Burnt Rice

You burned the rice!  There's a chance you can save it, so don't immediately throw it out.  How to accomplish the rescue?  Immediately transfer any unburnt rice to a bowl, layer yellow-onion skins over the grains and cover tightly with plastic wrap.  Walk away for about 10 minutes; the burnt taste should be banished when you come back.  Mind you, there's no salvaging the blackened grains, it's best just to toss those.

Mmm...tasty!

Make the Grade

A "Grade B" maple syrup isn't lower quality than a "Grade A" maple syrup.  In fact, the grades simply refer to the color and flavor of the syrup.  Grade A syrups tend be lighter and milder, while Grade B syrups tend to be dark and very intensely flavored.  Grade A syrups are traditionally considered "pancake syrups" and Grade B tends to be used more for cooking.

Mmm...tasty!

The Dog Ate My Homework

And a few reasons why I haven't shared cake and other goodies with you for a couple of weeks...9 reasons to be exact.  Why 9?  Because that's how many photos I have today, and no, the reasons will not match up to the photos in most cases.

Excuses, you say?  Nah, I refuse to refer to them as such.  They are reasons...good ones, too!  And, no, there isn't actually any homework involved...I haven't had much of that in a few years!

Reason #1:

My to-do list is pages long.  My calendar blocks are so full I couldn't possibly squeeze in another word.  And, my pending orders folder has reached maximum capacity.

Account #2:

Pioneer Days happened...if you're familiar with the event, no more need be said.  If you're not, take my word for it. *big grin*

Defense #3:

I took a quick trip to Denver, CO.

Exposition #4:

I saw Zac Brown Band in concert at Red Rocks!  Amazing show...if you get the chance and are a fan, I recommend you see them.

Ground #5:

I ran a 10K in the Mile High City.  The thinner air didn't affect me as negatively as I anticipated.

Idea #6:

The weather is warming up quickly.  My AC has not been working.  It's repaired now and the bill came today.  Decorating cakes with buttercream in 90°F heat is difficult.  Writing the check to cover the bill was painful.

Justification #7:

I commenced training for the Savage Race.  It's a far cry from my typical training.  It's strangely fun, but I hurt.

Notion #8:

Mother's Day.  'Nuff said.

Rationale #9:

Graduation season is in full swing.  It will segue into summer wedding season.  I need a vacation.

Talk to you soon!  (Hopefully!)

P.S.  Bonus points if you recognized all the reason synonyms.