Word Racer Meet Up

Hey, I've got an idea: Let's play word racer! Come on. It'll be fun. You know you want to. It may sound nerdy, but it is a hoot. Monday, Jan 29th, 7:00PM PST Social Lounge 6 For those of you unfamiliar with the game, it is very similar to boggle, but on the computer playing with people around the country/world. To get started, go here. You'll need a yahoo account, but they are free (and the best free, web-based e-mail around). Then click on Social Lounge 6. Then wait for me to invite you to our table. If you haven't played before, it might be good to get a few practice rounds in before Monday. So, leave a comment on this post with your username if you are going to be joining us so I can know who to invite in. Yeehaw!

Saturday January 27 2007

File under: meet-ups

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on Sun 28th Jan, 2007 02:53 pm UTC Horge (channelled by the spirit of Douglas Adamas) said: Wish I could Wrenjamin, but with stupid time zones that's a bit early in the morning for me to walk down the hill to work and play nerdy-games. But I'm gonna go check out this game right now to see what it's like. If it is anything like Boggle, then it does sound like a hoot. Remember ol' Shor getting "required"? Almost like the Beastie Boys... Jeez, I've gotta get ahold of Boggle. maybe when my sister comes to visit me. Or maybe my favorite Anacourtesan could ship me a set, since I got no Asia postcard as requested? :) ************************ on Sun 28th Jan, 2007 03:01 pm UTC Horge (no longer channelled by the spirit of Douglas Adamas) said: I'd like to clarify that, being no longer possessed (a.k.a. seen that the computer automatically chose that name from the list), any Boggle-related shipments should be sent to George c/o Bosnia, and not in fact sent to the family or estate of author Douglas Adams. Thank you for your time, and all the fish. ************************ on Sun 28th Jan, 2007 05:30 pm UTC Chris said: Ah Yeah! Count me in, I already play it quite a bit so we'll see how my skills match up against someone who's actually gone up against Will Shortz head to head! Calculatron@sbcglobal.net! ************************ on Sun 28th Jan, 2007 06:01 pm UTC Andrew said: yep yep. throw me in the mix. antaro11 is the name. ************************ on Mon 29th Jan, 2007 07:44 am UTC Trista said: let's just blame my absence on dial-up this time. ************************ on Tue 30th Jan, 2007 12:21 am UTC Chris said: Look for my friend to, Krusty ************************

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On Being a Tourist in Your Own Town

I've lived in Anacortes a long time now and I feel that I know it pretty well. I can tell you where the best pizza is (Village, of course), how many stop lights there are (13), and the best hike (depends on the weather). But it isn't often that I get to play tourist in my own town. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to do just that. A friend was visiting from the East Coast who had never properly seen Fidalgo Island. (Passing through to the ferry totally doesn't count.) We got to see Deception Pass, Cap Sante, Burrows Island lookout on the WaPa loop, the funny house down by Matt Kanarr's old house, Whistle Lake (with so many new downed trees!), Causland Park, and much more. Some of these I happen upon in my daily life. Others I rarely visit. All of them take on new dimensions when seen through non-resident's eyes. Being exposed to the beauty that is Fidalgo Island on a daily basis can sometimes cause me to forget how spectacular it is here. Anne's frequent "This is so beautiful!" helped remind me to take a step back and appreciate this beautiful place in which we live.

