Male hullabaloo

The cat is chasing rainbows as Percy, tired after cleaning up the aftermath of the boys' dinner, snores on the couch. We have one of those solar-powered prisms in our window, and each afternoon, as the back of our house receives the setting sun's beams, the prism spins, making rainbows dance throughout the kitchen and dining room. I cannot believe how much the kids eat. They each had a quarter pound of grilled salmon with capers, peaches, edamame, and crackers. Oliver then had two oreos and a large glass of milk plus half of a granola bar. Jack finished his plate off with a small ice cream sandwich and two bowls of cereal and milk. Stinky and all crudded up, they're in the bath now, and I suspect I have just minutes before insistent cries of "I'm starving" reach me as I take two minutes for myself down here.

After a tough workout this morning, I had a great few hours of writing before running a couple errands and picking the boys up. Jack asked if we could "put a library in my [his] room" which I thought was a grand idea, so we bought a couple shelves at the Container Store and took down the old "pug orange juice" ad poster that's been on his wall since we moved into this house. He has a good plan for a corner nook in which he'll be next to a window and surrounded by books, all of which will be "organized and labeled by type. I'll use the label maker, Mom." A kid after my own heart.

I was all "woman, hear me roar" with the tools and plans, but I admit to getting gun shy when the instructions directed me to drill 12 1/8" holes except if I hit a stud and then there was some toggle bolt, and I just stopped and will wait for the troops-known-as-husband to come home and finish the job. Know when to fold 'em, I say.

I gotta boogie to a meeting. Back with you later or tomorrow. I did make a fresh batch of granola, and boy you should be in my kitchen right now. It smells to the nines!

Yotam and Sami are coming to DC, the Pope

Friends, if you love Yotam Ottolenghi and his food as much as I do, check this out!!  On Monday, 10/21, at 600 I St, NW, "Yotam Ottolenghi—the owner of four London restaurants and a New York Times-bestselling author—alongside head chef Sami Tamimi will be in conversation with Joan Nathan." If you've seen/own the cookbook, Jerusalem, you'll recognize Sami Tamimi as its co-author. You can purchase tickets here. I will be there! This morning has been a lovely one. It's stunning outside, a glorious day that manages to feel both warm and cool and makes you think that fall weather is perfection. It just might be. Some of my lady pals came over for breakfast and tea, and after the hectic pace of the first few back-to-school weeks, it was a treat to just sit and talk and catch up and laugh. I meant to take a photo of the pumpkin loaf, but it's pretty much devoured, so...next time.

Who else thinks the new Pope is fabulous?! Especially in contrast to scary Benedict. I am not a Catholic, but I am loving Francis and frankly feel really glad for the church that he has arrived. I'm sure there are many Catholics that do not love his style, much less his recent, wonderful, delightful, it's-about-time commentary on the total "obsession" with gay marriage, abortion and birth control. But I think it's magnificent and hopefully it'll usher a sea change of modernity into an institution that really needs it. Yee-haw, Pope F!

I think I have to make the caramelized shallots now...

B.U.S.Y.

That stands for nothing mystical, secretive or cool. It's been another busy day, one that felt like four, and I'm now, just back from our second back to school night, groggily watching my hilarious cat bat a noisy, plastic ball around like he's a some sort of maniacal hockey player. It's infinitely amusing really. Between morning and late afternoon plans tomorrow, I hope to enjoy my silent kitchen and the simple act of culinary creation within it. I've recently remembered just how good Nancy Silverton's caramelized shallots are, and how many recipes in Yotam's Plenty and Jerusalem still call to me, flagged but then forgotten. Using a random $10 off coupon at Sur la Table yesterday, I treated myself a new tart pan; this one resembles an 8.5 x 11 sheet of paper with fluted sides. A fall tart sounds divine. So, I'll keep you posted, continue trying to read some, any, of the paper, trying to find slowness and even stillness where I can. Breathe in, breathe out. Whew.