Luscious Fibers, Food and Family

summer fun

Yesterday Grant and I had four events going on at the same time, which is kind of funny because our social schedule is generally pretty easy. We were invited to three going away parties (Where's everyone going?!) and Grant was hosting his monthly book club. It was a busy but fun day. 

Here are a few more pictures from yesterday. You'll see Grant had the book club on our roof and the atmosphere was perfect. It wasn't too hot and there was a perfect sunset. The rain showers somehow missed us, but we were treated to a great rainbow. You'll also see that we made some yummy food and I made sangria for the first time, which was fantastic.

I also included a couple great kitty photos, cuz you can't have too many of those, right?

red delicious strawberries

Last weekend I made one of my favorite summer pies - Strawberry Pie! The recipe comes from Kittee and it's just fabulous. I love how the pointy strawberries poke their way out through the glaze. There's also a layer of tofutti cream cheese hiding under all that strawberry goodness. It's a keeper!

Here a few pictures for a little catch up. These were taken at the cabin last weekend. We had a nice weekend away.

sunday brunch

Today I got up early and made Irish Soda Bread. This is one of my favorite recipes from The Vegan Table. Love, love, love this bread.

After church Sarah, Amanda and Eli came over for brunch. We had the bread and some tasty tofu scramble. It was nice visiting with them and it's always fun to see Eli play in our big basket of toys. The above picture shows how much he's enjoying playing one of the musical instruments we have. We had a lovely brunch and a great weekend.

A few catch up pictures....

bubbles, bread and big butts

Last weekend our friends Sarah and Amanda invited us over for a yummy dinner. Before eating, it was lovely to sit outside before and watch Eli blow bubbles into the spring air. Um, until he tipped his head back in enjoyment, but also tipped the bubble bottle back pouring it all over his face. Poor Eli...

I finally made the 5 minute artisan bread that I've been wanting to make for a few years! It was very good and so easy to make. The hardest part was waiting on the resting time, but that only happens on the first day. Now I have dough for 3 more loaves in the refrigerator that will take much less time to prepare, bake and enjoy.

The first installation of a new sculpture project happening right outside my building has appeared over the last week or so. The National Museum of Women in the Arts will use the grassy median just outside our building to display various sculptures.  This first installation,  of beautiful, big, colorful, curvy women (and a fish) with a lot of junk in the trunk, was created by Niki de Saint Phalle.  I'll have to take a side view soon so that you can get the full effect.  I love these pieces and I'm happy I get to see them every day.

yay, farmer's markets

The Penn Quarter farmers market opened last Thursday and today Marty, Sarah and I walked over to Teasim for lunch and stopped at the market on the way back to the office. The market actually wasn't open yet, but it was nice to walk through and see all the beautiful flowers, yummy bread, soaps, herbs and of course, veggies. I love that the farmers markets are starting to open again. I don't love summers in DC but I have to admit the farmers markets are fabulous!

a little quiet time

Yesterday I had an acupuncture appointment. Oh how I love my acupuncture appointments. My acupuncturist is wonderful and I get 30 minutes of meditative, quiet, sleepy, relaxing time. I leave my appointments feeling very relaxed and sometimes a little loopy...maybe too relaxed. I highly recommend a little downtime with some pointy friends.

Yesterday when I got to work, I learned that a cyclist who had been struck and killed outside my office the night before was a coworker. I didn't work with her directly, but I definitely knew her and and witnessed her cheerful demeanor many times. This news was very sad for everyone at my office and it was such a tragic accident.  Today a "ghost bike" appeared on the corner near where the accident happened.

last bit of catch up

So this post will catch me up through today and then I plan to get back to posting everyday. Even though these last few weeks have been difficult, when I look at these pictures it's clear that there have been many moments of fun and beauty.

sometimes life is hard

This is one of those times.

I haven't been able to post much because I've got a lot going on at work and at home, but I've been trying to keep up on my picture a day even though I don't post about it.  Here are a few to help catch up a bit.

life at record speed

So I've been a little too busy to post each day...traveling, surprise parties, long hours at work...but I have tried to take a picture every day. So here's my catch up post.

Last week I headed to NY for a couple days for work. It was a quick trip and I didn't have any time to explore, but I managed to take this photo while crossing the street (thus blurry) on my way to dinner.

Grant's surprise party was a great success thanks to everyone that pitched in (including Sarah and Alyssa, pictured), fibbed and help keep Grant completely in the dark.  I will do a separate post for the party once I get some pictures from people. I do have a great video of Grant entering the apartment, which I can't wait to share.

Finally we see the sun and some warmer weather. It had been gloomy for a number of days. It was so lovely to be outside and feel the warmth.

Mum won't like this but it was the only one I had from this day. Mum and I went shopping and she found some great deals - as usual!

This day was crazy! Because I had been out of town I had just a few hours to pack up my stuff and get moved to my new office. So here it is, new carpet, new paint and thankfully I still have a window. Perhaps I'll take another photo when I'm more settled.

It's NIH day. This picture pretty much sums up what treatment days are like. Lot's of coffee, mum in her pink shirt with a smile and me using a hospital tray as my office.

Grant's Mother and sister are back from a great trip to Quebec with a stopover in DC. Last night we had a nice dinner of caramelized tofu and kale. Later it got a little crazy with some wii dancing. Good times.

happy birthday

Today is Grant's birthday and to celebrate we had a nice dinner at home.  At Grant's request I made marinated portabella mushrooms, mashed potatoes with gravy and greens. Everything was tasty, though the chard was a little gritty even though I washed it twice. I've also decided I don't like swiss chard as much as I love Kale, which is what Grant really wanted but Harris Teeter was out, as they are out of most things on Tuesday nights. I digress, overall a yummy meal.

Happy Birthday Grant. I look forward to spending this year with you and celebrating together many more times!