family

Valentines weekend

February 15, 2016

We had a fun- filled weekend starting with Hannah’s first winter formal dance. It was a 1920’s theme and I think she pulled off lady Hannah rather beautifully. And Chris was quite the dapper chaperone!

While Hannah and Chris were off dancing the night away, Norah and I went out for Indian food.

Saturday was spent cooking, cleaning and sprucing up our home for dinner guests that evening.

On Sunday we hosted an afternoon Valentine tea party. There was lots of chocolate, whipped cream, heart shaped sugar cookies and of course conversation hearts. But my favorite were the pickled radish hearts. We have an over abundance of watermelon radishes from our winter CSA share and last week I packed a huge mason jar full and covered them with a salty, spicy brine. I was pleasantly surprised to find that within a few days they had turned a beautiful shade of pink. Cut into hearts, they were perfect paired with cheese and nuts.

We ended the evening with Downton and all was right with the world:)

Today Norah cashed in on one of her Christmas gifts and attended a 4 hour long cooking class. She came back even more inspired to cook new things (if that was even possible).

It is now snowing and we are getting ready to cozy up and watch this.

How was your weekend my friends?

Uncle Roddy

February 11, 2016

I come from a hardworking, talented and extremely creative family. Stubborn, tough, persistent and strong-willed also come to mind when I think of the Bostons. We are made up of musicians, chefs, quilters, farmers, knitters, gardeners, teachers, nurses, interior designers, carpenters and artists to name a few.

My uncle, Rodman Boston, AKA Roddy, (Pop’s namesake) is an extremely talented artist, not to mention stubborn and strong-willed, and I am lucky enough to have several of his pieces throughout my home. I especially love his landscapes, so calm and serene. I took that photo of him painting a Cape May beach scene in his studio this past fall . Believe it or not, he was going through chemo as he was painting. I told you us Bostons were tough!

Unfortunately Roddy was diagnosed with brain cancer in September. The tumor is responding well to the chemo and has been shrinking dramatically and he has regained most of his vision . However, the latest round of chemo left his immune system very weak. In January, Rod picked up an infection and ended up in the ICU in septic shock. After 6 days on life support, he started a road to recovery and is now working hard to get out of the hospital and back home with my aunt Isabel and his two beloved dogs. Roddy is off of oxygen and talking, drinking and eating, although he has quite a ways to go to regain his strength and mobility.

Over the last few months, unable to sleep at 3 am because of steroids, he’s been sketching in his hospital room, or in his studio painting, or downstairs in his basement constructing frames. These past 4 months have been some of the most prolific in his life. It’s a beautiful thing how he has turned the most challenging time of his life into the most creative one, doing what he loves most!

I am sharing this story because it is all consuming right now in my life, but also to allow you a chance to win one of Roddy’s beautiful paintings through a donation.

This raffle allows anyone the chance to win one of his paintings for a fraction of their value. It also gives Rod the chance to share some of the beauty he has created.

You can click here to read more about my uncle Roddy and how he is a BOSS at life and fighting cancer.

As Pop would say, “Keep the faith, boy.”

You’ve got this BOSS-ton!

Another year at the lake

August 3, 2015

We had another blissful get away to the lake this summer.

The perfect reprieve from the hot and sticky week we had back home.

The weather was glorious and although it is so very hard to leave we all feel rested and renewed.

Tuesday Nights with Izzy

February 12, 2014

i look forward to tuesday evenings with my sister elizabeth (or izzy as my girls call her).
being my only sibling i feel so lucky that she only lives 5 minutes away.
over the last year we have enjoyed dinner together almost every week.
it usually falls on a tuesday night and we alternate hosting each week.
there are no specific rules. no pressure, no stress.
sometimes we eat pancakes for dinner. and sometimes there is a roast chicken and scalloped potatoes.
the kids play while we cook and chat.
and the night is never complete without lots of giggling. usually resulting in me getting the hiccups.
some things never change.

Meet Harry

July 13, 2013

meet harry!
a white dog with black spots like this fellow.
we are smitten.

he’s a coton de tulear.
and a lovebug.
he’s a 4 month old pup and a perfect mix of playful, friendly and mellow.

the girls have been begging us for a year now for a dog.
i always just said no with excuses like our house is too small. norah and i have allergies. too much time. too much money.
but luckily their persistence got me thinking more about it and we started to do some research on breeds and what kind of pup might fit well with our family.

well we found him and i can’t even believe just how perfect he fits in.
it’s like he has always been here.

A Birthday Brunch

February 17, 2013

and the celebrating continues.
this morning we had friends and family over for a birthday brunch for hannah.
we made a very large dutch baby (a recipe from a bed and breakfast on our honeymoon to alaska), potato hash with spinach and eggs, fresh fruit, cream scones and salty dogs made with fresh squeezed ruby red grapefruit. (from 3191Q).
the conversation and company lingered well on into late afternoon making for the perfect sunday.

i just washed the last dish and there is a game of back gammon waiting for me.
it’s 5 o’clock and we can still play by daylight!
spring is coming.

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