Grumpy Old Men

I love you, Gardner's Books--13 books for just $15! (I traded in some books so had store credit).

The books that taught me not to judge a book by its cover.

See below-but look! i bought a couple stools for our table! We can have dinner guests!: 

Yesterday, Daniel and I had a great day (book shopping) that devolved into a frustrating day. I won't go into detail, but it involved bank dishonesty (in on case) and bank stupidity (in the case of my new debit card being shipped to Wichita and consequently stolen.) I know people are dealing with far worse crises than this, but...still, it was a day of trial. To end the night on a more positive note, we had a Grumpy Old Man Feast, which involved 1)gin and tonic and 2) tinned oysters, extra sharp white cheddar, saltines, and a covering of cthulu sauce (ok fine, Cholula sauce). It was delicious, and I highly recommend this remedy to anyone else ending a day of headache.

Recipe recommendation #2: try adding at least 1 T brandy and 1 tsp. cinnamon to a chocolate chip cookie recipe--so good! 

Today's poem, a reflection on silence vs. busyness.

Prayer for the Restless

In silence, is it worrying or rest
That comes to either plague a high-strung mind
Or further soothe a soul without distress?
In silence--do you lose or do you find?

In busyness or constant clamoring
Do you imagine meaning found or praise
The gods of Wit and Time for yammering
And hurrying the ending of your days?

In silence, do you seek to break your fast
Of movement that first moment it occurs,
Relieved those darker thoughts that you have cast
In corners may remain there undisturbed?

May you know peace, in crowd or solitude,
In work or leisure. This I pray for you.