Greeting from the Bistro

And, another fine week it has been! In particular, I loved the storms and lightning early morning on Sunday and crawled out of bed to watch from my screened porch. It was magnificent. Better still, Niki and Pico, for the first time ever, had no problems with the noise and flashes of light. Usually Nik will crawl under the covers trembling.  It must be her “old age” kicking in. 10 is the magic number I guess. Even today, at their yearly physical, they were calm, cool and collected. Way, way different that the norm. Both had a great check-up, got their shots and heart worm tests and are resting quietly as I write.  I’m a dog mom freak and won’t take them in to the waiting room as Pico is an aggressive little 12 pounder who will sniff any dog any size and get his chops licked as a result. In dog terms “his bark is much worse than his bite.” The office girls I’m sure talk about the crazy Mary Brady who waits for a phone call that the “room” is ready for her dogs. Yikes. I do what I can for them…

And then there is my Ziezo. We competed in our first horse show together  last weekend and had a wonderful time.  It turns out that we are well matched as a “couple” in the dressage ring. I’m a horrible dancer but Z may change that as a horse partner. There is, much like food competitions, a preparation ritual to be adhered to getting ready to go to the show.  Only in this case it means getting 1400# horse “packed up” too.   I’m lucky to have my 86 year old “groom-assistant” to help. Z adores Courtney who brings him treats and curries and brushes and combs him. He nuzzles her and I love to hear her little giggles as he does. Often I’ll overhear her telling him that he is “beautiful all over.”  What a gift. It is very spiritual. She’ll get all his food and supplements packed up while I gather all the tack, and grooming paraphernalia. Then we tag team cleaning the saddle, bridle, girth and boots. Even though this is done every time I ride we give extra care for when we’ll have an audience.  We have check lists that are crossed off as we put it into my car.  “Z”  gets his “beauty shop” too. A bath, mane clean-up and tail wash. I look forward to these shows as I learn a ton and better yet, get some real quality time with my big baby boy.

Speaking of baby boys my nephew Thomas turned 16. We celebrated with a Taco Dinner last night and he was first in line yesterday to get his driver’s license. I remember that my mom made sure that I had my license on my birthday too. I could then help her schlep my younger siblings to their after school activities. Yikes…

Chalkboard features are awesome – BBQ Ribs, Dry Rubbed & Slowly Braised in Cola Then Brushed with a Bourbon BBQ Sauce; Sweet Sea Scallops Seared to Golden and Presented with Parmesan Risotto and Then Drizzled with Pesto made with Loveage and Chive Blossoms from my Garden; Grilled Ahi Tuna served with a Toss of Miso Garlic Sugar Snaps and Korean Disco Fries and a lovely Veggie Whole Wheat Pasta with Grilled Corn, Fire Roasted Tomatoes and Bell Pepper with a Sprinkle of Feta. YUM!!!

WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO AND REMEMBER,

MAKE EVERY DAY A MILLION DOLLAR ONE!!!

XO, Mary