In a Nutshell

England is magnificent.

The first week was busy, but things are slowing dow now (yay!).

In a nutshell, I've visited Bristol, stayed with Mary, Tim, Jude, and Julia, traveled to Paris, visited Uncle Gavin's for dinner, visited the University of Oxford, seen Jude and Julia's school, and spent some time relaxing and visiting.

It's a wonderful, semi-short visit.

It's incredible how much difference experience and two and a half years makes.

But, it's funny the insecurities that arise in an environment other than the one in which you've grown up.

I'm sitting at the kitchen table, glancing periodically out to the garden, sipping a cup of tea.

One of the many things I love about England, is when you go to someone's home, typically they will offer you tea.

Anyway, today I go to Stevenage to visit lovely family.

As I was thinking about it this morning, I became very excited.

When I get back to the USA, I will post pictures and share more detailed accounts.

Until then, watch for me at Centre Court during the Men's Wimbledon Finals!

Who do you think will be there?

P.S. Any guesses when the Royal baby will arrive?

Breakfast...For All Meals

Breakfast foods are my favorite.
Whether muesli, yogurt, and fruit, pancakes, an omelet, I just love breakfast foods...for all meals.

When I sometimes plan my wedding, I play with the idea of a morning wedding followed by a brunch reception (thanks to the recent champagne brunch I attended, I'm leaning that direction even more).

This afternoon I turned on TLC's Four Weddings.  I don't love the show, but I was bored.  One of the receptions had a Bacon Bar.  Seriously, A BACON BAR!  How fun?  Actually, my first reaction was, I have to tell Deborah!  My second reaction was, that is not kosher (I'm not Jewish).  Then, as I was writing on Deborah's Facebook, I began to think of all the options.  Don't just think about the strips of yummy goodness.  Go the next step and think of the variety!  Crispy, chewy, maple, turkey....

Her finace's response was the best, " If you advertise that you want a bacon bar at your wedding, you probably will have a wedding sooner, if you know what I mean..."  

I will have to keep that in mind.

So, back to breakfast.  I made a rocking omelet tonight (albeit, a tad over done on the outside).

I started with some bits of onion in the skillet.  Then, I tore up lots of spinach (YUM!) and let that cook down.  Next, I poured my scrambled eggs with pepper into the pan and added more spinach.  A sprinkling of feta, and I let it cook.

With a side of rye toast, half marmited, and a cup of tea, my dinner, while Skyping with Deborah, was scrumptious!

P.S. What if I had an omelet or egg bar with different jars of Marmite for people to use???  I could at least decorate the bar with them ;)

Expressing My Love for Indian Food

Indian food.
A lifetime love.

I was one of two blonde kids (my brother was other) who, at age 6 and 2, would go into a Chicago Indian restaurant and devour the tandoori chicken.  Our last time in the restaurant, the servers brought us a complimentary second platter.  Divine.

Whenever I make a visit to Columbia, Punjabi Dhaba is a necessary stop.
Best. Indian. Buffet. Ever.

I'm home for Thanksgiving.  We have an Indian friend, Pawan, eating with us.  He decided to grace us with a few Indian dishes.  Oh my heavenly day.  The spices in my mouth were like standing in a room full of rich colored, Indian scarves and rugs.  I commented that the food was heavenly.

I hope heaven and the new earth have Indian food.
The food is so close to perfection.