chocolate buttercream

Today, I made my first homemade buttercream icing. It has intimidated me too long. It's butter, how bad can it be? All things are easier with a stand mixer I think. Need more silicone spatulas though. I baked a devil's food cake of dark, sweet deliciousness, then covered it in chocolate buttercream.

( pictorial proof, plus bonus photo of me. )

Meanwhile, I have chores and packing and things to do. I could use a nap though.

letter to the Texas Attorney General

Dear Attorney General Greg Abbott,

With our beloved state facing problems ranging from failing public schools, water conversation, environmental protection, unexplained deaths in state facilities for the disabled, that crazy border fence idea, a corrupt and abusive juvenile justice system, inadequate social services to someone burning down the Governor's Mansion, I cannot fathom why under any circumstances your office felt it necessary to spend the time, effort and money to appeal the ruling by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals that struck down a law banning the sale of dildos in the state. Perhaps sir, you might explain this to me. How exactly do dildos relate to any of the serious problems facing Texas? Are there dildos being used to rob banks? Are there terrorists wielding exploding dildos to attack public buildings? Are dildos clogging up our rivers? Are dildos made of cocaine being smuggled across the border? Was it a flaming dildo that set fire to the Governor's Mansion?

I am glad to hear that the federal appeals court rejected your case. It is my sincere hope that your office will not take this issue to the Supreme Court. Quite honestly I fail to see how the sale of dildos within the state will affect any of the serious aforementioned problems. Not only does it seem foolish, your office shows a prurient interest in the private lives of citizens when it should focus its attentions on the flagrant abuses of the Texas Youth Commission or the failures of the state schools. Not only do you squander resources, your actions hold our state up for mockery and contempt across the nation and the world. This only gives others more reasons to declare Texas a state of ignorant, small minded people hell bent on holding up antiquated, absurd and utterly ridiculous laws.

It is clear to me that you did not learn the lesson of minding your own business and keeping your nose out of other people's bedrooms. Private lives are exactly that, Mr. Abbott. Your lack of respect for the people of Texas is disheartening. Your waste of public funds is criminal.

Most cordially,

Amanda, native Texan since 1980