Good Gravy

Irony alert?

I shouldn't be so cynical, but know what? I am.

After a full morning of soccer, we come home for lunch and the Cs turn on Nickelodeon.

Instead of programming, there's a voiceover/graphics announcing it's the network's Worldwide Day of Play.

The voice is encouraging kids to go outside and do something...hit a ball, ride a bike, get off the couch and be active.

After the script, you hear "Nick will be back on at 3 p.m." With none-other than a Spongebob Marathon.

Again, I suppose I should be grateful that the network is trying to encourage kids to be outside. But just a three-hour period? Back in the day my mom would feed me breakfast, push me outside to play with friends, and tell me not to come back until sunset. Today you can't even get a playdate scheduled in 3 hours.

That said, it's really, REALLY nice to NOT hear the television!

Primed for Success

My daily horoscope, courtesy of DailyOM:

Primed For Success
Capricorn Daily Horoscope

"You may feel stronger and more talented than usual today as you contemplate where you are headed, personally and professionally. The positive effects of recent successes or praise are likely still lingering within you, helping you to see yourself as the competent individual you truly are. Though you may still find yourself questioning your choices now and then, it is likely that you have developed a level of confidence that is far greater than anything you have known in the past. Today can be a beautiful day to reflect upon what you hope to achieve in this life because your self-assurance will no doubt help you overcome any fear that might have held you back.

"We ready ourselves to achieve the success we so ardently want by doing all we can to cultivate confidence within ourselves. While it can seem somewhat needlessly self-serving to expend a great deal of effort on the preservation of self-assurance, it is only when we feel good about ourselves that we can fully dedicate ourselves to those goals related to our larger purpose. Overcoming adversity is a simple matter when we are buoyed by our copious belief in our worth and capabilities. All that which might otherwise cause crushing disillusionment within us is banished by our unwillingness to accept failure as an option. However long triumph takes, we continue moving forward because we know we will find our heart's desire. Your competence will blossom into confidence today as you realize that you have what it takes to realize your dreams."

Well, I guess a horoscope probably wouldn't read: "You are going to fail today! Batten the hatches! Stay home!"

Frankly, I agree with my horoscope today, and ones from recent days: I believe I am primed for success.

The last couple years have been rough. I have had my share of adversity. But I believe my life experiences have honed me for my next chapter of greatness. And I am prepared to make good things happen.

When did Oprah get so preachy?

I admit it. I watch Oprah on occasion. I find some of the shows interesting and thought-provoking. I've read several of her book club selections, have read The Secret, looked at Dr. Oz's eating plan, and so on.

But, the show I watched last week, well, she was a little judgmental. And it hasn't been the first time.

The show guests were Fred and Kim Goldman, who tried to tell Oprah why they purchased the rights/are publishing O.J. Simpson's If I Did it book/novel/confession.

Oprah didn't waste any time making her feelings known on the matter, saying more than once she had not/was not reading the book, and she had a moral dilemma about doing the show in the first place.

From Oprah's web site: "Oprah says she also has felt a moral dilemma about If I Did It. "'I had given my word to you two that I would do the show with Denise [Brown]. And then when Denise backed out, I felt that you had kept your word and so that I should keep my word,'" Oprah says to Fred and Kim. "'But it's a moral dilemma for me because I would not have agreed to have done it had the two families not agreed to come on to discuss and debate it. … I am not pretending that this forum, this television show, doesn't sell books. That's what we do, you know? I promote people's books. I don't want to be in the position to promote this book because I, too, think it's despicable. And I feel that we live in a country where people have the right to do whatever they want. I'm not for censorship in any way. I'm all for it being published, but I personally wouldn't want to be in a position to encourage people to buy this book.'"

Then, why have the Goldmans/Denise Brown on in the first place? Especially since you said more than once you would not read the book??!! You just promoted the Hockey-sticks out of the book. You had the segment during the opening week of the season, which is usually highly watched and promoted.

Honestly, the segment with Fred and Kim Goldman was interesting. I got a better understanding as to why they made the decision they did.

