Hey Sar-

Finding a wonderful recipe is like finding your husband/mate for life. You know, when you encounter something so great, such a perfect fit for you, you know there's no turning back - that you can easily commit yourself to that one and only flavor for the rest of your life, and you know in a profound way that you'll never get tired of it?

Ma chere amie,

Ahhhh, summer vacation. Ours was wonderful, if not a bit slower-paced than usual, because each and every one of us came down with some sort of sickness. From strep throat to pinkeye to cutting a new tooth, by the end of the week we were all popping pills and dropping drops and keeping our fingers crossed that it would all pass quickly. (And for the most part, thankfully, it did.)

Coucou ma cherie!

This just in: packing for vacation requires a vacation. We are going away for a few days this weekend, and I've realized that by the time I get the kids packed, my shit packed, the car packed, the food packed, the toys, I mean, HONESTLY...I need a vacation! I'm in list mode right now, and because there are so many ditties I've been wanting to send/tell you this week, here goes...

Chere Sarah,

My sister-in-law and I were talking last night...what's the word for that feeling of urgency and desperation you have right before things get better? Like, remember in college when it was the week before spring break and you were like, "Thank God it's almost here because I definitely couldn't do another week of school without a vacation." Somehow you're able to power through, but only because you know that relief is right around the corner. Or a more crass example - when you have to pee even worse *right* before you're about to go? 

Ma chere, chere amie,

What month is it? Fuck, what YEAR is it?

I'm sorry I have been an absent pen pal these past few months. This adjustment to our new life in Montana has not been without its challenges. Don't get me wrong - we're thrilled to be here and have absolutely zero regrets about our decision to move - but as you know, part of our transition meant that I would effectively be a single parent until T finishes up work in NY and can join us full time in the spring...

Hello from Mountain Time, chere amie! As you know, we have been in the midst of a move that has brought us from New York City to the mountains of Montana. To say things have been messy/stressful/hectic these past few weeks is, well, a MASSIVE understatement. I generally have a hard time packing my own bags for a weeklong vacation. But packing and preparing a family of four for a cross-country move? Well, that’s been a challenge unlike any other...

Sar-hey, Sar! Did you hear that? No? Listen again. I'll give you a clue. It's not so much what it is, as what it isn't. No whir of the washing machine on spin cycle, no "It's the ciiiiiiiircle of liiiiiiiife" from Dash's third Lion King viewing in as many days, no alphabet polka music coming from Keillor's Fisher Price play station, just.....silence. Sweet, sweet silence.