good weekending

It was a weekend spent close to home. We talked about heading to Chicago to take advantage of Ted's empty apartment, but we both admitted that we weren't up for going again so soon. I know the kit kats were grateful for that decision. It was a good one.

 

Teddy is having the time of his life in London with Meryl as is evidenced by the photos they are sending. They both look blissfully happy, and you know how that makes me feel. I'm living a little vicariously and looking forward to hearing all about it! He's got the travel bug now.

 

Lils is a bit homesick. I remember how hard it was to go back second semester when the novelty had worn off and the weather was less than ideal. That being said, it's been unseasonably warm...spring-like, and that has eased the transition. She's got a full, challenging load this semester and is feeling the pressure to know what she wants to do with the rest of her life. I keep reminding her that is an elusive question. She's taking it easier on herself.

 

We had a lovely visit with my mother-in-law and brother-in-law Saturday night. We caught up over dinner. The timing was perfect as she will be gone for the foreseeable future enjoying the beach life in Florida. Mike made ribs and I made twice baked taters. The best part of the meal imo was my sour cherry tart. It is the perfect dessert when served with a good vanilla ice cream.

That tart has a history. I babysat for a family all through high school. They were the perfect family only they weren't. No family is, but I idolized them and hoped to one day have a similar life. The mom went to a fancy French cooking school, but she rarely made meals. She did make this tart though and I was impressed. It was so simple, yet elegant. I didn't go to culinary school, but I think my tart is just as delicious as her tart was. And I do have the life I dreamed of...not perfect, but so very good, and really nothing like their life, which is also good. 

Jess and I met for our February show: Hairspray. I wasn't excited to see it because I've seen it numerous times, but, of course, I enjoyed it. Sandie Lee was an impressive Motormouth Maybelle and Andrew Levitt was a brilliant Edna Turnblad. The Edna/Wilbur duo was perfect comedic pairing. My favorite viewing is still our high school performance put on by a cast of familiar, talented faces. That's difficult to top. We stopped by for a spontaneous visit with Candace after the show not ready to go home yet. We shared a bottle of wine like old times..good old times.

I was home in time for kick off. I had no skin in the game, but I enjoyed it more than the commercials. I like most of Rihanna's hits, but I didn't care for the militant choreography. It felt too much like a nod to China and I'm no fan.

Here we are...it's already Wednesday so the week is moving along. We went out for a movie/pizza date for Valentine's and it was nice just to get out of the house in the middle of the week with my guy and away from the news that is stranger than fiction these days. Lily loved her Valentine box of sweets and surprises, and also the go ahead to treat her roomies to a galentine dinner on us. From the look of things, Ted has plenty of romance in his life right now. I'll probably stock him up with groceries this weekend in lieu of treats. And I should complain? Nope...life is good.

If I Were..

How about you?

If I were… 

If I were a month, I’d be October.

If I were a season, I'd be autumn.

If I were a day, I’d be Sunday. 

If I were a time of day, I’d be the gloaming.

If I were a holiday, I'd be Christmas Eve.

If I were a sea animal, I’d be a turtle.

If I were an animal, I'd be a house cat in my family.

If I were a direction, I’d be northeast.

If I were a piece of furniture, I’d be a chaise lounge.

If I were a liquid, I’d be wine...a complex red.

If I were a spice, I'd be garlic.

If I were a gemstone, I’d be aquamarine.

If I were a tree, I’d be a weeping willow.

If I were a tool, I’d be a tape measure.

If I were a flower, I’d be a snap dragon.

If I were an element of weather, I’d be a thunder storm.

If I were a musical instrument, I’d be an acoustic guitar.

If I were a color, I’d be cerulean.

If I were an emotion, I’d be peace.

If I were a fruit, I’d be a sweet red cherry.

If I were a sound, I’d be waves crashing.

If I were an element, I’d be carbon.

If I were a car, I’d be a vintage VW bug.

If I were a food, I’d be an olive or cheese...a charcuterie board.

If I were a place, I’d be a cottage on Lake Michigan’s shore.

If I were a material, I’d be cashmere.

If I were a taste, I’d be almond.

If I were a dessert, I'd be anything chocolate.

If I were a scent, I’d be amber.

If I were a song, I’d be Blackbird.

If I were a bird, I’d be a hummingbird.

If I were a body part, I’d be eyes.

If I were a gift, I’d be…long-lasting. 

If I were a city, I’d be a quaint town like Fish Creek.

If I were a door, I’d be open.

If I were a pair of shoes, I’d be Birks.

If I were an item of clothing, I'd be a well-worn sweater.

If I were a poem, I’d be anything by Mary Oliver.

If I were a book, I'd be not yet written.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

A great week in Mexico. Zihuatanejo is one of our favorite places and we went with our much loved friends. We are perfectly simpatico traveling partners and we share a love of this country and the people. They are warm and kind and incredibly hard working. We made many friends amongst the locals and also our fellow travelers. The weather was sublime every.single.day, the view from our hillside condo stunning, and the location a short walk to the Playa La Ropa in one direction and al centro in the other.

