Tuesday, March 27, 2018

SPRING INTO SOME RECIPES AND TABLESCAPES



Spring is here, yay!  The last time I posted it was February, cold and miserable.  Then again its the same way today.  Keeps us on our toes, I guess. My grocery store has a really nice, large area with fresh flowers and plants.  There's something for every one's wallet.  I personally like the 3 for $12 deals.  I can make vases for every room in the house.  And that fragrance...I was really tempted to get a pot of the purple/blue mums, aren't they gorgeous?  Sun or rain, my home feels light and happy.  And that colorful background?  That's boxes of cereal.  

I have little sprouts of daffodils poking up outside, as well as day lilies.  I think they got a little confused when we had some temps in the 50's a few weeks ago.  Otherwise, it's quite bare in the backyard.  I have a lawn service, and they were here recently to do a spring clean-up.  They raked up all of the old grass and dead leaves, and aerated the lawn.  So now its just about waiting for May to roll around, and then we can really start to get our hands dirty.  I'm going to be really careful this year to not overdo the pots of flowers.  It was hard to keep everything watered and healthy while running back and forth from here to the lakehouse.  I think if I keep a nice clean color scheme that flows around the patio and garden beds, I'll be okay.  I'm so excited.



These are the yellow and white tulips I chose from that menagerie of beautiful flowers at the store.  Some fresh flowers, and a handful of my spring decor is all I'm going to have to spruce up the house.   I still feeling like a minimalist.  I've been avoiding my usual haunts; TJ Maxx, Marshall's, HomeGoods.  I keep telling myself that I don't need anything.  My mom always said, if you want to save money, stay out of the stores.  The truth is, these particular stores are so affordable, and it's hard to say no to something we find and fall in love with.  I have to laugh now though, at some of the things I've come home with over the years.  Endless dishes, you know...have to keep up with those tablescapes.  And don't forget napkins in every color and pattern.  Signs...a sign for every room with every sentiment possible.  Kitchen gadgets.  Crates and baskets of all kind.  

Okay, I'm not shaming anyone.  There have been times I've needed something, and I knew just where to go.  A certain size casserole dish.  Bath rugs and a few extra quality towels.  Toss pillows.  Wine glasses.  Olive oil.  Candles.  Yes!  Candles for sure.  Can you share anything you've found at one of these stores that makes it worth walking in and out with a smile?


Some things are just too hard to pass up.  I'm thinking I may move on to lambs.  Just kidding.



All of us here in Chicago have a lot to shout about with Loyola making the Final Four.  Hooray for March Madness!  I'm not much of a college basketball person, but I do like winners.  Incidentally, My niece is a junior at Villanova, and a cheerleader.  There she is above, the cute little redhead.  You rock it, Lizzie!


It's always fun to have family over for a weeknight dinner without a lot of planning.  I had picked up some shrimp and scallops on sale, and knew it all was too much for The Husband and I.  I invited Emily, Mike and Madelyn, and then started searching for something delicious but easy on Pinterest.

The main dish was pasta and sea scallops in a white sauce.  It was simple, easy, and really tasty.  The salad I chose however, was to absolutely die for.  It was a recipe for an entree, but I modified it for a starter salad.  

I changed the recipe tremendously based on what I thought would yield much more flavor, and to eliminate some unnecessary steps.  This is my version.

Pan Seared Scallops with Bacon and Spinach

2 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled.
1 T reserved bacon drippings
2 large shallots, diced small
2 cloves garlic, diced small
1/2 lb. fresh scallops, coarsely chopped
1 12 oz. package of fresh baby spinach
Juice of 1 lemon half
1 T olive oil combined with 1/4 t balsamic vinegar


In a large skillet heat the reserved bacon drippings.  Sauté the shallots for about 2 minutes over low heat. Do not cook until they are wilted, you want a little crunch.  Add the garlic and cook an additional minute.  Add the scallops and stir until cooked through, about 2 minutes.  Remove mixture from pan and keep covered and warm.  Add 1/2 of the spinach to the pan and add the lemon juice.  Toss until barely wilted.  Add the remaining spinach and the balsamic mixture.  Toss gently until heated through but not wilted---again you want a slight crunch.  Remove the spinach to 4 salad plates.  Top with the warm bacon bits, shallots, and scallops.  Garnish with a lemon wedge if desired.  
Serves 4

I think this makes for a nice spring salad, light for lunch, or doable for dinner.  I had a loaf of good artisan bread, and we used globs of butter instead of the traditional Italian olive oil and parmesan mixture for dipping.  A contrast to the two recipes.  



