Boy with Apple

On Saturday, we went to see The Grand Budapest Hotel -- and though the couple sitting next to us left midway through, we both loved the film. So much to take in! Posted up on the sofa later the same evening, we turned to the internet in search of illuminating backstory, anecdotes, gossip. And lo, we found some articles. Here's a nice one.

But the weekend wasn't all fun and games. A panel of experts have declared that my personal climate concerns are real, and also conscious uncoupling is a thing. What a phrase!

But don't despair. I'll leave you on an up note, with sixty unbelievable tidbits about New York City, and, how to choose your next book.

Mabel naps on not one, but two, cushions.

Birthday by the sea

Weekend

Mabel enjoys a moment of Spring / sunny morning swims / blissfully quiet, empty yoga studio /  Friday night walkabout.

Also, you might spend some time reading these interviews with Marcie Ferris, and Jesmyn Ward.

Just a walk

All right, all right, all right

On Saturday, we hosted a small Mardi Gras fête. (Happily, it was also our housewarming). My favorite gumbo recipe made it's annual appearance, and I will tell you: it looked just like the Saveur photo. Yes, I am bragging. It's the small triumphs, no? Anyway, we feasted. Cornbread, jambalaya, dirty rice, smoked chickens, sazeracs, a king cake... and our dear friends brought a peck of OYSTERS. Brilliant. I wrapped our picnic table in brown paper, set out some hot sauce and saltines, you know the deal.  It was so much fun, I took just one photo -

By nature, I am effusive, but what I'll say right now is untouched by hyperbole: we are blessed with the best friends. Both Carrboro and Winston-Salem turned out to celebrate Mardi Gras in our backyard, and it was a perfect day.

By Sunday, the house was (almost) clean, the weather was gorgeous and we went to the lake. A weekend well done.