Aftermath

1 turkey + 5 gallon bucket + 1 recipe brine = a very delicious bird

12 total hands + new door + a little brawn = bedroom moved up upstairs

6 adults + 1 little boy + 1 dog + 1 cat = fun visit

1 exhausted woman trying to have 1 actual vacation day out of the week off = pictures next post.

Brine and dine

There's been a lot of talk out in food world about turkey brining and its supposed benefits, for several years now. I've never done it, and I've never had it. It's supposed to make the turkey super juicy and perfectly flavorful. Well, this year, we are going to try it. All it took was us catching an Alton Brown (heart) show about it last night, and we thought it sounded pretty darn easy. Then there's this fancy foil breast guard thingie too.

I picked up everything we'll need today (oh my, it was a long, tedious, and expensive morning...and since when is heavy cream nearly $5 a freaking quart??), including the 5-gallon brining bucket. I couldn't find juniper berries, but I also didn't look that hard. Two stores tests my patience limit these days.

I think it will be fun! We will brine it Wednesday night, until just before cooking time on Thursday. Yea, take THAT turkey!

Tuesday is pie and dessert baking day! Wednesday is cleaning and screaming day! My guests arrive Wednesday eve, and we'll have additional visitors for a dessert-eating crowd. And a chaotic and unfinished house. I really am doing so well with all this. Only minor break downs so far. This is much better than I'd anticipated for myself.

Have a lovely holiday!

Oh, hi. What's up?

Did you miss me? It has been a long month. Where to begin?

The holidays were fun. I spent New Year's with friends, and that was super fun.

January was moving along nicely until the 17th when I got a distressing call from my mom with the news that my cousin Anna was in the ER fighting for her life. Long story short, she developed a sudden, massive infection (sepsis) days after a tubal ligation surgery, and it took over quickly. They could not stop it, and she could not fight it. She died the next evening. Everyone was, and still is devastated. I love and miss her deeply and my heart breaks for her family. I won't go into further details, it's a little too much for me.

Work is always hectic in January, so the rest of the month has been a blur, but the dust is finally starting to settle. February is here and the thought of approaching Spring (though it's still light years away) lifts my spirits a bit.

I'm enjoying the prospect of Netflix (a lovely gift subscription to Tim and me from my brothers), as well as getting back into some reading. I finished The Road. Whoa. Don't read it. If you read it and then you wish you hadn't, don't say I didn't warn you.

I'm reading The How of Happiness. So? what of it? I'll punch you.
Jokes aside, I was interested in it because it's supposed to be beyond the hokey and cornball inspirational/self help garbage out there and discuss actual, scientific, evidence-based strategies for taking control of a specific amount of happiness in your life that is supposedly within your ability to affect and enhance. I like the approach, and so far, it's a fun and interesting read. I might try to do some of the exercises in it. If I go public with any of it, you'll know. And if you make fun of me, I will punch you. Happily.

Tim and I now have a weight lifting routine. We started in January and we're on our 6th workout. We've made some gains, but I will never, ever like it. Lifting sucks. Lifting in the basement with cobwebs and mousetraps REALLY sucks. I've also concluded that I have no back muscles. I'm not sure how I'm able to get around so well, but that's something I'll try to dissect another time.

Okies, I'm off to bed. I'll be wittier soon. And prettier.

Ringing the sex bells

It's not at all about sex, actually. Just wanted a sexy title. I don't even know what sex bells are and if they even exist, or if I'd ever want to ring such things. I'm going to talk about the holidays, and that's boring and cliche for December of course, so what better way to jazz it up than to add a strangely suggestive title? Brilliant, I know.

As per usual, I'm terribly unprepared for all things holidays: While I did manage to coordinate an almost 3 mile roundtrip adventure to pick out a tree, and even get it decorated, the rest of my holiday planning has consisted mostly of anxiety and irritation, dotted with short bursts of cynicism and total Giveupness. That's a word. My word. Use it only with permission.

