valentine's day

We had a pretty low key, lovely Valentine's Day around here. I got up early and made pancakes for my loves before they went off to school, then got down to the business of roasting sweet potatoes for gnocchi. Once they came out of the oven, it was on to a tres leches cake. Or two, actually. And once those were out of the oven and had soaked up all the milky goodness they could hold, it was grating (we don't have a ricer), blending, rolling and cutting time for the gnocchi. Such a meditative, fun, hands-on process and so worth all the effort. We had the gnocchi very simply prepared, with just olive oil and some special parmesan, and then Sarah took me, Timothy and Elisa out for a drink at a fabulous pub/restaurant out in the boonies. And that was great, too. The cakes were devoured for breakfast the next day, and it makes my heart feel so full to know that this odd confection from Mexico went over so well with everyone here. Timothy must have eaten at least a whole one by himself, he loved it so! And now we know- if there's spare time and a desire for something sweet, tres leches it is. Hope you all had a sublime day and felt the love as much as I did!

Soooooo many gnocchi! 

One of the cakes, ready to disappear

With Timothy and Elisa at the Radio Springs Hotel. Excuse the creepily glowing eyes, must have been the strong drinks, or the bad phone camera ;)

valentines

Apparently Valentine's Day isn't a thing here in Australia. Sort of like Halloween. Recognized, but not really celebrated. It's very odd to me not to be surrounded by hearts and flowers and red and pink decorations of all kinds everywhere I go. I do miss it. Such a lovely holiday! Pasca and I did put up some little decorations in the kitchen, and I've got sweet potatoes roasting in the oven for gnocchi tonight (a "labor of love"), as well as plans for a tres leches cake. Yum! Even without cards or flowers or presents being exchanged, the day is still a good reminder to be good to the ones you love, and I can think of no better way than a delicious meal for a busy family. And for the pure fun factor, here's a slew of Valentines pulled from the internet. Mostly themed with some of my favorite shows and movies, so hopefully you're all up to date on pop culture and can appreciate these! They were just too good not to share.

Arrested Development

Wes Anderson characters

Star Wars (always the best)

Breaking Bad

 Game of Thrones

  Harry Potter

 One for all you fellow sociologists

And even the Puritans among you!

Science nerd? Something for everyone!

And we'll finish off with my favorite meme (perhaps besides doge- very love, wow, much happy) , Grumpy Cat. Love to you all!

weekly poetry

Let's fall in love a little, it is almost Valentine's Day after all!

The passionate Sheepheard to his love

Come live with mer, and be my love,

And we will all the pleasures prove, 

That Vallies, groves, hills and fieldes, 

Woods, or steepie mountain yeeldes.

And wee will sit upon the Rocks, 

Seeing the Sheepheards feede theyr flocks, 

By shallow Rivers, to whose falls 

Melodious byrds sing Madrigalls.

And I will make thee beds of Roses, 

And a thousand fragrant posies, 

A cap of flowers, and a kirtle, 

Imbroydred all with leaves of Mirtle.

A gowne made of the finest wool, 

Which from our pretty Lambes we pull, 

Fayre lined slippers for the cold:

With buckles of the purest gold.

A belt of straw, and Ivie buds, 

With Corall clasps and Amber studs, 

And if these pleasures may thee move, 

Come live with mee, and be my love.

The Sheepheards Swaines shall daunce and sing,

For thy delight each May-morning.

If these delights thy minde may move, 

Then live with mer, and be my love. 

-Christopher Marlowe