a photolist of Very Good Things

There's no written list this week- my Monday spun out of control too early to make one. The morning was fine- Kiddo was pleasant and cheerful, the weather was crisp and promising, the coffee just right. We got her to the train station just fine. There were no mangoes at Wawa for breakfast, but the pineapple I got was just as nice. It wasn't perfect- there were some problems to manage- but they all seemed pretty manageable at 9 am.

I went to the studio, looked at fish, ooh-ed and aah-ed over pregnant cats and potential kittens, tried on some garb.

Meanwhile, in Baltimore, a stranger walked into my house. Most of the Baltimore studio team was there, but they were working in back. Dave came in to take Hugo out for a walk, and caught the intruder coming out of my front door. He chased him, and the guy disappeared into or near a house up the street. Just barely up the street, by the way- two houses from where we sleep. That's probably the worst part.

Someone came out of the house and threatened Dave, telling him that if the cops came to that house, they'd come to mine.

Oh, Baltimore.

Nothing was taken. No one was hurt. The police were polite and as helpful as they could be. It was still scary as hell. I'm sitting here with a bat to my left, listening to my neighborhood and generally feeling rather unsafe. So- no list this week, even though I could use one. Instead, a collection of images taken or grabbed throughout the week that make me happy. They're mostly cell phone photos, but I'm guessing you'll understand.

First, the Hugo-normous.

Fresh butter from our milkman this week. We take weekly delivery of dairy, bread, eggs and some meats from South Mountain Creamery, and we just love it. It really shouldn't be this weird to see a single ingredient listed on a label, but it's wonderful, too.

Then there's this image of Noelle, sent to us from Dave. It's hard to explain quite why this is one of the best parts of last week, but trust me, it is.

There was lunch last week at DiPasquale's, this absolutely amazing Italian deli in Highlandtown. (There's one in Towson, too, but I can't be bothered to go that close to Towson Town Center.) Their roast beef sandwiches are every bit as good as the best place back home. Possible even better, actually. It smells like home and happy and deliciousness.

I picked up my box contents at Cosmic Comix this weekend, too- the latest issue of The Boys. I love Cosmic Comix. They're girl- friendly, bright and well- organized, and located next to my local yarn shop (Cloverhill Yarns) and my yoga studio. They're also right around the corner from Appalachian Bluegrass, which sells banjos and gives banjo lessons. Hm. More and more, I seem to be convincing myself to move to Catonsville. Anyways- forgive the crap photo- I just wanted to capture the "Batman Wins!" sign.

There's also this incredibly bizarre image I found... somewhere... last week. I don't remember where. Probably Twitter, given how random this is. I have no idea what it is, or what is happening here, but if anyone knows anything about it I'm willing to offer a reward for the end of all this suspense. This is currently my phone's background image.

From Monday, a picture of my butt. More specifically, my butt in the bottom half of the late 1800s, smoke- grey dress Gryphon is making for me. It rustles when I walk, it is gorgeous, and it's not even done yet.

Finally, a goblin, brought to visit the studio for the day by Noelle. Isn't he perfect? He comes from Goblin Road, he has handspun hair, and I think I need one of his siblings to come live with me.