tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8713831320160543302024-02-02T18:52:13.474-05:00Typical Adventures<center>a document of sorts.</center>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-59548252516833760292013-01-04T10:10:00.000-05:002013-01-04T10:11:01.908-05:002012 in PicturesI've posted a year in pictures <a href="http://typicaladventures.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-2010-in-pictures.html">in the past</a> where I made rules for myself about how many I could have per month. I didn't really do that this time. Every month has at least one picture, more have others. <br />
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It's important to me to acknowledge that most of my 2012 consisted of writing papers or reading books for school while sitting in my beige IKEA chair. Usually I do this while wearing jeans that are slightly too big for me and a solid colored long-sleeve t-shirt. It's not fun like these pictures look. But sometimes I do fun things. Here is the lopsided fun version:<br />
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Happy New Year everyone. I hope (and expect) 2013 to be even better!<br />
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<br />Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-5875648617972864342012-12-16T10:27:00.002-05:002012-12-16T10:41:59.338-05:00The National Building Museum: A Brief HistorySo my friend <a href="http://www.patricialadd.com/">Patricia</a> pointed out in a comment how absolutely beautiful the National Building Museum is.<br />
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I know, right? Totally gorgeous. </div>
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The building was originally built in the 1880's to host Inaugural Balls and to serve as the offices of U.S. Pension Bureau. Multi-tasking! In the years following the Civil War, the U.S. Government paid Union Soldiers increasing amounts for their past services. This building is where hundreds of Pension Bureau employees worked. </div>
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I teach a program where 6th graders with no knowledge about the history of the building develop the visual vocabulary necessary to figure this out. There are plenty of good architectural and ornamental clues that help. Also plaques. This is a great example: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG02L0tdvxb9VbLXu4VXvAU6OO7ul3Ue3ckGHFNDgl73xbpRVaHrMDJmO4A7GgdCYE3w_OUUsEoU3UEU1aAKP1V6MDuRUXoEExnoHKPdZJFuDFyZ11MnnhaJKr2Eq_uKarR5KovrfhzMe/s1600/12.15.12+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHG02L0tdvxb9VbLXu4VXvAU6OO7ul3Ue3ckGHFNDgl73xbpRVaHrMDJmO4A7GgdCYE3w_OUUsEoU3UEU1aAKP1V6MDuRUXoEExnoHKPdZJFuDFyZ11MnnhaJKr2Eq_uKarR5KovrfhzMe/s400/12.15.12+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is a terracotta frieze of Civil War soldiers running along the entire building. I wonder why? Do you think this building had something to do with Civil War soldiers? It's a really neat program, because the kids really learn to look at old buildings in a different way.</div>
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I'm also really fascinated with the architect who designed the building, Montgomery C. Meigs.</div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Montgomery_C._Meigs_-_Brady-Handy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/Montgomery_C._Meigs_-_Brady-Handy.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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He was trained at West Point as an Engineer and served for many years as the U.S. Quartermaster General. Meigs was responsible for Arlington National Cemetery, which he intentionally built ON ROBERT E. LEE's FRONT LAWN. One of my favorite history facts right there. Meigs and Lee had served together prior to the Civil War, and Meigs was personally offended at Lee's choices. That's some good revenge there. </div>
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Aside from the story of Arlington National Cemetery, Meigs was very good at his job. He designed the Pension Bureau with ventilation holes in the lower floors and opening celestory windows, so air would float into the great hall, be heated, and then rise out of the building through the windows. Originally, the air in the Great Hall circulated fully within 3 minutes. That's amazing for the late 19th century! Partially because of this feat, Pension Bureau employees took on average 5 less sick days each during the first year they moved into the building. Amazing! </div>
Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-11708336973978315072012-12-11T11:15:00.000-05:002012-12-16T10:41:28.890-05:00Museum Teacher It's been a long time. I've been busy with school, and I know everyone understands what that's like. I finished both finals for the semester yesterday. (yay!) I still have projects and the comprehensive exam and work, but now I'm down to only one more semester in my academic career. That fact is both exciting and a little terrifying. I'm ready to be done, but I'm scared about how competitive this field is and how bad the economy is. I know we're all in the same boat. Sigh.<br />
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Anyway, one thing I really have enjoyed this semester is my job which happily continues through the school year. I work at the National Building Museum as a museum teacher. <br />
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The National Building Museum looks like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiraHzd9G_Ih6Zt5tXDrxSCdTC1GGGt54WneQBubNd2vybX23U-rLYKfrhfP2LjKnzJReZZXHuTWEvp5FdmcyIwx8K8wmqO5-4Ak09DIMFfWmTpQgRW3_7e0gZgysJ94YLmFm8SPIZJRPt/s1600/09.23.12+104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiraHzd9G_Ih6Zt5tXDrxSCdTC1GGGt54WneQBubNd2vybX23U-rLYKfrhfP2LjKnzJReZZXHuTWEvp5FdmcyIwx8K8wmqO5-4Ak09DIMFfWmTpQgRW3_7e0gZgysJ94YLmFm8SPIZJRPt/s640/09.23.12+104.JPG" width="640" /></a> How lucky am I that I get to work in a building that looks like this? Very lucky. That's the answer.</div>
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I teach school groups, special events like home-school day, and birthday parties on the weekend. Let's get this straight: this job is really hard. It's scary to get up in front of a group of kids, teachers, and parents you've never met and keep their attention and teach them something. I'm not always very good at it. I forget classroom management techniques. I get nervous. But I love it because it's hard. And because it's fun. And because it helps a new generation feel that museums aren't intimidating. </div>
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I hope once I graduate I get to keep teaching in a cool historic place. </div>
Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-25902311326858496172012-06-10T17:41:00.001-04:002012-06-10T19:08:39.464-04:00Beautiful World: Metro FernsIn certain places along the D.C. Metro lines, delicate maidenhair ferns grow. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsPd35Fr57lX8eRh6DWpH2D6UaRrOBR6hJajBaiTlipih5MUD1X0KJTBIVLis9uv5Jgxh511cQG66d7cPCl7uqcNInzjPEZb_QUhjIVV509h8x9cECuEh1klWgZxfkiLZH4X6V9RH6MKd/s1600/CIMG1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZsPd35Fr57lX8eRh6DWpH2D6UaRrOBR6hJajBaiTlipih5MUD1X0KJTBIVLis9uv5Jgxh511cQG66d7cPCl7uqcNInzjPEZb_QUhjIVV509h8x9cECuEh1klWgZxfkiLZH4X6V9RH6MKd/s640/CIMG1840.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Isn't that perfect? There is poetry in the existence of frail green lace down in the industrial deep dark. </div>
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Also, anyone have thoughts on the new layout? </div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-38715544617521990932012-06-08T10:44:00.001-04:002012-06-12T21:38:46.531-04:00Public History: Summer InternshipAt some point, maybe, I'll go back and write posts about all the things I did during the last two semesters. As for right now, I'm doing something really exciting this summer and I'd like to tell you about it. I have an education internship at this lovely place:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnTrii0Jbk1nbuw0e8YHEuEO5gfbdRMzFceB503s6RWPujUEe9pJtuSPbyyCINkXOyus6wHUMMYq-5z9eiMPL6CG4HJahChFe3-wIExlUgwYhVXgLc6gePcZXazhUmCYyvCKnpq2XD0I5/s1600/CIMG1836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOnTrii0Jbk1nbuw0e8YHEuEO5gfbdRMzFceB503s6RWPujUEe9pJtuSPbyyCINkXOyus6wHUMMYq-5z9eiMPL6CG4HJahChFe3-wIExlUgwYhVXgLc6gePcZXazhUmCYyvCKnpq2XD0I5/s640/CIMG1836.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is <a href="http://tudorplace.org/">Tudor Place</a>, the home of one of George Washington's step-granddaughters, Martha Parke Custis Peter. The house was completed in 1816. It is a striking example of Federal Period Neoclassical architecture. This is the view from the Potomac side of the house. The Peter family lived on the property from about 1805, when the property was purchased, until 1983.<br />
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The house is (mostly) not interpreted to one specific period. Rather, it is decorated with objects and artwork that date throughout the 200 year range of occupancy. That's how the Peter family decorated, so that's how the curators leave it. This choice was made in part because the last owner, Armistead Peter III wrote a book in which he sat in each room of the house and described all that was in it and why as well as what happened in the rooms. It's a great historical tool, a window into the six generations that lived here. </div>
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I'm working for the education department running and developing programs for scout groups, school tours, private events, and summer camps. It's been very fun so far.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhD89DQeAS9L8GZB9o0mz-A6mKM593k6gO0id3h6yHGW9JB9wqYcg9-WckN3UaNuxUstF9pC0eztNiK9zKlGlKvGgpP_peSDe4b-TsT7lBFbJ5PPCyOwAJJRSBi_L8CDdjgG6oDpEqrU8/s1600/CIMG1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhD89DQeAS9L8GZB9o0mz-A6mKM593k6gO0id3h6yHGW9JB9wqYcg9-WckN3UaNuxUstF9pC0eztNiK9zKlGlKvGgpP_peSDe4b-TsT7lBFbJ5PPCyOwAJJRSBi_L8CDdjgG6oDpEqrU8/s640/CIMG1832.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've learned to lead three main programs so far. I became comfortable with "Storytime in the Garden" first. In this program we lead children through the garden and teach them about the parts of plants and how they grow. We even do plant yoga!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next program, probably my favorite, is called "History Detectives." <span style="line-height: 115%;">In this program, kids are given
flashcards featuring objects in the house that illustrate how household technology has changed over time.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The flashcards include the keys on a
gasolier (gas-powered chandelier), 18th century call bells, a 1914 waffle iron, and a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_stove">Franklin stove</a>. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The children are encouraged to be detectives and spot those
objects as we tour the house. Once they find an object, we speculate about what it was used for and how it's different from what we use now. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">It’s
