What about you?
Thank you for coming up with this idea - so much more comfortable than all of the angst which to a newbie was quite disturbing. I am a recently obsessed senior baker and my family approve - guess they think it keeps me off the streets and out of the bars. My mother never let me cook because she could do it quicker and better, and I don't remember her making bread. Hot cross buns once a year. I went to Birmingham Technical College in England and studied domestic science - again, no bread. I worked as a demonstrator for the local power company showing customers how to use their new appliances and putting on demonstrations for various groups. Came to America in 1967 and moved around a lot - Georgia, Wisconsin and California with 4 years in Singapore in between. I remember buying a box of pizza mix there which was full of bugs and they all came to life when I added the water. Back in the States I owned a needlework store, worked as a home health aide and for an ear nose and throat doctor before retiring when my first grandaughter was born. That was in Oregon and now we live on beautiful Whidbey Island and there are 2 girls - and they LOVE Nana's bread. I kept checking out books on bread baking from the library and finally decided I can do this. My sourdough starter was from Bread Winners II by Mel London, and used organic yogurt, and it is going gangbusters. Yesterday I made the Sourdough Pagnotta posted by BlueZebra. I carefully read the comments and knew that the dough would be wet, but didn't have the sense to cut down the water! Duh. So I stretched and folded many times, hoping that it would firm up. No such luck. A most abundant dough, full of bubbles and raring to go. I decided the only way to cope was to use loaf pans and it made 3 good sized loaves. I didn't have olives and so it made terrific toast and a great grilled cheese sandwich. Last night I started the process for Pane Sicilian from the BBA, and the dough is rising as I write. Just bought that book after hearing so many raves - and so far, so good. I hope one day to figure out how to post pictures but right now I have a hard time posting anything - Floyd said it was something to do with my browser accepting cookies. All a mystery to me - would appreciate any advice from someone more computer savvy, please? Must go, the critters think it is time to eat, A.
Please, what is a hummer? Is it a vehicle which we refer to as an SUV (i.e. a Sports Utility Vehicle)? Maggie (NZ)
here in the states 'hummer' is iconic for extreme SUV. I think they were developed as a military vehicle but they've found their way into suburban America.
The US Military M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or Humvee, or Hummer as it called by most military folks. This is a vehicle produced by AM General for the military. Later on General Motors made a civilian model based off of its shape and looks and called it a Hummer. So now civilians can have a motor vehicle that looks much like the military model.
To civilians, it is unfortunate that the General Motors model does not have the same Extreme standards and capabilities that AM Generals vehicle has.
As an ex-military member I can tell you first hand though that alot of troops Ive worked with would have much rather have the civilian model in the field for the comforts of the interior (namely the a/c). And they sure are prettier than o.d. green, or dessert camo...
Tattooed Tonka
Wow, what a wonderful life you have had so far. I think the more travel, and the more experiences one can have, the better. Its funny, I live in a very small community and alot of the folks that live here have never been outside of the Northeast US. They like it here, and have no interest in leaving. But wow, there is so much they are missing. I travelled quite a bit in the past, and wish to do it again once my kids are grown and off to college. I think we learn so much from seeing and experiencing other ways of living, sights, sounds, tastes, etc.
As for the posting pictures part. I am not the best in the "computer savvy" part, but I know my way around a little. I would be more than happy to try to lend you a hand if you would like.
TT
Thanks for the clarification. I've seen the Humvees here (painted sand coloured) but never a civilian model. The former here tend to be a bit unstable on our country roads especially when driven too fast; with dire consequences. Between my cafe cooking and baking/managing job and country life-style "retreat" I commute (60km daily) by/with a silver Rav 4. I try to balance my carbon contribution by planting trees on our land here.
The bagels turned out well to-day with 1 Tb baking soda in the poaching water. I also made a large batch of garlic and basil focaccia (with the 20qt Hobart mixer) to put in the freezer for batch baking as we are giving up bagels for a while.
Re Humvees - my husband has just informed me that I am confusing them with Unimogs. Sorry - I'll just stick to yeast cookery where my knowledge is more reliable!!! M
the fresh loaf automotive section...ok, our maggie, what's a Unimog?!
> what's a Unimog?!
It is what Arnold Schwarzenegger bought after he got tired of his HMMV, which should tell you all you need to know. A very useful vehicle for its intended purpose but there are only a few hundred in the US, all with manufacturing dates before 1974, due to safety regulations.
As long as I have already jumped in to the off-topic thread ;-) I have one addition to tattoedtonka's post above: in between AM General's introduction of the HMMV and General Motor's introduction of the "Hummer" line of vehicles, AM General licensed the HMMV to Chrysler (later DaimlerChrysler) for civilian sales. This was probably in part a result of Chrysler agreeing to license or not contest the use of the Jeep(tm) grill and front-end "look" on the HMMV, Chrysler at this point owning Jeep(tm) and its trademarks. They were sold both at Jeep dealerships and at standalone Hummer(tm) dealerships. This is the source of most of the "Hummer H1s" you see on the street (including Arrrrrrrrnold's), which are essentially the same as the military vehicle. About 4 years ago GM snatched this licensing deal out from under DaimlerChrysler's nose, which was quite a coup at the time.
sPh
Am only adding that these vehicles are high off the ground things used here to transport army personnel and supplies on training exercises, and tip over very easily. No wonder their manufacture ended in 1974! Can't imagine there being any demand for civilian models of these!! M