Mississippi Cactus

On my last night in town, I got to see Mississippi Cactus put on a great show in Sheboygan, about an hour away from Milwaukee. The boys all were in fine form. For more on the band, check out their My Space page:


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Winter Wonderland

It's one of those really pretty snowstorms. Giant, fluffy flakes that make everything look like the inside of a snow globe. Mike and I went for a walk today in the woods along the Milwaukee River.

Merry Christmas!

Early Christmas

Shaelin spent the weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's. The timing was lucky for Auntie Kim who got lots of quality time with him.

While Grandma and Grandpa were at church, we made chocolate chip pancakes and hot cocoa for breakfast _ his, not mine.

After Daddy and Uncle Brian arrived, Shaelin opened presents. It was VERY exciting!!

The Estate

Mike picked me up last night at Milwaukee's swanky, new downtown train station (the train was ON TIME!) and took me to dinner at a yummy Italian restaurant. I had gnocchi with asparagus, spinach and mushrooms _ even more wonderful after three days of train food.

Coincidentally, Brian had a solo acoustic show last night at a jazz bar called the Estate. He played Morrissey, Radiohead, Coldplay and a bunch of other stuff. Mike helped him out on harmonica and backup vocals. A grand time was had by all.

The California Zephyr

The Zephyr is a train that runs every day from Emeryville, Calif. to Chicago. The ride takes three days and two nights. With a bit of extra time on my hands, I decided to embark on the $127 (with my AAA discount) adventure. I met interesting people, ate really bad food and saw some of the most spectacular scenery. A Japanese tourist who I met on the trip said it best: "I took the train because I wanted to see how big America really is."


The Sierra Nevadas in Northern California.

The Rockies in Colorado.

Even Iowa looked gorgeous from the train.

Still Fall?

I know in many places it's winter, but in San Francisco, it feels like fall. Crisp, clear, sunny days and chilly nights. This is one of the few trees around that changes color. I think it's a gingko. Why don't we have fall here? Hmm.

Nightmare

Last night I dreamed I got badly burned in a car wreck. I was going too fast on a freeway ramp and I slammed on the brakes, but it was too late. I careened off the ramp and flipped over. Some stranger pulled me out of the car. I was screaming and burning. I wonder what this means.

Sin

I love this card! I think it goes well with my new boots.

Made for Walkin'?

These are my ohmigosh-I-can't-believe-I-quit-my-job boots. I love them!

Last Day

Yesterday was my last day at work. It began with the media circus of Barry Bonds in federal court. Terry was right when he said it was a last day I'd never forget.

I didn't want to have a party, but my co-workers insisted.

I'm really, really glad they did.

Fennel

Last night I made Potato-Fennel soup. Fennel is a wonderful thing. I used to be intimidated by it, but no longer. This soup is really yummy, easy to make and extremely healthy.

Potato Fennel Soup with Browned Onions

1 tbsp butter or oil

4 cups thinly sliced onions

2 tsp salt

4 medium potatoes, sliced into thin pieces 1 to 2 inches long (don't bother peeling!)

1 cup freshly minced fennel bulb

4 cups water

white pepper to taste

Melt butter (or heat oil) in large pot. Add onions and 1 tsp salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are very very soft, and lightly browned (15 - 20 minutes).add potatoes, another 1/2 tsp salt and minced fennel. Sauté over medium heat for another 5 minutes, then add water. Partially cover, and simmer until potatoes are tender (10 - 15 minutes.) Taste for seasoning, and adjust if required.

Flesh and the Devil

Is that not the greatest movie title ever? Greta Garbo was BEAUTIFUL! Didn't I know this? Linda took me to see this silent film courtesy of Tod and it was really, really good. Of course, the organist at the Castro made a huge difference. It's pretty amazing that a film made in 1926 is still good today.

Hugh

Whenever I see Hugh's art in public, I feel famous by association. My brother, Mike, saw one of his Black Crowes Fillmore posters for sale on eBay for $125. Woo hoo! See more of Hugh at http://www.hughillustration.com/