eggplant plus

Tofu Robot loves eggplant.

And we love Uwajimaya for the rice noodles, smoked tofu, lychee ice cream, tea cup collection, and Kinokuniya Bookstore. Here, we found the books for Ukiah's Japanese class and the t-shirt for Brad's birthday.


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In unrelated news, I have a special appreciation for the state patrol officer who last week assured me that it was fine to ignore the "park closed" sign. We'd driven an hour plus, into the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, only to find a rope denying access to the Hyak snow park. An unexpected complication for the dozen of us who meticulously checked avalanche reports, chain requirements and hot chocolate availability before heading out for a day of sledding.

"You won't ticket us?" I asked.
"I won't. Doesn't make sense that it's closed," he answered, pulling the shovel from his trunk.

He went to help dig out an suv and we found parking in a lot maintained to suit the skills and tires of us city folk.

beer of the day

Brad and I found ourselves with a rare moment alone together and opted for conversation over a beer. Or two. And because it appears I'm unable to find time for a meaningful post, let me comment on the greatness of Big Time's Lift Ticket winter brew. Of course you could appreciate the amber goodness on site at the brewery but that brings you uncomfortably close to the jock/frat boy element that dominates the U-district. Rather, we suggest the Fiddler's Inn, where seasonal brews are advertised on a handwritten list delivered to your small, not too sticky table. It's a working man's bar; decent menu, heavy wooden seats, muted sports on screen behind the bar, and a waitress who may or may not be interested in serving you. If only it were walking distance.
Further inspiration for advancing the homebrew efforts...

pen pal

Make that 8 teeth MIA.

"Tooth Fairy
Only the tooth fairy may open this. If you are not the tooth fairy, DO NOT OPEN!"

It was left on my pillow, where after she turns the heat down and brushes her full set of teeth, Aslin's fairy, my alter ego, lies reading until she falls asleep.

"Dear Tooth Fairy,
I was hoping to get a good amount of money. The pain I got from that tooth was unbearable. I know you're not rich and you might think I'm being greedy, but that tooth was horrible. And now I'm missing 8 teeth. I can't chew much, so I need some extra credit this time. All I'm trying to say is that tooth hurt ALOT and I would like more than I usually get."

A stick-figure head, wide-mouthed and one-toothed, looks towards a speech bubble. "Please..."

website of the day

For Lucy Pringle, it's all about the crop circles.

Including Hello Kitty.

"hey tooth fairy!

Don't forget to come see me tonight. Please!!!
Thank you so much Miss Fairy.
<3
Aslin"

The note showed up on my dresser about a month ago, after the tooth fairy stood Aslin up for the second night in a row. It was still there last night, joining forces with Aslin's 10pm question, "Do you think the tooth fairy will be too busy tonight?" and her 10:30 showing of the tooth at tuck-in time.

Thankfully, the fairy on call had no contractual disputes and arrived, cash in hand, to buy the 7th tooth Aslin had lost in the past 4 months.

before the sun sets

go look at the mountains. It's a striking view east from 19th avenue. Clear impressions of rock and snow meeting all along the range.

Less clear? Why I ever agreed to work weekends.

lemon meringue soda

Thanks to Mark, Ukiah and Aslin can argue the essence of Jones Soda's Christmas tree flavor.

Ukiah- "It tastes exactly like a Christmas tree."
Aslin- "Tree. Plain. Old. Tree."
Ukiah- "No, it's dirt and pine."
Aslin- "Just tree. Bark with some leaf."
and on and on and on

Common ground in a sample from the dessert pack...

Aslin- "I think the lemon meringue pie is pretty good."
Ukiah- "Yeah, lemon-y, not too sweet. Good."

cheers!

Ukiah and I fell asleep on couch before 11, he exhausted by coughing, me drowsy after half Gale's Christmas Ale. DDR continued and apparently a new song was unlocked. I woke to watch the stuttering of Space Needle fireworks and am sure an effort was made, but don't remember what we toasted. The night ended with Dawn's intellectual and pragmatic dissection of Brad's and my decade old debate- what is butt rock? Share your opinion below or here (note- #7 is entirely wrong.)

After lentils for prosperity and the lighting of the Buddha, we at the owlhouse raised glasses of sparkling cider.
TO- monkeys; peace, love and understanding; Will Smith; inspiration and action; Bruce Springsteen; moving forward; smart people; hard work and fun; and you.

Our love and wishes for the new year.

that's not "church"

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