Glow

In those few days of Spring-like weather that we were teased with last week the clean-up and planting began at our house. We picked up sticks, trimmed up bushes and removed the remaining bits of Christmas that decorated our bushes out front. We couldn't resist the draw of the seed packets at the store and with the promises of many yummy meals to come, we planted and planted some more. At Christmas, we received an AeroGarden from my sister and bro-in-law. Their heart and minds were in the right place. They offered us a way to grow herbs all year long so we could have that 'fresh from the garden' taste even in the middle of winter. We would drive away the pesky cabin fever feeling that is only magnified by flavors that have become ho-hum with repetition. Too bad we only started the garden a week ago.

As I prepared dinner, Kris and Giada planted. They started some seeds in a regular small tray and got the AeroGarden set up. It seemed like such a process for all of this but Giada was having a blast with Kris and she loves watching the plants grow so everyone wins in this activity. The AeroGarden has a timed light that simulates sunlight to encourage rapid growth. The bottom of the plant is submerged in the water that we added nutrients to. Once it was set up, they turned on the light and it was supposed to stay on for 17 hours on round one. I don't know how long it stays on now but I do know that our home looks like a laboratory every night. There is a glow that radiates from the kitchen into every corner of the house. This is one of my fears with the CFL bulbs everyone is switching to. I am not a fan of fluorescent light and this ones scares the crap outta me! Kris was turning off the lights the other night and said to me, "I keep thinking I missed a light because it's so bright downstairs and then I realize it's that thing". Really. No nightlight needed in our home right now. As for the efficiency of growing the plants, it's neck and neck with the herbs we have in the window without the added light and water so who knows....?

creepy laboratory light and a bug that found it's way

We recently spent an afternoon at Nana & Ampa's house. Their "puppies" (they are hound-lab mix and are easily 30" tall) are finally getting used to Giada and give her a bit more of a break these days. I think it's partially due to her having a bit more tolerance for them as well. It was a bit cool out but the skies were blue and the sun was shining so it was a must that we get out and play with them for a bit.

bottom right...one of my newest faves

This past weekend was a bit of a whirlwind but oh, so worth it! Out came the sparkly eye shadow and extra perfume. We even dug out the iron, which gets little use here, and excitedly got ready for a night out. As you saw in my earlier post, I had the opportunity to write a restaurant review. We got to share that experience with some good friends of ours and it was a night not to be forgotten! Thanks to our amazing babysitter, the kids had a great night as well so we could relax and be adults without worry.

The following night, I got to accompany Kris to a local farm dinner. he got to go last month and really enjoyed himself so we decided to try it again. I think you're supposed to chat with the people at your table and enjoy the atmosphere while appreciating local produce. The chef prepares everything in front of you so there a bit of an instructional side to the dinner but not so much that you feel like you're in a class. He reminds you to support local farms and if you have fun and a learn a bit, that's a bonus. If we weren't so intent on having a good evening, it could have gone south very quickly. It was certainly a test of our patience as one group that sat at our table was so into themselves that they neglected to pass things our way and ignored their nine year old as he scarfed down every middle part of his bread slices with a pat of butter each and littered the table with the uneaten crusts.....and that is only the tip of the iceberg. Fortunately, the food was great and how could I complain about a few hours alone with my husband? Outside of spending that time with him, I love that he just 'gets it' when I give him a look and I am at ease knowing that I'm not the only one that notices how rude some people can be.

dear friends @ dinner

This week is one of catching up on neglected chores and continuing the re-organization of our home as we brace ourselves for the snowstorm that threatens our area toward the end of the week. Yes, it is March 30th and I said snow..... ugh!

G being scary in the glow of the lab