A Mouse Tale

The Tres Amigos were camped out in the basement much of the last 24 hours. That is unusual. They are usually near in proximity to their humans acting more like dogs than cats. I knew something was up...or in. Hazel and Finn barely made appearances last night. When I tucked in to read, Sister stopped by, meowed once and disappeared.

Now I know she was apologizing for skipping our bedtime snuggles because she was on post. My sweet girl didn't want me to feel forsaken.

Finn visited in the night. I was on the verge of sleep when he caterwauled a whole story in my ear. I nearly jumped out of bed so startled was I by his volume and his cadence. 

Now I know he was telling me all about the adventures of the day and not to worry because he wasn't going to let that mouse have free rein of the house. My big boy didn't want me to worry about critters in the night.

This morning Mike went to investigate and found an exhausted little mouse cowering in the corner behind a table. He shooed him out. Finn pounced. Mike scooped the poor guy up in a cup and let him loose in the yard. He limped away.

The kittens are all fast asleep today sweet dreaming about that little mouse.

 

Weekending

 

So my brother celebrated his 50th birthday Friday and we were honored to be included in the celebration amongst his closest friends. My sister-in-law planned a lovely 5 course dinner at Bacchus where we had the atrium too ourselves. We went around the table and shared memories of the birthday boy and I could tell that he was soaking it all up and in as he should. After a round of after dinner drinks, we walked up the street to the U Club to continue the party. When the bar closed at the club, we ended up 8 piled into a Uber and headed for a gentleman's club. I blame the multiple glasses of wine (one per course), the martinis and the mules. We stayed long enough for a an awkward lap dance and a silly picture before calling it. We finished the night singing and dancing like fools back home.

I think the night was mostly perfect. My brother had big ideas back when to have a blowout weekend in Vegas that I was not very much a fan of. Instead he opted for various small gatherings of celebration. That's the way I roll.

Mike threw me a surprise party for my 30th birthday and it was a success. I feel that everyone should have that experience at least once. That moment of entering a room and that mounting feeling of wait I know all these people. There is something to be said about everyone you love all together in one room just for you, but it's also overwhelming. It's the best kind of intersection of everything good.

But small, intimate gatherings have their own special magic. I really felt it on Friday. Mike and I are the old folks in the group, but my brother's friends don't make us feel that way. I'm glad he's got such a good group.

Saturday I woke up at a time I shall not reveal and I immediately knew I would do nothing all day except catch up on Oscar nominees. Mike was copacetic with my plan and even made popcorn. First up was King Richard. It was a little slow at times, but the story had me in tears at the end. The next day I found myself Googling Richard only to find out he left a whole family high and dry before bringing Venus and Serena into the world. His laser focus on these two was uncomfortable, questionable and as much if not more about his own success as their careers. 

Next we cued up Nightmare Alley not really sure what to expect. I liked the dark tale a little more than Mike did. I did not see the ending coming one bit. Licorice Pizza was at times sweet, others absurd and often funny. Truth is, I didn't want it to end. I just loved Gary. We ended the night with Belfast. It put me to sleep. Full disclosure..it was getting late, but it was also just eking by ever so slowly. 

We paid for our Saturday sloth Sunday by tending to all that needed to be taken care of and then found ourselves back in the world of movies watching the Oscars. I get really into the awards when I've seen many of the nominees and Mike obliges me. It was a pretty boring show until Will Smith assaulted Chris Rock. After the fact, we all have feelings about and opinions on the attack. I for one, have lost even more respect for the Hollywood elite who hypocritically preach about what we should and should not do all while living by another set of rules and completely different terms. Amen! 

I have big little plans this week for self care. After two long weekends of bacchanal, I intend to get back to basics...things like veggies and water and exercise and sleep and books. Wish me luck.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Lil's said yes when Jimmy came bearing flowers to ask her to prom. I, for one, am a fan of the simple invitation rather than the big production.

My new Spotify playlist. I put together a collection of lady jazz greats. Of course, it includes Ella, Etta, Nina, Norah and Diana, but also Madeleine Peyroux, Blossom Dearie and Carmen McRae to name just a few. It's really sexy cooking music and it makes me want to have a hen party.

Plans in the works for a book club reunion. I'm going to host a get together in April. I think we'll have wine and aps and talk about what we have read during quarantine and then make a plan for our future.

Churros y chocolate...better than cake.

I finally got around to making Jess Chocolate Mousse. It's far too easy to be so delish.

Our kittens are one and are technically still kittens for another 6 months.

My kids are such awesome almost adults. I was looking at old photos last night and I do get pangs of nostalgia when I see them as babes, but I truly love who they are and being with them now. They are insightful, interesting, witty, warm and I love my little family.

