A quiet morning

Literally, Tom is still snoring upstairs, but I've had the loveliest morning on my own so far. The house is so, so, unbelievably quiet without the boys here; after their initial rowdiness, even the pets have calmed down. I've gotten much organized for today's Arts Market: boxes of colorful, flavorful, wildly diverse jams/chutneys/pickles/etc wait are stacked and wait patiently by the front door; the bills are organized neatly in my cash box; my Square register is updated and charged; cake stands and serving platters stand at attention; all the baked goodies are tightly wrapped, soon to delight those who indulge in them.

And I'm sitting here, too, savoring a good mug of coffee that won't go cold from neglect today, and enjoying a warm multi-grain bagel spread liberally with cream cheese and seedy raspberry jam. This was my breakfast of choice freshman year of college though I always opted for a sesame bagel then. I remember that one morning, my best friends, first college love and I were sitting in the dining hall eating breakfast. I had my trusty bagel, laden with toppings as I was in the process of assuredly gaining the Freshman some-odd-number, and recall my boyfriend kissing me and then letting me know I had a raspberry seed between my front two teeth. Mortifying but kinda sweet too. Funny how certain memories are triggered by one food or song or place.

Dog dressage?

People, I slept in the basement last night to get a "great night's rest" in anticipation of today. The kids are with T's parents so I was hoping for the mystical eight hours. Instead, I have been up for an hour already (it's 6:34a right now) because Needy Cat pawed and mewed at my door quite pitifully until I relented and opened up.

We snuggled sweetly for five minutes and then he went Hyde and attacked me like a hungry caiman. Meanwhile Perenially Pesky Pug was up and at 'em, and that means you've only got a short while until he decides to pee on the couch. I wobbled out of bed, let him out and watched with confused irritation as he romped around the yard as if he were on the most complicated of dressage courses. He looked frantic, as if he'd suffer sphincter fail at ANY moment. Good lord, dog! Just poop!

Tom is still snoring peacefully upstairs. Of that you can be sure!

Recycling tidbit, day-o-baking!

Hello DC and Montgomery-county jammers! Good news! If you didn't already know, you can recycle the lids from your jars of jam. You know, the Ball or Kerr ones, aluminum with a rubber gasket? They can only be used once anyway, so unless you're saving them for reasons other than preservation, toss them in your blue recycling bin. A dear reader, Liz, has confirmed for MC, and I via DC Dept of Public Works. If y'all have good city-wide recycling programs, it's likely you can recycle yours too; if you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask your city service. Today is beautiful, and since returning home from a school meeting, I've happily ensconced myself in my kitchen, cooking and baking away. A walnut-cinnamon coffee cake is all wrapped up, an apple cake is in the oven now. 18 scrumptious brownies are plated, the boxes of jam are towering on my table. Red beans are in the fridge, pecan-oatmeal and blackberry pies sit at the ready. I'm so excited for the Arts Market tomorrow. Thank you, Circle Yoga, for hosting this wonderful event again.