On becoming one's mother

 Over the last several years the gifts that I have asked for at gift-receiving occasions have become progressively more and more lame. I never understood why mom would ask for boring things such as, say, a new toaster for her anniversary. Well, now I get it. This coconut bundt cake is proof. As I mentioned before, I had a birthday not too long ago. Well, I asked for a bundt pan and some new house shoes. (Can you say mom?) Henry felt guilty giving me such a stereotypical housewife thing for my birthday, but I told him I really wanted it. He also got me some nice soft slippers that go with my plush bathrobe I got for Mother's Day to "soften the blow." I know it's lame, but I already made 2 cakes in it. The other one was a kosher honey cake. I was afraid the combination of flavors would be weird, but it was pretty tasty. But that's beside the point. Sure, I would love a trip to a day spa, or gorgeous new clothes, or something else that is luxurious and extravagant, but I'm a practical person with a limited budget, so I ask for the practical things I want, but wouldn't normally just go out and buy, and I love them. Even my electric toothbrush I got for Christmas. (I know!)

P.S. I just found out about the New York Sheep and Wool Festival and it's official: I need to move to a colder climate where such epic things take place. Where knitters abound! Or I just need to make a road trip to Rhinebeck, NY. (Even the Yarn Harlot is going!)

Happy knitting!

Breakfast in bed

This week is my birthday week. Not that I celebrate all week, but I'm embarrassed to say how long I've put off blogging about it. I worked on my actual birthday. Not sure why, since I'm self-employed and make my own schedule, but at least I like the clients that I saw that day. That always helps. That night while Henry was in class, Gertrude and Ethel came over to celebrate with me. Ethel made a "rich apple cake" with a caramel sauce that was to die for. In fact, I still have some in the fridge and it's all I can do to keep from eating a spoonful every time I see it. (But sometimes I do anyway. Shhh!)

 The next day was the day Henry and I planned to celebrate (milk it as long as you can, I say!) He surprised me with breakfast in bed! What a guy! He made an omelet and this amazing strawberry banana stuffed french toast. I just had to take a picture. See how beautiful. He really did do it all by himself. I was impressed. I told him so and he just said, "You don't want to see the kitchen." Apparently there was a blender mishap (classic) and now we need a new gasket, but he cleaned everything up and then we had a nice relaxing day before taking Daisy to a sitter and going out for dinner and a movie. It was a good birthday.

And did I mention what a great husband I have?