Good-Bad-Happy-Sad

My computer is dying.

{{"snap-crackle" goes my fan...}}

I am depressed! I have no spare computer, no computer I can borrow, no back-up plan.

When it finally gives up for good, I am computer-less for a good long time.

Done. Finished. Finito.

Unfortunately I have too many other REAL expenses that will come before replacing this silly piece of #%$%#.

{{"buzzz-whine-buz" goes some internal drive...}}

I have known for some time it was on it's dying gasps.

I HAVE backed up everything I need.

But I'm still so VERY BUMMED! {{"flicker-flicker" goes my screen...}}.

We've been through a lot in the last seven years, my little lap-top and me... sadly it's almost time to let it pass peacefully over that great electronic bridge to ... well... to wherever dead laptops end up... {{"snap-crackle" goes the fan again...}}.

But we're still limping along for short periods of time, so I'll continue to post until that day inevitably happens. Just warning you.

On a MUCH happier note, we got new couches today!!

This is a BIG BIG deal because our 20+ year old couches were the most disgusting things ANYONE has ever used as furniture.

Our "new" ones are very definitely still in the "used" category but free is a BEAUTIFUL price, and the couches are really very nice looking. (Even if the picture isn't that great!!).

We were all extremely thrilled when a friend called and asked if we wanted them. It feels like we actually have a living room again!!

Supper was short and sweet, we'd had a busy day with all that furniture-moving; and warm, cozy, comfort food was just what everyone needed...

Repeat of one of my old favorites:

CURRIED (and Roasted) PUMPKIN (or Squash) SOUP

.

.2 Tbsp. margerine

1 small onion, chopped

1 small garlic clove, pressed

2 tsp. curry powder or paste (I much prefer paste!), or to taste

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly-ground black pepper

cayenne to taste

2 Tb. brown sugar

1 Tb. very fine grated fresh ginger

Aprox 24 oz. vegetable broth

3 cups pumpkin or squash puree - either from a can, frozen or bake/steam your own and mash (my fav.) **See Note following

3/4 cup coconut milk (or 1 can of it is fine, so there's no waste)

chopped fresh green herbs for garnish

Melt margerine in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook onion 5 minutes, until softened. Add garlic, curry powder, ginger, salt and pepper and cook 1 minute more.

Add broth, sugar, water and puree; mix well. Reduce heat to low.

Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes.

Stir in coconut milk. Puree soup in blender in batches until smooth.

Heat through before serving.

Adjust seasonings - sometimes needs a pinch more sugar, or salt or cayenne - depending on your tastes.

Garnish with whatever green herby things you can find.

**I cut small sugar pumpkins or squash in quarters and roast until soft, then puree with a little vegetable broth for this recipe.