The Passing of Dear Miss Cleo

To the most wonderful, funniest dog...

It was an honor, a blessing, to be able to be your "mommy" for a time. You brought me more happiness, more laughs, more comfort, and more snuggles than I knew what to do with. The void you have left can't ever be filled by any other dog. You were incredible. You were special. You were the bright spot on a rainy day, the snuggly-bug on a cold night.

We miss you terribly. It's too quiet and too still. I'll miss your frantic little bark telling me that Diesel was doing something naughty. :) I'll miss your growl of protection when something seemed not quite right. I'll miss the slurp across the cheek at just the right moment, because you knew I needed some slobber in my life just then. I'll miss your sweet little snore. I'll miss everything that made you, YOU. You will NEVER be forgotten, little miss lady.

I love you so.

Things that made my day super-deluxe, in no particular order:

1. Day and lunch with my mom, who happens to be the coolest chick on the planet.
2. Call from potential employer to set up job interview.
3. Best possible turn out of experimental dinner, Zuppa Toscana, see below.
4. Bombay Sapphire and tonic with a squeeze of lime.
5. My newfound knowledge of how to cook the perfect over-medium egg.

Zuppa Toscana

Onion, garlic, chicken stock, cream, potatoes, sausage, bacon, and kale. I couldn't find kale, so used chard.

And... Bacon wrapped dates stuffed with cheese

:) I love my kitchen.

Mexican Chicken Soup-- From Ina Garten

This is basically a tortilla soup, but I didn't care for the consistency after the tortillas were added, so I pureed the base before adding the chicken. I also added cilantro and cheese. This is a perfect lunch.

Not really a breakfast dish, but I made it for breakfast anyway. Apple, shallot and gorgonzola pizza. This is so good. This would pair perfectly with an arugula salad and balsamic vinaigrette.

Dinner tonight: gorgonzola crusted filet mignon with red wine reduction, grilled asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes with crispy shallots.

I cleaned my house from top to bottom this weekend. Now I'm enjoying it and watching Brothers&Sisters. I'm sipping chardonnay. I'm loving this life that I've been blessed with. I'm loving my sweet animals. I'm loving my sweet husband that I've missed all weekend.

I'm feeling good.