Life in the Desert

According to several bird behavior guides, this California Brown Pelican should not be in this pose. In fact, Pelecanus occidentalis californicus is distinctive because it does not fish from the surface, but dives from the air. This was one confused and entertaining bird.

(11.27.09) Spines

Actually, I'm not sure if these qualify as spines or thorns. I am fairly certain that they are not prickles.

This picture was taken in the gardens at the Getty Museum, which I visited with Gael and Sherry. More photos to come on Flickr.

(11.26.09) A Jewish Thanksgiving

Yes, I've been with this many Jews before.

But the Yiddish translations are helpful

While we talk about Gleeks and turkey jokes.

And this somber moment brought to you by cancer.

It is the old Seder crowd.

Plus me, the Gentile Christian.

That is why tonight is different from other nights.

And it is Thanksgiving, La'chaim!

(11.25.09) Candlelight

Yes, its blurry (next time I'll use a tripod), but I'm going for composition and light here.

(11.24.09) Cheese

Shortly before I arrived in Nevada, my friend Sara shared some of her homemade cheese and later her cheese making supplies with me. Today, I finally delved into the world of cheese making. It would be an understatement to say that I had a blast. Who knew that watching milk curdle could be so much fun? Although my first attempt at homemade mozarella wasn't exactly tasty, the joy I received from the experiment made it worthwhile. It is palatable when combined with basil and tomato on toast.

(11.23.09) Childlike Faith

Maybe a little slobber is the secret.

(11.22.09) Wearable Art

My friend Elizabeth crocheted the dress I'm wearing below. Here's a shoutout to all the artists out there who make wearable art.

Her son, Captain Viper, is one of the highlights of my life.

(11.21.09) Chicago

(11.20.09) Sisters

We had a delightful weekend together.

Visit here for more photos.

(11.19.09) A Meeting of the I-Hate-My-Pancreas Club

8:04 PM Club members embarked on the journey to Cookie Dough Creations.

8:39 PM Arrival at site. New territory was covered by parallel parking rather than parking next to Walgreens.

8:43 PM N makes his decision: Chocolate French Silk ice cream and brown sugar cookie dough.

8:45 PM S makes her decision: Espresso almond fudge ice cream and fudge brownie dough.

8:48 PM R makes his decision: Zanzibar chocolate ice cream and turtle cookie dough.

8:52 PM S and N barricade R in the bathroom to recreate "the good old times".

8:56 PM N inhales his dessert, delivering the final punch to his pancreas.

9:00 PM S follows suit. There is much rejoicing.

9:03 PM The photo shoot commences.

9:08 PM Club members exit the premises.

9:10 PM R finishes his dessert.

9:12 PM Members return to Wheaton. The meeting is declared a success. The future date of the next meeting is wistfully discussed. It is acknowledged that R and occasionally N will return to CDC during the interim.

9:31 PM Meeting adjourned.

(11.18.09) Pumpkins, Coffee, and Friends

I have returned to the land of crisp fall days, delicious cups of coffee, cozy scarves, and old friends. Magic is in the air.

(11.17.09) Stilts

We are dismantling a barbed wire fence as we put in our ultra-classy steel post fence. As you can see above, the old fence posts are being re-purposed. Want one (or two) for Christmas?

(11.16.09) Avian Gangs

Every afternoon the neighborhood red-tailed hawk and two crows have it out in a territorial feud that will have no clear winner, as far as we can tell.

(11.15.09) Cool Factor X

(11.14.09) Trains

Our education time this week was devoted to exploring the Southern Nevada Railroad Museum. Unlike the Railroad Museum in Kenya, however, we could neither climb on the display trains nor have the opportunity to derail a handcar.

(11.12.09) On Being Carrie Fisher

I think there are two sides of me:

Adventurer and Darth Barbie

They both have accuracy and merit.

For every face, a coat to wear it.

'Tween pink or blue, just make your choice,

With e'ry shade a different voice.

If Carrie were around to see

She'd likely scorn the Darth Barbie.

Yet, I squirm to let Pink loose

For fear of impending abuse.

(11.11.09) Cutting Rebar

One component of our fence is a 6 inch piece of rebar placed at the bottom of each post.

(11.10.09) Love

Love was a little scarce today. In the midst of heat, poor communication, and equipment delays I had plenty of time to ponder my frustrations with certain crew members. I resolved to choose love, and I made small hearts with rocks to remind myself that out of the barren the loving interaction can be formed.

(11.9.09) The Joy of Cooking

One of my favorite parts of my final two years of college was cooking for friends. Although I enjoyed the weekly meal that I would cobble together for my roommates, my true joy was the spontaneous decision to make banana bread or cookies or some other non-essential victual. I have missed having a crowd around to cook for and I wish that a few of you could stop by for a baking session.

Last night I was able to recreate the effect as much as is possible. During a phone conversation, my friend watched the Cowboys game and I made banana bread and applesauce. It was quite an enjoyable experience. Today, I am off to share my goodies with my crew. Food is definitely best when shared. It is the ultimate community art.

If you want to try long distance cooking, just let me know.