Sorry for the long absence again… I just haven’t been in the mood lately. One reason could be my getting upstaged by my blogging protege, i.e. Bubbey, who also happens to be a self-proclaimed, award-winning photographer. I mean come on, how can I compete for readership when competition is so damn fierce? Ok, just kidding. Really, I just haven’t been up to it. For one, the daily news continues to depress me: another goddamn fucking blast in China’s deadly coal mines, the US and its continuing bullshit practices and policies, Alito and his anti-abortion agenda, wars here, fighting there, torture who knows where… seriously, who can deal with this? Every day, I feel more and more strongly about my no kid policy. Two misanthropes simply cannot raise a child. On that note, I’m trying to focus on more positive things. What better diversion than food? So, I’ve been on another dangerous baking kick. I’ve baked like three yellow cakes in one week. Luckily, two were for parties (Yeah, can you believe? We’re actually getting invited to dinner parties?). Actually, I’ve wanted to branch out to other recipes, but I can’t find ground cloves for the life of me. I’ve gone to Carrefour, City Super, the upscale Lianhua, and Hui Jin. I’m told the Pines may have it. Last time, I just omitted cloves from the recipe. I mean, really, can 3/4 teaspoon be that critical? According to John’s sophisticated palette, the answer is yes. I made Molasses Spice cookies the other day, and without flat out saying it, John hinted they were off. Story of my life when it comes to food escapades. What can I do but continue trying.