Stopping at Harris Ranch on I-5 02-08-20

One of my regular stops along I-5 is Harris Ranch near Coalinga.  It is about five hours from my house, depending on traffic, of course,   There are nice, clean restrooms, a couple of attractive restaurants, a gift shop (that sells Pecan Drop cookies that I cannot resist), and very comfortable motel rooms if I need a place to stay for the night. It is not a cheap place, but a splurge now and then is nice. 

They also have lovely gardens tucked here and there and there are always some birds to watch if I just need some down time from driving.  

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Microwave and Friday Food 02-07-20

YES!  I did it.  Moved the microwave into the place it will occupy on the counter.  I think the old microwave is heavier than the new one, but the new one is overall larger.  I  used the collapsible dolly that I have to move my sewing machine.  Piece of (cup)cake.  And I used the new microwave tonight to heat up the leftovers from last night's Indian/Napalese dinner out. I failed to take pictures, so I have stolen some from the Internet.  There were three of us and we all tried everyone's choice.  All was very good and only the Biryani was almost too hot for me.  But delicious. 

Chicken curry with whte Basmati rice. 

Lamb Biryani with seasoned rice. 

Chicken Tandoori

Naan (ours was plain)

 Raita - so cool and soothing with the spicy Biryani. 

The restaurant was Everest Cuisine in Placentia, CA.  

We will go back! 

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New microwave 02-06-20

Don't know why my microwave stopped working, it has been fine for 30+ years.  It just wouldn't turn on anymore.  

I bought this new one because it will fit in the space of the old one, but it is just a little deeper because, apparently, every microwave has a carousel requiring the space to be square. 

I now have the box cut open and the packing stuff in the recycle bin.  I hope that tomorrow morning I can lift it and move it into the kitchen.  But I'm not sure that is possible, I may need to beg the strong back of one of my neighbors to get it in place.  I guess everything gets more difficult as one ages, but this new microwave has just been a huge project for me.  And I will still need to get rid of the old one.  Sigh.

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Wordless Wednesday 02-05-20

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Spending money 02-03-20

I hope that Panasonic microwaves are long lasting.  I bought one today to replace my 30+ year old O'keefe and Merritt that died last week.  I called a friend who likes to shop and keeps up with prices and reviews.  He said when he bought the last one he bought it because it fit the space!  Which is what I was thinking I should do, but hoped he had a better idea.  

Today at Best Buy I spend some time comparing the different manufacturers models.  They all have turn tables, which makes them deeper than my space, so I settled for the closest size that has 1200 watts, which is what a lot of recipes call for.  The clerk delivered it to my car and I think if I cut open the box I can get it in the house.  I can't lift anything very heavy anymore. 

The cost with tax was $161.61.  If it lasts for 30 years (I would be 111 years old) that would run about $5.50 a year.  Not a bad deal.  But does anything last like things used to?  

I guess I do.  I have achieved a greater age than either of my parents and am only a year short of my oldest grandmother when she died at 82.  Not something I think of a lot.  I just try to make it through each day, along with KoKo who will be 6 years old on May 20th.  

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Another Ruth B.McDowell quilt that didn't make the cut 02-02-20

This is the quilt that is on the cover of Ruth's book "Pieced Flowers" published in 2000 by C&T.  There are patterns for various flowers constructed with straight piecing, curved piecing, with set in corners, or with faced flaps.  An excellent way to learn the different piecing possibilities that can be applied to anyone's work.  

DETAIL

DETAIL

There was just not enough room for all of Ruth's quilts in the Thomas Contemporary Quilt Collection exhibit at Visions Art Museum.  But you can see 27 of her wonderful works there through April 5th.  

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