I did it! I posed every day in November as part of NaBloPoMo, National Blog Posting Month. It was a challenge indeed, especially through our bourbon country vacation and Thanksgivings when I otherwise would have skipped posting for a few days.

I had no writer's block and felt no lack of topics to prevent me from writing every day all year.

I posted 33% more often than normal, writing 30 days of posts versus 20 days as the average of last three months. Google analytics tells me that HoundsInTheKitchen.com enjoyed 20% more page views in November than the average of the last three months. This increase could be due to seasonality in addition to posting frequency, as food blog traffic often increases during the holidays.

Reading through the posts of the month, though, there were quite a few that lacked the quality I strive for. I simply ran out of time some days to include photographs or proper editing. With practice, I think I could build up these skills to write better, faster.

I am curious what regular readers thought of the more frequent posting. Did you like seeing something from me every day or did it clog up your rss reader or facebook?

It's been a wacky week here and I want to update you about lots of things: First, Devie the hound in trouble is doing very well after surgery yesterday to remove her left eye. We are keeping her heavily dosed with pain medicine to let the eye heal and will taper that off in the next few days. Stitches will be removed in about a week and then we'll have a counter-surfing, baying pirate dog!

We are still planning on having a Cider Pressing Party tomorrow from 2 - 4 pm. It will be COLD and the press will be outside, so please dress warmly if you are stopping by. We'll also have some apple bread and apple slices to enjoy around the woodstove to warm up.

Cathy Krist from Carousel Watergardens Farm let me know that they are offering a Thanksgiving Dinner CSA with six free range antibiotic free turkeys left. Visit their site for more details on the Thanksgiving CSA or their winter vegetable, egg, and meat CSAs.

In bloggy news, I am thrilled that the CEO of the Columbus Metro Library, Pat Losinsky, mentioned my 'vote for CML' post in his last newsletter to supporters. If you are here because of his link, welcome!

I think I'm participating in NaBloPoMo, the challenge to write a post each day in the month of November. So far, I've written every day and I have lots of topics in the queue, so expect a little more frequency here for awhile.

I am not participating in NaNoWriMo, the national novel writing month, but I am hard at work on an manuscript about eating and cooking with children. I have some anecdotes from participants in my classes but I want a more scientific understanding of children's eating habits. I am working up a survey that I hope those of you with children will complete when the time comes.

Next week is Dine Originals Restaurant week. Participating restaurants include most of the best independent restaurants in the city. Each offers at least one menu that costs $10, $20, or $30, viewable online through the above link. There are some fantastic deals among the offerings. Unlike some restaurant weeks where the chef is just looking to get guests in the door, my impression is that the Dine Originals chefs are truly showing off their very best. Take advantage!

Just before picking Dev up from the vet yesterday, Lil and I said goodbye to my college cat Kilgore. I found him abandoned in front of the Ohio State University football stadium and took care of him during his first six months. My parents adopted him ten years ago when I married cat-allergic Alex. Kilgore was a feisty tom cat, frequently roaming the neighborhood and returning with wounds. He purred loudly, showed displeasure with his claws, and whined to be let out as if a dog. His behavior became more mild in the last few months as cancer took hold. Rest in Peace, my furry friend.

Now, if I could ask something of you: Next weekend, my parents and Alex's parents are giving us a weekend away at a bed and breakfast in Versailles Kentucky near bourbon distilleries. My parents are watching Lil for the weekend and I am so very eager for some relaxation. I have two bourbon tours on the itinerary but am struggling a little bit deciding which restaurants to enjoy. If you have any suggestions in the Versailles/Lawrenceburg/Frankfort/Lexington area, comment please.

Be well,

Rachel

P.S. Kurt Vonnegut is one of my favorite authors, hence the title and Kilgore's name. I recommend you start with Breakfast of Champions if you have never read a Vonnegut story. Your library undoubtedly has a copy.