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I ended up watching the last two games of the World Series - somewhat to my surprise, because I wasn't rooting for or against either team. Having two playing that had never won was a feel-good bonus. I did have a slight lean towards Milwaukee, because they had a longer streak, and so I am vaguely pleased they won.
Both teams played well (despite errors), played small ball rather than hack-a-homer, and didn't embarrass themselves. Only one game of the five was a beatdown; the others all could have gone either way.
And now the long offseason, most likely made longer by labor disputes.
Both teams played well (despite errors), played small ball rather than hack-a-homer, and didn't embarrass themselves. Only one game of the five was a beatdown; the others all could have gone either way.
And now the long offseason, most likely made longer by labor disputes.
This week's Resolution Recipe: Masa Pancakes.
"This is practically a one-bowl recipe — so easy, you can throw them together on a bleary-eyed weekday morning."
( There was no extry )
"This is practically a one-bowl recipe — so easy, you can throw them together on a bleary-eyed weekday morning."
( There was no extry )
Turgid Drama: I.T. Phone Home
Oct. 20th, 2026 06:56 amMy alarm didn't go off this morning. I double-checked and it was definitely set; the clock just occasionally hiccups like that. I only got up ten minutes late (my alarm deliberately builds in some hit the snooze and roll over time) and forwent my morning coffee so that I could get out on time.
But in the rush, I left my phone on the bureau at home. I can't get in to most of my standard work sites without it. Darn two-factor authentication!
Fortunately the wife is already up, and after confirming that the phone was there, is driving to my office with it so that I don't have to go home for it. Normally I'd just stay home but I have an important work call that needs to be with the office background, so taking the bus to get it would be a 90-minute round trip.
But in the rush, I left my phone on the bureau at home. I can't get in to most of my standard work sites without it. Darn two-factor authentication!
Fortunately the wife is already up, and after confirming that the phone was there, is driving to my office with it so that I don't have to go home for it. Normally I'd just stay home but I have an important work call that needs to be with the office background, so taking the bus to get it would be a 90-minute round trip.
This week's Resolution Recipe: Corn Pudding.
"Most renditions of this dish are laden with cream and cheese, but here the veg are allowed to be the star."
( But if you've got some extry, I sure would like a taste )
"Most renditions of this dish are laden with cream and cheese, but here the veg are allowed to be the star."
( But if you've got some extry, I sure would like a taste )
(no subject)
Oct. 17th, 2026 11:25 amI did not sleep well last night. Partly the mild cold making me cough, but mostly the freeway repair work right under our bedroom window making huge CRASH!ing noises and other sundries.
Piece a' Steak
Oct. 12th, 2026 08:31 amThis week's Resolution Recipe: Pizza Steak. (Steak with Tomatoes and Mozzarella)
"This recipe is adapted from a 1970 California cookbook creatively called 'The California Cookbook', before Chez Panisse opened and California cuisine became associated with immaculate, sometimes precious, seasonal produce."
( Read more... )
"This recipe is adapted from a 1970 California cookbook creatively called 'The California Cookbook', before Chez Panisse opened and California cuisine became associated with immaculate, sometimes precious, seasonal produce."
( Read more... )
Coronet wrap-up
Oct. 11th, 2026 11:28 amThe event was fine. Turnout was small, about 50 people less than the 3-year average so we'll lose a chunk of money on the event. I attribute attendance to two main factors: being the week after Crown so some people stayed home rather than do another event; and the foo about a last-minute site change. On a job note, that also meant some panicking because I didn't get information quickly enough to send out checks in time, especially with the mail slowed due to sending out ballots. Fortunately someone covered with his credit card and I reimbursed him on the day.
Good chattage with various people, including the apprentice and his wife; she won Silver Spoon as well as one of the arts competitions. We left later than we would have ideally preferred but it was important to us to wait until court was over before bugging out. We also stopped by a barbecue truck on the way out that we've always looked at. We picked up a slab o' pork ribs which we devoured when we got home. Also a half chicken that I'll tear into salad tomorrow night. Also also a small piece of garlic bread, which we think they didn't actually give us (but I haven't confirmed because we haven't fully unloaded the car yet).
Somehow we picked up a small iron rod in the car's undercarriage, which rattled weirdly whenever we went over a bump. It doesn't seem to have done any damage we can tell, though we might have it checked out just in case.
Good chattage with various people, including the apprentice and his wife; she won Silver Spoon as well as one of the arts competitions. We left later than we would have ideally preferred but it was important to us to wait until court was over before bugging out. We also stopped by a barbecue truck on the way out that we've always looked at. We picked up a slab o' pork ribs which we devoured when we got home. Also a half chicken that I'll tear into salad tomorrow night. Also also a small piece of garlic bread, which we think they didn't actually give us (but I haven't confirmed because we haven't fully unloaded the car yet).
Somehow we picked up a small iron rod in the car's undercarriage, which rattled weirdly whenever we went over a bump. It doesn't seem to have done any damage we can tell, though we might have it checked out just in case.
Three Things Make a Post
Oct. 7th, 2026 07:58 amI had a nasty Charlie horse Sunday night in my calf and it's persisting, especially when I get up in the morning. I have been trying to be diligent about stretching it out. Sitting all day yesterday didn't help, I am sure.