Wednesday January 24 2007

File under: Anacortes, pics

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on Thu 25th Jan, 2007 01:30 am UTC Jule said: Wait, you live in Anacortes? That is where I am from! ************************ on Thu 25th Jan, 2007 02:28 am UTC Andrew said: Blake lives on Fidooooglio Island. ************************ on Thu 25th Jan, 2007 03:46 am UTC hannah said: Isn't there a legend that if you spend a night on Fidalgo Island you will constantly return to visit? ************************ on Thu 25th Jan, 2007 08:33 pm UTC Trista said: I'm with Anne~ It's SO beautiful! ************************ on Thu 25th Jan, 2007 10:23 pm UTC Wren said: Note: In response to the request of someone who shall remain nameless, one of the pictures that was originally posted has been changed. ************************ on Thu 25th Jan, 2007 10:32 pm UTC Sara said: I remember going to Acadia with you freshman year and your "This looks like my island back home" comments. Sigh. Acadia definitely didn't look like home for me. ************************ on Fri 26th Jan, 2007 12:25 am UTC Saxtor said: Wren, this comment is coming from inside the internet! ************************ on Fri 26th Jan, 2007 01:44 am UTC Ryan Walters said: Have you seen the castle house down around 10th street? ************************ on Fri 26th Jan, 2007 04:19 pm UTC Chris said: You seem to be forgetting some very important historical landmarks on your list; just to name a few: The Outback: Home of the only people who ever actually drank OK Cola The Shed: Site of over 1,000,000 games of Goldeneye played Commercial Market: Originator of the Schlong-Pop The Brown Lantern: Anacortes' premier higher education facility Plus, on top of all that you can always change up the pace and take one of our many tours like "VW Vanagons Throughout the Ages". Honestly, I'm surprised we haven't been approached by the History Channel yet to host a documentery! ************************ on Fri 26th Jan, 2007 04:23 pm UTC Chris said: Disclaimer: The previous comment was intended as an attempt at humor and not Anacortes bashing; please do not revoke my passport privilages to A-Town, I wouldn't trade it for any city I've ever been to (Except for maybe Paris, they had really good cheese) ************************ on Sat 27th Jan, 2007 04:14 pm UTC cardboard said: oi oi oi a photo op at the expense of an endangered serpentine grassland....stay on the train turbofeet. ************************ on Mon 29th Jan, 2007 06:12 am UTC tee said: I have a very dear little friend that comes to visit twice a month. I take her to only one different special spot on the island and we enjoy it to the fullest. Her dose of nature lasts in mind and body and in magical photos. I always look forward to her visits so I can explore my backyard in wonder and awe... ************************ on Tue 30th Jan, 2007 06:52 pm UTC Quag said: Wait, wait, wait. Villige pizza the best?!?! You must be smoking one of A-trains (and more specifically gweeeemas's) most prominent exports. ************************ on Tue 30th Jan, 2007 06:58 pm UTC Wren said: Blake, I was wondering how long it would take someone to take issue with that. ************************ on Mon 12th Feb, 2007 02:24 am UTC amanda said: ok, i still say the "funny house" has issues. i mean, they must not have used a real architect because look at those supports!! i can't even write the sound i make when i see it, sorry, that's me being an engineer, we are supposed to hide those sorts of things from the general public. ************************

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You Can Quote Me On That

With all my free time these days, I've been trying to get as much reading in as I can, although the pile of yet-to-be-read books seems to get larger rather than smaller. Being that I am a hopeless listmaker, I have a number of book related lists that I keep. I have a list of every book I've read since the beginning of high school, which is always good for a browse whether to remind you of an old favorite author or if a friend is looking for reading suggestions. But one of my favorite book related lists to browse through is my quotes list. When I read, I try to keep a pen and paper near by to record memorable quotes. I then transfer them to the master list kept in my computer. In the interest of fun, I thought I'd share a few of my favorites here. Please feel free to share one of your own. Please note that I don't necessarily support or reject this ideas presented. I just found them interesting. "It is to erase the fixed smiles of sleeping couples that Satan trained roosters to crow at 5 in the morning." -Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume "The universe always conspires to help the dreamer." -Paul Coehlo, By the River Piedra I Wept "Listen: We are here on earth to fart around. Don't let anyone tell you any different." -Kurt Vonnegut, Timequake(?) "Sober men don't dance." -Will Ferguson, Happiness "Don't let the muggles get you down." -J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter "There's birth, there's death, and in between, there's maintainence." -Tom Robbins, Fierce Invalids Home from a Hot Climate "Lunch justifies any morning and sedates the worst of afternoons" -Tom Robbins, Fierce Invalids Home from a Hot Climate "Just keep your bowels open and try to lead clean lives." -Ernest Hemingway, Islands in the Stream "But I comfort myself by believing that shallowness is a key part of being a complicated male." -Randy Wayne White, Everglades "The mind's ability to rationalize its own short comings is unlimited" -Robert Heinlein, Stranger from a Strange Land "Mayhem was mayhem even if people were having a good time." John Irving, A Prayer for Owen Meany

