beehive

Electronic Love

Electronics are always disappointing me. I believe that my computer should work well for more than a year, but it does not. Things always break or start working in an annoying, half-broken way. But you know what? I love my scanner. It has given me no problems. Thanks buddy! You are a good CanoScan LiDE 600F.

I Need A Good Coat

It’s true. I am ready to be a grownup and get a real, warm, waterproof coat. I actually bought this North Face jacket already, but I’m going to return it because it doesn’t meet all my requirements. Here are my specifications:

-black exterior, to hide the potentially ugly look of it

-waterproof exterior

-zip in/out lining for being extra warm when I need to

-adjustable cuffs so that I can keep the cold air out

-pockets with zippers or some kind of enclosure

And that’s it. I’m going to check out what they have at REI when I return the first coat, but can anyone recommend any other stores or brands that make good, waterproof, warm coats? I know nothing about these things and could use some ideas. Help?

I Invented This Recipe

I just sent this to Lee, and since I typed it all out I might as well post it here too! I really loved this soup/stew, it was hearty, tasty and filling. You should make it! It makes quite a few servings, probably enough for six bowls.

TASTY SOUP/STEW RECIPE

-1 medium yellow onion, chopped or diced, your choice
-1-2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped up small
-1-2 big carrots, chopped small
-3 tbsp olive oil
-1 bunch beet greens, chopped small (if you like beets, buy a bundle and use the greens for this and the beets for something else. if you don’t like beets, any green will do in this spot, like spinach, kale, chard…)
-1/2 cup red lentils
-1/3 cup barley grains
-1 tsp turmeric
-1/2 tsp dry tarragon (also cool to have around, I throw a bit in a lot of soups and sauces. if you don’t want to buy this, you could substitute basil or dill, or even sage)
-5-6 cups water with small spoonful dry veggie broth powder (if you’re using liquid broth, maybe do 4 cups water and 1 cup broth)
-1 package Trader Joe’s instant miso soup (if you don’t have this, up the ratio of broth to water or even go all broth)
-splash of apple cider vinegar (approx. 1 tbsp- you can start with a bit less and add more if you want it to taste a bit tangier)
-salt and pepper to taste

Chop up your onions, garlic and carrot and cook them in 3 tbsp oil in a big pot, on medium heat. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10 minutes, until the onions start to turn clear and the carrots seem like they’re softening up. Add the greens, lentils, barley, turmeric, tarragon, broth and miso package. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to minimum, cover and simmer for 45 mins until the barley is cooked. Add the apple cider vinegar last, along with some salt and pepper to taste.