The Week of Dead Celebs
It’s been a strange week. On Tuesday, Ed McMahon died. A few days later, Farrah Fawcett, Sky Saxon, and Michael Jackson died. And then this morning, we found out that Billy Mays died.
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- Ed McMahon
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- Farrah Fawcett
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- Michael Jackson
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- Sky Saxon
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- Billy Mays
It’s always so peculiar when celebrities die. It’s not like we knew them, but in a way, we did. Actually, I met Sky Saxon a few times. He was a sweet, crazy, old, man. At least, that’s what I gathered from our brief interactions during the period I was dating the bass player of his reformed band. Poor Sky. He didn’t look particularly healthy when I met him. He was old and the 60’s had taken their toll. I suppose it was only a matter of time.
Whether they were sick for a while or we never saw it coming, it’s still intriguing to think of how they changed the world, how they made their mark, and how they will remain in collective memories for a long while to come. Some more than others.
I’m not a huge celebrity fanatic. I have my favorites, but even then, I’m hardly obsessive. When each of the aforementioned celebrities died, my initial reaction was, “Oh, that’s sad“. It’s not that my day to day life was impacted very much. Aside from being inundated with news reports and retrospectives, life goes on very much the same way it did when they were alive. Naturally, with this particular group of celebrities (Michael Jackson aside), it’s not as though they created anything on the scale of say, Gene Roddenberry, Rod Serling, or William Shakespeare. Ed McMahon seemed like a nice guy, Farrah was a decent actress and a famous poster, Billy Mays annoyed us into buying products that didn’t always work, and Sky Saxon helped change music in the 60’s but managed a level of obscurity that only die hard music fans could appreciate.
The natural exception is Michael Jackson. I read a nice TIME Magazine article that talked about the sad aspects of Michael’s life and discussed his particular classification of abnormality; one that we hope is never duplicated. While my standard response of “Oh, that’s sad” is handed almost unenthusiastically to the other dead celebs this week, I do in fact feel bad for Michael. I feel bad for anyone who is that lost, that sick, and that tragic.
Like a lot of people, as a child, I was a huge fan. I grew up listening to his music and continue to love many of his songs; specifically his album “Off the Wall”. I remember the photo my sister and I tore out of Bop Magazine and pasted to the wall of our shared room. I used to look at it and think how adorable he was. And yes, like most 8 year olds at the time, I had a huge crush on him. When Thriller came out, I thought it was the most amazing thing I’d ever seen. It helped fuel a life long love for zombies, cheesy horror movies, and above all: Vincent Price. I guess I have Michael to thank for all that. Or perhaps (more appropriately) John Landis. Thriller also made me want to see American Werewolf in London and the rest is history.
I don’t really know the point I’m trying to make. I guess all I can really say is that Michael’s death has stirred feelings of conflict. I’m sure a lot of people feel the same way. I loved him, but I also thought he was severely deranged.
This morning, during a Twitter conversation, my soon-to-be cousin-in-law, a writer for TIME Magazine (London Bureau Chief), recently interviewed Quincy Jones where he said “the idea of a well-adjusted artiste is oxymoronic”. I replied, “Which supports my theory that great artists are never sane. Of course, this means I’ll never be great. LOL.” My soon-to-be cousin-in-law went on to say that “I don’t agree with Quincy. The trope about great artists being mad gives a lot of mediocre talents the excuse to behave badly”.
I think in some cases, insanity leads to great things; take Edgar Allan Poe or Pablo Picasso. Then again, I suppose it depends on your perspective. If you don’t think Poe or Picasso were great, than insanity is a bad thing. My soon-to-be cousin-in-law is right, it does give mediocre talent an excuse to behave badly; take Britney Spears.
What this means is that there really is no recipe for greatness. The idea that you either have it or you don’t remains ever true. I surmise that fame is really about luck – either self made or fated by the stars. Who knows. It seems that fame takes it’s toll and perhaps, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Even for someone like Michael Jackson who will be remembered among the ranks of Elvis or The Beatles…I have to ask, was it worth it? On the one hand, he had a pretty great life. Never feel bad for a man who owns a theme park in their backyard (even if he did have to sell it to settle debts). Michael’s life was riddled with pain and emotional torment, but I reckon he did it to himself; which is just sad.