I was going through some of my dishes for Easter dinner and came across these cute plates.  I found them at Pier 1 years ago ((I want to mention that on Instagram, I incorrectly wrote that I bought them at Williams Sonoma).  Why I only bought four...Anyway, I used them with my everyday dishes, my trusty tulips, tea lights candles, and napkin rings, also from Pier 1.  I've had the same Magnolia Heart And Home runner on my table for awhile, so I just added black place mats.  I'm lazy like that.  It was fun to do though.  Spur of the moment and no fussing.  It's about time I used all that stuff I've bought over the years.  ;-D



Playing with my dishes



When the little grandkidlets are old enough to eat off something other than plastic, maybe they will come to love these dishes in the spring.  



Sooooooo Big



Emily and Mike need a night out once in awhile, and I am more than happy to have Madelyn.  So here we were on Saturday night.  She had dinner with The Husband and I, then ice cream for dessert.  I got her ready for bed, and then she picked out some toys to play with in the den.  She has been gravitating to these oversized crayons.  She had a coloring book, but when I gave her this blank notebook, she really went to town.  We watched a little Sesame Street, and she soon fell asleep in my arms.  The happy couple had a great night out, and I was loving every minute with her.  

I'm looking forward to Easter.  Making a ham is a no brainer.  Emily is making her famous Mac and Cheese, and I'm delegating the canned corn to Abby.  It will be great to see the extended family that we last saw at Christmas.

I'm still on a reading frenzy.  I followed up The Woman in The Window with The Flight Attendant.  Another Murder/Suspense novel.  They are hard to put down.  And I ordered The Light We Lost after a few Instagram ladies recommended it.  It's supposed to be a tear jerker.  Its about time after all this nightmarish, bloody stuff.  

And I have bad news.  We can talk more about it later.  I'm have back surgery near the end of April.  There is no way around it after not having a result from the epidural.  All of my discs in my lower back have collapsed and I have bone rubbing on bone, as well as nerve issues.  The vertebrae levels will be fused together and held with screws. 

 To say I'm afraid is to put it mildly.  I'm mostly worried about recovering.  If I want to have any semblance of normalcy, I have to put in the work.  My doctor said if I keep moving, I may be able to drive in ten days.  If I do the physical therapy, I may be able to walk a mile after six weeks. Anyway, this is just the way its going to be.  I'm really praying I'll be out of this pain quickly.  I hope I'm not whining, but I'm in serious pain 24 hours a day.  The hardest things to do are to sit in an upright chair, like in my kitchen, or at the doctor or vet or something.  I absolutely go, "Ouch, ouch, ouch," when I have to roll over in bed.  The Husband has learned to sleep through this, thankfully.  It's like my upper body can roll, but the lower half refuses to without a sad fight.  Ha!  I'm a tosser and turner, so that doesn't help.  I do not like to take the pain pills.  They give me a headache.  But a lot of days, about 4:00 when I've just had it, I take one, lie down on my bed with a heating pad and the dogs, and for about four hours I'm drifting on a cloud.  My body, not my head!

Okay.  Please let's talk about the books you are reading, what you like to buy at those addictive shops like Marshall's, what your Easter plans are.  Oh---I just got Netflix.  Can you recommend a good series?

Take care and Easter Blessings!

Jane x



52 comments:

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...


So sorry that you have to have back surgery, but if it will make you better that's a plus.
Just do what the doctor says and you should have no pain.

That granddaughter is beautiful and I know how much you love those grand babies. Enjoy them while they are little. Mine will be turning 16 in October,wow she will be driving. She loves her horse back training and has been taking lessons for about 4 years.

Sorry that your having such bad weather - hopefully you will get your Spring. We got some much needed rain for about three days and my flowers are loving it.

That recipe sounds delicious, but I can't have spinach as I am on blood thinners, but i sure love scallops. When Sprouts put them on sale I buy them - oh boy are they good. I also love lobster and shrimp.

Wish I lived closer would come over and help you out after you have your surgery.

Have a wonderful Easter with your family. The kiddos will love a Easter Egg Hunt.

Hugs,
Mary

CJ said...