Saturday January 20 2007

File under: books

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on Sat 20th Jan, 2007 06:10 am UTC Mom said: Well, then, I find it interesting that you find these interesting. Yes, it explains alot. ************************ on Sat 20th Jan, 2007 06:30 am UTC Jack Kerouac said: The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars... ************************ on Sat 20th Jan, 2007 06:53 am UTC Herman Melville said: If you can get nothing better out of the world, get a good dinner out of it, at least. ************************ on Sat 20th Jan, 2007 06:57 am UTC Benjamin Franklin said: Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy ************************ on Sat 20th Jan, 2007 07:56 am UTC Hemingway said: There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games ************************ on Sat 20th Jan, 2007 10:59 pm UTC wren said: This is awesome! Proof that internet exists in the afterlife! And they read BdW! ************************ on Sat 20th Jan, 2007 11:43 pm UTC Albert Einstein said: If you've never failed, you've never tried anything new. ************************ on Sun 21st Jan, 2007 05:09 am UTC A Bene Gesserit Litany said: I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past, I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain. ************************ on Sun 21st Jan, 2007 09:25 am UTC John Killinger said: Life is only an infinite succession of "nows". ************************ on Sun 21st Jan, 2007 02:21 pm UTC Horge (channelled by the spirit of Douglas Adamas) said: From one of the Hitchhiker's series, paraphrased "The trick to teaching yourself to fly is to fall at the ground, and miss..." ************************ on Mon 22nd Jan, 2007 08:14 pm UTC D. David McMillen said: Seattle's motto: Wet dries. ************************ on Tue 23rd Jan, 2007 07:40 am UTC Willy Wonka said: Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker. ************************ on Wed 24th Jan, 2007 03:01 am UTC Ogden Nash said: That last quote was mine Willy! And you thought I only wrote childrens poems! The cow is of bovine ilk, one end moo, the other milk ************************ on Fri 26th Jan, 2007 07:06 am UTC said: Poor indeed is the man whose mind is not enriched by some phrase of lasting truth and beauty which serves to restore his soul in the exigencies of life. ************************ on Sun 28th Jan, 2007 10:56 pm UTC Joseph Conrad said: It's extraordinary how we go through life with eyes half shut, with dull ears, with dormant thoughts. Perhaps it's just as well; and it may be that it is this very dullness that makes life to the incalculable majority so supportable and so welcome. ************************ on Fri 02nd Feb, 2007 11:03 pm UTC Marcel Proust said: The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. ************************ on Mon 12th Feb, 2007 02:19 am UTC amanda said: i love kurt vonnegut (ooohhh, Timequake, but i liked God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater better), but, hello? didn't you read catch 22? there should be at least ONE quote from the book listed here! ************************

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Senior Tuesdays

It is quite amazing how just talking to one person about what they do can so influence some people. It happens to all of us. Well, to my friend, it happened to be a professional blackjack player that did the influencing. Being the kind of guy that supports his friends in any endeavor, whether level-headed or not, I scheduled us a trip to the casino. In preparation, he sent me this link to start practicing, a great online blackjack game with tips. Well, luck was on our side from the get go. Tuesdays are Senior Tuesday out at Northern Lights Casino with lower table limits, raffle prizes, and more. While you don't have to be a senior to enjoy the fun, if you're not a senior, you're going to be outnumbered. All my casino experience to date has been with the slot machines (mostly penny slots). I've always looked in awe at the confident table gamers, hoping that maybe someday I will work up the courage to join them. Today was that day. Dave and I found a table with a $1 minimum and said, "hit me". Well, it turns out they only say that in the movies. That was to be the first of many lessons learned. After an hour and half at the tables, I walked away only $1.50 down, while Dave was up $10. Disregarding the $10 I lost on the slots, not bad for a couple hours of entertainment. Is anybody up for some blackjack next Tuesday?

