vegetables

I have recently discovered that I am now far enough into adulthood that my pallet has changed. In recent weeks I have consumed eggplant, squash and even, yes, zucchini [and didn't barf]. I can now taste the nuttiness of eggplant rather than and overwhelming bitterness. The squash and zucchini were both well sauced, but with out the harsh bite I remember them having.
I've never been a particularly picky eater, but I am happy to admit that its nice to add a few more vegetables to the list of things I will willingly eat.
I will probably never seek out zucchini, but I might not have to pick all of it out of my "mixed vegetables."
In a forum discussion recently, regarding foods people do and don't like, someone said that, as a child his father told him, "pick a single food to hate with out question." Basically once you chose something you wouldn't be forced to eat it, but you would be expected to eat everything else. Apparently this man in now in his 40s and had made it his whole life without ever having tried brussel sprouts.

oi being deaf

Being deaf...

I couldn't tell the Pandora had stopped today.. and in fact was sure I was still listening to low volume music of some sort.

I saw a discussion the other day about being comfortable discussing your deafness. I continue to be surprised by the number of people who are young and have grown up deaf, who are terrified to mention it to anyone. If they get into a conversation they cant follow, they just walk away. I don't quite understand why. I mean, clearly they are shy and embarrassed, but what a way to go through life.
I think I tell 95% of the people who walk into my store that I'm deaf, and they are going to have to : speak up, be closer to me, slow down, etc. Most people either don't get it, or do, but very very few look at you like they are annoyed. Its not that big of a deal and things end to go better when you are up front about it as soon as a situation arises aka, if you have asked them to repeat them selves at least once already.

First Friday- August

There is something exciting about starting out each new month with a First Friday celebration. First of all it is a chance to have quite a few people wander through the store who might not normally step in. Some of these people buy things- fun things like origami kits and coloring books and fruit scented markers. Some people look around seriously and tell us they will be back to do some more serious shopping later.
I like changing out the window display monthly. Its a lot of work, but it seems to keep people interested. Scooter didn't catch your eye? Maybe the superheros will.
From the business standpoint its nice to have a little jump start to the monthly revenue goal.

I'm exhausted this morning, and going into a very crazy week. We have our first class tomorrow and Wednesday. Thursday we are setting up for the county fair which runs all weekend.  I will be glad when It is over. The next event is not until Oct 6th.

lima beans

I discovered yesterday that canned lima beans are smaller than frozen lima beans. They also smell funny.

I also made a pretty darn good lima bean bake:

1 can lima beans, rinsed and drained.
1 head of cauliflower chopped/ broken into small bits.
olive oil
paprika
Italian seasoning mix
feta cheese
spicy Italian sausage
sliced black olives

Oven at 400.
Drizzle some olive oil into the bottom of a casserole dish. Use a cauliflower clump to spread around evenly.
Cook sausage, breaking up int chunks.
Layer in cauliflower, lima beans, sprinkle paprika and italian seasoning, black olives, feta cheese and sausage.
Mix together.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 min. Remove foil, bake 10 min.
Serve.

a walk to work

I really like walking to work. How ever I dislike getting to work and being all sweaty. I cant wait until the morning are cooler.
To day I walked by a house that was a cute little cottage, with big trees in the front yard. I could see iris and a few other things poking through the tall weedy grass- over running what looked like it was, at one time, a very beautiful garden.
I found my self wondering as I often do what had happened. Had some one moved, or passed away? Were new owners unable to keep up with the demands of the garden? What did it look like when it was in top shape?

When I lived in Ft. Collins I used to regularly drive by a house the had kitty head shaped wooden fence post toppers. Someone clearly spent a lot of time making them.