This Week

Have you noticed the bird's are singing their spring songs? Don't they sound happy? Hopeful? We are actually enjoying a spring in these parts, but I won't be the least bit surprised when it snows again. When not if. The squirrels have been extra frisky out in the yard too. When I see a chipmunk, I'll finally believe it. We set the clocks forward tonight, which is a major undertaking in this house with a wall of clocks, but I've already been aware of the growing hours of daylight. And it's not just that there's more of it. It's that it's different. It's vivid. Ardent. A tad bit of an assault to the unaccustomed eye. 

Yesterday we decided to work a half day. It was quiet and we were caught up. The sudden free hours before me had me temporarily paralyzed with all the possibilities. What to do? Where to go? I opted to do some shopping and then I did some sprucing. I found the exact rug I wanted for the kitchen and new lamps for the dining room too. Then I put away what was left of my winter decor and I poured a glass of crisp white wine in celebration of the return to light, the weekend, the end of a stressful week.

I had another dental appointment and a doctor appointment too. That made for a long week of anxious anticipation. This round of dental work went better, and yet I was uncomfortable. I woke Thursday morning in Teddy's bed and I noticed straight away that my mouth wasn't as sore as when I sulked in there unable to sleep the night before. The alleviated pain was a small miracle because all night I dreamt of drilling. No wonder given my 2 1/2 hour stint in the chair earlier in the day. Add that to the 4 hours a few weeks ago and what you get is more dental work in the past 3 weeks than I've had in the past decade. And thousands of dollars spent even with insurance. That's a different kind of pain. Anyways that's almost behind me now.

I finished Olive, Again. This novel, just like the first, is comprised of one rich character study after another. The most generous of which is the title character's. She's a character you either love or loathe. I happen to love her mostly for her brutal honesty and her constant pragmatism. And she makes me laugh. She also makes me question myself. I read...I pause. This line from Helped stayed with me. It's so beautifully true.

I think our job – maybe even our duty – is to bear the burden

 of the mystery with as much grace as we can.

Now I'm keeping time with The Heart's Invisible Furies. Boyne's novel is wildly entertaining and smartly written. I've laughed out-loud. A lot. I've blushed. Often. I'm getting strong Goldfinch vibes and that was one of my all-time best reads. I still have 400 odd pages to go so it's too soon to commit to a must-read review, but I think that's where we're headed.

I have Sam Sifton's See You on Sunday on order from the library. Sunday dinner has a special place in my heart. When I was a kid, we went to my Grandma Rosie's most Sundays. She didn't have a dining room so we'd crowd around her kitchen table all together. Nothing fancy. That wasn't the point. After dinner, my dad would take us across town back to my mom's for the week. My mom revived Sunday dinners when we were young adults. We'd be busy with friends all weekend, but Sundays were for family. We'd gather on her deck or in her dining room and linger. I'd give just about anything for one of her pork roasts or her chicken and broccoli casserole. I'd give anything to see that twinkle in her eye so happy, so proud, so blessed. After my mom passed, we kept Sunday dinner going with my brother and sil, but it's peetered out. There were often practices or games and homework left to the last minute. And yet is has always been a thing here at Casa Wags. The one night we were all certain to be home for dinner. I'm hoping to start tomorrow. It's going to be a beautiful 60 degrees and bbq chicken is on the menu. Anyways, this quote pretty much sums up my philosophy and has me certain I'm going to be buying this book.

Word got around. And the calls or texts would start coming. "There dinner on Sunday?" Yes, see you then. Bring wine or a cake, a friend, some flowers, nothing at all. People are lonely. They want to be a part of something, even when they can't identify that longing as a need. They show up. Feed them. It isn't more complicated than that. The point of Sunday dinner is just to have it. Even if you don't particularly like entertaining, there is pleasure to be had in cooking for others, and great pleasure to be taken from the    experience of gathering with others. Sunday dinner isn't a dinner party. It is not entertainment. It is just fact, like a standing meeting or a regular touch football game in the park. It makes life a little better every time.

We lived on a hearty and never-ending pot of Pasta Fagioli all week. I wasn't inspired to cook so it was a delicious Godsend. Then Thursday I put together a Chicken Kiev dish. I was feeling nostalgic and truth be told, I'm a little bored with chicken, but it's the only meat Lily will eat. I thought I'd be able to chew with some drugs. A glass of wine. Okay, both. Mike and I decided that if we're in the mood for a throwback stuffed chicken recipe, we'll stick with Chicken Cordon Bleu. 