I was on call last week for jury duty and had to report in Thursday. I don't believe in weaseling out, though I would plead hardship on a long trial because I genuinely can't be away that long. This trial was predicted for a week though, so I didn't try. Yesterday I went in for jury selection and because I wasn't seated I can talk about it. Guy was fighting a misdemeanor DUI in 2024. If you listen carefully (and I try to) you can get a pretty good idea of the shape of the trial and the strategies. The prosecutor planned to call only one witness, presumably the cop who pulled him over, and very little evidence - presumably the alcohol blood results. The defense planned on trying to sow doubt on the results and the defendant wasn't taking the stand (which is his right). I do question the doubt strategy though, since one of the charges was blood alcohol level above 0.2%, more than double the legal standard. I guess they plan to contest the initial result and that might then invalidate a later higher read?
Lots of usual whining from prospective jurors and my virtual eye-rolling. One guy told a long rambling story for what felt like ten minutes. One guy who had two DUIs and said he was inclined against anyone else who had the same. There was also the immigration defense attorney who flat-out said she was biased against cops and the legal system. I have served several trials before, which either gets me seated as a reliable juror or might have gotten me kicked out for theoretically substituting my judgment for the jury instructions. (I don't think I would actually do that, but I could see a lawyer making that call.)
I ran a little late this AM and decided to skip having coffee at home. When I got my usual at the coffee shop, an AI company was paying for the drinks and it only cost me a penny. Everything's coming up Milhouse!
I was on call last week for jury duty and had to report in Thursday. I don't believe in weaseling out, though I would plead hardship on a long trial because I genuinely can't be away that long. This trial was predicted for a week though, so I didn't try. Yesterday I went in for jury selection and because I wasn't seated I can talk about it. Guy was fighting a misdemeanor DUI in 2024. If you listen carefully (and I try to) you can get a pretty good idea of the shape of the trial and the strategies. The prosecutor planned to call only one witness, presumably the cop who pulled him over, and very little evidence - presumably the alcohol blood results. The defense planned on trying to sow doubt on the results and the defendant wasn't taking the stand (which is his right). I do question the doubt strategy though, since one of the charges was blood alcohol level above 0.2%, more than double the legal standard. I guess they plan to contest the initial result and that might then invalidate a later higher read?
Lots of usual whining from prospective jurors and my virtual eye-rolling. One guy told a long rambling story for what felt like ten minutes. One guy who had two DUIs and said he was inclined against anyone else who had the same. There was also the immigration defense attorney who flat-out said she was biased against cops and the legal system. I have served several trials before, which either gets me seated as a reliable juror or might have gotten me kicked out for theoretically substituting my judgment for the jury instructions. (I don't think I would actually do that, but I could see a lawyer making that call.)
I ran a little late this AM and decided to skip having coffee at home. When I got my usual at the coffee shop, an AI company was paying for the drinks and it only cost me a penny. Everything's coming up Milhouse!
Here We Go A-Musselling (IV)
Oct. 5th, 2026 12:29 pmThis week's Resolution Recipe: moules à la portugaise.
"Chorizo does magical things to shellfish when cooked together, whether the traditional dry chorizo sausage, or the still-red, undried fresh (Mexican) stuff you can usually find more easily."
( Read more... )
"Chorizo does magical things to shellfish when cooked together, whether the traditional dry chorizo sausage, or the still-red, undried fresh (Mexican) stuff you can usually find more easily."
( Read more... )
Linzer Cookies Are My Jam
Sep. 29th, 2026 10:47 amThis week's Resolution Recipe: Simple Linzer Cookie Slices.
"These sliceable cookies capture all the spicy, fruity flavors of classic Linzers with none of the fuss."
( Read more... )
"These sliceable cookies capture all the spicy, fruity flavors of classic Linzers with none of the fuss."
( Read more... )
(no subject)
Sep. 28th, 2026 09:00 amAu revoir, Mike Krukow. You were the best color commentator in the business. You certainly should have been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame this last time 'round - instead of football broadcaster Joe Buck.
(no subject)
Sep. 27th, 2026 12:27 pmYesterday we saw the new Shaun the Sheep movie. It's a Halloween parody of monster movies. Fun, not as good as the original or the Xmas special, but worth seeing for what it was.
Sadly, the 20-minute drive home was hijacked by Folsom St Fair street closures. It took (literally) two hours - half an hour longer than the movie itself - as we were repeatedly forced to drive around in loops. Officials directing traffic would have helped immensely, but apparently having uniformed officials present is verboten for this sort of thing, even if they aren't police. (sigh)
At one point I thought we had escaped the mess but an accident closed the escape route with a fire engine blocking the street.
Sadly, the 20-minute drive home was hijacked by Folsom St Fair street closures. It took (literally) two hours - half an hour longer than the movie itself - as we were repeatedly forced to drive around in loops. Officials directing traffic would have helped immensely, but apparently having uniformed officials present is verboten for this sort of thing, even if they aren't police. (sigh)
At one point I thought we had escaped the mess but an accident closed the escape route with a fire engine blocking the street.