Wednesday January 17 2007

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on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 03:11 am UTC Jenelvis said: Another lession learned the hard way: throwing gobstoppers on the roulette wheel while it's in spin is not a good idea, unless you are a really fast runner. ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 03:11 am UTC Jenelvis said: I meant "lesson". der. ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 06:48 am UTC Saxtor said: Vegas is a good place to go to learn a lesson, AND obtain a lesion. ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 06:46 pm UTC Chris said: Unfortunately I'm guessing my boss is not going to grant me the day off and airfare if "gambling" is my official emergency reason. However, I'm hoping to be up there for the second two weeks of April and am fully prepared to drop Jonah's college fund on the table (yup, all $5.41 can be yours!) ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 06:51 pm UTC Wren said: Chris, be sure to set aside a Tuesday and we'll go turn your $5.41 into $7.26. Then Jonah won't have to go to Vassar. He can be a Bates man! (Profits predicted here are not guaranteed. Your results may vary.) ************************ on Thu 18th Jan, 2007 12:19 am UTC dave said: i made more money yesterday at the casino than i'm going to have to pay in taxes this year! ************************ on Thu 18th Jan, 2007 06:56 am UTC trista said: I'm almost always down to hit the tables! But, unfortunately that interferes with karaoke night at Sasso's! So, to all of you not wanting to spend your wallets with the blue hairs come on down to Sasso's and bring your charisma! wahoo! ************************ on Mon 12th Feb, 2007 02:14 am UTC amanda said: i'll teach you some craps if you'd like ************************

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What a Wondrous World

The world in which we live is a pretty spectacular place filled with all sorts of wondrous things. To see some of these things, both man made and natural, are among the reasons I like to travel so much. Often, seeing pictures doesn't come close to relaying the beautiful and awesomeness as does being there in real life. Throughout my travels, esp. when in proximity to some especially wonderful place or building, the conversation often turns to The Seven Wonders of the World. I've yet to meet someone who can name all of them (without the help of the internet). It was amidst one of these converstations that I got to thinking about the wonders of the modern world. Well, it turns out I am not alone. Days after I had this conversation, I ran across this site on one of the blogs. It is accepting votes on what should be included on the new seven wonders list. Unfortunately it requires signing up for something which makes me think it is some promotion or something, but the concept is good and browsing the nominations is very interesting. Perhaps the best site I've seen on world wonders is Hillman Wonders of the World. This list contains 100 wonders and is good for killing a whole afternoon's worth of productivity. I've visited to 26 of the wonders, 8 of which were in this last trip. How many have you been to?

Tuesday January 16 2007

File under: travel, links

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on Tue 16th Jan, 2007 05:50 am UTC Mom said: My meager 4 are all from the last column. I'd better get crackin' I can see I've got places to go, things to see! ************************ on Tue 16th Jan, 2007 06:04 am UTC Saxtor said: I've been to 15, not so bad! The list of 100 seems to be a pretty good guideline for future travels. Thanks! ************************ on Tue 16th Jan, 2007 08:05 am UTC Horge said: I've been to ten of them. But I noticed that most of the ones I've been to have been of the man-made variety. Only one and a quarter of mine were natural wonders (I can't decide what category a city, like Dubrovnik, should fit in. I guess more man-made). But I think I need to step it up on the earthly wonders... ************************ on Tue 16th Jan, 2007 04:35 pm UTC Sara said: I have 18, but half of them are from Italy. Not bad. There are a lot of places I'd like to see! ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 02:31 am UTC Cousin Sonya said: I have been to only 4...I would love to take a year to see about 80 of them! Kids included! ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 06:43 pm UTC Chris said: Sadly I can only claim two, although I don't even think "San Francisco" should count. ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 10:01 pm UTC Saxtor said: We had a discussion about Hillman's list last night, and I mentioned (personal bias aside) wondering why there are no attractions in the Pacific Northwest on the top 100, let alone the top 1000? There are two that could be, but are a pretty big stretch. Banff makes the top 100, but we don't really consider the Montana Rockies the PNW, and I don't think Alberta qualifies either. The other, on the top 1000, is an Alaskan Cruise. While there are cruises that depart Seattle and Vancouver for Alaska and the highlight is probably the inside passage, you can catch an Alaskan cruise in Alaska and see nothing but Alaska. Why no Hoh Rainforest, Crater Lake, Vancouver skyline or Oregon Coast? I love this list, but I can't help but feel that he leaves a significant gap. ************************ on Fri 19th Jan, 2007 01:57 am UTC Mom said: i got a big fat ole 7... although i agree with chris about san francisco counting...ummm. it makes my seven feel tiny ************************ on Mon 22nd Jan, 2007 05:29 am UTC Mom said: Wait a minute, there's something fishy going on here or else I did some fast traveling between comments 1 and 8 to add 3 more places to my life list. ************************ on Fri 02nd Feb, 2007 05:53 am UTC Kristine said: I have to agree with Evan that there should be something from Alaska on there, if not other wonders of the NW. Especially if San Fran is on there! Fun as it is...the wild, raw beauty of Alaska is mind blowing. I must admitt I'm just a tinsy bit proud of my 21, though that leaves more than 3/4 of the list to inspire me. ************************

