... goes my heart as I listen to this man play. He's no Joshua Bell but he's all mine!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Experiments with Yogurt
A few weeks ago this article about yogurt appeared in the New York Times. It caught my eye and reminded me of the days when we used to make yogurt. Back in the days when I actually cooked.
Back then we had a yogurt maker like this one, the purpose of which is to keep the yogurt at the right temperature for a long time. It does not, however, heat, mix or chill the yogurt making it a one trick pony with expensive jars.
After mulling it over for a few days I decided to give the method in the Times article a shot. I heated a quart of milk, cooled it back down to the right temperature for the bacteria to do their thing, and added a few tablespoons of my favorite yogurt (Greek Goddess, non-fat).
I did as instructed and swaddled it in towels and left it for about 6 hours, chilled, and tasted. Yum! A bit loose, though, so I strained it in a Melita coffee filter until it was just right. Even better!
That batch yielded about 3 cups (maybe 2.5) for the quart and I gobbled it up in less than a week.
The following weekend I tried again with a gallon of milk. This took a long time to heat and, due to a longer fermentation time (I forgot about it and it went about 12 hours), it yielded a grainy, very thick yogurt (after a very brief straining), though still tasty. I still have some at work stuck in the bottom of a mason jar.
Last weekend was the third try and you know what they say about the third time. This time I used Stonyfield yogurt as the started and only let it ferment about 4-5 hours. Must I say it? This batch was the best! I strained it a little to thicken it somewhat but the texture was pudding like and just beguiling. I used my new, huge, strainer and had a fair amount of the yogurt escape with the whey, so I restrained the whey with the gold melita filter and used the really fine yogurt for our first experiment with frozen yogurt.
Little Squid and I took the fine yogart and combined it with some maple syrup and froze it.
Wrong move! It turned into a solid slab of icey mapley yogurt. I threw it in the food processor and ate it as a granita. Yummy but not scoopable and not what we were aiming for.
Yesterday we took 3 cups of the remaining yogurt and added about a cup of maple sugar granules that we acquired during our visit to Canada last summer. I ground it up a bit to get some of it really fine and left the rest in chunk form to add some texture. Then we tossed it into the ice cream maker which I had dug out of the recesses of several cabinets. (Its parts were scattered hither and yon.) The initial result, right out of the maker, was good but a bit sweet. It had, however, that great tang of real yogurt and was definetly a Pink Berry contender. There was a bit of a panic moment when, after several hours of freezing, it looked like it was a solid brick, but a bit of power on the ice cream scoop served to extract real, almost scoop like, portions. The general consensus is that it is good, but as previously determined, a little too sweet,
Last night I finally watched the episode of Good Eats on yogurt and, following Alton's recommendation, set more yogurt up to strain for yogurt cheese with which to make frozen yogurt. I was going to use corn syrup to sweeten it but with only dark syrup in the house we decided to go for plain.
There is a reason why frozen yogurt is sweetened.
Mike had some of it for dessert and agreed that even with fresh pineapple on top it needed sweetening.
All of that said, I am now almost out of yogurt and am now in the process of making another batch. We'll experiment some more with the frozen side of it next weekend. This batch is destined for breakfast.
Back then we had a yogurt maker like this one, the purpose of which is to keep the yogurt at the right temperature for a long time. It does not, however, heat, mix or chill the yogurt making it a one trick pony with expensive jars.
After mulling it over for a few days I decided to give the method in the Times article a shot. I heated a quart of milk, cooled it back down to the right temperature for the bacteria to do their thing, and added a few tablespoons of my favorite yogurt (Greek Goddess, non-fat).
I did as instructed and swaddled it in towels and left it for about 6 hours, chilled, and tasted. Yum! A bit loose, though, so I strained it in a Melita coffee filter until it was just right. Even better!
That batch yielded about 3 cups (maybe 2.5) for the quart and I gobbled it up in less than a week.
The following weekend I tried again with a gallon of milk. This took a long time to heat and, due to a longer fermentation time (I forgot about it and it went about 12 hours), it yielded a grainy, very thick yogurt (after a very brief straining), though still tasty. I still have some at work stuck in the bottom of a mason jar.
