When's the last time you smacked one around?

Have a great weekend :)

This used to be my tramstop. Every morning I stood here, come rain, come shine. Got wet, got sweatty, got a cold, got tired of waiting, got the next tram (as I missed the previous one). I didn't miss a tram frequently, as I knew that it could get delayed. At some stops heaploads of tourists get in. And instead of having a 24/48 or 72 hours transportation card, they all need to buy one single ticket, at EUR 1.80 (or so). And ofcourse each and every person pays with a EUR 50 note. Which delayed the tram even more.

Now I have changed jobs, I'm very much happy that it only takes me 20ish minutes by car. No heaploads of tourists, no detours because of events taking place along or over the tracks. No more smelly people in front of you, no more getting bags and purses smacked in the face.

The day I start missing all that, is the day I will let you know.

Thisis pretty much the same location, with different light conditions.

Sunblock, originally uploaded by Stewart Leiwakabessy. 25th July, 2008 -- ©Stewart Leiwakabessy

Wineberry pie is a part of my "food culture," to quote Michael Pollan.  My great-grandmother, who we called Grandma Rose, would make wineberry pie once a year, and we would all enjoy it while it lasted.  There's a very short period of time each year between when the wineberries ripen and when the birds have eaten them all.  To take advantage of that time while it lasted, we'd pick the raspberry-like berries, being careful not to eat any (okay, we ate some), and bring them to Grandma to make her pie.  I remember making a wineberry pie with her one summer, probably when I was about 12 years old.  Rolling out the crust, mixing the wineberries with sugar and flour, using a fork to crimp the edges of the crust, cutting slits in the top to let out the steam, and being sure to place the pie on a tray to bake in the oven.  You see, wineberry pies aren't officially baked until the rich, red syrup has bubbled over the edge.

In my botany class, when we learned to identify the plant, I shared stories with my fellow students about wineberry pie and Grandma Rose.  Everyone wished I would make them a pie, but of course it wasn't the right season.  Interestingly, we learned that wineberries are an invasive species from Asia.  To learn more about the plant, you can visit this site.

The other night, I noticed the wineberries were beginning to ripen.  I made a date with my mom to go pick some, as I noticed quite a few growing up the road at an old, abandoned house.  We walked up the quiet road, picking berries, chatting and joking about what we'd do if a black bear came upon us.  Mom said she'd give it the berries, but I wasn't so sure...  Then we saw a deer and figured we were safe, since if there was a bear around, the deer wouldn't be there.  The birds hadn't yet gotten to the wineberries, and picking went quickly.  Before we knew it, we had three quarts full and decided that was enough for today.  I've thought about freezing some, but I really enjoy that they're only available once a year.  That's what makes them such a special treat.

This afternoon, I turned the wineberries into two pies, one large one for my mom, dad and brothers, and a smaller one for me and Ed.  I have photocopies of Grandma Rose's journals of recipes, and in her 99 1/2 years she was constantly cooking.  Most of her recipes are just lists of ingredients, with a baking temperature thrown in every so often.  The techniques and cook's notes were in her head, so it is left up to me to fill those in.  Of course, nothing I make is the exact same as Grandma Rose's, but my creations are always reminiscent of hers, which makes my cooking taste all the better.

Grandma Rose's Wineberry Pie

• 2 pie crusts
• 1 quart wineberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 3-4 Tbsp flour
• 1 Tbsp butter, cut in small pieces

The ingredients are hers, but the directions are mine, the best I can do after a few years worth of trying to replicate her pie.  Put one crust in the bottom of a 8" pie pan.  Combine wineberries, sugar and flour in a bowl, and pour into the bottom crust.  Dot with butter, then lay the top crust over the berries.  Crimp the edges, using a fork or your fingers, and cut slits in the top or a hole in the middle.  Bake at 400 F for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 and bake for about 40-50 minutes more, until the crust is golden brown and the red juices spill out.  Cool and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.  If you want to make a bigger or smaller pie, adjust ingredients accordingly (depending on how many berries you can pick).

A moment...

Well, really, more than a moment, cause I sit here, and I listen to one song over and over again, trying to get what I can out of it.

This song, has no relation to what I am about to type..or maybe it does. Subconsciously, I think I wove it into my emotions as to fuel my thoughts..Of course, talking to my friends about certain topics is a bit unnerving too.

After all, ten years is a long time...and adding the already 7 years is unconsequential, seemingly.

But, I also have a cup of coffee, a dreary atmosphere, and somewhat heavy [sad] music in the background..It shouldn't matter, and it shouldn't effect me, but it does..it always has.

Well, I switched the music, to moonlight sonata (1st movement). It wasn't an improvement, at all....But it doesn't have words, so it can let my thoughts completely free, instead of being stuck to one topic, I suppose. Sad, slow, and somehow, not really depressing..thoughts.

Of course, the play-list..would never help me crawl out of this abyss, called my mind...