I'm starting to plan for next weekend's Feb/March St Paddy's Day birthday bash. We'll celebrate Ashley, Judy and Brad. And our Irish heritage.  I'm excited to give them their gifts. I put serious thought into them this year. I have my menu set, and I'm looking forward to that too. Especially the Chocolate Stout Cake. Ted will be home. It's the start of his spring break. He's going on a quick trip to Door County where he's rented a house with some friends. I chuckle a little that a group of guys would want to go to the quaint peninsula, but only just a little. I know he has fond memories from our many visits there over the years and it's somewhere other than home. His classes end May 1. That seems so early to me. It will be nice to have him home for the summer and it may be the last, at least for awhile.

Lily is getting ready for softball. Anxious to start driving. Poor girl has to wait until August, but she's practicing every chance she gets. Twice this week I was suckered into an end of day Starbucks run. I'm not sure whether she wanted the mocchiatto or the time behind the wheel more. It's no surprise that she's a natural. Last night she was picked up at 9 o'clock by a girlfriend. I think that's usually when I was coming home. Yes, times are changing and yes, she's growing up. Sigh.

Speaking of times, I steered clear of the news this week. I cannot stomach the topsy turvy market, the media frenzy over the virus, the carnage in TN, the clowns running for office. I tell you I'm understanding the idea that ignorance is bliss on a new level.  Sometimes it's all just too much. Yet I'll continue to pray and do my part to make the world a better place.

My peeps are still fast asleep. Today I'll take a long walk in the park less visited, we'll go to church and dinner. Lily's choice. In my little life,  there is peace and grace and goodness and for that I am always grateful. I'm just going to keep listening to the birds until I feel the rosiness about which they sing.

   

weekending

The weekend started at the salon for me. I had a late Friday afternoon appointment and when Kathy offered me a glass of wine, I said yes. I left a couple hours later feeling lighter and brighter. I made a pit stop at Trader Joe's. Who knew 5 o'clock on Friday was a good time to pick up a few things. Always broccolini and wine for me and Orange Chicken for Lils. Staples like nuts and cheese. Mike returned from his week in Texas and we caught up. It was a typical quiet Friday night at Casa Wags. Frozen pizza and a little tv. Curb Your Enthusiasm this week. How am I just now seeing this show?

We slept in on Saturday. I felt a little guilty, but only just a little. We got off for a walk on the sunny day. The wind was as cold as the sun was warm. Spring is coming, but it will take its sweet time getting here. It was so good to get some fresh air. It's been awhile for me.The rest of the day was filled with errands and chores. Then Mike, Lily and I high tailed it to 4:30 mass and any guilt I was carrying from the past week, was absolved. We sat in a pew on the opposite side from our usual one. That change in space and the evening mass felt different. Different in a positive way.

We drove south after church to check out a sweet spot a friend's been raving about for an early dinner. We instantly felt the appeal of Triskele's. It was warm and cozy with twinkly lights and a welcoming staff. Unpretentious and inviting.We ordered a couple appetizers and were the most excited about the Brussels sprouts. They were the perfect combination of sweet - tamarind honey, and salty - mixed nuts. Seriously, we licked the bowl. The sweet potato fries were also surprisingly good. They were dusted with Cajun seasoning and served with a side of aioli. Lily loved the aioli and for the record she hates mayonnaise. Hmmm? Dare I tell her they're one in the same?  The ginger pork won-tons were over cooked, but we didn't mind too much and decided that we'll be back when we have heartier appetites. We also decided that we will try to make Saturday mass and dinner a thing during Lent. Next week Lily gets to choose the church and the restaurant.

 We had good eats.

We had good laughs.

During dinner, we broached the subject of a new furbaby...a friend for Tigger who appears especially lonely lately. Mike and I had already talked about it during our walk and Lily brought it up out of the blue. This morning I switched my calendar for the new month and the image was a kitty. I take that as a sign, of course.

Or maybe we're supposed to get him a bird?

