The Week That Just Was

This week just passed was certainly not typical. First of all, we got a new water heater, BEFORE the old one died, for once!  We had it installed on Tuesday.  Nice to have REALLY hot water again, and the gas bill should also be lower...

As soon as possible, we will be getting the doors reinstalled on the "mechanical closet". 
The install went well.  We were happy.  That was Tuesday.

Wednesday, the weather got ugly, and there were tornadoes in Moore again.  Only little ones this time, and all on the other side of town again.  The worst damage seems to have been done by 80 mph straight line winds.  We had no damage, but unknown to us, during the night, the wind blew out the pilot light on the water heater.

Matt was faced with a very cold shower Thursday morning. He went out, thinking to relight the pilot light, but found the catch pan full of water, and water dripping down the water heater.  Seems a joint in the newly installed pipe had leaked.  So, back comes the plumber and gets it all fixed up.

Friday the city inspector came, and ok'ed the install, as long as we get the doors back up asap.  (Since we are in the process of getting the drywall in the garage restored, we got a pass.)  It won't be too much longer before we get the doors back up.

The weekend was actually pleasant.  Hard work all day Saturday, but pleasant.  Beautiful weather, and we got BOTH yards completely cleaned up and ready for Spring.

The front yard.

The herb garden out back.  Still lots of oregano, some sage, parsley, lavender, mint, and thyme. And garlic chives.  Garlic chives are in BOTH herb gardens.

Even the front porch furniture got a wash.

Today I did laundry, and read, and goofed off a lot.  We caught up with our Bosch binge watching, and now Matt is watching Falling Skies.  Tomorrow is another Monday, and I hope this week is less eventful than the last week was! 
This coming week is also Holy Week, which means a Friday evening service for us.  So grateful the Parish Choir does the Holy Saturday service.  That one's a real marathon.  I am hoping to get some more stories recorded this week, and some more storm prep done, so I won't feel so insecure if the weather turns on us again.  Mainly scanning documents to my Survivor Drive, getting the first aid kit up to date, and cleaning out the closet a bit more. Time for the seasonal clothing swap outs anyway, and time to purge some stuff that's way too big now.


So here's to the darling days of Spring
When warm winds blow,
and all the birds sing.
When storm clouds billow
And wind chimes ring.

We pray the days will all be calm
With pleasant airs
And sweet scents of balm
To ease our cares
Like one of David's psalms.

The Gift Of a Beautiful Day In Late Winter

Today was a lovely, almost Springlike day here in Central Oklahoma.  A rare treat, since we've had snow and COLD off and on for weeks, with only a day or two of respite.  (Not exactly normal for us.)  Today was sunny, and bright, and not too cold.  A perfect day to get out and visit our friends at the winery.

Canadian River Vineyards and Winery in Slaughterville, OK is a lovely place to visit. Friendly folks (even if they haven't known you for years), and GREAT wine.  They have a nice deck overlooking the vineyards where you can sit and enjoy the view.  You can taste all the wines they have available in the Tasting Room, and we ALWAYS buy some, even though we really go just to see our friends.  All the grapes are grown locally in Oklahoma, and their wines have won awards at several festivals.  My favorite right now is the Moscato, which is sweeter than the wines I usually like.  They also have a fabulous Merlot, and Shiraz, and chardonnay, and ... it's ALL good!

We have a long tradition of taking food out to share with our friends (and even other customers if they want some).  Today I took a simple appetizer that I got the recipe for from an email pal years ago. You take a small wheel of Brie (or, as I did this time, Camembert), put it on a microwave safe plate, and spread the top with basil pesto. (I use my homemade pesto.  I try to put enough in the freezer every Summer to last until the basil comes back again in late Spring.)  Then you pile some toasted slivered or sliced almonds on top, and zap it in the microwave for a minute or so, just until the cheese is softened.  Served with toasted baguette rounds, it makes a lovely accompaniment to all types of wine.  We also took some of Matt's homemade beer mustard and some corned beef.  All were very popular.
I made a batch of dark chocolate shortbread and took that as well.  A few folks were eating that with the Moscato and with the Merlot.  (Dark chocolate and Merlot pair very well!)

Being able to share good food with good friends is a great joy.  Wish we could do these things more often, but life is so very busy.  I just decided that the laundry could wait this week, and we should go see friends we haven't seen in awhile.  We had a very nice visit, and I only used my phone a couple of times to upload a photo or two.  Spent the rest of the time talking with our friends and other visitors to the winery.  It was a very, very nice day.

Now we are home, the wine is safely stashed in the wine rack, and Matt has the brisket in the brine for the home made corned beef for St. Paddy's Day.  Time for me to finish this up, start the laundry, and see what else I can get into.

I hope your Saturday was enjoyable as well!

We made a happy wine rack today.  All full up.  (The liquor shelf was already happy.)

Trying Another Story

Madame Skye, our own Opera Cat

Yesterday, I posted a video of myself reading my very favorite children's book. 
I decided to try another story today.  This one is called Opera Cat, written by Tess Weaver and illustrated by Andrea Wesson. 
The book is one I became very fond of once I realized I had an Opera Cat.  Though our Madame Skye couldn't sing, she enjoyed hearing me sing opera, and would appear, and make commentary or faces depending upon what and how I sang.  The song featured in this story is by Verdi, but Madame preferred Mozart.  In fact, she would only respond to a summons if it was the song "Deh Viene Non Tardar" from Marriage of Figaro.  And usually, only if I sang it.  I still miss her when I practice, because she was there for every one.  She'd come in and sit on a chair or table close to me, and offer her opinion. 
Our Opera Cat is very much missed.

I cannot imagine what she'd make of me singing the "Queen of the Night" aria.  If ever a temper tantrum were put into song, this is it.

Anyway, without further ado, I give you Opera Cat