I'm coming to the conclusion that I might not really be into the holidays, but just play along because it's exciting for Sam, and for the most part, the people I love are on board with it - it's much more important to me that we get to spend time together, and if it happens to all come together because of widespread holiday related time off, worship, blatant commercialism, or all three, then so be it. I'll take it!
I'm not very religious, so the birth of Christ, as well as the other religious celebrations going on around this time, don't anchor my thoughts or activities. I have no problems with enjoying the food and cheer, the music and pretty lighting, and saying Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy New Year, or Happy Frenzied Shopping. Whatever floats your boat is what I will greet you with, my friend, cause it's all good - just think of me as your willing Holiday Ally. Pass the cookies please, and let's make out under the mistletoe. Hey, maybe I am into the holidays!

But back to planning: December is nearly half over, and I'm further behind this year than ever. In fact, I'm probably not going to manage getting greeting cards or letters out this year. Oooh, quick detour down memory lane: A former friend once asked me why I bothered to send out a holiday letter. She remarked, "I mean, you're basically Atheist. I just don't get it." Gentle readers, I know I don't have to spell out all the awful assumptions, judgments, and offenses in that little gem. I don't identify as an Atheist. I might be more of an Alltheist. Goodness, then maybe I should be sending out like 6 times the cards...or wait, that's right-Season's Greetings will do. That's not to say that receiving religious cards offends me. It's fine. Holiday Ally.

I do tend to get it all done in time, and I'm confident I will come through once more. Tim and I usually exchange ornaments and non-extravagant gifts. Sam's gifts are pretty much picked out (but not yet ordered...that's next), and I still have to come up with ideas for my family and a few select friends. Like I mentioned, the holiday mailing might not happen - but I can put a practical spin on my failure...besides the outrageous cost of the stamps and cards, it will save paper, as well as the chemicals used in the inks and photo prints...not to mention that about three quarter of the folks that would receive them are now on Facebook.

I wish you all wonderful holiday joy!

Rhode Island, we'll be back

Left Wednesday morning. Rolled in about 2pm. Checked in. Checked out downtown Narragansett and walked a little on the town's beach (Narragansett Towers in the background) and watched the hardcore surfers, still out as dusk approached.

Found a spot to eat, but the Food Network was taping there! What are the odds? The place is Crazy Burger, and they'll be featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, or as I like to call it when I can't remember the full title, Dumpsters and Diving. They told us it would be at least a 45 minute wait. We could see the host, Guy Fieri, in the window. Man, he looks like a total DLR in person as well, but still, kind of a cool thing to come across. Took a picture of the sign they had out front as evidence of previously described cool thing, but due to the hungry and tired toddler accompanying us, decided to come back the following night. Settled on a solid surf & turf place on the waterfront and it worked out quite nicely.


Thursday was the full beach day. There are gazillions of beaches to choose from in Rhode Island, all within a few minutes' drive from everywhere, so we did a little research and asking around to narrow things down. We went for East Matunuck state beach, and it was great: pretty and uncrowded.


Friday morning was another beach day, but we tried Scarborough State Beach instead. It was a bit bigger and more crowded, but even prettier than EM beach. The rain had us packing up by noon that day.

That same afternoon we went over the bridge (pictured in the previous post) to Newport. The rain was light, so we were able to do a small part of the Cliff-walk (in total, one can see 63 properties, including "The Breakers" (where we were, below) and other famous Newport mansions), and explored the historic waterfront, which although crowded, was quaint, well-preserved, and super New Englandish. We had dinner down there, and enjoyed watching a blingy yacht and an older, handsome sailboat dock just feet away.

By Saturday we were just tired. We were planning to take the ferry to Block Island, but we were also eager to get home. We had a big breakfast and decided to just head back. Of course, Saturday's weather was gorgeous, and would have been a great beach or ferry day. We're thinking of renting a house near the beach next summer, and checking out Providence and Block Island at a more leisurely pace...overall, however, we give this quick Rhode Island getaway 6 thumbs up!

