Saturday Meanderings

Happy Saturday, and welcome to another edition of my weekend post. Life is flying by-it’s hard to believe it’s been nearly a week since Easter Sunday. Our daughter and boyfriend were in town for a friend’s wedding, so we were grateful to spend a bit of time with them before their early departure back to Austin on Easter morning. After an inspiring church service, we hosted a small Easter brunch for our other daughter and her boyfriend, along with a few neighbors.

Easter Traditions

Every year, my mother made her famous lamb cake, and I’ve tried to carry that tradition forward in our family. Using an antique cast iron mold from Griswold Company, I attempt a homemade carrot cake recipe this year-fingers crossed that it will be both tasty and sturdy enough to stand on its own.

The family lamb cake “competition” continues with my son, Benjamin baking his own version each year. (For more information on this tradition click here.), and with my brother, Mike.

We always had babka bread as well, so this year I tried my hand at making one using sourdough starter. Babka bread, which originated from Eastern Europe, is a tender, brioche-like dough filled with cinnamon or chocolate, known for its beautiful twisted, braided appearance. Using a recipe from The Perfect Loaf by Maurizio Leo, this two-day process yields a bread that is not only delicious, but also quite lovely. If you are a sourdough enthusiastic, I highly recommend Maurizio’s book.

Not the best photo, but here is the baked babka.

This loaf disappeared quickly and is best consumed on the same day.

Easter Table

With a smaller group this year, we decided to dine indoors, which gave me the chance to have a little fun setting the table with one of my most recent finds. I absolutely love all the spring colors in this Sheraton English china pattern (No.13290, circa 1925-1960), which I found on eBay at a very reasonable price.

This is my first time using it, and while I wondered if it might feel too busy paired with this gingham tablecloth (Studio McGee), I end up loving the combination.

Since I am serving a breakfast buffet, there wasn’t really a need for a separate salad plate- as everyone tends to pile everything onto one. I add a playful touch by folding linen napkins into bunny ears and wrapping them around eggs painted with each guest’s initials. The beaded charger is an inexpensive purchase at Hobby Lobby.

The menu is easy and familiar: my go-to green chili egg casserole, bacon, fresh berry fruit salad, green salad made with kale from the garden, babka bread and of course, lamb cake. Simple. Easy. Delicious.

The Centerpiece

This year’s centerpiece came together effortlessly thanks to my rose garden, which is in full bloom. I clip a few roses for the table and tuck in some fabric carrots from Target’s dollar section for a whimsical touch.

It feels fresh, seasonal and just right. All in all, it made for a truly relaxing Easter-especially welcome after the travel and festivities from the previous weekend’s wedding.

My Latest Breakfast Concoction

I am not much of a big breakfast eater so finding something small yet nutritious can be a challenge. Since I work out most mornings, I want to incorporate some protein into my diet.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying a simple combination: cottage cheese (I prefer the lower fat variety), cherry tomatoes (currently heirloom chocolate drop cherry tomatoes from my garden), a drizzle of flax oil and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds. It provides about 25 grams of protein along with healthy fats.

Flaxseed oil is a potent plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids,  which supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and improves skin hydration. It may also help with digestion, cholesterol levels, and overall brain health. Just be sure to choose a high quality organic oil and keep it refrigerated.

You can find flax oil in most good health food stores and Amazon has it too here.

Dancing Lessons

Did I mention that Scott and I signed up for dance lessons ahead of our son’s wedding? Our goal was simple: not to look completely out of sync on the dance floor. We enrolled in a series of seven classes at our local Arthur Murray (our friend owns it) and were paired with the most delightful instructor, Hannah. Over the course of those lessons, we learned the waltz, foxtrot, rumba, tango, cha-cha, merengue and a bit of “foxy.”

We are not naturally a couple who goes dancing, so this was a bit outside of our comfort zone. After 31 years of marriage, it was both amusing and meaningful to learn something new together-something that required concentration, rhythm, communication, and teamwork. Now that the lessons have ended, I can say it was a worthwhile experience. We stretched our minds, got some exercise, and perhaps most importantly, had fun.

We’re still debating whether to continue. My parents were wonderful dancers, part of a generation where dancing was simply a part of social life. Perhaps there’s something to be said for bringing that back. I highly recommend giving it a try!

A Big Birthday

As I write this, today is my birthday. I’m not sure how I feel about this one-it’s the big 7-0. Perhaps what is most unusual is that I don’t feel 70. If asked, I would probably say I feel somewhere in my mid-30s. Aside from lingering pain from a ski accident in my 30s and a car accident that caused lasting damage to my neck, I feel remarkably good-physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

I have no chronic illnesses, plenty of energy, a deep sense of curiosity, and meaningful social connections. For all of this, I am incredibly grateful. And yet, it’s hard to ignore how quickly the years have passed.

How am I spending the day? Writing my blog, of course! My husband is out of town, and the house is quiet. I cut myself a bouquet of roses from the garden this morning and plan to move through the day a little more slowly-intentional and thoughtful-embracing the quiet and easing into the start of a new decade.

We keep moving forward, one step at a time, right? Here’s to another decade -and with God’s grace, many more moments to savor along the way.

What’s Blooming/Growing now?

My garden is really producing~tomatoes, zucchini, snap peas, string beans, kale, Romaine lettuce, arugula, all sorts of herbs, and rainbow chard.

Before long, the heat will cause many of the plants to bolt, but for now, we’re enjoying an abundant harvest.

Several of the plants I’ve recycled have settled in beautifully and are blooming again. Amaryllis bulbs from Christmases past, are producing their deep red blooms.

Those pots of chrysanthemums we all pick up in the fall, have found a new life in my front planting bed.

Spring has definitely sprung here.

Blue Light Glasses

After a few hours of computer work, my eyes are so tired and strained. My current blue light glasses (non- prescription) recently became a chew toy for Finn. I managed to cobble the side arm back together, but I groan every time I put them on.

During a recent visit to my favorite new shop on Central Avenue, Cordially, I discover a display of adorable readers and blue light glasses-including several with zero-power lenses. Made by Peepers, they’re also available online and come in a wide variety of fun styles, with optional reading magnification. This $32 purchase turned out to be a perfect little birthday present to myself!

My, How Finn Has Grown!

Isn’t this the cutest picture of Finn as a puppy? Hard to believe he was once a small dog!

A mere two years later and we are hoping his growth spurt is over.

Well, that’s a wrap! Enjoy your weekend. Any fun plans? Remember to stay safe out there.