maggiethecat

That's more like it. Oh, Chef Spencer dear....Do Not Mess with Jaymes! To know her is to fear and adore!

Saveur: Welcome to eGullet. I have no advice to add to Bux's. But like him, I would love to hear about your experiences in Paris. Ah....23 again and in Paris. You lucky dog.

So close to the five mile mark. 4.92 miles. I can almost get to El Taco Loco!

26, 001. Happy Belated B'dday, Nerissa. (He's sounding better and better!)

Great score, ronfland! 26,000 even.

I used to collect the Betsy McCall pages. Wow, haven't thought about that in years. My mom used to get all sorts of gross ideas from women's magazines. Betsy McCall! Have not thought of Betsy for let's say...many years! Thanks for tickling that part of my memory. Those paper dolls! I lived in a cold branch of the French-speaking world . We had an hour and three quarters for lunch. Imagine: the school buses had a lunch run. Sounds crazy in retrospect. So...hot lunch en famille every day. My poor father would put on the slow movement of Bach's "Italian Concerto" and have a fifteen minute nap after lunch. Seemed normal then. How strange now.

Yes, Snowy, spring always comes. Yes, only Useful Presents under the tree...if anything. I know what you mean! In the Chicago burbs, my bulbs are peeping out. And the first sorrel leaves. Hang in.

Stella: Beautiful post, Baby. Really. Informative and evocative. And I'm startled by the fact that almost everything you ate sounds like my kind of food. Ecuador. Who knew? Thanks to you, we do now. More field reports in the future, please!

Welcome, Ripley! Came soooooo close to disaster here this morning. Got the carafe in place after wiping up a mere half cup from the counter.

Kim: Check out the Dessert of the Month in the current MS "Living" Or her website. Sounds like what you may be looking for.

Jim! At last! Someone else who takes Barbara Kafka seriously on her microwave books. The two recipes you mention work every time, and like you, I use them for preference now. The first time I tasted her microwave risotto I sent a prayer up for her. She freed up untold hours of my life. The results are first rate. Eggplant. A few whirls in the micro speed cooking time. And gets rid of the extra water.

Hey Archie: Who knew I could get so turned on by my microwave? Loved the art, by the way. And looking forward to your next After School Special. Lily

Stella, I'm sipping my morning coffee on a grey day in Illinois, savoring your post. Thank you...felt as if I were there. And then I read this. Er, be careful. Please.

Nick: Would I could be there! Good luck. Best, Maggie

Elyse, my sister: Anyone's tush you desire could replace that of the ineffable Ralph! You're in charge, remember. Claire: Breastfeeding. Hmmm. I'll pitch it to FG!

Many thanks, Rackula. And welcome to eGullet. Hope to hear much more from you...about everything. Best, Maggie

Welome, Risotta! Running total: 25, 700.

25,610. 4.85 miles. Marlene...very nice shopping day!

Dave, I second that. I think you may find your compost getting out of balance. Just to throw something out there..... I think it might be important to feed your compost pile (and yourself) with stuff that's more native to your area. All the worms and little "bugs" have been working on whatever has been available to them locally and lo-and-behold, they have coffee grounds and citrus peels? In a northern climate? It's sort of like trying be a honey bee these days. There you are working on blueberries and clover getting ready for winter and the next thing you know you're in Florida working the crops there. Nick: Great to see you back. Missed you. I think you're right about Rotting Locally. Makes sense. And all this discussion is making me feel bad about what a totally unscientific composter I am! Er, never even tested my soil. Well, as all gardeners know, each spring is a second chance.

Oh, thank you Porkpa! Iam no longer alone in this boneheaed gaffe! One of the classsic "God! I'm an idiot moments!" Nero...feel your pain.

Nick: I'm delighted for you...and us. Another one for the Home Team!

Batgrrl: You crack me up too! Thanks. It takes one hell of a woman to watch those comma splices!

JAZ; Thanks. I'm thinking...

Now this is worse than seeing pictures of orphaned kittens. I may have to weep uncontrollably and find the leftover Hallowe'en candy. One or two tiny croci up here.

JAZ: My pleasure and my honor.