Sunday Musings

* It's hot.  Really hot.  I'm so ready for fall!

* The roasted chicken is off the menu.  Reason:  See above.  So instead we're going to have some shrimp with Old Bay seasoning. 

* To go along with our delicious vodka tomatoes we began marinating last night.  It's a dish we had at the cocktail party last weekend and is super simple:  poke cherry or grape tomatoes all over (we used a stainless steel cocktail pick), leave in a bowl of vodka overnight.  To serve, simply take the tomatoes, speared on cocktail picks, and dip into lemon pepper seasoning.  Delicious!

* We just made a bloody mary homemade for the first time.  Used Martha's recipe, tasted, decided not quite enough, so added extra horseradish and then some old bay.  Delicious with vodka over ice, but take it slow, they're potent. 

* G remarked that we have been drinking more lately.  I corrected him.  We've been drinking more often, but less in quantity.  A beer at trivia night, a glass of wine with dinner, a cold bloody mary on a hot summer day, but never more than a drink or two.  And always, always with lots of water. You must stay hydrated in this heat!

* G might deploy sometime in the next year.  Four to six months by myself.  Hmm.  Not sure yet how I feel about this.

* I'm excited that we may be headed to Annapolis this week!  And it's not even because of the beautiful navy whites.  There is a Sur La Table, so hopefully I cna look at the Staub coquette and pick it up if the color I want is in.  I'm a little worried about lifting the thing, I've been told they're heavier than Le Creuset.

* I wish all my day consisted of relaxing with my drink, but alas, I now have floors to scrub and polish and vacuuming to do.  Nothing back breaking, just repetitive (Sophie sheds a ton).

I do hope the weekend is going well for everyone!

Reflecting

This weekend has been absolutely gorgeous so far.  Sunny, blue skies, not too much wind.  But this is not a weather blog.


More like how I weather life.  And it's usually windy with occasional storms.  But not this weekend.


Friday G took care of something he's been meaning to.  And while it left him more than a little upset and left me irritated with the person he dealt with, I was so proud of him.  He stood up for himself and us, even though it was outside his comfort zone.  And it led to him drinking a petite glass of scotch to calm his nerves and well, it made for intoxicating kisses while cooking dinner.  Ahem.


This morning (Saturday) he woke up, got cleaned up and dressed and made coffee to wake me up with.  Perfect.  I woke up right before he was headed up, and called out.  I thought, "I hope he made coffee.  Please, oh please, let him have made coffee."  He opened the door, that coffee smell hit me and I was smiling with my eyes closed.  Wonderful.  


Today we went to dinner, we relaxed around the house, we picked up a nice bookcase for the living room (project to come on the home blog very soon).  And I just felt at peace.  We talked about how calm my heart has been lately about some hard topics.  We talked about things we were afraid to talk about, stressors, irritations, and did so with calm steady voices and encouraging words.  I had felt like my faith was suffering lately as I called into question our marriage, but today it was as if God was smiling, and we'd turned a corner.  


Tomorrow we have mass and then helping a friend set up for her son's party.  He's 1, he really won't give a hoot, but it should be a nice time.  It feels great to have made friends where both G and I click with them (her husband and G get along really well).  They were glad to make friends with people who may not have kids yet but love kids, and we were glad to have people who didn't either think we couldn't work because we're childless or who think kids are a plague to be avoided.  Win win.  


I hope everyone is enjoying this phenomenal weather that most of the country seems to be having!  

Old Fashioned

It is strange to me that the older I get the more conservative and old-fashioned I become.  And I'm only 25! But my love for vintage is slightly out of control, and is not helped by a husband who feels the same as I do.  But for the amusement of my readers, here is what we have been up to lately:


We spent all day Sunday listening to a dozen "episodes" of the radio show Father Knows Best.  While listening to the radio online, I managed to write out half a dozen letters to people I love.  I am a huge fan of correspondence through snail mail, have a strong love of stationary, and am currently coveting a wooden stationary box from Crane's filled with nice cotton paper and correspondence cards.  I really do love sitting at my great-grandmother's desk writing to friends and family.  I also ironed a lot while listening to the radio program while G sat on the desk chair listening with me.  It helped me get some napkins and tea towels ironed, as well as G's blues, and his white handkerchiefs (and yes, I love that my husband carries them!).


