time in the kitchen.

i finally spent a little time back in the kitchen today after a few weeks of scraping along.

i adapted this recipe (i used pecans and craisins instead of dates and walnuts) for baked oatmeal for breakfast. i was a little anxious about how the yogurt might affect it, but it came out great. topped with a little milk and maple syrup, of course.

for dinner tonight we had our favorite little family of four over for an early dinner. lu & od rarely get to play inside together, but they were on their best behavior. our little six-monther was recovering from his first cold, but regardless the adults all had a great time. i made this mexican casserole- added shredded chicken and used less pepper or onion than the recipe called for originally. delicious.

and for dessert, my great-grandmother's brownie recipe topped with vanilla ice cream. sorry, that recipe doesn't get posted! :)

6 months.

time sure flies when you're having fun. happy six month birthday to my favorite little dude. auntie e loves you madly!

vermont weekend.

after two weeks of travel and high emotions, it was quite a treat to spend a weekend at home in vermont. the sun was shining, the snow was so soft, and i was able to enjoy quality time with many favorite local people. not pictured: coffee date and live music.

happy lu: sun, snow, frisbee.

sunday funday at sugarbush with brett.

a little time with this little fam always makes me grin.

morse skiing with the parents.

smooth as butter!

gratitude, lately.

for family, memories and time together. for unexpected success at work, quick work trips, and a continued roller coaster. for friends near and far, and being lifted up with sweet words, bright flowers, and kind notes. for fluffy fresh snow, early morning ski laps, and evening sunset skis. for baby bathtime and bff chatting. for thai takeout & tv episodes on friday night. for a saturday back in town. for the sweetest ski of the season, classic vermont pancake breakfast, more skiing, downtown explorations, and  long overdue catch up coffee date with my favorite trail queen. for b & lu cheering me up when i'm down, and for annie's mac & cheese when there's nothing else.

Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver

I read this poem at Gran's service this past weekend. We both adored Mary Oliver, and this poem says so much about how Gran greeted each day. Enjoy.

Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who make the morning

and spread it over the fields

and into the faces of the tulips

and the nodding morning glories,

and into the windows of, even, the

miserable and crotchety-

best preacher that ever was,

dear star, that just happens

to be where you are in the universe

to keep us from ever-darkness,

to ease us with warm touching,

to hold us in the great hands of light-

good morning, good morning, good morning.

Watch now, how I start the day

in happiness, in kindness.

What A Gal.

On the Cape we are toasting to Gran. She left us early yesterday morning after enjoying her spectacular life for 95 years and one month to the day. She was an exceptional woman, gracious hostess, world traveler, loving wife, artist extraordinare, dear friend, beloved mother, and cherished grandmother. She moved through life with delightful grace and appreciation. We love her and will miss her dearly.

morning song.

i sure love those avett brothers!