I want to share a little of my lovely 45th birthday and a little of our goings on…

I’ve always loved that I decided to push on through to this scene on April the Eighth. My life runs on even numbers with a real focus on the number eight. It’s a little bizarre at times… like I could sign up for some reality show about number freaks . Do they have that yet?

Here’s my new birthday boots…

As I’ve mentioned the store is on it’s way… more and more boxes everyday. So far I’m seeing I might have over ordered gourmet salt, honey and oatie cakes and maybe nougatine. I never knew I liked this spongy nutty sweet stuff till about a year ago- now I can’t get enough of it. Side note… though I haven’t- you can make it home made. I seriously cannot wait to share all the goodies I will have on the shelves. I will try not to bore you with it and if I do well, sorry.

And in another part of my life… I’m busily embedding dirt in the dry cracks of my strong middle aged hands. Hands for which I am grateful. Also happy to get dirt under the nails as a bonus.

I started seeding about six weeks ago…Here are peas, squash and some parsley in the background…

How about some tomatoes…

There are artichokes, onions, fennel, greens and cabbages hardening off just outside the greenhouse.

I’m already fending off the still baby slugs who despite their minute size have a voracious appetite.

Here is where they will be planted…

Here is Chloe’s little playhouse that has a future as a chicken coop.

And yes,  I’m also going to show you a peek at my birthday. I’m not a big party kind of gal. I do welcome a little acknowledgement and like to feel celebrated.  The present I give to myself is doing exactly what I want with no should’s or stress. Gym? Don’t think so. I did stop in just to get a couple hugs and well wishes. I like that part. How about a walk around beautiful Cascade or Mountain Lake? I entertained that thought but it didn’t make the cut. Here’s what called out to me…

A quiet morning with O, sitting at the beach (which happens to be below my store) drinking tea, watching Otis in complete sensory bliss. Wildlife, dead crabs, stinky seaweed, freedom. We had it all.

We admired his ability to communicate with the Canadian geese.

I did do just a tiny bit of work at the shop then went and had a fabulous Thai massage with my friend, Lisl.

One of the highlights of the day was Chloe and I making my birthday cake. A lemon chiffon cake with lemon frosting. The cake earned about a B, but the process of baking an A+++!

We ate the cake AFTER a family dinner at the New Leaf Cafe located in the Outlook Inn. We are absolutely loving Chef Steve. Thanks for a memorable dinner.

Perfectly seasoned lamb burger.

Gorgonzola mac and cheese. Another order was a duck mac and cheese. Both YUM!

Duck Confit. The chef has a house made confit happening and generously sprinkles it throughout the menu. I won’t argue with that:)

A simple lardon salad with Hempler’s bacon,poached egg, large house gemacht croutons.

The masterpiece filet mignon with cracked pepper reduction. RARE I say!
Well this is enough information for about three posts. I’d like to think I could give you perfect little details in smaller bites. Not happening at the moment. I am considering this possibility though. Short posts on a regular basis. You’ll be the first to know if I succeed with that notion and I will welcome any feedback.One piece of wisdom I’m grasping with all ten fingers, holding onto for dear life? There are only twenty four hours in a day. This is a fact that will not change. I prefer to sleep seven to eight of those twenty four. Most of us think we can accomplish more than we really are able with the remaining time allotted for work and play. TIP: It will be OK. Everything that needs to happen will get done. Maybe it doesn’t occur at the same time your noted calendar says it will, but give yourself a break. I AM.

I wish you all a happy start to spring wherever you may be…

Tschüß xx