We slept in again today and had a slow start. I lingered with my coffee and my book. I'm back to Olive Again. I put it down to read something that was due sooner and now I'm so happy I still get to read it. Lily drove to Starbucks for breakfast with Mike and I got busy in the kitchen. My major accomplishments were organizing all of my spices and making a big huge pot of Pasta Fagioli for the week. I basically take the Olive Garden's recipe which I've never tried, and add more vegetables and a quart of chicken brodo to cut the tomato sauce. It is a bowl of perfection in my opinion. Mike is my favorite person because he went to the Apple Store to pick up my phone and then to US Cellular to activate it. Now he's taking a nap. Lily is cleaning her bathroom. That makes her another of my favorite people. Ted is supposed to call shortly and he is another favorite.

Mangia.

Tonight we'll grill Buffalo Chicken Burgers because it's 50 degrees out. We'll probably play a game of Wizard. It'll be early to bed in our clean sheets. Still flannel because it's still winter.

weekending

The sunrise this morning was a splendid spectrum of pinks. The slightest shade of purple teasing around the edges too. A sky to impart the wonder of a new day and the potential of a new week. I felt it. Teddy was tune master as we made our way to the first morning bus. A ride early enough he can make it to Madison for his first class of the week. He switched out Kayne for Biscuit knowing that I would rather welcome my day with softer words and a happy beat. Mike texted from the runway just before we made it to the station. He's on his way to Dallas this week. I stopped home in time to get Lily to school. She observed that the boys came home and left at the same time. It will be another girl's week. And it will be good.

We had a whirlwind of a family weekend most of which was spent at Windmill Beach where the 2020 Winter Olympics were hosted. Ted took gold, Mike silver and Brad bronze. The ladies are already staging a staggering upset in 2021. This year's events were Wizard at Lily's request, putting, floor shuffle, Nerf target shooting and pong. We also spontaneously celebrated my sil's birthday. Lily was the first to call it a night Saturday as the clock struck twelve.. She crawled into our bed and was lulled to sleep by the  boy's poker fest just outside her door. It reminded me of being a kid. There were countless parties I would sneak away to steal some sleep soothed by the party going on outside the door. I didn't have the heart to rouse her so we swapped rooms and I slept fast and sound in her usual twin bed next to my husband in another. I woke to bird's song not waves cresting. All good.

Sunday morning looked, smelled and felt like spring. The light is changing. It's more luminous. Radiant. Vivid. I opened the door and was met with a whiff of fertile air. Fecund. Heavy, yet fresh. The world is thawing and coming back to life. It's an assault on the senses.We opened windows. We didn't need jackets. Ted ran in shorts and then dipped his seven mile sore feet in the biting lake running barefoot across the melting snow to the house where I greeted him with a bowl of hot water to clean the sand from his feet. At that point it was too cold for the hose.

I opted out of a walk and instead tucked myself into a comfy reading corner with a cup of my brother's vigorous brew ladled with extra cream. We eventually switched to mimosas while we put together our much talked about brunch. Ted and I got busy making his famous banana pancakes, Truly I was only there for company and sous chef support. I learned all about Cloudy Cakes. It's this week's summer venture dream. Brad smartly put the bacon on the grill and his favorite fried chicken in the oven to reheat and then scrambled up a dozen eggs with the most beautiful orange yolks. They were almost too pretty to eat. And btw fried chicken for brunch is a Windmill Beach thing, but it should be a thing everywhere. I cut a pineapple just for good measure. Simply to offer the illusion of health. It could have been our only meal of the day and we would have been blessed.

We ended our time at Windmill Beach with one last Wizard competition and made it home scarcely before sunset. After laundry and packing and a quick steam, Ted and I tag teamed Sunday night dinner. He had a hankering for Chicken Parm and we served up the best yet from this kitchen. Somehow we all managed to enjoy a serving despite declaring after brunch that we would fast the rest of the day. I love how he comes home and doesn't only want to eat...he wants to cook. We didn't have enough energy for a goodnight game. Well aware we all were of this morning's fast looming approach.

If only weekends could last a little longer. But they end and too soon.

Grateful for the evidence and remnants of all the fun we had.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

I'm not going to lie. I'm celebrating that this week is over and also the fact that shitty things happened and I felt like crap, but I survived thanks to a flexible work schedule, a self-sufficient daughter, Netflix, tuna casserole and Benadryl.

