Suzanne Calling

I finally made it to Universal...

After a case of serious covet for a while, I recently caved to my want for a GoPro and picked up the Hero 3+ Black from Amazon. I have been quite impressed with the waterproof case and thought that it would be perfect for our upcoming cruise. No, I don't hoard video cameras, why do you ask? (Oh right, this is the 4th one, not including the Nikon that also does video.) So, yeah, I have a problem collecting cameras. Actually, I'm just following the rule that pros have-make sure you have more cameras, chargers, and storage media than needed, in the event of the failure of any of those items. Which means I'm good for a spare in a standard 3 camera shot. In the morning, we head over to Orlando, where we will spend two days shaking down what this GoPro can do. Unfortunately, it appears that the WiFi remote doesn't have a charger, and it is a proprietary kind. I'm probably going to buy one before GoPro tells me why they advertise the remote with this model, but...

I withdrew from a class this semester. For me, it is important to send a message to the instructor, explaining why. It is done so they know that it is not them, it is my limitation that kept me from fulfilling my obligations. So, I sent an email to this professor, explaining that despite having done all the reading, I didn't see the time to do the assignments, and work on looking for a job and taking care of some family needs. She responded with a very nice email, commending me for recognizing that it was better to bow out and focus on those things that are currently more important. She is teaching the course this summer, and I fully plan to register for it again-it is a fantastic class. The way I look at it is that I've now completed half the readings, I can do the first two module's assignments right at the beginning of the semester, and if I don't get to read the rest before the summer session, half the reading over ten weeks isn't too bad. So, I felt g...

After enjoying PaniniRiffic's Sweet Potato soup Friday, I knew I wanted to make something like this for myself. My niece and I had talked about making sweet potato tater tots, as she and I both love the sweet potato, while my menfolk will eat it candied for Thanksgiving and that's about it. Saturday, I picked up a bag of sweet potatoes while at Sam's Club, figuring that I'd cobble together the ingredients and then go shopping for what I was missing. The list included ginger root, toasted sesame oil, red curry paste, vegetable stock (I have veggie base), and a can of coconut milk. These are all items that I had on hand, which made me realize I am definitely a food nerd to have these ingredients at the ready. Actually, I didn't have ginger root, but I DO have candied ginger, which I thought would add a touch of sweetness to the soup. It worked like a charm, as the ginger flavor is definitely present, and there's a tiny bit of sweet in the flavor profile...

One of my older sisters will be in town next week. There's a new grandchild (in my case, a new great nephew) and she's champing at the bit to get here and cuddle the adorable little guy. Can't say I blame her, honestly-he does give awesome snuggles. So, sis and I have been IMing and talking a bunch since news of this addition to the family had been announced last summer, and her visit coincides with a celebration of our heritage. Tonight's question 'So, where are we going for St. Paddy's Day?' Go out? On one of the year's 'amateur nights'? I can't tell you the last time I was out for St. Patrick's day, I think I still lived on LI, when ex and I met up with a different sister and her husband for corned beef and cabbage at a local pub known for good food. Now, sis was more of the mind that we were going to get good food and maybe one beer, as we're lightweights. No, I have the food covered, as I bought two briskets recently...

I wanted seafood for lunch, we got sushi. Still a little frustrated that New Moon isn't open for lunch service, but Gosh delivered the goods. According to Urban Spoon, we've dined at all but one of the sushi places in town. Guess we need to try that one sometime soon.

The lunch truck today was one I hadn't seen before, PaniniRiffic. I like paninis, they're good. In fact, if I suggest making my family paninis (using a cast iron pan as my press), they're all over it. In fact, we had roast beef with horseradish mayo and cheddar last Saturday. So, the idea of someone else making them definitely appealed. They came prepared, truck at the ready with a staff of three. Smart move, as they'd be the only truck and it was a gorgeous winter day around here. The menu had something for all tastes: roast beef, mojo chicken, a cuban, and a vegetarian option. Plus, they had fried yucca, plantains, and guava balls for dessert. This was my mojo chicken panini. I asked for grilled onions along with the mojo, because it seemed like it'd be a little better with them. Each panini comes on a bed of seasoned french fries, similar to the kind you get at Checkers. That was kind a surprise, because I saw one or two peeking out from ...