Pistachio Mixer

Thou shalt not covet thy friend's Kitchen Aid mixer even though it is in the heavenly shade of pistachio. Devil on my shoulder: But you need this mixer as it will makes your cakes lighter and give them a more seductive texture and they will taste devilishly good. Angel on my shoulder:You don't have enough counter space and you have a hand mixer that works. The mixer works well and you receive compliments about your cakes and it is indeed the imperfections that make your baking divine. Devil on my shoulder: You break hand mixers. Angel on my shoulder: I got nothing.

#feelingloved

Fantastic day with my friends Mindy and Laura today. Mindy, writer, musician, caring and insightful lady, fighter for women's rights and a sharp wit. Laura my EPA friend who will single-handedly save the environment and make everything sustainable and will do with with compassion and style. We were the musketeers and we were invincible; all we needed was a swishing of capes and swashbuckling sound- a slapped thigh perhaps? I doubt a cape would have helped but we would have accessorized accordingly. We were architectural critics; shocked as to why anyone would place a circular staircase in the semi-circular floor-to-ceiling window when the view onto hills would have been preferable. The staircase was gorgeous but not the focal point. I love being able to cast judgment on such work and know that no-one will know nor care and I have not added to the budget. I have made fantastic suggestions and I can be safe in the knowledge that I am right. We lunched as only ladies can; a tasty lamb salad (medium-rare), short-rib pappardelle and mushroom pizza. We discussed menopause and its onset, hot flushes, children, men and laughed and giggled like girls. Red wine, conversation and laughter flowed like it should and chocolate cake magically appeared; does life get better? I just felt so loved today. Thank you. Must dash the cat has climbed into a paper bag and has manage to get the handle around his neck- I need that cape about now, please.

Good intentions

I must write something each day no matter how banal. Repeat. I must write something each day no matter how banal but today, I leave you with this. The US and Somalia have yet to ratify article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) which states" "Children have the right to relax and play, and to join in a wide range of cultural, artistic and other recreational activities." Sign the damn thing, please.