29 thoughts on “March 27, 2021: Chag Pesach Sameach”
So for those of you who have read Ducks, Newburyport, if I’m 30% through it and still finding the style tiring to read...it’s probably just not for me, right? I want to enjoy it because of the great reviews I’ve seen here, but unfortunately I’m just not.
The style isn't going to change, but you've reached the point where there has been some actual plot (the dentist visit with the flat tire). Over time, the style is remarkably consistent but there were be more and more sprinkling of plot throughout. Also, it got a lot "easier" once I formed more fully developed ideas of the different characters (the kids, the ex-husband, her parents, etc.). DG told me about the Two Month Review podcasts following along with the book. While I normally never listen to podcasts, I listened to those (well after reading the passages) and enjoyed them. You may want to listen to the ones covering the passages you have already read to see if it helps.
Tiring because there's no breaks? Or the perspective doesn't work for you?
If you just don't like the narrator, then the book probably isn't for you because the whole book stays in her head.
If the stream of consciousness run-on sentence is the sticking point, I liked the description of "the fact that" as a way to keep rhythm and give the reader a handhold for when ideas are wrapped up or digressed from or associated to the next thing.
You don't have to keep track of every theme or every idea the narrator throws at you, I thought the author did an amazing job of balancing and reinforcing all the pieces of the narrator's never-ending thoughts. When things come back around, they're quick to be recognized.
Also, what Pirate said, there is a big shift into an actual plot about a quarter of the way in, and the book is actually very plot-centric in a surprising way considering it's size and narrative style.
Happy Several Trips To Menards Day, everyone :/
Now off to fill my gas can for the lawnmower
Happy Several Trips To Menards Day, everyone :/
We celebrated this fine holiday by buying a new patio table and chairs.
Mulch has been spread, raised gardens on the deck have been prepped, and most of the lawn mowed (the part that really needed it) -- on a scale of 1 to 10, my stamina appears to be somewhere between a 1 and a 2.
I’m going to start peeling off the rotten deck boards in preparation for expanding the deck by 5 feet. Lumber costs are through the roooooooooooooooof. Maybe I’ll just replace the rot and next year do the deck....
Yeah, funny how certain things have really jacked up prices now. I think waiting a year isn't a bad idea. 😉
(btw, I'm glad I'm not needing a rental car any time in the foreseeable future)
I'm guessing that's mostly due to no lumber coming in from The Great White North?
We also have a deck that needs some TLC, and yes, lumber is insane. I am actually having a landscaping friend of mine top by this week to give me some alternative options for that deck. I may do pavers or stamped concrete, as I have some potential water issues in that area and need to divert more water away from the house.
Lumber availability and costs are slowing down my patio project at the joint, even though my landlords (who are commercial builders) repeatedly have told me they have no worries about it.
I'm going to drive a hour and half away from NO to buy a skin on pork shoulder to make pernil for tomorrow's supper. Now this is the kind of distraction I need.
Nice!
We are currently in week 2 of our 3 week trip to my in-laws' house, and my sister-in-law has a Traeger stationed on the back porch. That thing's pretty nice to use; very much set it and forget it.
So far we've done smoked pork chops, smoked potatoes (didn't add much), an excellent brisket, and tonight is ribs made by my brother-in-law. And I think smoked chicken wings next week.
The traeger is something I don’t totally understand. My old man has one, but also supplements the smoke flavor by using a smoking tube because the grill doesn’t produce enough smoke to flavor the meats. Though it does just set a temp and hold it steady.
My dad has one, and we have never had any problem getting a ton of smoke flavor. It doesn't work well (like when people visit and use it), when they don't follow the startup instructions or the pellets are bad.
Everything that we've made with it so far has been very good, but it does all feel like it needs more smoke flavor. We're doing chicken wings tonight, so we'll see how that goes.
My brother-in-law just ordered a smoker that has an automatic feeder like a Traeger, but that uses charcoal and wood chunks. Seems intriguing. I don't think I'll be getting to Kansas any time soon to check it out in person, though.
The guys that raised the pig also chopped it up for me. There is more fat on the skin side than I was prepped for, tho the cracklins are going to be epic. Take that doctor no fun!
Traditional, kosher for Passover pork!
In recognition of the holiday, I made socca to take to friends' house for cocktails.
Mix equal parts chickpea flour and water, a big pinch of salt, and a couple tbsp olive oil until smooth. Let rest for thirty minutes (chickpea flour really needs to hydrate). Ladle into a hot, oiled cast iron pan and broil until the top starts to get browned spots. 2-3 ladles per. Crispy edges, creamy interior. Sprinkle with some salt, olive oil and chopped herbs (or za'atar and herbs), cut into wedges and serve. Goes well with feta, or yogurt dip. Could serve as a crust for gluten-free pizza.
