Deep Winter

 

I'm fully embracing the January lull. My calendar is quiet. My cats are cuddly. Yes, even Gus who usually prefers Mike's lap. He's become a mama's boy much to Hazel's chagrin so he sneaks on when he can. She's known to shoo him off and stake her claim. 

The days are getting longer and colder. Winter finally arrived, but still not enough snow IMO. It's the kind of weather that calls for the first hot toddy of the season, movie nights and comfort food. I just finished Ina's memoir and was inspired to make her Outrageous Brownies. With a pound of butter, pounds of chocolate and five eggs they are indeed scandalous, but also delicious with a glass of cold milk. I'm a big Barefoot Contessa fan and have cooked my way through many of her books, but somehow I never landed on this recipe.

 

Ted's earned movie picking cred. He's come up with some good ones. I love when he proclaims it's a movie night because I know I'll be entertained and the bonus is spending time with him. I love having him home and while I know he'll likely be moving out sooner than later, later is fine with me.

We're all living vicariously through Miss Lils who is traveling the world and loving it. Thank God for FaceTime. This past weekend she was hang gliding in the Swiss Alps and making chocolate. The weekend before she was eating pasta, pizza and gelato, touring the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel. She leaves for London on Friday. In between weekend jaunts, she's getting to know Barcelona and eager to see the rest of Spain as well.

When I look at her itinerary, I feel very boring, but it's okay because I am dull and happy. A good free day is a lazy morning, crossing a couple things off my to do list and then come what may. The biggest decision of the day is do we go out or order in.  Last weekend we invited Pete and Sue over last minute. Mike picked up Mama Mia's and we had a chill, fun night at home with friends. Sunday we accepted an impromptu invite to meet the fam for lunch in the fifth ward. It was sort of perfect. And here we are fast approaching what is sure to be another slow weekend and that's perfect too.