peacefrog's lilypad

I am currently reading Adulthood Rites, the second book in Octavia Butler's Xenogenesis trilogy. Yesterday I observed that Akin totally reminds me of Stewie from Family Guy. :)

Krystal Ball is running for Congress in VA. The opposition dug up some photos of her with then-husband at a party engaged in sexy, non-explicit play. I don't even know why it was an issue, except for, I guess, she's a woman. She released an official response and its awesomeness is beyond my ability to express. I wish I could vote for her.

Here is a summary of the whole situation, with links to the photos, and the complete text of her statement.

Read it, link it, and perhaps have some hope for the future if she wins.

I never did write much about our trip to NY besides the photo essay. (Which reminds me that I should post the sillier part two of that.) It was pretty low-key overall. We arrived very late Saturday night, having left Boston after sufficiently filling ourselves following end of Yom Kippur, stopping only to pick up bagels.

( A few mellow days in NY )

We headed to Broadway with just a vague idea of which shows we were interested in seeing, planning to get in on rush ticketing and just see where it went. (We could have gotten going much earlier for TKTS, but sleep and snuggles were important, too.) We were also going on the assumption that most shows started at 3pm, but at the Fela box office (our first choice), found out some started at 2, so we missed that one, alack. So we wandered a bit, figuring we'd see what struck our fancy and lo, there was A Little Night Music, which neither of us had seen before.

They still had tickets, but we were told their rush prices were only for students. We sighed unhappily but decided to go ahead and get them, anyway. But DD signed the credit card slip absent-mindedly and as we were being seated, I noticed the number printed on the ticket and had him double-check the receipt. Yep, $27 each. Score! And just as well, since we were so high, it was a bit vertigo-inducing.

But the show was a lot of fun, and oh, did I mention the cast? Bernadette Peters portrayed desireearmfeldt with Elaine f'in Stritch* as her mother! That alone was quite a thrill for a musical theater dork such as myself, and though I'd never seen the show before, I was familiar with a good bit of the music thanks to Standing Room Only. Even if I do often forget which song is from which show, which caused me to squee gleefully (is there any other way?) when I realized *this* was the show with A Weekend in the Country, which, even out of context, I've always considered to be a near-perfect example of what a musical theater song should be. Yay!

[* This also gave me the opportunity, while on the long line during intermission to use the Ladies Lounge (that's what the sign said), to sing "Here's to the ladies who lounge..." to the amusement of my fellow queuers. Around here in my usual theater group, it's rare for anyone to get my silly musical theater jokes. Score another one for New York. ;]

Part one of a little Jewish tour of my neighborhood in Brooklyn: Sukkot edition (just in time). The area wasn't quite this *Israeli* when I was growing up, but these days, it's almost like being in the Holy Land, minus the machine guns and hot weather. Parking meters are suspended on Saturday instead of Sunday. Most people on the street wear some sort of head covering, whether it's a kippah, scarf, wig, or hijab. (These aren't pictures of them, of course, because that would be rude.) In any case, everyone can agree on a lack of pork.

Even the few major chain stores do what they can to fit in.
( Here's one of the windows of Walgreen's. )

Since Sukkot is about to start, relevant accessories were on sale everywhere, at varying prices.
These guys (The Estrog Place) had the flashiest set-up:

( Giant etrog cut-out and sign (sorry about the glare -- it was extremely sunny.) )

( Their even BIGGER etrog on the other tree. )

They also had the highest prices, but perhaps quality costs!
( The Esrog Place flyer )

But you've got plenty of options! Y'know how in some neighborhoods, empty storefronts are used temporarily for Halloween stores? Here people use them to sell lulav/etrog sets. We passed at least three on our walk. I assume they were stocking many of the street vendors.
( I also observed that the bakery in the background would have spent far less money on their sign if their name was Levy. )

Don't rush into anything! There are many fruit and fronds from which to choose and plenty of people with whom to bargain. These vendors, which covered the entirety of the blocks in front of and behind me there, were calling out prices that ranged anywhere from $15 to $45, and occasionally higher. We had one offer of $10 and heard one $80. One kid asked, "How much do you want to pay, eh?" in that heavy Israeli accent that made me feel like I was in the shuk.
( They do smell great, though. )

