After a whirlwind couple of weeks it feels good to sit in my quiet studio and write. The rain came early this morning and we moved slowly preparing breakfast smoothies, doing light house cleaning, watering plants; those mundane chores you miss when life is so busy as it tends to get in the summer. I planted cat grass for the kitties and in 4 days it was long enough for Merlin to enjoy as a 3rd birthday gift. I scattered wildflower seeds into a pot with soil and they seem to be happily growing on their sunny window ledge overlooking the community garden below.
Last Sunday we celebrated my sister’s wedding shower. We whisked her away in a limo and surprised her with an Italian inspired afternoon at a winery 30 minutes outside of the city. We had a wine tasting class with the vineyard owner then delighted in food, wine, laughter and gifts at a long table set under a tent amongst the grapes.
The wedding was Friday evening. We gathered at the Hycroft Manor, a mansion built in the early 1900’s and the same place that hosts the Christmas Fair I attend each November. If you’d like to read my blog on Christmas at the Hycroft I’ll link it here
https://thebellwitchmanor.blog/2018/11/18/christmas-at-hycroft-manor-a-photo-essay/
The Manor is elegant and grandiose in it’s own right but the light at 5pm streaming through the tall led glass windows the sun low in the sky radiating through the long branches of the Sekoia outside made for a fairytale like setting. I was the official photographer and got a good workout running around capturing the best moments of the ceremony and reception. Family and friends talked and danced into the night. A day to remember.
Too lazy to shop, I raided my fridge yesterday and opted on Buddha Bowls for dinner. A Buddha Bowl is a meal, served in a single bowl which consists of small portions of several foods. These can include whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice, plant proteins such as chickpeas or tofu, and vegetables. Usually vegetarian, I added a small piece of grilled wild salmon my husband caught this week up north on his annual fishing trip to River’s Inlet.
This is a great idea for leftover veggies that may go bad in the fridge. You can add any ingredient you like. I did ours with brown rice, avocado, broccolini (sauteed in a little sesame oil and oyster sauce), salmon ( with a honey soy drizzle), oven roasted yams and a sunny side up egg. I like the runny yolk on my rice yumm!
Mom visited me yesterday and brought me this pine infused honey. Pine needles are very high in vitamin C and in fact, in a survival situation, you can make pine needle tea to boost your immune system and prevent scurvy. I’m sure we’re safe from scurvy here in the city and I think this honey would be great on home baked scones or french toast.
The pink dress is what I wore for the wedding with my vintage 50’s crystal brooch for a little sparkle. I’ll do a quick organizing of my closet and get a Yoga session in before our dinner of BBQ chicken and veggie orzo salad tonight. If the rain continues it’ll make for a good movie night. Happy Sunday!
Love,
Jennifer