You're Doing It Wrong

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.

We wandered around under the chestnut tree when I was in California. I took this photo of finding this gorgeous chestnut. I planned to take another when we got home so I could show you the Hope Diamond of chestnuts, but I forgot.

This is downtown Portland at Pioneer Square.

Back at the beginning of the year when people were first starting to come back downtown, I was one of the few customers at my favorite food cart.

In the summer there was a long, long line.

I was back a couple of weeks ago and it was just me and another guy, waiting in the rain.