Welcome to the Bistro!

And, another fine week it has been.  What great weather to enjoy the outdoors. I had a wonderful day off starting with a spirited ride on my mighty steed Z.  Once again he amazed me with his kindness towards Courtney his almost 90 year old “groom.” She just pops into the barn, grabs his brushes and goes to town getting him spruced. He absolutely adores her, and she him. I rarely have put my horses in cross-ties to groom because I like the closeness and bonding that being in the stall with them creates. So, Court is in a pretty big space with a pretty big horse that is totally free to move wherever he pleases but stands like a gentleman for his tiny friend giving her nudges, snorting gentle breaths of warm air and enjoying her fussing over him. And, to make it better, he is always glad to see me too! There is a difference though, Courtney is all fun, I’m fun and work. But, we both love him and he gets his fair share of treats from the both of us. We are very lucky girls. The pups are great too. Nikibelle will be 11 on Saturday and bounds around like a 2 year old. She and Pico keep each other in shape with playful and energetic wrestling. Pico loves to accompany me as I fill the bird feeders and today we startled a huge owl. It was just dusk and we both saw it in unison, surprised ourselves. It was large enough that I took the dogs inside as I didn’t trust that he, or she, would not try to snatch one for dinner. I think they are too big but I’ve seen the hawks around my woods, much smaller than the owl, flying off with good size prey. I wasn’t taking the chance. I did grab my binoculars and was fortunate that it had not moved from its perch and watched it for a good time as it rotated its head nearly 360 degrees searching for supper. It was fascinating to observe and a real treat as there are not many chances to enjoy such a beautiful and powerful bird so close-up.
 
Monday is Columbus Day, the anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on 10-12-1492. An Italian explorer from the Republic of Genoa he was the first European to make the voyage across “the ocean blue.” Franklin Roosevelt declared it a federal holiday in 1937 and it was fixed to the second Monday in October in 1970.  Ironically the day coincides with Canada’s Thanksgiving and the Anniversary of the U.S. Navy on 10-13-1775.  Although it is a very patriotic holiday framed around national loyalty and social progress it is controversial because the settlement of Europeans led to the demise of large portions of native people.  Unlike the banks and post office we’ll be open with arms wide-open to greet you all day!
 
Sharon and crew have some awesome Chalkboard Features starting tonight. American Red Snapper is Pan Roasted and Accompanied with Hush Puppies, Garlicky Tomatoes and Remoulade; the 1# Porter House Served with Bistro Zip Sauce, Horseradish Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Balsamic Mushrooms; Prosciutto Wrapped Alaskan Halibut presented over Asiago Polenta and topped with a Cool Fennel, Grapefruit and Arugula Salad and the Veggie Delight – Stuffed Delicata Squash Filled with Quinoa, Spinach, Roasted Pears and Caramelized Onions. YUM!!
 

THE PET PANTRY IS EMPTY AS MEALS ON WHEELS JUST DID A PICK-UP…WE NEED TO STOCK IT UP PLEASE!
 

 
MAY ALL YOUR DAYS BE A MILLION DOLLAR ONES!!!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO...
 
XO, MARY