Another snowy Sunday

No. 76 What is this, winter?

Feb 16, 2025

There is way more snow outside than they predicted. It’s not fluffy. It’s heavy, wet, and a lot more than expected. It’s now turned to sleet! Eventually it might be rain. Time for the hottest coffee and a bagel breakfast. Win. :)

Friends, I must admit I don’t have too many words this week. The primary thought I have today, and ever since I hit ‘publish’ last week, is thank you. Thank you so, so much for the incredible amount of support, kind messages, thoughtful outreach, and love we have received. It is both shocking and heartwarming. There is good in this world and wow, this group really showed up. I tried to reply to every single note; if I missed yours, then here is my giant thank you! You are too kind.

This week was back to the work routine and the distraction was much needed. Of course, my head was sometimes all over the place, but in general, I was glad to be moving forward. Regular routine, regular workouts, and regular everything. And then it was Valentine’s Day!

Whether you celebrate in a big way or not at all, I find this holiday to be a sweet reminder to appreciate those most important to you. Flowers, cards, gifts, candy, a nice meal, or something completely different, there is no ‘right way’ to express how much you love or appreciate someone. It’s just important that you do (or say) something.

If you prefer to ignore February 14 altogether, then go right ahead. I’m not the Valentine’s Day rule-maker. Or rule enforcer. I just love a holiday where the primary goal is to be nice. It’s nice to be nice! I also love a red and pink moment.

Truth be told, Seth and I stayed home on Valentine’s Day! He cooked one of my favorite comfort food dinners - crispy chicken ‘nugget’ meatballs and roasted cauliflower - and then we watched TV. That meatball recipe is stellar and it’s from the NYT Cooking app. ‘Twas a very chill Friday night and that was perfect to me. Earlier in the week we had opportunities to go out to a couple of our favorite spots so we deemed it an ‘early celebration.’

L-R: Valentine's Day lunch and dinner at home.

Again, there is no right way to celebrate, or acknowledge, the holiday. Given the circumstances as of late, I think we celebrated joyfully and appropriately - with a lot of great food. :)

Speaking of food, I saw that Selena Gomez’s fiance, Benny Blanco, gifted (surprised? shocked?) her on Valentine’s Day with a bathtub filled with nacho cheese (queso?) and tortilla chips spread all over the bathroom floor and in bowls. WHAT?!

Of course, we don’t know if that tub was completely full of liquid cheese or if it was an excellent trick for the audience (the internet) and was only maybe a top-layer of cheese. We also don’t know her true reaction. Or at least I didn’t try to look for it. We may never know. But I do know that my immediate thought was…yikes! Even as someone who also adores nacho cheese, bowls of queso, or nachos any day of the week, I was not exactly impressed. Cheese is for the kitchen. Not the bathtub.

This brief video struck me as a behind-the-scenes moment that should have stayed that way. Do as you please with all of that cheese, but perhaps keep it offline? I have a feeling the tsunami of (less-than-positive) comments may not have been worth it. Or he just doesn’t care! Must be nice. ;)

Pepper relaxing in a pile of street snow, not a care in the world.

In other news, I went on a denim hunt yesterday because nothing soothes my soul more than trying on pants (no joke), but alas I was extremely out of luck. Where are we buying denim these days, friends? As someone who takes pride in their pant collection and knowledge of the denim world, I was shocked and annoyed. Why is everything made for the tall and narrow? I am short and no-longer-narrow.

Yes, I have had luck to varying degrees with ordering from Citizens of Humanity and Nelle Atelier (a very cool specific-for-petites brand), but sometimes you just want to go to the mall and buy a pair of jeans! Retail therapy has been my favorite sport for decades.

Even Madewell, a brand I’ve considered trustworthy for a long time, wasn’t helping the situation. And OMG their dressing rooms are hot. Who is the target customer these days? Am I ‘too old’ for run of the mill denim? Or maybe too short? I can’t decide. Never wear a sweater for a pants hunt (my best advice). For the time being, I am sticking to the favorites in my closet and will revisit the process post-winter. If you have suggestions, I am here for it.

Gluten Free Mollie D.

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