hmm, I am fairly committed to using my crock for them since I know I've done it successfully before. I am using old beans which I know is an issue. Some of what I read suggested adding the salt til the end, especially with old beans that take longer to hydrate. I've just put them on low again and will let them go all day of needed.

Kat, are you feeling any better?

Veiled drama at breakfast. But breakfast was tasty. Still, my sister can't be surprised people don't know she's dressed for the funeral if she's wearing khaki. It's hardly traditional. They made her go shoeshopping and it pissed her off.

It's six degrees out. There are little puddles on the windowsills from water that's condensing on the cold windows.

good morning all. My niece had a friend sleep over, and Franny is feeling very much the big girl having been included in a 9 yo sleep over.

Did you take anything for your aches, Kat?

For my grandparents funerals, the saving grace that made it a good thing were the babies and toddlers who didn't get it and didn't like seeing people sad. So they acted up. And we all started laughing uncontrollably.

I'm pretty sure I shared this before, but my father was a very funny man. My sister's eulogy, as was only fitting, had many jokes in it and everyone was laughing as well as crying.

Who made her go shoeshopping? Aunts etc or Mom?

I took some advil, which of course upset my stomach. Ah well. I'm feeling somewhat better, thanks for asking.

I'm debating yoga this afternoon. Will it make me feel better or worse?

I often find a good stretch when I'm feeling tight makes me feel better, Kat. As long as you don't overdo it.

We are contemplating shopping this afternoon. I need new work shoes, and my sister is a total enabler.

I am off to the grocery store, library (to donate books), and PO. Leaving mac at home alone, we have been testing this out a little bit over the last few months.

He's watching the truly awful old Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. I love how you can reach back years and years for kid entertainment and at this age, they never complain about how bad animation or special effects are.

success! More stuff out of the house and now to make some spiced butter so I can cook up the Ethiopian food, or at least make a bold attempt.

AND the beans are finally done.

How'd you do the beans msbelle?

I boiled for 2 min. on the stove in water only, then let soak in the same water for a few hours. Then rinsed and put in the crock with more water (I put in too much), garlic, salt, pepper, some hot sauce, a couple strips of turkey bacon and a can of tomato sauce. I cooked on low overnight, turned off around 6am, then turned back on around 10am on low again for 2 - 2.5 more hours. I think whole or crushed tomatoes would have been better, but I am using up canned goods I have. a bay leaf or two probably wouldn't have hurt. I should have just let it cook more initially, but was afraid of bean mush. I spooned out quite a bit of the liquid when I got out the beans, enough to cover them in the plastic container - otherwise I know they taste dry and heavy when I eat them rice, still I probably has 2+ cups of liquid in the crock, way too much. It's cause I cook messy and don't consult things ahead of time.