Diane, A Shaded View on Fashion

Breakfast turned into dinner chez Graham Tabor and Miguel Villalobos

Dear Shaded Viewers,

The plan was breakfast but it ended up as an early dinner. Graham Tabor and Miguel Villalobos went to the farmers market at Union Square and joined me at my friend Jeffrey Miller's apartment. Jeffrey lives about a block away from my old apartment on West 11th street. It was all a bit nostalgic since I had not been in his apartment for about 17 years. I had visions of when I was taking care of his Siamese cats and one gave birth...it all took place in a closet. I quick called my friend Randy to come over and help me as I had no idea what I was supposed to be doing. All these old funny memories came rushing back to me.

Aren't these the most beautiful eggs that you've ever seen?

We could not get over the size of the duck's egg.

I am discovering all of my friends cooking talents, last night it was Glenn's guacamole and today Graham's eggs.

Miguel Villalobos and Graham Tabor -'Breakfast' ended and I was ready for my bed.

Later,

Diane

the tsukiji fish market with Akiko Hamaoka

Dear Shaded Viewers,

Today i went to the tsukiji fish market
as my friends eva and kira from ninedaughtersandastereo are in town.

the auction was finished but still a lot of tuna were laying on the ground
frozen and raw tunas ...

the photos are from my mobile so they may be too small...

todays japan times said that the market does not want tourists coming to the fish market
as they are interrupting their business... New rules will be introduced in April making tourists apply for permission if they want to come but since everyone does not know about the rules yet...you can still come and visit.

http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20080207a2.html

Best from Tokyo,

Akiko Hamaoka

p.s. styroform was used to carry fish
but as there are too many they destroy them at the market!

Last Stop before the Airport - A visit to Annika's Hembageri

Annika's Hembageri Odengatan 43 113 51 Stockholm Tel: 08 673 47 54 - Annika's bakery received the award for the best 'semla' in Stockholm.

Dear Shaded Viewers,

Last night at the Helena Horstedt show I ran into the beautiful singer/artist/model Ania Chorabik and she asked me if I liked sweets and then told me about her mother's bakery where the King of Sweden buys his cookies and about the traditional Semla cakes. Immediately I asked Nicolas Richard to arrange that my driver would pass by the bakery on route to the airport.

Ania travels the planet for her music, modeling and her art but she happened to be in Stockholm and was helping her mom out today. She had prepared an amazing package for me.

Ania and Annika

Traditional "Semla" and "Karlsbader semla"

The cinnamon roll is for Susie Bubble next to it is the Princess cake

My gift box of 'semla'

The King's fave cookies

'Dammsugare' and others.

So, if you see me looking a little rounder, please don't tell me, I know.

Later,

Diane