Because I didn’t do a road trip yesterday, though I did get my bike ride, I was home for dinner. Instead of eating leftovers I made another Barbsagna using up a lot of pantry staples. I also did something out of character, opening a bottle of red wine and had some with dinner.
Talk of muffuletta earlier in the week has gotten me in the mood for New Orleans fare. I’m researching gumbo, and tomorrow will be my first gumbo creation in about 25 years.
Wordle: two, my starter was ENTRY
Continuing this week’s inadvertent “Project Week” theme, I will introduce another project which has gotten underway; this one is an art project… I have long been fascinated by inscriptions in books, as well as the words which are written on postcards. I have accumulated a small collection of both – books and postcards- and am trying to figure out how to photograph the items with their words transcribed.
As of publication I’m using the last of our “unseasonably” warm January weather (at least for now) to go out for a road trip / long bike ride. I am waffling on this however.
Wordle: three, my starter was RISKY
In my now ongoing effort to cook from my physical cookbooks I made waffles Sunday morning using the overnight waffle recipe in Shirley Corriher’s book “Cookwide”. For me it was too buttery/oily, but I won’t write it off just yet.
After a long, fun, and productive day away — including lunch with Barb and Allan, followed by meeting Sal and Allan at Schoolhouse Brewing — I returned home in time for dinner. After dinner I started watching tv, and it was if my batteries died as I crashed hard and accomplished nothing else for the remainder of the night. Of course when it was then time to go to bed, I was not tired…
Wordle: three, my starter was COUGH
Last night’s “Beefy Noodle Skillet” from “Ramen Noodle Recipes” didn’t look like much, but tasted okay. It was a lot like Spaghetti-Os with broken ramen noodles playing the role of the Os.
I’m working on a project, admittedly one that will make no money. The project, is to watch all of the episodes of True South which have been broadcast, and note down each song and restaurant/bar/market referenced. In addition to compiling a list, I intend to make an Apple Music playlist for each episode, as well as pin each business in Google Maps. There is already a True South song playlist on Spotify, but I don’t know if it’s complete, and I am no longer a Spotify user. I am also conflicted that I am using Google Maps instead of Apple Maps, but must admit that Google Maps is still superior.
Wordle: three, my starter was WAGER
Yesterday was a perfect day to get out for a bicycle ride. I wish that I had done so…
To honor the birth of ITP-Reader Steve, I’m going to get my eyes checked this afternoon.
Tonight’s Money Night Cookbook Recipe will be “Beefy Noodle Skillet” from “Ramen Noodle Recipes”.
Wordle: FAIL, my starter was ENTRY.
I’m working my way through a rewatch of “Get Back” the Beatles documentary. I have a few more series to get through on Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ before I cancel them at the beginning of February. Sadly this also means I will lose the Bundesliga (German soccer) but it will be nice to reclaim $25/month.
Yesterday afternoon I cooked a pot of collard greens, with guidance from a video I saw on YouTube. Last night I started perusing the physical cookbooks in my possession, and have found three which address this southern staple; I sense an ongoing project here, especially if I can harvest them from WLF.
Today’s Strands theme all but steals the title of my longest running art project “Home Was Where The Hearth Is”!
Wordle: six, my starter was RISKY
Happy New Year!
Being old and solitary, I just about forgot that last night was a time for celebration. Of course I was at home alone, and in bed before midnight.
I miss Cheddarhead…
I have had a rough few years, mentally, physically, and fiscally. The latter will continue to occur until I either find a source of decent income, or make a dramatic lifestyle change.
That being said, what has become apparent is that I have an amazing group of friends, who humble me constantly with their generosity and good will.
I am selecting a theme for this year, and it is “Resurrection”.
No, I’m not Jesus.
No, I’m not returning to hashing.
Here’s to all of you! May 2026 be healthy and happy.
Cheers,
Paulie
Oh yeah…
Wordle: three, my starter was USAGE
New Year’s Eve 2025: one down, (hopefully no more than) three to go…
Was 2025 a good year for me? Not really, though that’s not to say that there weren’t some highlights:
– BRAG Spring Tune Up, and BRAG were both filled with good bike riding and a lot of laughs.
– While I was unprepared for the NC Mountain Ride I really had a really good time doing it.
– Vancouver was an incredible trip, and it was great to see my old friend Tamara again.
– Wee Little Farm continues to be a rewarding experience.
I’ll keep the longer list of negatives to myself.
For my last meal of 2025 I am making a pizza at home, using the dough I prepared last night.
Will 2026 be a good year for me? Hopefully. I have many things planned, to be revealed as needed.
Wordle: four, my starter was YODEL
As if more proof was needed to say that people aren’t drinking as much these days, I received an email yesterday from Atlanta Wine Festivals canceling their New Year’s Eve festivities due to poor ticket sales. Of course, it could have been way overpriced as well…
Last night’s jambalaya dinner was a success, though that was not a surprise.
Wordle: four, my starter was ENTRY
Although my love of British television has spoiled, or “spoilt” at the Brits would say, the ending for me, I’m watching The Celebrity Traitors on Peacock while I ride the bike trainer.
Instead of trying a new recipe tonight, I’m resurrecting something I’ve made many times — “Andouille and Chicken Jambalaya” from “Louisiana Real & Rustic” by Emeril Lagasse.
Wordle: four, my starter was COUPE
