Wow this weekend flew by, here it is Sunday already. What happened? John was away skiing with the boys and I was going to enjoy a nice, quiet, productive weekend... Which I did, sort of, but then as usual I accidentally kinda filled the time too and before I knew it, the only quiet night I had was Thursday. And it was awesome! A long walk, followed by polenta for dinner (of course). But after snuggling in for an excellent-but-disturbing book (Jesus' Son) and movie (In the Valley of Elah), I had rather completely creeped myself out...

...so was quite glad to see that like the shoots of an early crocus, a spontaneous Friday-night gathering of the Baseball Moms had sprung joyfully from the grey snow into my inbox. Laughter to the rescue! McCoy's or bust! And of course I had a blast, cackling and screaming and talking smack, as well as eating pizza and drinking beer, with Beth, Bobbi, Jen, and Sonja. Thanks ladies!

Then last night, off to my parents' for another delicious dinner (Dad's pheasant roasted in cream, alongside rice, a quick salad with little goat cheese tartlets that I made, with Susanna's scrumptious buttery- cinnamony apple crisp to finish). Hanging with Nathan, Stacey, Dad, and Susanna most definitely set my spirits right again. I admit it, I'm overly-affected by dark stories and movies, but luckily I'm easily steadied by good company, good cheer, and good food. Omigosh, I sound like a hobbit! Well then, just call me Stephanie Baggins, ha. A mite tall for a halfling, but my appetite for comfort is in the right place!