Sometimes I dream of foreign words

I was dreaming this morning of some weird stuff, like I was part of this group that had gathered for some reason, and in this group was an elder woman who held a lot of power. I went to her and asked her to help me vanquish my enemy, and that I was willing to assume the karmic debt. She asked me how much debt did I think the deed I wanted to perform would be worth. Not much, I replied, but I was willing to take it on.

So she assisted me in my request, which of course used a lot of old magical powers. It was through the process of sharing energies that I realized she was something more to me, not exactly a mentor--more like one of many guides. I proclaimed to her that I knew our connection, and she acknowledged the same. I asked her what is her name, and she said something like, I have no name, you name me.

I then said after an instant epiphany that her name is Kenai/Kinai. She nodded yes. I said, somehow knowing, that she was Inuit. She nodded yes. I kept repeating her name, so I could remember it.

Curiously, I looked up the word to see if it has any meaning. It's the name of a town in Alaska, and it is an Inuit word meaning "black bear".

Having a dream like this makes me wonder that not all dreams are merely subconscious processing of the day's activities, but perhaps sometimes seep over into the collective unconscious. I've never had an interest in Alaska, nor the Inuits. Perhaps now I should take a look.

Valerie Makes 80

I have completed my 80th doily in my self-imposed PK Doily Challenge! That means just 56 more to go! I could possibly complete the entire challenge in about 2 years!

I've added additional doilies to the list as remakes, because I am not satisfied with my initial attempts. The use of variegated colors on some patterns does not bring out the awesome details.

Another Food Post

We recently dined at Chap's Pit Beef in Baltimore, MD. The place is a carnivore's paradise. Their specialty is pit beef, huge chunks of meat cooked over charcoals. It is sliced thin and cooked to order. Sandwiches are loaded with choices of meats. All I can say is: I anxiously await my next visit.

When my reasoning stops, I'll be in trouble

The evil ovarian cyst has been making itself known. Acute stabbing attacks that pop up. Just as I'm about to say out loud to Pooky, "There she blows!" the pain ends as quickly as it began.

I shared with Pooky one of my scary thoughts. I told him about the day I learned there is a syndrome named Capgras syndrome in which the sufferer believes that their spouse or loved ones have been replaced by imposters. I think this sometimes, but what keeps me from thinking it is true is a little voice of reason that kicks in. My scary thought is what happens on the day when my reasoning voice fails to kick in?

He seemed rather nonchalant about my confession. When I pressed him for a response, he said he'd still love me. That's when I know he had been replaced with a fake Pooky! LOL!

Supreme Image

This doily took me awhile, as I worked on it little bits. I worked the colors simultaneously, carrying the non-working thread. It has good results as this pattern is dense and hides the carried thread well. It took exactly two balls, one of each color to make the pattern. It is Supreme Image from Ultimate Doilies.

I Feel My Heart Seizing

Recently I learned about the pâte of the south: pimiento cheese. It's basically three ingredients: diced pimiento peppers, mayonnaise, and sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese. Mix these together and each on bread or crackers.

In my research of this simple spread, I learned that I should use Duke's mayo, because it does not contain sugar, and will make the cheese more authentically southern tasting. It seems that some food process the cheese and mayo to make a paste, but I like texture so I grated the cheese. I used a sharp cheese because I was afraid of extra sharp. I bought store brand cheese because this was an experiment. I'd really like to use Tillamook cheddar, but that will have to wait.

After mixing it all together, I looked at it and was scared to try it. So I called over my official tasting kitchen helper, Pooky. He is not big on the mayo/cheese front, but he immediately proclaimed: Oh, that's good!

I couldn't resist any longer, and I was blown away! It's rich, creamy, and fully loaded with fatty good flavor. I can't imagine that a commercially made pimiento cheese would taste as good. The Duke's mayo does taste a little different. It has a tang to it, and with the tang of the sharp cheese, it becomes a wonderful meld of goodness.

The Great Snow of 2009

Snow 2009