 

Mike and Sue, the travel pros of the foursome. They were on top of the arrangements, which was no small endeavor in today's no easy travel world. They had to find new flights at the 11th hour, navigate all of the TSA restrictions and take care of check ins and documents. Pete and I were along for the ride, and grateful.

Ted arrived safely in London this morning. He sent a picture of himself and Meryl. They look as adorable as they do happy to be together. It's his first time in Europe, but I know it won't be his last. Some day I will get there too.

 

The cats had great care while we were gone. The lovely soul who took such good care of them sent occasional pictures that I so appreciated and gave me peace of mind.

I'm getting my vacation pictures together and will be working on a vacation post this weekend. It will be good to preserve the memories of our trip. That's my job...my contribution.

 Pictures from home where a polar vortex moved in as we left making us extra thankful for our timing.

My brother-in-law for driving us to and picking us up from O'Hare at kind of crazy times.

A good week of getting back into the swing of things. I truly believe that the sign of a good vacation is a renewed vigor to get back to life.

In three weeks, I'll be in Grand Cayman. I'm making up for staying put the past couple years and remembering the reasons new people, places and experiences add color to my life.

weekending

It was Lily's last weekend home so we spent lots of time together. Yes, I already miss her, but she is ready to get back to the grind while not overly excited to leave the creature comforts of home, or the creatures. I mean look at that face!

These faces.

She had a good break. She reconnected with friends, had lots of fun and even more r&r, made some money, watched lots of movies, ate a gazillion berries (and half a gazillion Christmas cookies), enjoyed her first massage, had a couple quick trips to Chicago and went back with much more than she brought home in December as evidenced below. I should also add to the list that she did a bit of shopping too, hence the load. Three girls in one room makes for a well-stocked closet full of options.

Uncle Mark accepted a spontaneous invite for dinner Friday night. Lil's choice was nachos...good and easy. We played a few games and enjoyed some quality family time. We are really having fun with Blank Slate and the decades music trivia on Amazon. Saturday we were busy getting ready to move her back and getting things organized for our quickly approaching trip to Mexico. We took down both trees and put the house back together. I always miss the lights, but it felt good to return to normal. I'm happy to report that we didn't lose a single ornament even with three curious cats.

After a busy day, we were happy to head to the family room for a chill movie night. Lil's choice, a thriller of course, was entertaining. It was early to bed because we had plans for a last walk Sunday morning. It was exciting to wake to the sweetest soft flurries. The fresh, snowy air was delicious. So was a slice of the Sour Cherry Tart I made the day before that I enjoyed with my coffee. That's a shortbread crust btw.

We made a quick pit stop to meet Grandma and Grandpa for lunch in route to Madison. It was a spontaneous and smart decision. I may not have made the best choice for lunch. The Pickle Pizza was good, but so rich. I brought most of it home and it's still in the fridge. 

We pulled into Madison just before sundown on a gloomy day. Lake Monona was speckled with ice fishermen and the streets were abuzz with students returning for spring semester in the middle of winter. These months will go fast and soon it the days will lengthen on the isthmus, which is sort of magic as I recall.

We left Lily in a sea of Ikea bags and made a stop at Ted's to pick up some things he requested. I'll be happy when he's only living between two cities. That being said, he's fully immersed in life in the city again. Here is is at Ralph Lauren getting some new duds for his trip to London in a few weeks. The shopping spree was a generous treat from Uncle B and Aunt A who came to Chicago for the weekend.

This time next week, I'll be in Mexico. So far so good.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Meryl gave Ted a journal and he's using it. Journaling is such a profound practice and I am happy he is taking it up. I think this is the perfect time for me to write a final post in the journal I keep for him. I mean journals...he has a library spanning his lifetime. It's time for him to keep his own history and tell his own stories.

The head Lily has on her shoulders. She is so tuned in to herself and to others.

Transitions. Solo end of day walks in the brisk evening air. Walks instead of naps. I love my naps, but this week I only took one because I have been going to bed earlier and making better use of my evenings.

A date with my aunt last Friday. She brought the Mama Mia's and I got the wine. We stayed up until the wee hours because she's moving west soon.

A week together somewhere warm in March before her big move.

A lunch date with Candace Monday. MLK Day, just like old times. Mike and Jess joined us for bar food and beers.

Movie nights. Game nights. Girl's nights. Family dinner. 

last night I whipped up a super simple, surprisingly delicious Tomato Chicken and Orzo soup that will become part of the regular rotation.

Everything in moderation. A life in balance responsible for avoiding the post-holiday slump.

Sumo orange season.

Webb Lake August 2023. We have our usual week reserved for a family vacation at summer's end.

Time to de-Christmas this weekend.

 And to get ready for Mexico.

