A Berry Sweet Shower

The Man-Cub and I just returned from the baby shower for Mikey and his new wife. Shanti had to work, so she couldn't join us, but she sent her well wishes and the gift that she and the Cub had picked out for the baby. 

Three out of the Fearsome Foursome were together again (Tones was unable to make it), and it was such a joy to see these boys (men, now) back together again.

It was also nice to spend time with Miss Shelly and Trace's mom, Kathy. Kathy was delighted to hear that Tonia and I have a Bunco group and would like her to join.

Miss Shelly is not interested in Bunco, but is definitely interested in spending time with her first granddaughter when she is born in April.

The theme of the shower revolved around strawberries...

...so you can bet your behind I went all in on strawberry-themed baby items.

The basket I put together held a strawberry-patterned bathrobe, a set of bath towels, including one with a hood made to look like a strawberry stem, washcloths, a travel set of bath products, a travel pacifier sanitizer, a strawberry-shaped teething ring, and the book Going on a Bear Hunt.

As we left the shower, the couple gifted us each with a tiny jar of strawberry jam, which was a sweet and thoughtful party favor.

It's hard to believe that Second Son Mikey is old enough to be a dad, but then I remind myself that Hugh and I were 25 and 26 when Queen B was born and it doesn't seem quite as unbelievable since Mikey will be 28 in October.

I guess the most unbelievable thing is just how quickly time goes by.

Friday Favorites, February Edition #2, Which Should #4, But I Suck

So much for my goal of posting 52 Friday Favorites posts this year.

On the bright side, I'm here today, so, without further adieu, I bring you favorite number one:

I went to Marshalls today and found my favorite Martha Stewart faux tulips in a brand new color, which, brings me to favorite number two:

The text conversation I had with Queen B, who was also shopping today; and who found the same tulips a mere eight hundred and ninety-five miles away.

Favorite number three is somewhat related to favorites number one and two:

The large car tumbler that Queen B brought me from Texas when she visited last weekend. Which is related to the first two favorites by virtue of being the larger twin to the smaller tumbler that I purchased myself several weeks ago.

Favorite number four, and perhaps the most favorite of all the favorites, is how much my daughter and her mother think alike.

And, finally today, is favorite number five, which has absolutely nothing to do with my daughter.

I bought this sourdough starter warmer/fridge to keep Doughlores, my sourdough starter, at the optimal temperature. I had an issue with my house being too cold for her, and this appliance solved that issue. It will also come in handy during the summer, when my house is too warm for Doughlores. She's a picky bitch, and we want to keep her happy.

This favorite thing has nothing to do with Queen B because she doesn't even like sourdough.

And that wraps up Friday Favorites for February.

Let's all hope I can pull it together better in March.

What's Up Wednesday, February 2025 Edition

 

I am riding the struggle bus when it comes to posting, as evidenced by the abysmal number of entries this month. I have lots of excuses, and none are terribly interesting or important, so I won't bore you with them; I'll just consider this post a win because, Lord, did I have to psyche myself up just to write it. 

What I'm Eating

I'm still hanging with the sourdough folks, which is shocking when you consider how quickly I lose interest in just about every new hobby I start.

Anyhoodle, in addition to some really pretty and tasty loaves, I've also been experimenting with discard recipes. So far, my favorites are crackers, specifically homemade goldfish, and crackers with everything seasoning. I'm also loving my bagel recipe.

What I'm Reminiscing About

Earlier this month, I celebrated my five-year anniversary at Not So New Job (which is really not so new anymore). I celebrated the fact that I made it through the first month, let alone the last five years. This job has challenged me in so many ways, and it really is a testament to my fortitude that I have made it this far.

Last week, the new District Attorney came by to observe an interview; she replaced our previous DA, who stepped down before his term ended, leaving behind a dumpster fire of a mess, not unlike the one I inherited in 2020. She was twenty days into the job and told me that she goes home every day and cries; I told her that I did that for the first month, so all she needed to do was hang in there for ten more days or so. I was lying; I probably cried daily for the first year, but girlfriend needed some encouragement.

She's already doing a great job and is going to be a kick-ass DA, but man, did I feel her pain. 

What I'm Loving

The orchid Shanti and the Man-Cub got me for Mother's Day several years ago is blooming again! I have done absolutely nothing to care for this plant, yet it rewards me with blossoms.

Queen B came home for her birthday this past weekend, and we loved having her here! We celebrated the big 2-9 with brunch at a nice restaurant in Hooterville, where they surprised us with a slice of cake and a candle that took three attempts for Queen B to blow out.

What I've Been Up To

Mom and I convinced Shanti's mom to join us at Bunco this month, which was a lot of fun.

And I've been practicing self-care, including indulging in a fabulous ninety-minute facial at the day spa.

What I'm Working On

I'm embroidering a replica of the kids' wedding invitation, just for funsies.