A little photo montage for my baby brother who turns 50 today. There was also nostalgia in looking back on our shared history. Tonight we celebrate my very first friend's 50 fabulous years.

Mike made it home from Colorado by the grace of God on Thursday night.

The last 7 days have been nothing short of a whirlwind starting with our trip to Chicago last Friday. We found Ted an apartment with a view. A view of Lake Michigan. While he had lunch with his future team, Mike and I tucked in to the first restaurant we passed in order to avoid the rain. It ended up being an excellent choice. I had the most amazing rotisserie lamb sandwich that was perfect with a glass of buttery chardonnay on a gloomy Friday afternoon in the windy city.

 

 

My cousin and his wife came in from Colorado Saturday and we had a Covid bday party/St Paddy's day feast smashup. Covid's 2nd bday was dino themed, which is appropriate for a toddler. They came with all the decorations, a cake, activities, and a case of wine. We were up until the wee hours catching up.

 

 

Then we were up and out the door for a Diva brunch at Hamburger Mary's where Ted was the surprise star of the show. Who knew that a drag queen brunch will likely be something we will talk about forever?! I laughed so hard that my stomach hurt the next day. The queens LOVED Ted. He ended up on stage and was such a sport about it. We have blackmail video for some day.

 

 

Caterina's Pork Involtini and Trudy the best waitress ever. My cousin always stops for a meal at his mother's favorite Milwaukee restaurant and it's become a favorite of ours too.

Car talk. I had such great conversation with Ted on our ride back to Madison. I didn't even mind the ride. Then on the way home I sang my heart out.

I think he had a pretty great spring break despite the fact he didn't travel to the mountains or a beach. He golfed a few times, played lots of hoops, went out for March Madness and we even had a date one night. We went to see The Batman. We shared a small pizza and a large popcorn and it was such a great way to spend a weekday night.

Lil's spring break this week has been mostly about working and working out. I'm going to have to come up with something fun for her this weekend.

Weekending

 

March is flying by. How is it already mid-month? That is not a rhetorical question btw. We hit the road very early Friday morning Madison-bound for an admitted student day at the University. I wasn't sure we needed to go, but I'm glad we did. The whole day was designed to woo the students...get them excited. It worked for our future Badger who will be in this fall's freshman class, and yes, September will be here far too soon too.

Faculty presented on various topics, we ate lunch at The Gordon Market, took another tour of the campus and a tour of the Nicholas Rec Center. My biggest takeaway was a sense of pride in our Wisconsin legacy. A record 60,000 number of applicants applied for this fall. Last year's freshman class was around 8500 students. It isn't easy to get in. Lily earned her spot and can be proud of her past efforts and future endeavors. And while it isn't Harvard or Yale, UW is a prestigious institution. I was reminded that Madison grads make up the largest number of Fortune 500 CEOs and also the largest number of Peace Corp Volunteers. Both impressive.

A big takeaway for Lily is the realization that it's okay to not have a blueprint for her future yet, or even for the next four years. There was an emphasis on exploration and countless offers for guidance along the way. I have seen this firsthand with Ted's experience. He has benefited from the wisdom and support of mentors. He came in thinking he wanted to go the finance route, pivoted and is now studying international tax with a clear career path upon graduation. She too will find her way.

We all agreed that while the campus dining halls offer more variety these days, the food is just okay, this isthmus is no joke in winter (warm coat, hat, gloves are a must), the Nich center is 4 floors of unbelievable (thanks Ab!), Memorial Union trumps Union South (that terrace) and The State Historical Society is the place to study (think Hogwarts). So while things change, they also stay the same.

 

We met up with Ted in time to watch the Badger Basketball game at State Street Brats. Lily got a little taste of Madison nightlife before we hustled to dinner. We had reserves at one place, but Ted suggested we eat at Cento instead as he really enjoyed it the week before with Uncle B and Aunt A. It was a good call because we had a lovely and delicious time from the cheese board to the tiramisu. We bundled up and headed back down State Street stopping at The Plaza for a not so quick game of darts before calling it a night. We were exhausted from the busy day and the over 10 miles logged.

 

The other highlight of the weekend was the return of Sunday dinner for which my brother and sister in law joined us. I set the table, lit candles, cued up the jazz and made dessert. Mike was in charge of the ribs. It's always my favorite way to end the weekend: yummy food, lively conversation, warm atmosphere...just because. Just because intentional communion is the perfect way to end one week and start another.

What It Takes

 

Monday Morning

I've been on a news diet and a social media break. I feel so helpless for the Ukranian people when I turn on the tv and scrolling through curated joy just seems tone deaf right now. I know joy and pain can coexist, but it's not always a comfortable union. And there you have it...I am ill at ease.