And what about for the kids? Those palm edges can be sharp (seriously, like razors), but they'll still want to participate.
( Never fear -- plushies to the rescue! )

Finally, in the "they think of everything" department, how do you deal with the pesky bugs that threaten to ruin your perfect Sukkot meal? SukkahPellant, of course!
( I'm not kidding. )


In the end, not really seeing the need for a full set since I'm unlikely to attempt many Sukkot services (and despite the temptation), I opted for just an etrog from the one vendor who was selling them alone, for a mere $3, with no pretty box of packing material. They were clearly not the picks of the litter, but mine has already improved considerably in color and scent since yesterday, even if it's never going to fatten up. [ETA: Could be this is just not one of the more rounded varieties. And fyi, yes, the pitom is intact!]

Happy Holidays!


[Apologies for the poor quality of many of these shots. Many were taken with my camera and in most cases, I was trying to be unobtrusive.]

[Catching up on posting these (they are backdated), so minimal commentary.]

Week 15

• 12 ears Corn
• 2 lbs Tomatoes (yellow)
• 2 lbs Banana Peppers
• 2 lbs Zucchini
• 4 Eggplant
• 2 bunches Beets
• 2 bunches Chard
• 2 Butternut Squash of Unusual Size*
• =(I couldn't even carry it all at once)

* Mine weighed in at 8# and according to my sharebuddy (who picked up for me because I was working the polls) it was one of the small ones. He wasn't strong enough to carry large ones, alas.

Week 16

• 8 ears Corn
• 2 lbs Green Beans
• 2 lbs Zucchini
• 2 lbs Cubanelle Peppers
• 2 lbs Shells Beans (Kidney)
• 2 lbs Tomatoes (yellow)
• 2 bunches Arugula
• 2 bunches Radishes
• 2 bunches Broccoli
• 2 Delicata Squash
  =(see above)

[Catching up on posting these (they are backdated), so minimal commentary. Except to once again note that I made the best baba ghanous ever with these eggplant. Even eggplant-haters liked it!]

Week 13

• 4 lbs Potatoes
• 24 ears Corn(!)
• 8 lbs Tomatoes(!!)
• 2 lbs Cubanelle Peppers
• 4 Eggplant
• 4 Zucchini
• =(forgot to weigh, but as usual, hefty)

Week 14

• 4 lbs Tomatoes
• 12 ears Corn
• 4 Eggplants
• 2 lbs Peppers
• 2 bunches Red Chard
• 2 bunches Arugula
• 2 bunches Radishes
• 4 Acorn Square
  =(again, no number, but hefty)

= A shiitake mushroom log, like the top one here. I got this from someone else but haven't managed to maintain the every-two-weeks soaking schedule so I want to give it away to someone who will since there are clearly many more fruitings left.

= A small assortment of fitness-related samples and coupons that I won't use, but maybe some of you would like:
-- 2 packs of Jillian Michaels' Acai Berry Power Packets drink mix dietary supplement
-- 1 pack Everlast Recovery drink mix along with a coupon for $5 off
-- 3-tablet pack of GNC Amplified Muscle Igniter 4X supplement
-- Buy 1, Get 1 Free coupon for Everlast E-Drenaline Energy Shots (applies to singles, 2-packs, & 6-packs)

[ETA: All items have been claimed!]

I almost never bother people with sharing these things because I know most folks who are interested already see them and it can be extremely er, kind of annoying, but this is an awesome place that you may not already know is awesome, and I literally squealed when I saw the email.

$10 for $20 worth of awesome food and drink at Olde Magoun's Saloon. (Note this is a referral link which is nice for me. I already bought the groupon.)
[Ole Magoun's web site.]

They have a great menu including what I'm told are fabulous burgers, and also an amazing housemade veggie burger that I can personally vouch for. Their selection of beer on tap is quite impressive as well and the staff has always been super-nice. And trivia on Tuesday! Best of all, since it's right by my house, you can come hang out with me before or after you go there, assuming I'm not already there with you. So give 'em a try. :)

If you haven't already seen the fabulous hahathor in As Bees in Honey Drown, you only have THREE chances left (one tonight, two tomorrow), so get on it!