So long all you crazy fucks. Rest well.
Good To The Last Drop
As usual, from the last post until today, I have started and stopped a dozen entries. By now, so much is going on, that all I can really do is sum up.
I’ve started thinking about why I’m not blogging as much as I used to. Could be that not a whole lot is going on…no, wait, that’s not true. All kinds of things are going on. And then it hits me: Twitter. AJB mentioned something about how his own blog has suffered at the hands of Twitter. I make mini-updates throughout the day, so why go back and write the long version? People get the point, right? Do I want my life memorialized in tiny, bite sized chunks or do I want to remember things the way they happened? Is there a difference?
Is “Watched TV for an hour” better than “Last night, the kids and I watched Star Trek together. It was their idea and I was happy to discover that Cat has a mean crush on Spock…which doesn’t mirror my own infatuation with Kirk, but hey…it’s Trek and we don’t have to like the same things. We’re still in the same category. It’s wonderful to see that AJB’s kids are latching onto things that I like and while we all like each other very much, it’s awesome to have pop-culture references to geek out over together. This always leads me back to the conclusion that I am the luckiest soon-to-be step-mom in history.”
I for one, like the elaboration. And by the way, that’s a true story. After watching the new JJ Abrams Star Trek, the kids have really gotten into the world of Star Trek. It piqued their interest and they now want to watch more of the original series – which makes my heart sing. Because, as you know, I’m a huge Trek fan. Not the kind that dresses up, but I do go to conventions and swoon in geekiness. Actually, I’d dress up if I could. I’ve always wanted one of those Operations Division uniforms for females. You know, the Uhura dress. I digress, where was I? Except, hold on, the Star Trek Grand Slam is taking place in November at the LAX Marriott. I think I’ll be on my honeymoon.
Onto other topics now.
On Tuesday, I saw a new doctor to help me with my skin condition – the elusive and determined eczema rashes on my hands and now, my face. Dude, I’m one of those gross weirdos with rashes on their faces. You know the kind of person you see on the bus, red patches all over their cheeks and mouth, you try not to stare, but you can’t help yourself? That’s me. AJB says it’s not that bad, but he doesn’t have to look at me in the mirror everyday. Ugly or not, it’s been rather uncomfortable as well. That said, I also can’t get married with rashes on my face. There is some reason why it’s not going away. Despite all my best efforts, it lessens, but never goes away. The good news is, it’s not nearly as bad as it was a year ago. I’m obviously exaggerating. It’s not that bad. It’s bad enough that I need to take drastic action.
This new doctor has put me on an allergy elimination diet – this means I cut out any potentially offending foods. After two weeks, I reintroduce foods one by one. The hardest thing to give up has been coffee. As a result, I had a killer migraine for 2 days. I spent those days in pain or sleeping. Today is the 3rd day and while I desperately want a cup of steaming, hot coffee, I don’t feel as terrible as I did on Day 1. AJB’s assistant reminds me that after two weeks, I probably won’t want coffee. The caffeine will be out of my system and my body will have figured out how to live without it. Going back on means I’m making a choice to continue an addiction to coffee. Well, I’ve been drinking coffee since I was 15. Is that an addiction?
I don’t really like to call my love affair with coffee an “addiction”. Many happy moments have been shared over a cup of coffee. Good conversations, beautiful cafes, good people. In fact, when AJB and I were in Italy, I made it a point to drink an espresso and have a smoke at an outdoor cafe. It was lovely. It was simply lovely.
A finished espresso and smoke at Cafe Gilli in Florence.
The question is, after two weeks will I choose to restart a 19 year addiction? Most likely. Like smoking, there are emotional connections to the act of drinking coffee, to making a great cup, sitting at a Denny’s with my sister playing cards into the wee hours of the night, my first date with AJB, my first job in Pasadena at a coffee house, talking about the moon with my brother Paul, sitting with my Dad and arguing politics, discussing the importance of The Sims with JCS, meeting countless friends for coffee, that first cup in the morning, and discovering that after 19 years, I really do know the difference between good and bad coffee. So you see, it’s not about the caffeine (although that helps), it’s a part of my life. I might go so far as to say that it’s a part of who I am. I’m a coffee drinker.