Royal Dork

Happy 2009!

Tim and I had a quiet eve on the 31st. Sam was in bed by 8, and we watched M. Knight Shyamalan's The Happening. Though it was a little rough around the edges (mostly in dialogue), it had a good sense of creepiness and a unique plot, so we liked it. Plus, you know, Mark Wahlberg. I realize that's a fragment.

We had planned to stay up to watch the ball drop, so we tuned into CNN around 10. They stuck Anderson Cooper with Kathy Griffin in Times Square. It was funny to watch him squirm at her dumb jokes. It also looks like she's gradually morphing into Joan Rivers. Anyhow, they cut to their correspondent in Las Vegas, who talked about the events planned for the strip, and mentioned that Coolio and Fergie would be there soon.

I turned to Tim and said, "Fergie? And Coolio? That's odd." Tim just looked at me blankly. "I mean, why would the Dutchess of York turn up with Coolio in Las Vegas?" Another blank stare, then he said, "What are you talking about? Who's this Dutchess of York?" I said, "Um, you know, Sarah Ferguson! Fergie? The Dutchess of York? Oh, wait, maybe she's there to promote Weight Watchers for New Year's resolutions!"

Then I saw the look. I've talked about the look before: Mockery and a little pity, with a good dose of omg. He chuckled, "You're an idiot. Not that Fergie. The other Fergie. You know!" I had no idea still, and he said, "From the Black Eyed Peas!" Ohhhhh. OK. Now that makes more sense.

Personally, I'd rather see the Dutchess, so, whatevs. But we had a good laugh at my out-of-touch expense. At precisely 11:08, I called it a night and we went to bed. I asked him to give me a New Year's kiss first thing in the morning, but a little after midnight, he remembered and kissed me (awww).

Christmas Returns

Here's what's on my 'do not buy me' list this year (and likely every year). I don't really keep handwritten wish lists, but I think I might start to pen really creepy ones for fun. You know, everyone needs a few yards of barbed wire, a shovel, duct tape (L.L. Bean has it in plaid), and a few cans of Crisco.

This year, in honor of my renewed Christmas spirit, what's better than putting together a snide, snooty and rather mean list?

Please, merciful Santa, I do not want:

1. A Hummer.

2. Anything endorsed by Rachel Ray (aside from Dunkin Donuts coffee).

3. Any painted sign telling me to "Laugh" or "Love" or "Breathe" or "Believe", or any sign pointing out that I'm in the "Bath", that "Angels Gather Here", or that we're a "Family" living in a "Home Sweet Home" that needs to "Simplify" with "Joy". I will beat you with it, then use it as kindling. You heard me Santa. I'll do it.


4. A crystal unicorn.
5. Scrunchies.


6. Scrunch boots.
7. Anything designed by Jeanne Bice or the Quacker Factory.

8. A large, gilded frame, oil portrait of our 43rd President.


9. A Mountain Dew Christmas Tree.

(By the way, do you see my logical progression of thought from 4-9 in this list? Unfortunately it gets more random from this point)

10. Lemon Meringue Pie.

11. A warm, sensible and hideous parka.
12. Margarine.
13. This blanket.
14. Stripper shoes. If you want to bring me shoes, let's talk first.
15. Frumpy shoes. Birks. Birks and socks. I'd rather wear the stripper shoes. Again, let's talk.


16. Decaffeinated coffee, Dunkin or other.

Thanksgiving Fib

I know I wrote I wouldn't post again until December. I can't be trusted.

There's a winter storm advisory in effect until this afternoon. We're supposed to leave for NC tonight - I imagine the worst will be over by the time we go, plus we'll be driving south, so at this point, I'm not worried about it.

Despite my deep and relentless hate of upstate NY winters, I do think early snowfall is pretty. It looks especially pretty from the windows. I took these a few minutes ago.



Happy Thanksgiving!

