This looks like a lot of fun...

Generally, I do a lot of independent research and self-teaching when it comes to my photography, but I have to admit it might be a nice "refresher" to go to a workshop and consort with other photographers... especially when it comes to business-running tips.  Found out about this one through a friend...

http://ginnycorbettphotography.com/blog/?p=2715

I needed that...

Came home from the chiropractor and grocery store to find my entire hall bathroom flooded and toilet water seeping into my carpet.  With a 17-month-old and at 39 weeks pregnant, I needed that like a hole in the head.  Good thing my handy husband already deals with stuff like this at work.

Kitchen Experimentation

Day #4 of snow... to cope with the cabin fever, I've begun to experiment in the kitchen (in between playing legos and reading books with my toddler).  Made some pretty good soup. I think I'll make some fresh bread to go with it for dinner.

Creamy Potato & Squash Soup

• 8 size "B" red potatoes, diced
• 2 acorn squash, halved & steamed
• 32 oz container chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1 large onion
• 1 Tb minced garlic
• 1 C carrots, chopped
• 1/2 C sour cream
• 1 C sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
• 1/2 C grated parmesan cheese
• 3 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper

In a large pot, steam potatoes and carrots until tender, set aside.  Halve acorn squash and place face-down on a large plate.  Microwave on high for 15 minutes then set aside for a few minutes to cool.  Meanwhile, finely chop the onion and puree in blender with garlic. Pour into large pitcher or bowl and set aside.  Then proceed to puree potatoes and carrots (combine with some of the chicken broth to make blending easier) and pour into pitcher with onion/garlic mix. Once the squash is slightly cooled, scrape seeds into trash and the meat of the squash into the blender with the remaining chicken broth. Puree and combine with other pureed vegetables.  Pour pureed vegetable mixture back into large pot and add remaining ingredients (sour cream, cheddar, parmesan, salt, pepper). Stir on medium heat for 5-10 minutes and then keep on a low heat until served.

Where have all the spoons gone?

My husband is always telling me in the evenings that dishes can wait until morning. Normally I ignore him, but since I'm nine months pregnant and quite miserable, I decided to take his advice... for two nights in a row. When Derek went to look for a spoon, he was quite dismayed to discover they were all dirty and he'd have to wash one for himself. 

"Are you irritated at me now?" I commented to my grumbling spouse.

"Nah... I guess we just need to get more spoons."

Snowed In

This pretty much sums up the last few frigid days in North Texas.