Last weekend was the third try and you know what they say about the third time. This time I used Stonyfield yogurt as the started and only let it ferment about 4-5 hours. Must I say it? This batch was the best! I strained it a little to thicken it somewhat but the texture was pudding like and just beguiling. I used my new, huge, strainer and had a fair amount of the yogurt escape with the whey, so I restrained the whey with the gold melita filter and used the really fine yogurt for our first experiment with frozen yogurt.
Little Squid and I took the fine yogart and combined it with some maple syrup and froze it.
Wrong move! It turned into a solid slab of icey mapley yogurt. I threw it in the food processor and ate it as a granita. Yummy but not scoopable and not what we were aiming for.
Yesterday we took 3 cups of the remaining yogurt and added about a cup of maple sugar granules that we acquired during our visit to Canada last summer. I ground it up a bit to get some of it really fine and left the rest in chunk form to add some texture. Then we tossed it into the ice cream maker which I had dug out of the recesses of several cabinets. (Its parts were scattered hither and yon.) The initial result, right out of the maker, was good but a bit sweet. It had, however, that great tang of real yogurt and was definetly a Pink Berry contender. There was a bit of a panic moment when, after several hours of freezing, it looked like it was a solid brick, but a bit of power on the ice cream scoop served to extract real, almost scoop like, portions. The general consensus is that it is good, but as previously determined, a little too sweet,
Last night I finally watched the episode of Good Eats on yogurt and, following Alton's recommendation, set more yogurt up to strain for yogurt cheese with which to make frozen yogurt. I was going to use corn syrup to sweeten it but with only dark syrup in the house we decided to go for plain.
There is a reason why frozen yogurt is sweetened.
Mike had some of it for dessert and agreed that even with fresh pineapple on top it needed sweetening.
All of that said, I am now almost out of yogurt and am now in the process of making another batch. We'll experiment some more with the frozen side of it next weekend. This batch is destined for breakfast.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Family Fun and Featured!
My post on Math and Crafts got picked up by a blog carnival. Cool! Given the lack of posts lately, this was certainly a pleasant surprise.
We've been rather busy Squid lately what with concerts,
(the first time the kids have played together on stage).
And plays (Bye, Bye Birdie) of poodle skirt fame. (No pictures, sorry!)
And bi-weekly bouts of yogurt making which, today, morphed into maple frozen yogurt.
Yum!
Tonight Little Squid is at a slumber party and I am about to settle in to some serious spinning.
Next week includes a science fair (Little Squid) and a high school information session (me at work). Which is nothing compared to the following week which includes a weekday wedding, a dinner with friends, a kids' concert and my school's prom. In 3 days.
We've been rather busy Squid lately what with concerts,
(the first time the kids have played together on stage).And plays (Bye, Bye Birdie) of poodle skirt fame. (No pictures, sorry!)
And bi-weekly bouts of yogurt making which, today, morphed into maple frozen yogurt.
Yum!Tonight Little Squid is at a slumber party and I am about to settle in to some serious spinning.
Next week includes a science fair (Little Squid) and a high school information session (me at work). Which is nothing compared to the following week which includes a weekday wedding, a dinner with friends, a kids' concert and my school's prom. In 3 days.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
A Plethora of Poodles
And here you go. 13 "poodle" skirts. 8 with actual poodles. And a pile of matching scarves.
They still haven't figured out the shoes.
Showtime: 7:00 PM Tuesday, May 12, 2009
They still haven't figured out the shoes.Showtime: 7:00 PM Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Presenting ...
For the first time ...
On stage, at Carnegie Hall ...
Following a nice, filling dinner at Carnegie Deli ...
Performing with the New York Pops ... (and possibly the shortest instrumentalist on the stage) ...
On stage, at Carnegie Hall ...
Following a nice, filling dinner at Carnegie Deli ...
Performing with the New York Pops ... (and possibly the shortest instrumentalist on the stage) ...
Little Squid!!!
Can a mother be any prouder?
Oh, and he did great! He was one of only 6 flutists total -- and only three were pros. The other three, Little Squid included, were Junior High School kids. And one of the pieces the kids played in was flute heavy.
Can a mother be any prouder?
Oh, and he did great! He was one of only 6 flutists total -- and only three were pros. The other three, Little Squid included, were Junior High School kids. And one of the pieces the kids played in was flute heavy.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Of Caching and Good Deeds
On this last day of break Squidette decided that she wanted to get in on the caching fun. As Squidette, Little Squid and I had a commitment at the synagogue, mid-morning, we decided to subway uptown on the west side and walk across Central Park to our destination, detouring for a cache or two.
