Today, our neighbor mentioned that he was relieved that there weren’t any pigeons around anymore (Brian had not refilled the bird feeder since the pigeons ate all of the food in it earlier in the week).
This afternoon, Brian tried to refill the bird feeder, but the top was stuck shut. Presumably, yesterday’s rainstorm swelled the wood and caused the issue. Either that, or Elmer’s glue played a role. I guess we will find out tomorrow once the wood has had time to dry out.
Brian’s dad has been wanting to have a surf ‘n turf dinner. He provided the surf and I provided the turf and we had just that, this evening. The menu was comprised of the following: sausage-stuffed mushrooms, prosciutto-wrapped scallops, beef tenderloin, Alaskan king crab legs, salad, and ciabatta. I did everything on the grill and that worked out just fine. It was quite a dinner if I do say so myself. My mom provided the dessert, tiramisu–it was delicious.
Come to think of it, this is the biggest dinner crowd I’ve ever cooked for. We had nine people here this evening: Brian’s parents, my parents, Brian’s aunt and uncle, and the three of us. We got to use our new patio furniture again, though since there were so many people, we also had to get out our old patio furniture (I was planning on pitching the old stuff next year, but now I’m thinking about hanging onto it in case it is needed for such an occasion). Oh yeah–we had drinks, too. There was beer on tap, as always, and Brian’s dad brought some chardonnay and Shiraz and I bought a couple of bottles of prosecco for the occasion.
Anyway, it was a really fun evening, but after cooking all day, I am beat. You couldn’t have asked for better weather today. I’m hoping tomorrow is just as nice because I have some gardening to catch up on.
June 5: To celebrate my birthday yesterday, Brian made me a delicious dinner of salt-crusted herbed cornish game hens, gratin dauphinois, and pan-roasted asparagus. I also received a new bird bath for my garden. And, speaking of birds, the rock pigeon has descended and taken over our bird feeding area. Brian filled up my new bird feeder on Monday night and it already needs refilled. There were around a dozen of them out there this morning, and again this evening (and probably in between, but how would I know–I was upstairs working). Anyway, I’m not sure what we’re going to do about this, but I’m thinking we’re going to have to do something.
June 6: My former manager, Doug (at this point, I should probably just refer to him as my friend Doug) and his kids came over for supper today. We just wanted to repay the favor–he’s always inviting us to great parties at his house. Anyway, Jake had a great time playing with his boys and we had a nice evening talking. Dinner was pretty good, too. Brian made pasta sauce the other night and today, I cooked up some braciole and meatballs in it. I also made way too much spaghetti, garlic bread, and a salad. I’m still stuffed. I guess it’s been a good week for eating around here.
I got a motorcycle today! It is partially a birthday present and partially a frivolous purchase. We bought it at Zepka’s used bike store. The bike is 20 years old, but it’ll be a good one to learn on. And, it fits me perfectly. I guess my next step is to get my butt up to the DMV and get my permit. After a few months of riding, I’ll take the motorcycle safety course that the state offers and get my license that way. I think Brian’s more excited than I am, but it will be fun to have my own bike.
Jake’s not getting home from Brian’s sister’s until this evening, so Brian and I took today to get caught up on some things around the house. After we got home from church, we straightened up the kitchen, living room and dining room areas. Then we had brunch (nothing exciting–hash browns, eggs, and sausage). After that, Brian headed down to the shop to work on Jake’s window trim (which, by the way, is going to be totally awesome. I’ll bet you didn’t know window trim could be awesome. Well, it can.) and I started knocking some things off my “to do” list. It was a very productive day and it’s not over yet. I still want to put some things away in Jake’s room (things that haven’t been put away since the remodel) and then I might call it a day. The next to last episode of The Sopranos is tonight, so I know for sure I’ll be done with everything by 9:00.