"If it is done...it will stick.."

I had to laugh the other night when I was making some pasta. I remembered back to when I was a new bride and quite unsure about my cooking skills. I took in every little bit of cooking info that was out there....and, one of the hints that I was privy to was how to tell when the pasta was cooked just right. (Of course we didn't call it pasta back then in the "olden days"---it was just plain old "spaghetti"!). I was told to throw a couple of pieces up against the wall and if they stuck, then it was done.

So, that is what I did.

And, it stuck....time after time....piece after piece of wet, soggy spaghetti dangling from my walls and cupboards!

Unfortunately, what I didn't know then that I know now is that pasta that is even slightly cooked will stick to anything that you throw it at.

Now I just pull a couple of pieces out and check myself for when it is al dente.

Live and learn. : )

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Just when I thought that it was okay to sigh with relief about my miracle air-conditioning comeback...it stopped cooling again yesterday. It was in the afternoon and I was afraid that it was going to be a very uncomfortable weekend if I couldn't get someone over here before the end of the business day.

Luckily, two guys arrived and began to run diagnostic tests outside to see what was going on. I stayed out there and watched them as they checked wires and cables etc. etc.

It took a while but they finally found the culprit...a contactor coil was burnt out. Two hundred and thirty three dollars later (including a new thermostat) and we were in business with nice cool air flowing throughout the house.

Again I was able to get by without replacing my whole "older-than-dirt--hanging on by a thread" air conditioning system.....

Phew.

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Every Saturday morning during the summer months here in Birmingham, we have a chance to support our local farmers. They all gather downtown in a designated area to show their wares....and people come with babies in strollers or dogs on leashes, or just on their own....and, they come in droves.

They put out an array of beautiful fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs (my favorite spot to stand and just breathe...), flowers, cheeses, home-made jams, jellies, and salsas, home-baked breads, muffins, cakes, and cookies...and other delectable treats.

Then there is a section for crafters to sell their work. Here you can find pottery, yard art, hand-made clothing and scarves, jewelry, woodwork, metalwork...and folk art paintings.

The key is to get there very early (it starts at 7 a.m.) before the heat and the crowds get to be too much. At nine o'clock one of our local chefs does a cooking demonstration....and there is always a local group their to strum their guitars and serenade the shoppers. It is all pretty cool.

Anyway, I hadn't been to this yet this summer, but I met a girlfriend there today...and, it was lovely. It is such a win-win situation in that the consumers are able to purchase products right from the farms...and, the farmers get much-needed financial support from the community.

I had my cell phone with me and attempted to take a few pictures...but, I am not quite familiar enough with my new phone yet to work everything properly...So, the photos below only capture a touch of what was there. I'll do better next time!