball hat. He spent a considerable amout of time repositioning it. No matter what he did, it still looked stupid.
3. Saturday night when we went out, a Hoochie Mama got on downtown. Ya know how I know she wasn't wearing underwear? Because her jeans were so tight and low, you could see her ass crack. But hey, as long as she felt sexy, right? That's more than I can say for myself most days.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
You know, it's like the VA, but for cows.
I almost forgot to report on something I overheard on the TTA dispatch radio a couple weeks ago.
Dispatcher asks 105 Driver for her 1020 (location to all y'all not clued in). (Remember the 105 goes from Raleigh to RTP.)
Driver calls back and says she's in front of the veterans school on Hillsborough Street.
Dispatcher calls back asks another questions, etc.
Veterans school on Hillsborough Street? I've lived on or near Hillsborough Street for the better part of 15 years and I'm not aware of any veterans school. And then it hits me. She was talking about the North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine. You know, that little yet world famous school where they train up animal doctors? That place that diagnosed and treated my cat for cancer last year in the same way they would have treated a human? Yeah, that veterans school. Apparently they also treat cows who have served their country.
Dispatcher asks 105 Driver for her 1020 (location to all y'all not clued in). (Remember the 105 goes from Raleigh to RTP.)
Driver calls back and says she's in front of the veterans school on Hillsborough Street.
Dispatcher calls back asks another questions, etc.
Veterans school on Hillsborough Street? I've lived on or near Hillsborough Street for the better part of 15 years and I'm not aware of any veterans school. And then it hits me. She was talking about the North Carolina State University School of Veterinary Medicine. You know, that little yet world famous school where they train up animal doctors? That place that diagnosed and treated my cat for cancer last year in the same way they would have treated a human? Yeah, that veterans school. Apparently they also treat cows who have served their country.
Today is brought to you by the letter W and the number 105.
Today, the wackos on the bus welcomed me back warmly and openly. I saw The Other Amy's husband at the park and ride. He's not that attractive. She could do much better. Amy Number One wanted The Other Amy to sit with her this morning. She declined. Then she wanted to know what "waterworks" meant. I'm not sure The Other Amy knew because she replied, "um, you know, like a lot of water" in her high pitched voice.
I know the semester is over because there is a new group of Indian kids taking the bus to RTP.
Richard drove my second bus this morning. I haven't seen him in forever. He starts out by saying he can't remember where he supposed to go. He suggests Cisco...about five miles in the other direction from my office. Then he suggests Disneyworld and promptly laughs his head off. He gets to the stop in from of my office and gets on the PA system. He announces that we're arriving at our first timed stop, Dorothea Dix (the local mental hospital) and that he'll be the first getting off.
Bob got off the bus this morning and instead of saying hello to me as usual, he gave me the Evil Eye. Freaked me out a little.
I had yet another day free of Special Ed. Thank god.
The Cherry Cough Syrup Lady was on the afternoon bus. She's this larger black woman who, my hand to god, smells like cherry cough syrup. It's her prefume, I think, and it's wretched. "My, that scent is lovely. What are you wearing? Vicks 44D?"
Traffic today was beyond ridiculous. Gridlock to the point of I-40 being a parking lot just because it's a little rainy. I did work a little late, but I got home at almost 6:45.
I know the semester is over because there is a new group of Indian kids taking the bus to RTP.
Richard drove my second bus this morning. I haven't seen him in forever. He starts out by saying he can't remember where he supposed to go. He suggests Cisco...about five miles in the other direction from my office. Then he suggests Disneyworld and promptly laughs his head off. He gets to the stop in from of my office and gets on the PA system. He announces that we're arriving at our first timed stop, Dorothea Dix (the local mental hospital) and that he'll be the first getting off.
Bob got off the bus this morning and instead of saying hello to me as usual, he gave me the Evil Eye. Freaked me out a little.
I had yet another day free of Special Ed. Thank god.
The Cherry Cough Syrup Lady was on the afternoon bus. She's this larger black woman who, my hand to god, smells like cherry cough syrup. It's her prefume, I think, and it's wretched. "My, that scent is lovely. What are you wearing? Vicks 44D?"
