Hello March

 

She's sort of in like a lion...chilly and gray. I'm sort of down for the count so that fits my mood. I spent yesterday moving from one cozy spot to another with a mug of something hot. I finally started to organize my Barcelona pix. Yes, that trip was almost a year ago. I read, I napped and I watched a lot of true crime. It was actually a perfect day, cold head aside.

 

Today I'm feeling a bit better, but now Mike is sniffling and Lils is feeling punky. My dad gave me another batch of his beautiful bone broth so I'm thinking I see a pot of chicken noodle soup in our future. Near future. Lily came home for the weekend and she's still here. She has a concert in town tomorrow so it just made sense to stay. It was my vote.

 

We celebrated the February girls Sunday with a lovely brunch in the Margot Room at The Commodore. It was a milestone birthday for Grandma so we splurged. The new Bartolotta spot is beautiful, but it was quiet. That's not a good sign. There were nine of us seated at the big round table (the best kind for a large group). The food was delicious and eye appealing and expensive, but worth it. I should have ordered the lobster Benedict. The other winner was the Schnitzel. Ted's burger looked like the meal you have before your long winter's sleep aka hibernation, but for him it was simply fuel before his evening basketball game. We shared tastes and stories and gifts and a champagne toast. My dad threw in a toast to the Iranian people. That's one I may not soon forget. Judy was basking in it all...the flowers and spa certs and theatre tix and cards and family. Meryl was fresh faced in her pink cloud of a coat despite the fact she was out clubbing until the wee hours. She's one of the babies. Ashley was taking it all in with the fine eyes of an interior decorator. There was a lot to look at too. Next year we have milestone b-days for both Ashley and Meryl. It'll be hard to outdo this one, but we'll certainly try.

 

 

 

As we were saying our goodbyes, my dad told me that he was as happy as he's ever been looking around the table at the family gathered. I know exactly how he felt. 

 

We had a fun night in on the snowy Saturday eve with Lily and Michael. It was our favorite...pizza and games. We found out that Michael loves games. We love Michael. We introduced him to Wizard. He caught on STAT and was eager to play a second round so we did. He taught Lily how to play cribbage recently so now I'm the only one in the family that doesn't play. I guess I need to learn. I made my first stop Friday afternoon at Glorioso's since their reopening. I went for a bottle of Meryl's favorite wine, but of course I filled my cart hence the homemade pizzas.

 

Jess invited me to the theatre the Sunday before last for Kimberly Akimbo, a show I knew little to nothing about. I loved it. The story, the humor and grace, the center mezzanine seats, being out on a Sunday afternoon with my frister. We stopped for an early dinner at Movida after the show for small plates and vino. The stand out was a pork and brie number that I will order again and always the potatas bravas, and that zucchini was no slouch either. Mike was happy for the leftovers I brought home. Next up is Rockin' Midsummer Night's Eve and then And Juliet so a little Shakespeare is in the purview. I also have to find a show for our May trip to NYC.

I think I'm relishing in the amount of downtime right now because it's a bit of a calm before the storm of longer days and a fuller calendar. 

 

 

 

 

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

A broody Friday. I wanted to wear my Uggs and a fuzzy sweater. I'm still in my cozy place where there is fresh baked bread and pots of soup, bowls of creamy oatmeal, cuddly cats who fight for my lap, twinkle lights, and ample downtime.

Signs of spring though too: a sweet, patient bloom, waking up to birdsong in the morning, palpably noticing the sun on my skin, driving with the window cracked, thinking about what to plant, making lists for spring cleaning and seasonal projects, looking at Casa Wags with fresh eyes that lead to a new lamp shade, a kitchen rug. a cutting board, a print I've had my eyes on...just a few little touches that refresh. 

  

Scenes From an Italian Restaurant on the radio this morning. I wish I'd thought to request it at the piano bar last week. It was a karaoke fave in my college days. I sat in the parking lot at work until the song ended, and yes I was singing. Singing loud.

Deciding to reduce the amount of news I consume for my own sanity and well-being.

I finished THE first book of 2026! A little late, I was aiming for just one a month, but I'm choosing to focus on the fact that I immediately picked up my next book and got right in. I should catch up before February ends.

Lily inspired me by committing to read every day during Lent.

The bond these two share, and their snarky senses of humor that keep the banter constant and entertaining.

My Valentine.

Although this year we made it more about them and I am good with that.

Mid Feb

What's new? News? Where to begin? We had a touch of spring last weekend and most of the week. As is Wisconsin weather, we had sub-zero temps one day and almost record breaking above normal a few days later. We were in Madison for an impromptu visit last weekend and it was a party. Langdon Street was flanked by frat parties up and down, side to side. Kids everywhere on lawns and patios and roof tops and balconies. Music spilling out of every open window adding to the energy in the air. We passed a couple pushing a stroller who stopped to ask us what was going on. It was clear they weren't natives or alumni. The first nice Saturday was all we needed to tell them. Most of the students were in tanks and some in shorts. A few fashionistas had already planned their Lily's Party outfits, and couldn't resist their fuzzy coats and fur head bands. I really felt for them.

 

The party was cancelled. Lake Mendota was a slushy mess, probably not unsafe, but not worth the chance. We walked down State Street to surprise Lily at Brats. I felt I owed it to her after she Facetimed me while I was still in bed for all to see including her new beau who I've yet to meet in person. We were out until the we hours belting it out at the piano bar. The girls went home after dinner so they could get up extra early for Lily's. 

