One of the many nice things about this time of year ...

... is that I can usually convince Tom to bake a batch or two of his stunningly wonderful cookies.

The chocolate/chocolate-chunk/walnut was the latest master creation. They're amazing out of the oven, but even a couple days later, just pop a couple in the microwave for 15 seconds apiece ... mmmm.

Happiness!

Nasty attack sidewalks

Last month, I was out walking around town. I came upon this curb.


I checked traffic, decided it was safe, and confidently strode out, only to discover ...

... that someone had stolen the concrete.

The results were startling and spectacular (not to mention painful and bloody!). It was only just a couple weeks ago that I finally stopped wearing an ankle brace. I can walk just fine on it, but I wouldn't want to run a 50-yard dash just yet.

I politely emailed the city asking them to please consider fixing little evil surprises like this one. Sure enough, in under two weeks, it was paved over.

I just wish my ankle would heal that quickly! Ouch.

Accelerated turkey preparation

How it went down yesterday at the home where we spend Thanksgiving:

12:05pm - set up deep fryer outside (propane heater, large vat of oil). Eat appetizers and chat with guests.

12:55pm - determine that the bubbling oil is at the right temperature (I think he said 375F). Enlist a guest to help as you bring the trussed-up turkey outside and lower it into the oil. Go back inside, and think about serving the soup course.

1:56pm - turkey is done. Turn off propane, lift turkey out of boiling oil, bring inside. Carve.

It's a pretty impressive operation he's got, really -- and while the turkey is bubbling away outside, the oven is free for roasting veggies, baking bread, etc. The only time he uses the oven for the Thanksgiving turkey is if it's pouring rain outside (which it hasn't done in years).

Thanksgiving is always a great time with this group. The leftover pumpkin pie is an awesome bonus, too.