Saturday, May 31, 2008
Save the water for the Slip 'n' Slide
My latest Sassy Gardener column is out on the streets. You can read it on-line here: how to be water wise in your garden.
Is this where I admit I only have half of my soaker hoses in yet? Sigh. This weekend, I swear!
The photo seen above is Cystisus Battandieri, also known as Pineapple Broom. It's one of my favorite drought tolerant plants, and the flowers are in full bloom right now. They smell like pineapple.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Bad Memer
1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Taking a big step in my relationship and buying a house together. Moving into our new place, working my way up in an agency, planning a new garden and imagining what it could be. Looking at a lot of lawn. Lot of lawn.
2. What are 5 things on your “To Do” list?
1. Do the laundry.
2. Respond to all outstanding work e-mails and requests.
3. Deliver on ads for volunteer commitments.
4. Sort and file the mess on my desk.
5. Pot and plant all plants sitting on my back patio.
3. What are 5 snacks you enjoy? (In no specific order)
Keifer milk, hummus and carrots/pita chips, cottage cheese, chips'n'salsa, toast with butter.
4. Name some things you would do if you were a millionaire.
Make some fat ass donations to organizations that work with young people, buy a Nash, take care of the old people in my neighborhood, invest in a farm. Oh, and hire a personal trainer. And pay for a family reunion for all of my far flung parents and siblings and their families. Somewhere fun.
5. Name some places where you’ve lived.
Camarillo, Chico, SE Portland, N Portland
6. Name some bad habits you have.
Shutting down my laptop and unplugging: I need to do it more.
7. Name some jobs you’ve had.
Piano teacher, counter help at a German deli, babysitter, desktop publisher for a fitness company, sewing bows on crotchless underwear, working at the phone company, set and costume assistant on short films and commercials in LA, office assistant, public relations associate, director, vice president of design, consultant/small business owner. Can I stop listing now? I think I could triple this list.
8. Name those whom you are tagging.
I won't tag so as not to induce guilt if you choose not to do the meme (pitiful, huh?), but I do encourage my readers to visit some of my new recent blogging finds, and if you haven't checked out these blogs, you should. I, Pigeon, Culinaria Eugenius, Miss Malady and In Medias Res.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Camping Haiku
Sitting here with trees
Sipping cocktails by warm fire
I hear wood chop chop
Warm all day camp fire
Suddenly explosion yap!
Yap! Yap! Stupid Kid.
That is hotness there
Down under there it will burn
Fire My Fire Good Fire
She's sugar Uno
Hello Kitty smiles at you
Cheater will get cut
................
Thank you, long weekend. I'm caught up on my sleep, reading of The New York Times, time staring at fire, hanging out with most excellent friends, Hello Kitty Uno and alcohol intake.
You can go here to see a slideshow of photos. Didn't take a lot, but did a little walk-a-bout with the camera, and if you haven't camped in the Pacific Northwest, you need to know it usually involves rain and lots and lots of gorgeous moss. The pictures prove it.
Thank you to RSG and HG for sharing this weekend with us: you don't know how much we needed it. (And their camping skills are mad hot.)
Here's to summer!
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Ellen asks John McCain about same-sex marriage, and he's speechless
There's something about Ellen that's just getting better and better. It used to be that she didn't talk about her "personal life." And we all know what that means. But lately, she's been putting herself out there, and her beliefs, a little bit more. Since the California ruling that will allow gays and lesbians to marry in that state, she has been bubbling over with excitement, as has her audience, with talk about marrying her long time (and hot!) girlfriend, reading up on Modern Bride (sarcasm) and today, she's set to interview John McCain. The old Ellen wouldn't have asked about the gay marriage equation. But I think now that Ellen is experiencing it—the ability to get married—it's like she's blooming and becoming fully authentic with us her viewers and audience. She's putting herself out there.
This is a great clip. Great for Ellen's articulate and plain-as-day questions, and incredibly telling as McCain really has no response or anything to offer for his rationale, except for noting they respectfully disagree on this topic. You know why? Because he has no valid rationale. There is none. And I'm glad these questions leave him speechless.
