Bits and Pieces

I haven't had much to say lately. No real reason. But, here are some bits and pieces of things floating around in my head at the moment.

• Cashews grow on trees. I took these pictures a couple years ago on a trip to St. Lucia.

The tree produces these fruits. The top part is called the cashew apple (apparently you can eat it, but I haven't tried it). The bottom part is the business end. One cashew nut is encased in a double shell that contains anacardic acid - a potent skin irritant that's related to the toxin found in poison ivy. No wonder they're so expensive. You only get one nut per fruit and you have to do battle with a skin irritant to get it.

• As I was tucking Harper into bed last night, I said "Where did my baby go?" She responded with "Mom, I'm growing up." But the way that she said it made it sound more like "Mom, seriously. We've been through this before. I'm growing up and you're just going to have to come to terms with it. Now, shut my light off so I can get some sleep. I have a big day tomorrow."
• I found a job that's very tempting to apply for. I've been contemplating it for a week now. I keep seeing references to this particular university in random places. I think it's a sign.