Theodosia, so sorry I missed seeing your post earlier. I was off running massive errands today and have appointments all day tomorrow.

I definitely have the inclination but, sadly, not any free time until Wednesday. Yikes. It would have been great to get a chance to catch up too.

I'll send no-rain-tomorrow~ma county-wide though so hopefully you can safari...

Are you in San Diego often for work or was this a one-off?

metal bowls chill better

Metal bowls chill faster, but they also warm up faster, because metal is a good conductor of heat. Glass or ceramic will stay cold longer once you take them out of the fridge. Of course, you could also float the cold metal bowl in a larger bowl full of ice water to keep it very cold for a very long time while working.

Speaking of kitchenware, I bought a new 3 qt. saucepan last night, complete with nonstick coating and glass lid. The old one goes in teh dumpster trash day, as a tragic soup accident finally gave me the impetus to get rid of it.

Also, the artichoke parmesan soup mix I'd waited literally years for a local store to carry again was so not worth the wait.

Had dinner with an old friend. She had been painfully skinny as long as I have known hers. Has finally gained some weight and is looking really, really good.

And I did not tell her so, because I'm not sure "You've gained some weight haven't you? Lookin good." would be taken as a compliment.

Just "lookin good" would do.

Well, that I did say. But it is a shame; because if someone loses weight, it is ok to compliment them on the specific fact, but if they gain weight, that is often taken as a bad thing, even if it is good for both looks and health.

Eh, guys are safe. I had many people compliment me on gaining weight back after college, when I was merely filling out a previously scarecrow-like frame rather than overshooting into fatassitude.

I think complimenting on weight loss is weird, too. Especially because so many people lose weight due to illness or whatever.

Edit: I mean, I've had a lot of people JUST say "You've lost so much weight!" like that by itself is complimentary. But "You look great" is always appreciated.

I mean, I've had a lot of people JUST say "You've lost so much weight!" like that by itself is complimentary. But "You look great" is always appreciated.

This. I'll always appreciate a "You look great." Specific weight comments will frequently hit me a bit weirdly.

Specific weight comments will frequently hit me a bit weirdly.

Yeah, me too. I've never managed to gain or lose significant weight on purpose, yet people will comment cheerily on shifts.