We aimed for two and found one on the first leg of our journey, then hustled across town for a little bit of Good Deed doing.
On our way across town we stopped briefly to admire Cleopatra's Needle and the crabs holding it upright.
Two hours later, deeds done, we grabbed sandwiches from a local shop and headed back to Central Park via a street side cache (really quick grab by Not-So-Little Squid) and ate our lunch al fresco next to the Alice in Wonderland Statue (where the cache had gone missing).
Onwards, past some pretty flowers, we hustled to another Did-not-find where we were met by Mike on his bike. He stayed with us while we hunted out and found another cache and then he rode back home while the kids and I attempted three more caches and found two for a total of 8 attempted and 5 found for the day. That makes 11 in the last three days!
Very little crafting got done but I do intend to now put on my audio book and do some prep work for the next set of carding. As I prep this roving I'm realizing that the dye did not soak in as much as I would have liked so I may wind up redying this once it is spun. I won't try it again now for fear of felting it.
We aimed for two and found one on the first leg of our journey, then hustled across town for a little bit of Good Deed doing.
On our way across town we stopped briefly to admire Cleopatra's Needle and the crabs holding it upright.
Two hours later, deeds done, we grabbed sandwiches from a local shop and headed back to Central Park via a street side cache (really quick grab by Not-So-Little Squid) and ate our lunch al fresco next to the Alice in Wonderland Statue (where the cache had gone missing).
Onwards, past some pretty flowers, we hustled to another Did-not-find where we were met by Mike on his bike. He stayed with us while we hunted out and found another cache and then he rode back home while the kids and I attempted three more caches and found two for a total of 8 attempted and 5 found for the day. That makes 11 in the last three days!
Very little crafting got done but I do intend to now put on my audio book and do some prep work for the next set of carding. As I prep this roving I'm realizing that the dye did not soak in as much as I would have liked so I may wind up redying this once it is spun. I won't try it again now for fear of felting it.
Of Bike Rides, Geocaching and Worm Leavings
Yesterday was the first breakfast ride of the year. We traversed the Brooklyn Bridge, rode along the Brooklyn waterfront and dined in full view of the Statue of Liberty.
The orange boat? The Staten Island Ferry, of course!
We enjoyed muffins, scones and croissants much to the childrens' dismay. (They were looking forward to apple fritters which were not to be had.)
Riding home we took a new path that allowed us to avoid a rather steep hill . That said, we still gained the elevation but were able to do so much more gradually and, for my part, without shifting gears.
We hit the Greenmarket and returned the tote bag to the Worm Compost Lady. Yes, our Greenmarket has a Worm Compost Lady. She sells 5, 10 and 20 pound bags of worm leavings. Last weekend Mike went to the Greenmarket while the children and I were doing something else (I forget what) and he asked about the compost. Since he did not have the shopping cart with him, he was reluctant to buy the 20 pounds I had asked for. The Worm Lady really wanted to make the sale so she offered him her sturdy tote bag to schlep it home in.
Needlesss to say, my balcony plants are now well composted. I mixed about 3/4 of the compost into my not-yet-planted pots (the peas having been enriched with the last of last years' worm poop) and now the soil is looking all nice and dark brown again.
(Worm leavings, by the way, unlike those of other animals, do NOT smell! I'd love to have a worm bin of my own but have not yet figured out how to keep Maria from cleaning it. )
Since then two tomato plants have been added to the pots and I still need to obtain two more for this years' "Squid Farm."
Riding home, we viewed the usual sites, including this homeless person lounging outside the church next to our home. (That's Not-So-Little Squid in the foreground.)
To be fair, the church houses a soup kitchen so it is actually unusual not to see down-on-their-luck folk outside of it.
Once home, I resumed my dying and then ventured forth once more with Little Squid to do some Geocaching. He and I had done some bike caching on Friday and decided to test our luck with some caches within walking distance. We scored 2 for 2 yesterday and 4 for 8 on Friday, bringing our total to 70 found caches. We might do some upper east side caches today, time permitting.
Home again, I carded up some of the dying from a few days earlier ...
Pretty! Now I'm prepping the next color for the carder while awaiting delivery of my Woolee Winder before I start spinning.