 

 

We found them on the patio more excited to see us than expected. We were persuaded into staying for a bit and were both so glad that we did. In fact, we could have made a day of it, but we had plans with Grandma and Grandpa on the way home. It was great to get to meet Michael who I liked immediately because he has an authenticity that cannot be feigned, and they make such a cute duo. Most lovely of all is that Lily is glowing with happiness. Plus all the friends love him and I love all of them. Look at me using the transitive property.

 

 

 

We took the girls out for dinner Friday. I don't think I've ever eaten at the Essen Haus, but I've shared many a boot in my Madison days, or rather nights. We did a little bar crawl back to campus ending up at Jenna's where we played cards and watched the Badgers blow out MI.

We stopped for lunch on Goose Lake late Saturday afternoon and had a great visit with the parents. It was another spontaneous date and while I always claim I'm not impulsive, maybe I'm wrong. My dad made a broth the color of umber. That takes time. Time makes the best broth, and I made a pot of chicken noodle soup with it that was hands down one of my best. I finished the last cup for lunch today. Teryl and Candace were the lucky recipients of this batch because they came for visits this week.

Ted brought Murphy and Manny for a play date Monday night. Hazel has been missing her friends. I bribed him with her sadness and the promise of dinner. The boys played crib while I made bread and cookies and Meryl stopped for a bowl of soup after work. Long ago I learned that if I feed them, they will come.

 

 

 

 

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

An early morning Facetime from Ted halfway across the world where he is having a fabulous time.

Today it's a snow globe outside. It's giving perfect Friday at the end of January vibes.

 

All my warmest sweaters that go years without being worn because it's just not cold enough, are coming out of the cedar closet this stretch of winter.

I came home with a chill in my bones yesterday so I settled under the covers for a few chapters and Manny kept me company. Hazel was not the happiest, but she likes Manny better than Murphy and even Gus. She dealt. 

Sister Hazel. She loves our morning routine. She sits on the vanity while I get ready. I brush my hair, I brush her hair. I put on my blush, I put on her blush. It takes me a little longer, but I do love my girly girl. She has recently rediscovered her cozy bed which was filled with cat toys, but she didn't mind.

The dreaded post holiday undecorating. The trees...all three...are down and most of the holiday decor is packed away until next year. It was time as the Frasier was a definite fire hazard, but I sure do miss all the ambience.

A breakfast date with my guy on Sunday. I ordered a cup of oatmeal I so very much enjoyed that I barely touched my breakfast sammy.

We're taking my mil for breakfast on Sunday and I'm already thinking about the oatmeal.

The slow and steady return of light. 5 o'clock on Friday.

 

 

Starting the year out with a shopping diet. I'm sure the Amazon and FedEx guys appreciate my abstaining.

Taking care of the weekly shopping run at Trader Joes.

Neighbors who plow your driveway after the storm.

DYI manicures. I got into the gel at the salon thing over the holidays Not only is it expensive and time consuming...it's horrible for my nails. I ordered some new supplies and I'm committed to doing them myself. 

Dry January. I feel great after all the indulgences of the past months. It was much easier than I expected.

Lent is around the corner. I'm thinking I'll continue tee-totaling.

DYI cat house for enrichment today. I used some boxes, tape and a box cutter. It took me 10 minutes, was free and Gus was so excited that he was playing in it while I was building it.

Glimpses from near and far that keep us connected. 

 

 

Brrr

 

 

Yep, it's cold here too. Very cold, but it's nice and toasty at Casa Wags and for the next couple weeks we have four cats and two laps so all the more reason to hole up at home. It's no secret that I'm perfectly content to lean into the dark, quiet January days. This month has been a lesson in patience and acceptance and rumination. I needed them all and now I feel prepared for the next eleven months. 

When I just wrote this, my head was filled with flash forward flickers. All the cliches about time apply. People say them ad nauseam for good reason. It strikes me that each year seems to gain momentum when it feels like I'm losing time. And when...not if...I feel like the world is moving too fast, I'll think of January's short days, long sleeps, more often than not a pot of soup simmering on the stove, Uggs all the time, rekindling my love of a good book, peacefully free of obligations, opting for day dates so we can be home before dark, Netflix nights...mornings too, afternoon cocoa or tea, cat naps as desired, a deck of cards always on the island for a quick game of solitaire or Gin, a renewed focus on self-care and commitment to healthier routines, time and space for deep cleansing breaths and a gentle reminder to be.here.now.

It's the way I try and live my life: in the moment, present, with open eyes and a grateful heart. That doesn't mean I won't live vicariously the next couple weeks as Ted and Meryl travel through India. They arrived is Delhi yesterday and are in Udaipur for the next few days. I've already received photos and a video. They look refreshed and so very happy to be on an adventure.

Our January trip was to Madison to deliver Lils for her last semester of college. The house is especially quiet now with her back at school. I remember senior spring semester as a bit of a blur. It goes so fast. Lily has said that she's ready and excited for what's next, but I know that that one day she will look back longingly on the freedom being a student allows. I'll live by proxy through her exciting milestones too because the most stirring things on my agenda are what kind of soup to make (beef barley today), which wool sweater to pull out of the cedar closet (long fisherman's knit), how to entertain four needy felines and what to read before bed.