Cold weather, Outrageous Brownies and the particular joy of a Sunday with nowhere to be.
What a difference a week makes. Last week I was complaining about seventy-eight degrees in March and this week the cold is back. Overnight temperatures in the thirties for the next few days. Yippee — and I mean that sincerely. Mother Nature does what she likes in these weeks between winter and spring and we are silly to try to predict otherwise. I am choosing to enjoy every cold day that is left.
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Last night we went to an oyster roast. For the non-oyster eaters there was shrimp, and for those of us who do not eat anything from the water there were plenty of scrumptious sides, including homemade corn cakes, freshly picked asparagus and potatoes — and lemon pie and brownies. I made Ina Garten’s Outrageous Brownies, which live up to the name entirely. The recipe makes a huge pan and not knowing how many people were coming I made the whole thing. I also made hot fudge and homemade ice cream, just in case. The good news — there was plenty for everyone and enough to send home with guests too. Fudgy, rich and absolutely worth every minute.
This morning Bill is out volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace while I sit here finishing my tax paperwork. Every year I say I will do better next year and every year I almost do but not quite. If you have a system that works please leave it in the comments — I am all ears. For now I have a cup of hot chocolate, my journal, a cosy candle I just lit, my pups and a new book I will tell you about soon. After the taxes there is a chilly walk to the village to meet friends for lunch. The kind of Saturday I love.
Sunday there is nothing on the calendar but mass and a long walk. Pure bliss. But today is mine to do as I please. Juliet, Kim and I have lots to share this week. Let’s meander.
Two films this week that I think you will enjoy. The first is Seeking Persephone — a romance I loved. When Persephone Lancaster refuses the marriage proposal of the feared Duke of Kielder, she is forced to reconsider when she realises his fortune is the only thing that can save her family from ruin. She travels to the remote wilds of Northumberland to marry a man known for his temper and his scars, and finds a cold castle that mirrors the walls he has built around himself. As her kindness begins to reach him, a bond forms that he does everything he can to deny. When danger arrives he must decide whether to keep protecting himself or risk everything. A good one.
The second is The Kitchen Garden by Twiggy Walker — a beautiful film about the healing properties of nature and food. I am hoping there is a sequel.
It is gardening season — bulbs, seeds and plants are everywhere — and I found two videos this week that are worth watching before you put a shovel in the ground. The first, How to Think Like a Garden Designer, explores the principles used by landscape architects and historic garden designers — enclosure, sightlines, sensory layering, the concept of the garden room. It explains why great gardens feel so powerful and gives you a completely different way of thinking about your own outdoor space.
The second is all about container gardening,— twenty plants and vegetables you can grow in containers. If you want to maximise a small space and grow herbs, vegetables and flowers this is the one to watch. Gardening is not my forte but I soak up everything I can to make my small spaces beautiful for a little while, before the heat and the deer.
On Monday and Friday I shared two classic outfits for spring, along with books, links and a recipe or two that I think you will enjoy. You can see more of my outfits on ShopMy as well as pieces for your home, gift ideas and lots more.
Then I shared a personal essay Who am I now? How Midlife Didn’t Change Me — It Reminded Me.
Last but not least, an easy and delicious Shaved Asparagus Salad that’s perfect for your Spring dinners and Easter as well.
I hope that you enjoyed weekend meanderings. If you missed last week’s post, Weekend Meanderings | Pottery, a Pool Day and Seventy-Eight Degrees in March.
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Before you go, tell me what you have on your schedule this weekend.
Don’t forget to visit Kim and Juliet.
Have a wonderful day friends, enjoy your weekend.
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Love all these video links and look forward to watching. I’ve got workers in my home today installing new baseboards and then dinner out. Going to be super windy and my allergies are going nuts! So staying indoors is the plan! Have a nice weekend .
Nanci, my eyes are itchy and scratchy too. I hope that you are felling better. Enjoy the dinner out!
Have a lovely weekend.
Hi Elizabeth,
I have cooled those Ina Garten brownies and they are amazing!!
Lovely post thank you.Enjoy the Oscars!Happy week!
Francesca, I hope that you enjoy the Oscars! Yes, Inas brownies are scrumptious!
The kitchen garden was very enjoyable. My nephew last year came across some tomato seeds from the region my family is from in Italy. He purchased them and grew them to give to his nonna ( my mum) to remind her of her homeland. My mum is 92. When she saw the tomatoes she was so happy as she told me she used to pick this variety of tomatoes when she was young. The power of food and creating memories is undeniable.
Rita, that is so cool! I can only imagine how excited your mom was to see the tomatoes of her homeland. What a sweet things to do. There are so many scents, desserts, mains that take me back home.
Elizabeth really enjoyed the Kitchen Garden. I come from a long line of gardeners and gardens that last are so wonderful.
Love the outfit and especially the bag. Glad you got your cooler weather back. Your Saturday sounds nice. We have 90 degrees all week. almost 30 degrees higher than normal. So worrying.
Hope you had a lovely weekend. x
Elizabeth! Wow, talk about weather swings. Sorry I’m late getting over here … envious for the friends who got to enjoy your brownies. Love the kitchen garden short film Very touching and a wonderful way to start my day. xo
Juliet, the weather is so strange. Although it has been like this the last four years here. I guess Mother Nature is not ready to let Spring come. I am so excited for The Creekside Folly, it is looking good! And now the sheetrock is in the house! Yippeee. You are almost there. I am happy to send brownies whenever you need them.
Have a wonderful week friend. xo