Traffic today was beyond ridiculous. Gridlock to the point of I-40 being a parking lot just because it's a little rainy. I did work a little late, but I got home at almost 6:45.
If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all.
I'm back from Vermont. And Montreal. It was awesome. Cold, but awesome. If anyone in Vermont is wondering why I was such a pansy about the cold, allow me to enlighten you. Before I left, the temperature was around 80 degrees. On Monday and Tuesday, it was in the mid 80s. by this weekend, it will be 90 or better. Luckily now the humidity is only around 50%. That, however, will increase exponentially through mid-June. Today was a little cold and rainy, not at all unlike the weather this past week in Vermont. On the agenda for tonight is mostly homemade matzo ball soup and Law and Order reruns. I'm heading to the Farmer's Market this weekend and see what they have. It's time to start jamming. (HA! Get it? Jamming? Making jam? HA! I kill me.)
If anyone who knows my brother is reading this, please let him know that my list of what I forgot in Vermont is growing by the day. To everyone waiting on pictures on Flickr, yeah, um...I forgot the cable I need to hook my camera up to my computer. Grrrr. I also left my favorite dress, favorite shirt, and my copy of the Oxford Companion to English Literature that I found in Crow Books for $7. Luckily I'll see him in California next month. With any luck, he'll remember to bring all of that.
I had a great time in Vermont. I met some awesome people (Yes, you, Hotbox). If anyone is heading past Raleigh on their way to the next gig, holla if you need a place to stay. I promise to have a few beers in the fridge. Burlington is a super cool city. The restaurants are fantastic. We ate at American Flatbread...so good. I forget the name of that pub place close to American Flatbread, but their Beetlejuice brew is love in a glass. I am so, so eternally jealous of The City Market (is that the name? the co-op?) It's what Whole Foods is trying to be.
Montreal was great. I spoke with my friend M this afternoon who informed me that she was under the impression that there was a strip club on ever corner. I don't remember seeing any other than the one near the border with the stripping geishas. How exactly does a geisha strip? You know how guy strippers have the rip-away pants? Do the geishas have rip-away obis? I'm just not feelin' it.
What I learned over the last ten days:
1. We hired someone today named Willard Knuckles. Seriously.
2. When going to Canada from Vermont, have you're passport handy. Or know how to operate a bike rack properly.
3. "Je me souviens" does not actually directly translate to "Bring us your souvenirs."
4. I need to live near water. It's a requirement. Preferably within sight from my crib.
5. I make good matzo ball soup.
6. My brother is a hell of a cook. (I'd say chef, but he gets mad when I call him a chef.) His lasagna is better than mine.
7. The TSA is officially my mortal enemy.
8. If properly dressed, I could live in Burlington. Or Montreal. But my Canadian coworker told me taxes in Montreal are obscene. So, I'll just visit. A lot.
9. I have two regrets about Montreal. Number One...I did not once have the opportunity to say "Zut Alors!" and Number Two...I never did get my Croque Monsieur sandwich. I guess I just have to go to Paris.
10. I take a lot of pictures. On this trip, 632. I printed 150 today at work to send to Grami. One of the best perks about my job is the free prints in the office! Yay Kodak!
11. I'm damn tired. The sun rises way to early in Vermont.
Nitey night, y'all.
If anyone who knows my brother is reading this, please let him know that my list of what I forgot in Vermont is growing by the day. To everyone waiting on pictures on Flickr, yeah, um...I forgot the cable I need to hook my camera up to my computer. Grrrr. I also left my favorite dress, favorite shirt, and my copy of the Oxford Companion to English Literature that I found in Crow Books for $7. Luckily I'll see him in California next month. With any luck, he'll remember to bring all of that.
I had a great time in Vermont. I met some awesome people (Yes, you, Hotbox). If anyone is heading past Raleigh on their way to the next gig, holla if you need a place to stay. I promise to have a few beers in the fridge. Burlington is a super cool city. The restaurants are fantastic. We ate at American Flatbread...so good. I forget the name of that pub place close to American Flatbread, but their Beetlejuice brew is love in a glass. I am so, so eternally jealous of The City Market (is that the name? the co-op?) It's what Whole Foods is trying to be.
