It's not over yet

That is, my anniversary. Officially it began at midnight I guess, but for me it began Friday afternoon when I dropped off June Bug at an overnight sitter (BFF's house). Hubby needed some razors, so I headed to store and spent almost an hour just reading magazines - a real treat with no distractions. Reading included the latest Rolling Stone with an article about Chelsea Handler (strange cat). I don't think I've even read a Rolling Stone, but I guess I was feeling wild (I know, who cares). Anyway, finally I got hungry and decided to ditch the diet and celebrate (it's my anniversary, right?), so I grabbed a medium fry from McDonald's and enjoyed it as I hurried home - yum! Hubby was already home (he got half the day off) and I anxiously wanted to "open presents" since I had already spotted mine on the couch early this morning as I was running out the door. My "coveted" pressure cooker was not in its box, however lots of other goodies were - strange, but good. Hmmmm. After the presents, a nap ensued and we awoke in time to get ready and go out to the Sequoia for dinner. We were surprised to get the first "round" of drinks on Jeff's sister and husband. Later, Hubby made small talk with the husband at the table next to us (something I hate and love, that he does ALL THE TIME - I could write a whole blog about his never-ending "networking"! What can I say he's a salesman). Nevertheless, this new "contact" handed us a whole bottle of wine, feeling festive as well (it was their 22nd anniversary), just as we were going to place our orders - more free drinks! Dinner was amazing but after 12 days on a diet and complimentary anniversary desserts, I admit I overindulged and paid for it later when getting to sleep was all but comfortable (maybe my stomach actually shrank).

The next morning Hubby went off to work and I picked up June Bug. Next, my favorite - grocery shopping (I'm not joking, I love it! I am the type of person that likes to just wander the aisles dreaming of all the goodies I could make with every ingredient imaginable.) Tonight though, my BFF was throwing a little gathering that included our friends to celebrate our anniversary - she's so cool. I asked if I could bring something and she allowed it. Mmmm, Loch Arthur Tart (I swear it was the only good recipe in that whole issue of Bon Appetit - it was their travel edition and it featured Scotland, I mean, really, Scottish Food?! Oh well if it took a whole issue to produce such a yummy dish, so be it). Anyway, I also needed to "practice" making the cake for my niece's upcoming wedding (I'm not a professional) so I also asked my BFF if I could make cupcakes for the party too. She laughed and said sure! So glad I practiced again - I'll have to work on making sure the pastry cream doesn't clump, less cornstarch I think. Topped them with chocolate ganache and call them "Boston Cream Cupcakes". Everything was ready and June bug awoke from her nap and we were out the door.

BFF had a surprise up her sleeve and had us all move locations just as the guests arrived. She had decorated the backyard of a friends vacant house just a few doors down with the perfect summertime atmosphere including streamers, candles, linens, champagne, a cake from Nugget (my favorite place at which I rarely get to shop since I live nearly an hour away). Actually, I have no pictures of the event except a funny one of Hubby posing in someones sunglasses. Don't worry, I'll get some. One very cute thing about the evening is that June Bug had helped decorate the night before and actually never told me about the big "party" all day. What a girl! The party was great and I think I'll have to do more than just make BFF a "little cake" for their annivsery next year.

Not much on the knitting front. Got an arm done on the shrug and haven't "un-blocked" the romper. Maybe tomorrow.

Hubby gave me the new pressure cooking and I made two dishes in it today. Not sure if will keep it. It works fine, but I guess I really should have requested a pressure canner if I had planned to can things in it. Oh well. Canned six pints of pears on the stovetop and dried the rest before the fruit flies could get them!

And the anniversary continues...Only three days until the rest of our anniversary celebration in Lake Tahoe. Woohoo. This is horrible to say, but I better get back on that diet tomorrow, our hotel has an indoor pool!