I showed up at the salon for a haircut this afternoon and Kathy looked like she saw a ghost. My appointment is next week. That right there defines the week I've had. The bright spot was that I had time for a much needed nap.

I answered the door tonight. We often ignore the doorbell when we aren't expecting anyone. I was just post nap with bed head and in comfies, but something told me to answer the door. It was an old friend who stopped by to see Mike, but he stayed for a visit with me. We caught up, reminisced, talked about a date for the near future. It was a nice. He's one of my oldest friends too. The best man in our wedding. Married to one of my oldest friends.

The boys are home.

Well, actually they are at the club working out right now. They both arrived home tonight and are enjoying a little father son time.

Tig's taken over Ted's bed. It's his go to spot right now.

Tomorrow night is The Windmill Beach 3rd Annual Winter Olympics. I'm looking forward to a little tradition and time out of time.

My friend's second surgery in a week went very well today. He is now on the road to recovery.

My iphone is fixed.

Making pie crust. It's so intentional. And worth it.

Take a look at this beaut.  

Cooking with my valentine. 

A boy and his banana. It's stuffed with catnip, of course.

Fresh squeezed orange juice.

Yacht Rock. Tonight it's Kathy's playlist.

A long overdue catch up call with my uncle this week.

This debate night dinner. It's the only meal I cooked all week. Lily and I tuned in to watch the row. It was wildly entertaining.

My new cuppa.

This stack. It was a challenge to read this week with my ailments and so I really didn't. But I finally picked up All This Could Be Yours yesterday and got right in. It's just what I was in the mood for. 

It actually felt like winter this week. I wore all my wool sweaters and socks. This weekend will be unseasonably warm and then winter and snow return next week. It's all good. That being said I did have a momentary longing for open windows and birdsong and dinners al fresco.

Oy Vey

So Mike left at 4 o'clock yesterday morning. A few hours later, I woke up to an iphone that wouldn't make or receive calls and a black eye swollen shut. Lily said I looked Asian. I felt miserable and was certain that my dental work a week ago sparked a virulent infection very close to my brain. Lily also said that she is now a firm believer that situations occur when Mike leaves home. I've learned to expect them. I no longer whine, cry, rant or rage. I laugh like a crazy woman while I put on my big girl panties and forge ahead. 

That meant setting up a follow-up appointment at the dentist and stopping at the Apple Store yesterday afternoon. Stopping in for three hours. It looked like Christmas. There wasn't a seat at any of the tech tables. The only good thing was that I felt so punky I couldn't be jerky. Truthfully though,  Danny and Joseph were rock stars who  recovered all of my pictures and sent me home with a loaner. My phone repair is covered. Most of the customers around me were not getting such good news. I thought I may be a witness to a Apple user uprising. The woman next to me had her Mac Book, Apple watch and I pad set out before her all with there own glitches and problems. It made me pause to consider what slaves we have become to technology and what an insane amount of trust and dependence we place in the all mighty Apple.

For the first time in my life, I didn't have a book in my bag. That being said, I don't know I'd have been able to read with my blurred vision, my teary eye. Instead I tuned in to the class that was going on at an adjacent table. The topic was making videos and it was quite informative. Interesting.. The only problem...I have a 7. It doesn't have the shiny technology. I'm pretty sure I'm ok with that. 

I was not ok with having to make another stop at US Cellular to activate my new for a week phone. At least I was the only customer in that establishment.

When I got home, I heated up a bowl of my mom's tuna casserole. It is for me the epitome of comfort food and I just happened to make one Sunday afternoon. I spent the rest of the night on the couch watching The Bachelor and I didn't feel the least bit guilty.

I just returned from the dentist and she's pretty sure I had an allergic reaction to the anesthetic used during my procedure last week. My symptoms were much improved today and now my mood is too as I don't need a root canal or further intervention. Next week, she plans to change my meds when I return for more work. I knew in my gut that it was a reaction. Well intentioned people tell me to seek treatment, but I know that I have to give my body time to adjust...to heal. An over active histamine response causes me to be allergic to anything...everything without rhyme or reason. It's fun to be me.

On the way home, I stopped at Trader Joes to get some wine, almonds and a bag of Lily's favorite Mandarin Chicken, which just may be dinner tonight. Then I picked up a stack of books from the library and I voted in the spring primary. It's drink wine day. After the week I've already had, I'll definitely have a glass tonight.

