sally forth

15-year-old picture of the day: April, me, Guy

Today Aubrey and I had lunch in this restaurant, Cafe Anglais, in Frederick, Maryland. I have heard from reliable sources that British food is second only to Finnish as the worst food in the world. But whatever I thought of the taste, it matters not: I love the idea of partaking of anything British, edible or otherwise. I had my first pastie ever, something for which I've waited a lifetime. We also had smooshed peas, chips, Brit candies (from Britain, not made of Brits), and lemon barley water. You may have heard of barley water in the Mary Poppins song "The Perfect Nanny", below.


Here is Coldplay's song "Viva la Vida". I listened to it while running and lifting weights the other day. The entire time. Over and over. I've often wondered why no one writes songs like they used to. But this is a definite exception. Classic. Soaring and triumphant on first listen, but so sad if you listen closely. I can't get enough of it. Modern poetry at its best.

• I had a hearing test at Beltone. It was a bizarre experience. The technician dude, as it turned out, was LDS and had lived in Layton. Had heard of the Grahams even. Not your typical LDS dude, if there is such a thing. We ended up chatting for like half an hour. I knew the torrid details of his life and loves by the time it was over. Oh, and I can hear okay. My high frequency sound perception was below normal for my right ear, but nothing requiring treatment. I did show signs, however, that I will inevitably need hearing aid(s) in the future. He told me to drink pomegranate juice like it is water, as the anti-oxidants would delay the need. He also said to exercise my ears (didn't know this was possible!) by turning down the radio in the car so I have to strain to hear it. That will help make my audition (???) "stronger". Interesting. So Amanda take heed, so we don't end up in shouting matches with each other when we are grannies.
• Here are four little niecies. Clockwise from left: Lexi, Sierra, Madison, Alli. They are mine, all mine

Quotation of the day: "Please buy me a farmer too." --superfriend Claire, when Aubrey informed her that we were going to a farmer's market.