Weekending

It was a fun filled, go go go weekend. I'm not exactly used to that so I'm on empty today but that's okay...it was worth it. I was off Friday afternoon to take the kit kats to the vet. Gus was finally big enough for adoption. It's official. We are now a family of 7. I'm grateful Lily agreed to be late to practice to help me wrangle kittens. I needed her two extra hands. The kittens are all healthy, but we knew that. We have a 2, a 3 and a 4 pounder.

Friday night our neighbors came for dinner with a bag full of kitty toys. Finn, Hazel and Gus really are like little kids and it was like Christmas morning. New toys are very exciting never mind that they have baskets full. We had a fun time playing with cats and catching up over cocktails. The kids were in and out and then in again, but it wasn't too late of a night for us. We made a future mother/son date with our boys.

 

Saturday was shopping/errand day. My Costco run was the biggest ever. Biggest as in the costliest. I guess that's what happens when I only go once a month and Ted is home. Ted got out of bed just in time to help unload the car at 2 o'clock. He survived his first 40 hour work week ever. More on that later. We had dinner plans with my dad and Judy on Saturday. We had to put the finishing touches on Bob's Beef Wellington Burgers before submitting them to the contest. While not perfect, they were creative and damn good and it was a fun project for us. After dinner, the girls ruled the Shut Box and took all the guy's money. Too bad we were only playing for quarters.

 

I got a solid 10 hours sleep Saturday night and woke up feeling so rested I knew it was mid morning. I started to tackle my list stat. The whole fam pitched in to clean the house. Mike marinated the meat for that evenings fajitas and I made a rustic peach galette for dessert. Ted went for a bike ride, Mike and Lils went running and I went to the basement to do the elliptical. My brother and sil accepted an impromptu dinner invite. It was casual, but I set the dining room table pretty because I could. Mike's fajitas were a treat, but the best part of the night was the six of us around the table making memories. We allowed the kitties to have the run of the house and while we ate, they curled up all three in the front living room window, which was always Peanut and Tigger's preferred spot. I got a sense what life will be like when they settle down a little more. And yet, life is good now.

 

About Last Night

 

So last night we had reservations for dinner downtown at 8:15. When I got home at 4 o' clock, the last thing I wanted to do was to go out 4 hours later, but I planned this family date night and I knew it would be a fun celebration of the kids' successful school years. A nap and a glass of rose' much improved my mood. 

This pandemic has definitely reinforced the happy homebody in me. Going out causes some anxiety and not because I'm afraid of the virus. I think I've just become accustomed to my small, safe world. You wouldn't know it, but I'm an introvert and I morph into a nervous extravert when I am overstimulated or overwhelmed.

And here's the thing...I am almost always glad when I get out of my normal. Last night was no exception.

It was a beautiful evening to be out and about in our city. We walked the streets before dinner taking in the public artwork and the twilight air. It was our first time at the Capital Grille and we all approved of the cozy sheik atmosphere. We toasted to our new junior and senior and praised them for their hard work and commitments to success. We don't have to hover over their studies or worry about deadlines. I guess it's not so bad that they don't make their beds often or ever put away their clean laundry.

So often I wax on about the passage of time, but last night I had an epiphany...I sort of love where we are right now. Young adults are pretty awesome and especially Lily and Teddy. The meal was absolutely 5 stars, but the company was off the charts. My kids are interesting and personable and fun to be with. They know how to make conversation, the have good manners (although truth be told Ted did toss a piece of bread across the table) and very good taste. Teddy went for the lobster bisque and cleaned his bowl. He also ate every bite of his Kona crusted 18 oz T bone. Lily decided that the mushrooms in her risotto made the dish. Our steaks were cooked to perfection, and we almost asked for the mashed potato recipe. We ate every bite of our molten lava cakes and berries and cream.

My mom was on my mind all night. The Grille reminded me so much of her favorite restaurant back in the day. I cannot tell you how many beef minuets I ate at Grenadiers and only their lobster bisque was better than last night's delicious bowl. Grenadiers is gone now just like my mom. Lily and I went to the bathroom and Al Jarreau's I'll Be Here For You was piped in on the speaker. My mom was a fan of his too. I knew that was a nod to the thin veil separating us. I told Lily and she wasn't surprised. She knows all about signs.

We all agreed to take the long way home through the city and along the lake singing to the tunes on the radio. It was sort of magic. And I'm just so grateful that we have a whole summer of nights together.

Weekending

This weekend was a scorcher, but there was a robust breeze everyday that tempered the temperatures. Mike convinced me to go for a walk Friday evening even though it was still in the 90s. It wasn't terrible. We're in a drought here in Wisconsin so we're watering like it's late summer and the lawn is drying out by the day. I finally planted my pots. A few flowers and a few herbs. I love being able to go in the yard and snip something fresh when I need it. I went with color this year, and it does spark joy every time I look out my window.

