We had a full and busy week that ended with a loooong drive down to San Bernardino county and back for a big fun family gathering. It made me so grateful to live here, to be able to attend things like graduations, to be able to see my mom on Mothers’ Day, to be able to be part of regular family life again, and to be able to get to know my aunts and uncles now, as adults. The traveling, and the hectic pace of the week leading up to the travel, do mean that I am tired.
Sadly, it also means that I missed three days of photos. I stupidly neglected to take any pictures during our trip, which makes me so sad. I am not that great at capturing images for posterity. At least I have a ton of awesome memories. And the week leading up to our mini-break was full and beautiful.
May 6 – I made a cheese souffle! I was so nervous about this one, as I’ve heard that souffles are hard, and I’ve never worked with whipped egg whites before. But it was spectacular, and it turned out perfectly. Of course, I have to thank Dorie Greenspan for an excellent recipe. I’ll post my version here soon, promise.
May 7 – We finally replaced the propane tank for our grill, and I made salmon burgers. I had no idea how they would turn out, but they were a surprise favorite. I’m already plotting new variations, and minor improvements. Of course, I have to thank Mark Bittman for an excellent recipe.
May 8 – I got my May Pairings box from the folks at Turntable Kitchen. This month it held some fragrant chamomile flowers and a packet of buckwheat flour. I immediately started dreaming of some chamomile scented cookies. I’ll be experimenting this week. Keep an eye out.
May 9 – Mornings in our apartment: I make a pot of coffee, and put half in a thermos for Sean. I make breakfast, which has lately frequently consisted of some type of smoothie. I check email, and then pack up my lunch, my gym clothes, and my laptop, and try to remember my wallet and keys and phone, too. I try to get to work by 8, but more often I wander in around 8:15. It’s nice to live so darn close to work: My commute consists of a four-block walk. Not too shabby.
May 10 – Thursday night I went to a Death Cab show with my friend Eunice. It was a-a-a-mazing. I took this photo before the show, when I met Eunice for a drink at a bar near the Fox Theater, where the show was held. The light was so great, and I love Rudy’s, so I was happy to capture this lovely moment in our neighborhood. I love Oakland.
I know that Sean got some great pictures on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but I didn’t touch a camera. Not even my iPhone camera.
I’m hoping this week is quiet and relaxing, to make up for how crazy last week felt. So far so good.