Butter is Love

My husband is out of the country 60% of the time. This leaves me with lots of time to watch my favorite movies, drink my favorite wine, and self analyze.

Those who know me well, know that I bake with real, unsalted butter. Always have. Always will. I also like to bake a lot. Cookies, pies, coffee cakes, whatever. For the last few months, I haven't enjoyed baking. My oven has seen little action and my kids forgot how to help in the kitchen. I was in a funk.

So, what comes first, the neighbor or the baked goods?

I say this because I recently made a friend who lives in my building. Let me be clear. She's exactly what I needed! We both love our label-makers, we homeschool our kids, we like alone time and each other. She has girls who play with my girls and everybody wins. After our first couple of visits, without even thinking about it, I gravitated toward my kitchen. I whipped up some cookie bars and some cake. I found myself running down the stairs to her place in my apron so she could have cookies fresh out of the oven.

I've always said that butter is love. I show my love for others with baked goods. When I lived in rural Michigan, I baked for my friend close-by. The guys at the feed mill next door always got slabs of banana bread or cookies. When I moved to Moscow, it was for the older couples in our neighborhood, and the single guys who never got homemade anything. When I moved again in Moscow, it was for the Marines and for my favorite neighbor downstairs. She was, quite possibly, my biggest fan. I knew it, she knew it. It worked.

Without even noticing it, I didn't bake in DC because I didn't have somebody with whom to share. Someone accused me once of trying to fatten up those around me with goodies so I look better. If that means touching the lives of others using real butter, then I'm guilty.

Where to get Greek food and other tips...

I have emerged from the winter. From moving. From feeling lonely. In celebration of my bliss, I took care of myself today. First I went and splurged on a curtain I wanted. I used a 20% off coupon at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. I know this sounds common place but it has taken me two months to acquire such a valuable piece of paper. After the curtain, I went tanning. Judge what you may. I have Psoriasis and my skin has not seen the sun in a few months which causes me pain. I'm not an old lady so I won't start telling you about my medical ailments, but the sun helps, even if it is in a box.

As I walked back to my car I passed a salon. Not just a standard place where I would take my kids. A real, fancy salon. I stopped in, asked if there was a haircut available and took the first chair. In Washington DC, so many young professionals are the most well-kept people I've ever seen. I desire to maintain my eclectic clothing style, but my hair isn't trendy in any standard. It was time.

The stylist was clearly European and asked me about my last cut. I told him it was in October. He visibly cringed. I remembered later that it was actually in December, but that whole month is muddled in my mind. Either way, we are talking about five to seven months of a lack of maintenance. My kids have each had three cuts since then. Why the delay? Why do mothers self-sacrifice all the time? At least I've been to the dentist, right?

Anyway, I asked him about his nationality. He explained that he is Lebanese Greek and has lived in the US for 22 years. Excited about getting an opinion on authentic Greek food, he suggested a few local restaurants. Then, the icing on the cake.

"For authentic Greek food, there is Taverna in Old Town Alexandria. People who own are from island of Crete."

"Excellent!" I replied. He went on.

"For the family, there is this wonderful restaurant. Do you know it? It is called 'Olive Garden'! For a small price of meals they bring you large jar of salad---for free! My kids don't eat it so there's so much salad for my wife and me. And sticks made of bread, so good!"

At this point, when I realized he was talking about THE Olive Garden, I had to contain my giggles. He told me of his travels to Paris, Athens, and large cities in the US. Still, he repeated his recommendation for this American/Italian franchise. Right before I left he threw in a shout-out for Outback Steakhouse, if you like that sort of place.

He firmly suggested that I not wait as long next time to have my hair trimmed. Maybe two months. Maybe when I see him again I will suggest Applebee's or TGIFridays.