Yesterday we went to the store to get groceries and also stopped for coffee.  I chose to look casual in a camisole and cardigan with jeans and flats.  But add in my green coat and my new red lipstick and G was having trouble keeping his eyes on the road!  For anyone with my complexion (pale, somewhat porcelain) please let me recommend what so many others recommended to me:  M.A.C. Russian Red.  I use a cherry red lip liner under it (always remember to exfoliate your lips so there isn't dry flaky skin) and then carefully apply.  Even after wiping quite a bit off over the course of a couple cups of coffee it still looked divine!  It's bright, and at first was shocking.  But G thinks it's the sexiest thing I own, and I might have to agree.  (oh, and my maman, God love her, hates it.  Which might make me love it more, hmmm.)


And last night, in an effort to use up some greek yogurt I was worried would go bad, I made a yogurt spice cake.  In a bundt pan.  And it looks beautiful and smells amazing!  We'll be having it with tea this afternoon, pictures to follow, and if it turns out good, I am sharing the recipe!


I don't know what sparked this insanity in me, that caused me to love old things far more than I do modern.  But God definitely blessed me with a husband who agrees and so we both get to live a happy little lifestyle.  Now if only I could hunt down some 1940's Christmas cards.....

Sunny Sunday

It snowed yesterday, big fluffy flakes.  Not much stuck to the ground, and today the sun is out.  However, it's still freezing, and I am hoping for more snow soon!  However, due to the weather G and I have holed up.  We will have to venture out today, since we've exhausted our supply of loose leaf Earl Grey.  


For dinner last night I roasted a cornish hen (we have another for tonight) and we ate it with some couscous (cooked in the water that I boiled the giblets in....I also mashed them and added them to the coucous for a wonderful flavor!).  We also cooked some chickpeas and made a salad with some baby lettuce, red onion, and goat's cheese.  Simple, and accompanied by a chianti.  

Today we're listening to Father Knows Best, the old radio show.  It is really good!  Strange how some things will always be relevant, like the importance of being frugal, and being a good neighbor.  It's allowed us to have some good laughs, while also attending to other things.  I've written some letters that I need to mail tomorrow, and Garret has been reading a bit.  Apparently we're decent multi-taskers today!  This week will be a little busy, getting ready for Christmas, but tis the season and I am enjoying every moment!

I having one of those days where I just feel lazy.  I've watched some Gossip Girl, I've re-painted my nails (what can I say, I'm hard on nails).  I've eaten a Lean Cuisine ravioli meal (I like them, but I add cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder and crushed red pepper).  And I'm sipping on Perrier listening to some court case show in the background. 


The only thing I've accomplished thus far today is doing my eye make-up, since G stopped dead in his tracks last night because I'd done a simple smoky eye.  Apparently he thinks it's sexy.  So trying to be a wife he wants to come home to, I've stepped it up a notch.  

(I always get a weird deer-in-the-headlights look when I have to take a close up)

I need to pick up around the room, organize the suitcases.  But that would require leaving bed, and I'm just not sure I want to do that right this second.  


All I know is G will be home in a couple hours and rather than getting out of the hotel room, I think we'll stay in.   Pick up a couple good books and relax.  It's one of those days, and I'm completely okay with it.

Glorious

Today is one of those days.  Beautiful.  Serene.  Puffy white clouds, sunshine.  G and I had lunch at Panera (can I just say their black bean soup is delicious, but do like I did and ask for some red onion to put in it----I took red onion rings and chopped them up and mixed in).  Then before heading out into the warm light we picked up a pain au chocolat to enjoy.  We drove back to the hotel, sat on a bench and shared the treat.  Simple things, but good things indeed.

I think we're both still tired from yesterday.  The day before we had gone to Old Navy and picked me up 2 dresses, a skirt, a tank top, t-shirt, a one-shoulder shirt and a cardigan for about $35.  Not bad.  I am still trying to pair down my closet but needed some clothes that fit a bit better.  And a dress for less than $5 that I had tried on and liked before?  A nice little pick me up.

Yesterday we went out just to get out.  We didn't necessarily need anything, but wanted to look around.  First we went and had a late breakfast at Clementine.  They had a homemade sausage that had corn and mushrooms in it that was like nothing I have ever had before....I kept stealing bites since it was G's.

We hit up Off Broadway, a shoes store I had never heard of, and I picked up some cute (and oh so comfortable!) grey suede ankle boots.  

We stopped in at a beauty store for me to finally pick up some new nail polish.  A bottle of Russian Navy later and we were out the door.  Painted my nails today and I LOVE this color.  I've always been afraid of darks, but it looks great against my pale skin.  I'm currently looking for a charcoal grey color next.

