Yes, we’ve been M.I.A. for a few weeks. It’s a bit of laziness paired with lots of busyness, with a touch of computer problems.
But, hey, summer is here! St. Louis certainly didn’t hesitate to bring on the heat. In fact, temperatures in Missouri tapered off just yesterday, after a 10-day stretch of 95- through 98-degree weather — and taking humidity into account, the heat index had reached 110 degrees!
Here’s a rundown of news from Gandhi-Shepard land:
- Federer, here we come: We have been taking tennis lessons. And we are seriously good.
- He works hard for the money: Ben is a freelancing machine! He’s been web designing and branding for Announce Media and The School for Ethics and Global Leadership, and has just been hired by Pacent Learning Solutions. More jobs are in the pipeline.
- Reunited: My friend Alice flew in from Long Beach a little over a week ago to introduce her two daughters to their mom’s hometown. It was nice catching up after so long.
- Family affair: We purchased the iPhone 3GS with Momma Shushi, which made Ben a very happy man.
- Dads rule!: Father’s Day was a nice time spent with Ben’s dad and other relatives, though I missed my own dad a bunch.
- What’s cookin’?: I bought new cookware that’s so beautiful and shiny I don’t want to use it.
- Foofie Futon: In my unstoppable efforts to set up and furnish our home, we bought a futon for our family/reading room. Lounge-tastic! Plus, it’ll come in very handy when my parents and grandma visit. Come soon, Ba!
- Yes, that’s right: I shaved all four cats’ fur down to a buzz cut. Because I felt like it.
- Mo’ money: We refinanced our house.
- And we’ll all float on OK: We’re weeks away from my first float trip. Destination: Big Piney River. Yee-haw!
- Don’t be jealous, but…: We’re also headed to Spain later this summer. I am ec-static!
Ben and I had a sweet start to our weekend. Our 9-month-old nephew, Ian, came over on Friday for his first slumber party at our place.
We chatted and played and ate and laughed.
He offered tips on parenting, and we taught him all about childishness — it was a fair trade.
The highlight of our time together came Saturday morning, when the three of us strolled through the neighborhood and to Kaufman Park, where Ian insisted that he test the playground equipment — strictly for architectural design flaws, of course.
Methinks we’ll do it all again some day — he is rather awesome.
We love you, Bopper!
P.S. He’s even cuter in person.
Bumshiqua enjoys it when Ben or I surf the Web and work on the computer. Like a typical cat, she offers her company when it’s least needed. Notice her sitting pretty, paw stretched out over the keyboard in the photo below — classic cat style.
And then there’s our handsome Lewis, who sits nearby grooming himself, just waiting for his close-up.
We couldn’t have asked for a cuter, funnier family.
Since the onset of spring, we’ve had lots of visitors come by our place. We’ve welcomed them all — even those of a different variety.
Our cats are especially fond of the “different variety,” scurrying after birds and squirrels at full tilt the second the four sneaky felines can squeeze their furry heads out the door.
Since putting up birdfeeders and putting out food, our back yard has been a sight to behold. See for yourself.
Since moving to St. Louis, my eating habits are not what they used to (nor should) be. Food in the Midwest just can’t match the flavor and variety found in my beloved California — nor my mom’s kitchen.
That’s why Ben and I have been preparing meals at home; meals that are fresh, tasty and cheap!
I have my best friend, Kem, to thank for this latest recipe, called “mujadarrah.” Vegetarians will love it, but everyone should give it a try.
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