Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men

Free Shit Friday - Blueberry Lemonade Jam

2013-05-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's Free Shit Friday offering is a pint of Blueberry Lemonade jam, now with more lemony flavor (due to popular demand).

da Rules.

A Tree Grows for Boogie

2013-05-15T08:00:00.000-06:00

When we lost our Beloved Boogie last Thanksgiving, my amazing and loving Blog Circle, The UCF, wanted to help us memorialize him in some way. So they ordered a tree in his name, to be delivered in the Spring in time for planting.

This is Boogie's Tree, a flowering Dogwood. It arrived when I was in Virginia, and got slightly dry in the box awaiting my return. But it's now planted in our back yard, in its own little berm, receiving all the care we can muster. We're not particularly skilled in caring for plant life, but we'll do our very best to ensure that Boogie's Tree has a long and healthy life.

Thank you, friends, for understanding how very much he meant to us, and helping us to celebrate his life.

Sticking up for the Tea Party

2013-05-13T08:00:00.000-06:00

The end-times must surely be upon us, for I agree with Glenn Beck.

It turns out that during the 2012 election the IRS was unfairly delaying or denying tax-exempt status for groups that applied with "Tea Party" or "Patriot" in their names. The next day, it then came to light that the IRS knew they were engaging in this grossly inappropriate behavior - and did next to nothing to correct the problem.

I've been following the scandal via Outside the Beltway, and there are plenty of liberal and conservative media outlets and blogs who are writing about the legalities of the situation, so I'll not do that here.

It's no secret how I feel about the so-called "Tea Party" and it's so-called "Patriotic" affiliates. I think that much of their rhetoric and vitriol is inspired by racism.I think the vast majority of the membership is being manipulated by big money, and they're too stupid to realize it. I think they're intellectually dishonest and lack anything resembling self examination. In short, I think their very presence in public life lowers the IQ of the country and their pandering to the lowest common denominator of American life makes me apoplectic with rage.

Which means I might be inclined to chortle softly in self-satisfaction at the hand they've been dealt by the IRS, right? Wrong. I feel compelled to speak about this matter, and speak on behalf of the Tea Party.

Here's the thing about that pesky "rule of law" we liberals are always nattering on about: It must apply to everyone, equally, or it means nothing. This means that not only my group gets a fair shake - all groups must get the same treatment. It means that when a government agency abuses their power and imposes bureaucratic burdens on an unpopular movement, they should be called out, held accountable, and heads should roll, REGARDLESS of which side of the political aisle is affected.

Because, you see, you never know when your group or movement might be the "unpopular" one, and be subject to the same abuse of power.

Accountability matters. When the government is involved, it matters even more. People should lose their jobs over this. And don't forget to stock up for the impending Apocalypse.

Free Shit Friday - Sugar-Free Raspberry Jam

2013-05-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's Free Shit Friday giveaway is a pint of Sugar-Free Raspberry jam made with Splenda.

This is my first foray into sugar-free jam. I did taste the result, and while it doesn't taste like the sugared stuff, it was pretty tasty.

da Rules.

Rules for Life

2013-05-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

So The Bloggess posted her "Rules for Life" the other day, and like most of the stuff she writes, it was awesome. And more than little weird. Because that's just how she rolls.

But it got me to thinking - we should all have "Rules for Life" as a way to focus our desires for ourselves, and to remind us of the person we aspire to be. Writing them down provides us with a yardstick on which to judge our behavior.

So at the risk of participating in a meme, here are Janiece's Rules for Life. Some of these I shamelessly stole, and some not. Either way, they're mine now, because you can never have too many people who think "Don't be a dick" is a good rule to live by.

1. Don't be a dick.

2. Surround myself with people who are fucking awesome, and think I'm fucking awesome, too. Life's too short to spend time with people who make me feel bad.

3. Identify those limited number of people for whom I'd go to the ends of the earth, and then treat them accordingly.

4. Take care of my body. I may get sick anyway, but I'll feel better in the meantime.

5. Do work I care about, or I'll feel like I'm spending half my waking hours on soul-sucking banalities.

6. Stand up to bullies.

7. Be a good friend to my spouse, my family, my friends.

8. Maintain a level of intellectual honesty in my life. This means accepting facts that are contrary to my opinion, and then changing my mind if it's warranted.