I was sitting in a parking lot waiting to pick up Honest Abe from soccer when this glorious set occurred this morning.
That transition to Home Sweet Home was *chef's kiss*
I’m one of the two comments to Sister Christian. I loves me some hairband power ballads.
Is it too late to release Matt Shoemaker? The Twins really need to find a way to get Randy Dobnak in the rotation. He's been totally dominant with his new slider. Dobnak has 18 K's and no walks in 13 2/3 innings and has a 15/6 groundout/flyout ratio.
Neither Happ or Shoemaker look ready yet.
LaTroy remarked yesterday that starters seem to need 6 or so outings in spring to get dialed in, and relievers 10–12. Shoemaker’s had 3 starts this spring, throwing 9 innings and 43 pitches. A typical spring for him has been 5–6 starts, 18–25 innings, and 120–180 pitches.
Dobnak looks absolutely great, and I think he’s going to get regular innings, possibly piggybacking Happ or Shoemaker. It will be interesting to see how Rocco balances needing a long man available with getting Dobnak regular length so he can spot start or step into the rotation.
Frankly, I’m a bit more worried that some of the relievers (Duffey, Robles, Stashak) look pretty rough right now.
I agree -- I think Dobnak will play half-and-half games with either of the back end starters, at least to begin with. And I wonder if Happ still has a little lingering COVID effects while he's trying to get ramped up. In either case, I like the fact that Thorpe will be nearby.
btw, the 2021 Topps Heritage set came out this week, and it's in the style of the 1972 Topps set -- pretty cool, including the 6-card Harmon Killebrew "puzzle" made from the backs of some of the In Action cards.
Back in early 2020 I started composting - made an enclosed space in the backyard with some hard plastic and garden stakes (not an elaborate contraption).
So today as I'm prepping some backyard gardens, I thought I'd harvest some of this bio-goodness.
The stuff at the bottom half was good and done, except for egg shells, mussels/clams shells, full fruit, pineapple caps, and corks. At some point in the year I started putting the mussels/clam shells into a grocery bag and driving over them with my car to crush them.
Not saving the planet. But fun to channel my inner farmer.
A hammer may help you exercise and release bound up frustration...
The shell pieces should be fed to chickens -- the calcium carbonate helps them with their egg shells. Although we always gave them oyster shells.
So for those of you who have read Ducks, Newburyport, if I’m 30% through it and still finding the style tiring to read...it’s probably just not for me, right? I want to enjoy it because of the great reviews I’ve seen here, but unfortunately I’m just not.
The style isn't going to change, but you've reached the point where there has been some actual plot (the dentist visit with the flat tire). Over time, the style is remarkably consistent but there were be more and more sprinkling of plot throughout. Also, it got a lot "easier" once I formed more fully developed ideas of the different characters (the kids, the ex-husband, her parents, etc.). DG told me about the Two Month Review podcasts following along with the book. While I normally never listen to podcasts, I listened to those (well after reading the passages) and enjoyed them. You may want to listen to the ones covering the passages you have already read to see if it helps.
Tiring because there's no breaks? Or the perspective doesn't work for you?
If you just don't like the narrator, then the book probably isn't for you because the whole book stays in her head.
If the stream of consciousness run-on sentence is the sticking point, I liked the description of "the fact that" as a way to keep rhythm and give the reader a handhold for when ideas are wrapped up or digressed from or associated to the next thing.
You don't have to keep track of every theme or every idea the narrator throws at you, I thought the author did an amazing job of balancing and reinforcing all the pieces of the narrator's never-ending thoughts. When things come back around, they're quick to be recognized.
Also, what Pirate said, there is a big shift into an actual plot about a quarter of the way in, and the book is actually very plot-centric in a surprising way considering it's size and narrative style.
Happy Several Trips To Menards Day, everyone :/
Now off to fill my gas can for the lawnmower
We celebrated this fine holiday by buying a new patio table and chairs.
Mulch has been spread, raised gardens on the deck have been prepped, and most of the lawn mowed (the part that really needed it) -- on a scale of 1 to 10, my stamina appears to be somewhere between a 1 and a 2.
I’m going to start peeling off the rotten deck boards in preparation for expanding the deck by 5 feet. Lumber costs are through the roooooooooooooooof. Maybe I’ll just replace the rot and next year do the deck....
Yeah, funny how certain things have really jacked up prices now. I think waiting a year isn't a bad idea. 😉
(btw, I'm glad I'm not needing a rental car any time in the foreseeable future)
I'm guessing that's mostly due to no lumber coming in from The Great White North?
We also have a deck that needs some TLC, and yes, lumber is insane. I am actually having a landscaping friend of mine top by this week to give me some alternative options for that deck. I may do pavers or stamped concrete, as I have some potential water issues in that area and need to divert more water away from the house.