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Still Cold

For anyone that lives or has spent a winter in either the midwest or the northeast, you can pretty much discount this post. Us northwesterners have a slightly different sense of cold. So when it snows (for the second time in a winter!) and there is still ice on the roads 4 days later, that is something of note. So I shall note. Billy the snowman still guards our front door, although he has already started his eventual journey to the ground. He is also missing a face, for which I put the blame on either mischievous neighbor kids or hungry crows. Our water feature (a.k.a. pond) in back of the house has some great ice on it but still keeps plodding along. The earlier heavy rains caused a bit of a flood at Smiley's Bottom which has now frozen over and turned into a great ice sliding spot. (We northwesterners don't really have ice skates as they would only get used even less than once in a blue moon.) Luckily I'm in a place to enjoy the snow, cold, and ice how it should be. I've got nowhere to go (and even if I did, my car isn't agreeable to taking me). The cold even makes some things better. Last night, for example, I had the pleasure of a dip in a hot tub under the clear cold sky. A scandinavian style roll in the snow made it that much more refreshing. So to Jack Frost, I say this: Keep up the good work!

Sunday January 14 2007

File under: misc

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on Tue 16th Jan, 2007 06:04 am UTC Saxtor said: I am with you, this Winter has been jawesome! ************************ on Wed 17th Jan, 2007 06:39 pm UTC Chris said: Viva la Jack Frost!! We've had a sudden Arctic Blast/ Ice Storm down South here and since Texas doesn't know what to do with ice I haven't had to go to work for two days now. Thank you ill-prepared city planners! ************************ on Sun 21st Jan, 2007 03:42 am UTC Auntie Rose said: Wren: Have you read Emoto's book on the effects of emotions on water crystals?Its Awesome ************************

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Billy the Snowman

What a couple of good looking fellas, eh? Sure, one looks a little weird and is giving a bit of a goofy smile, and sure, one of them is made of snow, but still... Jack Frost graced Anacortes with a beautiful blanket of snow today. The little kid in me (which accounts for about 95%) couldn't help but be giddy. I've got nowhere to go so let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Since the temperature is hovering right around freezing (and maybe even a little over), the snow is perfect for packing. It took only 20 minutes or so to put my masterpiece together. If the weather turns warm tomorrow, I'm prepared to build a tent and an elaborate chill tunnel from the fridge to keep Billy around. Oh, and for some size perspective, try this one.

Thursday January 11 2007

File under: pics

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on Thu 11th Jan, 2007 01:19 pm UTC gretchen said: humph, it always snows in anacortes when i'm not there. still nary a snow cloud in the sky in these parts. at least it is no longer 70 degrees....we're well into the 20's and 30's now. ************************ on Thu 11th Jan, 2007 02:03 pm UTC Chris said: I'm with Gretch, every time I finally make it up to Anacortes in the winter, the best I get are slushy margaritta streets. Nothing says sad like a snowman made out of that. ************************ on Sat 13th Jan, 2007 01:20 am UTC Amanda said: We got some snow around these parts as well. It seems to make Canadian drivers even worse, so we tend to stay snuggly inside. I hope you are well. I have enjoyed reading your blog. ************************

