I haven't exactly been all-systems-go getting ready for the family members coming for t-day. I did manage to wash some sheets, do a bit of preliminary grocery shopping, order the turkey, and start cleaning up the bedrooms. C sent some recipe suggestions. I think I'll make a bit of cranberry sauce tomorrow and maybe a loaf of pumpkin bread -- ( Read more... )

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. I'd better overcome my ennui and pick out a few recipes for dinner. We motivated ourselves to clean the basement tv room before guests show up, but, that is about it. I suppose I will have to clean the rest of the house and crack open a cookbook or two tomorrow.

We went back to fencing for the first time in a month tonight. As I still have Delhi belly, I sat around while Tarzan bouted. It was nice to be back.

I've been in a daze since I returned from India. The fog is finally starting to lift. I had a stomach bug, aching joints and a slight fever for the first few days after we got back, and today those problems seem to have disappeared. I have been working my way through the bills and the laundry, took a couple of paintings I bought to be framed, ( Read more... )

We are leaving Andhra Pradesh today and traveling up the east coast of India by train. We will be stopping in Konark for a few days, to see the Sun Temple. We will also visit Asia's largest brackish lagoon, which is a bird sanctuary of vast proportions. We will then stop back here pick up our stuff and then fly to Delhi. From Delhi we will take ( Read more... )

We left Dulles on Oct. 16 and arrived in Hyderabad, India yesterday. After a rest, we boarded a train and took a 13-hour journey to Vizak. We can now see the ocean from the balcony of Nirmal's mother's house. The train ride was epic. I will describe it in detail later. Ever since I arrived in India I have been wearing local clothing. I feel like ( Read more... )

Talked to some of the gun-toting old boys back in Pennsyltucky where I hail from. Guys my age who have NEVER VOTED IN AN ELECTION before are now registered -- to keep Obama out of the White House. So, we shall see whether racism overcomes good sense in the coming election. It's so depressing.

I finally bought some insulation for the electrical outlets that are located on the exterior walls of of our house. They come in packs of six for a couple of bucks at Lowe's. I have to get out the screwdriver tonight and put them in before we turn on the heat next month. An insulation contractor is coming this weekend to give us a price for ( Read more... )

My goat's cheese is not setting up. Darn. I just added more rennet in hopes of getting the curds and whey to separate. I hope it will work ( Read more... )

The list of vaccinations, medications and insect repellents we have to bring to India is so long, it is a wonder that the Indian Subcontinent is actually overpopulated. I have a feeling that the prophylactic antibiotics we have to take will make me as sick as the the food and water might in the absence of them. Oh, well. You won't catch me without ( Read more... )