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a tale of two FLOWERS!!

This week I was the lucky recipient of not one, but TWO beautiful bouquets! Granted, it was my birthday, but I still felt very special. The flowers were made even more lovely by that fact that they were gifts from two of my very favorite lovelies; Two, and Dr. P. Now here’s the thing about boys and girls, they’re different.
She says: “I got you a surprise!”
He says: “I got you flowers...?”
I say: “I love them!!”
She says: “I’m so glad, I hope they’re pretty!”
He Says: “Yeah, girls really like flowers.”
I say: “I LOVE you!”

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I don't know why you say goodbye...

Yesterday I woke up at 3:48am to drive Dr. P to the airport. If I’m being honest, I was being extremely magnanimous. I didn't want to get up, I didn't want to drive him, and I certainly did not want him to actually get on the flight to New Mexico. He'll be away for about two months (here he would have me clarify that it's actually only 7 weeks), first in Indian Country, and then to the country India. I know that I should be excited for him, (and I am) but I hate goodbyes. One of the reasons they are so hard for me is that I'm horrible at keeping in touch with people, it was one of the main motivating factors behind starting this blog! It's an awful characteristic, in fact, I think it's the worst thing about me. So in the days leading up to (and months following) my adieu to my beau, I'm trying to follow the wisdom of my fathers when they rallied round the cry of "I don't know why you say goodbye, I say HELLO!"

In the spirit of the season (and the Beatles) I'm going to look for opportunities to spread cheer and say hello. Hello to old friends, new activities, and maybe even a little time alone. I'm going to sat hello to STATA, and Santa, and the 100 Push-up challenge. And hopefully, if you're one of those I love dearly, but have been neglecting, I'll say hello to you too (and not just though our blog :).


So Hello Friends!



Helloooo Coco Sala!


Goodbye Dr. P!!


i miss you!

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Reflections of a Stay-at-homeless Mom...

The One family is "temporarily" installed at my grandmother's home on Capitol Hill, a.k.a. Camp Mimo. I've complained about what a drag it is that our renovation is taking forever and must appear to have quite the badtitude about the situation. But here's a little secret: It's actually kind of awesome.

Mimo is, truly, the Hostess with the Mostest. That usually means the mostest visitors. Newlyweds and adolescent boys, toddlers and ill-behaved doglets -- there is not a nightmare house guest she doesn't welcome with a big hug and a toasty cheese sandwich. Marauding hordes descend on her lovely home two or three generations at a time, along with friends, spouses, creatures and exotic houseplants. My daughter raids her jewelry box while my hubby raids the pantry. Then the two of them duke it out over whether the evening's entertainment will consist of Curious George reruns or Fox News. Seriously, people, the woman is an angel. With a twinkle in her eye, Mimo cheerfully disregards personal comfort and sanity, and sets such a marvelous example of savoring the delightful chaos, every day turns into a party.

When we first landed at Camp Mimo, it was definitely a full house. But NarBan (a.k.a. Brother C and his Very Lovely Bride) moved on to their own place, Brother S. is off keeping an eye on Momo and the gang in Haiti (for the record, their "humanitarian trip" sounds an awful lot like a cruise...), and Mimo herself is away for most of this week. Suddenly, we're all alone. And I find myself humming a lot of Joni Mitchell and missing them all terribly much.



Princess H, Mimo and Tiny
enjoying a perfect Autumn day at Eastern Market


Top 5 Things I LOVE About Being a Spoiled Squatter/Nomad

1. COMMUNAL LIVING! Yes, I miss personal space. But I lovelovelove four chefs under one roof, a quick unencumbered run to the corner store and nice adult conversation when Mr. One is putting in another late night at the office (a sad side-effect of his new job, which, btw, he nonetheless enjoys very much).

2. Location, location, location. Mimo's house is an easy walk from our place, but, frankly, it's in a much more charming and convenient corner of the neighborhood. Love it.

3. Less stuff. Sometimes, I don't love this. But usually I do.

4. Motivational discomfort. Since we don't have all our toys and diversions, I'm making more of an effort to get out every day to enjoy our amazing city -- museums, concerts, classes and friends are a more important part of our daily routine, and we all love it.

5. Happy memories. For as long as I can remember, this little house has been one of the Happiest Places on Earth. It still is, and I'm so glad my husband, children and I are able to enjoy so much of this joyful magic together.

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A Cheese Sampler

Our family has a distinct proclivity for cheese. Of all varieties.

Example A)


Random Cowboy Picture

Example B)



Matching Dirndls


Example C)
Irish Fondue

This mind-blowing innovation was the brainchild of Three, and flawlessly executed by Brother S, (when a shortage of Emmentaler kinked his plans for a traditional Swissstravaganza). It is absolutely perfect for this fresh, cozy season, especially when paired with Stayman apples from the farmers' market and a long afternoon romping through leaves. Yum!
  • Grate ~2lb aged Irish cheddar and toss with 2 Tbs. all purpose flour.
  • Gently warm two bottles of dark beer (we used a spicy little brew called Black Chocolate Ale, but my teetotaling palate has a hunch anything rich and bubbly would be delish. Except, perhaps, root beer. Don't try that.)
  • When the beer is steaming hot but not yet boiling, slowly add the floured cheese, one scant handful at a time, constantly stirring with a wooden spoon in a figure-8 pattern, watching carefully to ensure the fondue doesn't boil.
  • When all that cheesey goodness is incorporated and you have an irresistibly creamy vat and you imagine it couldn't possibly get any more delicious, swirl in a generous Tablespoon of pure maple syrup. Oh my.
Serve this up with fresh pumpernickel, assertive gherkins and the very best apples you can find.



No, I am not kissing that marvelous morsel of cheesy-pickle awesome,
but only because it didn't occur to me in the moment to do so.

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