Monday, July 21, 2008

What a weekend

What a weekend.

On Saturday MizBubs and I visited the Midwest Fiber & Folk Art Fair at McHenry College. She bought some wool, I bought some hiking socks made from alpaca, and we met some interesting people who run small goat farms. We've been stepping up the research into learning what it will take to get out of where we're at, and into that rural compound we've been dreaming of. It was great talking with some people who've actually done it and are making a living at small sustainable farming. The event was livened up by the presence of the Barehand Jug Band. You know I was happy when I turned a corner and heard the magic combination of tuba and spoons. I turned to an older gent who was enjoying the show, and we mentioned that the only thing missing was a washboard. 10 minutes later I walked by and sure enough, they had an adorable girl playing a washboard. Nice kids, good music.

After the fair we headed out to Grayslake and spent the next few hours catching up with some good friends who (I'm almost ashamed to say this) we haven't seen in a couple of years. It was like we'd just visited last week, and next thing it was 1 am and time to go home. We drove home through a beautiful thunderstorm and collapsed into bed happy.

On Sunday we got to meet Katy aka Dino and her man Grumpy, who stopped by while they were in town for a wedding. The visit was good, but too short. I realized too late that I was a horrible host--I thought it would be nice to sit out in the screen house, and it didn't occur to me until over an hour later that it was too hot and humid to comfortably sit outside. The swamp dweller in me was oblivious to the discomfort of our guests until it was almost time for them to go. Please come back Katy, I promise we can sit in the air conditioning next time.

Later that afternoon we were visited by jet-setting expatriate Lulu. Back on her winter vacation Lulu gifted us with a bottle of Thai whisky, so I invented a drink for the occasion:
The Muay Thai Fizz



-2 shots of unknown Thai whiskey



-2 shots of lime juice

Pour in a tall glass full of ice, top with tonic water and garnish with a sprig of mint. Fizzy and refreshing, and if you drink more than two you'll feel like you climbed in the ring and got kicked in the head. Invigorating.

Later we chowed down on pork and pie. Pork tenderloin wrapped in herbs and bacon, steamed new potatoes with fresh pesto, and a lemon chess pie, with black raspberry compote whipped up by MizBubs.



Mmmmm. Pie.

Tomorrow it's jury duty for my better half, and a physical exam and back to work for me. Happy trails!


7 comments:

lulu said...

Thanks again for a wonderful evening! I am a full and happy girl!

Fran said...

You always make visits with you and Miz Bubs sound like so much fun.

As for me, I would say "Hey you dirty bastid, the food and drinks are good but it is as hot as whore in heat man, can we get the feck inside?"

Well I wouldn't really, but it sure does sound good, doesn't it?

GETkristiLOVE said...

You had me at pork and whiskey...

Dr. Monkey Von Monkerstein said...

Both the pie and that drink look good. One day I'll hang out at Chez Bubs and I'll get to live the "Swanky Life" too.

Dino said...

you were a great host as was Miz Bubs. Loved the drink and the snack and yes it was way to short. Sorry we had to leave so soon. We hope to repeat either here or there - there is still Vegas after all :)

Cormac Brown said...

Um, when the kids move out, do you two want to adopt me?...









...give it some thought, seriously. Feed me like that and I'll do all my chores and I'll never sass you and stuff.

Anonymous said...

I just saw the lemon chess pie. I'll say it again - I want to come live with Miz Bubs and you and the brilliant and talented children.

When you get sick of me, just call my sister-in-law in Des Plaines and tell her to come fetch me.