When I was 15, the reason I started drinking coffee was because I was reading a great deal of the Beat Poets (especially Kerouac) and the idea of old fashioned coffee houses intrigued me. The idea of reading, writing, and smoking in a coffee house…it was a romantic notion to me. It still is. I wrote a lot more when I was 15. After school, I’d go to this old people diner in Camarillo, drink coffee, and write…for hours on end.
Giving up coffee is like turning your back on an old friend. Even though you know that friend might be bad for you, it still hurts. My symptoms have indeed subsided over the last few days, but I’m not ready to point the finger at coffee. I haven’t eaten much since Tuesday due to the incapacitating migraine that came with going cold turkey on just about everything I love to eat and drink. AJB continues to remind me that it’s only temporary. In 12 days I’ll have coffee again. It’s at the scary moment, I’ll determine if coffee has indeed been my friend or foe. I’m actually a little nervous to find out. Truth is, I’ve been putting off giving up coffee all this time. I suppose my kidneys deserve a rest and I have to stay positive. Whatever happens happens. Let the coffee grounds fall where they may.
What My Cats Teach Me About Perseverance
Several months ago, ex-boyfriend Todd and his girlfriend moved to Morocco. They needed to re-home their cats, one of which came from the same litter as Matilda. Despite being sisters, Eva and Matilda did not like each other immediately – as you would imagine they might. That’s just us humans thinking wishfully.
We now had 3 cats: Oatmeal, Matilda, and Eva. We knew it would be difficult integrating older cats. At first, we did everything we could to make sure the cats got used to each other without actually seeing each other. We followed steps and took our time. After a few months of taking our time, we let them sort it out on their own. We figured out that they might not ever become best friends, but we hoped they would tolerate one another. Weeks passed. Oatmeal and Matilda avoided Eva as best they could. Eva spent a lot of time on the other side of the house. Slowly, however, she started coming down stairs, spending time with AJB, the kids, and I. More and more, she was visible and becoming a part of the family. As this happened, Oatmeal and Matilda also came to accept that she wasn’t leaving any time soon.
Because Eva has the spirit of adventure, she quickly realized that the Master bedroom must be conquered. It’s where Matilda and Oatmeal spend most of their time and has the most comfortable bed. It’s also where Mommy and Daddy sleep. Eva would sit at the bottom of the stairs looking up. Matilda would sit at the top of the stairs looking down. They’d frequently have [what we called] Mexican Stand Offs. If Eva attempted to climb the stairs, Matilda would chase her off – this was her turf. No Evas allowed. Over time, Eva got closer and closer to the top of the stairs. Eventually, she was in the hallway. And then the doorway to the master bedroom. She would be chased off time and time again. Matilda would literally stand guard at the doorway. Eva wouldn’t get into the master bedroom, not on her watch! No matter how AJB and I tried to tell the cats that we loved them all, that it was OK for Eva to be in the room, they had to sort it out on their own. That’s just how it works in the animal kingdom. Human logic does not apply.
Soon enough, Eva figured out that if Matilda was occupied downstairs, she could sneak in and nap as though she’d been there the whole time. At first she started sleeping in the closet, out of sight. After a few days, she moved to the window sill, obscured by our junk; again there, but not there. Suddenly, one night she was on the bed at our feet. Matilda chased her off. Eva always made sure to walk on top of the furniture, knowing full well that being on the floor left her open for attack. Ever careful, ever vigilant.
Last night Eva slept on the bed almost the entire night. AJB woke me and told me that Matilda was on the bed too. What? Wow! They were on the bed at the same time. There were a few growls, groans, and one chase off, but they both came back and slept on the bed. Together, but apart. It seems they’ve concluded that they might not like the other cat, but if they want to sleep on the bed, they have to get used to one another.
