great. that's just... great.

L, the toddler who lives next door, has discovered the fun and excitement of screaming in order to get attention.

You can really tell the difference, even at a distance. It's obvious that she's not hurt or really upset - I've heard her scream that way before. Just... screaming, as loud and long as possible. (ETA: Maybe it's that she stops to breathe? Maybe that's how I can tell?)

If her mom reinforces this behavior by giving in to her tantrums, it's going to be a long summer.

Tuesday night, around seven-thirty PM, with a sigh,

and a feeling that on the whole, things could have turned out much worse, I finished Harry Potter, Book 7.

Wednesday morning, I had an enjoyable time with desiringsubject ranting about the things we didn't like about the ending of the book.

And now, I will share some of those thoughts with you.

( Yes, there are SPOILERS )

By the way, I need a new Hermione icon. Has anyone seen good screen caps of her reading from any of the more recent movies?

first, ask your friends

Does anybody here order organic or at least grassfed lamb from a local place that they really love?

My tribe is interested in procuring a dressed lamb this fall, hence the question.

And yes, I am aware of this website, but it doesn't seem to have any certified organic lamb and anyway personal recommendations are always good.

Garment District

So, I'm planning to go to the Garment District half-off sale tomorrow morning. Anyone care to join me? I would be happy to help you find the perfect _____________. Assuming I know you and we get along.

I need a clotheswhore/horse icon.

chopped caprese salad

Chopped Caprese Salad

1/2 box organic grape or cherry tomatoes
1/2 ball organic mozzarella
1/3 cup walnut pieces
fresh basil
1 tablespoon basalmic vinegar
1 teaspoon olive oil
salt

Chop tomatoes. Cut mozzarella into pieces. Combine in medium bowl with however much fresh basil is "enough" to you, cut into thin strips. Add walnuts, vinegar, and oil. Salt to taste. Stir. Chill for half hour, then serve. Serves two as an appetizer or one as a main course with bread or crackers.

(This was so good I put down my book after the first bite, all the better to enjoy it. It is also a product of my body's current insistence that fresh tomatoes and cheese are really the only food it needs to survive.)