Wan Smol Blog

Roselle wasting no time, springing to life, reaching for sunlight and garden freedom.

Working from home, desk at foot of bed, door to back deck open, mourning dove cooing and coffee helping to mask the undercurrent of stress. But garden boxes planted last night, and first double-yoke egg for breakfast, life going on.

Playing ‘Name that tune’ and making s’mores around the firepit, an evening of normal amidst these extraordinary times.

I am in Boise, Idaho 37 years after I left with my family (for the US Virgin Islands). Good to be back. Today skiing Bogus Basin.

Yesterday I stopped by the local book store on my way home from work, walked out with a copy of Colum McCann’s new novel, Apeirogon.

We lost a hen yesterday to a red-tailed hawk.

Snow falling in Chapel Hill, so I went for a run as I do on such wintry evenings here. So solitary and serene.

Blossoms on the peach tree. Snow storm expected this afternoon.

Vanilla beans have been resting for nearly six months in a mix of vodka and rum. Today was good day to strain and bottle the extract. Daffodils picked by Erin this morning.

Warmth from a shot of homemade visinata, this bottle made with Cruzan rum and sour cherries I picked in Virginia last Summer.

Cold day. Hot fire. #contrast

In 2020, I will have been in my job at the Duke Department of Medicine for 10 years, I will have been a blogger for 20 years, and I will have lived for 50 years. It feels like the year ahead is one to chronicle. More in this blog post.

Big rains and high winds bringing the snakes to high ground. Shot this from #above as I drove up the gravel road to my house.

The hens are out, scratching and pecking. My omelet this morning was simple and good from fresh eggs.

A walk in the woods, a sight through the trees.

Cocktails last night at Cleveland’s Velvet Tango Room, with Erin, her sisters, and husbands while children were at movie downtown. And snow today for a wintry end to 2019.

My brother-in-law convinced me to create an account with Untappd beer app to track the microbrews I drink. I am mistersugar there.

Family day in Cleveland’s University Circle and Little Italy. Walked through this Philip Johnson sculpture on CWRU campus, where I once chatted with the famous architect.

Erin found a single blue egg in the chicken coop this morning, the first from our eight hens.

Just read this Washington Post article that suggests culling the cords that collect at home. That’s what I did at work Friday, and here at home that night. Felt good.

Picking up a growler of Damascus Steel Stout from Craftboro Brewing Depot.

Stopped by Cliff’s Meat Market in Carrboro to get turkey necks, which are roasting in the oven now, soon to be immersed in water for slow cooking overnight, transforming into stock for Thanksgiving gravy.

I don’t spend as much time on the MB Discover tab as I should. There must be a way to look for microbloggers who are artists. I’m looking to hire an artist to illustrate a header image for my Zuiker Chronicles blog. I will be grateful for search tips and referrals.