9. Defend the weak.

10. Teach the weak how to defend themselves.

11. Get over myself. I'm not the only competent person in the room.

12. Read.

13. Be generous. Every act of generosity makes the world a better place to live, and makes me a better person.

14. Try to look at the world through someone else's lens. Not everyone's experience is that of a privileged, middle class pasty white girl. And reminding myself of this fact gives me a more accurate perception of reality.

15. Be kind to animals. Note: Humans are animals.

16. Think about how my behavior and my words affect others, whether I like them or not.

17. Don't give in to fear. That way lies madness.

18. Write thank you notes. On paper. With my hand.

19. Forgive myself, but only if I'm ready and committed to change the behavior requiring forgiveness.

20. Don't be a dick.

Miscellaneous Monday (A day late and a dollar short)

2013-05-07T08:20:00.001-06:00

And the silence rings out like thunder

The house is empty today. I mean really empty. The Smart Man went into the office today. Our Hot Daughter moved out last week while I was in Virginia. And we lost our beloved Boogie the Giant Schnauzer last year.

So today I'm alone in the house, at least until the cleaning service comes, and I'm not sure I'm digging this turn of events.

Getting ready for the end game

Now that we're bereft of kids and pets, we're giving serious thought to what we need to do in order to retire. I have less than 20 years of work left before I hit "traditional" retirement age, and while we've been contributing to our 401Ks since entering the civilian work force, there are other things we need to do so that we can enjoy the life we want when the time comes. Most of those things are related to living arrangements and health care, of course.

The Big Yellow House is not conducive to retirement living (three stories, no bedroom on the main floor), so we always thought that we'd sell it and downsize as soon as the kids were off the payroll. But now we're thinking it might be smarter to stay here for another ten years or so, just because we're finally starting to make some headway on the principal. Which means, of course, that we're going to need to execute on some long-delayed home improvement projects.

And then there's healthcare. The Smart Man is six years younger than me, and so won't be eligible for Medicare when I'm ready to stop working, and we do not yet have a plan for this gap. We have time to work it out, of course, but these are the things that are keeping me up at night now that it's just the two of us (and a hypothetical future dog).

OCD! OCD! OCD for you and me!

Rabbit food

I've been trying to come up with a plan to continue my weight loss goals while still fulfilling my travel obligations to the Military Industrial Complex. I thought I had it worked out last week when I spent 11 days on the East coast, but when I got home, my two week weight loss total was only 1.4 lbs. This was disappointing.

So I see myself with two choices: Bring my own food in my suitcase, thereby ensuring I have an accurate calorie count on what I eat, or stick to salads when I eat out (with dressing on the side). Or a combination of the two. I suspect I'll be trying the combination approach when I'm back in Virginia next week and I'll just see how that works.

Oh, and my plantar fasciitis is back, probably from running. Stupid plantar fasciitis. Like a book that you just can't seem to finish, I feel like this weight loss endeavor is going to go on FOREVER.

Free Shit Friday - Shocking, Another Pair of Shoes

2013-05-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's Free Shit Friday Offering is a pair of black Naturalizer Pumps with three inch heels, size 8M.

These are in great shape, as I've only worn them once. As usual, they're been supplanted by a new pair of Fluevogs.

da Rules.

The winner of the Spiced Fig Jam is MAW, with a random number of 9. Send your contact details, and The Mechanicky Gal will mail out the Loot.

Why I Run

2013-04-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

It's been almost a year since I started running. The beginning was basically an accident. We were visiting my Smart BIL and his amazing family, and I was going for a walk as part of my health and fitness plan. Because they live at sea level, I was having trouble getting my heart rate above 100, so on a whim I decided to see if I could run for 15 minutes, walk for 15. Turns out I could, and so I started incorporating running into my plan.

Over the last year, I've increased my distance steadily, and ran my first 5k last year in support of the Wounded Warrior Project. I currently run 3 times a week for a total of 20 miles and hope to run in my first 10K this summer.

For those who have known me for many years, this turn of events seems more than a little strange. I've always despised running, so much so that I would train for and do the optional swim for my Navy Physical Readiness Test (purported to be harder than the run) just so I'd never have to run. And yet, here I am.

