In front of my city house is a square tree planter, with a redbud tree, I often find things left under my tree even when it’s not Christmas. Generally those things are cigarette butts, half-empty cans and bottles because apparently anything even vaguely resembling an open container is a good place for trash. I suppose I should […]

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  • May 20, 2015 - 10:48 am

    Vanessa D. - I like the idea of the trash collector taking the doll home and restoring it, giving her a chance to be a child’s favored possession one more time.ReplyCancel

    • May 20, 2015 - 1:57 pm

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Thanks Vanessa, I hope it really happened…ReplyCancel

  • May 20, 2015 - 2:41 pm

    Peggy Gilbey McMackin - Interesting story. Happy the doll found a home.ReplyCancel

I thought I had a good idea for a casserole type dish of zucchini and mushrooms. I saw some really nice local zucchini and mushrooms on sale, so it just made sense. I scribbled down a bunch of ideas, from fritters, to pancakes, to this baked dish. I thought wild rice would be a good addition, and […]

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Yes, I was born and raised in the USA, and no, I don’t like ketchup.  If there were a national sauce ketchup would be ours. People put that stuff everywhere, on fries (OK, I get that), hamburgers (OK, if you mix it with equal parts mustard), hot dogs (why), eggs (if you do this in my presence […]

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  • May 15, 2015 - 8:08 am

    UP - Word! I’m a minimal
    Ketchup user.ReplyCancel

    • May 15, 2015 - 8:29 am

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Thanks Paul, it’s nice to know I’m not alone!ReplyCancel

  • May 15, 2015 - 8:30 am

    Quirky Chrissy - I used to despise ranch with a fiery passion, but now I’ll eat it if it’s made in house with Hidden Valley and buttermilk. I love sauce in general. I hate mayo, but if it’s flavored or aioli, I’m all in. It’s weird. Truffle aioli for the win.ReplyCancel

    • May 15, 2015 - 8:47 am

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Truffle anything!! I know those funny, super specific things we like, and all I can say is it gets worse as you get older (something to look forward to).ReplyCancel

  • May 15, 2015 - 2:16 pm

    Peggy Gilbey McMackin - Ah, sauces and condiments. I’m fond of most, even from an international ingredient standpoint, nevertheless, my preference is that sauces or condiments always make sense and are complementary in the ways they are served, and foods of which they are prepared.ReplyCancel

Can you take the measure of grief? During my usual trolling around the internet I came across a piece in the Huffington Post on Sheryl Sandberg’s decision to return to work ten days after the sudden death of her husband. There was the usual mix of support and derision about this choice. Some people felt this was […]

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  • May 13, 2015 - 6:57 am

    Quirky Chrissy - Wow.

    I dislike Sheryl Sandberg.I saw her speak at BlogHer, and walked out halfway through. I disagree with her beliefs on leadership and women, but I WOULD NEVER consider criticizing her for something so personal. She has a right to grieve in the way that is best for her. I cannot possibly fathom that pain.

    People are horrible.ReplyCancel

    • May 13, 2015 - 7:14 am

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Chrissy, it never ceases to amaze me what is up for public commentary and criticism. People certainly can be quite horrible.ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2015 - 7:53 am

    Peggy Gilbey McMackin - Powerful and moving piece Nancy. I could not agree with you more. I really dislike peoples judgments on others whether about life, death, or any other matter, and I loathe gossip with mean intent about those I know, or those I do not. On grief, I feel your insights, grief is not linear.ReplyCancel

    • May 13, 2015 - 1:42 pm

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Thank you Peggy, I surprised myself at how strongly I felt about this.ReplyCancel

  • May 13, 2015 - 11:59 am

    Ramya Abhinand - Totally agree with your post. A lot of peoapl are ready make judgements and I totally dislike thisReplyCancel

    • May 13, 2015 - 1:40 pm

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Ramya, thanks for the comment, it is truly infuriating!ReplyCancel

  • May 14, 2015 - 12:56 am

    Natalie - People are the worst. Mind your own business, people! Grief doesn’t always look the same for everyone.ReplyCancel

    • May 14, 2015 - 6:41 am

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Natalie, completely agree.ReplyCancel

    • May 14, 2015 - 9:30 am

      jen - Ditto!ReplyCancel

  • May 14, 2015 - 11:45 pm

    Chasing Joy - I like what you say about how time keeps going even when bad things happen. I went to work the day after my dad’s funeral. I needed to do something other than be home.

    I enjoyed Lean in and feel very sad for Sheryl Sandberg and her family.ReplyCancel

    • May 15, 2015 - 7:13 am

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Joy, people deal with things in such personal ways, I can’t imagine criticizing someone for doing what they need to do to get through a tough time.ReplyCancel

We taste five flavors sweet, sour, sour, bitter, fresh, and umami, and loads of combinations, and a craving for the combination of hot and sweet got me cooking today. I am generally not a fan of spicy food, but sweet tempers the heat enough for pansies like me. Though I made this chicken using chicken thighs (I […]

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  • May 11, 2015 - 8:12 am

    Peggy Gilbey McMackin - This looks delicious Nancy! Love the orange sauce which I do agree is quite versatile in a variety of preparations. Have a great week.ReplyCancel

    • May 12, 2015 - 4:06 pm

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Peggy, it is so easy too.ReplyCancel

  • May 11, 2015 - 8:58 am

    Jessica H. - I must admit that I really hate frying food, but this sounds delicious and really flavorful! 🙂ReplyCancel

    • May 12, 2015 - 4:06 pm

      nrlowell@comcast.net - Jessica, the orange sauce would be good on grilled or roasted chicken too!ReplyCancel

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