Old box, new box

No one wants another lecture about consumerism, supporting Main Street, the evils of mega-marts, and the like - not that we don't need to be lectured about this...trust me when I tell you I believe in fair trade, good quality, and ethical sourcing and production. Trust me as I tell you this while my other browser tab is on target.com -I'm looking at curtain panels for the living room.

Big box stores suck me in pretty easily...in some ways they remind me of childhood, wandering Caldor's and Alexander's with my mom. Those were some of the first big stores open in the outskirts of Peekskill.

Before that, I remember that shopping was all about going downtown to Woolworth's and then the big-time: Howland's-Steinbach - all fancy smack in the middle of downtown, with four levels, central escalator, and even elevators with real, actual elevator operators in uniform! It was like old-timey movies but with a late 70s soundtrack. Eventually it went out of business and after years of vacancy, the building was turned into a branch of Westchester County Community College, or as the locals call it, Harvard on the Hudson. Later WCC moved next door to the Woolworth building, and the former Steinbach was taken over by another state branch...ironically, the unemployment office.

Thanks to Ed Horn for the pic of the former Steinbach building, below. The fomer Woolworth building is now a branch of WCCC.

Fast forward to the 2000s. Living in upstate NY with Walmart being the main big-box game in town, I've grown to hate it more and more. Of course I hate what it stands for, its politics, and all that, but honestly, when I really break it down, Walmart has little to offer me outside of cheap and disposable crap. I still go there on occasion, but I make it a point to do it only for very specific situations and items. I always leave with more than I came in for (goodness, I idolize Ralph Nader, but I'm not quite at his level of freak yet...), but at least I can say it's mostly nationally branded stuff that just happens to be priced well at that moment (like Diet Dr. Pepper). As for the rest - food, cosmetics, clothes, and so on? I get those elsewhere. And I don't necessarily spend more. Their slogan is Live Better? I say Live Better than Walmart.

OK, done with that diatribe. So I'm getting to this in a totally roundabout way. Apologies. Keep reading. I have really enjoyed rediscovering the Main Street shopping experience over the past few years - and not just in Oneonta. Oneonta is still troubled with hiccups of empty store fronts and spaces changing hands. In my humble opinion the problem is really a circular little pinch of everything:

From the consumer side, it's lazy people not wanting to find parking and walk (though they'll walk the length of a football field in the Walmart lot), and people just too stuck in the convenience/cheap goods/all-in-one place/more-is-better mindset who never think to check downtown first. Big boxes are a real convenience - and a real threat. It's hard to live without them when they've been able to take over most of your frontal lobe.

From the business side, it's store owners that have to contend with high rents and overhead BUT don't cater to customer schedules (ya, you heard me Razzle Dazzle lady - you SUCK and aren't worthy of the fun stuff in your store), they aren't savvy or creative about advertising, and don't seem to get that if they have a significant, real sale, they will turn over much more inventory and make a profit. Try it. Face it. Your $1 off coupon in the Pennysaver ain't gonna pull me in. Your 'buy 75 at full price and get 5% off the 76th' isn't impressive - it's laughable. Offer a good deal, and you might just sell enough to offset the cost of your pathetic advertising and then you can't complain that your advertisements don't work. It's not the advertising, it's what you're advertising! Ok, sorry, again. There I go playing economist entrepreneur business marketing whiz anger child again. I get like that.

But really, I love Main Streets and I do shop them. Like just this afternoon, I bought some Christmas gifts. And they're unique and cool and you can't get them in Walmart. Or Target. And some were handmade, so the money stays in the community, and doesn't line the pockets of investors and CEOs. Some of the best gifts I've ever received were from small merchants, and some of the most treasured gifts I've given (at least people say they love them) were from small merchants. I'd love to post pictures of what I bought today, but like I said, they are gifts...

I probably won't post again for a week or so. I'm spending most of the weekend finishing my thesis (oh I'll blog about that for sure), and next week we'll be traveling for the holiday and I'm not sure I'll be able to get all bloggy with my bad self. So, Happy Thanksgiving and all that...I'll be back in December!