Over the last decade or so, I've been pretty conscientious about exercising. It controls my depression without my having to resort to medication, and once I found out that cardiovascular exercise in middle age and a decreased risk of senile dementia in old age were correlated, I was even more committed. But I always preferred walking, or the elliptical, or the arc trainer. And I still do those things, on the four days a week I don't run, or when logistics prevent me from running outside or on the track. But nothing gets my heart rate up like running, or burns more calories.

But that's not why I do it.

I run because even though I suck at it, even though I'm slow as shit and my form is bad, it makes me feel strong. I can run for eight miles without stopping, and on good days, when my legs feel good and my breathing is steady, I feel like I can run forever.

As a youngster, I was never one of the athletic kids. I was never picked for sports teams. I was always kind of bottom heavy and had short legs, and my complete lack of anything resembling coordination made me a poor choice for those endeavors. And I was made acutely aware of these "shortcomings," just like every unathletic kid in the history of the world. Thus physical activity became a source of pain for me, a place where I was compared to my peers and always found wanting.

But I'm older now, and the weight I put on comparing my physical performance with others' is pretty minimal. And removing that internal barrier has set me free. When I run, I take pleasure in my strength, in my body, in the simple fact of my own locomotion. It brings me joy, to know my body works in this fundamental way, and that I'm using it to do the work for which it evolved.

I'm strong when I run. I can feel my lungs, my heart, my muscles and bones working together to propel me forward. And that makes me grateful.

Free Shit Friday - Spiced Fig Jam by The Mechanicky Gal

2013-04-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Go, Us

2013-04-24T08:00:00.000-06:00

Like most Americans, I've been following the news out of Boston for the last week or so. I'm glad the two suspects have been removed from society* pending due process, and I'm proud as hell of the performance of the first responders and civilians during this crisis. Go, us.

During the course of the crisis, though, I noticed something very different between the reaction of our country between what happened on 9/11 and what happened in Boston. While noting that the scale of these events is very different, I think it's fair to say that we, as Americans, did a much better job this time around.

First responders and law enforcement were on the ball. They apparently coordinated their efforts effectively, which resulted in not only the apprehension of the suspects, but the safeguarding of civilians and property. While the courage and dedication of first responders on 9/11 was never in question, they were working under the handicaps of shock and a failure of coordinated communications. That did not appear to be the case in Boston. We all know that America is not safe from this type of behavior. We're just not, and if 9/11 taught our first responders anything, it was not to be naive on this count and to be prepared. And we were. Go, us.

But I think the biggest change in our collective reaction was the courage of the general population. 9/11 was such a shocking event, such an unexpected event, I don't think people understood what was going on, and thus their reactions were compromised by their confusion and ignorance. Now? Spectators and runners responded. They ran toward the danger, right into the smoke and fire, in order to help those in need. While there are plenty of stories of the people in New York responding in just such a way 12 years ago, I think now the population understands such extraordinary acts of bravery by ordinary people are expected. They're still praiseworthy, these people still command our respect and admiration, but the culture has changed. Seeing the photos of our heroes still brings a tear to my eye and a swelling to my heart, but my reaction is no longer, "What an extraordinary human being." Instead it's "Of course people rushed in to help, in spite of the danger. It's how we roll."

"Keep calm and carry on," as it were.

The Smart Man thinks this sea change may be a result of seeing how New York's first responders behaved on 9/11. That the example of those men and women doing their duty with such determination and courage has shamed us into raising the bar on our obligations to help one another not just by donating to the American Red Cross, but by charging into the breach when necessary.

I don't know if he's right, but I'm intensely proud of this change. Prior to 9/11, it seemed that this kind of self-sacrifice was on the wane in our country. Now? Now, like Carlos Arredondo, we run into the smoke and the fire, to face the danger head-on, and help those who are not in a position to help themselves.

Go us, indeed.

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*Hey, being killed by law enforcement after holding up a convenience store, murdering a police officer, throwing explosives and carjacking innocents is, in fact, being "removed from society." While I would have preferred that the young man in question been taken alive for intelligence reasons, I'll shed no tears over this outcome.

Miscellaneous Monday

2013-04-22T08:00:00.000-06:00

On the Road Again

I'm leaving tomorrow for the Washington, DC area for eleven days. There are certain tasks I need to complete there, and since I needed to be there first thing Monday morning on the 29th, I didn't see any point in coming home for the weekend. So instead I'll be spending the weekend with my Smart BIL, my Amazing SIL and my AWESOME, AWESOME NIECE. It's a supreme sacrifice, it's true, but somehow I'll carry on.