I don't want to be. The sun is shining and I'm off today. I have the whole day ahead of me to do as I need and want and that is a gift. The truth is, that if I tend to my little life, I  notice a slight shift from anxious to content. 

I already stripped our bed. I'm pretty sure I'll put the flannel back on because we are betwixt and between. I have a couple loaves of bread proofing on the counter. My plan is to bring Jess another care package after I complete some household tasks and take a long walk on this crisp almost spring day. I'll cue up The Tender Bar for today's miles. Sadly, I'm nearing the end of The Lincoln Highway, my nighttime companion, but I have a stack of contenders for next up.

This haunting quote made me think of the Ukranian people:

If I learned anything in the war, it's the point of utter abandonment - that moment at which you realize no one will be coming to your aid, not even your Maker - is the very moment in which you may discover the strength required to carry on. The Good Lord does not call you to your feet with hymns from the cherubim and Gabriel blowing his horn. He calls you to your feet by making you feel alone and forgotten. For only when you have seen that you are truly forsaken, will you embrace the fact that what happens next rests in your hands, and your hands alone. 

We leave for Madison early tomorrow morning for an admitted student day. Lils is excited because one of the chicas she's been messaging will be there too so they will be able to meet face to face. She's also jonesing for a tour of the Nich, the fabulous new gym paid for and named for my old boss. We'll meet up with Ted and walk up State Street for dinner, around the capitol for an apres dinner drink and back down to call it a night. I wouldn't mind checking out the dueling piano dive that Ted danced before the cheering crowd after his surprise engagement. (I finally got the story.)

We'll bring Ted home with us for the week. I'm not sure he's excited to spend spring break at Casa Wags, but the Florida trip I alluded to didn't work out. I'm blaming it on their incongruent breaks, but it's as much to do with my penchant for being close to home at present. We have a quick trip to Chicago planned to see apartments for summer and he will schmooze with his future employers. He also has Chicago style pizza on the brain. Sounds good to me. The trip will be short because I'm already in Chicago one day for work, Mike will be in Colorado most of the week and our Colorado cousins are coming on Friday.

If I train my eyes on what is right in front of me instead of on the horizon, I can breathe easier, smile more freely, and get and stay out of bed every day feeling some semblance of hope.

Today. HOPE - hold on pain ends.

weekending

I had a lovely weekend, but yesterday I felt the weight of the world again. If you pay any attention to what is going on in the world, I am certain you understand. I have a lot to say about the state of our union, but not here...not now. I was distracted from world events over the weekend and while ignorance is not bliss, sometimes it's survival.

Friday we met Pete and Sue for fish at a supper club just north of us. I knew they would appreciate the vibe and the food. Both were on point. The company too. It was packed with friendly patrons and I was craving that easy feeling of fellowship as much as fried fish. We closed out our tab and then opened another because we wanted the night to last just a little longer.

Lily and I spent the better part of Saturday afternoon shopping. Prom dress shopping. I sort of hate shopping, but I loved that my daughter wanted not only my credit card, but also my opinion. She could have easily gone with friends. I'm also glad we didn't put it off another week because the inventory was pretty picked over. There wasn't a single contender at either our first or second stop. She's lucky too because she looks good in everything, but she also knows what she wants. We both agreed she needed to find a dress in a vibrant color. Nordstrom had one dress in a beautiful emerald green that excited Lily and once she had it on, I was sold. Of course, it didn't have a price tag and when Cynthia rang it up, we all audibly gasped, but then she worked a little magic because she loved Lily in the dress as much as we did. It was the dress.

Lily tried to protest because I have raised a mostly practical, humble young lady. I appreciated her contention. It's what avows her appreciation for the gift. And I know once you have seen THE dress, it is worth a great deal not to settle. I indulged her suggestion to keep looking, but I knew it was in vain. She tried on a few more numbers and they all looked good, but they also looked cheap. They looked cheap because they were cheap. I didn't have to tell her we get what we pay for. She was beyond thankful so it's worth it. She's worth it.

Sunday was our GDO in celebration of Judy and Ashley who are the February birthday girls. We slid in our seats just before curtain call for a matinee of Pretty Woman. It started slow, but definitely gained momentum. By intermission, we agreed that we were enjoying it fully. The highlight of the first act had to be On a Night Like Tonight.  It was entertaining and endearing. Now I want to see the movie again. After the show, we stopped for a drink at the sheek Saint Kate before making our way to the 5th Ward for dinner at the Madrid Hotel's Movida. Everything about the dinner was delightful. We started with a bottle of Tempranillo, a round of tapas and then another round before our paella was served. Churros y chocolate was for dessert. We all took home leftovers. Mike very much enjoyed the remains. I will definitely go back and all I will need is that wine, an order of patatas bravas and a delicious paella.