Y'all know I rarely promote theater I'm not involved in because if I plugged every single show connected to my very talented and prolific friends, my LJ would just be yet another guide to the local arts scene. But this one is special, so it deserves special mention. Some of you know the extent to which I dislike and try to avoid long drives, especially at night (if you don't, it's very very very much), but since it was my only opportunity to see it, I attended last night's performance then got on the road for a 90-mile drive, arriving at my destination around midnight.

And it was so totally worth it.

Yay! Go Jenny!



PS: Also, come to Pi-Con this weekend, where I'll be. I've got two cookie-pis in the oven right now for tonight's Pajama Party and it only gets better from there. :)

I don't even have a TV*, but the advertising and word-of-mouth is sufficiently pervasive that I still know it's Shark Week on Discovery, so there was no way I could lose the opportunity to post with this userpic.

And as long as I'm at it, here's a few excellent links:

• Amazing sculptor whose medium is pencil tips. It's kind of mind-blowing.

• The Manhattan borough president, who, like a typical New Yorker, does not leave the city for anything, will marry in Connecticut due to NY not yet recognizing same-sex marriage.

• My friend (and former co-star) 28bytes was in the paper for the release of his new awesome game for the Atari 2600: Duck Attack! (Yes, Atari 2600. Check it out!)

• Old, but I've had it open in a tab for over a year, I think. One of my favorite Onion bits ever, particularly of amusement if you're a fellow puzzler.

• Tear-inducing story from Children's Hospital about treating transgenders kids, and one kid's story in particular.

[* ETA: Just to be clear, since too many people I know believe it somehow elevates them, the fact that I don't have a TV in no way makes me better than you. It's just a random factoid that had relevance there. The things that make me better than you are of far greater substance.]

And the race is on! This week, Red Fire is closing in on half the weight of Parker, thanks to heavy corn and Parker's nightshades not being quite ready. What will happen next week? Tune in to find out!

Meanwhile, this week I just couldn't summon the motivation to cook. I had so much in the fridge that I'd already prepped, and I *still* haven't finished it all. Usually Monday is my big "ack, use it all up before the new batch comes!" but in the wake of the closing weekend, energy was low. The really sad thing is that despite a fridge full of the best potatoes ever, I got an order of french fries this week around the corner. Twice! The messed up part is that it didn't even occur to me until last night that I could just make my own oven fries, which is what I shall do. (I realize I could make my own real fries, too, but that way lies madness.)

• 2 bunches Beets (w/ greens)
• 2 bunches Carrots (orange)
• 2 lbs Summer Squash (assorted)
• 4 lbs (by volume) Red Potatoes
• 2 heads Cabbage
• 2 bunches Dill
• 2 bunches Mustard Greens
• 2 bunches Spring Onions
• 2 bunches Celery
  = 27 lbs
  --
• 1 lb Green Beans
• 1 Eggplant
• 6 ears Corn
• 1 bunch Scallions
• 1.5 lb Cucumbers
• 1 bunch Thyme
• 1 (teeny) head Lettuce
• 1 Bell Pepper (yellow)
• 1 lb Summer Squash (assorted)
• 3 Tomatoes
• 1 lb Carrots (mixed colors)
  = 12.8 lbs

A bunch of folks have been asking me about my kimchi recipe (as well as others) and I'm trying to get around to posting them. (Here for now, since my foodblog is dormant at the moment.) In case you missed it, last week, I posted Greens and Peanut Stew.

Kimchi

Ingredients

• 3T Sea Salt [Kosher salt or pickling salt work, too. Just avoid anything with additives: no iodized salt or anything with "free-flowing agents" or the like. Which is a good policy in general. Throw away all your iodized salt!]
• 6 cups Water
• 1-2 heads Cabbage, chopped into 1-2" squares [Chinese cabbage (such as bok choy or napa) is ideal, but I've used green cabbage and it's been fab.]
• A handful of Scallions, chopped into 1-2" lengths and slivered [Any other type of onion will do, too.]
• 1 1/2 T minced ginger
• 1 1/2 T minced garlic
• 2T Korean ground hot pepper [You can sub in any other hots such as cayenne, paprika, rooster sauce, etc, if you must, but add slowly and taste. Korean powder is much milder which is why you put in so much.]
• 1t Sugar