Hat tip to Just Out .
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Marital Rating Scorecard: I can only aspire
I dare you to fill this out for your Significant Other. Let me know how that goes, okay?
Hat tip to Pagent: make sure to let us know how this goes over with The Wife!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Transparency in Blogging, People!
So I got set up at a vacant desk, plugged in, then wandered around with my camera taking a few stills. The place where it all happens, where the excitement seems to be, is at the Assignment Desk. It's a raised area, and about 5 desks with a lot of screens and panels and a level of energy a little higher than elsewhere. As I approached the Assignment Desk with my camera, someone yelled out TRANSPARENCY IN BLOGGING PEOPLE! I think it was a warning. I was coming.
I'm hoping to get the people in my life—friends, family, colleagues—to adopt this same action when I enter a room. I think it could make life a little more interesting. A little more regal. A little more irritating for those around me.
Before I took off, I asked a few reporters and A-List Blogger Jack Bog if they'd join in on the action. They did. They had no idea why. What good sports.
Transparency in Blogging from LeloNopo on Vimeo.
Can you feel the excitement? I said, feel it!
The life of a D-Listed Blogger
If you're watching KGW, or the live streaming feed on kgw.com, you may be seeing the interview seen here with the bloggers in da howze. As seen above. (I don't know many bloggers that wear full on suits to blog but apparently Len does. Go Len!) First of all, I'm not in that section. No, I'm 4 desks over, in the area that's not lit up for on-air. And I'm fine with that. Really. SRSLY. I am. But I'm not alone. I have my TV monitor. wOOt! And my new friend Kevin. He's here too. I checked in over at his blog and it looks like he's actually reporting on things like election outcomes. I need to find out how I can get into the studio. I have some important questions to ask. Okay, me and my camera are off and about....
Live from KGW tonight, and here's a photo to prove it
Monday, May 19, 2008
Marionberry+Ginger Drop Scones: a recipe perfected
I've been working on drop scones over the past year or so. I prefer making the lazy version of scones, because it requires no kneading or rolling out: much preferable to me as an AM task. I've made these with many different ingredients, including dried apricots (very delish), chopped apples, dried cranberries, blueberries, golden raisins and plain, too. They're really good with a hot cup of coffee in the morning, and a nice treat to share later in the day as well.
But recently I made a batch that were particularly good, and upon trading them with G. for some homegrown eggs, had a message from her that she as well thought they were delicious. Validation! And then I received an e mail asking for the recipe. Fortunately, I snapped a pic' of one from the last batch, so you have the picture to go along with the recipe. But I'm glad G. thought they were good, too. You know when you make a recipe over and over and you're getting down little things about it that make it really good? That's how I am with drop scones now. SRSLY.
Marionberry+Ginger Drop Scones
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Prep a baking pan with a sheet of parchment paper. Into your standing mixer bowl, sift 2 cups flour, 1 T baking powder, 1/3 cup brown sugar, and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Mix in 1 stick unsalted butter (chilled, cut into 1/2 inch slics) and let it run just until the butter breaks down into small pieces, slightly smaller than peas but not so fine as cornmeal. In a small bowl whisk 1/2 cup cream and one egg. With mixer on low, mix in the cream/egg mixture just until everything sticks together. Add more cream if necessary. Stir in 1 Tablespoon freshly grated ginger and 1-2 cups frozen marionberries. I use berries frozen from last season, but you can also use fresh. I like using frozen because they keep their form and don't bleed their color into the dough. But either would work fine. Just barely mix everything together. Drop by large spoonfulls (1/2 cup or more) onto your baking sheet. Divide 1 Tablespoon raw sugar among scones and sprinkle on top. Bake for 20-24 minutes, until your kitchen smells wonderful and scones are turning golden. Cool on wire rack. They are best eaten warm, or the same day. Do not store in a closed container (they become soft and not as tasty.)
Friday, May 16, 2008
Hate is a strong word...
...weeds deserve it.
