Thursday

Today was a quasi-baffling series of near-but-definitely-non-disasters.

I was going to be late to school because I couldn't find the key to unlock my bike (meaning a long commute, on foot, in the heat), when a distinct impression (if not a voice) told me to check my pockets one more time... and there was the key.

There was a terrific, pounding, crashing thunderstorm around noon, and I began to recall, unpleasantly, all the items (including electronic devices) near my open windows. But wait: this morning, for the first time since I've been back in BG, I had closed all my windows--not because of the impending storm (weather reports here being essentially worthless) but because I wanted to keep it cooler inside.

I thought I'd lost the CardCam: in the front pocket of my backpack.

I had lost my ethernet cord--but when I got back to the library tonight, it was still there, plugged into the wall.

Days like this can lead one to one of two conclusions: either I'm wildly distracted and forgetful, but subconsciously have things under control... or Someone Else is looking out for me.

The Optimist

The optimist fell ten stories
And at each window bar,
He shouted to his friends below,
"All right so far!"
--unknown

Aforementioned friend and contributor Ellen had her own Disaster Kitchen moment this week:

"i was going to make curry pumpkin soup tonight. and after i got the onions chopped and sauteing i went to open the cans of coconut milk and pumpkin. turns out, i picked up a can of pumpkin pie mix. i got it at open harvest, and not wanting to make pumpkin pie or wasting a can of three dollar and 50 cent pumpkin mix i went ahead and added it to the onions, garlic, and coconut milk. the result, after alot of salt and curry is pumpkin pie soup.

"lesson learned: read the label, don't just look at the picture."

This is what happened the last time I let Bryant help with pumpkin curry soup:

Before: me, getting ready to blend the soup

After: Bryant tried to stir while the blender was... blending.

Disaster Kitchen: Kick-Ass Potato Salad

Ellen was kind enough to give me her (chef) brother- in-law Eric's recipe for self- proclaimed "Kick-Ass Potato Salad." I've decided that self-adulation is a good feature in any recipe. Who wants to tell you that your dish is misnamed?

The recipe was two pages long, single-spaced. Eric described each step in painstaking detail. He would probably been horrified to see how I executed it (pun acknowledged)... but such is the hallmark of Disaster Kitchen.

In fact, it was a bit of a sentimental recipe; Ellen and I made this on one of her first appearances on the show. They just don't make disasters like that anymore. Kick-ass potato salad, raspberry brownies, and fruit salad, and we two chefs all colliding in that fabulous Lincoln kitchen. We delivered our successes to the party in characteristic style--laughing so loudly on the stairs that they heard us coming before we knocked.

Today I had no sidekick, which is probably just as well since it was about 100 degrees in my kitchen. I didn't want to turn on the oven to roast the pepper... so I wisely held it over my gas burner. I thought I'd also try roasting the garlic in the microwave; people may tell you this works, but don't believe them. I ended up sauteeing the garlic with the onions and leeks.

The results were impressive, however, which goes to show the strength of a good recipe, even in my hands. I did make one particular change with which I was pleased: instead of using sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds, I roasted and threw in a whole package of pine nuts.

So, it was a success. I think that mostly people just liked saying, "CëRï, your potato salad really is kick-ass." Awww, thanks, guys--you're not just saying that?

This is my advisor, Rebecca. The party was at her house. It was taken with my new CardCam (thanks, Bryant), which may have been more popular at the party than I--kick-ass potato salad notwithstanding. Here are some more pictures.

Claas (and Nate's back)

Michelle and me (taken by Emily, who is one of my coolness heroes: obvious from the picture, right?)

Croquet people: Brittney, Angie, Ian, Thomas, Patrick, a guy named David.

B-B-Q

I'm going for a new record this week: three cookouts in seven days. Sunday night was a small barbecue at Angie's. Last night was an incredible meal in several courses at Ruthy's. Saturday will be a big outdoor party-thing at Rebecca's.

Ruthy is one of the most cosmopolitan people I have ever met. She teaches survey at BGSU and during the school year I helped her with grading and computer stuff. Last night we dined in the garden on Middle Eastern food. It was easily the most amazing "barbecue" I've ever attended.

At the Graduation Reception

This is a particularly striking picture, because none of us looks like ourself.

Walla Walla Grad

This is me with April and Chris at April's graduation from Walla Walla College. She finished with degrees in French and nursing.

Most of us just watched the show on live TV in our pajamas. Only Mom and Dad and Paul got up at the crack of dawn to reserve seats and sit through the entire ordeal.

Bryant and I headed over when they started reading names, and arrived in time to cheer for her.

Then Bryant waited patiently while I ran into and greeted more people than I ever expected to recognize there. He suggested blinders so that we could leave.

Wiping the cookie dough off the walls

Disaster Kitchen is the name of my imaginary cooking show. I told myself if this blog name was available that I would have to break down and set up a blog. This is my first post.