To make real vanilla extract: Split a vanilla bean lengthwise, set in a glass jar, cover with ¾ cup vodka. Cover and let steep for at least six weeks. As you use the extract, add more vodka, the bean will stay redolent and continue oozing flavor for some time. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to French toast batter to transmogrify it into the New Orleans version called “lost bread”. Vanilla sugar tastes wonderful in coffee. Split one vanilla bean from top to bottom and cut into pieces, mix with two cups of sugar, cover, let stand for six weeks. The longer the vanilla stands, the more intense the flavor.
-Diane Ackerman
A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE SENSES
Twenty-five years ago today:
May 7, 1987
Thursday
I haven’t heard from Rachelle.
Freddie called me last night.
She said, “You know, Mike…my neck strain contributes to my bad memory. That’s my excuse as to why Steve says that I’m slower than the rest of us in our office.”
“I wonder if there’s something you can do to ease the strain.”
“Yeah, not go to work.”
I laughed.
I came home and slept until six o’clock. I telephoned Chris to see if he was coming over as planned. He came.
I jumped rope and did a touch of aerobics while I was waiting for his arrival. I really need to go ‘all out’ with my exercising and weight lifting now that summer is around the corner.
Chris and I went to WHEREHOUSE RECORDS. We had trouble deciding what movie to rent because of the wide selection. We chose STEPHEN KING’s two SHORT STORIES which were stupid. We went to sleep after watching them.
Chris is really a nice guy. He may accompany me to London this coming November. I still may ask Eileen if she may want to go with me (if she can get the time off).
Eileen called me at 11:30PM from CITY NIGHTS, the dance club. We discussed the idea of going to Santa Cruz this Sunday. I miss her company. The idea of lying on a beach next to her is appealing. I haven’t seen her since last Friday. She’s special. I believe that when I was with her and the song HELP ME RHONDA played at Caruzzi’s it was a signal about us. It was ten years ago that Elisa, my high-school pal, and I were playing the OUIJA Board and it pointed out that I would marry someone named RHONDA.
Your own mental telepathy is real.
-Michael J Armijo
PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENTS
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