Great class, a treat, RB&R

This morning's Canning Class at Twins Ace Hardware was terrific. Thank you to everyone who came out- it was wonderful to see some familiar faces and to meet new folks too. One attendee, who I've met three times now I believe, was at my cranberry sauce class last fall and let me know that she's already made her first batch for her family this year. They love it! I was so thrilled to think about Nanny's memory being passed around and shared in this way. Thanks also to Twins for hosting another great event. I had a ball and love my new apron; thanks, guys!!!

Since getting home, I've been working on a batch of red beans and rice, dosing more medicine to Ol (poor guy is still sick; strep test negative; ugh!) and happily spying my husband for the first time in days. We've been ships in the night lately, and I miss him. Date night tonight!

Did y'all read Gail Collins' Op-Ed in today's NYT? This paragraph is priceless. Priceless!!! I read it hours ago, and I still dissolve into giggles each time I scan it anew.

Fab farro salad!

In all seriousness, I'm not sure I've had this hectic of a day in some time. And coming from me, that's saying a lot. It started at 7:30a -still dark out!- with a fantastic presentation at the kids' school. Now it's 8:17p, and it's all kinda blurry. Not least cuz I've had two glasses of wine. And the gov shut down. And all that jazz. I will say that it's true that cats LOVE catnip -sweet Jesus is that true- and that I created a fabulous farro salad to go alongside our grilled chicken this evening. Y'all, seriously, this is delicious. Farro, roasted golden beets, feta, maple-glazed pecans, chive-sage oil... Bene, bene. I'll post the recipe tonight.

Thank you for the wonderful response to Cinderello, by the way. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your many notes of support and heck-yeahs!

The government

Shut down. Again.

The Republicans are pitiful. Ted Cruz is just insane. Truly, there are not enough words to describe his selfish, narcissistic misdirection.

Michele Bachmann is "giddy" and said “I think the reason is because President Obama can’t wait to get Americans addicted to the crack cocaine of dependency on more government health care.” As the shutdown approached, she also said, "It’s exactly what we wanted, and we got it.” I hope all the people who elected these loons feel just great about how those officials are really looking out for the welfare of their populace.

If I hear one more time about repealing the Affordable Care Act, I'm going to consider throwing a tantrum.

This is gross and despicable and is going to negatively affect so many people who are just trying to work hard and live their lives. The Republicans should be ashamed. Offering a 45 day delay in shutting down the government for repealing the ACA, allowing the Keystone XL, etc is not negotiation and Reid et al were right not to acknowledge that pathetic offering as such.