The Smart Man, of course, is simply GREEN with envy. Not that I blame him. I'd be grumpy, too, if I was him. I just hope the business portion of the trip goes as well as I suspect the personal part will.

On Fear

I've been struggling a bit over the last week with fear and depression. Nothing crippling, and nothing that I don't think I'll get over, but it's been...annoying. And fatiguing. These occasions always make me appreciate the fact that I don't suffer from more serious mental illness. I'm capable of muscling through these times, and I'm grateful I have that option.

The Empty Nest

While I'm in Virginia, our Hot Daughter is planning on moving out. This will be the second time the Smart Man and I have had the house to ourselves (the first time lasted only four months, between the Smart Sailor's departure for Boot Camp and our Hot Daughter's return as a full time student).

I know some parents wig out when their adult children leave home and they're left with an empty nest. I have no understanding of this position. My attitude has always been that getting them the hell out without resorting to juvenile detention or pole-dancing is the preferred outcome. The fact that both of them are finally achieving this goal is a great, big WIN, even if she's only going two blocks instead of halfway around the world like her brother. If you need us, the Smart Man and I will be swinging from the chandeliers. After I return from DC, I mean.

She Ain't Heavy

Yes, she is. But I'm working on it. I've lost almost nine pounds since April 1st, which puts me right on track for my summer weight-loss goal. We'll see how that holds up while I'm out of town. Wish me luck.

2013 Flower Pr0n, San Diego Edition the Fifth

2013-04-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

Free Shit Friday - What a Surpirse, More Shoes

2013-04-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's Free Shit Friday offering is a pair of Aerosole shoes with 3" heels, size 8 Medium.

da Rules.

The winner of the Ouzo Fig Jam is Stacey, with a Random Number of 4. Stacey, send your new address to The Mechanicky Gal so she can ship out your loot when she's damn good and ready.

Also, MAW never sent contact details for the Amaretto Fig Jam, so we're defaulting to the First Runner up, Anne. You snooze, you lose.

No Hugs for Them

2013-04-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Yesterday when I wrote my declaration in favor of humanity, my Hot Mom responded that while she was sending hugs to the victims and responders of the Boston attack, those responsible should be deprived of this comfort now and forevermore. No hugs for them, she noted.

And this got me to thinking. The problem with having a large, dispersed population is that the traditional form of punishment known as "banishment" doesn't work anymore.

Imagine if banishing those people who are capable of such heinous acts was still possible. They would be cut off from civilization, from the comforts of modern life, from the succor of community and family. No reputable family would take them in, no business would take their money, no group would welcome them to their proverbial fire. They would be destitute, and utterly, completely alone.

On the other hand, there are certainly advantages to living in a society that no longer has the option to banish. More diversity, fewer constraints on behavior that does not hurt others, less superstition. These all contribute to the net good in the world. Which means I guess I'll have to be satisfied with the modern equivalent, otherwise known as "prison."

My thoughts and support to the law enforcement professionals working diligently to find answers in Boston. And hugs. Sending those, too.

I Cried Yesterday

2013-04-16T08:00:00.000-06:00

I cried yesterday. I cried because there are people in this world who think it's completely appropriate to kill perfect strangers to make a point, or state their position, or just because their personal demons told them to. I cried for their families, and their friends, and for humanity, because we spawn such evil.

And then I cried some more. Because even though our species is capable of such acts, we surely compensate by being capable of amazing courage, kindness and generosity. We're capable of running toward the evil, in order to protect the innocent. We're capable of giving of ourselves, in order to help others on the worst days of our lives. We're capable of reaching out and providing a loving embrace, because we know that sometimes the only thing you can do is hug a stranger. For every evil act, there a thousand kind, courageous acts, perhaps lesser in scope, but overwhelming in their volume and sincerity.

Today I'm proud to be human. Because I can see that even though there are a few people who are fundamentally broken, and thus capable of committing heinous acts on their fellows, there are far more of us who are whole, and thus capable of amazing acts. Today I choose to have humanity defined by the latter and not the former. Go, us.

