All Hallows' Eve

Difficult to see, but I got myself a rug for the bathroom to celebrate one month in this space.

Yes, it glitters!!! But it is also super soft.

The ESL students were somewhat confused by Halloween, but they enjoyed these cupcakes made by one of the teachers and quickly learned to come to my desk for mini candy bars. Hours away from the best month of the year!!!

views

My new realm.

The view from my desk today~while my personal life is improving, it feels as though the country's is not. 

Not quite ready for a food photo shoot~but figs and cheese are my favorite snackage.

ramble

Just a lovely day with no appointments and no driving.

The jewels of autumn.

bittersweet

Another round of telling students that I won't be teaching them~I guess it's a joy to leave when people tear up over your absence? It's still hard. I've had a lot of fun with this group of students~although seven hours of twenty ESL students is rather intense.

My deep joy is that I have NO alarm clock tomorrow morning!

well, buttah my biscuits

before the rains came

Evidently, the government workers stay home on Fridays, so my commute is sailing down the road. As it always should be.

Lots of little joys still happening but not much time to process and type right now. Busy with learning a new role and finishing up the end of a term. 

transitions

Today was my last official classroom teaching day. It was bittersweet and a bit of mistiness on both sides of the desk. The good bit is that I will still be at the school and still get to see these students. (AND, let's not forget the 40 hours per week at the same campus. That's fairly exhilarating.)

The commute is dreadful, but I will move after the holidays to live on a Metro line (and to have a real kitchen).

It's been a long slog, and I am grateful to all who helped/cheered/encouraged along the way.

luminosity

when you just need the dessert

The torching was huge fun. Now I want a couple more torches and to use this for a party.

While the custard is cold, once you burn the sugar the edges of the ramekin heat up~this student didn't want to wait for the glass to cool down, so she slid her arm out of her sweatshirt and swaddled her dessert.

I'm going to miss this elective!

one fine day

A brilliant fall day~if a bit breezy. 

Discovered that parking is free on the weekends at the Metro station, so that was cause enough to pop into DC. 

Construction at the site of the coming DDE Monument.

When it's nippy, the Botanic Gardens are always a good place for refuge.

Plus, the entry atrium is always gorgeously decorated. 

The Orchid Room is also a favorite spot of mine. 

Rare blossom...

Mainly my trip was to hear a talk/interview with this chef~it was hilarious and she was one of the more ebullient people I've heard. She was interviewed by a local math professor~I'm curious as to how they became friends.

And best of all? There were homemade noshes to be enjoyed after! I didn't buy her book there for a signing as it was double the price. But I have a feeling it may be my bday gift to myself this year.

I need to know how to make that yogurt dip with tarragon, and those flat breads that look like lefse.

A very cool temporary exhibit on the Mall for children to pose.

The Liberty Bell? (someone will get this joke.) 

As it was nice out, decided to hike down to visit with Lincoln~always heartening to read his words "we the living" and to see his steady gaze watching over DC. If only he could come back and be President for a bit. 

Penny found and an almost full moon watched me come home.

miniature blessings

I discovered that you can make creme brulee in a toaster oven~it's not quite the same consistency, but it ought to serve well for Torching 101 Monday next!

It's a delightful evening~all the windows are open and autumnal breezes are wafting through my home. Laundry's almost done and lentils are simmering for next week's lunches.

Peace.

my cup runneth over

Got a manicure to celebrate my new job~if I'm remembering correctly, I haven't had one since Austin, so it was time. Plotting my last cooking class for next week and yes, it involves a butane torch!

While I have lived near Trader's for the past year, I now live close to a brand new one! Brings me such joy.

The sis's feline was extra snuggly and friendly today~think sitting in the sunshine helped that. 

Sweetest little blondie.

Took the marzipan project to my Littles and my niece made ladybugs and pumpkins. 

And the 'phew went for a splendid giraffe and friendly turtle.

A joyful medley of tomatoes in Mexican pottery.

what the tide brought it

This was going to be a post about all the small treats in today~from these yummy candies shared during the morning class to me beating the uppity computer at Scrabble. 

The marzipan class I taught after school,

and the helpful workshop I attended this evening with my other ESl colleagues. 

But it's mostly going to be a deep sighing relief that a full-time job just landed in my lap.

Details to come as we figure them out, but I am staying at ILA and shifting positions. 

Just the biggest exhale of gratitude...