This has taught me an amazing lesson in perseverance. Eva wanted something and she got it. It took some time, patience, and clever thinking, but she finally got what she wanted. Where there is a will, there is a way. On the Matilda side of the lesson, I see that when you let your guard down, someone is always waiting to get passed you. You can’t watch the door all the time and if you learn to share, everyone is happy. I do feel a bit bad for Matilda. She got beat and outsmarted. As much as she’d like to think she’s the alpha cat, Eva is bigger, stronger, and faster. After 3 years of being the baby, Matilda is now forced to share everything with another cat. It can’t be fun. She and Oatmeal always got along, but Oatmeal is essentially Eeyore. He accepts things whether he likes it or not. He lives the words of my late Grandma Lena: Things will get better and if they don’t, we’ll get used to it. He goes with the flow and as long as he’s getting skull rubs and food, he’s happy. Eva and Matilda, however, have been vying for alpha cat. They both can’t be Highlander. There can be only one.
Matilda, sweet and tiny, put up a good fight defending her turf, but in the end, she accepted defeat. And here’s another lesson: Defeat isn’t the end of the world. They both get the bed and there’s plenty of Mommy and Daddy love to go around. Of course, the real losers are my feet. I just lost a few more inches of foot space at the end of my bed.
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- Matilda and Oatmeal
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- Eva
Catching up is Caught
As usual, I don’t manage to write for a while and so much happens in between posts that I can’t figure out how to fit it all into one bite sized chunk. I then worry that I have so much to say, I’ll just end up writing a 2000 word post and annoy my two readers.
*sigh*
What I end up doing is summing up and I think I really miss the point of this blog. That is, to capture the events of my life as they unfold. The events have already unfolded and are now a bit wrinkled.
Over the last two weeks, my Mom, JCS and I have been busting ass to assemble my Save the Dates. I lie, mostly, it was Mom and JCS. They really came through. Mom spent a week at my house, staying up late, cutting out little skeletons, punching decorative bats into envelopes, addressing, and doing other miscellaneous tasks. JCS came over everyday and helped a whole lot too. I helped as much as I could, but guess what? I took a bad fall down the stairs and was out of commission right in the middle of the project. Luckily, I didn’t break anything, but I was beaten up and bruised. My legs and knees still hurt, even though I’m mobile. I spent several days in bed.
Over Mother’s Day weekend, my sister and sister-in-law came into town and got wrangled into a couple of all nighters. They’d originally came down to see Star Trek with me and celebrate Mother’s Day, but as it turned out, Mom had a wedding to attend and was gone for 3 days. Even though I was aching, I forced myself to the theater to see Star Trek. I could write an entire post on that movie. For now, I’ll just say it was good and I liked it. A lot.
We managed to get 95% of the Save the Dates out on time. You see, we’d bought these amazing Edgar Allan Poe stamps, but as fate would have it, the price of postage went up today. Rather than attach a stupid 2 cent stamp, we set a deadline which only gave us 10 days to finish. All I can say is, my family really came through for me. I can’t tell you how lucky I feel to have a family that will stay up all hours of the night getting hand cramps cutting out skeletons, attaching brads, punching lace, and stamping. This was the Project Royale – the project of all projects and my family brung it! We still have a few more to send out as addresses trickle in, but those will wait a few days and get 2 cent stamps.
And while all this is going on, I’ve started an internship with a super famous, amazing photographer named David LaChapelle. I don’t think the gravity of this position has sunk in just yet. Firstly, this is an outstanding opportunity for me. As a photographer, to watch a master at work…well, that’s priceless. And when I say priceless, I mean, I’m not getting paid. But I look at it this way: Interning is like going to school. They don’t pay you, you pay them. I’m getting a one of a kind education here and all that is required is my time. Besides, I happen to know that plenty of photographers would give their right arm to intern for this guy. Furthermore, aside from cleaning and answering phones, I’m also being given the chance to see how a lucrative photography business is run from behind the scenes. No college in the world teaches you that. When it comes to advanced lighting technique and organizing a grand scale photoshoot for Rolling Stone…well, they don’t teach that at Brooks. I mean, what does it take to get where he’s at? How did he get there? Granted, he is an amazing talent and while I’m good at what I do, I’m not that good. Truth be told, photographers on his level have a lot of help. Me? I’m on my own.
