Books I have Read

I recently received the gift of A Homemade Life and fell a little bit in love. This is a cookbook slash memoir. Or maybe an essay collection with a recipe at the end of each section, in the spirit of Like Water for Chocolate. Whatever it is, I loved it and felt okay committing sacrilege (turning down the pages) because I had to mark the recipes I wanted to make. I was excited when I read about the slow roasted tomatoes and then over the moon when she talked about stewed prunes. I love stewed prunes - but because they are somewhat out of fashion, none of my other cookbooks even attempt a recipe. It was wonderful book and, after finding out she has a pizza place that makes it own sausage, in is yet another reason I want to go visit Seattle (Laura being reason number 1, Andrew's crepes being reason number 2, my general love of the city being reason number 3).

Speaking of books, I never followed up on my Mennonite in a Little Black Dress saga. I finally broke down, bought the hardcover (which always seems amazingly decedent to me) and L-O-V-E-D the book. Of course, I received the email from the library about my book arriving the day after I left for NY (I kid you not) and had to go pick it up after I came back to LA to avoid scaring my perfect record at the LA Public Library. As I read my own personal copy on the plane, I laughed very loudly and then insisted that Dave stop what he was doing to read a few paragraphs. Much like when he does not immediately beat me in a board game, I think he was humoring me.

Happy New Year

Ten years ago, the world was in fear of Y2K, I celebrated the new year with a killer living room dance party, watching the flashing madonna from John and Autumn's window, trying to figure out how we could get down to DC's Mall to celebrate the Will-ennium, and general confusion of the early twenties.

This year, I made roasted chicken and parsnips, was ready for bed by 10:30 due to a crippling case of jet lag, and was surprised with a wake-up kiss from my husband at midnight. Oh what a difference ten years can make.

Happy New Year to all those I love - near and far.