  Other vegetables:

• Carrots, sliced thin in rounds or small sticks
• Asian Turnips (or standard white), sliced thin
• Radishes, sliced thin
• Anything else you'd like, sliced or chopped

What to do:

1. Mix salt with water and pour over cabbage and any "Other vegetables" in a large non-reactive vessel. Use a plate to keep the veggies submerged. (Mix additional brine if needed.) Let it sit at room temp all day or all night (~12 hours).

2. Drain the veggies, saving some brine if possible. You can taste for saltiness here -- if it isn't comfortably salty, sprinkle in a little more, if you feel it's way too salty, you can rinse them briefly. Mix with remaining ingredients.

3. Pack into a large jar (I usually use 1-3 quart jars because it's what I have), tamping it down until all the food is below the level of the liquid. If this is too difficult, you can add a bit of the brine to help. Weight it down with a smaller water-filled jar or a ziplock filled with brine, and cover with plastic wrap or whatever you'd like to keep the bugs away.

4. Keep in a temperate location (preferably no warmer than 68deg, but I've done 80 with good results) for 3 days to a week or more. Start tasting after 3 days and when it gets to where you like it, remove the weight and store in the fridge.

5. Questions? Wanna taste some? Ask me! I've got three quarts in my fridge right now. :)

All of these amounts can be adjusted to taste, of course, and I confess I don't measure much of anything. The results are just amazing, and of course it's also a super-healthy raw food. For me, it was also worth the expense of getting actual Korean pepper, which results in a lovely red color and a taste that is just right.

Regarding the subject line, I have no idea why this video is so funny, but it just is.

Now, I realize most of the locals already know about the show, but a lot of you may not know that *I* am in it. So yeah, I'm in a show. It's the Theatre@First one-acts festival which this year is all Shakespeare-related. Mine is based on a particular scene in Hamlet and I play mama Gertrude, Queen of Denmark.

The show is probably most enjoyable if you have some familiarity with Shakespeare (Hamlet in particular, as three of the one-acts are based on it), but that is not necessary. Besides the comedic stylings of myself, barumonkey, Kathryn, and Lev in a world premiere (written for us!) by Mark Harvey Levine and directed by plumtreeblossom, there are other shows that range from the serious to the silly to the very silly. Murder, mayhem, monsters, and muppets! What more could you ask for?

I'm feeling kinda nervous due to some last-minute snags and other issues, so if you come see the show, be sure to say something nice to me after. (You can lie as long as it's done believably.) I know not everyone can make it (or even wants to), but for those that do, I really appreciate the support.

Buy or reserve your tickets online.

--

And speaking of performing, I must provide a link to one of the best things I've seen in a while: Jewel, disguised as a mild-mannered businesswomen, shows up at a karaoke bar to sing her own stuff. Funny and heartwarming. (DD and I were just talking the other night about stars and attitudes, and Jewel came up as someone who comes across as really down to earth. This underscores that, too.)

Two long weekends in a row of camping makes a frog slackful about posting updates. Even moreso than usual, that is.

Week 4

• 2 bunches Broccoli Rabe
• 2 heads Cauliflower
• 2 bunches Kohlrabi (w/ greens)
• 2 bunches Red Russian Kale
• 2 bunches Fennel
• 2 bunches Chiogga Beets (w/ greens)
• 2 bunches Basil
• 2 bunches Yellow Carrots
• 2 lbs Summer Squash
  ==
• 1 head Lettuce
• 1 bunch Carrots
• 4 Zucchini/Summer Squash
• 1 bunch herbs (Dill or Cilantro)
• 1 bunch Kale or Collards
• 1 bunch Pearl Onions
• 1/3 lb Spinach
• 5 Cucumbers
• 1 bunch Beets

