Stuart Little Is Dead -- and Under My Fridge

NOTE: Stop by my other blog, Chopsticks and String , for a look at the most recent book I've finished, "The Elegance of the Hedgehog."

As I prepare this post, we still have our share of white-stuff, although the rich blue sky and warm sun is quickly melting our snow. By the time this is posted, it may be all gone. (NOTE: As of today, most ALL of the snow is gone! Hooray!)

Nonetheless, I couldn't resist this bit of color outside Rick's office window a couple of weeks ago.

Stuart Little died under my refrigerator last week. I tried to get him out. First I tried to vacuum him out, which was great for the vents; not for Stuart. He was stuck on the corner, so I covered a clothespin and pushed it under, hoping to scooch him out the other side. He wouldn't budge. Then I went in the other way. Same deal. I think he has a wedgie. As in "My head is wedged into the refrigerator base."

It isn't that I don't adore mice. In fact, I only dislike them when they move -- fast -- and startle me. Otherwise, I don't throw up my hands and shriek.

In fact, when Gypsy captured one of Stu's distant relatives last summer (and dropped him upon my command), Stu2 scampered through the the cottage until Gyp and I cornered him under a waste basket, and I took him outside, walked him six blocks away, and let him go in the woods.

You see, thinking of E.B. White's endearing mouse who slept in a matchbox usually makes me smile, especially when I recall Garth Williams' amazing illustrations.

But I don't like it when they smell. And Stuart has gone through a particularly stinky period. I mean, really, seriously, incredibly, mind-blowingly stinky.

You may wonder why I don't move the fridge and remove Stuart. Well, thanks to the scan I had (where you have to drink 48 ounces of this white liquid over an hour that they have the nerve to call a "Berry Smoothie"), I just found out I have a hernia. Pushing heavy objects is not encouraged. (Note: Since I first prepped this a week ago, I got back my results; no hernia to prevent contact with heavy objects! Hooray!)

I tried covering up the smell with a lovely Trapp cucumber spray. It does wonders in the bathroom.

However, in the kitchen the result was neither fragrant cucumbers or Stinky Stuart, but a rather nauseating mixture of the two.

I'm pleased to say that either Stuart is fading or I'm becoming immune. By the time this post goes up, I'll no doubt forget he was under the fridge.

Till cleaning day.

(Update: Stuart has faded; it's like he was never there! This is good news, because believe me, everyone knew...)

Basking in the Weekend

I spent last weekend more or less taking it easy, recovering (or trying to – it’s still a battle) from the bronchitis, sinus and asthma that has been plaguing me since Labor Day.

This post is illustrated with photos from my trip to the City Market on Saturday. I needed veggies and thought I’d rather go there than the regular supermarket. It was a beautiful day and a great decision.

I also enjoyed a fabulous concert by Michigan State University’s College of Music – there was one number that gave me chills, it was so powerful, emotional, spiritual and elegant. But the whole evening was well worth it!

Then on Saturday, we enjoyed a local theatre production of Little Shop of Horrors, which was simply delightful in every way. (Although I think the Gypsy has taken lessons from Audrey II, the hungry plant – maybe not in food content, but in his aggressive delivery when he’s hungry!)
(Seen here at his Executive Assistant spot in the art room!)

Saturday also included time getting in the fall mood with my market visit!

It was nice to spend time with Rick when I wasn't totally obnoxious with my maladies! The prednisone is SLOWLY kicking in. (I thought it would be faster, but I shouldn't complain!)

Sunday I managed to deal with mall tasks – including the hunt for a dress to wear to an October wedding. I hate dress shopping more than anything (particularly since I have shoe issues, given my orthotics). I found something, but feel compelled to try again.

This photo expresses my angst at dress shopping!

And finally felt like cooking again, even though I haven’t been able to smell a thing since Labor Day and everything tastes metallic. I did this wonderful banana/chocolate bread from a Cooking Light recipe.

When you cut it open, it has a nice swirl.

Also served my tried-and-true Kate’s Salmon and made a nice dressing for broccoli slaw.

Broccoli Slaw

1 package (or what you need) of broccoli slaw
Mixed veggies – I used radish, scallion, cherry tomato
Extras – I used dried cranberries, spiced nuts from Trader Joe’s.

Dressing

About half of one small container of plain yogurt
Juice of ½ lime
Chimayo pepper (ground) – I would have used chipotle if I had any left
Cumin
Salt
Pepper
Cayenne
Basil (dried)
Dill (dried)

I just mixed up this interesting combo of ingredients until it was a dressing consistency and had a nice flavor. No quantities or measurements, unfortunately, but give it a shot!