Tony – yes, well pistachio and chocolate are really quite lovely together, aren’t they? :) I’ll come by and see your tarts!

Robin – hiking is good stuff, hon. I highly recommend it. The tarts aren’t so bad either ;)

Mollie – perspective comes at a price, to be sure. I think not having perspective is probably a sad thing. I believe there is a little bit of baker in all of us, hon!

Rosa – thank you, dear :)

Lori – luckily, my sister and I always said “I love you” at the end of every conversation. Those were my last words to her, and I don’t regret that ever. It’s hard to muddle through the daily crap, but it feels great to be able to let it roll off your back from time to time.

Jenny – awwww, thanks! I do suggest trying the recipe with the extra egg. I’ll have to give that a go because I hate my tarts looking so empty…

Lan – thank you so much, I hope things will be on the up and up soon!

Taylor – I’m really glad to hear you like the photo. I think landscape photography is really just my way of sharing the beauty I see in nature with everyone else. So in essence, you were on the hike with me :) Thanks!!

Pam – thanks, you’re very sweet.

Bee – you? Lazy? Never! If I ever feel lazy, I just have to think of your amazing garden and the love and work you put into it :)

Christina – Right on, sistah. You got it nailed.

Jennywenny – I’ve been caught in enough storms to know that I want to avoid getting caught in a storm ;) My body and I have been at it for several months now. I’ll get her whipped into shape in short order :)

Patricia – oh, I had no idea. I am so sorry, my dear. xxoo

Taylor – why, thank you!

Laura – honey, I need you here to help clear these out!!

Ashley – the pistachio in the filling is really delightful.

Debbie – very true and well said.

Madam Chow – that is sweet of you. Right back at ya, babe.

Peabody – right on, girl! Leave it to you to get out and do what you want to do :) I love your attitude, gf.

Mark – I think I should experiment with different recipes, no? It just seems to take forever when it’s hot. When I bake, my back and legs and shoulders get stiff. When I’m out running around, I feel much more energized :) I guess I just like getting out and exerting myself in the mountain air. If I’m indoors for too long, I get sad. Best of luck on your exam, my dear. Seriously. Score well and come to Colorado! :) xxoo

Margie – hey thanks! I wish smell-o-vision were real. Food blogging would take on a whole new meaning :)

Mrs. E – oh, you give me far too much credit. Just recognizing that you take others for granted is already one step toward not taking them for granted, right? And I already know that you appreciate the people in your life :)

Woolly – Dude, you are a sweetie! I didn’t think my blathering would do much more than make me feel better, but I am really glad to know that you are getting out and doing what you love to do. I truly wish you the best too. Make the most of each day, love.

Cynthia – damn, that makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? Yes, I have a new found appreciation for things I used to take for granted and couldn’t do or enjoy at all during chemo. It’s good to be grateful for the little things. All the best, hon.

Joanne – I’ve never been, but someday… someday :)

Sue – it’s a terrific hike, I highly recommend it!

Cindy – I don’t actually underbake the crusts, but I definitely don’t OVER bake them (well, unless I get all stupid and forget to set the timer). The color is either light golden or lighter golden :) Glad to have you back from your vacay!

Kevin – thanks!

Jenn – why thank you! You’ll notice that my older entries have crappier photos and far more random (well, maybe not) mindless drivel :)

Susan – I’ve never been to Spruce! I’ll have to check it out – thanks!

Sara – they don’t taste all that bad either!

Tartelette – ha ha! I will try to make the improved version and let you know if they are better. Hell, perhaps I’ll ship them too you – I can’t eat all of these sweets, dear.

Holly – oooh, what a lucky little guy you have. I love pistachio and chocolate together – a very nice pairing (and so pretty too). thanks!

Your writing is so beautiful, especially this one – thank you for reminding me to have perspective!