Rambling randomness

So many little items to touch on today.

The mini compost bin continues as a hit with me and I feel good every time I toss stuff inside. As a follow-up to some of my comments on teas and tea bags and compost I had some extra time today so I went to one of our local farm stands/whole foods type markets and found a decent starter selection of loose leaf teas. I picked up one house brand blended as an English Breakfast which contains: black tea, roasted peaches and apricots, marigold, blue mallow blossom, apple, and safflower. The other two are a brand called Blue Moon, a local company. I like supporting local. I decided upon a Cinnamon Orange Rooibos and a Chai Rooibos. I’m going to finish up on the bagged teas I have first so it might be a bit before I report on these choices.

I also picked up half a loaf of cinnamon raisin pecan bread for breakfast just because I could and happily I found brown rice syrup. I often turn on a cooking show which showcases vegetarian/vegan foods and the chef always uses brown rice syrup for sweetening in her cooking. I use honey a lot and I have also started using agave, which to my taste can be almost too sweet at times. I need to do some research about proportions and such before using this new product though.

Still no news or confirmation on closure from that whopping water/sewer bill I noted a few days ago. I’m not sure if the husband is still planning to crawl around under the house this weekend or not. I sort of tossed this whole issue over to him to deal with. Besides the bill isn’t due until the end of the month and I figure we can hold on to as much of our money as possible for as long as possible.

Trying a new crock pot soup today with what else: kale, my go to favorite. The last one, which is the one I usually make was the five ingredient, white bean and kale soup. I decided to go a little Mexican this time as I had ingredients that really fit with that theme. Besides the kale this one has red onion, garlic (of course) cumin, coriander, black beans, sweet potato, corn, and fire roasted tomato. I started it late so the smells really haven’t kicked in yet. I hope it turns out sumptuous.

The big news comes in regards to the youngest daughter. I’m sure I’ve mentioned that she is all set to graduate from college in May. I know that I have shared in the past that she completed high school and her first two years of college simultaneously so that allowed her to complete a BA degree in only two years. She tacked on a geosciences minor last year and had all intent to receive her diploma in May.

Some back story: This is the one child that I have consistently labelled as indecisive for many years. She knows this and does admit to harboring this inability to often come to a decision or as in this new scenario, stick with a decision.

Fast forward to the start of her geology minor. We have long known of her extreme passion with archaeology. That passion apparently is also deeply focused on this second area of science. We aren’t afraid to say it: we clearly have a science geek in our midst. I have to be honest. I can heartily relate to finding a topic that you are passionate about and so, it didn’t surprise me much when she announced that she really wanted to stay on for another year and turn the minor into a double major.

As of this writing she is just waiting to hear from her Financial Aid office to determine eligibility for aid. If that seems to be positive then graduation will be postponed until May 2014 while she finishes up on credits for this second major. Another year with her at home, or at least in the general vicinity won’t be bad at all and she is only 20. It’s often difficult to remember that.

I think that’s enough for now. The sun is out, I have some compost to attend to, some soup to stir and some homework to accomplish of my own.

BTW: Happy International Women’s Day! Thank a woman who is making a difference today.

Have a lovely day all!

Late day update: the kale soup was deliciously fantastic!

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