Some Monday morning musings

1. Celebrities and others who bestow upon their children ‘unique’ monikers should provide a pronunciation guide. 2. It is a real boon to have a husband who is determined to be a quasi-professional barista. I am really reaping the rewards of this.

3. I am glad my sons love me soooo much, but I do not love that when I go to the bathroom, they stand at the door, literally hanging on the doorknob, trying to access and/or talk to me. People, give me some space.

4. Really, Rupert Murdoch?

Harry Potter, pillows-of-intense-flavor gnocchi, the crack of dawn playdate

The last installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was just perfect. David Yates did a magnificent job directing his share of the films, and this was a superb finale. We really enjoyed every minute, and I am truly sorry that there are no more HP adventures to anticipate. Have you eaten at Palena? It is one of my favorite restaurants in D.C., and last night's meal was another memorable treat. Our waiter looked like a slim, youthful Chris Robinson and seemed a tad agitated. Nonetheless, our food was just so good and that trumped the oddball. I had the most amazingly light, intensely flavored gnocchi. Just a simple Yukon Gold gnocchi with fresh pesto, tomatoes and pine nuts, I savored every bite. The men had the Palena burger and said it was as good as ever, and the aioli for the fries is out of this world. I would die for the recipe. I enjoyed a Sicilian Grillo, a minerally white that's easy-going but interesting.

Fast forward to this morning, and my migraine is still stalking me but we made it to our 8am playdate at a recently renovated park in Chevy Chase, D.C. It was great- nice and shaded, good to see old friends, great toys. Both boys crashed when we finally got home- I guess two hours of running and climbing is what it takes.

Tonight will be pizza night I believe though we have no mozzarella so will have to remedy that in some way. And I might pull the trigger and finish up my cherry jams and chutneys before the cherries lose their luster.

Hope you are having a good weekend. My red nails still shock me every time I glance at them, but in a good way I think.

Thinking of Nanny

I am a bit of a mess today, dear readers. I have a sense of foreboding that my beloved Nanny might finally pass. She has been a valiant, dignified, beautiful example of dealing with the indignities of old age with grace. She is so tired, so ready, and I respect her wishes completely. And although I’ve been preparing for her to leave us for several years now, I think you’re never really ready to say goodbye. I don’t know if I’m right about this, but I have a strange feeling of turmoil inside, and I’ve been struggling with bouts of tears all day. I left yoga early and hauled ass to the nursery. Nanny always loved her yard, her flowers, the things she grew- most notably blackberries and pecans. I think my mother got her love of working the land from Nanny, and almost despite myself (if you recall, I used to avoid being dirty and/or wet at all costs [unless opting into a shower]), I from them. In attempting to process my thoughts that Nanny might actually leave us, I felt an urge to plant something pretty that would remind me of her. New life as a counterpoint to death I imagine. And so I go, heading off to apply copious amounts of bug spray, don my gardening gloves, gather my tools, and hope that some of my sadness can give way to something that would make Nanny smile and that will remind me of her. I only bought perennials you know.