We stopped in the Gap outlet.  I picked up a nice, semi-nautical blue and white dress that I plan to rock this fall (just adding in some warmer tones).  I first picked it up in a large, but realized quickly that while the large was fine for now it would be too loose by Christmas.  However, my thing is to not buy for the future, it needs to fit, but went ahead and tried on a medium.  Well lo and behold it fit!  It will definitely look better as I slim down (since I like these style of dresses to be more loose and swishy), but it works for now too.  

(it's hard to see on the hanger, but it is a very drapey dress, with loose sleeves, and a nice, defined waist.)

The Limited was having a 40% off everything in the store, including clearance.  Nice, but since the only thing I had was a medium size dress that I doubted I could get into, I wasn't that excited.  But when it fit I was almost jumping for joy.  I've been looking for a simple, but not boring, long casual dress, and this will work beautifully.  Especially next summer when I am hoping we will have a backyard set up ready for a Spanish BBQ (sangria, tapas, oh yes!).  

And finally we dropped into the Saks 5th Ave outlet and it was there that G finally found some sunglasses.  He has such a long and narrow face that it's been a difficult search.  But of course D&G came through for us.  His first fashion love, I say.  Now my only conundrum is how to justify getting the Ray Bans I want, since my justification used to be that they were unisex and we could see how we both looked in them.  

The day is still young, and the sun still glorious in it's light.  G wants to go for a "stroll".  His word, not mine.  And I am in my new skirt that calls for twirling.

Summer Days

Things had been so stressful lately, I was sure they must begin looking up.  Well, Javelin gave us a gift voucher for 20 pounds, and called today to say that they will be calling tomorrow, hopefully with news, about trying to get the VAT back for us on the jacket, which will be a nice bonus.

I've been horribly upset about the idea of sending Sophie home 2 months early.  She doesn't do well without me, I'm afraid.  But yesterday we found out that not only does Continental fly her breed year round, whereas other airlines won't fly them if it's over 85F, that it will actually be substantially less than I originally thought it would be.

The biggest disappointment lately was that we will not be staying here another few years.  Garret had an opportunity, but in the end it just wasn't going to work.  However, we are both very excited to be moving to Maryland.  I cannot wait to explore the city and make new friends!  And I must confess I am thrilled to be moving away from so many sheep and pig farms. It's quaint, but I am ready for a more busy setting.   

I've been cooking up a storm lately, trying to clean out the pantry.  The other night I decided to make red beans and rice with cornbread, but the cornbread turned out so well that we skipped the rice.  I did change a lot of the recipe when I made it (adding various things and omitting others) but it turned out phenomenal!  If you would like to know how I made it, please let me know!  Garret made sweet tea and we danced around the kitchen while listening to Marc Broussard, a Louisiana musician.  

Then we headed outside with some sweet tea and my white hat to keep Sophie company while she gnawed on her first real bone.  Sillyness ensued as we decided to play photographer, but I captured an amazing shot of my husband!

I also put together a yummy antipasto platter with prosciutto, salami, juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and drizzle of olive oil.  Garret grilled some ciabatta bread, and we sipped on some Veuve Cliquot we had opened the day before.  

And lastly, we found some amazing cherries at the market, and I barely kept from eating them all!  I made myself take a photo before I devoured them.  Hopefully we will be getting more tomorrow!

Shallow Break

Well, lately it's been a lot of deeper posts, and while it's been refreshing to finally get back to where I want to be as a blogger, I need a break.  I need time to breathe and just relax, because the past few weeks have been hell and even writing the story of G and me took way too much energy. 

So what have I been focusing on?  Glad you should ask.  Yesterday G and I took Princess Sophie (as she is lovingly called when she's being a good puppy) to the park in Thetford.  It's beautiful, with plenty of trees, a river with a large bridge over it, and plenty of water fowl.  Oh yes, they have ducks, but they also have geese and swans.  Swans that are the size of Sophie and could so kick her ass (and almost did, with one rearing back, flapping it's wings and hissing like a tomcat).  We walked around the town center, Sophie got to have us avoid a lot of other dogs, including a yappy little one who Sophie didn't even notice until the pipsqueak began a verbal attack on her character and Sophie barked back loudly once.  

Then it was off for coffee where we took in the beautiful sunshine and Sophie got to try the foam from my latte.  She loved it and sat close staring me down.  She also got to meet a family of goats while in the local walking trail/park area who watched her through the fence bleating at her.  Garret and I dropped the princess off at home and headed to Cambridge for Chili's where we sat and began putting together a game plan.  

