Cauliflower and a cowboy

The animals (literally the pets, not the boys) woke me up at 4:45 this morning, and I wasn't able to get back to sleep. Ugh. Tom took pity on me at 6:30 and sent me to the basement for a quick nap which was wonderful until I was awakened by Oliver pointing a red laser-light finger toy in my face which Nutmeg then tried to chase. Onto my face. Jack had been picked up by carpool, and I was to get Ol to school. He was dressed as a preppie cowboy with a soupçon of organ-grinder monkey thrown in, but I thought nothing of it until we got to school and I realized it was picture day.

With Jack, as my first, I probably would have hauled it back home to change and put on something sweet. But with Mr. Second, I just laughed and went with it. He was thrilled with his attire, so why mess with happiness?! Funny how much I don't sweat this kind of small stuff this time around. And he did look darling!

I hurried home to poach some salmon and sear some cauliflower for my meal delivery to the grands tonight. I then seared some cauliflower for me too and while inhaling it all realized that it very well might be newest obsession. It is SO.GOOD. Just look at the golden caramelization, the hot sear marks left from contact with super-hot Lodge. Ah, me. Bliss!

New perspective

Just home from Ladies Night, a lively and well-attended event out at Twins Ace Hardware in Fairfax. Seriously, that is such a well-run store staffed by such a nice, knowledgable, helpful crew. I did see some familiar faces, met some new folks, sold some jams, learned about a great coffee roaster and importer in southern Virginia, Lexington Roaster. I definitely want to take Tom down there! He'd been in heaven. It was so restorative to get out and away to do something for me. Sometimes, the path to being a better parent is one that takes you away from your kids for a brief time. I had a couple hours to talk to adults about a subject I enjoy, and not once did I hear the word butt. Aah!

Now pooped and really hoping to get some reading in before sleep overtakes me, I bid you goodnight. Lots of cooking planned for tomorrow- yay!!

Whining

Today has been one of those days during which I ache for Oliver to be in school for a full day (like Jack). He's ready for it, I'm ready for it, it truly cannot happen quickly enough. I'm really at the end of my daily Mommy camp rope. I am so tired of talking about nonsense, listening to farts and silly made-up words, negotiating everything, dealing with whining. Not that any of that will necessarily cease when they're at school full-day, but I will surely have more time to regain a sense of equanimity about the constant demands of motherhood. Rain seems to be threatening again- I hope it holds out long enough for me to get out to VA and set up at my Canning Central station. I also hope I find time to grab a coffee before now and then. Mid-afternoon slump is in effect!