Jane, I'm so sorry you're having to have back surgery. I'm wishing you all the very best. In a few months' time you'll hopefully be telling us it was the best thing you could have done. My partner has had bad back pain and disc problems, so I know how agonising and debilitating it can be. It sounds as if the doctor is confident you'll be able to get back to driving and walking in good time which is really positive. I'm thinking of you and sending you a cyber hug. You're right, little Madelyn is growing up, I can see the change in the recent photos. My eldest has just got interested in basketball. He goes out on his own to practice. It's not a big sport here, which is a shame, I think he'd really enjoy it. It's never on the television, but he looks up videos on Youtube so he knows what to do. I hope you have a good Easter Jane. Look after yourself, and stay positive. Hugs, CJ xx

Vee said...

What adorable bunny plates! You purchased four—I purchased one (pitifully frugal am I).

Fewer pots of flowers sounds like a plan. I did that last summer and will do it again this. You will appreciate your decision, probably this summer especially.

Pain is such a misery. I am praying already for the April back surgery to be a great success and that you will push through the therapy to get your life returned to you. You deserve to live pain free.

Happy Easter! The grandchildren are darling...

coffeeontheporchwithme said...

Hi Jane. I'm so sorry you are in such pain. Back pain is so hard to get away from. Certainly you are fearing the unknown with the surgery. I really hope that what you are imagining is worse than what the reality will be. As someone above said, you might very well be blogging in the future that it was the best thing you did!! I love your Easter table! -Jenn

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...


I'll say a little prayer for your successful surgery and recovery. Brave woman, you'll do this and in a few months I look forward to your post about how glad you are it's over and how much your pain has subsided.

LOVE THOSE PLATES!! I need a new read, will look at your current reading list....

Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe said...

My husband has had back surgery and if it any comfort to you, know that he recovered quickly with the help of PT and determination. With good doctors, you should have the same results.

I have stayed out of stores since Christmas. However, I had a Home Goods gift certificate burning a hole in my wallet and we had a day without snow, so I answered the call of the wild shopper. What to buy, what to buy? I ended up with a very pretty spring wreath for my door and some bottles of lovely smelling hand soap. It was a very satisfying day.

Villanova Fever is very strong here as it is a local school. I do think, though, that many of us are secretly hoping that Loyola has a miracle and wins. Who doesn’t love that sweet nun!

Stacey said...

I don't know a thing about back surgery except that the people I know who've had it, came out better on the other side. We will be thinking positive thoughts...you've got gardening to do and babies to chase so you have to get better.

Lisa said...

I pray you get some relief on your back.
I love those bunny plates and the polka dot runner. Everything looks lovely.
Lisa

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your scallop salad sounds wonderful. I am sorry to hear about your upcoming surgery. After having rotator cuff surgery several years ago, I know for certain you MUST do the therapy after, even though it will be painful. It will help you recovery. Sending best wishes.

Mary said...

Oh dear Jane, how sad I am that you are now facing a major back surgery! Almost had to have that myself a few years back (appt. was even scheduled) but fortunately injections worked and so far, knock on wood, I'm doing OK in that area! Perhaps the traveling and climbing in and out Zodiac boats have actually helped! I just climbed a ton of steps and walked quite a lot on the recent trip to Patagonia!

Our thoughts are with you dear - success and a great, fast recuperation - it will be work but so worthwhile to relieve your pain.

Love your post and all the Easter decor etc. I'm getting over my 'travel bug' so not doing much in the decor dept. this season.
Sending huge hugs - Mary X

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I am looking at back surgery too, but they say we will both be better than ever. I am hanging onto that thought. I will keep you in prayer.

Melanie said...

Your bunny plates are so cute. You always set such a pretty table, in a way that's not overly lavish - which is my favorite style. Madelyn is an absolute doll.

I am so sorry to hear that you have to have back surgery, but on the other hand, if it will mean you will soon be out of pain, that's a positive thing. My lower back pain has been really bad too lately, but I know probably not half as bad as yours. Happy Easter!

Susie said...

Blondie, I see a new photo of you on your sidebar...you are young and beautiful. I loved seeing your sweet baby. She is growing quickly. A friend of ours had back surgery recently and did well. I know he did not have what you will be having. The dr. is right once you have the surgery and do as he says, you will do fine. At least once you are healed no more pain will be wonderful. I will keep you in my prayers . Blessings, xoxo, Susie

Shirley said...

Jane, I haven't been to visit for a while. I grabbed my cup of coffee ready to read. Your granddaughters are so cute and adorable. They keep us so young. I am sorry about your surgery but remember it will help you in the long run. Just do your physical therapy. It will hurt but you will eventually get to where you want to be. I am now walking without a cane. I still have to have knee surgery which has been postponed for a little while longer. Enjoy Easter with your family that is what I am going to do. Sending you hugs and prayers from your Missouri Friend Shirley

It's me said...

