Red-Handed Jill

That cafe is pretty small. Pirates Alley is less than half a block long and very narrow, if memory serves. And the cafe isn't even piratey (unless they are doing the pirate thing for the weekend.) Go to the Central Grocery on Decatur and order a Muffaletta. (Actually, a quarter Muffaletta will be plenty.) Trust me on this one - sheer bliss.

I second that - I get breakfast in bed delivered each weekend by my cabin boy.

Lady B - go to the supermarket and get yourself some Gypsy Cold Care tea. Drink it profusely. I'm telling ya, it really works - it strengthens both your lungs and your immune system, so that even if you are sick, you don't feel so sick. Give it a try.

Pyrate is the new black?...

While in the neighborhood, you might want to check out New Orleans Rum at the Celebration Distillery. http://www.neworleansrum.com/

Mary Diamond was selling period shoes for women - I got a pair and they are very comfortable (heels are around 1" tall, so very manageable.) I've got fairly high arches as well. She may be able to get a pair for you.

For the first time in ages it isn't raining! I keep telling myself it could be worse. A couple of years ago in early Spring, out of 40 days, it rained 37 of them. It's rather crisp - upper 30's, although it should warm up to the 40's.

Here's to many more trips around the sun!

Hmmm.... I'll try to avoid psychological ruminations about my feelings on the subject, but I'd mainly say my reaction has been extreme surprise. There are all sorts of well-known celebrities who are making an absolute mess of their lives; quite frankly, I expected that one of their names would be in that headline. The fact that it was Heath Ledger came as a complete shock. I am acquainted with someone who has worked with him and by accounts, he was a very decent guy and a hard worker. And remember, he lived his life in a goldfish bowl - the price of a profession that is so public. How many of our own lives would hold up to that close a scrutiny? I admit that parts of my own past would not. At any rate, the bottom line for me is I enjoyed watching his movies and I do think it's a pity that we won't get to see he and his career mature.

Nanaimo bars are a treat that originated in British Columbia. They are a three-layer bar: cake (well, a sweet crumb crust or brownie) on the bottom, vanilla custard or pudding in the middle and chocolate on the top. VERY rich and gooey!

You know, there are lots of folks who have been asking that same question for years...

That reminds me - I haven't made those in awhile...

Have you read "Founding Brothers" yet?

Jack and I had a Firefly marathon a few weeks back - definitely put smiles on our faces.

Fluctuating hormones will definitely do that. You might want to ask your doctor about using a topical progesterone cream for a month or two - that might help with the adjustment.

Palak paneer, basmati rice and naan. Time permitting, some samosas.

I'm just stunned - this was just way too soon. He had the world at his feet.

I noticed that Johnny Depp did speak a couple of his lines a la Jack Sparrow... wonder if this was by design.

I was also amazed to see so many cannons and to hear that they had most likely been stowed belowdecks (spares?). And I was itching to get under the water to help excavate - they did a great job at taking you down there to see them at work.

Bowmore 18-year-old single malt scotch (Islay, in case you were wondering...)

Oh good - someone besides me thought those early pies were the grossest part. Jack and I went to see it last night; two thumbs - er, cutlasses - up!

That would have been mighty difficult to do on a ship... I can fit into the next size smaller Wrangler slim-fit, cowboy cut jean - WOO HOO!

^ Early fall. Mild with no real wind or rain to speak of. < This winter has been wreaking havoc on my arthritis! GRRRR! V If money were no object, where would you travel for the winter?

Roasted veggies with fresh rosemary.

Gypsy Cold Care tea Darn these weather changes - I will NOT get sick this winter.