On the way to work this morning, I settled on the jazz station. It's a soupy day that calls for a little emotional depth. It's good to be back to a routine after a long break that started off going and doing and ended with staying and doing very little. It was easy, although not guilt-free, to sleep in after staying up late binge watching The Walking Dead, ignoring to do lists and existing on a diet of coffee and Christmas cookies by day and wine and cheese by night. The calm after the storm is even more peaceful.
I baked off the last of the dough New Years Day and finally delivered tins to the neighbors as is tradition even if a little late. I thought about having an open house, but after a late night at the Weslow's NYE, I knew I needed to stay in my PJs all day. I decided to clean out the refrig and put the dregs to good use. I made two big pots of soup, which is also a New Years tradition. I have been searching for my kitchen mojo without luck ever since we became empty nesters. I remembered what I love about cooking while my soups were simmering. Lils was all about the Italian concoction with gnocchi, sausage, tomatoes and spinach. Meryl went for the cabbage, potato, ham and dill option. Mike and I couldn't pick a favorite.
I thought my return to the kitchen may have been a blip, but last night I made a hearty pot of coq au vin and it had me complimenting my own cooking. Lils even had a bowl and she rarely eats what I make these days, but the smells of the caramelizing carrots, herbaceous thyme and sage and bay, and the rich wine broth made it impossible to resist. Served over mashed potatoes it was the perfect rainy January meal.
Yes, rainy. The snow that seemed to fall all last week long creating the perfect hygge backdrop has melted. We're in the midst of a January thaw. Ted, my jet setter, had lots of powder in British Columbia where he rang in the new year. At the end of the month, he is going on a two week trip through India. Someone recently asked me what our travel plans are for this year. Unapologetically, I will be staying close to home. The only trip we have to plan is a visit to see my aunt and uncle in Arizona. Portugal 2027 is the goal though: Wegehaupt/Weslow family European vacay.
Lily pulled the trigger on a three week trip through Europe post graduation. I knew she would and I'm glad she did. They are going to all the places they missed, but wanted to visit. The itinerary is Krakow, Berlin, Vienna, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Split and Greece. Not too shabby. She was able to postpone her start date by a couple weeks to make this happen.
I'm well aware that while May seems like it is far in the distance, these months will carry on with a momentum all their own. I don't want to speed the plow. I don't want Lils to wish away her final semester and I don't think she will. The college years are liminal. There is a definitive beginning and end. You embark on the journey while a kid and come out with expectations of adulting. It's a lot and even to this day I remember just how much. It's a noble, sought after transition, but a little last hurray is valid.
Truth be told, my kids and so many of their friends are much more mature, motivated, and with direction than I was at this junction. Gen Z gives me hope. All of this makes me happy.
