Here are some recent words of the day I’ve been meaning to write about.

transmogrify \transs-MAH-gruh-fye\ verb
: to change or alter greatly and often with grotesque or humorous effect

That’s right, transmogrify is actually a word. I always assumed it was something Bill Watterson made up.

I’m delighted to discover I was wrong.

zaftig \ZAHF-tig\ adjective
: having a full rounded figure : pleasingly plump

This is a word that needs to be used far more frequently.

Far more frequently.

saxicolous \sak-SIK-uh-lus\ adjective
: inhabiting or growing among rocks

This looks like a capatcha that we’d define as: “fabulous sax music” but instead it’s something boring.

Augean stable \aw-JEE-un-STAY-bul\ noun
: a condition or place marked by great accumulation of filth or corruption

This term should come up far more frequently when describing the Internet or politics, but it never does.

I first looked at this because I quite liked “Soulless” and am looking forward to the next book in the series.

However, this is worth watching because it’s fascinating to watch a cover being created.

(warned you not to expect anything from me this week)

Instead, I give you awesome geeks.

There was a whole lotta crinkling going on.

For the third time in a year (ie 12 month period, not since Jan 1 of this year) I’ve maxed out the anti-depressant I’m on.

Doc gave me a choice of holding where I am, switching meds, or adding a second med to the mix.

I talked about the fact that I feel as if most of this is external (as opposed to just my brain giving me a hard time) and said I thought I’d like to hold where I am for a bit, to see if the veritable shit storms taper off.

So that’s where I am. Still in a holding pattern. You probably noticed that from the fact I’ve hardly had the gumption to write much for about the past year, but on the bright side, I am holding on, and maintaining altitude is better than crash and burn.

So now you know what’s up, and I appreciate your continued patience with me.

I’ve been making Italian Bread every week, and learning about bread making with every loaf I make. Last week, when the loaf collapsed before going into the oven (tasted fine though) I had several insights as to what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong. So this week I tried a couple different things and voila!

Perfect rise, no collapse, and nice oven spring!

The biggest change was not using greased plastic wrap to cover the loaf–I used a floured towel instead, and it worked out much better. Next time I think I can reduce the amount of flour, and I’ll try the egg wash again.

Second recipe was rice pudding.

A couple months ago I picked up Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O’Connor and have been wanting to try several recipes since. The first problem was that these recipes use lots of eggs and butter and sugar (not surprisingly) and are something that I’d prefer to make for multiple people, instead of just us. The second problem was that Grandmom can’t eat a lot of the desserts, because they have nuts or dairy or something else she can’t eat.

Thus, I decided to try rice pudding, only I’d have to modify the recipe to make it non-dairy. I decided to substitute coconut milk for regular milk. Of course, the fact I’ve never made rice pudding before, and the first time trying a recipe isn’t always the best time for making major changes didn’t deter me in the slightest.

So how did it turn out?

Not bad. Grandmom really liked it (the fact she loves rice pudding was part of the impetus behind selecting that recipe) and Michael said it was good. I think that rice pudding isn’t really my thing, but it wasn’t gross or disgusting, so I’m assuming that means it turned out well.

I have a surprising number of friends who are hockey fans.

Last scanner was purchased in August of 2000, so I figure that we got our money’s worth from it.

I was surprised that the two scanners are quite similar in size. (Kat is added for comparison)

Anyone interested in a used scanner? Still works fine–and has drivers for Windows ME! (but not Vista or Windows 7)

Chocolate Pudding

A West Virginia worker has been killed by a falling icicle.

I went back and checked the rabies records from 2006–both cats weight exactly the same now as they did four years ago.

Perhaps now Grandmom will believe us when we tell her she isn’t making Kat and Kit fat by giving them treats.

House across the street has some nice icicles.

So you’ll just have to imagine all the fabulous icicles I’m seeing.

Also: Anyone know the incidence rate of death by icicle?

Too bad.

I’ve got a lot on my mind, and none of it creative or interesting. So move along home, SHAP THREE!