Our friend, Gloria, is a wonderful mother.  I don’t think she realizes what a compliment this is. 

She and Mike have brought up two absolutely delightful girls – and it makes us happy to just be around them. 

We drove to Orlando to ESPN’s Wide World of Sports to watch the tail end of their older daughter’s field hockey game.  It was terrific to watch her play, and I felt such pride that our young women these days can get out there and play tough…and show their strength. 

The Reunion:

The Focused Young Athlete:

The Friends – Post-Game:

As Helen Lawrenson said, “If a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted – there is practically nothing she can’t do.”

You go, Girl.

~

“Sometimes if you’re lucky, someone comes into your life who’ll take up a place in your heart that no one else can fill, someone who’s tighter than a twin, more with you than your own shadow, who gets deeper under your skin than your own blood and bones.”

                                                                                   ~  Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr.

John’s mom’s birthday was the 29th; so glad we got to spend part of the weekend with her!

I am also quite fond of how great that leather jacket looks on her. 

Hello ultra-thin asparagus and miniature pattypans…

You were most excellent for supper with a salad and a baked filet of flounder …

I love my entryway.

We just got home, and waking up early this morning, this is what I saw as I walked to the pantry so I could feed Spectre.

It’s got lots of my favorite color and shades of that color.  

Just now, it also boasts a rather regal addition for as long as it lasts:  an Amaryllis sent from Aunt Nan. 

When I was a kid, my mom took me to see a bull fight in Spain. (We were stationed in Germany at the time.) I remember being horrified and crying when they dragged the bull out, after the poor animal had expired.

I can appreciate tradition, but I think this one is barbaric.

Spanish matador Israel Lancho is gored by a Palha’s ranch bull during a bullfight at the San Isidro’s fair in Las Ventas bullring in, Madrid, on May 27, 2009. Lancho was hospitalized with an eight-inch wound below his ribcage. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Menu:

“Feast Day Pork Roast”, sliced – adapted from Priscilla Vigil, of Tesuque Pueblo, New Mexico

Blackeyed Peas, flavored with bacon and bay leaves

Kale and Mustard Greens

Leftover cranberry relish (because I forgot to make a salad)

…and lovely melon-colored roses “just because”.

Happy New Year!

 
Well, John and I had another wonderful Christmas with his folks – but I have to say, I was missin’ mine. It’s been four long years since we’ve spent Christmas with them – and there’s just something great about a snowy, cold, Colorado Christmas, the typical pâté and caviar pie, and my dad’s Prime Rib and his cheesy Christmas vest.

Still, we were so fortunate to be with John’s family – and I enjoyed every minute of it…I cooked the Main Event(s) of Prime Rib and Goose and both turned out well (in the case of the Prime Rib – a little too well-done for my taste – but it turns out that most people at the table preferred it that way.) Another of life’s Happy Accidents, I guess.

Here are some pictures from our gathering…hope y’all had a wonderful, meaningful Christmas.

XOXO -

Hol

 And once we were home again … the goose went into a pot!

This is always a really busy time of year.  Armour was born on the 23^rd (not the worst of the Birthday Lottery – but almost.  I think the worst birthdays are the ones that fall either from 26-30 December or 2 -5 January.  Those poor folks have to squeeze in a celebration right after huge holidays and not on a holiday.  Bummer.

Anyway, Arms turned 34 yesterday…which just means that he’s one year away from being at the age when he really needs to know what he’s doing (I mean, wasn’t JFK a Senator at 35?) and about 6 years away from my age, which officially means “Welcome to the last half of your life”. 

So – enjoy this next year, Bro.  Love and Respect from Tampa.

And then, of course, there’s Christmas. One of my favorite times of the year. I’m thankful for a husband who understands and respects the “reason for the Season” and who wants to go to church to give thanks “for all we’ve been given, and the life we’re livin’.”

We’re headed to Mom & Dad Silkman’s for dinner and it will be a great one. I volunteered to cook the main event…which will be a 4-rib Prime Rib and a Roast Goose with lots of sides, and there’d better be – since we expect a fairly big crowd.

I’ve been working this list for a couple weeks, now…and now it’s execution time.

John’s mom is an artist when it comes to desserts – and his dad is actually the Christmas decorations Guru (don’t worry, I’ll take lots of pictures and probably post on Boxing Day) – so I don’t have to decorate (I’m Grinchy that way) and get to do what I like – which is cook but not bake.

Mostly, though? I’m thankful for life, limb, and being in my own country for Christmas.

Love y’all.

I might be the world’s worst housekeeper – but I love to be outside.  I’ve talked about what I’ll do after we retire with John – and I always drift to outdoor pursuits – like working in a nursery (the plant kind) or having one of those great stables that takes in broken horses and broken kids – and watches one heal the other – but for now, all I have is my itty-bitty backyard.

Here’s a few snaps from today – a quiet, productive day, since John is in Missouri duck hunting, and I can vacuum and toss at will.  :)

Hoping to get some finches (it’s the time of year for them in Florida):

The Meyer lemon tree – only four more left!  (I picked another today to use on my “shrimp scampi for one”…)

And my favorite – the Baby Tears I planted in my “num-num” stone.