College, Cooking and Nico's on a Diet!

As I sit here waiting for the "mom can you make breakfast?" call, I marvel at my life. My son who makes the food calls and must have hollow legs, is home from college....as is my daughter who is preparing to take the LSAT's.  Where did the years go? But more importantly....how did I get so blessed?

And Nico the extra large cock-a-poo is on a diet to loose the 4 lbs. that he gained scoffing the three other dog's food!  So now along with the lamb and rice kibble, he gets gently warmed string beans with a hint of chicken broth and leftover vegetable fried rice. Alas, his brother Buddy and sisters Juliet and Bella are complaining because they are also on a forced diet because their human mom is only cooking one gourmet meal for all of them.

In the background is the loud siren of the local fire truck.  I ran to the door to look outside...and there to my delight was Santa Claus sitting atop the highest seat on the truck. 

One of my ladies, in the current book....is a baker.  She is from a certain culture.....with certain delicious food and she grew up baking with her Grandma and mother.  And ladies, she is no ordinary woman.  While she loves to bake and grew up in a place and culture where woman had a suppressed place....she is no shrinking violet.  In the face of dire emergency, she responds extraordinarily...she loves her family, but she loves adventure and standing up for the underdog more. She's inspiring and amazing and loving and one tough cookie.

Here's a picture of Nico as a baby or should I say pup.  My how he's grown....and I have to go...just got the food call....lots of food on the menu!