"I’m coming to terms with my relationships with weeds. Through self-reflection, better communication and improved breathing exercises, I’m letting go and letting…oh who am I kidding? Weeds are a pain in my ass. But I’m learning a lot about them, and education is always a good step toward betterment, right?"This was a fun column to write. You can read the whole thing here.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
W=Wednesday, W=Wink!
It's been too long since I've posted photos of The Cutest Dog in the World, also known as my dog, also known as Wink, also known as Wink Satine Lo-Ri. I won't blog about how the other person in this household talks baby talk to Wink. No, I won't do that. But she was able to coax Wink into posing for a graduation photo. Graduation from what, I don't know, but that's what this photo makes me think of.
Wink may look like an energetic and outgoing dog. If you meet her in person she will definitely portray that. But the reality is, she's very calm, low key and just darn sweet. In fact, she sleeps a lot. And when she sleeps, she likes to get comfortable. Kick it. Proof:
And then today I saw this. It's so, so, so, so, so tempting. It's not that crazy, is it? Don't answer. I know. I know.
Hey, that's me!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Who knew rhubarb could be so delish?
I recently got my hands on some rhubarb for the very first time. And not just any rhubarb. This stuff is gorgeous. Seriously. I couldn't stop admiring its beauty. Red metallic? Intense.
The Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler recipe I used is from the always wonderful Kitchen Parade. (Alanna's recipes are always good!) Strawberries and rhubarb are a classic combination, in season at the same time, and their colors!
And with this long grey spring in Portland, these vibrant colors are so welcome.
Such an easy recipe, with no pie crust to roll out, and a whole lot less butter. I had never made a cobbler with cornmeal, but it gives the crust a wonderful crunch.
Did I write about how good my kitchen smelled? But then there was what it tasted like....pure deliciousness. The tart tang of the rhubarb joins with the sweet strawberries, sugar and cinnamon and it's the weirdest thing. I could swear it was carbonated. It bubbled in my mouth like carbonation. Or it felt that way.
Now THAT'S an introduction to rhubarb. Taste-a-liciousness!
Sunday, May 11, 2008
My previous post about the St. Johns parade was just a tease
I love the Shriners....has anyone ever seen a young Shriner? I haven't. Wave at my Shriner!
Wave at the Royal Rosarians! They used to scare me, but not anymore. I love them. They are the official ambassadors for Portland's Rose Festival. Now that's a kick ass volunteer gig.
This was a warning to all children who misbehave (and part of the pirate contingent). Right before I took this the pirate girl was actually rolling down the street with her head and hands in that thing. And then the wheels locked up on her and she had to tow it.
And then there were the cars. I only share a few here for you...this is my car. If I could have any of the cars in the parade, this is the one. I'd ride in it with my dog.
I told AdRi she could have this car.
This car was made by carpenters. Could you tell? And, how much you think this thing weighs?!
And finally, there's this group. Whenever I see these banners and stickers, which first came out around the same time we were seeing the One Man + One Woman stickers make their debut, I always wonder to myself if I should hate them. I mean, what are they about? It just doesn't feel quite right. But they were there.
Because marching in a parade just isn't marching unless you march with your bag of KFC.
Until next time, happy St Johns parade everyone.
Don't miss my previous post featuring Clowns for Christ.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
You can't say the St Johns parade isn't unique
There were lots and lots church contingents. Lots. But this one took the cake. Clowns for Christ was their theme, and some of those placards on the van say "Whose clown are you?'" and "We are clowns for Christ." Could it be true? Clowns for Christ?
It's true. There were lots, and lots of clowns for Christ. And really, nothing says thank you Jesus like a bunch of people dressed up like clowns, right?
For more photos and stories of the 2008 St. Johns Parade, I have a new post here.
Friday, May 09, 2008
My dog is a narcissist
Can you tell which one is the dog and which one is the pillow?
This photo should be titled AdRi's favorite Christmas gift.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Have a 360
My garden 360 degrees from LeloNopo on Vimeo.