Montreal was great. I spoke with my friend M this afternoon who informed me that she was under the impression that there was a strip club on ever corner. I don't remember seeing any other than the one near the border with the stripping geishas. How exactly does a geisha strip? You know how guy strippers have the rip-away pants? Do the geishas have rip-away obis? I'm just not feelin' it.
What I learned over the last ten days:
1. We hired someone today named Willard Knuckles. Seriously.
2. When going to Canada from Vermont, have you're passport handy. Or know how to operate a bike rack properly.
3. "Je me souviens" does not actually directly translate to "Bring us your souvenirs."
4. I need to live near water. It's a requirement. Preferably within sight from my crib.
5. I make good matzo ball soup.
6. My brother is a hell of a cook. (I'd say chef, but he gets mad when I call him a chef.) His lasagna is better than mine.
7. The TSA is officially my mortal enemy.
8. If properly dressed, I could live in Burlington. Or Montreal. But my Canadian coworker told me taxes in Montreal are obscene. So, I'll just visit. A lot.
9. I have two regrets about Montreal. Number One...I did not once have the opportunity to say "Zut Alors!" and Number Two...I never did get my Croque Monsieur sandwich. I guess I just have to go to Paris.
10. I take a lot of pictures. On this trip, 632. I printed 150 today at work to send to Grami. One of the best perks about my job is the free prints in the office! Yay Kodak!
11. I'm damn tired. The sun rises way to early in Vermont.
Nitey night, y'all.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Meg On The Bus, the Vermont Edition
It has been brought to my attention that my readership now extends to the Great White North. That said, I'd like to give a shout-out to my homies at NECI. (Mod Sixx-keepin' it real! Hey!) Since I am visiting their turf, I feel I would be seriously remiss if I did not show the CCTA some love. And that's just what I did.
I went from Essex Junction to Burlington. The ride was about 30 minutes total. There was a young, country girl who had a little retail therapy at the Big Lots this morning. She had never been on the No. 2 Essex Junction before. The whole way to Burlington, she complained it was the longest bus ride ever. On the return trip, an elderly gentleman sat behind me and tried to talk to me. First he wanted to know if he was on the right bus. Then he wanted to know if I took said bus often. Then he wanted to know how I was. Lisa, a bus driver, radioed in that she was having an issue with which she needed assistance. She didn't think it was a police matter, but just kid-stuff. Rough crowd, these Burlingtonians. There were a number of cutie college boys on the bus today, but I had to remind myself they were born while I was in Algebra II. I think my best part about the CCTA is the drivers. They all looked like they got dressed in the REI store this morning, they all had giant walrusy moustaches, and they all looked like they might be more comfortable on a Harley than behind the wheel of a city bus.
Stay tuned y'all for the next installment of Meg On The Bus: The International Edition, Live From Montreal.
I went from Essex Junction to Burlington. The ride was about 30 minutes total. There was a young, country girl who had a little retail therapy at the Big Lots this morning. She had never been on the No. 2 Essex Junction before. The whole way to Burlington, she complained it was the longest bus ride ever. On the return trip, an elderly gentleman sat behind me and tried to talk to me. First he wanted to know if he was on the right bus. Then he wanted to know if I took said bus often. Then he wanted to know how I was. Lisa, a bus driver, radioed in that she was having an issue with which she needed assistance. She didn't think it was a police matter, but just kid-stuff. Rough crowd, these Burlingtonians. There were a number of cutie college boys on the bus today, but I had to remind myself they were born while I was in Algebra II. I think my best part about the CCTA is the drivers. They all looked like they got dressed in the REI store this morning, they all had giant walrusy moustaches, and they all looked like they might be more comfortable on a Harley than behind the wheel of a city bus.
Stay tuned y'all for the next installment of Meg On The Bus: The International Edition, Live From Montreal.
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