Summer Vacation Is Over

It's time to put away the beach chairs and get back to work. Sad, I know. But at least that means our favorite shows will be starting up their new seasons soon. Anyone else been wondering what those Dundler-Mifflin-ites have been up to this summer?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRICE

I still remember your 18th birthday at the lake! And here we are, 10 years later! Little bit older, little bit wiser, and a whole lot happier :) I'm so lucky to have you.

I love you :)

Wizards, Wands, and a Wicked Ending

So, in addition to enjoying a nice steamy summer in Boston and our fabulous new apartment, I have been steadily working my way through the Harry Potter series. I know, I know, what's the big deal? Enough already, right? Most of us can admit it....Harry got old. At my library, we are not the biggest Potter fans. Sure, we order numerous copies of each book and field phone calls from sobbing kids as they reach the height of Potter drama. We do our job, and we do it with a big ole smile, but we really don't care. Sounds bad, but it's the truth. But as more and more hungry kids came in and as I talked to more and more people - adults, kids, coworkers - I decided to give in and finish the series. Then at the very least, I could back up my opinions and have some real conversations with kids.

I sped right throughHalf-Blood Prince and Deathly Hallows and I am so pleased with the books. I made a total turn-a-round and can now call myself a true Harry Potter fan (okay, I'm still iffy on that one). But I really liked the books and was honestly so immersed in the wizard world I was dreaming of Hogwarts and scary Voldemort every night. I still have my hangups with Rowling's writing and the middle books that dragged endlessly and lost focus, but I can forgive her all that. The last 2 books are so good, you don't care about the technical stuff. You just soak it all up, knowing this is it; this is where we leave Harry for good. No more burning scars. No more hunts for horcruxes or Hogwarts' feasts. No more goblins, gringotts, or ghosts! Just the memory of your first trip into the wizarding world and all the wicked good memories it leaves forevermore.

Thanks Harry :)

Mississippi Mud Cookies

Price and I seem unable to blog unless it involves sweets or music videos...but alas, I must share another great sweet treat with you patient readers out there. These cookies won't disappoint and if you happen to be a cookie dough fan, this one is for you!

Even Price, a typical batter snob, managed to lick a spoonful :)

Mr. Hitch is excellent company in the kitchen.

Don't these look good, y'all?

Prep: 25 min., Bake: 12 min. per batch
Ingredients
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels

1/2 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup milk chocolate morsels

1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. miniature marshmallows

Preparation

1. Microwave semisweet chocolate morsels in a small microwave-safe glass bowl at HIGH 1 minute or until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.

2. Beat butter and sugar at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; add eggs, 1 at a time, beating until blended after each addition. Beat in vanilla and melted chocolate.

3. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; gradually add to chocolate mixture, beating until well blended. Stir in chopped pecans and 1/2 cup milk chocolate morsels.

4. Drop dough by heaping tablespoonfuls onto parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Press 3 marshmallows into each portion of dough.

5. Bake at 350° for 10 to 12 minutes or until set. Remove to wire racks.

Yield
Makes about 3 dozen

Today's Music Video

Glen Hansard (of The Frames) with Market Irglova. "Falling Slowly." Beautiful song.

Today's Music Video

Classic Bruce. Classic video.