This was Teddy's last weekend of freedom and Lily's first so they behaved accordingly, which is to say we didn't see much of them. All good. Jess joined us for a dinner on Saturday and that was a highlight of my day. I have been wanting to make my pasta with asparagus and pancetta topped with a jammy egg. That ended up being the inspiration for the dinner. Rounding out the meal was my herby focaccia, an Italian salad and hot and sweet grilled Italians. Last night Teddy made a mash up of pasta and sausage topped with three six minute eggs. I was impressed.

 

Sunday we accepted an invitation for a pool party at my in laws. It was another beautiful HOT HOT summer day. I was perfectly happy floating in the pool with an icy margarita and most grateful for my bil who tended the blazing grill. The hot wings and stuffed shrooms were a treat. I had no room for the smores bars I brought for dessert. I got just the right amount of sun. Sun kissed. It was early to bed after a pretty perfect weekend.

 

I was up early this morning with the fulfilled intention to make Teddy a hot breakfast before his first day of his virtual internship. He was appreciative of the camel's eyes. I don't really get the need to not be in person, but I don't think he minded being casual from the waist down, or keeping company with his kit kats. Lily spent her first day shopping for summer clothes. Never mind that she doesn't have room for the clothes she has. Her job starts in late June so until then she's footloose and fancy free. Amen!

I have a junior and a senior and three 11 week old kittens. I tell you, life is good and do I know it. Alleluia!

h

be.here.now

It has been a beautiful week here in Wisconsin. I came home from work yesterday sacked after our lunch at Kopps. Naughty cheeseburgers and chocolate malts are rare because nap inducing, but I resisted the urge to snooze. There was an intoxicating breeze blowing and Lily's second to last soft ball game to attend. It was an uneven battle. The pitcher on the opposing team is certain to get a D1 scholarship. She was near impossible to hit, but it was still a good night. The stands were full with familiar faces and that in itself is something to be grateful for. My in laws made it to their first game of the season. They have been diehard fans over the years, but it's getting harder for them to come to games. I'm glad they were able to make it. I think they were too.

When we got home, I made the second pan of Spanish Chicken for the week. We love it so much that we don't even mind eating it two nights in a row and at 9 o' clock. It's one of those dishes that hits every flavor and texture, and every bite can be different. In that way, it is 100 percent satisfying. I don't always make aioli to serve on the side, but I'm glad I did this time. It completely elevates the meal and it's crazy easy.

I stayed up too late again last night and so I slept in this morning. I have been wanting to change that, but maybe I just need to accept it. I am enjoying these long, leisurely summer evenings and so why change? Why resist? It might be time to lean into the shift in schedule...to acquiesce. Permission is liberating.

Today is Lily's last day of junior year. I have a senior. Boy that went fast. It's going to be a year of lasts. I'm not good with lasts, but I'm going to work on embracing and celebrating them instead of fighting them. My mom always said about the passage of time, What's the alternative? And my gramps famous saying was, And I should complain? They were both spot on.

 

 

 

Weekending

Last week I was a day ahead and this week I'm a day behind. Another weekend is already in the purview. Four day work weeks are the very best. So are four day weekends. There's enough time to be on and then off.

I kicked off the weekend Thursday night with a lovely visit with Sue.  It was the perfect chilly night for some hearty reds. I threw together a Caesar salad and instead of croutons, I made a loaf of buttery garlic bread. Gus joined us in the living room and curled up at Sue's side.

I relished in an easy Friday morning. Two cups of strong coffee, a couple chapters, play time with the kit kats who are crazy after breakfast, and tending to my plants. It was bone-chilling cold and rainy, but I made my way to the nursery as planned. It was a pleasant experience in spite of the weather. Everyone was friendly, smiling, maskless, and I found my strepto carpella. Only two this year because I'm feeling more color, but it wouldn't be summer without my beloved blue bells. I was inspired to get in the yard over the weekend to keep up with weeding. I find this kind of tending to be meditative and metaphorical...the garden a representation of life. And I must say that the yard is looking good. Life too.

We finally had our family meeting to get on the same page before summer changes everything. It's good to set expectations. Everyone can and will pitch in, and I've made it known that I don't want to prod and nag. Lily's world is opening up as she's in the last week of school with just a final research paper looming. I almost have my dining room table back. I sense a lightness in her I haven't seen for a stretch. She spent lots of time with friends this weekend as it should be. Ted will be starting his internship next week so his days will be more scheduled, but I never worry about him finding time for fun. There was good family time too: a late afternoon walk with Lily, cards with Ted in the middle of the day, 9 holes on the holiday.

