Sunday (Your Saturday!)

I tasted Marmite today, and learned some of the names that New Zealanders call their coffee.

(Marmite is a paste that tastes and looks a lot like Soy Sauce. If you want a cup of coffee, you must ask for a long black, and if you want a double latte you request a “flat white”. My friend inquired, what do you call a single latte?” and the Kiwi we brunched next to said “Thet's jest a lette.” I've been working hard on my Kiwi accent. It's a really tricky one to imitate. So the word that I like to hear New Zealanders say is “Enthusiastic”.)

I arrived yesterday morning and spent the day walking around in the sun, which I believe is why I haven't suffered much jet lag. (I'm knocking wood as I type that. It isn't too late, I hear.) I met my friend Julie at the airport and we headed to her friend's house. This morning, we met with the rest of our group, and they are a smart bunch. We haven't set foot in a school, or begun a single “formal” discussion, but at brunch, I discussed play ground structures, looping and multi-age classrooms and what it means to “do” diversity, multi-cultural or anti-biased curriculum. Whew! We've arrived at the retreat center which will be our home base for the next five days and it's lovely. The place is an old monastary and is still owned by the Anglican church, so the rooms are small but the view is beautiful and humbling. I'm looking forward to dinner and then an early morning tomorrow.

My New Favorite Salad

various Greens.
a precious Tomato
mushrooms
brussel sprouts
raw pumpkin seeds
raw walnuts raw cashews
Sprouts
Lemon Tahini dressing

(Roast the brussels and the cashews until they're brown. Put them on the salad.)

Holy Spring Salad.

Heard in Tenants Harbor ME

Breakfast at Farmer's Restaurant across the street from my grandpa's old house.

Jessy: What kind of veggies are in the veggie omelet?

Waitress: Oh, tomatoes, mushrooms, onions... we don't put anything weird in there. I been waitressin' for years, but one day somebody asked "You don't put OLIVES in yer omelets, do you? I said NO! Ha! Can you imagine!?"

Only in Seattle

I was standing in the produce section in the Ballard Market, which is near the front door. This summer I think they hired a new produce display person because the mountains of vegetables and fruits (often paired with wine or cheese or something) have just blown me away. In any case... there's a pair of blonde brothers, struck senseless with desire. Think about how some kids who suddenly have come across an unexpected chocolate mousse cake, covered in whipped cream and carmel. The boys are probably 7 and 9. They stare at a beautiful array in front of the door. Their fathers hands are full of canvas bags about to burst.

Taller Brother: (moans softly)
Shorter Brother and Taller Brother together: Chantrelles!
Shorter Brother: (begging)Dad! Chantrelles!
Taller Brother: (whining) Dad!
Dad: I know. I see them. I'm sure grandma is bringing some chantrelles. C'mon! Let's go!

For the uninitiated. THIS is the chantrelle.