The World Famous Cronut: WPC

This week’s photo challenge was to photograph things that are a good match. I wasn’t terribly inspired. In fairness, that might be because I’m insanely busy with school and work at the moment and not because the topic wasn’t inspirational. Either way, I probably wasn’t going to do the challenge. 

Second Ave Subway: WPC and CB&W

Today’s a two-fer! The Daily Post weekly photo challenge this week was to capture something that’s “against the odds.” I happened to ride the Second Ave Subway the day after the challenge was posted and I knew I had to go back with my camera and get some photos, because if anything says “against the odds” it’s the Second Ave Subway.

Strawberry Pancakes: Recipe and TBT

Throwback to that time when I managed to smash a pint of strawberries to a pulp on the walk home. Or more informatively, to that time when I made pancakes with strawberry puree mixed into the batter.

I made these with fresh strawberries in the springtime. I’m sure these’d work well with a puree made from frozen, defrosted strawberries for a cozy, wintertime brunch. In fact that seems to be the best use of frozen strawberries outside of ice cream.

Shadow: WPC

This week the theme for this week’s photo challenge is: shadow. I was surprised at how much I avoid shadows in photography. Or rather I avoid the stark, bright light that happens to then throw deep shadows.

Polar Bear: WPC

This week’s photo challenge was “solitude.” I spent a while thinking of what I might choose to photograph, I had some thoughts but no definite ideas. Then I remembered this lovely polar bear from the Bronx Zoo.

Lounging on his (her?) own, he looks so solitary and peaceful. I bet he will be frolicking tomorrow in the blizzard though!

Thoughts on Immigration

The border control agent handed me a slip of paper instead of my passport. She had checked the box next to, “you are being detained.” It would have been farcical if it hadn’t been so terrifying.

I knew the worst case scenario was that I would be sent back to the U.S. where I have family, friends, and a life. It would also mean a struggle to get my student visa and I had only applied to schools in the U.K.—but I hadn’t even accepted a spot yet, so I wouldn’t really be losing more than a year and a few application fees.

I also knew that the law was in my favor. I hadn’t overstayed any visa, I showed ample resources, and the accusation that I was trying to establish residency was absurd (and showed the border agent’s complete and utter lack of understanding of immigration law). I had done nothing wrong and immigration law was on my side.

But in the moment, sitting on a plastic chair while the arrivals hall emptied out, the worst case scenario seemed much worse and I didn’t feel like I had anything, let alone the force of law, on my side.  I can’t imagine how terrifying that process would be when the worst case scenario as bad as I felt it was—or even worse. I can’t imagine what it must feel like when you cannot cite the law in your favor (especially when you should be able to).

Almost Healthy Apple Crumble: Recipe and TBT

I’ve lucked out recently; I’ve gotten some great apples at reasonable prices. Yesterday my luck ran out. I’ve got three granny smith apples that are unbearably tart. What to do? That’s easy: make apple crumble! I haven’t made it yet (I started a new term of classes this week so I haven’t exactly had the time) but I will soon. And when I do, I’ll use this recipe.

So here’s a throwback to throwing things together–no recipe, no fallback ice cream in the freezer–and making a fabulous apple crumble (although, in hindsight, it’s more of an apple crisp) with a fabulous friend.