Orthodox Christians are preparing for our Lent, which begins on March 15. We just had a fast-free week. My priest here in Baton Rouge is a Texan who observed the rare fast-free Friday yesterday by smoking a brisket (I think this is a ritual with male Texans). It is a think of beauty, is it not?

UPDATE: My daughter Nora made chocolate chip sheet pancakes, and ate her breakfast outside with her hens.