(e:Dianne) and I were supposed to go to the Hotel Lafayette last night, but I drank too much flower power too soon so (e:Dianne) took me home. Today was a lazy and emotional day - she's not been away from family for Thanksgiving ever, and it was my first year in a long time being away from A's family. It's like this holiday got trampled in the transitions of our lives in the past 5 months. We have a plan for Christmas, tho, her favorite holiday. We're going to bed closer and stronger than when we woke up. A good day.

We went for a walk, made breakfast, chocolate chip cookies, kale chips, and baked marinated tofu and chicken with a cilantro pesto.

She called her mom and talked to a bunch of nieces, her brother and sister while prepping the kale.



Chocolate chip cookies


Kale chips


(e:Terry) and I had a working lunch at the 24 yesterday - the backyard is so beautiful!


This is the chaos I see when I wake up - three different patterns??

3 huge green bell peppers
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 lb boca crumbles
1/2 cup chopped onion
2-3 minced garlic cloves

1 t. oregano
1 t. basil
1 t. parsley
1 t. Hungarian half sharp paprika
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
Be generous in the spices.

2-3 t. vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup uncooked quick rice
1/2 cup water or broth
1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 c. bread crumbs

Cut the peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds and pith.
Have two frying pans with lids going, split the onions, garlic, spices, tomatoes, cheese, rice, broth, breadcrumbs between them as you go:
In pan B (for beef) saute onions & garlic, brown the beef.
5 minutes later, in pan V (for veggie) saute onions, garlic & boca crumbles.
Add the spices while sauteing.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, rice, broth.
Cover, simmer for about 15 until rice is cooked.
Remove from heat, stir in 1 c. of cheese.
Steam the peppers in the microwave (covered bowl, 2T water, 2 min on high). Stuff with mixtures. Mix the breadcrumbs in with the rest of the cheese and top the stuffed peppers. Put in baking pans and bake at 350 for 25-35 min.

some shots from chestnut ridge today

I'm still a tad weirded out by (e:Terry)'s lack of facial hair. I was surprised yesterday when his beard hadn't grown back - he's at the office, he's supposed to have facial hair, right?


My love and I spent some quality time in the 24 attic. Took this selfie Saturday morning to honor our 1st anniversary :-) <3



I took some selfies in the new bathroom. When I first saw the teal/brown paint, I was disappointed because it nowhere near matched the picture that had been developing in my head after nearly six months of conversation and their hard work. Now that I've had a chance to let go of the picture, I really like it. It's a striking combination and of course, the bathroom is fucking gorgeous. I love the heated floor mostest.

The selfie suprised me - I don't wear body-revealing clothes often and almost never take full-length selfies. I've lost around 25 lbs in the past year (kinda accidentally, I wasn't trying) and this is the first time I've seen what that looks like. I really need new clothes - my current wardrobe hangs off me. That pink sequin gown I wore last year would be way too big now.



After family dinner Saturday afternoon ((e:Paul,58225) - I LOVE this photo!) the kids brought out the video games. (e:Dianne) hasn't played since before her accident in February (she had a broken wrist too) and she hasn't stopped scheming how to play more. We dug around the attic to find her PS3, but couldn't find of her games. Now she wants Street Fighter ps3 controllers.



And then last night we all went to Griffis Sculpture Park for the Night Lights show. It was cool and I can't wait to see (e:Joe)'s pix.