I know that some people occasionally look at my blog. I, however, do not. Which is why I haven’t been bothered by that Christmas picture that would have been staring me in the face if I had happened to click over here once or twice in the last, oh, two months.

And I keep saying this (well, I’ve said it once), but more is coming. Because since I’ve been gone, there have been visits to friends and new recipes (including my first experiment with homemade pasta), holidays and the LSAT (more to come on this, I’m sure), football parties and nights spent watching the Olympics until - well, mornings. This will hopefully lead to new posts (and back-posts) sometime soon.

In the meantime, though, please enjoy these pictures of the latest in our string of storms. Hey - it’s better than still looking at those Christmas decorations, right?

As they say (or, rather, sing) in our favorite Broadway musical and holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol:

“Gather and sing of this glorious thing known as Christmas together. Share in the joy of the season and ring in the new. Even the poorest are rich in love, and love is so easy to do. Here’s hoping this Christmas your wishes come true.”

Courtesy of Irene and two of the cutest labs around.

I made some changes to my job situation. And some changes to my living situation.

Hey, fall is the time for change.

Anyway, in the meantime, please enjoy some October scenes. And then onward to November.

(click to enlarge)

24 long, brief, challenging, fun, happy, sad, wonderful, exciting, surprising years.

Which, if you didn’t get the hint, is this week. Tomorrow in fact.

My birthday is doubly special because it is also the birthday of my mom’s cousin, the “famous” Irene, who you may have seen around this blog.

In my life, I’ve met a few other people born on October 14 or who had relatives born on October 14. Of course, fall birthdays in general are popular. But, October 14 is the best of all days, as far as I’m concerned. (Irene too.)

So, in honor of our upcoming celebrations, I did some research on what our birthday supposedly says about us:

Libras born on October 14 are intelligent, diplomatic, and concerned with their image. They have a flair for expressing themselves and are masters of communication. October 14 natives can appear lighthearted, yet they are serious at their core. They display a warm personality.

Friends and Lovers

Those born on October 14 are devoted to making their relationships work. Because they have leadership abilities, they often give advice. They have an idealistic view of love and can feel betrayed if their lover does not appreciate them the way they need to be appreciated. These people want soul-to-soul communication.

Children and Family

October 14 folks have a deep belief in family hierarchy. They’re dedicated to living up to the values and ethics they were taught. As parents, they are strict but sensitive. They want their youngsters to experience freedom but feel kids need to understand the limits and responsibilities freedom demands.

Health

October 14 individuals have a great deal of unfocused energy and may suffer from nervous complaints. These are usually symptoms of overwork but can be related to dietary habits. To combat sleep disorders, they need to exercise moderately five times a week.

Career and Finances

People born on this date are talented in a number of ways. They have good verbal skills. October 14 individuals are creative, yet they also have a strong analytical sense. They handle their money sensibly but may be uncertain when it comes to investing.

Of course, what that profile doesn’t mention is that those born on October 14 will soon be enjoying ice cream for breakfast (why not?), fabulous celebrations, special family dinners, a beautiful fall day, and celebrations of one more year.

Happy day before your birthday, Irene! From one birthday girl to another. Let’s start celebrating today!

I recently came across this passage from Through the Looking Glass:

“I mean, what is an un-birthday present?”
“A present given when it isn’t your birthday, of course.”
Alice considered a little. `I like birthday presents best,’ she said at last.
“You don’t know what you’re talking about!” cried Humpty Dumpty. “How many days are there in a year?”
“Three hundred and sixty-five,” said Alice.
“And how many birthdays have you?”
“One.”

In our family, my brother and I always received one gift on the other person’s birthday - an “unbirthday present” we called them, so we wouldn’t feel left out. This tradition began after I was born when my brother and I were very young. (Similar to when, after I arrived, Jackson received a present from his new baby sister to help prevent any impending jealousy issues.) Of course, this also kept said sibling from trying to open the birthday child’s gifts as well. (You can see photographic evidence of that above on Jackson’s 7th birthday.) Yet, this continued for years. Each year we received one gift - a DVD, a book, etc. - just one small token of our unbirthday. I’m not sure why, but eventually this was extended to boyfriends and girlfriends as well. Our birthdays became their unbirthdays, and another chance to give a small gift. After all, presents are fun, whether getting them or receiving them. Obviously Humpty Dumpty agrees. But Alice is right - birthday presents are the most special of all.

This recipe is known as Piñon, a Cuban-style recipe we’ve been making for a long time. If you haven’t eaten anything like it before, the ingredients sound a little strange - but together, they’re delicious. Trust me!

Beef and Plantain Pie

Filling:
1 medium onion, diced
1 small green bell pepper, diced
1 small red bell pepper, diced
14 – 16 oz. can tomato pieces
1/3 cup drained pimiento-stuffed green olives, sliced
1 lb. ground beef
1 cup tomato sauce
2 – 3 tablespoons raisins
2 tablespoons cider vinegar

salt & pepper

8 semi-ripe plantains (yellow and black)

¼ to ½ cup olive or canola oil
2 – 3 large eggs
2 – 3 tablesppons water
½ cup parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350. Heat a large non-stick frying pan, and crumble beef into skillet. Sauté over med. – high heat, stirring and breaking up clumps, until no longer pink. Stir in salt & pepper, onions, and peppers and sauté till vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

Stir in can of tomatoes, with the juice, olives and remaining filling ingredients, and simmer, partially covered and stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Do not let it get dried out - add more tomato sauce if necessary. (When done, you can remove to a bowl to cool slightly.)

Meanwhile, cut the ends from the plantains and peel. Cut diagonally into ¼ to 1/3 inch slices. In a frying pan, fry the plantains in oil until golden brown on each side. Transfer onto parchment paper or foil to drain (they stick to paper towels so I don’t recommend them).

Add some oil to the bottom of a baking dish (approx. 8 x 11).In a small bowl, beat together the eggs and water and pour half the mixture in the bottom of the baking dish and coat the bottom and sides.

Arrange half the plantains over the bottom and up the sides tightly in one layer. Spread half the filling in the dish and sprinkle with half of the parmesan.

Add another layer of the plantains, using all of them, and then the rest of the filling and parmesan. Cover it with the rest of the egg mixture, making sure it reaches all of the edges.

Bake pie, covered with foil in middle of oven, about 1 hour. Cool it 10 minutes before cutting.

Okay, a few words: Every year, MIT’s glass blowing lab has a pumpkin patch in the fall. In Cambridge, near the lab, the artists showcase and sell a beautiful new crop of colorful, hand-blown pumpkins. I don’t remember when or why we first discovered it - we must have been driving by and noticed the huge (HUGE) crowd gathered around a field. And, once there, you can’t help but spend an hour or so strolling around. (And I dare you to leave without buying a pumpkin!) Another fun fall activity in New England.