Well, hello! How are y'all? Is spring treating you well? How was your Easter? I can hardly believe that it has come and gone. We spent the weekend in Austin, and hosted Abby's friends who couldn't make it home for the holiday. We resumed our annual Easter Croquet Tournament from years past, in a vacant courtyard outside her condo. It was a joy to share the day with these wonderful young people. We made a ten pound ham, three huge pans of scalloped potatoes, four pounds of asparagus, 4 cans of crescent rolls, a massive bowl of cranberry-walnut salad, and two desserts, which left us with just enough to send home a small container of leftovers with everyone! It's official, our daughter's first holiday in her own home was a success :)
As is typical here in North Texas, one day it's spring, the next day it's summer, then back to spring again. Right now it's 74 out, with 84% humidity, ugh. So the garden is coming together in bits, but it really is just so nice to be outside anyway. I'm going with simplicity this year. We'll be traveling some over the summer, and I need the garden to be able to live without me for a few days at a time, you know?
Our projects around here seem to be a bit of a cha-cha lately, one step forward, and well . . . . you get it, I'm sure. I'm finally almost done with the kitchen, can't wait to show you all! I left my camera card in Austin over Easter, so as soon as I make it to WM for a replacement, I'll get that photo'd to share.
One project that was a bit of a fail was the sourdough. Not that it didn't come out well, because the starter worked perfectly and the bread was delicious. But we had been eating sort of paleo-ish recently, and bringing gluten back into my diet caused some surprising negative symptoms for me. I instantly started having afternoon headaches again, and waking up with a queasy feeling every day. After being a lifelong pasta addict, I certainly didn't guess that I would have that kind of a reaction. So anyway, we're back on a more clean diet again, and I have to say that I'm feeling almost back to 100%. Interesting, isn't it? I have Pinned some really delish Paleo-sort of recipes, if you're looking for some you'll find them here. I say Paleo-ish because we're really not all that strict with ourselves, I still use cheese and cream, and I'm not giving up my wine! But it is great to be eating more fresh, unprocessed foods. I have lots of recipe ideas to share with you guys in the future!
Wishing you all a happy Monday and a lovely week! Be back soon, xoxo
Looking forward to seeing it all!
Posted by: Penny @ The Comforts of Home | April 28, 2014 at 11:40 AM
What a fun way to spend Easter!
Yes, we had sandwiches from subway yesterday and I felt not so great a few hours later. We usually do sprouted wheat. Brown rice pasta is low glycemic and tasty.
Can't wait to see your kitchen!
Posted by: Manuela@a cultivated nest | April 28, 2014 at 03:23 PM
Hi girl! So good to see an update from you. :)
So many people are realizing that limiting gluten works better for them. When I'm in my sleepy stupor in the afternoons, I wonder about it. Not enough discipline in me though.
Your Easter looked wonderful. I bet Abby and her friends loved it. No doubt those boys loved the food!
Let's get together soon. :)
Posted by: Stacey | April 28, 2014 at 06:31 PM
You've one busy bee! But you sound busy and happy. So that's what is important.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | April 28, 2014 at 07:53 PM
Ok, that's not the area they played croquet in, is it??
Also, my son lives in Austin! :) I got to visit him in March. Loved Austin.
xo
Posted by: jani | April 29, 2014 at 06:56 AM
Happy spring! I would take your Texas weather over our dreadful Wisconsin weather this year! It's interesting hearing your story about the paleo-ish diet. I have wondered if some symptoms I have would go away if I tried it. I'm very undisciplined when it comes to diets that like that though. Sigh
Posted by: Wendy Schultz | April 30, 2014 at 09:06 PM
Your Easter sounds like it was so much fun!
I have been changing my diet, too and feel so much better! I'm not going Paleo but cut out most sugar (with the except of a little fruit) and am eating as few processed foods as possible. No headaches and my head feels clear! I do miss my sweets, but so far,abstaining has been worth it.
Love your pretty flowers. I'm going simple too but I did buy my beloved geraniums even though I know they'll look like crap halfway through summer. I'll just enjoy them now while they look good! :)
Have a great day, Andrea! Let's get together again soon!! :)
Posted by: Julie {Lilacs & Longhorns} | May 02, 2014 at 07:43 AM