Cake, Coats, and Muffins

Oh boy. We're in for a bumpy ride.

In an attempt to keep sane with all that's happening around me, 

I ordered a King Cake from down NoLa way.

Warning: Cake inside!

I ordered the bourbon glazed cake this year, from Cannatas. 

I'd ordered one from there last year too and it was so tasty, 

I thought I'd try another one.

They will ship anywhere in the US, so it's a great

way to get a small piece of the Big Easy into your home.

It's not Mardi Gras yet, though it is Mardi Gras season, so

it's "legal" to eat King Cake, so I sampled a piece, then wrapped

up the rest and stored it in the freezer to eat and share it

closer to the big day.

Little birdie tracks in the snow.

Before it left the Putnam Museum, a friend and I

made it in to see the Hubble Telescope Exhibit.

There was also information about the new Webb telescope.

It's a great exhibit, even if some of the videos are a bit dated.

Lots of good information about galaxies and stars and what the Hubble has

been able to teach us about the cosmos.

I always have to visit the mummy whenever I visit the Putnam.

Hello, dear lady.

Did I buy two of the same parka?

Yes I did.

Let me explain.

Last winter I was on the hunt for a new winter coat.

I like the parka style and after some poking around I found this

coat from Legendary Whitetails. 

It is dark grey and has all the features I want in a winter coat.

Good length, well-made, room in the shoulders, woolen

lining for extra warmth, and a hood to protect my head, if needed.

I wore it all last winter and it worked out great for me.

So, why did I buy a second one of these?

The grey coat is in a size L, which does fit well, and

like I said, gives enough room in the arms and shoulders, which

is so important for me when it comes to coats.

But it was almost a bit too tight when I wore thicker sweaters

underneath it. Manageable, but just tight enough to be annoying.

First world problem, I know.

This isn't that deep, nor hugely important to anyone but me.

So this winter, I decided to check their site again to find the same coat 

in an XL, to give me the extra sweater room.

The coat is still being produced, and is largely the same as

last year. I had to choose a different colour, because the

grey wasn't available in XL, so I chose the "Army" green.

The new model has all the same features I liked in the grey one,

but the pockets are now deeper, with one set of pockets now

sporting zipper closures. There is an interior waist cincher, too, 

to let you give the coat a bit more shape.

Otherwise, everything else matches, but the larger size

gives me sweater room.

I've been switching off between each coat, depending on the

sweater situation that day. I like them both, and plan to keep them.

Legendary Whitetails appears to be a brand aimed at hunters, 

and, while I don't hunt, their outerwear has the quality and styling that I like.

Shipping is quick, and, when I bought the green coat, there was

a Christmas/New Year free gift promotion with purchase,

so I also received a nice throw blanket.

 

In this house we still recognize and celebrate Black History Month.

The QC Symphony had a special program this month featuring

Omar's Journey, an opera by Michael Abels and Rhiannon Giddens.

It tells the story of Omar, an educated Senegalese man who is

stolen and sold into slavery.

Because it is a grand opera, the presentation this night was essentially

a concert opera. The singers were present on stage, with a narrator to

move the store along, while featuring the characters and story through song.

Several of the singers portrayed different characters in the story.

The orchestration is wonderfully done, with a big sound, considering the small

size of the orchestra.

After the Star Spangled Banner, we were treated to a performance of

Lift Every Voice and Sing, recognized as the Black national anthem.

Lift Every Voice and Sing was written by James Weldon Johnson,

with music by J. Rosamond Johnson (his brother).

The lyrics are a prayer of thankfulness and freedom and

an exodus from slavery into the "promised land".

The performance of the opera was expertly performed

and very moving. 

This February, I am taking a class at CommU about Egyptology.

Rock Stars of Ancient Egypt is a class all about the major

 pharaohs, dynasties, and deities that shaped the incredibly huge

history of one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

Ready to learn some stuff!

Notice my "new" Stanley water bottle. I found it at the thrift store for $7.00.

I don't think it was even used very much.

It's a good water bottle for hiking and for keeping one

hydrated while taking notes in a two-hour long class.

Made up some potatoes and peas enchiladas.

First time making them myself.

Need to tweak the sauce a bit for more spiciness.

Recently listened to a podcast about the movie The Godfather.

I haven't seen that movie yet, but through cultural osmosis I 

know enough for the podcast to be interesting.

I found a DVD of the film at the library, which also had

a copy of the book the movie is based on.

Still in quiet winter mode, so I'll take a spin through the novel.

A view from the bird-cam at Screaming Pines.

The FiveEyesChateau is always watching you.

Finally, in an attempt to use up all of the carrots I

had bought to put into the lentil soup, I found another carrot

muffin recipe. This one includes oatmeal, which I happened

to have on hand. It's a one-bowl recipe. Great for a lazy baker like me.

And they turned out pretty good.

Not too sweet. A quick and easy breakfast snack.

🍰🍰🍰