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Snowboarding (a.k.a Shralping the Gnar)

My first and foremost goal for my long anticipated day on the slopes was to not get hurt. I'm happy to report mission accomplished. For the first time in 10 years, I strapped myself to a narrow board (courtesy of Heavy Chevy) and paid a bunch of money to let gravity have its way with me. I've been wanting to go up to the mountain for the last 3 years or so, but something always seems to come up. Work, weather, deserted pacific islands - it's always something. Now that I am unemployed, I hardly have an excuse. Jule and I drove up to Mt. Baker to find a morning's worth of beautiful weather, decent snow, and exremely uncrowded slopes. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I could ride almost as well as I could last time I was up 10 years ago. I guess it is just like riding a bike (at much greater speeds with less control in a much colder environment.) I was so pleased, in fact, I may have to try it again. And this time, I might not wait 10 years.

Tuesday January 9 2007

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on Wed 10th Jan, 2007 03:28 am UTC Andrew said: chr8frlyfe. ************************ on Wed 10th Jan, 2007 07:41 am UTC Saxtor said: For life is right. You can ride chair 5 twice before you'd even get off chair 8. All for an extra few hundred yards. Fuggedaboudit! ************************ on Wed 10th Jan, 2007 07:49 pm UTC Chris said: Ah, snow, how I miss you! Somehow standing on the counter at Coldstone's just isn't the same. ************************ on Wed 10th Jan, 2007 11:59 pm UTC Saxtor said: Well, that would certainly explain this... ************************ on Thu 11th Jan, 2007 03:34 am UTC Sarah, PT said: your PT friend says "where's your helmet young man?" Check this out: http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_010507_news_meadows_death.f0741ba.html i'm not sending this to say "you darn reckless snowboarders"- more to say "protect the melon!" so you're not my patient! ************************

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The Joys of Owning an Old Car

I own an old car. I'm proud of that fact. Marilyn has 309,811 miles on her and I would love to see her go further. But along with the pride of owning an old car comes the, well, let's call it adventure. Let me share with you the adventure Marilyn has taken me on the past week or so. Firstly, I had to reawaken her from her 4 month slumber, which took some doing: two trips to the gas station on bike to bring back some fresh fuel, reinflating a flat time, and 3 jump starts. (Oh and the rear passenger door has now decided it doesn't want to open, so I am down to just the one functioning door.) Anyhoo, I get her up and running and take her out to stretch her legs. While approaching a friend's house, I down shift in preparation for the big hill. This, for some reason, triggers the radio, which normally just fades on and off from time to time, to kick into seach mode. Hmm... In anticipation of the car not starting, I park headed down a hill. (Any old-car owner knows this trick.) While climbing across the front seat to get out of the car, my foot must have knocked the gear level out of park, because I suddenly find myself rolling (at a steadily increasing rate) down the hill towards a garden with my body half out of the passenger door. I quickly dive back across the seat and slam my hand on the break pedal. I guess that proves the e-brake doesn't work. All it took was rocking my way out of the mud and just one more jump start to get us both home in one piece. I foresee some quality time under the hood in my future.

Monday January 8 2007

File under: transportation

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on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 06:38 am UTC Wren said: And yes, mother, we all know how you feel about this one. As you always taught me, if you can't say anything nice... ************************ on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 02:34 pm UTC grm said: just so you know i still have a ten year old car that is looking to have some more miles put on her. she's a beaut and i have had no problems with her. the price is hard to beat. say the word and margy will bring her on over. of course i understand your attachment to old marilyn, so no pressure. ************************ on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 05:25 pm UTC Saxtor said: I'm pretty sure I used this exact phrase in a previous post about Marilyn, but...IT'S A DEATHTRAP! ************************ on Tue 09th Jan, 2007 06:33 am UTC trista said: Are you talking about my mud? I saw where you've been. ************************ on Tue 09th Jan, 2007 04:22 pm UTC Chris said: Power to the POS! My old Honda had 378,000 on her before my jerk friend crashed her on the freeway, and my 1962 Ford is still talked about around campfires in legends of the Shaggin' Wagon. If it wasn't for having to provide for the safety of my family I'd still be there with you man. ************************