a great program because you can really see kids figuring things out!</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am also beginning to give adult house tours. Those are fun as well, and I always learn something new from the questions guests ask.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, for your enjoyment, here's a 1919 Pierce-Arrow roadster:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_L_EN-h7aUAUmtwThw7cVqm-PNRSXWBVKJQDXBZgvOt6G1reowEyA1H49EmIkR66mdxDgNq8y3H-cGbdnUt9MPzELB1-IksAZkuf_fc-8VImeixfcx8zK6oCBqAg8Jb_Dgj83mLqWJhV/s1600/CIMG1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_L_EN-h7aUAUmtwThw7cVqm-PNRSXWBVKJQDXBZgvOt6G1reowEyA1H49EmIkR66mdxDgNq8y3H-cGbdnUt9MPzELB1-IksAZkuf_fc-8VImeixfcx8zK6oCBqAg8Jb_Dgj83mLqWJhV/s400/CIMG1839.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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</div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-74694131768808665312012-05-27T13:27:00.002-04:002012-05-27T13:36:01.417-04:00Beautiful World: Star FruitThis is a star fruit: <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOZVd1Mk9Vg7ECtclGLRyCuCv7QgRqfmAEH0sVgltDZBSe6c9S1P_KNMLUCk5tVyH8KT9hE-zHXU9DlNN1w4BpPw4TF18rSJjtWaM95tJHtCbDfg1leHQy1TuWsSIuP0JUnz6wglwi-Ax/s1600/5.26.12+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgOZVd1Mk9Vg7ECtclGLRyCuCv7QgRqfmAEH0sVgltDZBSe6c9S1P_KNMLUCk5tVyH8KT9hE-zHXU9DlNN1w4BpPw4TF18rSJjtWaM95tJHtCbDfg1leHQy1TuWsSIuP0JUnz6wglwi-Ax/s400/5.26.12+005.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Star fruit are tasty, something like apple-grape-lemon-pear in flavor. I know how to cut one properly (remove the veins running down the points) because my friend Christine taught me. Christine learned how by watching a lady on a train in China cut one. Isn't that neat? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN2uyiXA1q6VeRvIddW3IptIu_dl_tBUNXeMFNulPZ6_8n9wZPOmsWHJzPJQWp9vKqxjApmvIoEEPg-0bIhwK20DmvxzL17JxJoiAFygs4Q8sobCeRNX3nLNBrnZ0DV_OpfeTxTJsSygc/s1600/5.26.12+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrN2uyiXA1q6VeRvIddW3IptIu_dl_tBUNXeMFNulPZ6_8n9wZPOmsWHJzPJQWp9vKqxjApmvIoEEPg-0bIhwK20DmvxzL17JxJoiAFygs4Q8sobCeRNX3nLNBrnZ0DV_OpfeTxTJsSygc/s400/5.26.12+009.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I like the world, don't you? Happy Memorial Day weekend everybody!<br />
<br />Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-9127414804143423002012-04-08T18:19:00.004-04:002012-04-08T20:01:22.213-04:00Beautiful World: Happy EasterHappy Easter everyone! No matter what today means to you, I hope it has been pleasant. I hope it was filled with caring people and exhilaration for the future. <br />
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I thought today about how excited I am for the summer. It's the first summer in five years when I haven't had to move somewhere. I'm not writing final papers and throwing things in boxes simultaneously. That feels great. I'm also getting to spend it, all of it, with my fantastic boyfriend. Last but not least, I'll be doing an awesome internship for a local historic house. Legitimate experience in the field of my choice feels good. I can't wait! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUIQ1CGhdzuB-XO_mIh9est6I_MKrloVsGlc0_sYyZmVb9NDQ0hhx-FkqML5VmgIrKF_8s106Ay1y8OhA1a7QYlzp2mgZ6Cv0Fuu4qGZvT6BNL81xFCBQ6nu42MYLcfWYk1p8GjlgImaw/s1600/April+2012+088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUIQ1CGhdzuB-XO_mIh9est6I_MKrloVsGlc0_sYyZmVb9NDQ0hhx-FkqML5VmgIrKF_8s106Ay1y8OhA1a7QYlzp2mgZ6Cv0Fuu4qGZvT6BNL81xFCBQ6nu42MYLcfWYk1p8GjlgImaw/s640/April+2012+088.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
P.S. Does anyone know what this tree is called? I love it. One day, I want to plant one in my yard. Or seven.Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-29828358756350864892012-04-05T21:20:00.000-04:002012-04-05T21:20:33.042-04:00Beautiful World: Tenacious Violets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This spring is probably the most beautiful spring I have ever seen. Just sayin'. The East Coast knows its business. There are flowers everywhere, even in between sidewalk bricks. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97WS53RgVqFE7s6vS9j7oeR0wcSNJBOX9FHM1HIkiuwZK4Sbs_PDu8-77pSmqb8ehXxb0ZN8IRyFecVED9aFBgOsjxKRQQT6Ko3LXcIlE24RqPqcRUbDVppApx_dvoLP4OT7EFwsOPFO5/s1600/CIMG1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97WS53RgVqFE7s6vS9j7oeR0wcSNJBOX9FHM1HIkiuwZK4Sbs_PDu8-77pSmqb8ehXxb0ZN8IRyFecVED9aFBgOsjxKRQQT6Ko3LXcIlE24RqPqcRUbDVppApx_dvoLP4OT7EFwsOPFO5/s400/CIMG1579.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Enjoy the spring lovely people!Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-21955544362074364062012-03-25T10:43:00.000-04:002012-03-25T10:43:18.090-04:00Malcolm's Fourth Annual Birthday Sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Malcolm had a birthday last Saturday, and that means sandwich time! Every year around his birthday I invent him a surprise sandwich. <a href="http://typicaladventures.blogspot.com/2011/04/salmon-sandwich-with-special-ten.html">Last year</a>, I made Malcolm a salmon sandwich with caramelized red onions and a delicious ten-ingredient mayonnaise. </div>
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This year, I found a use for my new cast-iron skillet, and made a steak sandwich. I could have cooked the steak a little less, it wasn't as medium-rare as I was shooting for, but it came out tasty anyway. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAdQfRMEYKrvbyxk8VBAOh8EfmIbPxtzxGj7IyU0gAXPf5iEtuPSOtTOSd9vBRoasjKu9cTqjyxrlGZjtQWfiHur-iVY_LRzhxHYDFsnJ87Dy46QI2xbWKKttiEpZlsFREWpQG85pd_LU/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglAdQfRMEYKrvbyxk8VBAOh8EfmIbPxtzxGj7IyU0gAXPf5iEtuPSOtTOSd9vBRoasjKu9cTqjyxrlGZjtQWfiHur-iVY_LRzhxHYDFsnJ87Dy46QI2xbWKKttiEpZlsFREWpQG85pd_LU/s400/2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malcolm's 4th Annual Birthday Sandwich</td></tr>
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The sandwich was composed of <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/345456/beef-tenderloin-sandwiches-with-herb-may">roasted garlic mayonaisse</a>, sliced steak, arugula, roasted red peppers, red onions, cucumbers, and goat cheese. At the bottom of the post I have step-by-step assembly instructions if you're interested. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e2YlP7_sAEX4JnIERPCFPmuULwv6CF7isHChHuqG_41CapUf87KSa68_PCr0SyVJ3ORaOSdyJW5sFyvoKA-zX_dDWLpQP6DzzhhdCFhuPS4iGaQG8ypjVcITHSUNpt_iUWLV1e3jxaOG/s1600/3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9e2YlP7_sAEX4JnIERPCFPmuULwv6CF7isHChHuqG_41CapUf87KSa68_PCr0SyVJ3ORaOSdyJW5sFyvoKA-zX_dDWLpQP6DzzhhdCFhuPS4iGaQG8ypjVcITHSUNpt_iUWLV1e3jxaOG/s400/3.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
True to form, the rest of the "picnic" consisted of grapefruit Izzes (which required an entire second trip to Whole Foods), delicious cocktails, Whole Foods spicy olives, chips, and deviled eggs. Somehow this has become the tradition.</div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BUYqwzwEf4NVXvNHmCuyHQCsDBWkpYB0taKUdj4tBbQAyZ0DFks2nHd5i89Wk1vphqIpTL-YU77WTaSfuRTy_G18bMK5FmRqxSr2OzQCkiVBcc5m3cqmz-PW66oIqzoln87fuM9xlDIf/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9BUYqwzwEf4NVXvNHmCuyHQCsDBWkpYB0taKUdj4tBbQAyZ0DFks2nHd5i89Wk1vphqIpTL-YU77WTaSfuRTy_G18bMK5FmRqxSr2OzQCkiVBcc5m3cqmz-PW66oIqzoln87fuM9xlDIf/s400/9.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Here's the birthday boy and the spread!</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnizLLT80krIP5gYaMt4tcmrsHOXsMoNfrFrgf7bMhCWU64LcB9IjR6nIQdvzpdjR2x779SkWKcs9jnAIrblL8q1oN3RXPOdmFyG7wsX6gab6zlkgS4ScFgC1FIQcc4CyDAGcCNDoh8of5/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnizLLT80krIP5gYaMt4tcmrsHOXsMoNfrFrgf7bMhCWU64LcB9IjR6nIQdvzpdjR2x779SkWKcs9jnAIrblL8q1oN3RXPOdmFyG7wsX6gab6zlkgS4ScFgC1FIQcc4CyDAGcCNDoh8of5/s400/10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Beautiful new egg platter from <a href="http://www.crateandbarrel.com/dining-and-entertaining/specialty-serveware/egg-platter/s569693">Crate and Barrel</a>! I gave it to myself as a Christmas present</td></tr>
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M liked his sandwich very much. I'm glad, because he had a rough day teaching; he needed a pick-me-up. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSefIuThEWUUFKVpfmcK_qGYZNtBK0_4Yz90cKdyIyWFCdB2TZVf-1HWsYDAIx6AdBHt3X4ZPXs4cWD2sLucRTwPswTSfX5aPMmxM9DLeTq1hl7l6p9YR4JOmQqiq_0XQvABFBRoCAAbDI/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSefIuThEWUUFKVpfmcK_qGYZNtBK0_4Yz90cKdyIyWFCdB2TZVf-1HWsYDAIx6AdBHt3X4ZPXs4cWD2sLucRTwPswTSfX5aPMmxM9DLeTq1hl7l6p9YR4JOmQqiq_0XQvABFBRoCAAbDI/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Here's the test. Does he like it? He says: "Mmmmhmmm". Success!</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
Whew! Another birthday handled successfully. I've done an Italian chicken sandwich, an open-faced stuffed portobella mushroom sandwich, a salmon sandwich, and now a Greek inspired steak sandwich. What do you think should come next year? </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>~Assembly Instructions Follow~ </b></div>
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfA5Kbw0YQEauoLuzcgOXjJLVfu4gn1DGMQ1W233k50N0fcxLisp8vssA1ZTed9wPv9Unva0uVExmlAu4dZlDzkRnBDv4tFVT0foCU3_eLWLptZne7tkJuIttCunPV2XqnUm60nHXWAIm/s1600/4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfA5Kbw0YQEauoLuzcgOXjJLVfu4gn1DGMQ1W233k50N0fcxLisp8vssA1ZTed9wPv9Unva0uVExmlAu4dZlDzkRnBDv4tFVT0foCU3_eLWLptZne7tkJuIttCunPV2XqnUm60nHXWAIm/s320/4.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 1: Spread Mayonnaise on the bottom and goat cheese on the top.<br />
Step 2: Add arugula.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mxh7z_8g25IGgzXiaN5af-i7wVrK1xO8tqp7kwOrr2cajzR7mciyicLqngRaEMzgW6Fh30IBEfwZnwATzG3BH7f31Kbwzv4ht2nRtlSZY0uYadnbujQPX8giZ9iJ1yqVL_rh6z7XMQAt/s1600/5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mxh7z_8g25IGgzXiaN5af-i7wVrK1xO8tqp7kwOrr2cajzR7mciyicLqngRaEMzgW6Fh30IBEfwZnwATzG3BH7f31Kbwzv4ht2nRtlSZY0uYadnbujQPX8giZ9iJ1yqVL_rh6z7XMQAt/s320/5.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 3: Add steak</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5a_VVKFQjmauEzNnhNnwLv_rUOku5FigJfhRbMdH7YsKtwstURPYxl4DdWbWUFQTIkeAxGRuhoFRRqJ5MRMi0y18i8gndSYSEpx9UKMeKw7_OqZWNA3YH1ieiHHU3PEMdVcDTidvWz3W/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5a_VVKFQjmauEzNnhNnwLv_rUOku5FigJfhRbMdH7YsKtwstURPYxl4DdWbWUFQTIkeAxGRuhoFRRqJ5MRMi0y18i8gndSYSEpx9UKMeKw7_OqZWNA3YH1ieiHHU3PEMdVcDTidvWz3W/s320/7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 4: Add cucumbers</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfIwpPXjGRetX7_BlrqcPni4cYAnJvTEuKuT5M1XtJG8wJ-FsnlMjSy0kPOe_LgIPPAB2FWWqySVUZSFKRQJZlk4dNNyY6cpwvQMcobGS3jJgcEGR9VV6NYyWTR3YxnLBlfYB6pbge3i7/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfIwpPXjGRetX7_BlrqcPni4cYAnJvTEuKuT5M1XtJG8wJ-FsnlMjSy0kPOe_LgIPPAB2FWWqySVUZSFKRQJZlk4dNNyY6cpwvQMcobGS3jJgcEGR9VV6NYyWTR3YxnLBlfYB6pbge3i7/s320/8.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step 5: Red onions and marinated red peppers<br />
Step 6: Enjoy!</td></tr>
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</div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-65139348629967659002012-03-20T09:55:00.000-04:002012-06-08T13:18:39.179-04:00Happy Spring!It's the first day of spring! It's time to stop and smell the roses. Or hyacinths, whatever.<br />
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I always feel like this should be a national holiday. After living in Los Angeles for a year, I really appreciate living in a place with real seasons. It feels like spring is special and it feels like I've earned it. The flowering trees are all looking lovely and the bulbs are just finishing their bombast. <br />
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This is from the Enid A. Haupt Garden in front of the Smithsonian Castle. It's looking just beautiful right now, and if you can visit, you very much should. <br />
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You should also visit the U.S. Botanic Garden. Their <a href="http://www.usbg.gov/exhibits.cfm">Orchid Mystique: Nature's Triumph</a> is ridiculous! So many flowering ethereal plants in one space. It just doesn't feel real.<br />