I guess what I don't like about Oprah these days is feeling like she force-feeds her opinions down my throat. I'm a pretty intelligent woman, and, I can arrive at my own conclusions on current events, dilemmas, and other life situations. But, so many people do take Oprah's view as The Final Word. 

Oh well, soon enough Oprah will be back to fawning over all her celebrity friends, and I can switch back over to Food Network for my end-of-the-day entertainment.

Catching up ...

I love Sunday mornings.  The pace is not so frenetic, and I find I have moments here and there to catch up. The children are playing, and I'm finding reasons to not fold the laundry.

I receive daily horoscopes from Daily OM, and today's resonated with me more than others:

Being You
Capricorn Daily Horoscope

"You may feel particularly enchanting today as you move between the various spheres of your existence. Because you may be charming all those you come into contact with, you may find yourself wondering what you are doing differently. However, it is likely that the intense appeal you have developed as of late is related to a newfound determination to be yourself while interacting with others. While you may not be able to impress all of the people you meet today, you can make a good impression on those individuals whose values are similar to your own by staying true to what you believe in no matter what.

"We enchant others when we allow them to see the beauty and the grace that exists within us. Accomplishing this is a matter of first being ourselves no matter what the consequences, and then giving the people around us the gift of our authenticity. While it is easy to get caught up in the whims of the crowd, it is in our best interests to follow the guidance of our own hearts and souls because our dedication to our convictions shows others that we are sincere in our intention to live in accordance with our deepest values. This strength and surety will attract the attention of those individuals whose beliefs and opinions are similar to our own. By simply being ourselves, we can make friends and broaden our support networks immeasurably. The qualities you project today will appeal to others, provided you make a concerted effort to live your life by your own rules."

I loved this.

My experiences over the past couple years have shown me that I am happiest when I am true to myself. I don't have to be someone I'm not. I just have to show up and be me. And that's a wonderful thing.

Best fortune ever!

I guess the fortune-cookie writers have developed a sense of humor.

I got take-out Chinese last night, and the fortune in my cookie said:

"You laugh now, wait until you get home."

(I tried to take a picture, but my zoom-lens couldn't zoom close enough, so you will have to trust me on this one!)

An Apple a Day ... but for what price?

Today was a beautiful fall day, so I took the Cs apple picking. It's something we enjoy doing this time of year (although it doesn't seem possible that it's apple picking season already).

We drove up to a farm and orchard we've visited in years past. The Cs were psyched for the hayride out to the orchard, picking and eating an apple (or two! sshhh! We did have Colin with us after all), and watching the baby goats devour dry food from a plastic cup jimmied up a rope.

I walked up to the counter to get our bag. I decided on the large bag, which holds 20 pounds' apples. (I send apples for snack/lunch almost every day, so they don't go to waste.)

"That will be $20," the cashier said.

20 bucks! Holy crap! When did picking apples get so bloody expensive? After all, we're the ones doing all the work! And, it isn't like the process takes all day. I think we filled our bag in 10 minutes.

(The 10-pound bag wasn't much cheaper ... it was $16!)

Don't get me wrong ... I want to support the local farmer. I would prefer to get produce locally than have to go to DeMoula's and take my chances. I purchase quite a bit from my local farm stand (you can't beat its eggs).

But, at what price?

When something as New England as apple picking becomes so pricy it's a stretch for an average Joe to consider, that's a problem.

Perhaps there are less-commercial, more "economical" orchards out there. I'll have to do some research and see what I discover.

On a completely unrelated/totally culinary note: I prepared this salad for dinner. (The Cs had hot dogs; they thought the fennel smelled "gross.") It was good to be back in the kitchen making something other than macaroni and cheese for a change.

My latest cooking favorite ...

How did I not know about her until now?

Nigella Lawson!

She has a delightful program on the Food Network, several cookbooks, her own website, etc.

Over the weekend I borrowed a couple of her cookbooks from the library. I was up most of the night hungry from imagining all the great food! Gingerbread stuffing! Spatchcocked chicken! Chocolate orange cake!

I feel my waistline expanding!

Fall is approaching, which means I will be back in the kitchen. Looks like I'll have a few new recipes to try.