You're Doing It Wrong

When we were in Orleans, the persimmon tree was starting to produce. Mom was in charge and she picked a lot of persimmons. For some reason I thought I didn’t like persimmons but I was wrong. Persimmons are like the fruit you would invent if you could invent a fruit — a cross between a peach and an apple.

Last night I was half-dreaming about these last persimmons. I need to turn them into pulp so I can make cookies. My husband and brother love persimmon cookies.

I did not understand my own goal for NaNo. I thought it was 250 a day but I guess it was more like 400 a day. I need focus Monday and Tuesday if I’m going to make it.

15766 / 17000 words. 93% done!

I like how the blossom looks like crazy hair. Too bad I didn’t have my googly eyes when I took this photo.

Bread in the window at a shop in Belgium.

Every once in awhile when I’m going through my photos I find pictures like these. What was I thinking when I took these and why did I keep them?

Both from Orleans.

I think this one maybe because of that pumpkin — there are a couple of others like this — random tangle of shrubs and trees and a pumpkin.

I never spot any critters live.

All the time I will see the time stamps and think: I was awake then. First thing when I get up I go look out the window. Sometimes when I wake up in the middle of the night I take a peek out the window.

Finally! The other night I was in the kitchen around 8pm and one of the motion lights went off. Then I spotted a raccoon scooting along the back fence.

The regulars seem to be these three that I think are a mama and her youngsters. Then one that’s always by itself and has a crooked tail. And then one with no tail.

I watched the latest season of the Great British Baking Show. When it came to the caramel episode I learned 3 things.

The first is that they say it care-a-mell. I’ve always said it car-muhl.

I brought this up with several people who said they also say car-muhl. So I guess it’s an American thing?

The second was more of a realization that the place is Carmel (car-mell) and has nothing to do with caramel.

Third, I have made caramel a couple of times with not great results. One time, I referred to the finished product as “ruin your dental work” cookies. Now I see that it was operator error and that caramel is hard for everyone.

My class was originally scheduled to end on November 16 but for various reasons it’s been extended until the end of the month.

I love the class and am thrilled we get more time.

But also I am limited to essential communications and activities. I still haven’t even put the garden to bed.

NaNo Update:

12837 / 17000 words. 76% done!

Wrong answers only. Must be acceptable for a family publication.

This is the gas station in Orleans.

I have put this gas station in many, many stories. In those stories, the guy who owns it is named Emerson.

I don’t think any of those stories have been published.

One of these days.