Once again I've neglected my blog. The days seem to stream by in such rapid succession I barely have time to get the necessities taken care of - like grocery shopping, a little exercise now and then, answering emails and other messages. It's good to be busy, and I have no problem finding things to do. I was concerned about that during the holidays, so I found a picture puzzle on line - it's a beautiful photo of gardens and unicorns. Yes, it really appealed to me! There are only 300 pieces, but I swear they are all cut in exactly the same configuration so the only way I know where they go together is by matching design and color. But whoever designed this one was very clever and colors are sooooo similar, and designs repeated in flowers, water, earth, sky and even horsehair (!) I'm have a really hard time getting it right. I have used all of the red-flowered bush pieces, but I'm left with gaping holes where there should be more. So then I must go back and take out suspicious pieces and find a more suitable location. I hope I'll get it right eventually, and I only work on it a few minutes in the evening, usually, or sometimes after my lunch, while I'm watching news on television. It's a good distraction as lawmakers or breakers (hard to tell which these days) drone on and reporters question guests who are supposedly authorities on some subject or other. There are many times when I really believe nobody really knows what's going to happen a day, a week or longer into the future, or what to do when whatever happens happens. Nobody seems capable anymore. I have to believe the capable people are all keeping a low profile, and that probably makes them the really intelligent ones, as well. With some exceptions - like in our own state. I think Vermonters are doing pretty darned well, especially our governor. We may not be getting everything perfect, but we are head and shoulders above the rest of the nation in so many ways. Like someone said to me the other day, "Everyone wants to live in Vermont - and so do I!" It was about properties selling like hotcakes here at the moment.

I should have let everyone know about Sophie Conners celebrating her 105th birthday yesterday - she is Joanne Stewart's mom and a very lovely person who many here at Joe's Pond know. Sophie spends time with Joanne and Jamie, both here and when they go to Florida; however, this year everyone has remained in Vermont for safety's sake. Joanne said WCAX was going to mention Sophie's birthday yesterday, but I missed it, and although I did a search this morning, I didn't find anything. I was hoping to put a link on. I hope she had a very nice birthday with her family - it's difficult these days to make those kinds of plans.

I had tripe for supper last night. It was just as good as I remembered. I say that because Fred didn't care for it and I simply never bothered to cook it just for myself, so it had been a long time since I'd had it and I wasn't even sure it would be as good as I remembered. It was. I know lots of people freshen the tripe before the cook it, i.e., boil it for 15 minutes or so and then rinse with clear water - but the tripe we buy in stores here in New England has been cleaned and pickled in vinegar and salt brine so it is tender and ready to cook. I happen to like the briny taste, so all I do is dip in egg and seasoned flour and fry pieces in butter and olive oil until light brown and crisp. Really good, and took me back to my childhood. I saved a couple good sized pieces in the freezer for another time. Paired with a few french fries and a side of green beans with almonds, it made a great meal. Did I mention white wine is a great addition? For drinking, not so much for cooking, although now that I think about it, that might be fun to experiment with . . . ! 

Have a great day, stay safe and healthy, and think positive thoughts whenever possible.