Week 5

• 2 bunches Red Beets (w/ greens)
• 2 lbs Fava Beans
• 2 bunches Cilantro (who in the world needs this much cilantro?)
• 2 bunches Mizuna
• 2 lbs Yukon Gold Potatoes (new potatoes!)
• 3 lbs Cousa Squash (ooh, pretty green!)
• 2 (big giant) heads Cauliflower
• 2 heads Cabbage
• 4 (sizable) Cucumbers
• 2 bunches Biera Kale (ooh, new type of kale!)
• 2 buches Carrots (orange)
  ==
• 1 head (slightly sunburnt) Lettuce
• 1 stalk Garlic
• 2 oz Basil
• 1.5 lb Green Beans
• 1 (sizable) Zucchini
• 2 Kohlrabi (w/ greens)
• 1 Cucumber
• 1 bunch Scallions
• 1 (small) head Cabbage (sharebuddy called it an extra-large brussels sprout)

I wasn't around for the second part of Week 4, but for Week 5, the entire RF share fit into a bag that held 1/4 of Parker. It's a little frustrating and we're thinking about selling off the remainder of the season, since half of one large Parker is thusfar providing each of us with plenty. The only veg I *really* want that Parker doesn't grow is garlic, but RF doesn't provide enough of that to meet all my garlic needs, and getting it at the markets would be a lot cheaper than the share, anyway. (DD's farm out in Easthampton grows and gives garlic like crazy, too, so I plan to mooch off him later in the season. The stuff I got from him last year was the best garlic ever.)

SO MANY VEGGIES! Last week's kimchi turned out great, and very spicy. I love eating it, but it sets my mouth on fire. Luckily, it's not a lingering heat, so if I pause between bites, I'm okay. This week there must be more kimchi because the farms delivered up all the ingredients as if giving an order.

• 2 heads Escarole
• 2 heads Romaine Lettuce
• 2 heads Red Leaf Lettuce
• 2 bunches Scallions
• 2 bunches Beets (with greens)
• 2 bunches Radishes (with greens?)
• 2 bunches Red Chard
• 2 bunches Kale
• 2 bunches Baby (aww) Carrots (also with greens but having tried, I've given up on eating 'em)
• 2 heads Cabbage
  ==
• 1 bunch Scallions
• 1/3 lb Spinach
• 2 heads Lettuce (green)
• 1 bunch Beets (with greens)
• 1 bunch Oregano
• 1/4 lb Garlic Scapes
• 1 bunch Kale (dinosaur)
• 2 Kohlrabi (purple, with greens (purples?))
• 2 Carrots

My current favorite thing to do with kale (and I'm sure it would work with other greens as well), is to eat it raw and marinated. I wouldn't have believed raw kale could be that good until I had a similar dish at a friend's house, so if you're doubting, I suggest trying it. Here's my basic technique:

Raw Marinated Kale

1. Shred or chop the kale into a bowl.
2. Add 1/2-1 tsp sea salt (depending on how much kale there is and how much salt you like).
3. I massage the salt into the kale to speed things up, but you can skip this.
4. Whisk acid (3T) with olive oil (1T) along with a clove or two of fresh minced garlic and pour over kale. The acid can be any nice vinegar (I've been mostly using balsamic, but white balsamic worked, red wine, etc) or lemon juice, etc.
5. Toss it all together and let it sit a few hours or overnight, or however long you can stand to wait. I pack it into a quart-sized take-out container for ease of fridging.
6. Eat! Nomnom so good! Works well with lots of other stuff, too, so have fun.

And we're off! [This was last week's haul, but I was busy and forgot to post it then.]

As previously noted, I'm calling the first week of Parker Week 0 to sync up the numbers here. Red Fire (listed second) started, though the haul was less than half of Parker's (listed first), frustrating my share-mate greatly. We'll see how things continue to shake out.

• 2 bunches Broccoli
• 2 bunches Romaine Lettuce
• 2 bunches Red Lead Lettuce
• 2 bunches Bibb Lettuce
• 2 bunches Chiogga Beets (with greens)
• 2 bunches Asian Turnips (with greens)
• 2 bunches Swiss Chard
• 2 bunches Kohlrabi (with greens)
• 2 bunches Cilantro
  ==
• 2 stalks Green Garlic
• 1 lb Spinach
• 2 heads Lettuce (1 green, 1 red giant)
• 1 bunch Turnips (no useful greens)
• 1 bunch Dill
• 1/2 lb Field Greens
• 1 head Bok Choy

Some recent dishes have been spinach paratha, steamed broccoli over udon with peanut sauce, dill dip, and the peanut greens stew I came up with two years ago and and lovelovelove (recipe (or guidelines anyway) to come), plus of course lots of nummy salad.

