Angela Law

animal lover, gardener, knitter, and gourmet cook
 
miscellany

nola

The hurricane and consequential disaster that has taken place in New Orleans and the surrounding area really saddens me. This has the potential to be one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history. While it pales in comparison to what happened to the tsunami victims last year, it has really hit home with me.

Back in 1998, Brian and I went on vacation to New Orleans. It was the best trip either of us have ever been on. It has become a measuring stick for all other vacations. I don’t know what it was about the place, but we felt at home there. I think that’s the most relaxed I’ve been in the past seven years (maybe it was all the alcohol). Brian is always threatening to move to New Orleans, even now (well, up till the hurricane, anyway). One of the highlights of our trip was a ghost tour. We had this cool tour guide named Bloody Mary. We got to cruise the above ground cemeteries and check out a voodoo museum. I was delighted to see her on a Discovery Channel special about New Orleans a few years ago. The trip frequently comes up in conversations between Brian and me.

Anyway, if you have the means, please help these people out. Make a donation to the Red Cross or The Salvation Army. These two organizations seem to be doing the bulk of the work down there–throw them some cash so they can continue their good works.

gardening & landscaping

mary had a little lamb

And two helpings of corn.***

After years of trying different varieties, I finally got some good corn from my garden. This evening, I was pondering what vegetable to make for supper when I remembered that my corn looked like it was ready. So, I picked a few ears and was pleasantly surprised that it appeared to be edible. I cooked it up and we had it along with some grilled leg of lamb and couscous for supper. Dee-licious.

I guess this means I should plant the same corn again next year so I can determine if this year was a fluke or not. Conveniently enough, I am currently plotting next year’s garden, so I guess this was a good time to find out about the corn. I was figuring this year was going to be a wash, so it looks like I have some rearranging to do. In case you were wondering–yes, I do like to plan ahead. I used to wait until winter to plan the next year’s garden. But, I like to do it at the end of the gardening season now–while everything is still fresh in my mind. e.g. Under no circumstances do I want to plant two zucchini plants again next year. This thought may have been forgotten if I waited till January to do my planning, you see?

*** paraphrased from one of my favorite The Far Side cartoons

work

company picnic

This afternoon, my company picnic was held at Idlewild Park. It was more on the idle, versus wild, side. Somehow we managed to miss the rain. It was raining on our way there and it was raining on our way home, but only drizzled a few times at the park. Jake had a really good time playing with my coworker’s children. This was his second trip to Idlewild this year, so he’s practically a pro. He also went with his daycare earlier in the summer. He was hoping to hit the SoakZone today, but it was not warm enough to do so. I’m sure Brian was relieved because there was no way in hell I was going to do that, so he “volunteered” for the duty.

friends

johnstown brewing company

This evening, we went to the Johnstown Brewing Company with Judy. We didn’t have the cod. I had chicken marsala, which was quite good. And I have leftovers for my lunch tomorrow, which is cool. Brian had the pale ale and rather enjoyed it. Judy stopped by our house afterwards and hung out for a bit. It was good to see her again–we don’t get to hang out as often as we used to.

I think this was only the second time we’ve eaten at the JBC. We’ve been there for drinks numerous times, but only for food twice. Both times, I enjoyed the meals. It’s kind of cool to have a brewpub in town, so hopefully they will have continued success.

jake

dead meat skulls

This is the name of Jacob’s new band. Please note the lack of pretentiousness–they are “Dead Meat Skulls”, not “The Dead Meat Skulls”. I don’t know if they’re punk or what as I have not heard any of the music yet. But seeing that Jake’s playing guitar for the band, I’m sure I’ll hear something soon enough.

I’ll keep you posted.