The simplest pleasures in life truly are the tiny little nuances of the universe buzzing all around us. A gentle puff of wind tousling one’s hair, the sincere kindness of an old friend’s voice drifting across a phone line, the simple act of spontaneous kindness from a stranger, the warm embrace from one whom you hold dear…all are reminders of our connectedness to each other and the world. I type this as I snuggle in my cozy bed early on a Friday night looking forward to a Saturday rising without the hum, buzz, or beep of an alarm.

Not that I won’t be up early happily puttering away completing chores on my extensive “to-do” list, the sublime pleasure is rising naturally under the warm glow of sunlight (please, oh please give me sunlight in the morning!) through one’s windows on a January weekend. I am looking forward to welcoming a dear friend from college and her husband to Manchester for the weekend to enjoy the closing of the Andrew Wyeth exhibit here in town and a compliant dinner “cooked in” with laughter and reminisced moments from days not too long ago... Do allow me to share the menu for the evening--perhaps you’ll be inspired to partake of the delicious feast!

My hunny and I have been combining the BTD with South Beach (a his and hers of meal planning if you will…), so Saturday’s dinner will accommodate the needs of both. I must add that we’ll be enjoying a completely non-compliant Key Lime Pie for dessert, of which we will all be pleased as punch and completely guiltless to partake.

The meal:

Scallops pan fried in olive and flax seed oil with caramelized onions, garlic, and mushrooms.

Mashed/Whipped cauliflower with soy milk, fat-free sour cream, garlic powder, salt and dill weed. (just like mashed potatoes only with cauliflower instead!)

Quickly steamed spinach with melted goat’s cheese

Perhaps some roasted peanuts or almonds for a bit of heaviness and crunch…

Here’s hoping that this finds you all safe and healthy…more to come soon…be well…