2013 Flower Pr0n, San Diego Edition the Fourth

2013-04-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

Free Shit Friday - Fig Ouzo Jam by The Mechanicky Gal

2013-04-12T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's Free Shit Friday offering is a Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men/Mechanicky Gal Joint.

The Mechanicky Gal has an extremely prolific fig tree in her back yard, and recently made a foray into jam making. This is the first of three offerings from that endeavor, a jar of Fig Ouzo jam.

da Rules.

No one wanted the Michael Shannon pumps from last week, so they're off to the Good Will.

Lessons (Re)Learned

2013-04-10T08:00:00.000-06:00

Apparently I have a learning disability. There are certain life lessons that I'm apparently incapable of learning the first time around. Or the second. Or the third. You get the idea.

Thankfully, my life provides me with ample opportunities to learn these lessons over and over again, and in a few cases, they've even stuck. This makes me happy because it gives me the opportunity to not only be a better person, but to get more enjoyment from my life, as well.

This year has been pretty challenging here at the Big Yellow House due to a variety of external factors. On the bright side, I've learned (and relearned) some lessons as a result:

With a Little Help from my Friends

Asking for help when you need it is a net good in the world. This is true both personally and professionally, and although it's advice I tend to give, it's much harder for me to take. This is especially true in my new gig in the Military Industrial Complex, because I still feel like I have things to prove. In my old job, I would not have hesitated to call my amazing boss if I ran into trouble - it was his job to plow the road, and I accepted his help without trouble. I need to learn this lesson in my new job, as well. I have a new amazing boss who is at least as effective as my old one, and giving him the chance to help me be successful is not a sign of weakness.

Virtue unlocked: Humility.

Book of Love

You know what makes running around, and around, and around on a track much better? Listening to books by Terry Pratchett, specifically, the Discworld Books narrated by Nigel Planer. This series is simply delightful, and I'm so happy Random Michelle introduced them to me.

Virtue unlocked: Contentment.

You Can't Always Get What you Want

It's true - sometimes you can't get what you want. But if you aren't honest with people about your expectations, you have no chance of getting what you want or what you need from those relationships. Adult relationships sometimes include hard, painful conversations surrounding this core fact. Sometimes they're effective. Sometimes they're not. But they're always, always worth having, because everyone deserves a chance to do better in their life and their relationships, and staying silent robs them of this chance.

Virtue unlocked: Honesty.

Say What You Want

Taking pleasure in small things is a virtue that is worth cultivating. For example, I was listening to a Podcast where one of the speakers used the word "fungible." I love that word. Although the meaning isn't particularly whimsical, the word itself sounds like it should be. Say it out loud: FUNGIBLE. Hee. Here's another one: Cromulent. HA. The idiosyncrasies of language is a never ending delight.

Virtue unlocked: Joy.

Miscellaneous Monday

2013-04-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Run, Janiece, Run

The weather is finally turning here in Sunny Colorado, which means it's almost time for me to resume my outside running schedule and start preparing for my next goal - a 10K. I did my first 5K last summer, and decided that this year a 10K would be within my reach and ability.

I'm glad outside running will soon be available to me, though. I've been trying to keep to my thrice weekly schedule this winter, but the longer I've had to run on the Field House track, the fewer times per week I've actually been doing it. Running around, and around, and around in .9 mile circles for six miles (that's 66 laps, for those doing the math at home) is about the most boring thing in the world, and reminds me of Conan pushing the wheel during his boyhood.

North, to Alaska

I've begun research on our planned Alaskan Cruise for next year. We taking my Hot Mother in Law as a special gift, and if our Hawai'ian Cruise taught me anything, it's that planning is the key to a successful travel experience. That, and drinking heavily.

We're thinking a Glacier Bay itinerary at the end of May so that we'll have plenty of opportunity to see the Spring color and do some whale watching, while simultaneously avoiding the stampede of children that occurs once Summer Vacation begins.* We're really looking forward to this, and hope to have as much fun as we did the last time.

Sugar Free

I tried my hand at Sugar-Free Raspberry Jam yesterday. I used a Splenda recipe, and the Smart Man and I thought it was pretty tasty, if a bit tart. Hopefully it'll set up correctly rather than needing a straw or a chisel for consumption. I gave it a go because my Superlative Uncle needs to reduce his sugar and I wanted to help. There'll probably be a jar in Free Shit Friday at some point for those that need to watch the sugar intake.