It was also nice to have some alone time while Mike was out of town and the kids were out and about. I puttered around. I worked on projects and pictures. I have at least 500 of the kit kats. I worked out, read and watched forgettable television. Mike came home refreshed from a stint at the cabin in time to participate in judging the burger challenge at my dad's Sunday. He's working on a recipe for a contest and it's the least we could do to help him since he plans to take us to Hawaii if he wins. I was sous chef, my sil was stylist and photographer, Mike and Judy were tasters and my brother the entertainment. The kids stayed home citing other plans and aversions to foie gras and fungi. They lack the palettes for Bob's Beef Wellington Burgers. Can you say decadent?! It was as fun an evening as delicious. We all love a good competition and collaboration is comradery.

Monday really was the star of the weekend weather-wise. It was a little weird not to be at the lake, but it was also nice to be home with my four...well seven. 

This and That

It feels like Friday. I'm grateful that Alan decided to close the office tomorrow. Now it is Friday. A long Memorial Day weekend is on the horizon. So is summer, but it feels more like winter today. I went to Lil's soft ball game last night in capris, a linen shirt and flip flops. The temperature dropped from near 80 to just above 50 degrees in the 2 1/2 hours I sat in the bleachers. It was a good game despite the loss of feeling in my limbs and my chattering teeth.

When I got home, Ted and Stef were watching basketball and playing with cats. Ted inquired what was for dinner. It was 9 o'clock btw, but feeding hungry boys is such a joy that I made a pan of chicken parm and a pot of pasta. They were happy, grateful, satisfied. 

The guys left for a poker match. Lils turned in for the night and I retreated to the family room with the kit kats. It was snuggle time - a favorite for all. Room on my lap is running out, but the three still fit. Ted came home to relieve me and I went to bed to read. I'm well into Jaouad's Between Two Kingdoms and I'm beyond happy to be reading again.

Mike is up at the cabin for a few days of Northwood's respite. It will be life as usual at Casa Wags the next stretch of days, but I'm looking forward to an extra long weekend kicking off tonight with wine with Sue.

Weekending

Casa Wags has resumed some normalcy after two weeks with three new kitties. Things like exercise and cleaning are being added back into my routine, and it's time. I had a list of to dos this weekend that I mostly accomplished and boy did that feel like success.

I kicked off the weekend with a long workout and it was just what I needed. Usually, Friday night is pizza night, but we made a nice dinner instead because all the rules are in limbo right now and some beautiful pork chops were calling. Mike grilled them to perfection. We decompressed while watching a forgettable movie. It was delightful.

I was up early Saturday for kitty duty. While I waited for my grocery shopping partner Lily to arise, I cleaned out the refrig. I have such a love hate regard for this chore. I despise doing it, but it feels so good once it's done. Then I got to planning the night's menu. Uncle Mark and Cousin Tim were coming to dinner. The menu: Mike's ribs, Lily's chicken thighs, Magnolia Table Mac & Cheese, roasted carrots with lemon thyme from my aunt's garden and watermelon. Oh, and Smores bars that I saw Valerie Bertinelli make the week before. It makes me happy to throw a Saturday night dinner party. Dinner party sounds formal, but it doesn't have to be and this one wasn't. Sure I set the table, used cloth napkins and lit some candles, but the mood was relaxed...chill. It feeds my soul to cook for loved ones and connect around the table. The kitties visited the dining room for the first time that night and only tried to climb the curtains a couple times. Before the end of the night, all three were found atop the table. We retired to the family room to watch SNL. The last episode of the season was a good one. It was a good night.

Mike went on an early Sunday morning bagel run, and I made a big pan of scrambled eggs. Mark was gone before the kids got up. I got to work on my list. My biggest accomplishment was the kid's bathroom. It took me two hours, a bottle of Tilex, three Magic Erasers and a toothbrush to make it presentable shine. It is their responsibility, but every once in awhile it needs mom's attention. I also put our new sheets and duvet cover on the bed, did about 7 loads of laundry and washed the kitchen floor. Gus thought that was fun too. he rode the mop. Hazel did not. She hissed at it. I used Aveda's Shampure essential oil in my water/vinegar wash and the house smelled like a spa. Then I lit the lavender/white sage candle Cousin Gigi sent me and I wanted a nap. Instead, I cleaned all the window sills in the house and then went around closing them when the pneumonia front blew in taking temps from the 80s to the 50s. I'm not going to lie...the 50s felt good. So did a long, hot shower.

Mike made dough and I put together another Margherita pizza for dinner. This one extra cheesy and served with hot Italian sausages and peppers on the side. Ted went out, Lils went back to the dining room table and Mike and I retired to watch Mare, our new show. After all the streaming and binge watching during the pandemic, we both like knowing that we get this one episode Sunday nights at 9 o' clock. The kitties liked the playground I set up for them so they could get tired out for the night. They were all three toast before we went to bed.

I woke up feeling refreshed for a Monday morning. The energetic, positive energy lasted through the day. It was nothing special, but it was good. Mike and I enjoyed a walk after work, easy tacos were for dinner and I started a new book before bed. I stayed up too late reading so I'm not as spunky this morning, and yet, I know it's going to be another good day.