Hide & Seek -- Imogen heap
What Sarah Said -- Death Cab For Cutie
Moonlight Sonata (1st movement) -- Beethoven

Also, you have to remember my friends..The ones who are overly complicated simplicity all on their own...And they are all emotionally challenged, in the sense of they lack it..Which is great, we only talk through IM and E-mail when it comes to actual thoughts and emotions...

But we never say anything out-loud, and some people are curious as to if we even talk..cause even at school there is a lack of communication..but for me, that's comfortable, and I enjoy it.

It's dangerous territory to venture into each others thoughts, because we get tangled, and it's a hard place to get out of...Imagine, a big vast open field, with various storms and tornadoes ripping through...That is our minds. Most of us, if not all, question society as a whole, and never individually, because then we would have to acknowledge that there are people who are individuals..like us.

Of course, that might just be us being ignorant. After all, we have no real lives..Just ones controlled by family and school, and the occasional freedom that we have to go hang out..Which, btw, we've all done some pretty stupid things.

Anyhow...I don't even really know what this blog is about anymore. I had an initial topic, but I've gone and done forgotten it. Oh well, I suppose.

At least it was a little entertaining for me.

Today, we took a blanket outside under the big willow tree and laid there looking around. It was very relaxing and Julia was quite impressed with the willow tree. It's gorgeous out today and we found a nice cool shady spot to relax in.

A new family just moved in down the street: Andre, his wife and their 3 kids. Two-year old twin girls and a 5 year-old little boy. All very cute. We live in a wonderful neighborhood. It's all very safe. Unfortunately, while Sylvia, the new family's nanny, took the kids to the park across the street yesterday, someone broke into their house and stole a computer. The JUST. MOVED. IN. Joe and I feel so bad for him.

While Julia and I were outside today, Sylvia and the kids stopped over and we chatted. Sylvia is now completely paranoid and keeps her eye on anyone she doesn't know (which is everyone). She's really nice and I feel bad for her. I told her that this is actually a very safe neighborhood. Apparently a kid with sticky fingers from the trailer park down the street might be responsible.

This whole situation has prompted Joe to buy a motion detector alarm for the basement. He said he wanted to build one, but they didn't sell the parts anymore. THANK GOODNESS. Our house is going to be like fort knox. And as long as the cats don't set off the motion sensor, I'm fine with it.

I'm feeling quite listless today. I'm doing baby laundry, so I'm not being completely non-productive, but I don't feel motivated to do anything. I'm sitting here drinking tea, eating M&Ms, and reading an issue of Real Simple (to which I should really subscribe since I buy the new issue every month). Yeah, I could work on a drawing. Or my satire. Or clean more. Or do some yoga. But I'm not. I wish things would put themselves away. I'd like to go to the beach. I'm not a beach person, but I haven't been to one since Joe and I went to Maine. And it's nice to feel wet sand between your toes every once in a while. Maybe next summer.

And since I have absolutely no desire to have little baby spiders crawling on me, I left them there. Yes, you read that right. I - left - them - there!!

But let me tell you this...
As soon as those babies are gone, the porch is getting a thorough cleaning.
After all, I ain't tryin' to run no spider daycare here!

.

(Side Note: ppppffff. Yes, I know, bad grammar. Loosen up a bit, would ya?)

Ever started a fire without a match? I hadn't until this last weekend. It was so cool. I was utterly astonished that I did it. Using only the items shown below: birch bark, frayed twine, char cloth, flint & steel

I unraveled a 3" piece of twine and placed it on a piece of birch bark. On top of which I placed a small 1" or so square of char cloth.

Char cloth catches a spark easily so this is where I aimed when striking the flint against the steel.

Once a spark catches on the char cloth I folded the birch bark in half like a taco and blew gently. Here's my sis giving it a go. Can you see the smoke coming out the end? First the frayed twine catches then the bark.
At that point we placed it on a pile of tinder and got a good blaze going.

Can you believe I made that without modern conveniences? I'm still astonished. Now I feel I need to purchase a flint & steel as well as make some char cloth before our next camping trip.

July 23, 2008

More mushrooms from our yard.

It's starting to scare me...

It just stares at me. It still breathes, it just doesn't make the squeaky noises that it usually does, and it won't run around really fast like it usually does either.

Can someone please help me? I can't whack it with my shovel because it isn't close enough!! FREAKY!!

For the rest of the pictures click here.

the end.
-ash

...had the kind of wedding I think a lot of people want to have. They had to choose between large elaborate event and a simple one, and they went the simple route. It's not that they didn't want to have a large wedding party with all family and friends, but time was such that it was better to keep the wedding small and have another reception later. So, I joined them in Wilmot, Ohio (aka. Amish country) for their outdoor wedding at the Wilderness Center, aptly named as you can see all the greenery...

I would have to say Amber + Eric are perfect for each other. Even though I've only spent a little time with them they had so much fun taking pictures before the ceremony and obviously you can tell they're in love... Not only that, they know how to have fun; I love how the motion in this picture captures them.

