Sketches and pumpkin soup

As many of you know, Wednesdays are my day off. I love having Wed. off. Usually I will go over to my friend's house during the day and catch up on t.v. shows that she has recorded to her DVR. For instance, today we were supposed to watch the season finale of Mad Men. Unfortunately, she isn't feeling well, so I will have to wait a day or two for the finale. I just have to be careful not to venture onto a corner of the Internet where someone is discussing the episode. I could watch it on my computer, but I will be good and wait until my friend and I can watch it together. Oh, how tough it is to wait... In the meantime, I went out and bought a few colors of paints. I used my Michaels 40% off coupon for one tube and bought two of a cheap brand (a poor person's brand called Artist's Loft that comes in a much larger tube--double the size-than my usual Windsor and Newtons)that were on sale for $2.99 per tube. We will see if they're any good. If so, their regular price is $3.99 for 4.06 ounces, so that's a good deal.

As you can see, I have posted some sketches. These are from a week or so ago, but I haven't produced anything today, so they'll have to do for now. I do plan on painting this evening--possibly a pumpkin. And speaking of pumpkins (perfect segue there, Anne), I made this pumpkin soup today. And you'll be happy to know that I didn't burn it. I really like this soup, especially with the homemade croutons (yes, just call me Martha Stewart). It was a good way to use the French bread that I made on Sunday that was starting to get too tough to eat. I did add a couple of extra spices, including cayenne pepper and curry. My only issue with it (and if you look at the comments below the recipe you will see other's had this issue as well) was that it was a bit too salty. As I read the comments before making the soup, I decided to cut the salt in half, but I think if I make it again, I won't use any salt. The two cans of chicken broth provide enough salt.

Edited to add, I should also mention that it is fine without heavy cream. I used a mixture of half and half and skim milk and it was still very creamy.