Osler's Razor

I know the feeling....
You are entering the parent peak and valley zone. Ride the peaks when you can and be very patient during the valleys. I'm coming out of a summer valley and ready to find a new peak.
Once your Mom is through with re-hab life will get more normal again, but it will be a new normal.
 

1. Eat more apple crisp.

2. Do something nice for a friend. (Ahem. Our yard is full of leaves.)

3. Read a good book. Or just chew on one. Try one of these. http://www.hwtears.com/hwt

Seriously, though, I'm sorry it's been a rotten week, and I hope your mom is feeling much better. Call on us if you need us!
 

My mom broke her hip last year and she's just getting around to having a hip replacement (later this year, before the holiday season). Wishing your mom ease with healing!
 

I wish I had some helpful insight, but I was rudely awoken this morning by a pair of almost-7-year-olds who thought it would be a *great* idea to build a blanket fort in the closet at 4:00am, and my brain is mush right now.
 

My best to you and your mom and everyone. Christine and Carrie have the best advice. Do something nice for someone else and do something nice for yourself- like going out for a nice meal or something.

Spot.
 

When you are finished raking the Willard's yard, we have some painting that needs to be done.
 

Sticking with the theme:

Get a sandwich from Clancy's and a piece of Patty Cake from Yum Bakery. And maybe get those things for someone else too.

Oh, and download music you've been meaning to listen to for your drive (I recommend the new Fiest record though I've only listened to it all the way through once). I do hope things start looking up.
 

This may be a good time to develop your appreciation of slow and what is near at hand. A short journey...down Minnehaha Creek in your wet suit and inner tube. A walking of the labyrinth and fall picnic by the Creek.Perhaps you will sight The Great Blue perhaps the otters. Could you build something in the back yard...a pond with koi and a bridge over it. A time to write,"Tales Told Me by My Mother." Her biography. We care so much about you all and want to help in any way if we can.Just name it. Be kind and gentle with yourself. Selfishly,I'm glad you'll be in our midst instead of gallivanting around all creation.
 

Chocolate. Need I say more?
 

Chocolate... Need I say more? Oh, ok! Dark chocolate and lots of it.
 

Poor sad panda.But at least you're not Pontius Panda,which would indeed be a much greater burden to bear. Get it...BEAR!!!
 

The panda seems to be turning things around, as I just saw you dancing into the elevator, which cheered me up if it didn't totally change things for the panda.
 

@ Carrie - do share that apple crisp recipe. I bet I know what cookbook it was found in.
 

Try this song on --> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODOOo-R6kg8&ob=av2n
 

Believe it or not, this wasn't a Contessa recipe. It came from my Austrian great-grandmother. She was born in the 1890s, which I think made her naturally averse to written recipes, but this is our best approximation. Enjoy!

Apple Crisp

6-8 cups apples, peeled and sliced
½ c sugar (add more if the apples are particularly tart)
1 tblsp. cinnamon
2 tblsp. flour

Mix together and place in bottom of greased 8x8 or 9x9 pan.

2/3 c brown sugar
1 c oatmeal
1/3 c flour
4 tblsp. cold unsalted butter

“Cut” these ingredients together with a fork or pastry blender. Spread this mixture on top of apples. Bake for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees.

Enjoy with vanilla ice cream (not cinnamon ice cream), or apply directly to wounds.
 

Thanks, Carrie! That sounds greeblerook.
 

Now is the time to treat yourslef. WHy not go out and buy yourself a new Flamethrower???

I think that is what Sad Pandas do.... It is the Panda equivalent of Girls Night Out and Shoe Shopping.