You know what is cool? They met on e-harmony and Amber was living in Buffalo, Eric in Ohio. I didn't know anyone who had meet on e-harmony before them, but it turns out I do, I just didn't know those people met that way.

Even though they weren't shy I like this photo of them kissing behind the tree. We joked about moving the ceremony into the forest because it was so much cooler being in the shade, but I couldn't convince them and we headed to the meadow after taking some family pictures. I think this one of Amber & her sister is great.

Eric's dad is a pastor, and so he officiated the ceremony, his brothers played the processional, and Justin, Amber's brother-in-law, sang special music.

Congratulations to the newlyweds! After the ceremony we headed back to Amber & Eric's house, where they had a relaxing and fun outside reception.

last but not least, Eric + Amber celebrated the day with cake... in their mouths and on their faces! It was so fun to celebrate with you guys, and I hope you're all doing well!

I love the modern feel of these narrow modular pavers by Stepstone Inc.

Reference: 1216116179

Edit | 15th July 2008 at 11:02 BST by Nikki Ambler. Permalink.

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Leo la primera página.

Leo la primera págnia.

Sensación tengo de no leer la misma obra.

Vacío y frío invádenme.

Miro hacia arriba: Una estantería entera de libros de extranjeros traducidos por gozadores de la no-presión que aporta el anonimato empieza a latir fuerte fuerte. Multitud de libros. Multitud de traductores. Interpretadores. Transformadores. Anónimos e invisibles. Libres. Intrusos entre mi personita y el maravilloso autor.

Horror.

¿Y si durante todo el tiempo he estado leyendo a traductores, autores camuflados, en lugar de a los verdaderos escritores, a los mitos deseados? ¿Dónde quedan las verdaderas palabras, el orden de las frases, la elección de sutilezas?

¿Aprender debo, idiomas, para eliminar la incómoda vestimenta que nos separa (al autor y a mí)? ¿Alemán, latín, inglés, japonés, ruso, francés?

¿Factible es? ¿Purista soy? ¿Iniciar debo, una mirada atenta al invisible mediador?

I did what Californians do on my first day back in the country. I put the top down on my car and went to the beach.

It was great seeing a Great Blue Heron and colorful sailboats.

Here's a link to the photos, which taken in RAW.

On our road adventure this last weekend, we saw a roadside stand and made it our last destination of the day.  It was worth the time to stop there.  We loaded up on giant zucchini, sweet fresh corn (which allowed my daughter to use her new favorite word "husks") and some pepper jelly.  If you've never tried pepper jelly, you are missing out!  We were about to leave when Grace spied a bucket full of lovely sunflowers.  She just had to have one of course, and as we were picking the perfect one, the woman who was running the stand told us that there was an entire field of sunflowers just down the road.  You know I just had to go and take pictures!  The problem was convincing my husband of how important it was.  It was the end of a  hot and humid day, the kids were cranky, their faces smeared with Oreo...  I saw defeat on the horizon, but I pressed on, pulling out the puppy dog face.  Now, I have to say here- I NEVER use the puppy dog face (mostly because hubby uses it enough for us both!) but I just HAD to take pictures in the sunflower field... and of course I won!  VICTORY!

Now, after that whole long story about sunflowers and sunflower fields, I bet you're wondering why today's photo is of peach baskets...  Mostly it's because when I started this post I wanted it to be today's photo, but I went off on a tangent.  So I guess you will have to wait till next time to see some sunflowers.  Unless you're impatient - in which case just click here and you will be whisked away to my sunflower print at Exquisite Image.  There are also a few more pictures on my Flickr page.

So next time I promise to stay a little more on task, but in the meantime take a little time and surf the web for some local farmer's markets (and don't forget to bring your camera!!)

benton mackaye/duncan ridge trail to toccoa river suspension bridge

the difficulty of the hike may have derived from the 80 pound pack i had strapped to my back. you should never carry more than half of your body weight and attempt to hike over a mountain in 90 degree weather. if you do attempt it, all of your bones will be sore, not to mention the muscles you have forgotten about or never even knew you had. despite this, we had loads of fun! seriously.

our campsite was private and beautiful, right at the edge of the toccoa river. quite timingly, mark bittman, the minimalist, of the new york times recently did a story on 101 picnic food ideas (i love lists as you may have been able to tell) so, we had a delicious dinner of cold peanut noodle salad with cucumbers and a lovely edamame salad with mint that david discovered.

we read books (i started a new one- eat, love, pray- since a confederacy of dunces is too big to carry), frolicked in the refreshing water of the toccoa, admired the suspension bridge we could see from out campsite, and slept soundly in our very cool tent (thanks mom and dad). our bug spray did a most excellent job at keeping the mosquitos at bay, but all 3 of us had ticks! such is life outdoors in the georgia summer months.

we have already started planning our next outing for mid-october when both of our football teams have the weekend off. instead of a hike in, this outing may consist of a hike followed by camping nearer to our car...not sure if i can handle another weekend of having a BMI of 36 (with pack weight)!