All the Pies Are Cut

We Cut all the pies. Served all the birds. Whipped all the cream.
I am satisfied and proud. I think we made many people happy.
It was great seeing friends, families and colleagues come together.
Sharing stories and bottles of rich red wine.
I am thankful for all of this. And so much more.

Is it time yet?

I don't usually have christmas stirrings until after Thanksgiving. This year I am feeling urges early. Still loving this turkey-week BUT I have put on the christmas lounge music a little earlier than normal. Not sure why. I am also a bit eager to get to the end of 2011 with all it's ups and downs, and turn a new page for 2012.

Cloudy Rainy Brain

Layers of cloud cities stretching off into the distance. Rainy Cloudy Brain day- Not sure what to do first and how to get it all done. Plus the desire to nap keeps distracting me. Resist!

shorter days and longer nights

The days are getting shorter- and Just at a time when I need every second of every minute of every hour to get as much done as I can. The nights are getting longer- and yet it gets harder to rouse myself in the early hours. But all of it is wrapped in a delicious layer of late autumn sights, smells and of course tastes. I had my first mikan (japanese tangerines) and my first persimmon is waiting for me, a larger harvest moon of sweetness. Today I had my first inklings of holiday happiness.

2 1/2 action packed years

When I think about the last two 1/2 years and try to figure out what has happened and what it all means, I come to the conclusion that more than any time in my recent past- this past 30 months have been all about doing stuff I had no idea how to do. Sometimes doing it successfully, sometimes not so much. But doing lots of learning all along the way. I have made some HUGE mistakes- and hopefully have learned from them. And I have pushed the boundaries of what I thought I could do. I hope I can keep doing that for as long as I am here.

Add one cup of fun and stir with vigor

Being around kids is the best reminder of how to have fun.
I watched them yesterday taking big bites of life and savoring every minute.
At first they didn't quite know which way to look or where to go. But that didn't last long.
Then the whirlwind began. Oh, and at the end of the day for the middle ones- there was dancing
and revelry. 

My Life has a Big Deliciousness

I love wine-ing and dining
And I love watching people enjoy our food
Never get tired of feeding hearts, minds and souls.
This kind of experience is why we do what we do.
And I revel in it.

room with a view

Sometimes the best way to figure out the small stuff is to take the long view
far away can often make up close make more sense.
and anyway, it looks pretty. 

it is all about the food

I am working on new ideas, as I try to execute the old ones.
it's a tougher balancing act than I thought it would be.
I guess that has been true about almost everything in the last two years.
But at least I know the turkey will be good.
and afterall, it is all about the food.

the real question

I think, more important than asking
what HE did or didn't do-
Is asking ourselves what we will do?
And asking Why we are waiting to do it?

The BEST time of Year!

And so it begins, the best time of year.
Waiting for the Pumpkins and Witches, Apples and Cookies.
And Oh the Turkeys!
I love the happiness they bring- esp. to those of us far from home.
Big vats of potatoes, trays of stuffing and tart cranberries.
Let the planning begin.

Change of perspective

Nothing like spending a day with 5 year olds
to change your perspective on just about everything.

togetherness

Working together without drama
and with only a little ego
is a good good thing.

Autumn Nights

The sounds of cicada give way to evening crickets
and my heart gets heavy with "North East Homesickness"
and a deep craving for apple cider.

You Will Find the Answers

One of the most amazing ways to experience and feel community is to make food together
in this case- writing fortunes and then making our own fortune cookies.
The kids did a great job on the writing
...and so did my pastry chef/ on the folding.
Can't wait to have an excuse to do it again.

just too tired

 

sometimes the tiredness cannot be denied or postponed

and you just have to put on your jammies and go with it. 

hoping you don't drool too much and embarrass yourself. 

All Roads Lead Home

I don't often travel alone but had a little journey to chicago for 5 days.
Good to be back. I like the independence sometimes of doing it all by myself.
BUT it is never as much fun as going with the Mr.
And now I miss the beast when I am away too.
The rails leading home tonight were a relief and a comfort.
good to be home.

Love a Bit of Luxury

Did I mention...
I got the biggest, fluffiest, white terri/cotton hotel like robe for my birthday?
Love It. Easiest way to feel like the queen of my domain ever!
True Love knows your inner royal daydreams.

What's Old is New Again

If you have seen my eyeglasses then this lovely lady above will be no surprise.
I am going to do a USB typewriter conversion with this gorgeous machine from days gone by.
Don't worry it will still work as a typewriter but also as a keyboard.
Assuming I am successful, with my electronics and soldering guru's guidance.
Will let you know how it turns out.

Small things make a difference

It is amazing what a few cans of paint can do.
New feeling, and perspective.
Atmosphere can be everything- and really the best is still yet to come.
I am far from finished.