I Love Sundays

I've never been sure whether Sunday is the end of the week or the beginning. For me it has always felt like a free day sandwiched between the last week and the next. I think that's why I love Sundays the way that I do: earnestly, endlessly, eagerly. Today is no different.

I have happily spent most of the weekend at home. I'm not happy that I contracted a probable case of pink eye or that my three year old oven isn't heating beyond 100 degrees, but I have resisted with all my will the urge to say why me. I got to thinking that when good things come into our lives with abundance, we don't question our fortune. We lap it up, revel in it, come to expect more. I actually said why not me. The good with the bad. This is life. It is what it is.

With that in mind, I set out to put together a care package for my friend who will be taking care of her husband. He just had surgery last week and will have more this week. I made stock and then turned that rich goodness into the most comforting pot of chicken with wild rice soup. Eating this soup is like getting a hug. I also made my favorite banana bread and a spinach pie that are the most comforting of eats. I am thankful for the counter top oven we bought for our remodel and then had they foresight to keep. I got my exercise yesterday running up and down the stairs with goods to bake. When I finish here, I'll make a loaf of pheasant bread because what is a bowl of soup without a hunk of crusty bread? Blasphemous is what it is. And this is the way I show my love. I feed you. I am my Grandmother's granddaughter.

I thought of Rosie yesterday while I was juicing some oranges. They were no longer lookers. Lily was sending them back uneaten in her lunch at the end of the day, but I couldn't bear to throw them out. I was juicing and Lily was making a quesadilla for lunch and I heard myself prattle on about there being no need to, no excuse for wasting food. I must have lived a past life in less abundant times. I've never been a clean your plate advocate. Instead I wrap it up for later. Someone, something will eat it I say. Rosie would be proud. She lived through the depression and have five children to feed. Her providence rubbed off on me.

And speaking of which, Lily went thrifting with a friend Friday night. When I was her age, many a Saturday was spent that way. We'd go Brady Street in search of wool college sweaters, men's blazers and funky jewelry. Once in awhile a structured hat. Something to wear out that night.Then we'd stop at Exclusive and buy records with any leftover money.

As much as things change, they stay the same. You know there's some comfort in that too.

Ah, but I digress. Today will be a healthy mix of want tos and need tos. Most days are. I want to bake and read and keep my title as Wizard champion of the weekend. Gin champ too. I need to do laundry and get some exercise and thoroughly wash my kitchen floor. I'll do it all with a grateful heart because I can and because I love Sundays.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

A week filled with the extraordinary ordinary. That is exactly as described. Nothing special. All things special. It comes down to approaching the everyday with gratitude. It helps to say thank you out loud. Thank you for this life, this day, this moment. Try it.

Thank you for this spectacular end of day sky. I call it Ribbons in the Sky and yes, I heard Stevie Wonder singing There's a ribbon in the sky for our love when I snapped this photo.

Thank you for the sky just after sunup spotted during an early morning walk. Thank you for the will to get up and out. It's the very best way to start the day. The day's onset sets the tone for all that comes after. I approach them with intention.

Thank you for a much needed Sunday snow day. It was the perfect day to stay in my pjs all day and indulge in cozy endeavors. 

Thank you for turning my yard into a post card. I love the way a wet snow paints all the twigs and branches.

Thank you for this responsible young woman who was beyond anxious to get her temps. She drove for the first time in snow and she did just fine. In 6 months she'll be ready for the Indy 500.

Thank you for a bowl of beautiful strawberries in the middle of winter. The girls devoured them after a Friday night sleepover. They left plenty of pancakes, but not a single berry.

Thank you for low key nights. Cat naps after work, family dinners, time to catch an episode of Outlander with my guy and read a few chapters before going to sleep in my warm house that makes me feel so safe and comfortable.

Thank you for fresh flowers and new plants that make me excited for spring.

Thank you for longer days, the warmth of the sun and Tigger who is a big fan of the light and radiant heat.

Thank you for squats that make my thighs burn, cream that makes my eczema itch less and Novocaine that numbs my mouth so I can endure a 4 hour stint in the dentist's chair.

Thank you for all the love in my life. Today and everyday. Thank you for hugs and kisses and chocolate.

Thank you to my love who came home with lobster tails and a nice bottle of pinot noir.