Something sweet this way comes....I am learning to bake with stevia. This will give my Dad more selection, when my parents come to stay for the winter, and also provides a sweet that I am willing to try on my sugar-free regime. For any of you wanting to get thinner, this works: no white sugar, no white flour, no white rice, 1 hour per day of aerobic exercise, and 2 or more tbsp. of apple cider vinegar per day. You get used to life without sugar and flour, and learn to cook creatively. It's a good time to try it during fruit season: we have been enjoying cherries, melons, nectarines and peaches in abundance.

We have enjoyed visits, too; another sweetness. My sister Andrea came over yesterday with granddaughter Mary Jane. I realized I had little in the house to entertain a four-year old, until I pulled out my art supplies. Then Mary Jane very happily made many, many pictures with sparkly glue. Mitchell hung out and visited with us, and of course Andrea and I wandered through the garden for quite a while. There are so many sunflowers...and we are starting to enjoy fresh tomatoes from the garden.

Our family friend Elizabeth Asbury was here for a couple of evenings, and she and I went to see the movie "World Trade Center", which we liked. It's not too overly American rah-rah patriotic, there is very competent acting, and it brings the events of that time truly close to heart. Again. But not in a maudlin or overly sentimentalized way. It's worth watching.

Then today my daughter and I took in the new Woody Allen movie with the very attractive Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johannsen. It's called "Scoop." It has some very witty writing and lovely, plush English settings...and a weak ending. 3 stars on a 5 scale.

Have a wonderful weekend.