Two Steps Forward

This day is not off to a good start. I woke up and 9:15 feeling like I needed no more sleep. Of course, I didn't...I slept for 10 hours. Lily neglected to wake me up before she left for work. I missed my morning workout. I also missed washing my hair. Thank the powers that be for dry shampoo. I couldn't find my phone anywhere and I looked everywhere. Mike assures me it's somewhere in the bowels of Casa Wags so at least I don't have to worry, but being phoneless is almost like missing an appendage. It's sad, but true.

Lils and I had another great night together. We finally made it to Nordstrom Rack and we made some lucky finds. A super cute beach hat for me and an adorable fair aisle sweater for her. Matching body suits in different sizes obviously, and beauty products. My girl is quite the connoisseur and she didn't get it from me. In fact, she's teaching me tricks. While my routine is no longer au natural, it is still minimalist and also dated. I had my make-up done professionally about a decade ago and I have changed nada since then while my skin has most definitely changed. 

I thought about taking her out for dinner, but we both were feeling home. She made a pan of her sweet and spicy Brussel's sprouts and I mad a big pot of spinach, and we ate our greens, which allowed us dishes of ice cream with our nightly feature film. It's all about balance. Finn took her lap and Gus had mine and all was right with the night...the world. That is until we had to disturb them to go to bed.

When I woke up this morning, the Kit Kats had gotten into a craft bin and there were pipe cleaners all over the house. Hazel was particularly enthralled, but the boys were enjoying them too. They have such distinct personalities, likes and dislikes. It's rare to find something that entices all three. Finn is a tough sell on most toys. Hazel still loves to fetch bright colored balls, furry mice and springs just like a dog. Gus loves and plays with everything...even crumbs on the floor. I feel a cat post coming. They deserve a headline all their own.

That's all I got. I came here wanting to capture the now, not to proselytize, profess or lament. I guess this is part of my practice in presence. So far, I'm doing justice to my 2023 word. I am in a good place thanks to some changes I'm making. There are more in the purview, but long ago I learned that too much is really too much. Changing everything at once leads to my imminent failure. So baby steps it is and if I'm being honest, likely two steps forward, one step back, which is still in the right direction.

Little Things

The sun peaked out yesterday. It's feeling more like spring than winter. Last night I went for a walk in a heavy sweatshirt and was plenty warm. Something tells me we are in for a brutal late winter/early spring. That will be interesting after spending the first part of February in Mexico.

I'm gearing up for our trip. I'm back and forth between excited and panicked. It's how I'm wired. I love old Mexico, but watching the news at night makes me question traveling there right now. I tell myself that Zihua is far from the unrest...that it's safe, yet I cannot shake the feeling. Once I'm there with an icy cerveza in hand, I know I'll feel at peace.

Speaking of peace, Ted is finally settled in Chicago for the semester or until he books a ticket to visit Meryl in London. He arrived home from Vancouver Sunday in the wee hours. Instead of taking an Uber to his apartment in the Loop 16 miles away, he took an Uber 90 miles home to Milwaukee and showed up at 2:30 a.m. rarin' to go. He had a myriad of stories, pictures and videos from his 10 days of travel. Lily arrived home shortly thereafter and was in one of her chatty moods. I made her a midnight snack and we stayed up until 4:30 talking. When my adult children want to dish, I'll stay up all night.

 

Ted was still sleeping Sunday morning when I left for a date with Jess. I had all of his laundry washed and folded: two suitcases worth, before going. We had tickets to see My Fair Lady. It was a first for the both of us, and despite the fact that I started to drift off in the second act, I was mostly enjoying it.

Truth is I enjoyed it more than the Packer game that night, but it was a good time to gather with family in front of the tv. I made an enormous crock of Chicken Tortilla Soup and Ted's favorite French Silk Pie. I never got the chance to bake him a birthday cake. Lils came home from Chicago in time to join us. She drove down to the city to visit her roomie.

Monday morning came too soon. I was up at 5 o'clock to make sure that Ted would be ready for his 6 a.m. train. He went straight from Union Station to the office and later let me know that his first day was "super!" I appreciated that so much more than good or fine.

Lils is home for another week and a half. When she came home in December, it seemed like she would be here for so long, but alas it goes and too soon. I'm going to really spoil her these next 10 days. Despite the fact that she refuses to put any clothes away or throw away the almost empty pint of blueberries or stop leaving a pile of rice cake crumbs under her seat, and leaves her shoes all over for me to trip on, I'm going to miss her when she goes. Gus too. The two of them have bonded and tight. When we don't know where he is these days, we can usually find him curled up in her bed that she refuses to make.

It's been so lovely spending lots of quality time together. She rarely escapes to her room for very long. Last night she returned from her workout and asked to help me make dinner. That's my favorite: cooking together. We are a good team too and we put together an impressive pot of Butter Chicken. It was scrumptious over a bowl of Basmati rice with a side of garlicky naan. She helped me clean up too. After dinner, we headed to the family room the three of us with our three cats and watched a movie. It was a great night...what I call the extraordinary ordinary. More of that please.