Jet City Woman

After a number of weeks at home, I'm starting to book travel for Spring. I'm glad to be working on projects that I think are important, but I'm a bit concerned about my ability to manage my exercise and food intake, since I did such a poor job previously. I've been doing really well so far - wish me luck!

______________
*I do not appreciate ill-behaved children in my spaces, especially when I'm on vacation. And since I cannot "screen" children who might also be participating in this cruise, I will instead attempt to limit the statistical universe of children in my space. Science. It works, bitches.

2013 Flower Pr0n, San Diego Edition the Third

2013-04-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Free Shit Friday - The Purge Continues

2013-04-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's Free Shit Friday offering is a pair of leather Michael Shannon slingback pumps in taupe*, size 8. I like these pumps, and they're reasonably comfortable, but the peep-toe makes them problematic for work events. Plus there's the whole "they've been replaced by a pair of Fluevogs" factor.

da Rules.

The winner of the Amaretto Fig Jam is MAW, with a random number of 5. Send the details, The Mechanicky Gal will send the jam, yo.

______________
*Sorry about the color in the photo - they're actually a true taupe color, similar to the color in the pair that replaced them, not the cream that is depicted here. My camera is apparently having trouble with color depiction these days.

Let's Stick Together

2013-04-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today is our anniversary. Fifteen years we've been together, almost half my adult life. What can I say about our life together?

It doesn't seem like we've been together that long, and yet, imagining my life without him seems utterly lonely.

He's my family. His birth family is my family, too, and vice versa.

He makes me laugh.

We challenge each other to be better people.

We help each other see the world more clearly, because while we both have blind spots, we don't have the same blind spots.

He taught me that my work does not define who I am.

Our relationship taught me that my emotional baggage is no one's responsibility but my own.

He's my friend, but he's not my only friend. No one person can fill every need in my life, and one of the nicest things he's ever done for me is to push me to make new friends, and maintain those relationships appropriately.

Happy Anniversary to us. We Stick Together.

Miscellaneous Monday

2013-04-01T08:00:00.000-06:00

Get thee to the country, go

On Friday the Smart Man and I drove out to Northeastern Colorado to visit our favorite Auntie and Uncle at their "country estate." We try to get up there at least a couple times a year, as we love spending time with them, and it also gives us a chance to see my Fabulous Great Auntie Margie, her daughter and her son-in-law, who are all fabulous people. Also? They have some pretty spectacular sunsets in that part of the country.

Of course, no visit to the country would be complete without subjecting the local chicken population to a visit from whichever Metal Chicken is in residence. This is Enrique Inglesias, hanging with the ladies, while Woodrow (an actual rooster) looks on suspiciously. Enrique belongs to my Auntie, and the last time he visited the chickens he scared the crap out of all of them. This visit was a bit more successful, but they still got flustered and ran away once the chow was gone.

Back on the bandwagon

You know what really sucks about traveling? My apparent inability to eat appropriately when I'm on the road, which leads to my eating inappropriately when I'm home. As a result I've lost some ground in my quest to maintain my weight at a healthy level. The good news is that my last physical revealed that I'm in the best metabolic health of my life, so I've got that going for me. The bad news is that I'm toting some extra fat that needs to be get thee gone. So it's back on the bandwagon for me. Again.

Irony, you suck

I've been feeling a bit restless lately. I suspect it's because I've been home for several weeks in a row, rather than jetting all over the country for the Military Industrial Complex. I guess you rally can get used to anything. But it's depressingly ironic that I'm not a huge fan of business travel, but now I'm "restless" when I'm not required to be on the road at least once a month. Stupid irony.

2013 Flower Pr0n - San Diego Edition the Second

2013-03-31T08:00:00.000-06:00

Free Shit Friday - Amaretto Fig Jam by The Mechanicky Gal

2013-03-29T08:00:00.000-06:00

Today's Free Shit Friday offering is a Hot Chicks Dig Smart Men/Mechanicky Gal Joint.

The Mechanicky Gal has an extremely prolific fig tree in her back yard, and recently made a foray into jam making. This is the first of three offerings from that endeavor, a jar of Fig Amaretto jam.

da Rules.

The winner of the Simply Vera sandals is Barbara Mizzoni-Young. Barbara, please send me your contact details and I'll get those in the mail whenever I get around to it.