This week's bonus Resolution Recipe was our work day project: Bagels.
"If you’re after the authentic NY style bagel experience, you don’t have to be in NY. And you don’t need NY water to make a quality NY style bagel. Forget about the water myth. But we do think we can help you make truly great bagels in your kitchen."
( Read more... )
"If you’re after the authentic NY style bagel experience, you don’t have to be in NY. And you don’t need NY water to make a quality NY style bagel. Forget about the water myth. But we do think we can help you make truly great bagels in your kitchen."
( Read more... )
State of the Bea
Sep. 16th, 2026 08:19 amThe wife was concerned because Bea had hard spots on her belly that weren't going away. Bea didn't show any signs of distress, but cats are good at hiding that sort of thing. So she made a vet appointment. Unfortunately, due to work pressures I was unable to work from home and help out - which meant that the wife had to drive there and find parking. That apparently was a failure because the area is heavily parked up, but she was saved by a kind person who gave up his parking space when the wife was pulling the cat carrier out in an illegal space.
It turned out Bea had about the lowest-grade issue for those symptoms: impacted nipples, basically an ingrown toenail equivalent. (Whew.) We have to try to wash her off for the next week as long as it doesn't make things worse by the cat paying more attention to those areas.
Also, Bea has put on a bit of weight. She's around 12 lbs vs her target of 10. Time for another food reduction.
It turned out Bea had about the lowest-grade issue for those symptoms: impacted nipples, basically an ingrown toenail equivalent. (Whew.) We have to try to wash her off for the next week as long as it doesn't make things worse by the cat paying more attention to those areas.
Also, Bea has put on a bit of weight. She's around 12 lbs vs her target of 10. Time for another food reduction.
I Never Sausage a Mushroom
Sep. 14th, 2026 08:30 amThis week's Resolution Recipe: Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms.
"Using saucer-sized portobello mushroom caps instead of the usual bite-size white buttons turns everyone's favorite hors d'oeuvre into a satisfying dinner."
( Read more... )
"Using saucer-sized portobello mushroom caps instead of the usual bite-size white buttons turns everyone's favorite hors d'oeuvre into a satisfying dinner."
( Read more... )
Bean There
Sep. 9th, 2026 02:01 pmThis week's Resolution Recipe: Tuna and White Bean salad.
"A classic combo that's super easy to make."
( Truth )
"A classic combo that's super easy to make."
( Truth )
Long Weekend Was Too Short
Sep. 8th, 2026 09:43 amSaturday was a normal-type day for us; we did stuff around the house. The wife put in a massive amount of effort and basically completed the project on our outside level. (There's one level to go that she hasn't started.) It looks great! Still to come is filling the big planter with dirt (and plants), and planting some wooly thyme around the pavers.
Sunday was the first GSP rehearsal. Not everyone was there, and it was... rough. Not unexpected for a first run-through that isn't that well defined, and not everyone has done improv before. Bones are good but at least one actor needs to learn that "big" does not mean cartoonish overacting. That was most of my day.
Monday Matt & Crystal picked us up around 8 AM and we drove to our friend Edward's place along the Russian River (about two hours away but a lot of windy riverside roads). He's making some 16th c slat chairs for us, and asked that we help with the project. I'm not sure how much help we were as only the wife has really done woodworking before, but Edward seemed to enjoy both the company and the teaching. We didn't get home until close to 9 PM so it was a long day.
So I am drained today, and this afternoon is a series of long meetings (some of them important). That is not helping the exhaustion.
Sunday was the first GSP rehearsal. Not everyone was there, and it was... rough. Not unexpected for a first run-through that isn't that well defined, and not everyone has done improv before. Bones are good but at least one actor needs to learn that "big" does not mean cartoonish overacting. That was most of my day.
Monday Matt & Crystal picked us up around 8 AM and we drove to our friend Edward's place along the Russian River (about two hours away but a lot of windy riverside roads). He's making some 16th c slat chairs for us, and asked that we help with the project. I'm not sure how much help we were as only the wife has really done woodworking before, but Edward seemed to enjoy both the company and the teaching. We didn't get home until close to 9 PM so it was a long day.
So I am drained today, and this afternoon is a series of long meetings (some of them important). That is not helping the exhaustion.
I was a bit worried about the Oobleck starter; I hadn't taken it out of the fridge in maybe a month and it was looking sad and near-death. I poured off most of it into a discard waffle batter that we are making for dinner tonight with lox and cream cheese. Then the usual protocol of mixing in equal parts water and strong flour. After a few hours it still looked comatose and I was wondering if I had killed it through neglect.
This morning, it was happy and bubbly. Guess I need a few successive days to restore it before making bread. Since I now have three separate starters in the fridge (Oobleck, OoBrokk, Lazarus IV) I should probably get into a habit of refreshing one every weekend regardless of whether I plan to bake.
This morning, it was happy and bubbly. Guess I need a few successive days to restore it before making bread. Since I now have three separate starters in the fridge (Oobleck, OoBrokk, Lazarus IV) I should probably get into a habit of refreshing one every weekend regardless of whether I plan to bake.