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I'm continually amazed at the people who can get these plants to grow and flower. It seems like magic to me. <br />
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Happy Spring! Are you going to do anything in particular to celebrate?Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com3United States Botanic Garden, 100 Maryland Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024, USA38.888024 -77.013624238.8756645 -77.033365199999992 38.900383500000004 -76.9938832tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-26768157629016194362012-03-18T22:45:00.000-04:002012-03-19T12:01:49.427-04:00Beautiful World: Cherry BlossomsWashington D.C.'s cherry blossoms are a few days away from peak bloom. They looked beautiful when my parents and I visited the Tidal Basin on March 15th. This year marks the 100th anniversary of Japan's gift of the cherry trees to the United States. According to some informative signage, 100 of those original trees are still growing. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">True story: sometimes the flowers grow right out of the tree's trunk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo7e4wCJGLtT9h5ke0ryzsVdkIBYeEpEN_u0f2PszN6oS0ekEZZGXZU_7J7ky9XHNI-AKKxfkcxrWYvLOd8-VSfZH8kHtCtIIdo4IY5FlIYmLi4gsKJ82qgavb4BnsGc3nu5epQCHZ-xO/s1600/3.15.12+Parents+Visit+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwo7e4wCJGLtT9h5ke0ryzsVdkIBYeEpEN_u0f2PszN6oS0ekEZZGXZU_7J7ky9XHNI-AKKxfkcxrWYvLOd8-VSfZH8kHtCtIIdo4IY5FlIYmLi4gsKJ82qgavb4BnsGc3nu5epQCHZ-xO/s640/3.15.12+Parents+Visit+050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Many thanks to my lovely model, my mom.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For more information about Washington's cherry trees or the National Cherry Blossom Festival, go here: <a href="http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/">http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/</a> To see the feed from the Cherry Blossom Webcam, go here: <a href="http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-blossom-web-cam.htm">http://www.nps.gov/cherry/cherry-blossom-web-cam.htm</a><br />
P.S. Grad school is hard. Sorry about that. I'm baaaack! (Maybe)Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-70108215153581932472011-06-08T18:55:00.000-04:002011-06-08T19:00:12.829-04:00And We're Packing Again...I'm sorry I haven't been a very active blogger recently, we have been very busy over here with our upcoming move. That very same move has been making my thoughts ping pong around my brain, and this blog post will likely reflect that. Bear with me?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Last weekend we started packing the apartment and it's beginning to look pretty empty. I always start with the decorations and nicknack's, partially so they don't get broken in the chaos, and partially so normalcy disappears from the space- that way I don't always feel like we're taking down the Christmas tree whilst packing. Does anyone else relate to that feeling?<br />
<br />
A lot of things seem to be working out for us. For example, after flying to D.C. and completing a week-long interview process with DCPS M was offered a job teaching Algebra I at Roosevelt Senior High School in the district, and last Friday he officially accepted it. He's looking forward to starting work with his new team; though I know he's really sad to leave behind the students and teachers with whom he's developed such wonderful relationships.<br />
<br />
In a crazy spat of fortune, Mara, M's sister, is moving to Los Angeles a couple weeks after we leave it, and she and her roommate are going to take over our apartment. We got approval from our landlord just a few days ago. That means that we can just give our furniture (which is IKEA and therefore not worth moving across the country) to the two of them. A win-win for both parties if you ask me.<br />
<br />
So that leaves:<br />
1 day until I fly to Arlington for my friend Karri's wedding<br />
3 days until friend Karri's wedding<br />
4 days until I fly back to L.A. from Arlington.<br />
1 week until my last day of work<br />
1 week and a day until M's last day of work at Animo Inglewood Charter High School<br />
1 week and 3 days until my dad lands at LAX to help us drive<br />
1 week and 4 days until we pack up our cars and start the three day drive to Texas<br />
<br />
An excellent example of what a whirlwind feels like!<br />
<br />
Because we're not moving our furniture, we're just packing our things into boxes. We'll squeeze what we can in our cars and freight ship the rest, or maybe get one of those roof-top carriers to help maximize our cars. We're finding it very difficult to know how much we own and how much our cars can fit until it's actually all packed up. Any tips on packing?<br />
<br />
There are so many little facets that go into moving, and sometimes it's hard to remember what all needs to get done. One thing we haven't figured out yet is a place in D.C.! We've heard good things about apartment finder services, and luckily I have a month "off" to look for one while staying with my family. M, meanwhile, will jet off to upstate New York for the summer genius math camp where he teaches three weeks of the summer.<br />
<br />
Finally, I'll leave you with a protip: It's really easy to change your address with the United States Postal Service online <a href="https://moversguide.usps.com/icoa/icoa-main-flow.do?execution=e1s1">here</a>. You can tell them what date the change takes effect, and they'll send you an official change-of-address form which you might need to prove your move to people. You will need a credit card though, it costs $1, mostly so they can verify your identity. If you don't want to give them your information, I'm sure there's a paper copy you can fill out at your local post office, but this seemed easier to me. Remarkably space-age for the USPS. Props to them!Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-89902961966744402402011-05-20T11:20:00.000-04:002011-05-20T11:20:49.947-04:00Dinner with Friends Part II: HostingRecently M and I have had the opportunity to host a few friends for dinner. Our first, real dinner-party-for-the-sake-of-having-a-dinner-party guys! It's fun to treat our friends to a nice meal, and it's been great to learn to work together this way. When we made Thanksgiving dinner we fought out of a pressing sense of tradition (holiday's are stressful, right?), but by last Saturday, we didn't peck at each other about cooking at all. <br />
<br />
It's not like we fight a lot, we don't, but cooking has a way of putting me on edge, especially when someone is in the kitchen watching me. It tends to make me self-conscious which makes me needlessly defensive. (Boy I sound like a dream, don't I?) Anyway, the moral of the story is that, through practice, I'm getting more confident and less defensive (hallelujah), and M and I are learning to be a team in the kitchen. And that's swell, kids! We both want to be great hosts one day, and I'd say we're on the way. <br />
<br />
We had a tapas-style menu (though not necessarily traditionally tapas recipes), with many different bites and flavors to sample. For starters we served prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe (Malcolm did that all by himself!) and Whole Foods spicy olives. The sweet, salty, and spicy elements all worked really well together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVDNloZQMkkvrsydZ3uFGz27Xu4R-J7FQnnILvqTl7hANGqpUpFIAlk24nnlbiXvUrOVwzq-cukRBxhe08fCMvSc00MCqDTT6ET_wSO1GHWjJpYLPzUBWRd7ySoqdSQWoMayHLy_PWwH6/s1600/Los+Angeles+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVDNloZQMkkvrsydZ3uFGz27Xu4R-J7FQnnILvqTl7hANGqpUpFIAlk24nnlbiXvUrOVwzq-cukRBxhe08fCMvSc00MCqDTT6ET_wSO1GHWjJpYLPzUBWRd7ySoqdSQWoMayHLy_PWwH6/s320/Los+Angeles+023.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>For the meal we served a "<b>shrimp and asparagus salad</b>" which was sort-of-not-really a combination of these two recipes from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/281921/asparagus-with-prosciutto-and-lemon-saba">Martha Stewart for Asparagus with Prosciutto and Lemon Sabayon</a> and <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/portal/site/bs/menuitem.5b80dd00cd5b405c713a64103373a0a0/?vgnextoid=8be2afeba28b4110VgnVCM1000003d370a0aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default">Grilled Seafood Salad</a>. <br />
<br />
Basically, I sauteed shrimp with red onion and red pepper flakes, all tossed lightly in half lemon juice and half olive oil. Meanwhile, I cooked asparagus in boiling water for 3-4 minutes until it was softer and bright green. Then I put it in an ice bath to cool, followed by air drying for 10 minutes. Finally, I cut the stems into bite-size pieces and tossed it all in approximately 2.5 tablespoons each of olive oil and lemon juice. It was delicious!<br />
<br />
Next we had <b>chorizo and oven-dried tomatoes on toast</b>, which vaguely followed these two recipes, both also from dear Martha: (for <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/313009/braised-chorizo">braised chorizo</a>, for <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/283087/oven-dried-tomatoes">oven-dried tomatoes</a>) but both presented some challenges. <br />
<br />
Chorizo is often featured in tapas dishes; it's a Spanish sausage which can come in many different forms- some cured, some very soft. Despite the plethora of chorizo recipes out there, we had a real difficulty finding any. We bought the only sausage labeled chorizo after searching Ralph's, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods. It was very soft, so much so that after (I guess) not pricking it enough, it exploded in couple of places in the pan, and basically fell apart from there. It tasted delicious spread on bread (I keep saying "like pâté" though I really have no idea how people eat pâté) and topped with the tomatoes, but I would be careful about trying it again.<br />
<br />
Also, the oven-dried tomatoes recipe calls for you to bake them in the oven at very low temperatures for 3 hours. When we did that, exactly as the recipe called for, they came out burned to a crisp. No, thank you, one hour turned out just fine for us, maybe not completely dried, but flavorful and delicious. Luckily we had enough time to try the recipe again, and I've made the one-hour version since this to good success.<br />
<br />
