Not the main spice section, but a smaller one on the other side of the aisle that I hadn't realised had more.

I don't like it when supermarkets try to be helpful and put seasonal stuff in an endcap or different area like that. Because I'm logical and go to the spice aisle when I'm looking for spices.

Penzey's, if you have it, is also an excellent source for all kinds of spices (including ground cloves.) They had two kinds of whole cloves in mine last week! (Also, failing a local location, mail-order.)

One time I was looking for lime juice, and I circled the grocery store twice trying to find it until I thought to check the booze aisle and finally found some with the margarita mixers.

There are so many things I don't have pictures of: the lowriders, skateboarding beagle, skateboarding mom with kid on her hip, the Grinch, the chihuahua with a skull mask (no, really. It was AWESOME!) so many of the fabulous dance/drum troupes that Baltimore seems to have a ton of. Oh, and I missed Laura Lippman cause I was eating fabulous chili.

I'm hearing that its future is uncertain, which would be a tragedy (guy who has been running it for 40 years is retiring or something?) It's so Baltimore. A little nutty, a lot local traditions, some local minor celebs, some international dance troupes from some of the immigrants with communities here (Korean, Bolivian and...crap, Chilean? I think?) Type of parade where the horse pooper scooper gets as many cheers as the little glitter-spangled 5 year old rocking her ass off in the dance line. Love it.

Because I'm logical and go to the spice aisle when I'm looking for spices.

Right?? That should not be crazy.

A four year old boy doesn't give a shit about ribbons on a wrapped present, right? I can't decide if I should bother.

I was going to recommend Penzey's as well. I am currently overly attached to their Mural of Flavor seasoning mix. There's one in Santa Monica.

I have graded 9 papers so far today. Props to DH and the kids for helping to make that happen.

A four year old boy doesn't give a shit about ribbons on a wrapped present, right?

Nope.

That's what I figured. I am now done with my work secret Santa thing! Just need to bring it in tomorrow.

I really don't think I've ever been this on top of Christmas.

I'm eagerly awaiting JZ and Matilda to get home so I can throw this pizza in the oven.

I did it using TJ's pizza dough (so cheap! $1.29) and fresh mozza, and I brushed the crust with olive and minced garlic and basil.

It looks all pretty and it was fun tugging out the dough.

Get home, family! I want to eat my fancy pants pizza.

I once made four hot pockets out of that dough and have them in the freezer, and they are delicious! The end.