(clothing, cooking, morning watch)

[elainegrey]

Good things on Sunday: I raked. I figured out how to tighten up my house shoes so i am not flopping around at the edge of twisting my ankle. That plus the new orthotic insoles should address one source of discomfort. That's good for safety and good for thrift because i had bought expensive house shoes on the theory that quality is worth it... and it turns out it is! Also, in not having fire hazard is good, the Yule tree is on the brush pile in the woods and out of the living room. I will miss its light in the morning, but -- wow -- crispy.

Lunch: the air  fryer is nice in the same way oven roasting is nice that i don't need to try and pay attention to keep things from burning. And the patty turned out pretty nicely. Parchment paper to keep it together before the first flip for the win.

I am tempted to buy a pair of long nose locking pliers to use to lift the racks etc in and out of the instant pot. I can find an inexpensive pair for the same amount as pairs of little tongs specifically for that purpose. I don't understand why there aren't spring closed clamps for the purpose.

Venus and the moon are close together in the waking sky this morning.

Comments

[cmcmck]

We've been wondering about investing in an air fryer.

[elainegrey]

It's been interesting. I just fixed a vegetarian patty in it that had baking, frying, and grilling instructions. My impression is that -- particularly with this Instant Pot version -- there's less lost heat to the room. Maybe it's more efficient that way?

[tamena]

I love the look and comfort of the twinkle lights too - so I got a couple small strings of the LED ones and put them all over my Norfolk Pine in the living room. When I'm feeling like I need to cocoon I turn them on when it's quiet in the house. I think they were like $4.99 a set? They take batteries but they're pretty and I like them
Go for the pliers!! They have so many uses they're worth it =)

[elainegrey]

Our living room is so dark, it would be cruel to a live plant. Maybe i'll buy some of the lit branches that go in flower arrangements.

[tamena]

perfect!! or you could do a faux tree. There still may be leftover christmas trees - the barren ones?
or something like this
https://www.michaels.com/product/bare-birch-branch-by-ashland-10626481?michaelsStore=3755&inv=2

and here's twinkle lights that you can control with a remote and change them for every holiday!!
https://www.amazon.com/Changing-Twinkle-Multicolor-Outdoor-Christmas/dp/B0CGHK2RF5/ref=sr_1_12_sspa?crid=2E65L504E3IBI&keywords=twinkle+LED+lights&qid=1705194846&sprefix=twinkle+led+lights%2Caps%2C161&sr=8-12-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

This could be trouble LOL now I want the twinkle lights because they're remote!

[amaebi]

That dish looks delectable.

[elainegrey]

Definitely an elegant upgrade for leftovers.

[ljgeoff]

I'm something like 700 miles away from home and will be for the next 5 months; I kinda dread coming home to crispiness.

[elainegrey]

Not using the branches to season the mead? *wink*

Perhaps someone else will remember to take it down? Hope you fam stays warm while you are here in balmy NC.