Catching up

I think this is the longest I've ever gone without updating.

Life has been uncomfortably busy. Both JW and I are involved in major projects outside of work. 

K's 2.5-year doctor's appointment went smoothly, thanks to the "I Go to the Doctor" story in his "About Me" Childcraft book. He's still asking to read the story, days after seeing the doctor. K has grown 1 inch and gained 2 pounds in the last 6 months. He drew in his breath to yell when he got his flu shot, but what came out was "Stickos?" (which the doctor had wisely offered while giving the shot).

Things I have been thinking / learning about lately:

Boston public school choice.

Handwriting.

Playback Theater.

Beginning guitar. (I can play three songs now!)

Books I have read:

The Perfect Fruit by Chip Brantley. Now I know all about the stone fruit industry.

Something Missing by Matthew Dicks. I loved this book. It's been a while since I read a novel that I loved. It's about a career criminal who gets to know his "clients" so well (by making regular acquisitions from their homes) that he finds himself noticing things that are wrong in their lives and trying to fix them. 

Things I have baked:
Pumpkin oatmeal muffins with apricot preserves from the Moosewood Cookbook. I left out the oil by accident and they were still good. Plus, they use pantry ingredients. The preserves made a little hole in the center of each muffin, though.
Zucchini, carrot, and pineapple cake. Was supposed to be muffins, but I couldn't find the muffin tin. Got rave reviews.
Spinach and basil muffins, with heavy modifications to this recipe. I liked them and would make them again. I'm not sure how everybody else felt -- they were probably expecting more traditional muffins.
I guess I've been on a muffin kick. Planned for today: Nancy Silverton's bran muffins. (Also, empanadas and salted caramel ice cream. We're having friends over for dinner.)