What I'm Dreading

We are making some significant changes to our biggest fundraiser this year, including a change in venue. There are going to be some hurt feelings for some people who won't agree with the change, and I'm dreading the hard conversation that is going to have to take place.

What I'm Excited About

I'm excited for spring! The weather has been unseasonably warm the past couple of days and I am already giddy at the thought of planting my garden.

What I'm Watching

Queen B convinced me to watch Yellowjackets and I am equal parts traumatized and obsessed.

I also watched The Gorge, which was a nice departure from cannibals.

What I'm Reading

I don't know if this counts as reading, but I am poring over my newest seed and greenhouse catalogs. Close enough!

What I'm Listening To

I've been tuned into the Candace Owens series on Brigitte Macron, and it is wild. I'm not saying I believe Brigitte is a man, but I have questions. Also, does it matter to me if Mrs. Macron was born a man? No, no, it doesn't. Do I take issue with the undisputed fact that she, at the age of 40, "fell in love" with a 14-year-old child? Yes, yes, I do. My day job kind of requires that I take issue with such things.

What I'm Wearing

Fewer layers than usual, thanks to the sunny days we are having!

What I'm Doing This Weekend

I am going to Mikey's baby shower with Shanti and the Man-Cub. What's that? You didn't know that Second Son Mikey was having a baby? My bad! In my defense, he and his new wife kept it a secret...along with the fact that he had a new wife.

There's some drama there, not gonna lie.

But that doesn't mean that we aren't going to shower this new little princess with gifts! 

What I'm Looking Forward to Next Month

I am getting a haircut. While this may not seem all that exciting, it has been approximately seven months since I went to the salon, so I am more than ready. I broke up with my previous hairdresser when she canceled on me less than 24 hours before my scheduled appointment and right before she went on a three-month maternity leave, during which she was supposed to have scheduled me with one of her colleagues but did not. I would have been charged if I had canceled on her less than 24 hours before a scheduled appointment, so it was pretty shitty for her to do it to me.

The new stylist I am seeing came highly recommended and I am more than ready to meet her.

Favorite Purchase This Month

I bought a pair of beeswax bread bags in which to store my sourdough loaves. So far, I am pleased with how fresh they keep the bread.

Friday Favorites, February Edition #1

This is the first Friday Favorites post of February and, honestly, it doesn't feel like February at all. The weather has been much warmer than usual for this time of year and the warmth and sunshine have seriously left me jonesing for spring and summer.

I am fully aware that we will experience a cold snap any minute now, and my disappointment will be real.

Let's not dwell on the negative, though. On to the favorites!

1. New month, new tumbler! She's adorable and I found her at Marshalls, where she was discounted from regular retail price. Don't judge me.

2. In keeping with the Theme of the Month, which, in case you didn't get the memo, is hearts...

...my third loaf of sourdough bread is my favorite to date.

3. Mom and I went to Bunco again last night, and this month, Shanti's mom joined us! The theme of the evening was not hearts and instead featured a Mardi Gras vibe. We were there for it!

4. I am at a point where I can no longer accumulate PTO at Not So New Job, and we have a Use It or Lose It policy, so I took yesterday and today off. Today, I got a ninety-minute facial and a ninety-minute reflexology massage.

5. I am starting a new embroidery project, and I know it's going to be a favorite.

That wraps it up! I'm going to spend the rest of the weekend baking (shocker), embroidering (who would have guessed?), and binge-watching a couple of series on my streaming services. Its shaping up to be my favorite kind of weekend, honestly.

Go Fish

I am still having a moment with sourdough, which means that I have an abundance of sourdough discard. Hence, I am searching high and low on Pinterest for discard recipes that Hugh and I will enjoy. This weekend, I stumbled upon a winner: goldfish crackers!

The ingredients were simple; grated sharp cheddar, flour, sourdough discard, butter, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.

The process was simple: throw everything in a food processor, process into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for a few hours (or up to two days). Then roll out, cut with a cutter (I got mine on Amazon) or a knife (could you imagine cutting these bastards out by hand? No thank you, ma'am), and bake until lightly browned and crispy.

I almost forgot to mention that you can poke each wee fishie with a toothpick to form an eye.

I forgot to draw a smile on each fishie, which Queen B quickly pointed out when I sent her a picture of the finished product ("It's the snack that smiles back, Michelle". Full use of my Christian name means she's serious).

Anyhoodle they'll keep for about seven days in an airtight jar, assuming your husband doesn't devour them immediately, which is what my husband did.

We also had an interesting conversation about them:

Hugh: These are really good! You nailed the seasoning.

Chelle: Thanks, I used a good sharp cheddar.

Hugh: Wait, there's actual cheese in these?

Chelle: Blank stare

Hugh: Wow! Do they use real cheese in the ones at the store?

Chelle: Allegedly.

So, yeah...homemade goldfish crackers for the win!