Could I be any more excited about the start of farm share season? YAY!!!

Once again, I am splitting two full shares, but this year, Parker has started a week before Red Fire, so in the interest of syncing up the tags, I'm calling this Week 0. It was great to see Steve and chat with my fellow shareholders. As usual, some of these bunches are bigger than my head. To illustrate, the bunch of red leaf lettuce I bought at the farmer's market yielded one big salad, but last night I had two big salads off the red leaf and still have at least 2/3 of it left.

• 2 bunches Red Leaf Lettuce
• 2 bunches Bibb Lettuce
• 2 bunches Pea Tendrils
• 2 bunches Mizuna
• 2 bunches Chicory
• 2 bunches Bok Choi
• 2 bunches Spinach
• 2 bunches Red Russian Kale

[ETA: Last year I started out showing just my take, but that was very confusing and I shifted to listing the total shares each week, which is what I'll do this year as well.]

I can't believe I did it!

Thank you everyone for your support. I totally could not have done it without yooz. It was really hard (but at least I was finally not congested for the first time in like two weeks, though the sprained ankle + hurty knees were not good, whine, whine) and most definitely a mind-over-matter situation (especially after the first 18 or so miles) but I was stylin' in my hair falls, crossed the finish line, and I've got my medal. :)

Today I am sore, tired, and limpy. Kind of amazed I could get out bed. I've got a post-race thing this evening and I might just show up at Diesel after if I can find a parking space close enough to make it seem worthwhile. (Alternatively, if anyone who can chauffeur wants to come with me to said thing (5-6pm), lemme know.) I've already walked about a half-mile today, which seems like enough and I don't feel ready to bicycle.

Details and detailed shout-outs to come later. Y'all know who you are.

But to answer a couple of common questions:

1. No, right now the idea of doing it again holds no appeal whatsoever.
2. Yes, you can totally buy me a beer/drink/lunch/dinner. Let's make plans.

It feels so weird to be done.

Just got home from our team pre-race dinner, which was fabulous in all sorts of ways and it was comforting to see so many other people who are just as nervous and out of sorts as I am. Hopefully not everyone is as hurty. Hopefully my hurts won't get too excessively worse. To answer a common question: You can track me (and all the other runners) on the web site during the race. My number is 26688. This may come in handy if you want to be out there for a hug/high-5/cheer but don't want to be out there too long.

Also, I know that besides the team cheering station at Mile 9 and jim_p's at Mile 10, some other friends are planning to be out there in the afternoon closer to town by the finish line, Kenmore Square, Coolidge Corner, or other T-able points in between, and some have told me they'd like to find people to watch with. So if you want to post your plans here to let other folks meet up with you, I'm sure it would be appreciated.

(There is a Spectator Guide with assorted useful info such as which parts of the route are T-accessible.)

Eeeeeee!!!!

[PS: Thank you for all the well-wishes! I haven't had time to respond to all the emails and messages, but they are all wonderful. I may not have time to reply to comments here, either. While my wave starts at 10:30a, we'll be on the way to the starting line at 6am.]

Guess the number of non-empty bottles of booze I moved to my new place and win fame, glory, and a prize! (If you can't use the poll for whatever reason, comment with your guess, but be sure to leave your recognizable-to-me name if you're anon or your entry will not be considered.)

Given some of the guesses so far, I thought I'd offer up a few bits of information:
= This is a count of all booze-y bottles, including liquor, beer, wine, etc.
= One case of wine (or big-bottle beer) generally contains 12 bottles.
= One case of beer generally contains 24 bottles.
= The closest guess as of this writing is off by a number greater than most of the other guesses.

[Poll #1548389]

You may change your answer any number of times until the poll closes at approximately noon today. If you win but are unable or unwilling to claim your prize, it will go to the next-best guess or the participant of your choice. You still get the glory.