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Mac and Cheese Off

I'm still allowed to post about food, even if it is plain old American food, right? Don't worry, this is more than just a post to fill space. (Plus, it follows the already established cheese theme!) When doing some research for my local foods party (see 2nd BdW post ever), I came across the food-oriented I'm Mad and I Eat. At the time, it provided a good "recipe" for salt. Now, it has presented me with a challenge: the mac-n-cheese-off. My entry is probably the most simple of the bunch. I opted for the stovetop variety. The cheese sauce is of [organic] half and half, [organic] cream cheese, and [local, handmade] jerk-seasoned cheese (whose title is so sadly appropriate to my life). To round out the meal, I added peas, corn, and [meatless] gimme lean sausage. Although it turned out a little on the dry side (as Ma so quickly pointed out), it satisfied my hunger. (Oh, all the [stuff] is thrown in as a nod to one of my New Year's resolution: to eat for a heathlier planet.) My neighbor, to whom I was explaining my dinner plans, decided to surprise me and join the fun. Her entry, titled Fat-Mac (or is it phat-mac) was a more traditional baked variety complete with the cruton toppings. There were lots of spices in it too, that made for some good eating. (Ma voted for that one.) See the rest of the entries to the mac-n-cheese-off here. And if anyone is looking for a good meal of leftover mac-n-cheese, please stop by.

Friday January 5 2007

File under: food

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on Fri 05th Jan, 2007 06:51 pm UTC sher said: That looks wonderful! I've used the stovetop method too and it always makes a very creamy dish. And I love the additions you made. ************************ on Fri 05th Jan, 2007 09:32 pm UTC cookiecrumb said: Man, that is FOOD! Jerk-seasoned cheese? (And hand-harvested salt?) Beautiful, Wren. ************************ on Sat 06th Jan, 2007 02:56 am UTC nathan said: how funny - i was involved in a mac and cheese off at thanksgiving. i think my mac would have won but there was some funny stuff going on with the judges. shanna's mac'n'bacon topped my jalepeno mac. of course we both cheated a bit, since we were too lazy to make our own base, and ended up added extra ingredients to shanna's brother's mac. anyway, right on - i love a good mac n cheese! ************************ on Sun 07th Jan, 2007 07:53 am UTC Jule said: that is quite the mac-attack, in fact this post is mac-tacular and mac-orific. was that joke too cheesy? good to know that you will be eating for a healthier planet, I sure enjoyed learning about doing this from "the omnivores delima" by micheal pollan. I recommend it if you want to learn all about your food. ************************ on Sun 07th Jan, 2007 04:24 pm UTC Sean said: I'm not sure that I'd eat anything you made that has local handmade jerk-seasoned anything. Oh who am I kidding. ************************ on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 03:25 pm UTC Chris said: Give me oven baked white cheddar crumb topped Mac and Cheese or give me death! Actually, I'll probably just have leftovers, but whatever. ************************ on Mon 08th Jan, 2007 08:05 pm UTC said: what about the no work involved velveeta shells and cheese? ************************ on Wed 10th Jan, 2007 06:26 am UTC Siri said: I had Mac-n-Cheese that a friend brought for my lunch at school today. That stuff is deeeee-licious! ************************ on Sun 21st Jan, 2007 03:40 am UTC Auntie Rose said: Wren, your grandma Minnie would have crushed up a bit of grease-laced potatoe chips aon top and slammed it in the oven for dinner and also put some of that Mercury laden Tuna in it as well. Yummonow I'm getting hungary, I think I will go down stairs and make some fudge. ************************

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Recent Content:
*Summer Performance Recap 2017
*My First USA Today Crossword
*Hamsters Dont Fight Fires
*Minor Media Mentions - Summer Juggling 2017
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*MTVs Promposal
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*www.WrenAndDella.com
*ACPT 2017-Tournament and Talent Show
*2017 Valentines Day Act

Blogs du Friends:
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New pictures!
*Dullsound photos

*Gaigin, SMASH!
13. Toke, yo (aka really mature humor)
*HBAdventure


updated at 08:58 pm Oct 21st


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