Kitty sniffles + torrential rain = quiet day at home

Good Lord, will the rain ever stop? I feel as though fungi will soon spring from my toes. California is definitely under deluge. I couldn't sleep last night with the wind wailing and throwing things at my windows -- I just kept waiting for the next set of branches to crash to the ground in the backyard ... or through my sliding glass door or wall.

No branches, I'm relieved to report, but lots of things tossed about in the back yard. I'll wait for the wind and rain to stop before I go retrieve anything.

To make life more mundane ... err interesting ... both kitties have runny eyes and noses. Kitty sniffles! Since Vicks doesn't make Catquil (tuna, bacon, and mouse flavors), we're all lying low. In fact, Molly my non-snuggler is curled up in my arms snuggling away (which can only mean she doesn't feel well), which makes typing a challenge. Oop, she just ran off -- she's been on the hunt for a poor doomed moth who took shelter inside last night.

I'm still having so much fun with Etsy. A couple of scarves are getting quite a few views. I just got my first email from a potential customer!!! (hee hee hee) I was so focused and intent yesterday learning how to list items and learning via trial and error how to post photos (and how to change them to get more "hits") that I didn't get into bed until nearly midnight. Then the howling wind started ... you get the picture. I'm dawg tarred, as my Grandpa used to say, just one more reason to lie low today.

I have a pot of scarlet runner beans simmering on the stove -- doesn't that sound good??? I think I'll toss with grape tomatoes, parsley, olive oil, garlic and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Maybe a little lemon zest too. Yum. Reminds me of the great little store front in Pescadero, Phipps Farms, with small nursery, aviary and petting zoo. Gosh, I haven't been there for eons! I used to stop at the aviary and say hi to Ben, my friend Phil's little birdy that he donated when he moved to England quite a few years ago. Eep -- I hope that's the right name! Ben, right??? Anyway, Phipps' claim to fame is their incredible selection of dried beans and herbs. If the weather ever clears (and if Highway 1 is ever cleared of slides from this storm), I'll have to make a roadtrip. Ha! They're online at http://www.phippscountry.com/.

Well, if you check that out, you also have to check out Norm's Market in Pescadero, home of the MOST incredible artichoke/garlic/herb breads. Mouthwatering.

Hope you're all staying warm and dry despite whatever weather Nature's throwing at you!!!