Owwww i love tulips and rabbits.....but most of all i love little Madelyne 💕💕💕 What a sweet girl...love from me Ria x ❤️

Sonia said...

Oh I'm sorry you are having surgery, but if that's what you need to alleivate your pain then I'm sure it will be for the best! I'll be sending prayers your way. I love your Pier one rabbit plates! So pretty and Easterly. I'm planning a blue and white tablescape for Easter this year. Hope you have a speedy recovery!!

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Reading this post I was thinking ‘what lovely flowers’, ‘her mom is right’, ‘Jane has the most beautiful grandchildren in the universe’, ‘that recipe sounds delish’, then BAM, your surgery :(. Damn. That stinks. You absolutely must do the work to fully recover. No getting around it sorry to say.

As for a series, have you watched ‘Suits’. Harvey’s my new crush ❤️.

Scribbler said...

All the best with that impending back surgery. I am about to get another new knee pretty soon, so I guess we will both be looking at the dreaded PT. But -- to get past the pain? It is worth it in the end.

I don't think that baby can get any cuter! She looks so happy.

The recipes and the table look wonderful. My addiction for the last couple of years seems to be Pier 1. They do "cute" like nobody's business. I bought another bunny...

Happy Easter! I'll be thinking about you.

NanaDiana said...

Lots in this post! First of all, I am sorry you have to have surgery but better to have some intense short-term pain than pain that never goes away. I bet you will feel like a new person a few weeks after your surgery.

That little grandgirl is just darling. She is SOOO cute!

The table looks great-love the bunny china! So sweet!

Happy Easter to you, Jane. xo Diana

Junkchiccottage said...

Hi Jane,
I was able to sign on and see your post. Your granddaughter is so precious. So adorable! Wishing you a wonderful Easter.
xoxo
Kris

Unknown said...

Sending prayers for healing after your surgery and best wishes. Your grand daughter is delightful. Wishing you and your family a Happy Easter

Jeanie said...

Oh Jane, I'm so sorry to hear about the surgery, and of course you're afraid -- who wouldn't be. But think of the pain now and project into the future when this will be alleviated. It's all you can do, that and your after-work but I will keep good thoughts for the best possible outcome.

Your salad looks to die for. Yum! All my favorite things in one salad! And so does the table with those cute bunny dishes.

Home Goods -- such a sucker for holiday things. And like you, I need not one thing more. I did nab a cute little deviled egg dish and small platter -- asparagus-sized -- but trying hard not to get one more thing! Books -- just finished "The Hare with Amber Eyes" and highly recommended if you enjoy art, history, spanning the generations. (Non-fiction that reads like fiction) and Pachinko, fiction. Now I'm reading a fast Maigret mystery for something lightweight before hitting a Richard Rodgers bio that Rick bought me in Portland. Never enough time.

Your grandlet is adorable! Happy Easter!

baili said...

Dear Jane i am really feeling sorry for your suffering with backache !

through your narration it sounds quite delicate and scary but by the Grace of God my hope are high like you and i believe that after sometime you will be fine and even better for walk and drive!

your grand daughter is stealing my heart :) in her age kids love to play with colours and drawings !

i agree saturday nights are always so excited with family gatherings and good meal,thank you for the great recipe!

i Loved LOVED your plates ,they are so so beautiful and worth staring as your vase and flowers!!!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

So sorry to hear that surgery is needed, but I always try to look at the positives. After surgery you can move forward with healing, less pain and maybe the habit of moving more, since physical therapy will get you started. Such a cute grand baby by the way :-)

Carla from The River said...

Dear Jane,
I am sending prayers and hugs.
Hope all will go well and time spent with your family will FEEL better. Pain is so vicious. I know someone who has terrible pain, it ruins her time to do anything. She too is waiting a surgery.
xx oo

LOVE the bunny plates!!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Jane, you are going through the same thing as I am. I've had hip pain for twenty years, then before Christmas it all ramped up with my back. I've been at the place where I could hardly walk. my new Rheumatologist ordered Lumbar x-rays and found that it isn't my hip but a nerve thats been crushed since my discs in the last 3 vertebra are totally collapsed. She put me on Plaquenil which is an anti-inflammatory drug for autoimmune disease. It's very slowly starting to help and I believe rehydrate my discs. Please let us know how things go with surgery. you'll do great and I'm praying you will get thru rehab with flying colors. Back pain is just literally debilitating. Love you, take care and I'm sending prayers for your complete recovery. xo Deb

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi Jane. Hope you have a wonderful Easter with your family. Your niece is so pretty truthfully, I thought that was a pic of you..Have a wonderful Easter..xxoJudy

Kim said...

