the scent from the bath salts (i dont know what it is, but its pleasant enough) assails me each time i walk near the bathroom, even though its been nearly 20 minutes since the last of the bathwater has gone down the drain.

bear had to check out the water - maybe because it was aqua green, or perhaps because it had been awhile since he last explored the mysterious ways of bathwater. i looked at him over the edge of my book as he dipped a paw in the water, batting at it as if a fish was waiting for him under the surface. he sniffed in my direction and went in search of his food dish. i feel sorry for him; a cat consigned to exploring the mundane things of apartment life.

it is so windy out. i expect it to rain, even eyeing the rainclouds in the distance to see when it might arrive, but instead the wind just blows and blows. i watch the trees whipping back and forth.

it puts me in mind of the upcoming hurricane season. mom and i discuss getting a hurricane supply kit together and wonder if the weather radios are still available at the local publix. i should add some things to the kit for bear. if he were to make his own kit it would comprise of the following:

several bags of chicken and cheese whiska lickin cat treats
normal cat food
bit of leather strap for chewing
a few ponytail holders (he attacks these as prey)
a small blanket for hiding under

maybe he would finally use that cat carrier i spent so much on, but it doesnt seem likely.

tales from the kitchen

such an unusual day for may here in florida; low humidity and a refreshing breeze.

i had the apartment to myself and had already selected a recipe i wanted to try on the pork chops in the fridge. bear sensed the freedom of the afternoon and had free-reign of the place so he was happy, too - face nosing into tight corners and shelves he normally wouldn't, always sniffing, hopping on top of tables he shouldn't (im sure he went into the forbidden room but i did not catch him at it)... one time i looked up in the middle of my preparations to see him on top of the refrigerator (of course i shooed him down) and another time, he mewed at me from the dining area, looking like he had grown old all of a sudden, since dust clung to his chin and whiskers.

all in all, it was a really enjoyable afternoon. i did have to improvise in my cooking; we were out of eggs and i needed 2 for the dredging. but, we had plenty of mayo, which is essentially egg and it worked. i find its hard to really mess up in cooking, however, i do rush too much sometimes which causes me to leave out ingredients occasionally.

honestly, i find cooking and/or baking (since when i really get going in the kitchen, im apt to be doing both) to be the most relaxing way to pass the time. it doesn't have to be eaten today; whether its going in the freezer, or made for a snack in the next few days, it doesn't matter. the simple act of preparing food eases my mind and puts me in a good mood.

of course, i do try to pour myself a glass of wine when its available. as nigella says, its a cook's treat. i think shes referring to sampling the food you are preparing, but wine should also fall into this category.

i would love to have a huge open kitchen, with several spaces for working. this would allow family and friends to join in the preparations, without stepping on each others toes. there would be a window with herbs that bear would not chew (in a perfect world) except, perhaps, catnip. that would be all his. (there aren't any recipes with catnip in it, are there?) i don't need many appliances, what i have will suffice. although i have longed for a kitchen aide stand mixer, i still can't justify its high price, nor do i have the room for it to be on my counter.

actually, its not even my counter. so, id simply settle for my own kitchen, small or otherwise.

and maybe andrew's too, when he is in the mood for making me pancakes.