Welcome to the Bistro

And another fine week it has been. I had a great 48 hour trip to Atlanta last week to attend my niece, Maddy’s, baby shower. Her little bundle of joy, a boy, is due within the next couple of weeks. I stayed with her mom, my sister Marj, and sister Izzy came from Florida so there was a contingent of “Smith Sisters” to join the celebration. My niece Elizabeth, who spent summers with Tom and I for years (5-10 years old), lives close by so we were able to spend a lot of time together. She is a lovely young woman whose husband, Alex, is in the military and often gone. Many times to bad, bad places. Luckily he was stateside and we were all able to enjoy his company.  We all got in a few “investigative” restaurant visits, my doing, and were all in all pleased with our selections. Atlanta is a huge eating and drinking town so Marj did a great job of choosing a couple great places. It was fun but also nice to get back home to the pups, who were not the worse for ware as my awesome doggie sitter Matt took great care of them. I hate to admit it but a 48 hour go-go-go trip is fun but boy did I feel it afterwards. Catching up at work and home provides no down time. I did neglect my big boy Picasso this week missing a couple of rides. He was very happy to see me and his really-good-treat-friend Courtney this morning. What a cool horse and doggies I am blessed with.

As we enter the holiday season consider the meaning of Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? I have a long, long list, yet, there are many people and pets whose list includes you and me because of our generosity to them. Go through your closets and donate your gently used coats and sweaters. Remember our veterans who are not able to spend time with friends and families because they are servicing our country. Send a card or gift through the Red Cross, USO or church group. Help parents in need put toys under the tree for their children. There are lots of toy and book drives going on all over the area.  Check with local food banks and see what they are in need of to feed the hungry. You’d be surprised that your next door neighbor may be getting their food from a community kitchen.  Remember, it is in giving that you receive. Generosity feels good.

Remember that Tuesday is Veterans Day a celebration honoring fellow Americans who have served our country in the military.  They have protected our greatest blessing, that of freedom.  Our Constitutional rights and the fight for world peace are strengthened daily thanks to them.  May we be thankful for their service.

On a side note relating to veterans I’m reading an incredible book, “The Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand the author of Seabiscuit. It is sooo… good, and I’m glad for the roll-back of savings time (I don’t get that concept but that’s another story) as the dogs still get up at their usual time which now translates to 6 AM so I have devoted the extra hour of lost-sleep to reading a couple of chapters each morning. It is intriguing. 

The new menu items are proving to be very popular. My favorites are the black bean flatbread and warm blue cheese dip with corn tortilla chips. And, the kale and roasted squash salad is so delicious and is healthy to boot. Sharon and crew have some lovely board specials starting tonight too including: Miso Glazed Red Grouper with Green Tea Sticky Rice;  Hot and Bubbly Turkey Lasagna; Roasted Michigan Lake Trout presented with Chevre Cheese Potato Gratin and a Lovely Grilled Mediterranean Veggie Plate including Thick Cut Red Onion, Eggplant, Peppers and Halloumi Cheese. YUM!


NOW, MAKE IT YOUR GOAL TO HAVE A MILLION DOLLAR DAY!!!

XO, Mary