Week 52-22 - Curiosities


2022 Favorites (in no particular order)

Books


It was a good reading year - I'm closing in on finishing my 36th book of the year. It was hard to choose just five favorites. Rereading all of Octavia Butler's books was one highlight, discovering R. A. Lafferty was another. The goal for 2023 is to finish my bedside table stack and then dive into my Books To Read list getting as many as possible from the library. What was your favorite read of the year?

Why We Swim by Bonny Tsui
https://bookshop.org/a/87154/9781643751375


The Three Body Problem by Cixin Liu
https://bookshop.org/a/87154/9780765382030


Fledgling by Octavia Butler
https://bookshop.org/a/87154/9781598536751


The Best of R.A. Lafferty
https://bookshop.org/a/87154/9781250778536


Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
https://bookshop.org/a/87154/9780804172448


Music


We finally were able to get out to see some live shows this year which was a ton of fun, despite the overintoxicated masses. Dhakabraka was the highlight as they continue their whirlwind tour of the world supporting their Ukrainian family. On the recording front I've noticed that 4/5 of my favorites of the year are from BIPOC folks, which is pretty rad. I'll be keeping a running tab of new music in 2023, you can check out that playlist as it is populated. What was your favorite album or show of the year?

Stromae - Multitude
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kDes3UKBSh3zb1ZwRE8r3x6-6bDTM6jzY


Santigold - Spirituals
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kefQlxbJfhp3Tw8AfwrRIedUj0xQLaODY


First Aid Kit - Palomino
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mIOg1XUwKDMaVTygdUdomzAIOalJFOFuM


Beyonce - Renaissance
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mNIHUDGPKrgY-6pSM1JLFWhUc5iDHg1io


Tank and the Bangas - Red Balloon
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mLoOAGFNWl-w_YphhfPfO4rWvkKVRkzEw


Bakes


Since we live out in the boonies we don't have easy access to fancy pastry and restaurants in general. That means we have to bake/cook things ourselves if we want a treat. It's been fun exploring all kinds of bakes. I received an artisanal gluten free baking book for Solstice so many GF bakes in 2023 ahead. We are also continuing our culinary trip around the world for everyday cooking - i'm excited to try some Lao recipes, particularly jeows. Did you cook anything memorable this year?

Emancipation Blueberry Coffee Cake
https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/recipes/emancipation-breakfast-cake-recipe


Ligurian Focaccia
https://www.thekitchn.com/samin-nosrat-salt-fat-acid-heat-ligurian-focaccia-22949343


Cherry Pistachio Scones
https://www.callmepmc.com/dried-cherry-pistachio-scones/


Baguettes
https://momsdish.com/baguette


Leek, Potato, Prosciutto with Pistachio Crust Galette
https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/goat-cheese-leek-and-potato-galette-with-pistachio-crust


Beer


Once again the dark beers rule the roost. Our beer adventuring has not been super exhaustive this year. Hopefully we can visit more breweries in 2023. I really want to get down to ABQ to visit Bow and Arrow. Anything great you'd like to recommend?

575 Brewing - Rock Hound Porter
https://untappd.com/b/575-brewing-company-rock-hound/3616062


San Luis Brewing Company - Ol’ 169 Stout
https://untappd.com/b/san-luis-valley-brewing-company-ol-169-oatmeal-stout/50547


Sam Smiths - Organic Chocolate Stout
https://untappd.com/b/samuel-smith-s-old-brewery-organic-chocolate-stout/219082


Taos Mesa Brewing - Fall Down Brown
https://untappd.com/b/taos-mesa-brewing-fall-down-brown/238533


Bow and Arrow - Proper Fall Beer
https://untappd.com/b/bow-and-arrow-brewing-co-proper-fall-beer/5066610


Adventures


So many good adventures this year - mostly in state. We have some trips out of state planned for 2023, so lots more adventures ahead. What was your favorite adventure of the year?

Three River Petroglyphs, White Sands NP, Gila Cliff Dwellings


Bandelier: Tsankawi and Solstice


Cumbres Toltec Train Ride Adventure


Valles Caldera


Harding and Joseph Mines


TV


I don't really watch too much television, but there were several shows that were binge worthy. I especially enjoy not having access to every episode all at once (Julia, OMitB). Looking forward to more seasons of all of the following! What was your favorite show of the year?

Wednesday - Season 1(Netflix)


Julia - Season 1 (Hulu)


Sandman - Season 1 (Netflix)


Severance - Season 1 (Apple)


Only Murders in the Building - Season 2 (Hulu)


Movies


It was a really light movie watching year. I'm excited to venture out and see a movie in an actual theatre in 2023. Two movies that I've had on my list to watch in 2022, but didn't get a chance to see are Tár and Fire of Love. Did you venture out to the movies again - what did you see?

Everything Everywhere All at Once
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everything_Everywhere_All_at_Once


The Electrical Life of Louis Wain
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Electrical_Life_of_Louis_Wain


The French Dispatch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_French_Dispatch


Glass Onion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_Onion:_A_Knives_Out_Mystery


Victoria and Abdul
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_%26_Abdul


Miscellaneous


Things have finally slowed down on house upgrades after the move, now onto year 2 projects. Getting back into the work and life groove is ramping up. We learned a lot about growing in the greenhouse this year, and year 2 garden is going much bigger - goal for 2023 is to put away more food. What is one of your most memorable experiences or proud moments of 2022?

Demo and Finish of “hammockville”


Getting back into animation and having first screening in several years in town


1st year of greenhouse, and still growing food in December


Family and friends visits


Skiing!


Looking forward to 2023! Happy New Year!

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Jamie Larson
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