Yesterday, I was out running an errand when I came across an e-cycling event at our local library branch.
We always seem to have a bag of stuff to e-cycle hanging about. It just gets fuller and fuller (seriously, where do all those random cords come from?) until I can't take it hanging in our closet anymore. Then, we have to figure how to squeeze in some errands that include dropping this annoying bag off. Sadly, there is no e-cycle location close to us.
That is why I was so happy to see this event pop-up. I finished my errand, ran home, and grabbed the e-cycle bag. Then all I had to do was walk a block to the truck, thank the people running the event, and I was done. No errand planning. No squeezing something in to an already busy day. No getting more and more annoyed that the cords are somehow multiplying behind my back. Just a quick trip down the street and I was done. This made my day.
What random thing made your week a little bit better?
I’m making good progress in The Rose Code by Kate Quinn. I have to admit that some of the descriptions of the code breaking work is going in one ear and out the other, but the greater plotline is quite interesting. Every now and then, I remember that the heart of this story is true. Bletchley Park was a real thing. It’s amazing what complicated and important work was completed there all while under wartime conditions.
I love a good end-of-year book recommendations list. And NPR's is one of the best. [NPR]
The lure of local in Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. [The Atlantic]
The pecking order at the bird feeder. [WaPo - gift link]
Be curious. [Ivaylo Durmonski]
What to put on your charcuterie board. [Real Simple]
Mmmm... capers. [The Takeout]
Why can't we just enjoy leisure time? [The Atlantic]
Good to know I'm not the only one who can't understand movie dialogue anymore. [Slashfilm]
The power of and rebellion in alphabetical order. [99% Invisible]
The unexpected work from home experiment. [Hidden Brain]
A look at the work of the great Stephen Sondheim. [The Daily]
What it takes to feed a cruise ship. [Business Insider]
I enjoy Hallmark movies because they are cozy and formulaic. I also enjoy that, sometimes, the plot is a real stretch since they make so many of these flicks. The Nine Lives of Christmas was definitely the plot-stretch film of week, but how can you say no to cute kittens? [Hallmark Channel]
We fell back on an easy, old meal this week: grilled cheese and tomato soup. It's quick and tasty, which is what a busy week calls for. The husband introduced me to using milk instead of water to make the soup. It's definitely an improvement. [Campbell's]
We had some pickled red onions leftover in our fridge. I thought a good way to use them up would be to make these chorizo and corn tacos. I served them with black beans that were simmered with cumin, salt, and pepper on the side. Next time, I might try canned fire roasted corn instead of frozen. (The pickled onions made an excellent topping.) [WaPo Voraciously - gift link]
One of my favorite things in December is The Atlantic’s Hubble Advent Calendar. This simple page posts a new image from the Hubble Space Telescope every day until Christmas. Some pictures you’ve seen before, others are new, but they are all beautiful.
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Working on all my lists for the things I need to buy and work that needs to get done before the year ends.