Today was my first day. So much happened. I will write about it, just not tonight.
Swine Flu’s Coming! Everybody Panic!
When I read about Swine Flu, I have the same apprehension and cavewoman-like fear I did when I read about Bird Flu, West Nile Virus, Mad Cow Disease, Killer Bees, and the HDTV switch. The thought of a global epidemic reaching my door, making me sick, killing my loved ones, and panic in the streets…I can’t help but be reminded of the Vincent Price film “The Last Man on Earth” – which some may know better as “Omega Man” or “I am Legend”. Same story, different (awesome) actors. The basic gist is that a global epidemic hits and people are dropping like flies. One of the scientists (Vincent Price, Charlton Heston, Will Smith) is the sole survivor. He’s left alone to fend for himself, stay alive, fight off zombies, and continue his research looking for a cure. While the sickness is similar to zombies, it has the added bonus of vampirism.
I read all this news about Swine Flu and a part of me is scared because the news makes it sound worse than it is. According to the World Health Organization, as of today: The United States Government has reported 40 laboratory confirmed human cases of swine influenza A(H1N1), with no deaths. Mexico has reported 26 confirmed human cases of infection with the same virus, including seven deaths. Canada has reported six cases, with no deaths, while Spain has reported one case, with no deaths.
Breaking it down:
US: 40 confirmed cases, 0 deaths
Mexico: 26 confirmed cases, 7 deaths
Canada: 6 reported cases, 0 deaths
Spain: 1 reported case, 0 deaths
Note the difference between “confirmed” and “reported” cases. Remember, this is today’s update.
However, also today, CNN writes:
The number of cases confirmed by health officials worldwide totaled 82, most of them in the United States and Mexico, according to the WHO. But hundreds more cases are under examination, and Mexico has said 149 deaths may have resulted.
“82 confirmed cases” does not quite match the update given by the WHO. I counted, it’s more like 66 confirmed and 7 reported. Furthermore, the WHO reports 7 total deaths worldwide…not the 149 stated by CNN. Granted, they carefully use the word “may”. I’m not saying CNN is lying about the 149 deaths, but it’s obvious someone is wrong.
On April 24th, when news broke, the WHO reported 9 suspect cases of Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) in the United States. At the time, Mexico was reporting on 3 different cases of ILI: More than 854 cases of pneumonia with 59 deaths. In San Luis Potosi, 24 cases of ILI and 3 deaths and in Mexicali, 4 reported cases and no deaths. ILI does not necessarily mean Swine Flu.
Confusing, right? Totaling numbers together from April 24th, we have 62 deaths in Mexico. That’s kind of a big difference from the numbers they posted today. So what gives? I can’t seem to figure it out. If I go with the numbers posted today, it doesn’t quite sound like the global, end of the world, fire in the sky, dogs and cats living together, Armageddon that the media is shoveling.
Why the big difference in body counts? Digging a little deeper, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) also reports 40 confirmed cases in the United States, but I can’t seem to find worldwide statistics. So does this mean CNN is wrong? I think it does. Or at least, CNN is making a bigger deal out of this than it is. And it’s not just CNN. It’s every news outlet everywhere. And I like CNN. They’re my go-to news source when something big goes down…but they’re not always right and sometimes even the adorable Anderson Cooper is guilty of sensationalism.
Think about this, The United States is home to an estimated 303,824,640 people. If only 40 cases have been confirmed, I’d hardly call that an epidemic, let alone a pandemic. Also note that this is the 3rd time we’ve seen Swine Flu in our history. The first in 1918 (AKA The Spanish Flu) killed 20 to 100 million people worldwide. In 1976, Swine Flu was back, but this time it only actually killed 1 person. Oddly enough, 25 people died as a result of the vaccine. Don’t forget, in 1918, we didn’t have the medical technology and information we have now, nor any of the government health agencies we currently have in place. Furthermore, personal hygiene and food preserving methods weren’t as efficient as they are now. In 1976, one person died, yet people panicked anyway.
