A Whirlwind of a Week

It's been a whirlwind of a week, (with more to come). I'm having a tough time getting my brain around it but there's a definite lack of energy, which doesn't help. Soon the bunny will be here! I'm hoping the basket isn't too paltry this year because this bunny hasn't much felt like visiting the chocolate egg division!

First, though, thanks for all the good words from the last post. (Wasn't Giorgio's music wonderful?) I'm waiting for a confirmed appointment with a consulting surgeon for gall bladder surgery and until then probably eat more healthy than I have in years, so there's something good out of all that jazz last week. Although a little gray and gloomy around here, it's warmer, the snow is gone and much to anticipate.

The cooking for Easter isn't as much fun this year. No more traditional scalloped potatoes, for example. I will try to find something in my new Lemon Cookbook. I was quite pleased with the ravioli sauce (I didn't make my own ravioli as the recipe also included). No pics of that, but these cookies were awfully pretty and delivered to the photo.

I have to say I don't think they were lemony enough so I ended up spreading a very thin lemon juice/powdered sugar glaze on the bottoms and that helped a lot! I might also have had some oven temperature problems. But all in all, very good. There are many recipes here I'm looking forward to discover -- when I can have that again!

As I mentioned in the previous post, Giorgio Mirto has been with us for a couple of weeks, taking to the road for concerts. But when home he joined in the family things -- a visit to the hospital (not so fun) and Greg's birthday!

The gang was all here eating a variety of things (most had pizza. Rick,  however, had a wonderful Japanese dish of lean chicken and rice which I devoured!)  For the first time in ages, a store cake. Sometimes plans don't fly.

There was plenty of pass-the-baby time and that was a definite treat!

This may be only the second time since I joined Cork Poppers that I don't have a post for you on the marvelous (so I'm told) South African wines enjoyed by the group before I arrived for dinner.

And quite a dinner it was! This is one of Barb's "master salads."

And Jan's veggie dish will appear on my Easter table this weekend. It's a Splendid Table recipe -- check it out here.

Cheryl had special napkins made for us as party favors from fabrics with a wine theme. They're lined with a different wine-related fabric on each side. (I was glad she passed Rick's on to me as he couldn't come to the tasting! Now we have a pair!)

We enjoyed GIo's concert on Sunday in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Someday I'll have to post about this place! He had two rehearsals with musicians he'd never met. It was glorious and so very beautiful.

The next day we headed to the airport (with a Tim Horton stop along the way!) to say goodbye.

It was a sad parting but that's because good times were shared, beautiful music was heard and a new friend was made. And really, all those things make being really tired after well worth it!

I leave you with a look at our Purr Girl, who has been such a comfort over these past days.

And a bloom I find somewhat analogous to the past week -- my faded tulip. It is well past its peak, yet maintains a certain beauty and mystery that captivates me with its vibrant color and contrasts. Soon it will die, petals on the floor.

And yet, in the fall those bulbs will go into my garden and at this time (or perhaps a bit later) next year, I will see these golden blooms re-emerge to share their beauty once again. And in doing so, it will remind me of a week or two with much to love (and a little not to love!) and that we all bloom again.

There's something Eastery about that, don't you think?

Happy to join in with Share Your Style this week!