April Date Night

Date night number four happened and it was good.  I had purchased a $40 gift card to Chapters, the idea being that we would go to Chapters and pick out books.  I realized quickly that we would be hard pressed to get two books for $40 in the store, so we bought them online instead, which instantly took away half the date. (and half the price) (click read more for pictures.)  

April.

Tuliplandia.  Steph and I went to the Skagit tulip festival.  Stunning, but a long drive, I don't think I'll do it again.

(more pictures if you click read more)

April 15

happy raspberries!

black currants!

Yesterday was:
a nice long workout
a late brunch
weeding
these terrific cookies
drinking coffee on the docks at the lake
grilled smokies and spinach salad for dinner
smores around a hot fire my the river
perfect yes?

Easter day

Here are some shots taken on easter, none really pertaining to easter itself.  Such is life without children I guess, no pastel coloured easter baskets or poorly dyed eggs.  Certainly no bunny-ear headbands or cute spring dresses on babies.  But there are flowers, lots and lots of flowers!

Easter dinner!

We had a happy Easter.  A beautiful sunny day, plenty of wine and some good eats.  Oh and there was chocolate, a lot of chocolate.

Herbed deviled eggs, chipotle bacon deviled eggs and edamame goat cheese spread on crostinis.

Grilled lamb with mint gremolata, couscous, grilled asparagus with hollandaise, roasted new potatoes with dill.

Cream puffs with strawberry cream and strawberry sauce.

Dressed up and full.

Where in the world has Alyssa been?

So it's the eighth of April and I haven't yet posted.  Seriously, you might wonder, what is going on? It's totally out of character for me to go so long between posting, I haven't missed this many days in well over a year.  I wish I could say what the problem is.  There are a few reasons.  One, I've been doing the same things every day, eating the same food, going to the gym for 2 hours, making coffee, doing lunch dishes and going to work.  Day in and day out. Two, I'm totally not digging on taking my camera with me everywhere, even when things are photo worthy.  Like yesterday for example, when I spent the day with two of my favourite people shopping until we were down to dimes in our (brand new!) wallets.

I'm trying to get my mojo back, I'll miss these days later.  Last year this time was such an exciting moment for us.  With our anniversary, and an immanent trip to Europe being all we could think about (can you blame us?)  This time last year I shared a coffee cake and espresso pudding (both of which I want right now!) and showed you pictures from a hike and a trip to Vancouver.

So far this month I've missed telling you about; a terrific rum cake, (recipe from a co-worker) how my indecision over pizza had us eating two pies instead of one.  The day we cleaned out our second bedroom to make space for my sisters' arrival home from Prince George.  A really cute (very expensive) bathing suit purchased for an upcoming trip to Mexico.  You've also missed hearing about all the great food we've been eating and flowers I've been arranging.  Most importantly I didn't take any pictures of our anniversary day.  Not that there is anything special to tell, Shane worked in the morning and I in the evening.  It is worth noting, however, that my wonderful husband spoiled me with a glass of wine in a drawn bath, a dozen roses and chocolate fondue.  All of which made me feel like a very special lady to have landed such a sweet guy.

Today I might say, was a wonderful day.  I made a breakfast for a dear friend (who surprised me with a beautiful bunch of flowers!!) in the warmth of a sunny kitchen.  The temperature reached the high teens for the first time this year and I was able to spend the day outdoors planting my onion and leek sets, transplanting herbs and seeding tomatoes (!! yay !!)  Gardening, breakfasting with friends and prepping tomorrow's Easter dinner is pretty much my idea of a perfect day.  And there is nothing like a perfect day to get your mojo back.