We rounded out the menu with my <b>dad's rosemary roasted potatoes</b>, <b>devilled eggs</b>, a <b>green salad</b>, and squares of <b>pizza</b> provided by Lovely Linda:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6cZACTYKHoNgI1LjDEnsUjW6RdgK_7uAE9tqWMkN09bsx6dAJBcEONGq8Azx-0BoaRuDNGv6JzOPlcxAvVtp93TN2f4tOSRaKUq_aAIy_XHLR9n1eKCYKSbFyw9KA6apHiVkTosORo3c/s1600/Los+Angeles+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6cZACTYKHoNgI1LjDEnsUjW6RdgK_7uAE9tqWMkN09bsx6dAJBcEONGq8Azx-0BoaRuDNGv6JzOPlcxAvVtp93TN2f4tOSRaKUq_aAIy_XHLR9n1eKCYKSbFyw9KA6apHiVkTosORo3c/s320/Los+Angeles+024.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For desert we made a <b>blackberry, apple, pear cobbler</b> for Linda and Roberto, because they'd never heard of one. Luckily, it came out well and I was able to show off this very American of dishes to good reviews by all involved. Who cares that the desert wasn't remotely Spanish when it tastes this good? </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAdlHdh7InjU7ai_hEeL3NnmyoZcqRbN8_CeanrHWrpFCj66vvLBkvG8-a0asHHJJmJSMPECpYH1u4qkAERyLjVXKKPIr13Jyr0d4IaDYq51x6a-cr-mlxYFCSZmcZwRynGyenqzhS-m-/s1600/Los+Angeles+032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhAdlHdh7InjU7ai_hEeL3NnmyoZcqRbN8_CeanrHWrpFCj66vvLBkvG8-a0asHHJJmJSMPECpYH1u4qkAERyLjVXKKPIr13Jyr0d4IaDYq51x6a-cr-mlxYFCSZmcZwRynGyenqzhS-m-/s400/Los+Angeles+032.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made this arrangement when Linda and Roberto came to dinner. Yay for Trader Joe's flowers- $9 baby!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm feeling good about getting practice, but a little guilty about basically always using Martha's recipes. I know, I'm sounding like a broken record. What source do you guys use for recipes? I'd love to hear your entertaining tips! Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-17033597275030409082011-05-19T11:21:00.000-04:002011-05-19T11:22:03.714-04:00One Month Till We're On the Road AgainOne Month. Malcolm and I leave L.A. in One Month. We start THIS in One Month: <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hZPfb66vI5BKxdXYStOurfeU0ccPXgQ7GhknGK3TdAk7kDbdzg1l5NZmbiv1AD87mSPKC5CZWf-TfCZV2QKIadYTMhpHvymtzi0eQrTsGNTNnY6LBys7CpB8z7BlTX7aHnl9okqD4Zqg/s1600/LA+to+DC+1a.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3hZPfb66vI5BKxdXYStOurfeU0ccPXgQ7GhknGK3TdAk7kDbdzg1l5NZmbiv1AD87mSPKC5CZWf-TfCZV2QKIadYTMhpHvymtzi0eQrTsGNTNnY6LBys7CpB8z7BlTX7aHnl9okqD4Zqg/s400/LA+to+DC+1a.bmp" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNFlm_bpo2I6StZpw_VSnFvNlYAhAv1nyc_ITq6Whn0n7aIUyGxTUPc2_S00PIdgSoQx-7JvFFD3ZvBEhQEixdXm4S1GDNte1fUHNX2e4ONxp0jblc9wevv64uNbYFTjYIUSwxAFIB0sHo/s1600/LA+to+DC+1.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>We'll travel it in two portions: first from L.A. to DFW with my dad (who's a champ), then there'll be a month-long break for me in Texas and 3 week math camp in NY for Malcolm, and then on from DFW to DC.<br />
<br />
Just for some additional perspective, please consider these pictures:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznrifL4dzzSA8qH_T3yHQsIc99kstyAznKC6DvvFw5ZJazMrD7VkxFLTSpVo9PoNIqIYuUW3hfnPgejRp0SdHkODHQnH9qbc45kFT6z8-4yB5Iz-KH0MzMg3uiSLZdg7pjqmnV-gH1zE2/s1600/LA+to+DC+2a.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhznrifL4dzzSA8qH_T3yHQsIc99kstyAznKC6DvvFw5ZJazMrD7VkxFLTSpVo9PoNIqIYuUW3hfnPgejRp0SdHkODHQnH9qbc45kFT6z8-4yB5Iz-KH0MzMg3uiSLZdg7pjqmnV-gH1zE2/s400/LA+to+DC+2a.bmp" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQz7RlGkQppDOh8UfSaM9RIRvELk_C3nVUZKGqM6ZrWS86KPTOe7JYclrdv1YWq60UfZI6VgyzD-3VU6KhJnuPYhdAlEtk5wMMGhl-0ODbjUbzYBVU6wOovlMsZrZFU3rSDBwPKj0PVNu/s1600/LA+to+DC+2.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>That's an entire country, folks.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfTNfpS1thZSuZFr3EKoC1oHC66_W1LagS_OPRTd5B6m9xjbjWLNjlHhzoxqd9rYaT7RUiVmDUIenbC0CNxlQiEQA_fzHsJks_u9iXfMFgJYCxFb0CflPa-nqjS1wiJaUI1Ccv-ibpZ8Y/s1600/LA+to+DC+3a.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwfTNfpS1thZSuZFr3EKoC1oHC66_W1LagS_OPRTd5B6m9xjbjWLNjlHhzoxqd9rYaT7RUiVmDUIenbC0CNxlQiEQA_fzHsJks_u9iXfMFgJYCxFb0CflPa-nqjS1wiJaUI1Ccv-ibpZ8Y/s400/LA+to+DC+3a.bmp" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_zebPMVApJGIfs-Jc-tiA3SrN7PBKWarhloK2sxOlCEQOzHBNhnOsc5GOulXVRdhCXlr_vVsHsyIVRveg1ADa3ELuBkYH35jMyABQJojBf_LGJHGmm9pBCwaiCflLOjKL98cEYVoaGGq/s1600/LA+to+DC+3.bmp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Actually, it's an entire continent. 2,800ish miles. It registers on a global scale.<br />
<br />
It's pretty big for us too. So there's that. Just thought I'd let you know. We haven't made all the plans. We've got a lot left to do. But I'm pretty excited.Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-48909607576858742262011-05-18T13:38:00.000-04:002011-05-18T13:38:23.418-04:00Pretty in Pink: Shower InvitationsA little over a month ago I made another set of bridal shower invitations for friend Karri who is soon to be wed. (Exciting!) Her colors are pink and black- very classy and very feminine, just like her.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKdfuw58Yf0-7rVIMkOOlnSR1ChM-Azj-wMW8PtalkFNgvb4HMF8BNITIoH2XmbpQDw0wRNtoh_ISkFRy35OdeRRAcwfPA8LNhfxAPB4OKNi2DWG31vVLO3vPKZbMcp39WPVJUkVgNQjo/s1600/Los+Angeles+231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKdfuw58Yf0-7rVIMkOOlnSR1ChM-Azj-wMW8PtalkFNgvb4HMF8BNITIoH2XmbpQDw0wRNtoh_ISkFRy35OdeRRAcwfPA8LNhfxAPB4OKNi2DWG31vVLO3vPKZbMcp39WPVJUkVgNQjo/s400/Los+Angeles+231.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>These invitations were a lot of fun to make. The patterns in hot pink were made by painting through a stencil. I made the stencil by cutting out designs I liked in scrapbooking papers. Each one came out slightly different, which was pretty beautiful when you saw them all together. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYnz749cZB8vD2u7Gdm2eTFMMIqMXa0z9rCXEbZKdryn_AQb1uzAgrJs58NgKOFu5Liou6AApqzhfgbjkzjBOn4uPNKocf5K2atjaSw2whVt5ObCDaNOBVmR3IqhMm0QC_ZtP_ro6MmUQ/s1600/Los+Angeles+244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYnz749cZB8vD2u7Gdm2eTFMMIqMXa0z9rCXEbZKdryn_AQb1uzAgrJs58NgKOFu5Liou6AApqzhfgbjkzjBOn4uPNKocf5K2atjaSw2whVt5ObCDaNOBVmR3IqhMm0QC_ZtP_ro6MmUQ/s400/Los+Angeles+244.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The enclosed recipe card was a constant element across both of her showers- all the guests were invited to contribute a recipe to her collection, such a cute idea from one of her friends! The little instruction flag telling the guests to write out a recipe was stuck to the card by a glue stick run along the top of the index card. There was just enough stickiness to keep the flag in place, but not enough to prevent it being peeled away without tearing the card. I thought that was a pretty neat innovation. Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-59896546780043479652011-05-17T17:03:00.000-04:002011-05-17T17:03:07.390-04:00Beautiful World: Italian SodasI'm a lucky girl. M likes to make Italian sodas, it's his thing. And when I ask, he makes them for me. Instant fruity soda at your fingertips. Like I said, I'm a lucky girl:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiaLXcCqisa4a9NxcIhxQ7xlN9OXzLdem_dwLRZnnvynWPWe65z8P4ZVA5rudoxk1TMBoi9ICbdXVy2Zqm1GxZKa2ypkvwFlz6LqMgGAgubPaaTCT0xJeqC4RmmlO_c-R59f5t9ZMJqRF/s1600/Los+Angeles+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiaLXcCqisa4a9NxcIhxQ7xlN9OXzLdem_dwLRZnnvynWPWe65z8P4ZVA5rudoxk1TMBoi9ICbdXVy2Zqm1GxZKa2ypkvwFlz6LqMgGAgubPaaTCT0xJeqC4RmmlO_c-R59f5t9ZMJqRF/s320/Los+Angeles+004.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cherries make it extra special!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<em>And as always, if you aren't interested in Beautiful World Posts, no worries! Just scroll down to the most recent long post, tagged "Musings" and click on the tag. It will remove all the "BeautifulWorld" tagged posts from the page.</em>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-75652019458835830362011-05-16T22:03:00.000-04:002011-05-16T22:03:52.277-04:00Huntington Library Gardens VisitWhen I was in Junior High, I had this vision of what I would do with my life. I would found and run a garden that contained a peaceful library and an art museum and had spaces ideal for reflection, serenity, and honest discussion. There would be a restaurant, because it's hard to feel truly at peace without some coffee or tea to sip while having said discussions, or a perhaps a gourmet panini to munch on. There would be a place for performances of music and plays. There would be a menagerie. It felt special, perfect. Eventually that idea slid to the wayside because, basically, you need a lot of money to build an Eden like that, and I didn't have any. <br />
<br />
But luckily, some other people (Henry Edwards Huntington and his wife Arabella) did, and they, in the nineteen teens, decided to do what I had dreamed of with their copious railroad money. On Easter M and I went to the Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, and it struck me how much this beauteous place matched my childlike vision. Except for a distinct lack of peacocks and horses- but older me thinks that that's probably okay. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleXTkhbO1BsB6xWGlHCT7okPF_n299QoB_QyJgC3ZUpTzyCiCzD98L6F_HcYBZMZWUVBivJzeBHtIOU2deQ8h1IGLH4QHvtx4QqhP3nWjf2z544g8EcWDPvAKeuq_p6USIIAjjB3UVwnE/s1600/Huntington+Library+013.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleXTkhbO1BsB6xWGlHCT7okPF_n299QoB_QyJgC3ZUpTzyCiCzD98L6F_HcYBZMZWUVBivJzeBHtIOU2deQ8h1IGLH4QHvtx4QqhP3nWjf2z544g8EcWDPvAKeuq_p6USIIAjjB3UVwnE/s400/Huntington+Library+013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the North Vista Lawn, the lawn is surrounded by an alley of camellias. Secret passageways guarded by classical statuary are the best.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">We came because we'd heard that the gardens were spectacular; and that they were. The estate is 207 acres total and the gardens range over 120 acres of that. That's a lot of gardens! So much so, that even though we roamed the gardens for three and a half hours, we only managed to see half of the gardens, and never-mind the library and art galleries. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziyT0IK6SDNooOFuxCKEgFVTVuwzwQ9KEoZCV5KeRL1G0bR_17twGRkpRb80JSYLZNF9baLFdlMwPwOlk0BDP8S1ifScTHzCrWfA9lgOBIL-4nDsBoez3f1wQutGHdHLCbfNw6VL0hao7/s1600/Huntington+Library+016.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziyT0IK6SDNooOFuxCKEgFVTVuwzwQ9KEoZCV5KeRL1G0bR_17twGRkpRb80JSYLZNF9baLFdlMwPwOlk0BDP8S1ifScTHzCrWfA9lgOBIL-4nDsBoez3f1wQutGHdHLCbfNw6VL0hao7/s400/Huntington+Library+016.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Please notice how someone placed a camellia on this gentleman's toes. So "Moses supposes his toeses are roses", huh? Maybe for good reason?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-rmJ0gaJwG5YrdpqpVLLj_wnkHK82wiQsi91nnbKfkvn-RXTNWMpxH9tY56J9l5PFe5B8jrrI97NCak177TlVDkpUN0uaoO1BRYOvNrutv1LvPkPMqWte1t60FiE0FdoeIkmy26gR8VW/s1600/Huntington+Library+023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI-rmJ0gaJwG5YrdpqpVLLj_wnkHK82wiQsi91nnbKfkvn-RXTNWMpxH9tY56J9l5PFe5B8jrrI97NCak177TlVDkpUN0uaoO1BRYOvNrutv1LvPkPMqWte1t60FiE0FdoeIkmy26gR8VW/s320/Huntington+Library+023.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't you wonder what these two are conversing about?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6-zsfXrtBFKDpAAsIHlgpqX2JHRyml7AaOytLNNgkxCYK3qb_rELT41FrxKvEMIw_CvgSQPfldmaj6wwO7kv-dE_Evjg8AW19vGa4Vff9Bbbc7aFUhx7lXVxE5zHxWcNdF9R46iglghL/s1600/Huntington+Library+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6-zsfXrtBFKDpAAsIHlgpqX2JHRyml7AaOytLNNgkxCYK3qb_rELT41FrxKvEMIw_CvgSQPfldmaj6wwO7kv-dE_Evjg8AW19vGa4Vff9Bbbc7aFUhx7lXVxE5zHxWcNdF9R46iglghL/s400/Huntington+Library+029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>And if the multitude of gardens wasn't enough, The Huntington also has several art galleries that house the collections of European and American art begun by Arabella Duval Huntington- a very successful collector. You recognize the fellow below, don't you? He lives at the Huntington. What a wonderful surprise.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdrasgNVo4jDuXjD_Tl7j1eVm2SwPRJIfMLtn7hpWIK4f9P2gQyTPU3vO3XvYblRq41Q5L_ZHtti_C1mXsKGgwkbDa2B5_Ba9WV_nMMRqb7RSBYK6gfRVrS2D75ghUfk19Y-e17riqF8y/s1600/blueboyLG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLdrasgNVo4jDuXjD_Tl7j1eVm2SwPRJIfMLtn7hpWIK4f9P2gQyTPU3vO3XvYblRq41Q5L_ZHtti_C1mXsKGgwkbDa2B5_Ba9WV_nMMRqb7RSBYK6gfRVrS2D75ghUfk19Y-e17riqF8y/s320/blueboyLG.jpg" width="217" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gainsborough's <i>The Blue Boy</i>. Photo credit: <a href="http://www.huntington.org/thehuntington_full.aspx?id=982">huntington.org</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div align="center"></div>As often happens when I discover a gem in California, I wish I could take my parents to it. When I discovered things in Houston, at least I knew I could show it to my parents on their next visit, but for the things I've discovered this year, I don't know if I'll ever be able to show them more than pictures. That's really sad, since the Huntington also features several works by Mary Cassatt, an American painter, one of few women that could be considered a bona fide Impressionist, and one of my mom's favorite artists. