getting a start

There is no 'theme" today -- rather a good reflection of how I feel -- just an attempt to catch up, start a new week, organize random thoughts, and satisfy that nagging at the back of mind that I should get a new post done.
Naphtali has referenced the upcoming art fair at Aidan's school. It sounds like a lot of work but she tends to thrive in busy situations and will no doubt have another successful venture.
We had snow again over the weekend. I hope to have my winter boot problem solved in the next few days. What winter boot problem, you ask, breathlessly? Gotta love LLBeans policy of keeping customers happy. For whatever reason at whatever time send it back.
For the past 5 years I have worn a pair of "stormchaser slip-ons" and hated the way I had to force my foot past the cuff to put them on. Everything else was fine - good product - I just didn't like the entry process. Their catalog says I can return anything - anytime. So I did. Finally. A couple weeks ago, thinking we had a lull in our snowfall, I sent them back. Ordered a different boot, which will start its trip back to Maine on the UPS truck today. Passing my latest replacement, on its way to me, somewhere along the road. There should still be snow to greet them when they arrive.


This was the spot I was going to show you the orchid Tim gave me for valentines day but I just realized I haven't loaded it from my camera and I'm not going to take the time to mess with it now so you'll just have to check back to see if I get it together.......

And that will be all for this morning.....

always something new!!

I learned a new skill today!! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

It's been a busy week. I had several papers ♥ due by Friday and got them all done only to find that the ethics instructor changed the calendar ♥ sometime during the day bumping the due date for one of the pares back 2(!) weeks. Yes, I realize this puts me ahead and I can ♥ spend time this weekend reading Paris Under Water, or my new issue of Real Simple, I can enjoy a walk with Tim ♥ and Charlie ♥, I can call my mother and send her off to Arizona with wishes ♥ for a safe and happy trip, the list just goes on and on....
oh and Happy valentines day, too.♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

valentines day

lest you wonder if valentines day went unmarked at our house this year - of course not!!
tim and i have settled into a pleasant rhythm for february. he decries the forced sentimentalism and commercial expectations created by slick marketing execs and i deluge him with small, relentless reminders of the inevitable. works for us. we both know there's no pressure - an annual ritual that we play out with good will and fun. i will say that tim is a pretty thoughtful partner all through the year and i agree with him that pressure placed upon husbands, lovers, boyfriends leading up to this ultimate declaration of love is unfair. i will further add that i've scored some pretty sweet gifts over the years. this year was no exception but that story will wait.

tim 'suffered' through a variety of cards sent both to his office and home, there were m&ms and assorted sweets/nuts and these shortbread which were divine:
1 1/2 c flour
1 c unsalted butter at room temp
1/2 c cornstarch
1/2 c powdered sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1/4 tsp vanilla - optional
cut together. roll to an even thickness ~1/4 inch and cut out. chill on baking sheet about 15 minutes before baking in a 350* oven for 8-12 minutes depending on how thick you rolled them. sprinkle with sugar before baking.
i baked them as a whole sheet (piercing with a fork to avoid bubbles) and cut the hearts just after they came out of the oven. (closer to 15 minutes)

he also got a chef's knife which he skillfully used to prepare 2 delicious chicken dishes that night.


when tim realized that i wasn't leaving he changed his plans (he was supposed to tape a friend's basement) so we could hang out together. we went to get the oil changed and he said his idea was to get a bag for my computer(which he had given me for christmas). i told him i had one but if he could find something better i'd be happy to let him upgrade me. and then i remembered something and made a proposal. he has a vintage, leather attache case that i found in a thrift store on a visit with naphtali. i love that bag and had tried my laptop in it after christmas, adjusted the straps, looked in the mirror...

so there in the middle of the store we shook hands and made the transfer of ownershop official. (his staff had given him a laptop/briefcase for christmas the previous year so he's covered.) i'm happy, he's off pretty easy, we could call it done and go home......

but our outing wasn't finished. i also came home with 2 cds - a tony bennet and a collection of 'classic' love songs - and a wireless printer. we had a fun day just wandering around, ate well, took a walk this morning. a good weekend.

off they go!

my valentines are done, gathered in their envelope and on their way to loveland.

valentines plans

for the last several years i've taken advantge of the good folks in loveland, co to help me with my valentines.a group of volunteers will hand stamp your valentines with a special cachet and send it on its way. you can read more about it here i usually try to find red or pink envelopes to send to tim at work - he's sure to blush.

as you can see i've gathered my ideas and materials and need to get busy to make my mailing deadline.

this should all go away over the next few days.
tim took off for lincoln this afternoon so charlie and i have the house to ourselves and no excuse for not getting everything done in good order.