Make sure you stop to smell that wisteria. I swear it smells like Bazooka bubble gum.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
We're so in touch we're going to hurl archaic terms back at you
But first, let's have a little humor. Take a listen at this morning's conversation between AdRi and I:
"Brickback? Brokeback? Bareback?"My letter to FoodDay was printed in The Oregonian today, and that sentence there would be a link if they put the article on-line. It's actually 1/3 page with 3 other letters on the same topic, and an opening six paragraphs. But guess what kids? It's not online. Update: It's now online here. Here's the headline:
"No honey, brickbats. I don't know. I'll look it up."
- A piece, especially of brick, used as a weapon or missile.
- An unfavorable remark; a criticism.
No response, but they did print the letter. And today I learned an archaic word rarely used in modern language, and one that stems from Middle English 16th century and as a theater critic reference. The Oregonian continues to prove how in touch they are with their readership.
The original letter and my blogpost can be found here.
Oh FoodDay. I'll still read you, and I'll still make your CousCous with Carrot and Cilantro salad you have on Page 3. Because I'm fickle that way. I just wish you were a little more in touch with the rest of us. Kisses.
Update: Special welcome to all of my new visitors from Slashfood!
Monday, May 05, 2008
Another installment of Things I've Seen in North Portland
Friday, May 02, 2008
The Gays are Gardening: Food Not Lawns!
Sisters + 9200 Miles: Casts and Seeds
My sister homeschools her kids. In Australia, there's all kinds of nature education: even on holiday, they participated in a nature program, and made casts of animal prints. Can you see the paw prints of the kangaroo?
It's getting to be Autumn there. Opposite sides of the world mean opposite seasons. She's thinking of apples and winter is coming. Me? I'm reveling in Spring. Starting seeds in newspaper pots and egg cartons. My Favorite 11-Year-Old stopped by last week and we planted these together. Swiss Sunset Basil, Ponytails Amaranth, Love Lies Bleeding Amaranth, Purple Tomatillos, Ornamental Freak Gourd (not its real name but I'm calling it that, as a lover of all things freaky). Together we immersed our hands in the soggy soaked coconut shell soil, and filled the pots. Then with a chopstick, poked at the soil to bury the seeds. They're sprouting now, the amaranth to be the first up. Today my eye spied the basil emerging. Emerging. I like that word right now. It's how I feel in Spring.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Thank you Gloria, Louise, Zora and Georgia
Those are the names of the chickens who provided eggs for tonight's dinner. Make that, tonight's Spinach and Goat Cheese Quiche. And how did I come across these glorious eggs? That, my friends, is the wonders of the blog. A very friendly reader, though sparse commenter, GoblinBee, whom I met in person at an event last fall, sent me an e-mail asking a trade for produce from our garden, for eggs from her lovely girls. Alas, we don't have much produce this time of year, but I do have some tasty Apple Ginger Marmalade and Spicy Honey Dill Carrots. (And come this summer, we'll grow her her very own tomato plant.)
Ready for the small world part? She lives 3 streets away. We're neighbors. And she's a really nice person. How great is that? I love the internets. And I love this quiche. So much I'll even share the recipe with you. I made my pie crust, because it's super easy and I know how to do it with my eyes closed. No sugar though. Whip that up, put one in the freezer to use in the future, and one in your pie pan.
Spinach and Goat Cheese Quiche—From The Culinary Institute of America's book on Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 350.
Heat 2 T of oil in a large skillet, medium heat, until it shimmers. Add 1/2 cup minced onions and saute, stirring frequently, until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add 4-5 cups washed spinach and saute until very hot, about 4 minutes. You're cooking down the spinach. Put the mixture into a strainer in the sink and let it drain and cool. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on it.
Whisk together 3/4 cup heavy cream and 2 eggs (I used 4 because I think a quiche needs more than 2 eggs). Stir in 1/2 cup crumbled fresh goat cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 T chopped sun dried tomatoes and the spinach/onion mixture. Season with salt and pepper and spread evenly over the pie crust. Bake for 45 minutes, or, until a knife blade inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the quiche rest for 20 minutes once done.
Thank you Gloria, Louise, Zora and Georgia, thank you G!