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXhvv0oXT83j6x3E_aw3BShPHHd0V7iMEh-AzluLT2SOlIlCTKaYnMOqfENrPhDQGyvGsmQji0aTyQ1fYs1g1YJGRkA9ZhI5VAot_YT08Qb7YB9MRVA34huFucY1FhagcQYCeNpP19VN/s1600/Huntington+Library+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYnXhvv0oXT83j6x3E_aw3BShPHHd0V7iMEh-AzluLT2SOlIlCTKaYnMOqfENrPhDQGyvGsmQji0aTyQ1fYs1g1YJGRkA9ZhI5VAot_YT08Qb7YB9MRVA34huFucY1FhagcQYCeNpP19VN/s400/Huntington+Library+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from the "Shakespeare Garden", where only plants mentioned in the works of Shakespeare may be planted in the garden. What amazing devotion to the bard's works! The Columbines in the front (bright yellow star-shaped flowers) are some of my favorites. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>And this! I would love to show my dad this: it's the best rose garden I've ever seen. Roses in every shape and color. (It's supposed to represent 2000 years of rose history, and I might understand why if I hadn't been completely dazzled by the blooms). Roses can be finicky plants, that the gardeners can get this many of them to look this beautiful is truly amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMbTX7e9LU0f_ai-DIXBCQsKRKCbip9IzNodaXkOuPO-sUERn4kDoLMiNlxoBI9UFUww_OVgQNsibhz1DpaOYwrWCmEZfgXnUNB4bCyEdAJYkCHkCn0d4zlLucmP1apKmtyCoiVMFFnmz/s1600/Huntington+Library+056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMbTX7e9LU0f_ai-DIXBCQsKRKCbip9IzNodaXkOuPO-sUERn4kDoLMiNlxoBI9UFUww_OVgQNsibhz1DpaOYwrWCmEZfgXnUNB4bCyEdAJYkCHkCn0d4zlLucmP1apKmtyCoiVMFFnmz/s400/Huntington+Library+056.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is just about an eighth of the extensive rose garden, which we came at just about the perfect time to see. Amazing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMz_KCAdmo6BHKWZc4cUj9xh5RrqYdD991wAy5EqctQKdsmGSj-Mh5dUhdZBNwEhfGVeN0bcBlQ1qkoCGJU-J39rLgLv5y25r0BfhFjMbwwnw1MB85ViQhGCKKHiWFGzk0fDclbbHIR00D/s1600/Huntington+Library+061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMz_KCAdmo6BHKWZc4cUj9xh5RrqYdD991wAy5EqctQKdsmGSj-Mh5dUhdZBNwEhfGVeN0bcBlQ1qkoCGJU-J39rLgLv5y25r0BfhFjMbwwnw1MB85ViQhGCKKHiWFGzk0fDclbbHIR00D/s400/Huntington+Library+061.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And unlike grocery store flowers, each one of these flowers has a distinct scent. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>The Huntington is more than botanical gardens and several art galleries. It's also a specialized research institution with some of the finest early books and manuscripts in Anglo-American history. Gutenberg Bible? Check. (pshaw, natch!) Ellesmere manuscript of the <i>Canterbury Tales</i>? Check. Double-elephant folio edition of Audubon's <i>Birds of America</i>? check. And so it goes. If only I had known about this magical place earlier!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsGGmhtERv7UHVfcstoNM9pQNKq1YJrSXiLOxOl04xfWNNsWa0GhT9wTb-wJaMaLtlZHrIjZR2UmHtToJZgXgs2s7HUezXt0x9OvagQVjJ7Qbv6S8PJBoGxbzgBx_bBS8GAMjzgo1bLRx/s1600/Huntington+Library+063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAsGGmhtERv7UHVfcstoNM9pQNKq1YJrSXiLOxOl04xfWNNsWa0GhT9wTb-wJaMaLtlZHrIjZR2UmHtToJZgXgs2s7HUezXt0x9OvagQVjJ7Qbv6S8PJBoGxbzgBx_bBS8GAMjzgo1bLRx/s320/Huntington+Library+063.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the only view of the Japanese garden we could get. It's closed for renovations until 2012. What a bummer. From here it looks like it might be the only Japanese garden I've ever personally seen that might beat out the Fort Worth Botanical Garden's in my list of favorites.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pDrcvpiDnvoheKvY2i6i2IK_OvXd3sjdde5WuHymO3Kth-aAWKixjtVYkEBX2vQ5yQnPqGjOuF4Q803szyXNiDMkw2WVzSEHCBsbwDuZTSQjkJefj6U34YaOBypldZouxnIbXG2SqDF6/s1600/Huntington+Library+067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pDrcvpiDnvoheKvY2i6i2IK_OvXd3sjdde5WuHymO3Kth-aAWKixjtVYkEBX2vQ5yQnPqGjOuF4Q803szyXNiDMkw2WVzSEHCBsbwDuZTSQjkJefj6U34YaOBypldZouxnIbXG2SqDF6/s320/Huntington+Library+067.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who doesn't love plants (Angel's Trumpet) with flowers as big as my head?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVwuNFGBVqDy6c2BWPvB_RXpsFmXgmHfkJhuDnbT_QNOdNSgPAxVcMHtoxd2aNR3GQxx83arYonAX7I8_y4OXEtuPadlknwh7TVMch2GzqAIxAZYXwalqU5Exd5-3DiVYXN6Iqn5tCF1-/s1600/Huntington+Library+096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtVwuNFGBVqDy6c2BWPvB_RXpsFmXgmHfkJhuDnbT_QNOdNSgPAxVcMHtoxd2aNR3GQxx83arYonAX7I8_y4OXEtuPadlknwh7TVMch2GzqAIxAZYXwalqU5Exd5-3DiVYXN6Iqn5tCF1-/s320/Huntington+Library+096.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Australia Garden. M exclusively likes plants that look like aliens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Aside from the Camellia, Shakespeare, Rose, Japanese, and Australian gardens, what takes up the rest of the 120 acres? I'm glad you asked: For one, a beautiful "Bonsai Court" with some incredible works of living art. Some of them were guarded by alarm system. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd-vc9Fk0Q0idmyCziuXK72ozhQGqIBn0TaE8QglrjricA9oytB76qtqlPzkkiOMoz9Q4VWlsWJXOOY04ltI3-uol5QpjyZKLutLowAashxWuKB9PvIG1FFtH1To_hHAbgjm4eXK0XaPI/s1600/Huntington+Library+115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd-vc9Fk0Q0idmyCziuXK72ozhQGqIBn0TaE8QglrjricA9oytB76qtqlPzkkiOMoz9Q4VWlsWJXOOY04ltI3-uol5QpjyZKLutLowAashxWuKB9PvIG1FFtH1To_hHAbgjm4eXK0XaPI/s400/Huntington+Library+115.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an azalea bonsai. Amazing, right?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt0129kOfOltENCIOTu_5ldeUH3pzeM6yP1qAnT6feCj9Q2rDWrmQNZP_naJQFpNI87KGv7AQzhjPc3pAW1LrNkdc6pkqml9jxXjRzz4_WONEy4fslIwZUecEc3LSQb_NFm1y8VBNGs81/s1600/Huntington+Library+121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXt0129kOfOltENCIOTu_5ldeUH3pzeM6yP1qAnT6feCj9Q2rDWrmQNZP_naJQFpNI87KGv7AQzhjPc3pAW1LrNkdc6pkqml9jxXjRzz4_WONEy4fslIwZUecEc3LSQb_NFm1y8VBNGs81/s400/Huntington+Library+121.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm pretty sure that this is a piece of driftwood, with one tiny tree trained up the side. Isn't it poetic?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG36XHMBI2WZY6fzpVQ7zy2qR1Fk4KOm2bhkrcOzGT6q8FZO2j1QmF_gToGB7pmeKwNIgp8kbL2jCFBLK_dBBxp63MQKjNGouqNM_NzrCnRNmbh-CZEwZ41Q5UeNlfT38nUWknmTM2lfKp/s1600/Huntington+Library+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG36XHMBI2WZY6fzpVQ7zy2qR1Fk4KOm2bhkrcOzGT6q8FZO2j1QmF_gToGB7pmeKwNIgp8kbL2jCFBLK_dBBxp63MQKjNGouqNM_NzrCnRNmbh-CZEwZ41Q5UeNlfT38nUWknmTM2lfKp/s400/Huntington+Library+127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TWFJNaTvmjRT7o8ahgwEosIEcfWoAbIygiGJwgBfNmmsJRP1r4VuDLPipMbWTvH6x5mUvNdHPqDfD1NqKbIb_OOm7hXT-uV69_kg9wfvmJPjqZIYioBq4gJJQqKzYy5TfSAgxn3VF3EE/s1600/Huntington+Library+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5TWFJNaTvmjRT7o8ahgwEosIEcfWoAbIygiGJwgBfNmmsJRP1r4VuDLPipMbWTvH6x5mUvNdHPqDfD1NqKbIb_OOm7hXT-uV69_kg9wfvmJPjqZIYioBq4gJJQqKzYy5TfSAgxn3VF3EE/s320/Huntington+Library+130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>There was also a truly stunning desert garden. If you think desert plants only come in shades of gray-green, brown-green, gray, beige, and brown, prepare to be amazed: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONaghVY6gAlkTF95dJoT1RNJB2TCXJQaU-5mInJ-7y2EMcl2Zp3KexqiTewiCoWjXiPfLdLToJ9174CFr1Vi68zUzdya8DNKEpTLSu007KfkUgABfW0AoP_bGBOWlVXi0neF46k-A442A/s1600/Huntington+Library+139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiONaghVY6gAlkTF95dJoT1RNJB2TCXJQaU-5mInJ-7y2EMcl2Zp3KexqiTewiCoWjXiPfLdLToJ9174CFr1Vi68zUzdya8DNKEpTLSu007KfkUgABfW0AoP_bGBOWlVXi0neF46k-A442A/s320/Huntington+Library+139.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun fact: usually when you buy a cactus in a plant store or grocery store with a crackly flower on it, it's been hot-glued on. This flower was not hot-glued. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu1V-Uf8vfS-_dXMYiXrsObA_ioTmOTqykH6yBLJ1EwpVK8lHVczq2N01oIdcUTrm_WGRTpw7_S_T6dX8BwSccUEdOSoBH9fF3zsn3JVZTa8dMJ1k5YyWeQQ0B-AtNbcglA17spo51qYZ/s1600/Huntington+Library+142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeu1V-Uf8vfS-_dXMYiXrsObA_ioTmOTqykH6yBLJ1EwpVK8lHVczq2N01oIdcUTrm_WGRTpw7_S_T6dX8BwSccUEdOSoBH9fF3zsn3JVZTa8dMJ1k5YyWeQQ0B-AtNbcglA17spo51qYZ/s400/Huntington+Library+142.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0FmPYXdTEsjrG-l_5BrNM9_tCkGH0GuvXlVhFH_H40VgcLx7JRWBrldaJMOBVQKtAmTYstw4AKIvh3GxQuCP1k7VNUBnmXkzmm_lRizfO-B63IGOcNiSyelbNoTQe9cTJl-WAal-pk5z/s1600/Huntington+Library+143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY0FmPYXdTEsjrG-l_5BrNM9_tCkGH0GuvXlVhFH_H40VgcLx7JRWBrldaJMOBVQKtAmTYstw4AKIvh3GxQuCP1k7VNUBnmXkzmm_lRizfO-B63IGOcNiSyelbNoTQe9cTJl-WAal-pk5z/s400/Huntington+Library+143.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is probably the tallest yucca in the world. Or so their signs said. I'd believe them, wouldn't you?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIqrZ0sm9dJuRBhi51udrDMq82X5RCcypV-Z6jHb5FPu14qBEnTLOjNrY4nzbAO5ekHte7j585oP5OF5DpFLSnXQQcV5iv6HqW_DYY0ZYqa6WZefnRaPfofdp7hsEdG8z2hMll71Fs7zL/s1600/Huntington+Library+155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIqrZ0sm9dJuRBhi51udrDMq82X5RCcypV-Z6jHb5FPu14qBEnTLOjNrY4nzbAO5ekHte7j585oP5OF5DpFLSnXQQcV5iv6HqW_DYY0ZYqa6WZefnRaPfofdp7hsEdG8z2hMll71Fs7zL/s400/Huntington+Library+155.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing plants like this, and being aware that Dr. Seuss lived part of his life in California, makes you a little less impressed with his illustrations' creativity, no?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFkLxW8k2OiG4nZ1CB9NIoCFJyUnzm4dTGE1eQyTFhAcf5qjvPwdAawbIXwLSQZjmg9iYBjx9IAArk9dQp57vhHojlk32EcohdNg15Nhv116OVD6gOsSQvWK3ryl1JCJqeF_bgYddYfg0/s1600/Huntington+Library+144.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFkLxW8k2OiG4nZ1CB9NIoCFJyUnzm4dTGE1eQyTFhAcf5qjvPwdAawbIXwLSQZjmg9iYBjx9IAArk9dQp57vhHojlk32EcohdNg15Nhv116OVD6gOsSQvWK3ryl1JCJqeF_bgYddYfg0/s320/Huntington+Library+144.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These flowers come from the 'blue-raspberry fruit roll-up' species, don't you think?</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqqO9yuhCYG9rUkoSB2ycdfMZefmYzsOZWG-kNUeT-OfNiXl_412xbFchZPnqyR1GifB5LfoGWWoQsNanEr2fJs3jeji6XPsdyF9V116SFGUEu7LLd4wUe5eAJqh8dGwUc5l3tLRQshyD/s1600/Huntington+Library+156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqqO9yuhCYG9rUkoSB2ycdfMZefmYzsOZWG-kNUeT-OfNiXl_412xbFchZPnqyR1GifB5LfoGWWoQsNanEr2fJs3jeji6XPsdyF9V116SFGUEu7LLd4wUe5eAJqh8dGwUc5l3tLRQshyD/s400/Huntington+Library+156.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Like I said, we spent three and half great hours and we only saw half of the gardens; we didn't get to see the Conservatory for Botanical Science or the Chinese Garden, or the Children's Garden. We didn't see the library at all, and we barely had time to stroll through the art galleries. This beautiful place absolutely deserves a return trip. I can't wait.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">So thanks, Henry and Arabella, for using your wealth to make a little piece of heaven on Earth. I'm grateful. </div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com4Huntington Library, Art Gallery and Botanical Gardens, San Marino, CA 91108, USA34.128549 -118.114089634.1238145 -118.1197026 34.1332835 -118.1084766tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-90744873123335813302011-05-04T16:34:00.000-04:002011-05-31T17:39:25.067-04:00You Should Listen to 99% InvisibleThanks to my office Christmas present of an ipod nano (I know, right?) I've become even more addicted to NPR podcasts. The good folks at NPR keep me company on the plane, when I'm walking to pick up Peanut-Butter Snickers from CVS, and while I complete menial tasks around the house. I'm super grateful to have rational, intelligent, reasonable minds keeping me company and offering new perspectives. So assuming you like that too (why wouldn't you), let me share with you one of my most recent favorite things (besides Peanut-Butter Snickers). Most everyone's heard about <u>This American Life</u>, <u>All Things Considered</u>, <u>Car Talk</u> and <u>Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me</u>, but if you haven't already added <u>99% Invisible</u> to your podcast playlist you should. I love it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmYnvgQaC_TBGLYlwW7vJhyphenhyphenMyoz43JPn_R5Ad1IFWqWjqIfVU44cuWDD1JGnMhSc15HD-i83zav_1c7p0M4dVTJ3yXCOYo7vmP2qQ7arzO-5utpPPJ6wT2kniZxnJfO_TWFVmjUB6-n5v/s1600/99invisible-logo-rectangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" j8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGmYnvgQaC_TBGLYlwW7vJhyphenhyphenMyoz43JPn_R5Ad1IFWqWjqIfVU44cuWDD1JGnMhSc15HD-i83zav_1c7p0M4dVTJ3yXCOYo7vmP2qQ7arzO-5utpPPJ6wT2kniZxnJfO_TWFVmjUB6-n5v/s320/99invisible-logo-rectangle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://99percentinvisible.org/">99percentinvisible.org</a> describes the show as: "a tiny radio show that explores the 99% invisible activity that shapes the design of our world." And they're not kidding about tiny- most episodes are about 4.5 minutes long, but there have been 23 episodes- plus podcast listeners tend to get extra content- so there's plenty for you to listen to if you start from the beginning. <br />