Jane, you're going to be great. Two friends suffered so for too long, both had surgery and feel great. And the babies and the bunnies are adorable!! Happy Easter!

Rita C at Panoply said...

Jane, it's always nice to catch up with you. Your pretty profile picture doesn't offer any clues to the pain you're living with, but I will definitely keep you in my prayers for a complete and full recovery, as well as a successful outcome to the fusion. Yes, it is scary, but trust in your medical team and the power above which guides them is critical.

Your spring table and decor are delightful. I'm glad you pulled out what you had and used them, and shared with us! I'm sure the grands will giggle with all the bunnies, nests at the Easter gathering. That picture of Madelyn "so Big" definitely took my back to the time when mine were little and we did that with them - so, so sweet!

Your niece at NOVA is adorable. We'll overlook the fact that they knocked our WV Mountaineers out at the Sweet 16 round last Friday. :'( Good luck to Loyola!

Happy Easter, my friend. Enjoy your family gathering.

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

I'm praying that your back surgery will help you get a more normal life back, and get rid of the pain!
Netflix is great...for those mindless times, check out Escape to the Country. It's sort of a British House Hunters with beautiful countryside and old houses. Peaceful and relaxing. I hope you have a lovely Easter, Jane!

La Table De Nana said...

Thinking about you.
Thank God for babies and family..and being able to read..
diversion is key..
So hard..
She is so adorable..and the new profile pic is fab.I saw it on IG..love your Bunny plates..yes those big beautiful stores offer temptations at every turn of the aisle.I am so much better than years ago..
I did both stores last week and left with nothing.
I need far less than ever.
Take care..take care..take care.
Happy Easter to you and yours.
Be well.

Anonymous said...

oh my gosh,, back surgery,, well, we do know that strives have been made in this area and recovery is quicker, surgery is less invasive and you will be just fine,, you have a spirit and tenacity that will make it a brilliant recovery and all these months of pain will be nothing but a distant memory,,
you have the most beautiful grandbabies, have a wonderful Easter, I keep you in my thoughts and prayers,

Unknown said...

A good Netflix series is Bloodlines. It is wonderful. And if you can find it (I know it's on Acorn TV) is a place to call Home. It is extremely good.

Leslie Harris said...

Jane you're so lucky to have a granddaughter to babysit. She's adorable. Those must be such wonderful nights. And lets see. I've been reading a lot too, and I just finished the Woman in the Window also. I really enjoyed the plot on that one, although I figured out the hubby and daughter were dead I didn't see the twist at the end. Suspense are such a favorite genre of mine although I have a hard time finding good ones, do you too? I read Woman in the Cabin 10 and Women on the train too. What's with all these voyeuristic women LOL? I did buy a handful of books at the used book store including My Grandmother Asked me to Tell you she's Sorry which I have seen everywhere and finally decided to read. I also finished the memoir, The Gorilla and the Bird which written in was the most fascinating writer's voice ever; it's by a young Brooklyn attorney-stand-up comedian who has a psychotic break and it's about his journey back to mental health with his mother's incredible love and support. It was moving. I could go on forever about books but I wanted to switch topics and tell you how sorry I am to hear about your back surgery. Based on what you've shared, it does seem like it is the best way to get your pain-free active life back again. We'll talk more about it later. Have a wonderful Easter Jane!

sending you love and peace,
Leslie

Unknown said...

Mad is a little doll, so happy:). Your Easter table setting is pretty, love the bunny plates. Like everyone else said, hoping the surgery will end your constant pain, just wears your body out. Have a Blessed Easter with your family, Kathleen in Az

Sarah said...

Cutest little bunny dishes! No doubt those little girls are going to adoe eating off those plates. What fun it must be to have these littles in your life. Enjoyed your post. Hope your surgery is successful. Have a beautiful Easter with your darling family.

Maggie said...

Hi Jane, so lovely to read all your latest news today. Your bunny plates are lovely and so is your simple but stylish table setting. Sorry to hear about your imminent op, fingers crossed all goes well and that soon the horrid pain will be a thing of the past.
Wishing you a wonderful Easter with your precious family.
Maggie

Katie Mansfield said...