The orange boat? The Staten Island Ferry, of course!We enjoyed muffins, scones and croissants much to the childrens' dismay. (They were looking forward to apple fritters which were not to be had.)
Riding home we took a new path that allowed us to avoid a rather steep hill . That said, we still gained the elevation but were able to do so much more gradually and, for my part, without shifting gears.
We hit the Greenmarket and returned the tote bag to the Worm Compost Lady. Yes, our Greenmarket has a Worm Compost Lady. She sells 5, 10 and 20 pound bags of worm leavings. Last weekend Mike went to the Greenmarket while the children and I were doing something else (I forget what) and he asked about the compost. Since he did not have the shopping cart with him, he was reluctant to buy the 20 pounds I had asked for. The Worm Lady really wanted to make the sale so she offered him her sturdy tote bag to schlep it home in.
Needlesss to say, my balcony plants are now well composted. I mixed about 3/4 of the compost into my not-yet-planted pots (the peas having been enriched with the last of last years' worm poop) and now the soil is looking all nice and dark brown again.
(Worm leavings, by the way, unlike those of other animals, do NOT smell! I'd love to have a worm bin of my own but have not yet figured out how to keep Maria from cleaning it. )
Since then two tomato plants have been added to the pots and I still need to obtain two more for this years' "Squid Farm."
Riding home, we viewed the usual sites, including this homeless person lounging outside the church next to our home. (That's Not-So-Little Squid in the foreground.)
To be fair, the church houses a soup kitchen so it is actually unusual not to see down-on-their-luck folk outside of it.Once home, I resumed my dying and then ventured forth once more with Little Squid to do some Geocaching. He and I had done some bike caching on Friday and decided to test our luck with some caches within walking distance. We scored 2 for 2 yesterday and 4 for 8 on Friday, bringing our total to 70 found caches. We might do some upper east side caches today, time permitting.
Home again, I carded up some of the dying from a few days earlier ...
Pretty! Now I'm prepping the next color for the carder while awaiting delivery of my Woolee Winder before I start spinning.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Catch Up Time
Spring Break started something like this ...
yes, that is a chicken bone ... they were out of lamb shanks.
The break continued with some finishing ...
and more finishing ...
As well as some nice beginnings ...
(Those are peas if you are confused.)
And then there was some dying ...
And a little bit of yogurt making ...
Only a little bike riding due to the weather. And, lots and lots of matzah.
And then there was the worm poop ... I dare you to ask!
yes, that is a chicken bone ... they were out of lamb shanks.The break continued with some finishing ...
and more finishing ...
As well as some nice beginnings ...
(Those are peas if you are confused.)And then there was some dying ...
And a little bit of yogurt making ...
Only a little bike riding due to the weather. And, lots and lots of matzah.And then there was the worm poop ... I dare you to ask!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Of Costumes and Concerts
The kids performed yesterday as part of their borowide band program. My camera work leaves much to be desired ...
Not Carnegie, rather the stage of JHS 99, but just as wonderful. They brought tears to my eyes!
Today was spent sewing poodle skirts ... 7 down, 6 to go. (One pink and two each of the other colors.)
Imagine the neck ribbing almost done on the vest, armholes yet to be started.
Not Carnegie, rather the stage of JHS 99, but just as wonderful. They brought tears to my eyes!
Today was spent sewing poodle skirts ... 7 down, 6 to go. (One pink and two each of the other colors.)
Imagine the neck ribbing almost done on the vest, armholes yet to be started.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
More Costume Progress
Imagine if you will, a stack of 8 soon-to-be poodle skirts and matching neck scarves sitting pinned and awaiting the first pass through the sewing machine. Then imagine the pieces of the remaining 5 sitting on my floor.
Include in that image an argyle vest that is 2/3s sewn and awaiting addition of neck and armhole finishing.
That's where we now stand.
Tomorrow ... laundry, poodle skirt sewing and perhaps some vest finishing.
What about the sweater I promised to finish?
Sweater? What sweater? Yea, it may not make it's Passover Premier as I had hoped due to my obsession with poodle skirts.
Include in that image an argyle vest that is 2/3s sewn and awaiting addition of neck and armhole finishing.
That's where we now stand.
Tomorrow ... laundry, poodle skirt sewing and perhaps some vest finishing.
