Sunrise ... Sunset ...

This morning I got up early to finish reading chapters, in a book I borrowed from my professor, so I could return it on time. Haven't seen the sun rise in awhile ...

This afternoon I was sorting through random things I've found in boxes and drawers and the like, when I came upon this bag. That says 'Charades' if you can't quite read it. Leftovers from the Hillside days, when Brittany and I instigated homemade charades. Wait. Not even, that's all the way back to sophomore year in Cayuga in the 5J suite. Confirmation, anyone?! At any rate, their reappearance certainly made me smile.

Class in a bit, and then off to Florida tomorrow with Johan to see my dad! Can't wait :)

Absolutely Divine

Yesterday I went out to run some quick errands (and to try to break up the marathon reading sessions a bit). I had mail! Julien sent me an activity to work on and mail back :) ... Oh, and my internet bill.

When I went to CVS, I saw these. On sale, to boot. Naturally, I bought them, because anything that might taste like those LU Petits Ecoliers is well worth testing.

Verdict? The cookie is not as crisp and delicious as the real deal, but the chocolate is, and I'm willing to make allowances. Besides, they have castles on them. Yum.

Making Whoopie.

OK, except I bought them. Addendum to previous post: These things are AMAZING. Really moist cake, with real, homemade whipped creamy deliciousness inside.

I ate the pumpkin one at lunch ... And then half the chocolate one after going out. Oops. Finished the other half today ... Already lusting after more. Probably good that I can't get them.

What is this, Where's Waldo?

Are all college towns obligated to have a Rat? I haven't yet discovered if this one matches the sketchy factor of its Binghamton derivation. And yes, I know it's a German word or something, I remember seeing one in Köln, but still.

Is that a cucumber or ...

So I went to the Farmer's Market (just down the street from me, how convenient) for the third time today ...

The prices are always infinitely better, and a lot of them don't spray with chemicals, which can't hurt any!

For about $11, I got ...

Two ears of corn, "seconds" of peaches and white nectarines, cherry/sun tomatoes, a yellow squash, a zucchini, an eggplant, the two biggest cucumbers you've ever laid eyes upon ... And two things called "whoopies." Apparently they're like cake with cream filling (a guy said they're amazing and a local thing, so I figured I'd give it a try). One is chocolate and one is pumpkin, and they also make a chocolate one with peanut butter cream filling. That's for if they're as good as they look.

The cucumbers are seriously mammoth. I asked, and apparently they thrive with heat and lots of moisture ... Which descripes the weather this year quite aptly. After a few days that made me thing autumn was coming, today is hot and humid again. I wonder if I can freeze them? That or I need to get creative with my recipes to use them up.

I recently experimented with ratatouille, and it was quite good (if I do say so myself). I also tried out a sauté of eggplants with onions, over which you bake (or in my case, place a fried) egg. Delicious. Googling recipes has broadened my horizons.

The market is on Tuesdays and Fridays, but a lot of the best places only come on Friday. There are lots of desserts and breads and jams and honey to be tested ... Apparently this runs through to November, which makes me a very happy camper. I like the idea of buying produce from real people and not a grocery store (plus that way I can ask questions). There are lots of Amish farmers that sell here, and they are all very helpful when you're curious. Makes it more fun.

Happy Valley?

Well, here I am, in the center of everything ... Pennsylvanian.

Center County, in fact. Which I learned when I had to go officially register my bike. And get a permit. Chalk that up to some of the things I've learned about the big rectangular state that hulks below New York.

The other is that their liquor laws are lame. This, for grad students, is a priority. Up to a 12-pack of beer can be purchased in a bottle shop, but more than that, as well as all wine and hard alcohol, must be purchased in a state-run store. State-run means not as much selection, and inconvenient. Luckily, I found one near the plaza where I've been running my errands, so maybe I've been able to work this out.

Until the snow (rain?) flies.

At any rate, I've spent this weekend hiding in my apartment, because move-in weekend is not to be trifled with at Penn State. I have found this to be true, because my attempts to walk myself have been met with a prolific number of jocks, hicks, and skanks. Oh, those beloved undergraduate years.

I'm going to end up a refugee.

At least the campus is beautiful, when the terrible thunderstorms don't send me scurrying into various building for shelter ... This is the path up to the political science department building:

Part of campus ... This is not SUNY, that much is certain.

But so far, the greatest advantage of being in Ag school land is that we have an on-campus creamery. With delicious ice cream. The only unnerving part is that it's in the 'Food Science' building. Maybe it's just me, but I find the name to be a bit of a turn off.

Self-awareness.

I think I'll just go ahead and admit that I'm taking a hiatus. I'll let you know when I'm back in the swing of it ...

Road to Perdition

I mean ... Grad school? Heading down on Sunday ... Here's to a packed car, crappy gas mileage, and a winding road to the center of the Earth ... I mean, Pennsylvania.

Updates to follow :)