I'm sorry to hear about your back. I'll be saying a prayer for you. Your bunny plates are adorable and your recipe sounds amazing.Thanks for linking to Keep In Touch.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Hi Jane... I left a comment last week and I think it got eaten up. I'm going to see if this is posted.

Preppy Empty Nester said...

Oh good it worked. Please let me know when your surgery is. I go to Mass frequently and I want to make sure I'm there on your big day. Hope you had a great Easter and have a pain-free week.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

It is definately hard not to pop into those stores - trouble is you always find something you don't need! Oh well... Happy belated Easter!

Linda said...

💋
Cheers!
Linda :o)

jmac said...

Hi jane! I am in exactly the same place that you are with my back. I've been suffering since 2010 but I refuse to have surgery. I do pilates 3 times a week and I've done the epidural injections about 4 times. Done the pain pills. Done the chiroprator and the accupunture.
I have found that simple cortisone shots about every 3 months and therapy called Rolfing has really been helping. I have to drive to Dallas to have it done every 2 wks (4 hrs away) but it is so worth it. Look it up...a massage type of therapy that separates the fascia from the muscle allowing the discs to breathe and get a lil space between them. Also check out Duexis...really helps to relieve pain.
I'm going to follow you along on your journey...hoping you have good luck!!

Jill said...

I'm so sorry you have to have this surgery and the constant pain you are in. That little granddaughter needs you "fixed"!

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your back and that you have to have surgery. I pulled a hip muscle a couple of weeks ago and I'm trying to wean off using a walker with wheels.My neighbor loaned it to me when I was having a dizzy spell. It certainly has helped a lot. If you can rent or buy one with wheels it will help you get up and around instead of sitting in bed. We take our back muscles for granted until they don't work and you can't even stand up straight for more than a minute. Hope you had a nice Easter.

Deb from Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Oh so sorry to hear that you have to have surgery!

The grands are beyond adorable here though...so sweet

Debbie said...

Love the Spring tablescape, Jane. Of course, bunnies are a favorite of mine.
I am sorry to hear of your upcoming surgery, but in the long run, I am sure it's for the best.
Your little girlie is just the cutest. They grow way too fast, don't they?
I trust Easter was wonderful at your house.
We are still waiting for Spring to arrive here in the north.
Smooches.
Debbie
xo

Jane@Bluebird1959 said...

Hi Jane! Sending prayers and positive vibes your way for a successful surgery. You definitely will have to put in the PT time to get better and you will be so glad you do (eventually, lol)! Just don't give up...It takes time. Your plates, table scape and granddaughter are all beautiful. Jane

handmade by amalia said...

We don't have these mega chains like Pier One etc. around here and the ones we do have I don't visit. I like small, individual shops. And I try to shop less, anyway, as the house is simply bursting with stuff. That of course does not stop me coveting your super cute rabbit dishes, I love dishes. And yarn. And shoes. And so many more things :-) I've watched the first season of Stranger Things that is on Netflix and loved it. There is a second season out but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Sending a big strong hug and many good thoughts.
Amalia
xo

podso said...

I'm late to reading this and so sorry to hear of the need for you to have back surgery. My husband had this just a year ago and did very well and is so glad he had it. Not to say he is free from back pain, but much improved. He can take walks again and sit comfortably, etc. etc. I hope it goes well for you.

Kit said...

I am loving those bunny plates. Good luck with the surgery! My oldest will be getting back surgery in May. Our backs were just not made for modern times. Take care. Kit

An Oasis in the Desert said...

I'm late reading this post, and I am so sorry you are facing back surgery. I've had low back pain (arthritis) for years, but ever since chemo, I've had long bouts of sciatica. It use to go away for awhile, but not any more...likes to keep me company all the time now! I had an MRI this week and started physical therapy; but my doctor thinks an epidural will help. The physical therapist thinks my pelvis is out of alignment, and is bent on making it go back where it's suppose to be. She told me I would not like her for awhile, and she is right! Prayers going your way for a successful surgery and fast recovery!

Your recipes always sound and look so good, Jane. Your tablescape is lovely. We have a new HomeGoods about fifteen minutes away which is both a good thing and a bad thing. I think the biggest draw for me is their wonderful selection of kitchen linens...their prices cannot be beat!

You mentioned having read "The Woman in the Window," and I listened (audio books) to it recently....was not expecting the way it ended. It was very good.

I'm praying all goes very well with your back surgery.
Warm hugs,
Carol