Another year has rolled by, steadily picking up speed on the way. I feel like a spring thaw is just around the corner and we haven’t even had a good cold spell yet. At least these are happy times, just fast happy times.
Kim came down on Friday and we had a fabulous time, as always. As soon as she arrived we jetted off to the outlets since I had a coupon for the Le Creuset store. We were on 15, merrily chatting away, when I saw a big black dog run across the road into my lane. I hit the brakes, slapped on the hazards and pulled over. The truck behind me stopped, and I was able to grab the very friendly black chow’s collar. Meanwhile his little black and white terrier friend came running over to say Hi, and I was sure the cars coming the opposite way were not going to be able to stop, but they did. I grabbed his collar too and tried to wrangle both of them back across the street. The little terrier started whining but I got them across the street, where I thought they lived. I shooed them toward the house….but they kept running past it. I was about to go get them again to see if they had tags, but another lady had stopped and grabbed them. So I assume they are ok. Run little doggies, run!
Anyway, after that we headed to the outlets, did some furious shopping, ate and came home.
Kim had gone to a knitting event the weekend before and asked Jared Flood to sign his pattern book for me for my birthday, which delighted me to no end:
I couldn’t stop squealing. I love me some Jared Flood. I don’t want to be crass and discuss all the wonderful gifts I received from all my various friends and family, but I did want to also share this adorable polar bear spatula she gave me. I have never seen one before and it is just perfect:
Of course I don’t want to stain it so I have to be very careful what I use it for. Sugar cookies, anyone?
Sharan came over later that night for some wine and knitting time. Misty was also very happy to see her.
Knitting, wine, and friends – perfect!
Saturday was my actual birthday, and Aaron woke me up with a handmade birthday card which I just loved. Pat and Kelly and Lila came over for mimosas and brunch (including Kelly’s awesome gluten free crepes!) and we had an awesome time. Lots of nutella, bananas foster, champagne, and good friends. What more could a girl want?
Aaron made me the most amazing chocolate cake ever (a Barefoot Contessa recipe). Seriously, this cake beats out every other chocolate cake I’ve ever had. It is divine. It might be because of the extra love he puts in when he bakes it for me 
I did manage to snap a picture of another gift – Aaron gave me this beautiful peridot necklace, which I haven’t taken off since.
After we recovered from brunch we got ready to head out to the Melting Pot for dinner.
Dinner was delicious, and those wild berry martinis are no joke. It’s always more fun to cook your own food than you think it’s going to be. I’m not proud of this, but we didn’t even have enough room for dessert! I know, I’ll try harder next year, promise.
Kim headed out shortly after breakfast on Sunday, in the dreary downpour. I immediately took a nap.
It was a fantastic weekend – I am a truly lucky girl.