What about the sweater I promised to finish?
Sweater? What sweater? Yea, it may not make it's Passover Premier as I had hoped due to my obsession with poodle skirts.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Progress
Progress has been made on the argyle vest. There is now a front and a back.
Now to settle in for a few hours of end hiding.
The fabric for the poodle skirts should arrive by Friday.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Clean!
As I climbed the stairs to my office this morning, a young man asked "Miss, are you wearing stockings?" Puzzled, I answered "Yes, why do you ask?"
The answer? (swallow any liquids, please, I will not be responsible for broken keyboards)
"Your legs look so clean!"
I paused a moment and said "well I do wash them ..."
(What will he say when I start riding in shorts and my legs are constantly stained with bicycle grease?)
The answer? (swallow any liquids, please, I will not be responsible for broken keyboards)
"Your legs look so clean!"
I paused a moment and said "well I do wash them ..."
(What will he say when I start riding in shorts and my legs are constantly stained with bicycle grease?)
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Math and Crafts
The children joined the school drama club and will be appearing in "Bye Bye Birdie" in early May. School plays require costumes.
For the Sweet Apple Teen, Debra Sue (aka Sqidette), it means a Poodle skirt.
This prompted the statements "fast, divided 28 by pi," and "32 X 4 divided by 36," the latter in an effort to figure out the real yardage needed versus what we purchased.
I blew it. Before we even got to this point. I really should have reread the instructions instead of assuming that I could wing it. This skirt is supposed to be about 4 inches longer. Oops!
No Knees allowed. That said, the kids tell me that one of the other girls is smaller then Little Squid. So, this will be hers if she wants it. At least it gave me an opportunity to figure out what has to be done.
As I've volunteered to make all of the skirts if needed, this is a good thing. The girls are supposed to make their own. I really do not see that happening.
Then there is Little Squid's costume. He plays Harvey Johnson, a geek who is trying to get a date to the prom.
Can you say "argyle vest?" The graph was charted by Little Squid, hence the statements "69 is and easily dividable number -- use it instead" and "2x +1 is always an odd number." The first statement was originally "69 is an evenly dividable number" which prompted Mike to tell me to go back to looking cute since my brain obviously was not working.
There are also sweater pieces blocking but that is another post. One to be written after the sweater is assembled.
For the Sweet Apple Teen, Debra Sue (aka Sqidette), it means a Poodle skirt.
This prompted the statements "fast, divided 28 by pi," and "32 X 4 divided by 36," the latter in an effort to figure out the real yardage needed versus what we purchased.
I blew it. Before we even got to this point. I really should have reread the instructions instead of assuming that I could wing it. This skirt is supposed to be about 4 inches longer. Oops!
No Knees allowed. That said, the kids tell me that one of the other girls is smaller then Little Squid. So, this will be hers if she wants it. At least it gave me an opportunity to figure out what has to be done.As I've volunteered to make all of the skirts if needed, this is a good thing. The girls are supposed to make their own. I really do not see that happening.
Then there is Little Squid's costume. He plays Harvey Johnson, a geek who is trying to get a date to the prom.
Can you say "argyle vest?" The graph was charted by Little Squid, hence the statements "69 is and easily dividable number -- use it instead" and "2x +1 is always an odd number." The first statement was originally "69 is an evenly dividable number" which prompted Mike to tell me to go back to looking cute since my brain obviously was not working.
There are also sweater pieces blocking but that is another post. One to be written after the sweater is assembled.
Math Day
Math in the real world -- or at least at Casa del Squid. The following sentences were really uttered by me this morning, directed at one or the other child ...
"Fast, divide 28 by pi."
"32 X 4 divided by 36"
"6 X16"
"69 is an easily dividable number -- use it instead"
"2x + 1 is always an odd number."
We are not studying for a test. Any ideas as to what we might be doing?
"Fast, divide 28 by pi."
"32 X 4 divided by 36"
"6 X16"
"69 is an easily dividable number -- use it instead"
"2x + 1 is always an odd number."
We are not studying for a test. Any ideas as to what we might be doing?
Sunday, March 08, 2009
On the Road Again
At 7:30 a.m. yesterday morning, the outside temperature registered 51 degrees and the forecast was for a high in the 60s. The kids and I donned our riding gear (o.k, I donned my riding gear, they ride in street clothes), loaded panniers and backpacks and set off for band practice and work.
