Pampers and Pakhlava » family

In a family sort of way

Beth Shepherd - Pampers and Pakhlava — Fri, 25 May 2012 15:16:31 +0000

Three years ago we put up a bird house. No renters.

The next year we advertised. Still, no renters.

Then last fall, we put up two bird houses, raised their height, and changed the location. And….

WE’VE GOT TENANTS. Chickadee tenants. A birdie family who are “with child”...or would that be, with chickadee.

In the past few days there’s been a LOT of activity at one house in particular. All sorts of comings and goings. I can’t wait to see what the upcoming weeks bring.

Since my own little duo recently became a trio with the addition of Baby Bird, I feel all the more excited that our bird friends are in a family sort of way!

Check out more cute little things on Delicious Baby Photo Friday!

Where the wild things are

Beth Shepherd - Pampers and Pakhlava — Tue, 08 May 2012 15:44:42 +0000

I read this morning that Maurice Sendak died. So much of his imagination fueled my own. From my early childhood and reading books like Where the Wild Things Are—over and over and over—to my adult years in Seattle watching Sendak’s creativity come alive with the his brilliantly designed sets for Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker.

This morning, after I heard the news, I sat in my garden watching my own “wild things”: Maggie-the-cat helping the fava beans grow by keeping a close eye on them.

...and Baby Bird, exploring the world outside the walls of her home. Hues of green, and pink and yellow, the sounds of birds all around us and everything us alive, filled with color and the possibility of adventures to come.

I hope, as she grows, these sights and sounds will inspire my daughter’s own creative mind and she’ll feel free to fly. And, in time, I hope she’ll also come to find—just like Max in the Wild Things—that a warm meal is always waiting at home.

Happy Hour in memory of my Dad

Beth Shepherd - Pampers and Pakhlava — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:58:55 +0000

This past Sunday we hosted Happy Hour in our home. It was a very special Happy Hour because we held it to honor my father’s memory.

My Dad would have been 88 this past Monday, if he’d been around. Sadly, he passed away at the end of January. Since my extended family is small and scattered across the country, holding a traditional memorial didn’t make much sense. Plus, that sort of thing wasn’t my father’s style. Happy Hour, however, was.

We poured martinis and noshed on my father’s homemade pickles and sauerkraut. We even toasted over Skype with my cousin who lives in Key West, Florida. Stories, memories and laughter brought some closure and levity to one of life’s most difficult transitions. In the company of the best of friends, we raised a glass toasted to good health and long life. L’chaim.

Classic Martini

2 oz. gin

1 oz. dry vermouth

Ice cubes

Mixing glass, bar spoon, strainer

Martini glasses or short tumblers

Stir ingredients briskly with ice. Strain into a chilled glass. Drop in an olive or two or twist a small strip of lemon peel over the drink, or drop it in, if you prefer. Enjoy in the company of good friends!

Want to toast to deliciousness? Check out Wanderfood Wednesday!