Big Announcement Time

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Little Lady

I found this little lady in our bedroom today. I opened the window, and put her on the fire escape. As soon as she was free, she started to climb up the wall towards the window. I think she loves us.

Leland Tea Company

Over the weekend, we went to Leleand Tea Company in our neighborhood. Melissa and Erik had been bragging about how good it was, so we all went for a tea service. The owner kept the name of the original building, and quite a few of the original fixtures. He was very excited to tell us about things, and seemed like a genuinely nice guy. He also pointed out that the compass floor piece at the entrance is made entirely out of recycled magazines. We all drank delicious steaming pots of tea, and the guys ordered a full tea service. It's a lot of food, but all delicious. I sampled a few things, but was most interested in my 'Pepperminty Chamomile'. This was a combination of 2 of my favorite 3 teas. There were real chamomile flowers in the blend, and I poured in a packet of honey granules. This is something I'd never seen before, and it added a mild sweet flavor to the brew. (Pics here)

Afterwards, we came out sweating from all the good, hot tea, and walked to the movies to watch Over the Hedge. This was excellent. Very funny, smart and beautifully drawn. Animation just keeps getting better, and more 'real' each year. Favorite line was the squirrel asking the raccoon if he wanted to help him find his nuts.

Giant Octopus

When my alarm went off this morning I was dreaming.

It had been predicted that a giant octopus would be coming, and that it would bring huge changes. Everyone was preparing for the unannounced arrival, but because they were so busy with that, they weren't even aware when it finally did. I saw it shoot up from the darkest, deepest parts of the ocean, as it sped out of the water. It's dull, purple body was so soft and delicate as it raced through the water and broke from the surface. As it did, it's body stiffened and all the tentacles shot out behind it - like one long straight line. As it sprang from the water, the moonlight showed it's now bright pink color, and it soared far above the ocean into the sky. And then just as suddenly, it plummeted back into the waters and was gone. Nobody even saw. And as I was wondering whether it was be coming back, my alarm went off.

Vegan Feast

With Max out of town at a conference, Melissa and Erik invited me to dinner last night. Erik decided to take on the challenge of my horribly restricted diet, and cook a inner with no dairy, sugar or wheat. As is clear to anyone who reads this blog with any regularity, Erik is a master chef at the best of times, and last night was no exception. The dinner was a top notch meal, leaving me satisfied and very happy, and it does not go unappreciated that I have special people like them in my life.

First course:
Asparagus Soup with gray salt and chive oil

Main Course:
Grilled tofu with carrot/parsnip mash, sauteed mushrooms and watercress.


Dessert:
Vanilla soy frozen yogurt with pureed strawberries and honey.