"At the still point of the turning world. Neither flesh nor fleshless; Neither from nor towards; at the still point, there the dance is, …" —T.S. Eliot from Burnt Norton, Four Quartets If you were to ask me to name the primary force shaping the conversation of our world today, I would say fear. No …
Author: HJBlack
Make the Circuit of Zion
"Make the circuit of Zion. Walk round about her; count the number of her towers. Consider well her bulwarks; examine her strongholds; that you may tell those who come after." --Psalm 48: 11 & 12 These have been strange days navigating the limitations of Coronavirus with racially charged violence, reactionary riots, a Presidential election, and …
Trying my Hand at Knitting Design
The design style of the Arts & Crafts movement of the early 20th century has long appealed to me. It may have to do with touring Pasadena's Gamble House just as my interest in art and architecture was awakening. But I am also drawn to its warm beauty, its connection with folk art legacies, its …
Hold It Loosely
As a kid, I had a trick toy--a soft plastic cylinder tube, filled with liquid. The balance of the liquid was just right that when you tried to pick it up, the liquid would shift against the end of the tube, pushing the toy right out of your hand. The more force you used to …
Big Problem, Little Thoughts
Today is the beginning of week four living in a global flu pandemic. Like all of us, my daily life has changed, but unlike most of you, it hasn't changed very much. I already work from home. We don't have to keep children educated and occupied. NB works in an "essential" industry. The biggest difference …
Homemade Pastrami
It's a commitment to make homemade pastrami. We talk about it often but have to plan ahead to make it happen which finally happened this weekend when we smoked up some classic Jewish wholesomeness. This was our third (successful!) attempt. Meathead at Amazing Ribs is one of NB's primary resources for all things related to …
Blackened Catfish Tacos
If your husband is a catfisherman, you are probably going to have some catfish in the freezer and may need a little inspiration of what to do with it after the catfish fry. This recipe has moved into regular rotation at our house and is a nice alternative to the fried version. Notes here on …
Catfish Prep
Catfish need not taste muddy. Here's a few things we have learned: NB cleans the fish as soon as possible, on the boat if regulations allow. His technique leaves us with filets and shoulder chunks. (I'll get a better explanation of the actual process up soon.) Be careful to remove fat and blood as they …
