Lately

Pudgy pidgeons out the window, rain in your teacup, and buttery toast sprinkled with cinnamon sugar (that goes all the way to the edges).  A few things that have been happening in our world

lately

Grateful – For this little cooking blog and all of the cool people I've met along the way.  Earlier this month, I spent some time in New Orleans.  A get-away of sorts, with some pretty great women, all of whom share a love of cooking.  The chance to leave social media behind for the better part of it; choosing sugary memories over Photoshopped images

While making Paris-Brest, I met two of the kindest souls, spreading goodness throughout the world at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.  One was recovering after over a terrible break-up.  Her friend said: “I'll tag along to New Orleans, and keep you company.”

Over a five-course dinner at the Ponchetrain Hotel's Jack Rose, I loved the stories of interning at Bon Appetit and America's Test Kitchen.  I cheered at the bravery of another who was laid-off from her government job and decided to start a bakery.  Oh, and the sweetest (and chic) woman who, as it turns out, is the daughter-in-law of a very famous movie star.

Trivia – A recipe from America's Test Kitchen costs about $2000 to develop(!)

Saving Up – To go again next year.  There are so many things I'd still love to do, like visiting the WW II museum, taking a ghost tour, and eating at all of the Waffle Houses I didn't have time to visit.

Date Nights – At the pet hospital.  After moving, we've struggled to find a vet we like (outside of those at the hospital).  The only problem is, like any ER really, it can be a bit of a wait.  So last week, when we noticed Poppy's coughing/breathing was getting worse, we decided it was time to have it looked at.

The first night we went.  After three+ hours we lost all power (and hope), deciding to try again the next.

Night two went something like this:

“Kitty corralled?”  Check

“Snacks?”  Check

“Powered up?”  Check

“Mental health?”   About as good as it's going to get

“Here's hoping for the best.”

Smiling – at Poppy.  She purrs so loudly; nobody can ever hear what they need to

Diagnosis? – Feline Asthma

Wondering – We have medicine to get us started, but an inhaler is on our long-term horizon

Cooking shortlist – Dori Greenspan's Baked Apples, Ottolenghi's Lemony Lentil Soup, Chicken Tetrazzini, and a big pot of Gumbo.

Reading – The Overstory for next October's book club

Excited for – Spaghetti Saturdays.  We're officially starting them again in October. Indeed, there are challenges and a million potential pitfalls.  Especially with many new faces and a smaller space.  At the same time, life feels happier with community, and I'm convinced kindness grows exponentially.  It feels good to give it a try.

Related – Have you read The Art of Gathering?

Surprised – by my husband.  While I was away, he polished all of my great-grandma's silver(!)  A gift from my grandma, when I first married, so many years ago.  She even commissioned a special box to hold them all.

“But, I hadn't thought about it in such a long time.”

“They're far too special to be in storage.”

Mostly – It's been a quiet September.  I've been testing the waters about a side-project (or two) that may or may not come to fruition.   The process has felt like a welcome shift, and I've been losing myself in the best of ways

Thinking – this morning about a story I read once about a chef who loved to work.  He waltzed around his kitchen, serenading the vegetables, and juggling fruit.  Next to the deep freeze was a record player with Brahms spinning.  He'd work alone for days, with nary a thought about the outside world.  Until he'd notice an avocado was too soft, a tomato slightly bruised

With it came the realization that it had been several days since he'd even left the house.  And so: he'd wrap a trenchcoat around his apron, throw a hat over his head, and schlep over to the market to restock his pantry.  The neighborhood grocer, noting the chef's longer-than-usual absence, couldn't help but ask

“Where've ‘ya been?”

To which the chef would smile and offer the same answer: “On holiday.”

I don't propose that side-hustles are anything close to utopia, and of course, work is .. well, it's still work.   But to offer dreams a chance, amid life's everydays?  To juggle apples, and then some?

Let's just say .. I'm getting better at recognizing life's (many) gifts when I see them

Wishing – For you, a happy and peaceful rest of your week.  As always, sending big hugs and lots of love.  Thanks so much for being here.

xoxo