When I start looking at the facts, my cavewoman-like fears give way to logic and rationale. My big question is this: Why the hell do the news agencies of the world continue to scare the shit out of us? It’s just plain cruel, if you ask me. Sadly, most people don’t have the gumption to do all the research I’ve done. They listen intently to the news they trust and immediately start buying surgical masks, washing their hands 50 times a day, stay indoors, line up for Tami-Flu, and stock up for the end of the world. Hey, it even crossed my mind. I thought, what if this thing really hits big? What if people really start dropping like flies? Do I have an emergency kit? How about a food stock pile?
Truth is, people all over the world get the flu all the time. So why isn’t the common flu called a pandemic? Or is it? People still die from pneumonia all the time too. In fact, you’re more likely to die in a car crash than come down with Swine Flu. This is all just silly. Come to think of it, I’m a little embarrassed that I was scared to begin with. I’ll continue to watch and research, but as it stands…if the WHO and CDC are right…I don’t think we should call this a pandemic. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Relax. For now.
In the end, this is yet another super scary “run for your life” disease blown out of proportion by the media. Here we go again. I suppose, this just means we can only count on the media to a certain extent. But you already knew that.
Toilet Sink Combo Saves the Planet!
In my life-long quest to live more efficiently and eco-friendly, we’ve purchased and installed a toilet/sink combo. Undoubtedly, you’re asking yourself why anyone would need a toilet/sink combo. What’s the point and why would you wash your hands with toilet water? I find myself answering (as best I can) these questions to just about everyone. The first thing people tend to think is that you’re washing your hands with dirty toilet water (grey water).
Here’s the basic gist: When you flush your toilet, water flows from the tank into the bowl, moving your waste into pipes, out to the street, etc. The tank and bowl refill with fresh water for the next flush. The toilet sink combo acts as a middle man during this process. When you flush the toilet, fresh water is rerouted through a faucet into a small basin that drains back into the bowl, ready for the next flush. While the water is flushing and refilling, you wash your hands.
What’s the point? Think about this: Most toilets use about a gallon and a half of clean water to flush your waste into city pipes and out into the septic system. This is clean water, the same municipal tap water you walk over to the sink to wash your hands with. By cutting out washing your hands in the sink and using toilet water you save water; which over time, adds up to gallons and gallons over the course of a year (depending on how long you wash your hands for). You’re not using extra water to wash your hands. Get it?
I never quite feel like I’ve explain it very well, but it does make sense. In the end, it’s a better use of water. The water that ends up in the toilet bowl is the water you just washed your hands with. It’ll be a little soapy, but your poo doesn’t care. I figure, you get more bang for your buck this way. Plus, it’s a lot more pleasant than the “If it’s yellow let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down” method. I also can’t help but wonder if the soapy water will eventually keep the pipes cleaner. *shrugs*
The savings here are small, but green living is about doing small things that add up. I’ve always sort of thought that toilet flushing was such a waste of water. All that water, just to move your poop out of sight. Sure, the modern toilet is a miraculous invention, but it’s hardly efficient. Like I said, most toilets use about a gallon and a half of water to flush. That’s a lot. How many times do you flush your toilet everyday? Double that on Burrito Night and that’s a whole lotta water.
If I haven’t accurately described the wonders of the toilet sink combo, you can find more info here: Sink Positive
Toilet Sink Combo Saves the Planet!
April 2009 Free Photo Session Contest
Hey everyone, I have an exciting announcement. As most of you know, I’m currently converting the garage into a fully functional studio. At the moment, it’s about 1/2 done and should be completed before Summer. I have, however, been using it successfully for the last month shooting product and portraits.
I’m posting because I’ve got a new lighting set-up that I’d like to test out on willing subjects at no charge to you except your time.
In exchange for your time, I’m offering:
1. A one hour photo session (up to 2 people per session)
2. Unlimited shots
3. Up to two outfit changes (or as many as time permits).
3. One free 8×10 print of your choice.
4. Images uploaded to an online proofing gallery to download and share for 90 days.
Participants will be picked at random and announced on April 31st, 2009 by email.
