the domestic zoo

After the very scary storm that hit the Northeast on Thursday night, we spent the next three days without electricity or running water. We are fortunate enough to have a generator and so we had heat, and some lights, and made do with the rest. We’re fairly accustomed to losing power – it happens a few times a year – and inconveniences aside there’s something to be appreciated about the quiet and the dark, and finding creative ways to keep ourselves entertained. We’ve even talked about having “outtage nights” where we intentionally go without electricity for an evening.

But maybe we’ll wait on that for a little while.

Right now, I am just looking forward to the pure luxury of a hot shower.

A nice way to spend the morning.

First: fried eggplant.

Because everything tastes better when it’s fried. Even eggplant, the most boring of vegetables. We use panko crumbs for a nice crispy texture; I have yet to venture into the world of egg substitutes, so we did use eggs to dip the slices of fresh eggplants into before tossing them in with the breadcrumbs and spices (your imagination and taste preferences are the only limit here – we use oregano, garlic and basil). Fried in olive oil until both sides are golden brown, these are perfectly wonderful topped with slices of fresh tomato.

On the side we enjoyed Artichoke Tapenade on sesame crackers. I made it on Friday morning and saved it in the fridge, which gave the ingredients the chance to really come together. Very delish.

And on an unrelated note, I got some goodies in the mail today…

www.photovisionvideo.com

PhotoVision consists of 6 2-hour video DVDs a year, 1 mailed every other month, featuring leading photographers bringing you the latest and greatest things happening in the photographic industry.

You’ll see photographic styles and techniques, digital workflow, lighting and posing, Photoshop tips and tricks, hear innovative marketing and sales strategies, output alternatives, new hardware and software reviews and much, much more. You’ll go into the studios and see photographers during actual sessions working with real clients and go on location to experience entire weddings.

I got a very good deal when I subscribed to this year’s series, and was able to purchase all of last year’s DVDs as well. So now I know what I’ll be doing in my free time this week.

is the shadow of God on the universe. - Gabriela Mistral