In between the gray skies in my area and the political news, I really want a chicken pot pie.

Speaking of which, feast your eyes on this baby: [link]

Billytea, I'm sorry your MIL had a fall and broke her arm. I hope she heals quickly.

Seska, that's really terrible. REALLY terrible. Have you considered going to the press with it? Because if they're endangering your life like that, it's something that needs to be brought to light.

Where is that, Plei? I'm distrustful because she seemed hard to pin down and kept insisting she had to show me in person. Um, just freaking tell me, lady. But it might be some of that passive-aggressive NW stuff, where I'm like "just say it" and they want to beat around the bush.

Today is a spectacularly gorgeous day and my sister is visiting, so we're going to go play tourist.

meara, that sounds like a monumental pain in the ass--sorry that architect woman is being so evasive.

[link] pop the address in and it should give you the permit info.

Steph, it occurs to me that you could probably make a pretty damn delicious gluten-free waffle batter. My usual gripe with gluten-free bread and cake batters is that they taste great the first day, but don't last. But waffles you pretty much eat warm and delicious right off the waffle iron. Yum!

I know rice flour makes a good pancake.

Clearly, the gluten-free pizza that my co-worker loves should make it to your side of the pond.

Ooh, it should. There's a 'free from' range in the local supermarket which includes pizza bases, but they're corn based and not very nice.

Have you considered going to the press with it? Because if they're endangering your life like that, it's something that needs to be brought to light.

Well, I went and complained as soon as it happened, and they claim there are procedures that I haven't followed (I'd argue that they haven't communicated them to me, but there you go) with regards to making contact with a departmental fire rep and organising an evacuation plan. So I'm not sure I'd get far there. It's the principle of how little support I'm getting that's irritating me. I feel like refusing to come in until I have support workers. Alas, I don't think anyone would notice but me!

And with that, the postgraduate research students are going out for dinner, so I am off to wander the streets of Derby till I find the restaurant. Food!

Steph, it occurs to me that you could probably make a pretty damn delicious gluten-free waffle batter.

Oh, totally. I have a really good mix, actually. But I'm at work and went out to lunch, and unfortunately, no place around here makes a gluten-free waffle.

Had to hold back from commenting on a post that made light of people who are upset at the election results (esp the likely coming gridlock in Congress). The guy has a 6 figure salary and has thus likely been pretty insulated from the worst of this economic downturn. I really hate how people in that bubble act like if it's not bad for them, it's not bad for anyone.

Seska, what a PITA. How can you follow policies you don't know about? I know you already know, but document document document. Keep a journal of all your requests and what you find out when and how. Does the university have an ombudsman or mediation department?

The Fresh Makers are off getting a house tour and it is blissfully quiet. Ahhh... We did lose one yesterday, he left town. He was my biggest PITA, so I feel sad and a little relieved. Nothing I could do, though.