NAFEX is cool and has a very informative listserv, but I should also put in a plug for a group I'm actually a member of - California Rare Fruit Growers. Despite the name, there are chapters and members in many places.

Ooh, Spidra, thanks. My dad lives in the Oakland hills and has quince trees in his backyard that produce much, much more than he can eat or bake. And I suspect he's not the only one in his neighborhood groaning under an overabundance of perplexing fruit. I'm'a send him that link right now.

Un-mumpsy-ma to Erin.

Okay, I just skipped 300+ posts...

Emily has might have mumps???!!! I just heard about an outbreak in Iowa.

Did I miss anything else? Life around here is quiet - it seems I have nothing to post about these days.

Pictures of the Uke-y Stardust gig...for them what am interested: [link]

Heh. I checked out the Village Harvest site, and one of their drop-off points is JZ Cool Eatery in Menlo Park. I had no idea Chez Zmayhem had diversified their ventures into a cool eatery. Doubtless it's all very retro with a great soundtrack.

The only thing I know about cooking with quince is that they make great jelly. I like doing that, but NSM eating the stuff. Thus I have a jelly collection going back over several seasons.

I believe they're used in making mince. Candied quince is also used in fruitcakes and such. But quince is not something Americans use in great quantity, it's true.

You were performing at the Rite Spot? So cool! I love that place. It's where Hec and I had our first date (or so I'm told -- I didn't realize it was a Date until after we were married).

I also didn't realize I had a cool eatery. I should go give it a look-see sometime.

Also, Spidra, you're truly rocking the WW bodice.

Thanks, JZ! Yeah, this gig was at the Rite Spot. Hee. How romantic to be told it was a first date ex post facto. The gig went very well so the whole cavalcade was booked to play May 26 at Chabot Space Center. How perfect is that? Details here. Link has automatic sound startup despite my having told the prefs I wanted that disabled.

Fay, thanks for posting your update in beep me.

First thing I asked when I heard the news was, "Where is Fay?" I'm glad she checked in.

My hair is now fire engine red (predominately) with some very dark chunks of brown as lowlights around the face. It wants styling, though, so pictures will have to wait until tomorrow. Plus, my face looks like ass and my digital camera catches far too many zits details.

My hair is now fire engine red (predominately) with some very dark chunks of brown as lowlights around the face.