We rode all of 2 blocks before Squidette proclaimed "we are definetely riding tomorrow." And then "I am so glad we didn't drive!"
Me too.
We had a lovely ride uptown and then Mike rode uptown to join us and we all rode home together, taking a detour to avoid all the "first nice day" recreation riders in Central Park.
This morning Squidette woke up feeling a bit under the weather but had chirped up enough by 10:00 to saddle up for a quick ride to the Manhattan Fairway Market.
I got to wait with the bikes while the kids and Mike went inside for provisions.
The greenway is now open from 125th Street to 135th (or so) making for a much nicer waiting spot then the parking lot.
The ride uptown was tough as we were fighting a serious headwind but the ride back was lovely. Until I went to put up Little Squid's bike.
Did I mention that I had to raise both their seats by at least an inch?
His is just barely fitting on the rack now. There is about 1 inch between the seat and the ceiling which does not bode well for the rest of the summer. The next time we raise his seat we will have to come up with other storage plans ... or have to lower the seat after every ride.
I think his legs must be longer then Squidette's were at this age. We never had this problem when she rode this bike.
Total weekend milage: 24.8 miles
YTD: 24.8 miles
Average: 12.4 over 2 rides.
Both kids are hoping for nice weather next weekend so we can do it again!
We rode all of 2 blocks before Squidette proclaimed "we are definetely riding tomorrow." And then "I am so glad we didn't drive!"
Me too.
We had a lovely ride uptown and then Mike rode uptown to join us and we all rode home together, taking a detour to avoid all the "first nice day" recreation riders in Central Park.
This morning Squidette woke up feeling a bit under the weather but had chirped up enough by 10:00 to saddle up for a quick ride to the Manhattan Fairway Market.
I got to wait with the bikes while the kids and Mike went inside for provisions. 
The greenway is now open from 125th Street to 135th (or so) making for a much nicer waiting spot then the parking lot.
The ride uptown was tough as we were fighting a serious headwind but the ride back was lovely. Until I went to put up Little Squid's bike.
Did I mention that I had to raise both their seats by at least an inch?
His is just barely fitting on the rack now. There is about 1 inch between the seat and the ceiling which does not bode well for the rest of the summer. The next time we raise his seat we will have to come up with other storage plans ... or have to lower the seat after every ride.I think his legs must be longer then Squidette's were at this age. We never had this problem when she rode this bike.
Total weekend milage: 24.8 miles
YTD: 24.8 miles
Average: 12.4 over 2 rides.
Both kids are hoping for nice weather next weekend so we can do it again!
Friday, March 06, 2009
Tire Iron Fairy?
We all know that if you leave a tooth under your pillow, the tooth fairy comes and leaves money. What happens if you leave a set of tire irons under your pillow? Or a quick stick? Or ... both?
Squid bike tires are now pumped and ready to roll. This weekend is supposed to be lovely and we are looking to ride at least on Sunday and, perhaps, tomorrow.
I was prepping, in hopes of riding up to band practice tomorrow, when the valve on my front tire blew. Fifteen minutes or so later, with a little help from my spouse, I have a new tube in my tire. This was the first time I've changed a tube on my Bike Friday and the first time in many years that I've done any work on a bike. I am blessed with a husband who just takes charge of the tire issues. Tonight, however, I started on my own figuring that I should get my skills back since I hope to go back to riding every day. I need more practice. My tires are hard to get off the rim. And I snapped my thumb with a back firing tire iron. Ouch.
The tools wound up under a spare pillow because I tossed them on the bed and then tossed the pillow on top of them as I moved it off the floor.
With luck, Squid on Wheels 2009 starts tomorrow. Or maybe Sunday. Watch this space!
Squid bike tires are now pumped and ready to roll. This weekend is supposed to be lovely and we are looking to ride at least on Sunday and, perhaps, tomorrow.
I was prepping, in hopes of riding up to band practice tomorrow, when the valve on my front tire blew. Fifteen minutes or so later, with a little help from my spouse, I have a new tube in my tire. This was the first time I've changed a tube on my Bike Friday and the first time in many years that I've done any work on a bike. I am blessed with a husband who just takes charge of the tire issues. Tonight, however, I started on my own figuring that I should get my skills back since I hope to go back to riding every day. I need more practice. My tires are hard to get off the rim. And I snapped my thumb with a back firing tire iron. Ouch.
