Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.
Becoming Duchess Goldblatt
This is a memoir by Anonymous and Duchess Goldblatt, but if I left the description there, I would be doing this book a tremendous disservice. It is a light read with a deep message. It also delivers many delightful bon mots through Duchess herself that had me alternately in awe of her word usage and laughing out loud. I listened to it on Audible which was wonderful. I can’t say if reading it will deliver the same level of enjoyment.
From The Washington Post: “She (Duchess) was born of an anonymous writer’s imagination eight years ago, lives largely in the Twittersphere. This sort of anonymity, in a time of too much oversharing on too many platforms, is a respite. We need magic. It’s a summer cocktail of a book. Of Duchess Goldblatt, we would expect nothing less.” I should also mention that the singer Lyle Lovett makes several appearances and if you listen to to the book, you will hear Lyle’s unmistakable voice.
“Writing isn’t hard,” Duchess notes. “Worming my way into your heart one step at a time is hard. But it’s holy work, and I bought a boat with the overtime.”
Print version – $12.00. Audible version click here.
Sometimes, as I’m biting into an ear fresh summer corn, I wonder about all the sugar it is supposed to have and if I should cut back on eating so much in the summer. I was very happy to read a small article in The New York Times recently that told me the following reassuring facts:
- One cup of sweet corn contains almost three grams of fiber, which promotes digestion. Fiber can also help reduce risk of colon cancer.
- Fresh sweet corn is a starchy vegetable. Once the kernels dry out it becomes a grain. Starchy vegetables are a healthier source of carbs and calories than those coming from sugar and processed foods.
- Corn contains good levels of vitamins A and C which promote bone and immune-system health. Corn’s micronutrients can help to keep you healthy and your body functioning well.
- Fresh, frozen, and canned versions of sweet corn have the same nutritional benefits.
This is a clip-on food strainer that fits most pots and pans. How often have you tried to use a slotted spoon or a pot lid to drain a pot, only to lose half of what you just cooked down the drain? It is made from silicone and comes in eight colors. It is much easier to store than a full-size strainer if space is a consideration. It has two clips that attach easily to almost all sizes of pots and pans. $9.49
Tip #2 for raising healthy house plants is to dust the leaves. It is a chore, but dusty leaves on houseplants is not a good look and could stunt the growth of your plant. Dust blocks sunlight to the leaves which will slow down photosynthesis. Use a soft dry cloth. It can be damp or dry, as long as it removes the dust.
