take five minutes to shift your mind here.....

www.glumbert.com/media/shift

The Embarcadero

We enjoyed a remarkably clear day for lunch at the Monte Cristo in San Francisco yesterday. This is the restaurant where Xia's dad works (across from the Ferry Building) and then we went up the mod glass elevators (not for the acrophobically inclined, of which I am one, so I'm glad to be down here on solid ground again) of the neighboring Hyatt to enjoy the view from above.

It's Chic to be a Girl in Washington!

Jeff and Rosa in Kauai sent these great photos.

Name that Spice

Can you guess what it is? Fennugreek! Tisha and I have been taking careful notes as we watch the girls in the kitchen. We've graduated to Indian Cooking 201 having successfully learned how to make "Rasam", "Fried Rice with Vegetables" and "Sambar". Oh, and "Curried Dahl" (I think that's what it's called - it was good, whatever it was).

The spices in the picture, clockwise, are; Fennugreek, Mustard seed, Garam Masala (empty) Chile Powder, Tumeric, Coriander Powder and in the middle - Cumin. Together with ginger, garlic and "ghee" you've got what you need. (The trick is in the timing with the spices.)

Nuff said. You'll just have to try it.

Fair Trade is Yummy!

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Hi Friends,

You know I'm not really into sales and marketing but this site deserves mentioning:
http://www.equalexchange.com/index.php
Sangeetha brought me back a box of organic black tea from her home state of "Kerala" India last week and it was so incredibly good, that I e-mailed the company and asked if they distribute here in California.

I happily bought four more boxes from the website (above) knowing that all the farmers who produce this tea, coffee and chocolate are part of a Free Trade Cooperative.
Pass it on!

Anita's sister's wedding

We have two lovely housemates, both from southern India. Anita's sister (in pink) was married over the holidays. That's Anita (in blue) who went home for the big event!

Here's the stunning photo:

http://picasaweb.google.com/BanjoJenny/AnuSWedding

(click site above, then click on "slideshow" to view larger image)

Migrant Education

Migrant Education advocates for kids/parents who 'migrate' seeking jobs in agriculture.

Most of my colleagues are from migrant families themselves - now established with higher degrees; bilingual teachers, etc. Together with parents and schools, we work to support this vital community/culture of the Pajaro Valley.

I'm in a new position in the department, coordinating the "Youth Advocacy" program which serves the Out of School field workers ages 16-21. We assist them to enroll in evening English classes, school and job training courses and we case manage each "OSY" until they attain their degree. Many of these kids and/or their parents work six long days in the field each week to support themselves and their family.

Check out the "Region 11" website for more info:

www.region11.net

http://region11osy.blogspot.com/