25 Things #8

Ok, close your eyes... no
wait, don't do that or you can't read..

Ok, imagine that it is 72 degrees
The sun is going down and glowing yellow orange on the shade
You lay on the bed, a sheet tossed over half your body
The ceiling fan is on, creating a breeze on your face
Off in the distance there is a lawnmower going and the smell of fresh cut grass
The air filter creates a white noise that sounds like ocean
breathe deep and drift off
ahhhh

The Late Afternoon Nap- what could be better

25 Things #7

ASPARAGUS!

Maybe it isn't spring yet, but when you have some
yummy asparagus it sure feels like it.

I was never a huge fan of asparagus.
That was until I had some at an Italian shop at the market.
It was roasted
with rosemary
and little bits of sea salt
and was so tasty I went back the next day to have it for lunch


I experimented and I think I have just about gotten the recipe down...
Roasted Asparagus

Use a vege peeler on the thick ends if the stalks aren't
thin (just on the ends though!)

Mix together 2 tbsp. olive oil,
a pinch of rosemary
pinch of sea salt
1/2 clove minced garlic
(or even a little less-this should be VERY subtle flavor of garlic)

Toss asparagus in oil mixture and spread out on a cookie sheet.
Put under the broiler (about 10 inches away from flame)
for about 12-15 minutes- until tender

Remove from oven and drizzle with a small amount of
balsamic vinegar.

Sprinkle with a little black pepper.

This is terrific hot
and equally as good chilled
I think when it is a little warmer I will do this on the
grill outside to add a smoky flavor.

25 Things #5

#5
Sunday Breakfast at the Overlea Diner

Our habitual Sunday breakfast outing
greeted by smells of coffee
and fried potatoes

A waitress looks up from behind the counter and smiles
We walk to the back room
snag the high chair and set to work
clearing the table of all items within Auggie's reach

Our regular waitress calls out a hello
"I can't believe how big he's getting!!"
she leans in and speaks to the baby
"I remember when you had to be in a carrier"

I love that the waitresses know us
I love that it is always warm- a little too warm
in the Overlea Diner
I love that our waitress knows we both eat grits
instead of potatoes
I love that the waitresses note the changes in Auggie
and his friend Olive ("Didn't his hair used to stand
straight up in the air!?")

There is just something so nice about being a regular...

25 Things #4

#4 BATHS

It started when I had an old clawfoot tub
I hated the curtain all the way around
So I took baths instead
It became a habit

I love my baths
I read
I soak
I breathe

They have gotten substantially shorter in
this last year and are accompanied by various
brightly colored ducks and toys

Did I mention that I love my baths?

25 things #3

#3

He sleeps much of the day
Waiting
Waiting
Ears perk, body tenses
groan, garble, bark bark bark

Now near hysteria because
DAVE IS HOME!!
He'll talk to Dave in a series of
low groans and grumbles now as
if scolding him for being away too long.

Yes, I had him for years before I even
knew Dave, but to Mole....
Dave is the bomb.

I'll never get sick of my beautiful
quirky dogs- so full of personality.

25 Things #2

#2
Auggie Cracking Up

I hold up my hand and sprinkle my imaginary shaker over Auggie
CH CHH CHH
"A little salt"

again
CH CHH CHH
"A little pepper"

I wipe my hand up and down his belly
"A little butter" (slather, slather, slather)

AAAAAAND

"EAT THE BABY"
ARGHHHGAGHHGG YUMM YUMM
I bury my face in his belly and attack!

Auggie cracks up. No longer does he just
squeal or squeak, but he actually GIGGLES.
It is so sweet.

Definitely something I will NOT get sick of!!

25 Things #1

I was reading another blog where there was a discussion
about making a list of the 25 Things I Will Never Get Tired Of.
I decided to make a list with photographs that I will put up
over the next month or two. They are in no particular order.

#1
Puccini's Nessun Dorma from Turandot

Puccini got it just right.
I don't have words to do it justice.
It is absolutely perfect.

...goosebumps...

Funny thing, I worked (fabricating sets) at the Metropolitan Opera
and have never seen Turandot. I guess I just never got the
chance.

You probably know this aria even if you don't recognize the name.
Here is a link to Pavarotti's take on it.