Just got a cool present from my husband! I'm always looking for ways to trim our grocery budget, and while I do pretty well, I can always do better.

I did make the mistake of reading  the chapter on duck eggs. The author tells of her time as a duck owner. Being the current owner of 2 male pekin ducks, I realize she is just woefully ignorant on the subject and was trying to be funny when she wrote that chapter.

Trust me. It wasn't funny.

Please, people. Do not buy any animal without first understanding what you are getting yourself (and the poor animal!) into.

I digress. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the book and learning how to make pot stickers and creme fraiche!

It's been HOW LONG since my last blog entry?

Holy cow, September 9th! Shame on me! It's not like I stopped cooking for 4...no FIVE months...geez louize!

Anyhow, I've been trolling around the internet and other cooking blogs, getting hugely disappointed at every click of the mouse. Everybody is so put together, nice pictures, guest bloggers, companies paying to advertise. I mean, why not me, know what I mean?

Yesterday I made a meal for a sick friend. Today, I attended MOPS in Manchester (I'm one of the mentor moms). Everytime I participate in these sorts of activities, I'm reminded of why I started this blog in the first place. Reminded of why I cook - oh, yes, I know, it's to feed my family - but it's more than that. I want to be a blessing to others. Whether that's in helping a young mom get over her fear of a whole roasted chicken, or learning how to keep meals ready to go for when a neighbor needs a little TLC - I want to be there to help. Because this is what I know how to do.

I don't do tragedy well. I don't cope with others being sick. I'm not a very good listener, although I am trying to get better every day. I'm trying to be a better friend. I know how to cook. When hardship comes, I can bring food. It's what I do. And not just food - I can bring good, homemade food.

Stream of consciousness, yes siree..

What's for dinner at my house tonight, you ask? Autumn Pork Roast. Yes, I know, it's not autumn, and fresh butternut squash isn't even available in the market up here, but I was determined. It's in the oven right now, here's a link to the recipe.

I love Allrecipes. Yes, much of it is "add a packet of onion soup mix" or "open a can of cream of whatever soup" - but it's a great starting point for a beginning cook. It's accessible - that's the word I was looking for. Occasionally you find a real gem that becomes a family favorite. I have high hopes for this one!