Radio Silence

So sorry I've been lax in posting on the blog.  The latest project is taking up a lot of time.

It's a joint afghan by a set of international contributors to a message board that I frequent.  We are making an afghan for one amongst us who lost her dear husband suddenly and after only a couple of years of marriage.  It's a small way for us all to comfort her, a virtual hug turned real.

I am the one putting the squares together, so my time to post on the blog is quite limited.

But I had to share this bonus I received with the square sent to me by PipneyJane.  She knows about my penguin fixation and whenever she has cause to send me something, she includes one of these:

My Own Igloo

I gave myself my moniker years ago when trying to set up a Yahoo! account. I tried to make it PenguinLover but that was taken. I really don't like adding numbers to a screen name that is already taken, so I tried MyIgloo.

That was taken too. By then I was getting a little annoyed, so I said, "Well, all right" (and yes, I really do talk to my computer screen), "how about MyOwnIgloo?"

Thus, a globally challenged persona was born (scroll down to the bottom of my blog to see my trademark).

May 2009 is a signature month for myownigloo because in May 2009, a law firm partner who likes to bake on the side made me My Own Igloo!

Ain't it grand?

A Paean Worth Watching

Trader Joe's is one of my favorite places.  I will tell you a story about that someday soon.  (Many of my friends already know the story.  It's one of my favorites.)

Meanwhile, if you do not have the fortune of having your own local Trader Joe's, then this will show you what you're missing.

I'd suggest relocating.  Seriously.

Breaking Virtual Silence At Last!

Falling for Ewe Question of the Week #7

Question:  What foods do you like to bake this time of year? Are there any that are traditional to you?


Answer:   For holiday gifts, I often make an old family recipe for Scottish shortbread.  In fact I made it recently for a swap -- not this one (sorry, spoilee).  I put the finished shortbread on a red plate and cover it with plastic and add a plaid bow and Voila!  Instant gift.  Well, I guess it's not instant if it takes an hour or two to make, right?  Whatever.
 
At home, I love comfort foods at this time of year.  One that comes to mind I learned from a TV cook who has gone on to the Great Kitchen of the Beyond.  It was called cranberry toast and consists of buttered toasted bread (we use rye or whole wheat) with canned whole cranberry sauce spread on it, topped with sharp Cheddar cheese and broiled until it's bubbly and brown on top.  Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.  Now I want to go to the grocery store and buy the ingredients and make it for dinner.
 
I guess that last one doesn't count as baking, but I cheated.  At least I use my oven for it.
 
Update on Me:
 
In other news, I have a job!
 
I started on Wednesday and I love it there -- except for the part about zero tolerance on personal computing.  I'll try not to let the blog suffer.
 
Latest Creation:
 
Snowflake ornaments.
 

Until next week...