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The show, produced by Roman Mars, is far-reaching in its scope. If you read "design" and thought it must only mean architecture- or perhaps some reference to Intelligent Design- you'd be wide off the mark. What the show does highlight, in an endearingly whimsical yet still intelligent way, are multitudes of tiny, calculated efforts made by well-informed specialists to make our world better- more efficient, more meaningful, more useful. Past episodes have covered such wide-ranging topics as the periodic table, augmented reality music, optimal toothbrushes, the principles of good flag design, a one-way mission to Mars, and Esperanto, just to name a few. <br />
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The very first episode, for example, focuses on the successes, failures, and issues in the world of "sound design". It references the efforts of sound designer Dennis Paoletti to correct a flaw in architectural design that led the main info desk of a library to be positioned at the exact crux of the echoes and reverberations of the entire lobby. His solution- move the desk- which led to another problem: the design of crowd movement across the floor of the lobby. And then the episode moves on to the Epic of Gilgamesh. And it finishes with a discussion of whether or not a city can have unique "environmental sound" that adds to its character rather than annoys. If this doesn't sound fascinating, it's because I'm not Roman Mars, but seriously, you should let his mesmerizing story-telling take you away.<br />
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I'll close with two of my favorite sentences from past episodes:<br />
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"I'm sorry, but if you don't love maps, I don't think we can be friends any more." <br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Episode 13-Maps, they don’t love you like I love you)</span><br />
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and, said jovially:<br />
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"If you don't approve of that sentence, I don't want to live in your dark and joyless little world."<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Episode 16- A Designed Language)</span><br />
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Now, who wants to join me in a Peanut-Butter Snickers?Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-23467090278085171912011-05-02T22:09:00.000-04:002011-05-03T17:57:03.252-04:00Railroad Revival Tour: San PedroTwo Fridays ago I was lucky enough to get to see the San Pedro stop on the <a href="http://railroadrevivaltour.com/">Railroad Revival Tour</a>. (I know, awesome right?) I've really been enjoying not only getting to go, but also being able to share the excitement with the community of people who are interested in these three awesome bands, and who, moreover, were enthralled with the idea of a train theme tour where community-building and creative cross-pollination can get going in high form. <br />
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A friend recently wrote <a href="http://aworkunfinishing.blogspot.com/2011/04/fan-shorthand.html">a blog post</a> about the use of jargon to instantly identify participators in your preferred sub-culture. In her case, she was referring to nerdy lovers of "Firefly" and Broadway musicals (represent, yo!). I can completely relate, I've likewise loved seeing "RRT" and other shorthand on people's facebook profiles, and I've enjoyed discussing the relative merits of Old Crow Medicine Show, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and Mumford and Sons with my friends. <br />
<br />
So, even though I'm well aware that this blog post is arriving behind schedule, here are my impressions of the Railroad Revival Tour:<br />
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<u>The Train:</u> So Cool.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHneSb60Rz7qW0-MPmKlEn4yx039MFFatkM_-YvtjB8v-xYj9N1bILZ1L0m0Lc5CipPForuiRvXP40-mHk9Qs6F0kmM5WS7IHfmYH3g6BbH9EIA6y8O-zFj8wMKuxeiZOWRavTH6EAm7Zb/s1600/Railroad+Revival+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHneSb60Rz7qW0-MPmKlEn4yx039MFFatkM_-YvtjB8v-xYj9N1bILZ1L0m0Lc5CipPForuiRvXP40-mHk9Qs6F0kmM5WS7IHfmYH3g6BbH9EIA6y8O-zFj8wMKuxeiZOWRavTH6EAm7Zb/s320/Railroad+Revival+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's my own messy picture of the train. As you can tell from the lettering, these are some beautiful, authentic vintage cars. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0uvs8w_oNns20BOA7Kku6L9od6yw40nTyg0YsyibvAQU89ioOZgZ-GQ76biRulQGm4hFB7PwJ_9t3C0A_I8FzfmKbNBrKYp2X7NhXueNuBwrXOmLd5C1cg5Vr-wYkRVABb8wRmzqPyFg/s1600/Train.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="255" i8="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs0uvs8w_oNns20BOA7Kku6L9od6yw40nTyg0YsyibvAQU89ioOZgZ-GQ76biRulQGm4hFB7PwJ_9t3C0A_I8FzfmKbNBrKYp2X7NhXueNuBwrXOmLd5C1cg5Vr-wYkRVABb8wRmzqPyFg/s400/Train.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a better one. Photo credit to the good folks with the railroad revival tour: <a href="http://railroadrevivaltour.com/posts/alllllllll-aboard/">http://railroadrevivaltour.com/posts/alllllllll-aboard/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table> This idea is so amazing. All three bands were obviously enchanted with this train- and referenced it in song and conversation between songs- often referring to it in the charming feminine form. As a future historian, I'm really proud that these groups not only reveled in the <i>idea</i> of the songsters of old that inspired their current genres- floating halfway between drifters and bards, traveling the country on the rails- they actually<i><u> </u>relived</i> it- and in beautiful, vintage cars, each one with it's own personality. Musicians often advocate for the importance of preserving instruments, but here they extended their halo over an entire train! Part of the choice of venues for each of the stops on the tour (I extrapolate from the choice of Ports o' Call Village, San Pedro) was to allow the audience to also see and participate viscerally with the train.<br />
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Tommy, who arrived a few minutes before M and I did, got to watch the train pull in, with band members waving out the doors, windows, and back of the caboose. What perfection!<br />
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<u>The Company:</u> Awesome. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtNSShBH_DIxQMXpX1c8wVcf2Bf8fHiRNKJNNdlQ18RAoGYAph510GwWC0X0K-K2iV2Y6y9FTPbKSaeQvdLglPpq3DLM376ZNykAnU1wnseRPEiL9wC7a66kKb7SV8Gq7qwJxT8zN11s_/s1600/Los+Angeles+148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidtNSShBH_DIxQMXpX1c8wVcf2Bf8fHiRNKJNNdlQ18RAoGYAph510GwWC0X0K-K2iV2Y6y9FTPbKSaeQvdLglPpq3DLM376ZNykAnU1wnseRPEiL9wC7a66kKb7SV8Gq7qwJxT8zN11s_/s320/Los+Angeles+148.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this happy face or awkward face?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRRy99p3H5R6EpTJe7w_vPFPa-nd9CF-podMDN0L0SOGsI4W46VoEvLn1HczPwK4AQRMm8ywR7ye5U76UrM-pOeyA4BoPRBBAt0wO_5p2WUvDORLufG8UEGUL-1Fp0mY-_Iw-MT30zLDY/s1600/Los+Angeles+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYRRy99p3H5R6EpTJe7w_vPFPa-nd9CF-podMDN0L0SOGsI4W46VoEvLn1HczPwK4AQRMm8ywR7ye5U76UrM-pOeyA4BoPRBBAt0wO_5p2WUvDORLufG8UEGUL-1Fp0mY-_Iw-MT30zLDY/s320/Los+Angeles+150.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I really enjoyed going to this with Tommy and Malcolm. Good buddies and who both happen to have just the best lack of negativity at things like this. It was special to get to remember the good vibes from folk singing nights on the Wiess Terrace with Tommy, one of my fellow participators, and with music that captures the same spirit. <br />
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<u>The Crowd/ The Venue:</u> Huge/Appropriately Gritty<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtNK_G-ocFeZRHZ7h1B-VbHiXjK-nj-m5bhaiHc77WLynxfkxGbeZuPQo8X71P9U9sVMOGYRwsSdVUkbWmvPhLNZ5ykNKQ7lRjrPJjiyCjPLWQftoXF0pA0rQou7KOtd5V1oagcyajaMd/s1600/Los+Angeles+151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9VZXSugwvLl9VfzrMoR9kbiCT4QrjAffTfu7qKk5mm3aneiqZiUuHBsnj0jmFrVLciPq8NYrRhV8idF3Yk6PCjRqgpI2mTNXcT9VRCe5fIh-WK0r0w7KFUeJWx3hC-rFq6oT4emZt2Xe/s1600/Los+Angeles+152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9VZXSugwvLl9VfzrMoR9kbiCT4QrjAffTfu7qKk5mm3aneiqZiUuHBsnj0jmFrVLciPq8NYrRhV8idF3Yk6PCjRqgpI2mTNXcT9VRCe5fIh-WK0r0w7KFUeJWx3hC-rFq6oT4emZt2Xe/s320/Los+Angeles+152.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are all the people <i>behind</i> us.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The crowd was giant. Tickets for this event sold out so quickly, I expected it to be a small, intimate affair. Ummm... not so much, but that made it better! Tommy and Malcolm, who have been to more of these sorts of things, tell me that it felt more like a festival than a concert. Which is awesome for me, since this was my first "realer" concert. <br />
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Earlier this spring I went to <a href="http://typicaladventures.blogspot.com/2011/03/vienna-teng-and-alex-wong-magic.html">my first "real" concert</a> (i.e. not Jamfest, or someone I personally knew performing) to see Vienna Teng perform, but this was an entirely different experience- loud and huge and buoyant and accompanied by lighting effects. There were so many people, some in "railroad" inspired costumes, some in overalls, some dancing, some drinking, some smoking, some goofing off- all jovial. The mood could appropriately be described as infectious. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRn_0vPYv-9kMIbD-wPwI5rWlAk757Je9XFJFBGBDT4QTRsF5At6hd676cVjxIQK1AT8cIScrSYMv8IrYgeaKEqM5QcVRETCvZwkF0xAlEGDuv84JhiyTnHQnfFDssO9b7jL5_tPpOunHx/s1600/Los+Angeles+158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRn_0vPYv-9kMIbD-wPwI5rWlAk757Je9XFJFBGBDT4QTRsF5At6hd676cVjxIQK1AT8cIScrSYMv8IrYgeaKEqM5QcVRETCvZwkF0xAlEGDuv84JhiyTnHQnfFDssO9b7jL5_tPpOunHx/s400/Los+Angeles+158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The venue itself was a fenced off section of parking lot between the touristy area that makes up Ports o' Call Village- an outlook spot for the huge working port of Los Angeles- with cruise and industrial ships sending waves splashing up on each other on one side, and train tracks and a highway on the other. And there were about eight food trucks. As I said: both fair-like and industrially gritty; which, when you think about it, is pretty appropriate for bands all heavily influenced by the music of the traditional working class.<br />
