As I was sitting at my kitchen table, engrossed in my writing this morning, I chanced to look up at one point and noticed that the air in front of me, in my bedroom, was filled with smoke. I thought it was coming in through the open door at the end of my bed. Wasn’t I surprised to discover that it was actually coming from a pot of beans I had forgotten on the stove – a stove which is fewer than 10 feet BEHIND me! I jumped up, turned off the beans, turned on the fans and messaged Jerry that the smoke alarm wasn’t working. He came down immediately and checked the alarm, only to find that it was working. That surprised me, but he said it was probably because the smoke wasn’t thick enough.
Jerry said that he smelled the beans upstairs in his house and thought that someone was roasting coffee. I am now pretty much convinced that my sense of smell has been compromised by my three bouts with Covid. Thank goodness nothing more than the saucepan was affected.
Now that my Las Lajas holiday is over, I’m getting back to my schedule here. I’ve started the second draft of the Camino book. I asked Kathie if we could hold off until 1/26 so that I can get it as organized as possible before submitting re-writes. It doesn’t ALL have to be rewritten, but Kathie and I have discussed certain points that would do well with more elaboration. So, as the above paragraphs reveal – I’m hard at it.
I’ve also set up a few play dates and lunches with friends. So I have more fun to look forward to. I’m also looking forward to one more trip to Las Lajas. I was hoping to say “with the gang,” but I’m not sure that will happen. Unfortunately, being an “outsider,” there’s not much I can do about that – other than be very, very sad. It’s hard being part of a group when one person has been ostracized.
I’ve been receiving photos from home recently from friends and family convincing me that I’m really “missing out” on some great Wisconsin weather. Right… After about 15+ inches of snow they are now enjoying temperatures of -10 with windchills of -21.
No, thanks. I’m good. I’m still in a T-shirt, shorts and sandals, and I didn’t have to shovel this morning.
I do, however, miss the Packer parties – not the Packers, just the parties…
When I was at Bulk Organics recently I purchased this jar of jam, which was made by one of the employees. She gave me a sample on a cracker, and I loved it. It is fabulous on my asiago-jalapeño and cream cheese bagel.
So, what is saril? I had no idea, but Wikipedia did.
I’m surprised I never heard of it; it’s so ubiquitous. It’s also called Roselle and is a hibiscus.
I spent my calligraphy time yesterday writing the names of the wait and bar staff at Las Lajas. I’m going to make them name tags, which I hope to take with me on a return visit.
Elmer?