I am going off topic to let all and sundry know that "Rice in a Tube" and all giving of shit to Sean thereof should cease.

Why?

Because Joe and I had dinner at Sean and S' on Christmas Eve and holy fuck, can Sean cook! He made goat cheese and fig quesadillas that were so fucking good, I almost needed new pants.

The homemade salsa's and guacamole were awesome. The mole (yes - that's mole) was amazing (even if there was too much for the saucepan) and, well, it was all just amazing. Ooooh! The shrimp salad served on endive leaves? Well, I pretty much ate the whole plate. Seriously.

Just wanted to let everyone know.

Back to your regularly scheduled skating talk.

We had several inches of snow before thanksgiving, then a cold snap, then it all melted and we are essentially snowless since, with temps in the 30's and 40's for highs. Some 50's a few days ago.

Not right for Minnesota, but it's helping Andi this year.

It's 39 right now.

They don't get anywhere near as much snow in the Adirondacks as they did when I was a kid. Can't even depend on a white Christmas. Wrong really. The town where my sister works has a webcam, and it is snowing right now! [link]

Because Joe and I had dinner at Sean and S' on Christmas Eve and holy fuck, can Sean cook! He made goat cheese and fig quesadillas that were so fucking good, I almost needed new pants.

Right on, Sean! It's been clear for a while that you've been building your culinary skills (under S's influence?) and it's good to hear you've mastered such tasty treats.

I have heat!

I've turned up the heaters to get the apartment to a good temperature.

Downside: still have holes in the floors which means that I am also heating the basement.

Aw, shucks, Aims.

I'm slowly learning to cook. I have a couple of items under my belt now.

And I will get you those recipes. I'm getting ready to run out the door, but I will try to send them later tonight. Be warned though, the shrimp and endive thing was given to S as just a list of ingredients. I can have her tell you how she threw them together and in what proportions, but that recipe is a little more seat-of-the-pants than the fig and goat cheese quesedillas.

Fairbanks cam

26 below. So glad I didn't go up there for Christmas.

under S's influence?

Oh yes. That, and she got me hooked on Top Chef, Good Eats (actually that one was a collective effort with the Buffistas), and Rachel Ray. I was already in to Iron Chef, and recently started watching Iron Chef America, and have now turned into a Mario Batali fanboy as well.

They all make the cooking look so easy, but I am terrible at multitasking and my first couple of times with any given recipe is a little stressful for everyone involved.

He made goat cheese and fig quesadillas that were so fucking good, I almost needed new pants.

Maybe Sean could try it with bleu cheese?

t runs away from now-forbidden-mold-joke

I love to ice skate. I should organize a skating night this winter. There's a small rink near my house.

Because they last for years and years and are hella comfy (if you have the right foot shape). They are worth the investment, IMB(oots)O.

I've owned a pair since 1994. I wore them daily when backpacking through Europe, so walking several miles per day. I wear them hiking (albeit not very often) and anytime that I know that I'm going to be on my feet for while, because they are so damn comfy. Haven't worn them so much in the last 5 years or so, but that's a function of lifestyle, not the shoe.

Why are Docs so spendy?

oh, try Nordstrom rack. I picked up my three hole ones there.

and I have to share an annoyance. I just bought a very cute tuxedo jacket and little flippy skirt (on sale!) However, the jacket was really wrinkled, like can't wear it wrinkled. I asked if they had another in the back. they replied "that comes in a box, they're all like that, you'll have to steam it" I'LL have to steam it? the fuck? I was very tempted to leave it, but it was a damn good deal. I hate it when my cheapness overrides my desire for good service.