Jake is staying at my parent’s tonight. We were supposed to go out to dinner with a friend, but that got cancelled earlier in the week. So, we spent the past few days pondering what to do on our night off. Should we go out for drinks? That never seems to happen. Why pay for drinks when we can drink for free at home? Seems kind of silly. Should we go to the movies? We’ve actually had our fill of movies lately, so no. Should we go see a band? We didn’t know anyone who was playing out this weekend, so it didn’t seem like it was worth the effort. That was about all we could come up with, so we just stayed home, did a little work, watched a little tv, and started designing the bar Brian’s going to build for our family room this year. We did manage to wash down a Margarita while snacking on some killer black bean dip, though. So, all was not lost.
you belong to me
This was a book written by Mary Higgins Clark. It is the first one I read from her in a long, long time. After reading it, I remembered why. Her stories are all whodunits. And, the bad guy is never who you think it would be. But, after reading a few of her books, it is easy to figure out the pattern and pick the bad guy out–he’s the last one you’d think would be it. And, this book was no different. So, I guess I’ve had my fill of her for a while.
r.i.p. satin
This morning, our friend Judy’s dog Satin lost the fight with her illness. Her story is here. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Judy at this difficult time.
dinner with the parents
Today was our annual “Dinner with the Parents”. After two days of cooking, I’m finally getting a chance to sit down (incidentally, just in time for The Sopranos). I’m freaking beat, but it was worth it. Everyone seemed to have a good time (and, more importantly, enjoyed the food). We started off with some appetizers (sausage-stuffed mushrooms, peppered garlic confit with prosciutto on Italian bread, garlic-stuffed olives, pepperoncini, and soppressata). After this, I wasn’t even hungry, but I ate anyway. What are you to do? The main course was herb roasted cornish hens along with the sides of lemony asparagus-mushroom stir fry, sage risotto with fresh mozzarella and prosciutto, and a Moorish-style salad with cumin and smoked paprika. All of this was washed down with some Pinot Noir (from Pepperwood Grove and Brancott Vineyards) and Chardonnay (from Monkey Bay). The Chardonnay was particularly good. And, to think I almost didn’t buy it because it had a monkey on the label! Almost forgot…I made a white cake with Italian meringue icing for dessert. I have yet to have my dessert (maybe tomorrow for breakfast).
I went all-out for this dinner. It was definitely more work than when I cook for a holiday, but I only do this once a year so it’s kind of fun for me. Jake and Brian were gone all day yesterday, so it gave me a chance to hang out in the kitchen all day and work without interruption. In the past, I used to go all-out every time we entertained, but I usually ended up tired and irritable and that is no way to be when you are having guests. I have since learned to put forth a more balanced effort and this makes the rest of our entertaining more fun for me. But, this one time of the year, I like to show off my skills. And, I know our parents appreciate the effort, so who better an audience?
the talented mr. ripley
We watched this movie last night. It was the last of my Blockbuster Online movies. That was fun while it lasted. I’m definitely going to sign up again next winter.
Anyway, the movie was ok. Nothing spectacular. I don’t particularly care for Matt Damon or Jude Law, so that was two strikes against it. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we had a Margarita while watching the movie (limes are green, you know).
I would write more about it, but I have to go. Tomorrow, we’re having our annual “Dinner with the Parents”, so I have to go as I have much cleaning and even more cooking to do in preparation.