Lumber availability and costs are slowing down my patio project at the joint, even though my landlords (who are commercial builders) repeatedly have told me they have no worries about it.
Look for prices to modify later this year.
I'm going to drive a hour and half away from NO to buy a skin on pork shoulder to make pernil for tomorrow's supper. Now this is the kind of distraction I need.
Nice!
We are currently in week 2 of our 3 week trip to my in-laws' house, and my sister-in-law has a Traeger stationed on the back porch. That thing's pretty nice to use; very much set it and forget it.
So far we've done smoked pork chops, smoked potatoes (didn't add much), an excellent brisket, and tonight is ribs made by my brother-in-law. And I think smoked chicken wings next week.
Is it this one, which disturbingly has nipples?
No, but that is .... something....
The traeger is something I don’t totally understand. My old man has one, but also supplements the smoke flavor by using a smoking tube because the grill doesn’t produce enough smoke to flavor the meats. Though it does just set a temp and hold it steady.
My dad has one, and we have never had any problem getting a ton of smoke flavor. It doesn't work well (like when people visit and use it), when they don't follow the startup instructions or the pellets are bad.
Everything that we've made with it so far has been very good, but it does all feel like it needs more smoke flavor. We're doing chicken wings tonight, so we'll see how that goes.
My brother-in-law just ordered a smoker that has an automatic feeder like a Traeger, but that uses charcoal and wood chunks. Seems intriguing. I don't think I'll be getting to Kansas any time soon to check it out in person, though.
The guys that raised the pig also chopped it up for me. There is more fat on the skin side than I was prepped for, tho the cracklins are going to be epic. Take that doctor no fun!
Traditional, kosher for Passover pork!
In recognition of the holiday, I made socca to take to friends' house for cocktails.
Mix equal parts chickpea flour and water, a big pinch of salt, and a couple tbsp olive oil until smooth. Let rest for thirty minutes (chickpea flour really needs to hydrate). Ladle into a hot, oiled cast iron pan and broil until the top starts to get browned spots. 2-3 ladles per. Crispy edges, creamy interior. Sprinkle with some salt, olive oil and chopped herbs (or za'atar and herbs), cut into wedges and serve. Goes well with feta, or yogurt dip. Could serve as a crust for gluten-free pizza.
I was sitting in a parking lot waiting to pick up Honest Abe from soccer when this glorious set occurred this morning.
That transition to Home Sweet Home was *chef's kiss*
I’m one of the two comments to Sister Christian. I loves me some hairband power ballads.
Is it too late to release Matt Shoemaker? The Twins really need to find a way to get Randy Dobnak in the rotation. He's been totally dominant with his new slider. Dobnak has 18 K's and no walks in 13 2/3 innings and has a 15/6 groundout/flyout ratio.
Neither Happ or Shoemaker look ready yet.
LaTroy remarked yesterday that starters seem to need 6 or so outings in spring to get dialed in, and relievers 10–12. Shoemaker’s had 3 starts this spring, throwing 9 innings and 43 pitches. A typical spring for him has been 5–6 starts, 18–25 innings, and 120–180 pitches.
Dobnak looks absolutely great, and I think he’s going to get regular innings, possibly piggybacking Happ or Shoemaker. It will be interesting to see how Rocco balances needing a long man available with getting Dobnak regular length so he can spot start or step into the rotation.
Frankly, I’m a bit more worried that some of the relievers (Duffey, Robles, Stashak) look pretty rough right now.
I agree -- I think Dobnak will play half-and-half games with either of the back end starters, at least to begin with. And I wonder if Happ still has a little lingering COVID effects while he's trying to get ramped up. In either case, I like the fact that Thorpe will be nearby.
btw, the 2021 Topps Heritage set came out this week, and it's in the style of the 1972 Topps set -- pretty cool, including the 6-card Harmon Killebrew "puzzle" made from the backs of some of the In Action cards.
Back in early 2020 I started composting - made an enclosed space in the backyard with some hard plastic and garden stakes (not an elaborate contraption).
NBBW bought this composting bucket with a filtered lid that we keep on the porch, then periodically I dump the contents into the backyard bin.
So today as I'm prepping some backyard gardens, I thought I'd harvest some of this bio-goodness.
The stuff at the bottom half was good and done, except for egg shells, mussels/clams shells, full fruit, pineapple caps, and corks. At some point in the year I started putting the mussels/clam shells into a grocery bag and driving over them with my car to crush them.
Not saving the planet. But fun to channel my inner farmer.
A hammer may help you exercise and release bound up frustration...
The shell pieces should be fed to chickens -- the calcium carbonate helps them with their egg shells. Although we always gave them oyster shells.
for your consideration