Today was a lazy day.  We did coffee again.  It's kind of nice because the gentleman who works the place now begins making our coffees as soon as he sees us.  Which is unfortunate since at some point I am going to want something other than a latte, but for now it works, and his "see you tomorrow" puts a smile on my face.  We don't speak much of the same language, but we make small talk, and I enjoy these daily breaks.

But let's get down to business.  Most of you won't care, but bah, it's my blog, so I get to ramble about pointless crap shows.  First up is the Real Housewives of New York Reunion Part 1 and all I can say is whoa!  Who would have guessed at the beginning of the season that I would be on Team Luann.....I still love Jill and Bethenny, but damn, all the women are kinda crazy and bitchy now, but any woman whose husband asks for a divorce after 16 years of marriage in an e-mail and can still try and remain strong and work it out for her kids gets my vote.  Even if normally she makes me want to pull all my etiquette books off the shelf and chuck them at her.

Next we have Criminal Minds, which wasn't that damn exciting.  I've been disappointed with this season, finding it a tad boring and flat.  But next week my favorite character is gonna get hit with something anthrax-like, and he simply cannot die.  The actor is on my list of celebrities I hope my husband forgives me for if I ever meet them in person.  He's nerdy hot.

My next show of the day was Gossip Girl.  My poor husband.  He deals with my obsession with cheering on Chuck like no other.  And this week was a fun little prom episode.  Can I just say that I really want to find out the designer of Blair's dress.  It was stunningly fabulous.  It managed to be both show-stopping and demure.  But the best part was Chuck.  Because for the love of God I need the two of them to get it together.  It's sad to see a man so in love and trying to hide it because he thinks it's best for her.  Seriously.  And I am pretty sure if they don't Chuck is going to be screwed up for the rest of his life.  Little boy needs some love.

And finally there is Castle.  If you don't watch it, you should.  At first I thought there was no way in hell it would make it to a second season (and I am still waiting to hear if it will) because it was slightly cheesy.  But oh. my. God.  It's about a writer who gets involved with cases, and the whole cast is fantastic.  It's on ABC, and the season finale just aired, but I am sure they will air re-runs and the DVD set comes out this summer.  Get it, watch it, love it.  The season finale ended with Castle telling Detective Beckett he's found out something about her mother's murder (which happened a long time ago, and apparently the M.E. and detectives missed something then).  He's serious, and he's never serious.  In fact he's a egotistical ass, but that's why you will love him.  That and his quirky father moments with his 15 year old daughter (who is my second favorite character for the record).  

Okay, now that I've yapped about t.v. enough that most of you stopped reading a while back I will wrap this up.  Garret will be home in half an hour to do his work out, and I am thinking I might work out with him (although my push up count is embarrassing comparatively).  Or maybe I will just continue trying to catch up with Grey's Anatomy.  I know it's kinda sad, but we've switched to nights, so don't judge me.  

And yes, I've become that woman who talks about her dog like she's her child.  Because she is.  Deal with it.  I'll still talk about her that way once we have actual children.  We've already begun asking Sophie if she would like a little brother or a little sister.  Her answer, for the record, is whichever let's her lick their toes and doesn't pull her tail too hard.  Smart dog.

Also, if you have any questions, please e-mail me or comment.  If you've asked a question before and I didn't give enough info, please let me know.  I try, but if you want more information about anything, I will give it my best shot.  And if you know of any amazing blogs of people who live in the D.C. Baltimore are please let me know!  

Twirling and Sunshine

So a week ago, as mentioned, G and I went to the Abbey in Bury St. Edmunds to play and go to the market.  We took lots of fun photos of twirling, dancing, and lying about in the sunshine. 

It was a busy day at the market, especially for a Wednesday!

We picked up some locally made strawberry ice cream. Their raspberry vanilla is to die for in the summertime!

Garret was sitting down reading The Greatest Love Letters that I had brought along while I danced around taking photos.

This is G, after twirling/spinning.  He collapsed.  But don't worry, he seems to be okay, other than the random talking when he's half awake.  But he's always been that odd.

This is the face you make after too much spinning.  Headache and nausea are a dangerous side effect of TMT (too much twirling).

My favorite red flats, they were with me all over the world and are the most comfiest thing on the planet!

G sneaking up on me.....or so he thought!

Ahhh!  He got me!  I look terrified don't I?

Okay, had to throw this one in here.  G likes it for the sunlight, I like it because it shows off my dimples......vain, but true.

And finally a Mallard duck.  I am not allowed to take one and eat one, so I feed them.  I think they get the better end of the deal.

And thus concludes abbey adventures.  Do you like the pics?