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.