First day of the Advent Calendar

 First of December, White Rabbits, first day to open a door on the Advent calendar, and the Season of Sagittarius is under way.

This month, several of my friends, in rl and online, have birthdays, aside from that big one on Christmas Day, so happy birthday to you all, and I hope you're reading in here. Sags rule!

Today is that really misguided day, Giving Tuesday, which started out as a nice idea to remember the nonprofits before the for-profits start to rake in the holiday takings.  But it's got to be a mad rush of demands and emails and promotions for nonprofits which are not on my radar at all.  I think giving ought to happen any old time, and especially if you find you have a bit of extra money in the kitty.

My usual default is local and immediate, mainly the food pantry, which can use money better than actual cans and boxes of food. They know better than I do what's needed right now, and it's not always food.  Often people are desperate too, for sanitary and hygiene items, none of which are covered by any insurance and certainly not government programs.  But the need is there and it's pressing.  So it's a good idea to think about that.

People feel very good giving actual items, and I don't discourage that, if they check first to see what's needed.  But it's still good to remember that cash is good, since food pantries and banks can use it to get items at reduced cost. 

Right now people who even as recently as March would never have thought they'd need the help of a township food pantry are finding they do.  Their jobs and worlds have collapsed around them. Those of us who have the luxury of continuing our ordinary lives with just a few restrictions would do well to remember that.  Pay it forward, okay?  There, but for the grace of God, and that train of thought.

Exciting walk, low key supper

We had some wind yesterday. Went out for a walk around the development, and found my path blocked. I had to detour to finish, and kept away from tall trees for the rest of the stroll.

Home to make these exciting things. Black bean fritters.

They're actually better than you'd  think to look at them. Not a great intro for a recipe, I know. But they're good. Filling too.

Quite exciting to make, since the blender did only a medium job of mixing -- I'd mixed all the ingredients before the next screen, when I scrolled down,  said  you needed a food processor -- and my wooden spoon got all stuck in the blades, as I tried to scoop the mixture out to cook it. I might have eaten a bit of wood pulp in the fritters. But it's fiber, after all.

This is one can of black beans, minced garlic, ginger, cilantro, Thai curry paste, salt, breadcrumbs, egg, bunch of fresh cut chives. Made six fritters. Put ketchup with, didn't have  the fancy dipping sauce the food processor owning recipe writer required.

It's one of those recipes people love to describe as "budget". But they assume you have all the spices, garlic, ginger etc. The only cheap ingredient is the can of beans.

This is why food banks list condiments on their wanteds. You can make much more interesting food with spices, but people who need the food bank can't lay their hands on spices.

Also did you know that summer can be the hungriest time for food bank users? School's out, no subsidized lunches then. If you're planning to give, please do it now. And $$ is excellent, since the food bank people know what they need most, and they'll spend it wisely.