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<u>Old Crow Medicine Show</u>: So Fun<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtNK_G-ocFeZRHZ7h1B-VbHiXjK-nj-m5bhaiHc77WLynxfkxGbeZuPQo8X71P9U9sVMOGYRwsSdVUkbWmvPhLNZ5ykNKQ7lRjrPJjiyCjPLWQftoXF0pA0rQou7KOtd5V1oagcyajaMd/s1600/Los+Angeles+151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmtNK_G-ocFeZRHZ7h1B-VbHiXjK-nj-m5bhaiHc77WLynxfkxGbeZuPQo8X71P9U9sVMOGYRwsSdVUkbWmvPhLNZ5ykNKQ7lRjrPJjiyCjPLWQftoXF0pA0rQou7KOtd5V1oagcyajaMd/s320/Los+Angeles+151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Funny Story: I happen to have so many friends that are HUGE fans of Old Crow Medicine Show, that when I first heard about the concert I thought they were the headliners. Sure, I thought, Mumford is really big right now, but they are a pretty young group. OCMS are the veterans, right? They'll have the largest following, right? No, Tommy told me, not so much. <br />
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OCMS, it seems to me, is a very regionally-specific band in terms of style and mythos. If you didn't grow up appreciating the nuances of Tennessee bluegrass, and if you aren't entirely sure that dating a girl who wears perfume "made out of turnip greens" is an appealing option, then you're not entirely going to appreciate how good this band is at what it does. But that doesn't change the fact that they are absolutely are great at what they do, nor that they are energetic, friendly and completely a class-act. They had no trouble filling their set with one great song after another, which is not something Edward Sharpe can claim. After seeing that only the front third of the crowd could sing along, it made me sad that they're not a more popular group. <br />
<br />
They also were the band that suited the idea of a railroad themed tour best. They played the music that felt the most attuned to that particular yester-year, and included a song in their set about the tour and the train itself. Go team!<br />
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<u>Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros</u>: Meh?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDrDbb8fyksov3TTdBJa19rynOagUbXRHajDsJHDhdTHz4AljMUYt1pD5NxZbXmpmrnW7Ra1tr1DUZzhI0lz953cX1MzU1oXCnQeQ3tk0cQxW1Q5bG8qPFYn5rQLzwzM2_MMJLcC01BXi/s1600/Los+Angeles+157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDrDbb8fyksov3TTdBJa19rynOagUbXRHajDsJHDhdTHz4AljMUYt1pD5NxZbXmpmrnW7Ra1tr1DUZzhI0lz953cX1MzU1oXCnQeQ3tk0cQxW1Q5bG8qPFYn5rQLzwzM2_MMJLcC01BXi/s320/Los+Angeles+157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I also have a lot of friends that also really like this band, but I'm not sure I see the appeal. To be fair, my ambivalence may have had a lot to do with some situation-specific mishaps. Practically the whole set was punctuated by Edward-actually-Alex grudgingly apologizing that they were "working something out". What they seemed to be working out was two-fold, first was an issue of feedback, which is excusable when a band of this size doesn't have time for a sound-check- Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros looked like they were about 14 people strong for this evening. But they also seemed to have not discussed their set-list prior to going out on stage, which just seems unprofessional to me- especially considering that they were <i>living on a train together</i>. <br />
<br />
And here's the real kicker for me- when the audience was less than completely overjoyed with what was clearly a less than completely prepared performance, and some unpleasant feedback, Edward-actually-Alex reacted peevishly. He criticized the audience for not putting their "bleeping hands in the air", and generally acted either freakishly hyper or vaguely annoyed at the audience. And he kept asking (over the microphone) how much more time they had to fill- it created the impression that he couldn't wait to go do something else. <br />
<br />
Sure the music was happy and interesting enough- and the moment when one of the band members, Jade, had her father come onstage and play guitar with her was very sentimental. But here's the deal: for a band that's supposed to be about happy feelings, and good vibes, and "Home"- with a front man who purposely cultivates the whole caftan-wearing, I'm-too-much-of-an-artist-to-comb-my-hair, musical messiah <i>thing</i>- I would have expected them to perform more gracefully and less frantically under pressure.<br />
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<u>Mumford and Sons</u>: Woah Daddy Hot Damn!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTLwH9QcWl_qfHKqU75S33NDHXla0E4yf4CNNEsetXeoJY7BmaJiPzDE8cs2C-AlduZw_dqAJnopGsRwF3_PkgW-SVlTdqeKyG4yDM32Vr1yX9u9K5UGNVY7YEXluq8-Zzvr1nPRTWkEq/s1600/Los+Angeles+162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTLwH9QcWl_qfHKqU75S33NDHXla0E4yf4CNNEsetXeoJY7BmaJiPzDE8cs2C-AlduZw_dqAJnopGsRwF3_PkgW-SVlTdqeKyG4yDM32Vr1yX9u9K5UGNVY7YEXluq8-Zzvr1nPRTWkEq/s400/Los+Angeles+162.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I completely approve of how this band exploded into popularity. They, like OCMS, are a class act- flawlessly performing a well-designed act- but unlike OCMS, their mythos is universal to any one of the countries that rode on the back of British Imperialism and count multitudes of poor English and Irish laborers in their registers of history. You don't have to be from the South to feel like you own this music- if you have an Irish ancestor who lived during the nineteenth century- and really- who doesn't?- then you feel like you own this music too. Furthermore, many of their lyrics are inspired by Shakespeare- the most ubiquitous of English-speaking cultural heritage.<br />
<br />
As a white person, a European mutt bred on American shores, I feel like I have very few "cool" cultural things to be proud of. I don't get quinceneras, or dragon parades, or awesome spicy food with exotic ingredients- what I get is music like this- that hearkens back to a scrappy race with a love of the fantastic and the epic, who fought and strived, and gave their sweat and blood to the American Industrial Revolution, who lent their somewhat less than legal persuasion to Australia and New Zealand, and who created an evocative history in their own Irish and British homeland.<br />
<br />
Feminine Aside: really, Mumford just looks like he walked out of a black and white photo, with his boxer's jaw and rakish suit. (Excuse me while I pause to fan myself).<br />
<br />
Anyway, sure, Mumford and Sons is a young band- but with some seriously multi-talented members (I love it when bands hot-potato instruments, don't you?), a front man who is obviously both respectful of his audience and really good at cultivating an evocative aura, a maturing, developing sound (the new music they played sounded like it was written for larger audiences, they're coming into their own and they know it), and some smart lyrics (re: Shakespeare above) what's not to like? Based on this performance, it looks like they are making all the right moves, example: can I hear it for the newly-added horn section? Plus they take this great story- this Irish/English inspired folk music, and wrap it up in South African, rock, and jazz influences and becomes something special, something unique...<br />
<br />
Fine, I'll just say it, I love this band. <br />
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<u>The Vibe:</u> Perfection:<br />
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfZUwNmmEP44LHuHsV9rRXsPDrIW1hveZ7H4Fh8cRIS4QBkF_GkK6ncpvBmkSd7akToYsJum4Xlwv_R7E9B0m1xUYiayJE24BCmXC7ZQ7CiHS_eqemcqLK41vvuzMus3GG0N-Ac-V1NYI4/s320/Los+Angeles+164.jpg" width="320" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am well aware how lucky I was to get to see this as my first concert. The bands themselves were clearly pumped to get to have such a life-changing creative experience, and it's always special to peak over the shoulder of someone who is clearly a master. And all of the bands, even Edward Shape, are clearly masters of the art of folk/bluegrass/rock/pop/jazz fusion. This train is truly bound for Glory (at least in the memories of all the people who saw it riding the rails). </div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-31896579128901351922011-05-02T14:46:00.000-04:002011-05-02T14:53:27.921-04:00Beautiful World: Wiess LoveI've been feeling nostalgic for Rice and Wiess recently. The campus is always so beautiful in the spring, with the green leaves of the famous trees especially verdant and fresh, and the wildflowers blooming next to Wiess. I figure I'll always be a Wiessman, but sometimes it's sad to be so far away from your community- and to know that that community has all but disbanded anyway- off to exciting jobs and schools and families all over the country. <br />
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On that note: I graduated last May. The Rice University Class of 2011 is shortly to follow. Congratulations to them, and here's hoping for a rain-free commencement!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyzObnAy7P9Hmt5R_Z16b2A4zxeKguUaLiALSk9QLViZGikB1PzUJ1h0loXnS2vk2-9v3prE_A1_gU-98ILhyphenhyphenNf3rdILWRYATBPFgFe17hEFwAT__IdTjtGKAUIlBNUOPIOmhZ0xNRXKK/s1600/2009-10+Room+114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyzObnAy7P9Hmt5R_Z16b2A4zxeKguUaLiALSk9QLViZGikB1PzUJ1h0loXnS2vk2-9v3prE_A1_gU-98ILhyphenhyphenNf3rdILWRYATBPFgFe17hEFwAT__IdTjtGKAUIlBNUOPIOmhZ0xNRXKK/s320/2009-10+Room+114.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is an oldie. Hail Tiny Pig! He sat in my window at Wiess for about a year and a half.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gBORXNgcBJnkaccW7StLxi3tseYSlESgmEaQABJ-yhd3upi5YjD461XlPBGievFBcTsfR3ZOZxQPrNZ8VhnlRt21wsv06Yd3MvHI8l6KbJ3nDbML9YP8-CcHWvteA322_CQaTEXRXAD2/s1600/Copy+of+L+A+%2528178%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2gBORXNgcBJnkaccW7StLxi3tseYSlESgmEaQABJ-yhd3upi5YjD461XlPBGievFBcTsfR3ZOZxQPrNZ8VhnlRt21wsv06Yd3MvHI8l6KbJ3nDbML9YP8-CcHWvteA322_CQaTEXRXAD2/s320/Copy+of+L+A+%2528178%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents bought this this spring. See how Wiess sprit spreads? Even my parents are fond of goldenrod flying pigs!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn4XFnwcw3ivhvOQOf1PrVjJTlJ7cOgvPRAGGalNGb9I2LaLotLsxcxkUH6durID28US-kffc2f1RoVFSySSTnRNYr8I3GF77NLnTpuLZnme4PoBcaL7mP72kpD9aNnkY47ZDBAw43b_t/s1600/Copy+of+Los+Angeles+023.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCn4XFnwcw3ivhvOQOf1PrVjJTlJ7cOgvPRAGGalNGb9I2LaLotLsxcxkUH6durID28US-kffc2f1RoVFSySSTnRNYr8I3GF77NLnTpuLZnme4PoBcaL7mP72kpD9aNnkY47ZDBAw43b_t/s320/Copy+of+Los+Angeles+023.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">M and I found this goldrenod pig tray at World Market last week. How awesome is that?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">TFW! TFW! TFW! | Rice fight never die!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><em>And as always, if you aren't interested in Beautiful World Posts, no worries! Just scroll down to the most recent long post, tagged "Musings" and click on the tag. It will remove all the "BeautifulWorld" tagged posts from the page.