*Blink*

That was one of the shortest weekends on record.  Short because it was FUN!


Friday night, I hightailed it home (with a quick stop for a couple bottles of bubbly) to do a rapid round of chores and put the chicken in the oven in anticipation of my youngest sister's arrival.  You will note that I got a picture of my youngest sis (Auntie Baby) but not our dinner. 



We had a fab meal of stuffed chicken breasts with brie and asparagus, with a side of sweet potato fries and bubbly.  Joy!  The dogs were thrilled that their Auntie Baby was there just for them!  In my house, you are escorted everywhere.  Everywhere.  I had to put The Pepperoni in his crate so that he would not throw himself, prostrate, across her doorstep.


The next morning, Cynthia was on her way north to stay with our parents.  That meant that Auntie Connie could come stay with us!  She arrived with treats for the dogs and a Maple Latte for me!  And, before you ask, no.  No, you cannot have either of my sisters.  They are mine, all mine.  Another fab meal (and another bottle of bubbly - I suffer so...) and off we went to hear an English folk musician at a local theater.  You will not that this time I have a picture of the food and not the sister!  Ack!  Next time (and - more joy - there will be a next time, because we are going back to the little local theater for another musical event in April!) 

The leftovers



This was one of the easiest and most delish things I've made in a while.  The beans were from my garden (frozen) and were slightly blanched.  The lemon zest made all the difference.  We had a wonderful visit and Bertie was entirely smitten.  If she was sitting, he was leaning against her.  If she was standing, more leaning.  Walking?  Two steps behind.  The Pepperoni was miffed.


Not much was done outside, as the temperatures were in the single digits and the wind made the wind chill brutal.  I was forced to make custard.  Snort.





And wind another skein of yarn so that I can finish my tree trunk gaiters.  This was done using the lazy-woman method of ball winding.

We were pretty sad to see everyone go, though, as there was so much great conversation, laughter and music.  I had a late breakfast Sunday and caught up on a little reading and knitting before forcing myself to go out and feed the farm cats.

Breakfast reading

The dogs enjoyed the sun (on the inside) and I got caught up with laundry, thought about ironing, made my week's menu plan, vacuumed and swept, did more knitting, did a little straightening of the back room (before running out of it in terror), and contemplated my fig tree.  And wondered whether I will be able to get it out of the door in the spring.

Lovey guards Bertie's head.

Holey Moley

Too bad I didn't finish those gaiters.  We are forecast to get over a foot and a half of snow tomorrow and Wednesday.  I made sure I could get my hands on the roof rake and have 150# of poultry feed to unload when I get home.