The tools wound up under a spare pillow because I tossed them on the bed and then tossed the pillow on top of them as I moved it off the floor.
With luck, Squid on Wheels 2009 starts tomorrow. Or maybe Sunday. Watch this space!
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Interview Time
After 6 months at my new school, it is finally time to interview for my job.
Yup, I've been an "interim acting Assistant Principal" since September.
Isn't "Interim Acting" redundant?
Tomorrow I interview for real.
New York City has a very interesting process for those who wish to become Principals and Assistant Principals. (Only read it if you have absolutely NOTHING else to do. Your head will start spinning pretty quickly.)
I should not be nervous. After all, I've been doing the job for 6 months now.
But I am. Nervous.
I should be knitting but instead I am waiting for my nails to dry.
I think I'll go hug my kids now.
Yup, I've been an "interim acting Assistant Principal" since September.
Isn't "Interim Acting" redundant?
Tomorrow I interview for real.
New York City has a very interesting process for those who wish to become Principals and Assistant Principals. (Only read it if you have absolutely NOTHING else to do. Your head will start spinning pretty quickly.)
I should not be nervous. After all, I've been doing the job for 6 months now.
But I am. Nervous.
I should be knitting but instead I am waiting for my nails to dry.
I think I'll go hug my kids now.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Not Mini-me but yes, Oh My!
Remember this post? I'll wait. Go all the way to the end, please.
Excuse me while I kvell a bit.
And a bit more ...
Yeah, I'm just really proud.
May I please brag again?
Little Squid,
in concert,
on stage,
at Carnegie Hall,
with the New York Pops,
Monday, April 27!!!
(Playing the flute.)
Little Squid,
in concert,
on stage,
at Carnegie Hall,
with the New York Pops,
Monday, April 27!!!
(Playing the flute.)
Excuse me while I kvell a bit.
And a bit more ...
Yeah, I'm just really proud.
Monday, March 02, 2009
Snow Day!
Says it all ... except ... why couldn't they announce it last night ... or before I got up and showered.
More later.
More later.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Snow Day? Yeah, Right.
New York City does not readily close its schools.
The weather folk are predicting up to 12 inches of snow.
We are watching the news right now where the school closings are crawling across the bottom of the screen. Looks like the Arch Diocese has already closed all of the Catholic Schools in Queens. Will the Mayor close the public schools. Not likely.
Once, a very long time ago, we had a HUGE snow storm. Out in Queens, where I lived with my folks, we got 18 - 24 inches over night. The Mayor and Chancellor declared, from their posts in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, that the streets were clear and schools were open.
From my apartment in Bayside we were looking at streets that had not even dreamed of a plow, let alone seen one.
In order to get to my high school in Manhattan (I was a student, not a teacher) I had to take a bus and two trains.
Did I mention that the streets in my neighborhood had not been plowed? And that there was at least 18 inches of snow on them? The buses were not running.
The District 25 school board overrode (?) the Chancellor and closed the schools in my neighborhood. My father informed me that there was no way I could get to school and I went back to sleep.
The Chancellor fired the District 25 school board.
New York City does not close schools.
I better go find my boots ...
The weather folk are predicting up to 12 inches of snow.
We are watching the news right now where the school closings are crawling across the bottom of the screen. Looks like the Arch Diocese has already closed all of the Catholic Schools in Queens. Will the Mayor close the public schools. Not likely.
***
Once, a very long time ago, we had a HUGE snow storm. Out in Queens, where I lived with my folks, we got 18 - 24 inches over night. The Mayor and Chancellor declared, from their posts in Manhattan and Downtown Brooklyn, that the streets were clear and schools were open.
From my apartment in Bayside we were looking at streets that had not even dreamed of a plow, let alone seen one.
In order to get to my high school in Manhattan (I was a student, not a teacher) I had to take a bus and two trains.
Did I mention that the streets in my neighborhood had not been plowed? And that there was at least 18 inches of snow on them? The buses were not running.
The District 25 school board overrode (?) the Chancellor and closed the schools in my neighborhood. My father informed me that there was no way I could get to school and I went back to sleep.
The Chancellor fired the District 25 school board.
New York City does not close schools.
I better go find my boots ...
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