</em></div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-87100273658267900712011-04-22T17:33:00.000-04:002011-04-22T17:38:42.572-04:00So... That Was Cool, or The Time the President of the United States Came to DinnerYesterday evening my friend Barack Obama came to eat dinner. Well, okay, he didn't come to my house. And alright, if you push me, I'll admit that he didn't even eat <i>with</i> me. But I'm sure that was just because he was being considerate. You know, he understands that I'm busy and didn't want to bother me. He's thoughtful that way. But really, the POTUS <i>did</i> eat down the street from my apartment at a fancy restaurant in Brentwood. There was a lot of police presence and tons of yellow tape everywhere.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaYh0EXyF4Tk_DAM29sJ8V2ogSc3zrganIrko1-YkS-jzGXOhyphenhyphengqsSkQXqdWBodHBd20VbP3dDO_kwHsLQIZBqQkWJP1g1TC-eKcJR6Hs4_4Tjvvnqy_4v1Xm0DfRbWhovp9-mnn6w0ch/s1600/Los+Angeles+133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFaYh0EXyF4Tk_DAM29sJ8V2ogSc3zrganIrko1-YkS-jzGXOhyphenhyphengqsSkQXqdWBodHBd20VbP3dDO_kwHsLQIZBqQkWJP1g1TC-eKcJR6Hs4_4Tjvvnqy_4v1Xm0DfRbWhovp9-mnn6w0ch/s400/Los+Angeles+133.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tdPCGsdrCJSKiGQcuuradUzqCcgddI-W6UhSLBlUySTQwwRXsbbIlUFd0qcsvpErkLBPGmDVMxh__fHXeNDugBHVzofjqfEhbz8MkPpac3cJCWOIMn55ShWB-zAFK1oljWwmIuNkl_JC/s1600/Los+Angeles+134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>I got the impression that Angelenos were scarred by the last time the President came to visit L.A. because most people in my office freaked out when they learned that he would be in town. The traffic in L.A. is near disastrous on a regular basis; when they shut down major arteries for presidential security, it becomes a nightmare. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1Q40eDsk7Dt_SrqgXXfvHUHaS8aOZ5bF6PETq_NjOatuPk1R-gN6xs6SS_vC7TfpsUAEd4LXQZgCTnSt-ESV2aQ-X0II6KQBZknWwjce2SAR7gs5eldZ0oucga9tm7DDGw6yM0MMOElL/s1600/Los+Angeles+130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih1Q40eDsk7Dt_SrqgXXfvHUHaS8aOZ5bF6PETq_NjOatuPk1R-gN6xs6SS_vC7TfpsUAEd4LXQZgCTnSt-ESV2aQ-X0II6KQBZknWwjce2SAR7gs5eldZ0oucga9tm7DDGw6yM0MMOElL/s320/Los+Angeles+130.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Luckily I was able to escape work about an hour early and squeeze in right before the police closed off my street. From what I've read on random LA Traffic websites, I also managed to slip out about 30 minutes ahead of a shut down to the area where I work. So... that was good. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tdPCGsdrCJSKiGQcuuradUzqCcgddI-W6UhSLBlUySTQwwRXsbbIlUFd0qcsvpErkLBPGmDVMxh__fHXeNDugBHVzofjqfEhbz8MkPpac3cJCWOIMn55ShWB-zAFK1oljWwmIuNkl_JC/s1600/Los+Angeles+134.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5tdPCGsdrCJSKiGQcuuradUzqCcgddI-W6UhSLBlUySTQwwRXsbbIlUFd0qcsvpErkLBPGmDVMxh__fHXeNDugBHVzofjqfEhbz8MkPpac3cJCWOIMn55ShWB-zAFK1oljWwmIuNkl_JC/s400/Los+Angeles+134.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I did go out and try to see the motorcade, but no one was being too specific on his route (for good reason), and I happened to pick the wrong corner. But that's okay, there are youtube videos if you or I really want to see it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Mostly, it was great to stand around with the crowds of my neighbors and chat about the excitement, the traffic, the weather, and everything else. I live in a pretty great city, and in a pretty swell neighborhood- full of diversity- but it's easy to lose sight of that. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So thanks for coming to dinner, Mr. President. </div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-81855997667940038602011-04-21T11:52:00.000-04:002011-04-21T11:52:55.078-04:00Beautiful World: Care Package<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQSlsgSgVfng8Ywhcp_wa8vC0iZdyZC67SBPXvHeXePmdBrpHyi50WkEgf0rZYk79ZrF3_8ele0jWj3Uie3BI_QIvyu_PdB0mSiwBj4IqjFppRWpNqgi7Oi2gUY-yEuV6RlTyHbBP1ynQ/s1600/Copy+of+Los+Angeles+122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQSlsgSgVfng8Ywhcp_wa8vC0iZdyZC67SBPXvHeXePmdBrpHyi50WkEgf0rZYk79ZrF3_8ele0jWj3Uie3BI_QIvyu_PdB0mSiwBj4IqjFppRWpNqgi7Oi2gUY-yEuV6RlTyHbBP1ynQ/s400/Copy+of+Los+Angeles+122.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VZ287dOW9P46WRUvkLDCoUeNreDg0MGuOo9Ahr6A1IY88PIss_z59bjSb7_MUeq0hG9QZ6OqJa1ZUVxdo4pIZeDfc7AmLdA43QrPEGLy3btLciRsypPZ9QgJ38pVfUSmzTjiqveB38TN/s1600/Los+Angeles+127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VZ287dOW9P46WRUvkLDCoUeNreDg0MGuOo9Ahr6A1IY88PIss_z59bjSb7_MUeq0hG9QZ6OqJa1ZUVxdo4pIZeDfc7AmLdA43QrPEGLy3btLciRsypPZ9QgJ38pVfUSmzTjiqveB38TN/s400/Los+Angeles+127.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This came in the mail for me yesterday and it was completely surprising and entirely timely! I definitely needed a pick-me-up yesterday, and it was perfect. Best thing ever: personal sparklers for indoor use! Rachel, you know me so well! Thanks buddy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><em>And as always, if you aren't interested in Beautiful World Posts, no worries! Just scroll down to the most recent long post, tagged "Musings" and click on the tag. It will remove all the "BeautifulWorld" tagged posts from the page.</em></div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-28881496920062237602011-04-15T12:15:00.000-04:002011-04-21T11:51:42.018-04:00Beautiful World: Porch Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAXd8dkuuErT1ZS7ow30sUvy1GqKz5BsOtSdWu9qHnJzsSJsDYWAz7AEbxlLQzdkC60S3SA9z55Bp-_ovPPczGXTIfbzwl63DnihSoulFU7wg042QQ72qAKFgmXIIgcQmn4YdhvE4aTVD/s1600/CIMG8918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizAXd8dkuuErT1ZS7ow30sUvy1GqKz5BsOtSdWu9qHnJzsSJsDYWAz7AEbxlLQzdkC60S3SA9z55Bp-_ovPPczGXTIfbzwl63DnihSoulFU7wg042QQ72qAKFgmXIIgcQmn4YdhvE4aTVD/s400/CIMG8918.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>This is what my porch garden looked like a few weeks ago. The geraniums are going to town and the sweet alyssum is just wonderful. It smells divine and is overflowing its pots! There's a gerbera daisy in the background, and a little orange cactus. Fantastic.<br />
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<em>And as always, if you aren't interested in Beautiful World Posts, no worries! Just scroll down to the most recent long post, tagged "Musings" and click on the tag. It will remove all the "BeautifulWorld" tagged posts from the page.</em>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-111901866155681632011-04-12T22:27:00.000-04:002011-04-15T13:42:36.334-04:00Beautiful World: A Good Saturday's Clutter<div style="text-align: center;">When my dining room table looks like this once the sun starts to go down, I firmly believe it's been a good day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSOHbUH5Z0dv4224170hq3SqsajurFGdhp9L84CUhBdmd4exO_v2u4hE_5q9oC6Vo6CVPKiogQWCI2dfFbwTC3PIYMBA8AEFZ8cxsAW_XBe1DTfZg37E7M4RoLrmUbtccTbmL_-0Wg6Rc/s1600/Los+Angeles+159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMSOHbUH5Z0dv4224170hq3SqsajurFGdhp9L84CUhBdmd4exO_v2u4hE_5q9oC6Vo6CVPKiogQWCI2dfFbwTC3PIYMBA8AEFZ8cxsAW_XBe1DTfZg37E7M4RoLrmUbtccTbmL_-0Wg6Rc/s400/Los+Angeles+159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I recently had the occasion to buy "real" water colors that come in a tube, not a Crayola plastic tray!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq31Fmm_sx6g_d_66FAWeF0MqToiYkD6KqoZXF_YUF1PFN9zVGtfozOQ4kd-vwpY_TmrS24NyIoBvJIz123YqCyP8hFbpw1PczJSqp0u4O-P7jVNuQZa1uZIkPt59aafBpqoP3DvFUNjrw/s1600/Los+Angeles+147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq31Fmm_sx6g_d_66FAWeF0MqToiYkD6KqoZXF_YUF1PFN9zVGtfozOQ4kd-vwpY_TmrS24NyIoBvJIz123YqCyP8hFbpw1PczJSqp0u4O-P7jVNuQZa1uZIkPt59aafBpqoP3DvFUNjrw/s320/Los+Angeles+147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love how this tiny vase I got from World Market functions as a water jar for my water-coloring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ahmmJ00y4PqBTb0tV0v-m7m0SQzW28t7V0t2KZ8bXLwE0p1ccL1emxOYVDXP5MTE_F3tNmYYeJDQXUBv0LXT970gT_xolBPQXCdzSl4MxXjL4jdPlDqic9r7cUlQ291IwsiWewtZqsC8/s1600/Los+Angeles+150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ahmmJ00y4PqBTb0tV0v-m7m0SQzW28t7V0t2KZ8bXLwE0p1ccL1emxOYVDXP5MTE_F3tNmYYeJDQXUBv0LXT970gT_xolBPQXCdzSl4MxXjL4jdPlDqic9r7cUlQ291IwsiWewtZqsC8/s400/Los+Angeles+150.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It turned a delicious pink!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13KtssAf0t6hQ1yUG3TKxmnq_FDGBEbBOTcKKYl93F4ZiZ6IA46ZzU2tBrFHmJN4tOjalaGEZ2AsDP_rNYREN-DezMF0mI-PxWHXpks250E5M7BZY8LkMbC4f-4DQG230m8bayCf0-o6d/s1600/Los+Angeles+160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13KtssAf0t6hQ1yUG3TKxmnq_FDGBEbBOTcKKYl93F4ZiZ6IA46ZzU2tBrFHmJN4tOjalaGEZ2AsDP_rNYREN-DezMF0mI-PxWHXpks250E5M7BZY8LkMbC4f-4DQG230m8bayCf0-o6d/s320/Los+Angeles+160.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><i>And as always, if you aren't interested in Beautiful World Posts, no worries! Just scroll down to the most recent long post, tagged "Musings" and click on the tag. It will remove all the "BeautifulWorld" tagged posts from the page.</i>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-871383132016054330.post-63975486320166649612011-04-07T18:16:00.000-04:002011-04-07T18:16:24.005-04:00Mara Came to VisitA couple of weeks ago Mara, Malcolm's sister, came to visit. She stayed for two weekends with us, and went off exploring Las Vegas with a friend during the week between. It's especially exciting to have her come to visit, because she's going to be moving to L.A. herself in a few months. She's going to be an awesome screenwriter one day; her scripts are chilling. Also, she'd want me to tell you, she's great at high fiving!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai3avF8AUf_gx6xOKYsxMKUDNFS2iSR6gnPczHKhLEEusXBIDTpSwIgczEDZuuOJdxfk7b3dXv7CCsHtoFw7ikvyU2W88B4PVcxj4ffwtlYbTU6grOLafHBr3pfBXHfbc6V4e6fnG5P6s/s1600/Picture+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjai3avF8AUf_gx6xOKYsxMKUDNFS2iSR6gnPczHKhLEEusXBIDTpSwIgczEDZuuOJdxfk7b3dXv7CCsHtoFw7ikvyU2W88B4PVcxj4ffwtlYbTU6grOLafHBr3pfBXHfbc6V4e6fnG5P6s/s320/Picture+001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We didn't get to show her around as much as we would have liked because of a series of unfortunate events. For example, on her first Sunday in L.A. I got a migraine, it was pouring rain, and 26.2 of the most prominent and most crucial miles in L.A. were shut down for the L.A. Marathon. It was a bit difficult. <br />
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We had to take her with us on a bunch of errands, but she seemed tickled to see Trader Joe's and help me pick out crafting supplies for another set of bridal shower invitations I'm making. So much pink guys!<br />
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We also got to take her down to the Pacific, as well as to our old stand-by- the 3rd Street Promenade. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w1_64tiNhrcLACShDisceJP3rnJeZWBOEPmp81RFWz_L3xjayhZ5u9i9yWx1feYHyr5uwl6rSvg8dx20n_9Gj_UZ6ByshIiXp7Hj6AW7BtVcfkYgoWOv4csfdPPiamosRLRvFgW7WbUE/s1600/Picture+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2w1_64tiNhrcLACShDisceJP3rnJeZWBOEPmp81RFWz_L3xjayhZ5u9i9yWx1feYHyr5uwl6rSvg8dx20n_9Gj_UZ6ByshIiXp7Hj6AW7BtVcfkYgoWOv4csfdPPiamosRLRvFgW7WbUE/s320/Picture+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mostly, though, it was just nice to see the two siblings be together. With siblings (I gather) you don't feel like you have to entertain them the whole time they're visiting- it's just nice to interact without the sense of performance. I don't really quite understand what it must have been like to grow up with someone so close in age to you, and yet, seemingly, worlds away- but it's nice to look in every now and then. </div>Caitlinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08976427232713958536noreply@blogger.com3