Not quite so short

[magid]

I had always heard that giraffes were technically kosher (split hooves, chews cud), but there wasn't a tradition of where on the neck the shochet should cut. I hadn't really thought about the other implication: giraffe milk is kosher. Interestingly, this news article doesn't mention hooves or cud at all, but coagulation of the milk. Interesting. I'm not going to wait for giraffe mozzarella anytime soon!

Last Shabbat I was asked to do hagbah. I accepted, and while it wasn't the worst lift ever, it was a bit wobblier than I would have liked. The weight wasn't the issue (it's a small sefer Torah, and I know I can lift at least 50 pounds in some configurations), but the balance was challenging. I think having a practice try beforehand (ever) would've been a good thing....

New favorite Trader Joe's product: Caribbean fruit floes. They're upscale popsicles, with better texture and bits of fruit in them (pineapple, mango, coconut, etc.). Very refreshing.

I'd mentioned to my parents that at the next Firefly I'd like to have chairs, so my mom brought a collapsible chair with her to her weekly Malden grandkid time. Both she and my dad independently said it would be fine to bike with it over one shoulder (I've been trying to minimize car use, both due to gas prices and to get myself out on the bike more). I showed up wearing my Camelbak as usual, and it was.... interesting to figure out how to put both on my back, especially since the handle for the chair was really not designed to cross over the body (and wasn't expandable). There was no way I'd ride with it just dangling off one shoulder, though, so I put it crossed over (barely fitting), with the Camelbak awkwardly on top of that, and set off. I made it home fine, but note for next time: my natural inclination is to put it on the left shoulder, but if it sticks up, put it on the right, so it's easier to check traffic behind.

Writing a list and checking things off it is more motivational than it should be, really. Whatever works, though.

PSA for locals: upcoming free Shakespeare in Harvard Square.

One archictecture firm uses programs to predict the acoustics of as-yet-unbuilt spaces. This fascinates me.

Comments

[cnoocy]

Do you have anything at all at the back of the bike to strap the chair to?

[magid.livejournal.com]

Not a thing. When I got this bike, they asked whether I was interested in a road bike or a touring bike (not a Turing bike :-), and at my confused look, asked whether I wanted things to carry things in/on or was I going for lighter/speedier. Given my then-upcoming ride, I opted for lightweight and speed. I don't have fenders, even (I admit, I try to avoid biking in the rain, because of my conviction that something horrible will happen).

[chanaleh.livejournal.com]

I love the Caribbean Fruit Floes! The chunks of actual fruit really make them a win. I've tried a couple of their other fruit-bar flavors but none of them compare.

[magid.livejournal.com]

I hadn't tried any others yet; perhaps I won't bother. I saw there were coffee and mocha ones too (different brand, different hechsher), which looked interesting, but not as interesting as the fruit :-)

[gingicat]

I really like the mango ones.

I've been enjoying seeing you weekly; definitely feel free to bike over even when your mom's not here - and when Joshua's awake to love on his Aunt Magid. :D

[teddywolf.livejournal.com]

I'm personally particularly partial to their lime floes, despite lack of solid fruit. Not to mention my perspicuously persnickety palate.

[teddywolf.livejournal.com]

"mmmmm... giraffe gouda..."
And that's Medford grandkid time.