Trick or Treat II

Darn.  I mean, “everything breaks,” but still.  Darn.  It wasn’t his fault, exactly.  He was throwing the toy for Rosie.  It wasn’t news that we don’t throw toys in the house, but it was rainy and he was playing with Rosie and, well.  There was no use in yelling or lecturing as the remorse was real and immediate.  But, really, darn.

At the last trip to the showroom, in an area where I had no business being, there was this.  New.  From Scalamandre.

Tarim.  A cut and loop velvet.  I do have a fabric problem.  Don’t tell, but I have a small sack of fabric samples and when my self-declared sample return days come around there are a few that I pick up from the sack and then put back.  “Not today.  Soon, but not today.”  Careful if you fall in love with this one too deeply, it’s quite dear.

And, the ladybugs are back.  I tried to take pictures of this last Fall, but could not capture it.  Dozens and dozens of ladybugs on the Dream House.

When I’m sitting at my desk I can see them in the back yard flying about.  The sun just catches them so that they show up like some kind of fire fly in reverse.

They are everywhere and we all carry them in unknowingly on coats and back packs and sweaters.  Last night as Mr. Blandings was gathering them up to release them back outside the youngest protested, “But Dad, they’re lucky!”  As are we for the week or so that they polka dot our home.

And, the Ina Garten book signing was its own kind of fun.  She did not speak really, but said a gracious hello and thank you and got down to the business of signing over seven hundred books.  Rainy Day had beautifully organized the event so no needless waiting was necessary.  The true disappointment was getting to the table and realizing that she is so engaging and would really like to visit, but there were five hundred people waiting so perhaps she couldn’t. I’d long for a leisurely lunch outside with Ina, but my lunch date with Mr. Blandings was equally delightful.

And, last minute plans.  I’m off to New York on Tuesday to see my big city friend and hopefully meet up with a few of my on-line buddies.  It’s a bit fast and furious, but I can hardly wait.  Oh, how I do love that city.
Artwork by Patricia van Essche, a piece she did for me at the beginning of our friendship.  It is such a treat for me to see it everyday.
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28 thoughts on “Trick or Treat II

  1. I am so jealous of your signed copy!! In addition to the butternut squash recipe, be sure to try the fish with capers.

  2. Leicia – already have a few recipes on my wish list. I just got an email from a friend her today that told me one of her friend’s mother is friends with Ina and for YEARS she would come to their book club and cook with them. ARGH! How fun it that?!

  3. I am having comment trouble today

    While in NY take the train to Tarrytown (25-30 mins) and visit Stone Barns, which is mentioned in the cookbook. A former part of the Rockefeller estate it is well worth the visit, either to eat or just to enjoy the pastoral pleasures. You should also squeeze in a trip to Kykuit, the Rockefeller home.

    Bon voyage!!!

  4. I miss the ladybugs, we don’t seem to get them downtown like we did in Brookside.

    Have a great trip Mrs. B., how fun to meet the NYC bloggers!

  5. Sorry, Mrs. B, about the broken treasure. A few days ago I broke not one but two treasures as I was hanging a picture and it fell on a shelf of displayed things! OUCH! I always remember when that happens what my sweet mother-in-law would say, “Don’t get upset over ANYTHING Material!”. It sounds like you handled your mishap very well…….but I do understand how it feels. When mine happened I just got out the ol’ super glue and glued away!

    Have FUN in NYC! I am so jealous!

    The Ladybugs are precious!

  6. Darn indeed. I live with the clummsiest man ever so I feel your pain.

    That fabric. Oh my. Oh my.

  7. Do people really return those samples? Actually, I do, eventually. when I think of it.

    Ladybugs are less cute in swarms. We get them at the beach sometimes. Which makes no sense.

  8. Luck be the lady – today to see my artwork.
    That first picture says it all!
    See you in the big apple.

  9. David – I thought the ladybugs would be all over the city! Ah, don’t you miss Brookside?

  10. Milly – it is a little unnerving. My husband keep reminding me that if it were any other kind of bug I’d be freaking out. He’s right.

  11. Um, swarms sounds icky. Of anything. Here, drifting around the back yard and dotting the house is cute.

  12. I DO miss Brookside. But we’ll be back. The decision’s already been made, it’s just a matter of market.

  13. Have a great time in the big city. All of the ladybugs must “mean” something! A couple of weeks ago I broke an Asparagus Vase and it broke my heart but only for a moment.

  14. Aren’t you lucky?! I just received my signed copy of Ina’s cookbook in the mail today…very exciting, but it would’ve been even more so if I’d been able to meet her like you!

  15. Oh yeah.. I too have fabric issues. Love fabric love yarn also. I’ve tried knitting and don’t love it but still love yarn ;).
    Christy

  16. Wouldn’t everybody love to have lunch with Ina….I can’t wait to see the new cookbook….I finished my silhouette pillow and have a picture on my blog…Thank you for being the inspiration for me to get busy and make one…My daughter thought it came great…Sue in Atlanta

  17. I’m dealing with an army of ladybugs on my balcony. They’re everywhere, and they’re coming inside too. Good thing they’re one of the few bugs I’m not scared of! Have fun in NYC!!

  18. Whoops! I am so sorry about the soup tureen! It was lovely. Darn….now you’ll just have to go out and find a new one. 😉

    Ladybugs and Ina! Both wonderful ways to cheer up one’s day!

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