I was bone tired by Sunday night, but unable to sleep. I'm thinking that delicious cuppa I had was not decaf. Yesterday was a bit of a struggle, but I had an excellent night's sleep last night and the sun is shining and I think it's going to be a good week before another full weekend.

 

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

The cancellation of Russia.

The spirit of the Ukranian people. I wish Joe Biden had a fraction of the love and respect for this country as President Zelensky has for Ukraine.

Forgiveness. It is so much better to be happy than to be right.

No more masks in school. Amen. Alleluia.

Mrs. Allen. She is a teacher that had an amazing impact on both my kids in middle school. She saw that Lily was All State for golf and she sent her the sweetest card. When was the last time you sent someone a card just because? Do it.

Co sleeping cats.

New Recipes. A delicious Korean Beef served with Ramen noodles and roasted broccoli and a cheeseburger salad.

 

My neighbor. She dropped off a sweet about to bloom Hyacinth bulb that brightens my day and smells like spring.

Sumo oranges even if they are $2.49 apiece.

A new pair of Cole Haan loafers for spring.

I'm taking the February birthday girls to the theater this weekend. We have tickets for Pretty Woman and then plans for an early dinner. 

Candace has finished the portrait of my mother just in time for St Paddy's day. I cannot wait to see her. I'm blessed to have such a talented friend who loves my mom almost as much as I do.

My brother and sil visited Ted this weekend and it sounds like they showed him and his pals a very good time. I enjoyed getting the pictures all weekend. And the stories. I think there are a few I've yet to hear. One in particular regarding Ted's sudden engagement at a dueling piano bar.

 We're going to visit next weekend. We have much to live up to.

Keep On Keeping On

Yesterday it felt like spring. It sounded like spring too. You know the kind of day when you can actually hear the ice and snow melting? After work, Mike and I went for a walk and I felt ready for what is to come. Change is not always easy for me. Even when change means longer, warmer days. I get entrenched in what is and easily overwhelmed by what will be. I dig in my heels and resist. It's something I know, but cannot explain. I suspect it has something to do with the passage of time and how clearly the change in seasons defines life's elusivity. There is progress though because I cannot ever remember being ready for spring (my least loved time of year) in February.

I was busy in the kitchen last weekend making some meals for Jess to ease her recovery. It's the best way I know to take care. I am my Grandma Rose's granddaughter. I made a pot of Pasta Fagioli that was chock full of veggies and beans and Ditalini. It's a hug in a bowl. It was our dinner last night too and Lily commented that what she loves about it is that it's perfectly satisfying and filling. I also made another loaf of peasant bread, which Jess told me last night she likes as much as my chocolate mousse. That is fine praise. I told her mousse will be in the next delivery. This week I made Smitten Kitchen's Apple Crumb Cake. Actually, I made two. One for her and one for Casa Wags. I sent three slices home with my brother in law Sunday morning and by Monday morning all that was left was a small corner for me. My two were huge fans. A chicken pot pie with homemade crust will feed Jess all week. Us too.

Presently, I believe we all need a little extra comfort. What a dire mess the world is in. It's sad and scary in equal measure. After as much coverage as I could stomach last night, I settled in to read with Hazel by my side, and in my face and on my book purring like a fine tuned Mercedes. It's a little bit of a task dividing my attention between my sweet girl and The Lincoln Highway, but eventually we are simpatico. I didn't read a single page over the weekend so I went back and reread the last chapter to get back in touch with the characters. It didn't take long. Towles has written one compelling protagonist after another. They are memorable. Last night Sally explained why she makes preserves and boy that resonated with me. She proffered that it's in the things we don't have to do that there is kindness. Sure there's an aisle of jams in every flavor at the store, but there is extra care in the acts of picking, washing, prepping the berries for something homemade we intend to share. I couldn't agree more, although I don't make jam. 

Lils came in for a before bed chat. She was glowing. She spent extra time on her nighttime routine and even whitened her teeth because today is the first time in two years she's been able to attend school maskless. Don't kid yourself that constantly being masked hasn't affected these kids. For the record, I am in favor of doing what is proven to work, but let's be clear: we stopped following the science a long time ago. In fact, this change while long over due, comes despite no change in Covid death totals from this time last year. Masks have always been political.

I think another walk is in my evening plans. I'll watch the State of the Union only because I always do and I'm hoping for some clear and coherent missives from The Commander and Chief. I'm hoping, but not holding my breath. I'm glad it's Fat Tuesday. I have a feeling that a fat glass of wine is the only way I'll be able to sit through the address.

Lent snuck up on me this year. In admitting that, I'm heeding that I haven't been a regular at church lately. I cannot say why because attending mass is always a good thing for me. Tomorrow will be a good day to go back and then to keep going.