Playing Squash

I don’t think I’d ever heard of the game of squash prior to moving to England. Growing up we were a tennis family and although I do think my dad may have gone out for the occasional racquet ball game, squash, the sport, just wasn’t in our experience.

Tammy’s Top Ten (t3 report) Ways to Influence Good Health Habits

It’s no secret. I’m battling extra pounds. No, I haven’t hit the obese rating on any chart but I am squeezing into once comfortable clothes and struggling against the scales. Age is not making it any easier.

Nemesis

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Independents Week

Sure. You’re thinking I can’t spell and perhaps that does happen on occasion but not today. This 4th of July week is not only symbolic of our nation’s freedom but it’s a time for all Americans to celebrate the importance of our economic democracy by honoring the locally owned independent businesses.

My Mantra

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One More for the Cuke

Temperatures have hit 110 degrees fahrenheit consistently all week. I slug home from the office, kick off my shoes, pull my hair back, and change into lighter clothes. The AC blasts a cool reprieve. So does the cucumber.

Cucumber Smoothie

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Summer Solstice

It is the time of year when the sun’s rays are directly overhead at 23.5 degrees North of the equator providing the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and a signal that summer has begun. Gardens are blooming. School’s out. Turn on the sprinklers. Eat a popsicle.

Taking the Cake

Think of this as a who dunnit or perhaps who didn’t do it.

Upside Down Apricot Strawberry

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What’s Tomater with You?

I suppose there are jobs where tomato growing prowess is prized. I’m not sure what they are. Perhaps in a greenhouse or at a restaurant with a good farm to table chef or as a farm worker. Unfortunately, I don’t have this skill or at least I haven’t yet developed it. So, it’s a good thing that it isn’t a job requirement where I work. In fact, in all my years of hiring, I’ve never asked about one’s ability to grow tomatoes. Despite this void in my work life, I was completely delighted when someone in our office asked me this question:

Do you grow tomatoes and other important interview questions

Do you grow tomatoes and other important interview questions

“Would you like some homegrown tomatoes?” (more…)

Paleo Politics and Free Speech

I’ve been contemplating the idea of sending out a weekly post with links to articles of interest. Specifically, I’ve been watching the US farm bill, some emerging issues in African agricultural microfinance and then this: Can the government throw you in jail for offering advice on the Internet about what food people should buy at the grocery store? Seriously?

Dashing off to get a Turkey Leg

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Tammy’s Top Ten (t3 report) Kitchen Tools

Our kitchen setup is quite traditional. We have a beautiful Dacor range that we installed several years ago when we bought our home, a respectable stretch of concrete countertops where stains and acidic rings indicate frequent use, and a few other high-tech pieces that I’ve grown to love. In past posts, I’ve introduced you to Alex and you know that I rely on our Vitamix daily. Still, there is a short list of rather low-tech items that I’ve come to depend on and find useful everyday.

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Tibicos aren’t Typical

Ever wonder who was first? I do. The Colorado River Toad lives in our part of the world and is said to produce a chemical that belongs to the family of hallucinogenic tryptamines. These substances, present in the toad’s skin and venom, produce psychoactive effects when smoked or when one licks the back of the toad.

A Couple of Years ago after the Rain

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