DEADLINE: APRIL 30TH, 2009
To enter:
1. Submit your full name
2. Contact phone number
3. The date you’d like to schedule your session (May 1st-May 7th, 2009)
4. Must be willing to travel to Pasadena studio.
I look forward to receiving your entries and wish you the best of luck!
Portraits : Headshots : Band Photos : Baby : Maternity : Couples : Musicians : Artists : Child and Parent : Anyone
Sincerely, Kristen Simental
www.kristensimental.com
(626) 394-2724
P.S. Look for a new promotion every month at www.kristensimental.com
Follow my professional Tweets: http://www.twitter.com/ksphotos for announcements, updates and new promotions!
Onyx
Hey Onyx, get in touch with me. I need to ask you some questions about dressmaking: kristen ((at)) darkculture.net
In My Garden
Spring is definitely here! Winter seemed a bit longer than usual this year…or perhaps this drafty old house makes it seem that way. Either way, the air is warming up to what one might consider: Absolutely perfect Southern California weather. I’m fond of saying that this is the time when tourists come to visit and decide to move here. They’re in for a surprise when Summer hits and temperatures reach the triple digits.
Until then, the sky is blue, the birds are singing, and the sun is shining. A feeling of renewed sense of everything is happening. It’s this time of the year that I can’t wait to get outside and fiddle around with my plants. I’ve been anxious to start growing productive greenery – things we can actually use and eat. I’m starting small with herbs and tomatoes, but eventually I’d like to have a small (manageable) vegetable garden. It will involve lots of work – specifically, removing a large bamboo thatch, clearing the land, and prepping it. I figure, it won’t be fully functional for at least a year. These things take time. Which reminds me, I need to start composting again.
In my garden, I currently have: Parsley, Oregano, Spearmint, Peppermint, Catnip, Aloe Vera, Oranges, Lemons, Kumquats, Apricots, Plums, Early Girl Tomatoes, and various other lovable plants and trees. Since I missed last year’s apricot and plum harvest, I’m going to get to them before the squirrels do and make preserves.
Here are some of the items I’m currently working on:
Homemade Butter. I Made Some.
I like the idea of making my own food. This way, I know where it comes from and I know what’s in it. Over the last 5 years, I’ve become increasingly aware of what I eat and how bad store bought food is. Thus, I’ve attempted to eat better, make more of my own meals, and chide myself when I don’t.
When AJB and I moved into this house, one of the biggest selling points for me was the large kitchen – plenty of storage space, two ovens, and scads of counter tops. It’s the kind of kitchen you want to cook in. I’ve taken some time gathering good equipment, filing my favorite recipes, and gazing lovingly at foodie blogs (thanks to my sister’s influence). I’ve always loved cooking and I think I’m pretty good at it. Whether the Food Channel will call me and offer me my own show – well, that’ll never happen, but I do love being in the kitchen. I especially like making things you wouldn’t ordinarily make. I’m really getting into it. For example: Butter. I also recently got a brand-spanking-new Kitchenaid Stand Mixer for my birthday and have been anxious to try it out.
Homemade butter is so simple, it kills me. You imagine Danish girls on a country farm laboring over churns, but it’s so much easier than you think. In fact, all you need is a stand mixer (you don’t even really need that) a sieve, bowl, spatula, and a container for the butter. That said, I won’t tell you how to make your own butter. Go here for that. Truth is, I’m also not good at it, just yet.
Today’s experiment went over pretty well, but I don’t think I’m the butter master just yet. What I ended up with is very much like store bought butter, but tastes so much better. And because it’s organic, it’ll only last a week, so we’d better enjoy it. I wasn’t able to get all the buttermilk strained out. In fact, that’s the hardest part. Most recipes say to use a sieve, but I couldn’t figure out why the buttermilk wasn’t just coming out like in the instructions. I think that I should have left it in the mixer a bit longer. I ended up using thin kitchen towels to squeeze out the buttermilk. Probably not the ideal method, but it mostly worked. Oh well. What I got is pretty great, tastes good, and is so good for you! I’ll try again next week, I think.
