Potatoes in the Mist

I just made some calls for Hillary in South Carolina. I was all, "I'm gonna make a change!" Of course, everyone either hung up or wasn't home. But I tried :)

Today Eric was carrying some seltzer back from the grocery store. I warned him not to shake it, so of course he shook it vigorously. Then I opened it over the sink. I think the explosion was the highlight of his week!

The packers are here...

I have this bleary allergies/cold thing...probably as a result of going from 79 degrees to 39 (and it's supposed to snow at 2:00). But I did get to meet Rachel's new cat. She was shy around me at first, but then she seemed to trust me more.

Sad to leave Miami. I love this place. 

I just finished a book called Yolo. Yes, I can't believe I read a book called Yolo. But it was really good. It was about three girls, going to different colleges, who have been friends for a long time. (In fact, they were three earlier books about them, which I read about 10 years ago.) And the author unexpectedly wrote this sequel. Anyway, it was good, and I hope she writes another one.

Yesterday a crow took a crouton from my salad and flew away.

Just finished the latest Alexander McCall Smith book and now I don't know what to read. His books are cozy and intellectual at the same time, and they're all series, so you really get to know the characters. This book introduced a new one, who will be coming back.

We are going to Miami on Saturday. I was dreading packing. I pack for myself and the two kids, a few days in advance. D packs for himself, typically half an hour before we have to leave. Anyway, Zoe said, "I love packing! I want to help!" With a little guidance from me, she helped me pack almost everything (except last-minute items like makeup, toothbrushes and electronics). It was a big weight off my shoulders. I'm really happy she helped.

Here's a cardigan I'm making for my sister in law's baby. A bit of a departure for me, as I don't usually knit in green. 

I'm addicted to this lentil minestrone from one of Deborah Madison's cookbooks. Lentils, soup shells, carrots, celery, onion, bay leaves, thyme sprigs, salt and spinach. So good. 

Bill Clinton took over Hillary's Instagram account today (with her permission). He wrote: What does making a great muffin have in common with making a great president? Timing, preparation, and experience are all key. -WJC I love the analogy and the Oxford comma!

Zoe wearing the sweater I knit for her

I've been playing chess with Zoe. I think a lot of young children like chess...they like to make up stories about the pieces. I remember writing a story when I was 7 or so, about an evil queen from a chess set. I was fascinated by how the queen had all the power. Zoe likes to call the knights "ponies"; when you capture each other, you are "eating" the other piece; and if one pawn captures another, it's a "pawn breakfast."

I just discovered a charming new blog...hudsonandseine.com. It's written by a woman who lives in New York, is married to a Frenchman, and lived in France herself for many years. It also features an easy crepe recipe. What more could you ask for?

I've always liked Everything but the Girl, since Missing came out in 1995. But they have so many better songs than that. Today I strayed beyond their greatest hits fare...I wish I did that before. The lead singer would sound good singing the phone book. 

Here's a sweater I am knitting for Zoe. I finished the hem. Sleeves and collar are next. 

Today is the caucus in Iowa. I really hope Hillary wins. I think she is our best bet against Trump. Trump is already calling Bernie a communist.