After the vent

Boy did I need that enormous vent session here the other night. Thank you to everyone who sent a "Go Girl" my way as well as those who appreciated the Cruz-as-flaccid-member commentary. I adore you all. 

Despite the fact that I ran three miles and then drank a slight bit of Bourbon and then fell asleep in Jack's bed because he was so warm and cute and awoke the next morning with exceedingly foul, unbrushed teeth, I felt loads better. You've just got to let off steam sometimes, in fun ways and explosions too. There's a time and place, people.

'Twas that very damn evening that I hungrily put together a delicious dinner. Garlicky kale- and mozzarella-stuffed chicken breasts wrapped in bacon and pan-seared until golden and juicy and, for good kale measure, kale salad alongside. Totally satisfying, y'all. 

I did not always love smoked mozzarella, but now, I'm exceedingly fond of it when used in smart ways. Ghibellina (a terrific Tuscan place in DC) first lit my smoked mozz fire with its artichoke, green olive, sundried tomato and smoked mozzarella pizza. To.die.for.

My sister recently implored me to try an eggplant and smoked mozz risotto which I have yet to make but plan to.

We continue to settle in and further make this house our home. Yesterday was the Day of Hanging Art which has made a huge difference. In my opinion, art is like furniture for your walls. And if, like we have, you've collected paintings and photographs and kids' drawings and woodblocks and etchings over the years when they've spoken to your soul and heart and you're fond of them like you are good friends, then reuniting with them is really quite an experience.

Even my dear husband who tends to notice nothing walked in last night and said, "Oh, it's so nice to have stuff on the walls."

Indeed.

The Nut is just a happy cat and is striking out in the new 'hood with an ever-expanding radius. Earlier today I found him balance-beaming atop our fence, his body woven like yarn on a loom in a tree. If he could talk, I think he would have agreed that it wasn't the most comfortable position but then again, maybe not. 

The first two

OMGY'all thepasttwodayshavebeensuchawhirlwind. Really, they have been nuts. Happy but full-on bonkers.

The kids reported each having a fabulous, "awesome" first day of school. Afterwards, hell-bent on treats from Baked & Wired, we schlepped from Bethesda to Georgetown, a trip I must never before have made either ever or during the post-school hour. I do not recommend that you do this. We weren't yet at Glover Park when the kids started in on the "what is taking so long? Are we just around the corner?" We were not.

However, the ginormous brownie (Ol) and chocolate chip cookie-vanilla ice cream sandwich (J) made up for the drive. Sated and happy, we decided on a stroll by the canal. 96 degrees does not make a leisurely stroll fun in the least, so we spent approximately 8 minutes studying the locks, the ducks and the dirty water before hightailing it back to our car.

I was determined to cook a great dinner for the boys and for T and me so once home set J up with his homework, plunked Ol down with a Halloween costume catalog I received yesterday and on which he immediately became fixated - "Mom, I cannot decide between Boba Fett and Jango Fett. How will I decide? One has two guns but no holsters. The other has a missile launcher on his arm but only one gun. One is green but too dark of green. One is blue. Maybe that one." - and made sliders for J and salmon for O while also making... wait for it... a plum tart.

I love how T is always like, "Oh, Lady, you're making another plum tart" before diving in for a wedge the size of Texas. What is a girl to do? I mean, plum season doesn't last forever, yo. So I make 'em until I can't anymore.

Later, because my dear tomato friend is still rolling in tomatoes and, thus, so am I (read it with the gratitude that's there y'all, but really, there are only so many ways to eat tomatoes), I made a new tomato dish: stewed in my Lodge with olive oil, garlic and fresh oregano; topped with smoked mozzarella, breadcrumbs and pecorino and then broiled until melty and crispy. Quite good, BUT, not the sort of yummy-slop that photographs well. Just go with it.

Today I spent the morning at school taking pictures of all the kids. What a darling bunch of children, and boy do some love the camera. Little girls can really strike a pose! I'm heading back there soon. Hope that everyone who is "back to school" in some way has had a great start.