It’s the first day of spring, but it felt more like summer– temperature in the upper 70′s and sunny. In spite of having to work I got to enjoy the weather. I dropped the car off this morning for an oil change so had a longer walk to work than usual. Then after work I had a long walk to pick it back up. After I got home I shoved a lamb roast in the oven, got the day’s dishes done (Madeline doesn’t have a lot of time to do them, especially on Tuesdays), then headed outside and spent the better part of an hour on yard work. I raked enough leaves to fill three big lawn & leaf bags and did some more weeding. I’ve got at least one bed cleared out, it looks muchbetter. I’m on my porch now writing. I love sitting on the porch, especially in the late afternoon/early evening. It’s my favorite place to unwind after a long day.
One day last week a semi-regular customer came in– he lives out-of-town and comes whenever he’s in town. He was reading a book and I peaked at the title. I always do this, or ask right out, it’s fun to see what people are reading and I’ve gotten some suggestions. He was reading a book called The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. He said it was his Lenten reading. I looked it up and it sounded intriguing, so I downloaded it to my Nook. It has sucked me right in, I quite like it so far. Next time he comes in I will have to thank him.
I’ve stayed strong with my Lenten fast from sweets, I’ve only broken it twice, once when I had part of a crisp I made for Madeline, and this Sunday when I had a piece of Jacob’s birthday pie– I kept it to one serving each time, which is pretty good for me! I also have tasted a dessert once or twice at work, mostly because they were new ones and I needed to describe them well to customers. Other than that, I’m doing well. Today was torture, though. The dessert case was empty and the 3 resident bakers were hard at work all morning to fill it. Pies: Lime meringue, chocolate cream, peach, peanut butter; a raspberry cobbler, two kinds of galettes, pavlova– it was incredible and oh, so tempting. I’m proud to say I stayed strong, except for one small taste of cobbler– it was a new recipe. Only a few more weeks to go! I’ve made it this far, and I intend to stay strong. It has been very, very good for me.
