a few breaths

I don't think I ever will get the hang of this blog-space. I tend to neglect it more than anything else. But it seems there are indeed a few of you out there looking at it, so let's see if I can at some point develop it into something more regular. And interesting.

For now, though, I will just say that I am recently back from what felt like the longest vacation I've taken in years--a good friend and I spent a week and a half in summery Argentina: exploring, eating, and taking in some new air.

I highly suggest you add it to your list of places to visit!
Some things you would enjoy if you did: lively and beautiful Buenos Aires, abundant food and wine, and warm music, not to mention the amazing wildlife of Patagonia. That phrase makes no sense by the way, because I then follow it directly with a mention of the very thing I say I'm not mentioning. Hmm. English. These days I seem to prefer my brittle Spanish skills. Did I mention the food?

So. Just saying hello as I try to re-settle into normalcy and get together a few things before re-opening my etsy shop for you all to enjoy. Standby.

a bit of quiet

Hello, friends.

Just a bit of quiet after getting back from my short trip, and trying to get back in to the swing of things. In the midst of many hours of driving, moving boxes and assembling furniture, there were many great moments, and meals shared with friends and family. This snowy landscape, quiet and painterly, was one of those moments on the road somewhere near Kingston, New York. How strange to come from that back home to 70-degree weather! And, after spending so much time with my sister, it feels a bit odd to be back and alone at home--but today I did quite a bit of cleaning, which helped, and tomorrow, I will be making a much-needed trip to the farmer's market for my weekly ration of fruits and vegetables.

Please remember to turn your clocks forward tonight!

a texan weekend

I'm back from a few days in Texas and thoroughly enjoyed myself in spite of the hot, humid weather! I had a wonderful time visiting both the boy and a very dear friend of mine. One of the most memorable meals, a bit of which is pictured above left, is from uchi, my favorite sushi/Japanese spot in Austin. The seafood is always super fresh, and there is such a great variety both in the kitchen dishes and the sushi/sashimi/rolls choices. We were in three, and each of us ordered a few things that we fancied and we all ended up trying quite a few things this way. One of my many favorites of the evening was the beautifully plated toro nuta, glistening chunks of bluefin toro with dried cranberries, marcona almonds, and white soy.

And though I have already been in Texas a handful of times, this was my first time eating barbecue there! I have no idea what took me so long to get myself to a decent bbq joint in Texas, but I am so glad I got to it this time around. Rudy's, although part of a chain, nevertheless had delicious meats and a friendly staff. If you mention that it's your first time there, they even offer up samples of various meats and sides for you to try before ordering! I love that they provide waxed butcher paper as plates, and their barbecue sauce was tasty. A note for soda-drinkers: Rudy's even sells the hard-to-find 'Mexican' coca cola, made with real sugar as opposed to the high-fructose standard sold to us here in the States.

Yes, with all the delicious food and great company, it was a brief yet wonderful mini getaway, and I must admit it is taking me a moment or two to throw myself back into the daily grind of work and responsibilities.