A great Mother's Day weekend!






D. on rear patio at 10 Fitch

We departed from home at 1320 and arrived at 10 Fitch at 1600. Pretty good time considering we stopped for a bite to eat along the way. The traffic was moderate and unusually slow so I decided to go with the flow, and stayed in the right lane.

We were the first of our party of six to arrive. Katie C. was in front pulling weeds and tree seedlings from the flower beds. She welcomed us with open arms, a big smile and her genuine enthusiasm. There were big hugs all around. Katie was hobbling some due to her recent ACL surgery. She said it was more from tightness than discomfort. She informed us that she would be not only our chef, but also our proprietress for the weekend as Katie H. and Jay (the owners) were going to friends for the weekend.

Inside, we were greeted by Katie H. and Jay. Katie nicely mentioned to Jay that they were to be at their friend's place in 45 minutes and were running behind schedule. So off they went leaving us in Katie C's capable hands.

D. and Katie C. discussing menus? for the weekend.

Katie had a cheese platter and chilled wine waiting for us. We hung out in the kitchen (where else?) nibbling, sipping, and chatting while we waited for the kids to arrive. While kibitzing, D. showed Katie a recipe in a Williams Sonoma Catalog that she had brought along, that she thought sounded like something Katie might whip up.

************************

Waffles with Maple-Glazed Bananas This recipe puts a new twist on the classic bananas Foster. We use maple syrup instead of the traditional brown sugar, and pair sautéed bananas with waffles and whipped cream to produce a delicious breakfast dish.

6 Tbs. (3/4 stick) unsalted butter
3/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup dark rum (optional)
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or extract
4 bananas, peeled and cut diagonally into slices
1/2 inch thick
4 large waffles
Sweetened whipped cream for serving



In a large sauté pan over medium heat, melt the butter with the maple syrup. Stir in the cinnamon, rum and vanilla and simmer for 1 minute.

Add the bananas to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the bananas to a serving plate. Pour the maple syrup mixture into a sauceboat. Serve immediately with waffles and whipped cream. Serves 4.

Williams-Sonoma Kitchen

********************

Michelle and Josh were next to arrive and so got first dibs on the remaining rooms. Michelle chose the Equestrian Suite because it had the whirlpool tub.










That left the Gardenview Suite for Jacob and Kristi, which was fine by them.














Katie put together additional cheese, crackers and wine and we sat out on the deck just off the kitchen. D. showed her photos and post cards from her trip to Spain, passed out gifts bought in Spain and regaled us with tales of her pilgrimage walk.




While the girls dressed for dinner Jacob, Josh and I went off in search of a liquor store so as to purchase more wine for dinner the following night.
Tonight we decided to dine at a nice Italian Restaurant, Parisi's Bistro at The 5 Point.

This is a picture I took at Parisi's last February when D. and I dined there.

We arrived without reservations at Parisi's around eight o'clock and were seated after a 5 minute wait. Dinners were scrumptious but over abundant, unlike the French style of quality over quantity. Michelle and I each had Chianti to drink. She thought it was a little "off", but I was able to get two glassfuls down. D. had Merlot, which she thought a little sour. The boys had beer which they stated were right on. Kristi mixed her beverages and I'm not really up on the concoctions she imbibed. All in all, we were quite satisfied both with the meal and the cost, which was extremely reasonable.

By now I was buzzed and had lost track of time. I was glad not to be driving. My alcohol intake is usually limited to two glasses of wine and I'd exceeded that by a few glassfuls since our arrival in Auburn. It was a short visit to the library at 10 Fitch, before I headed up to the safety of a comfortable bed.

At 0230 D. and I both awakened with a need for motrin and a bottle of water. That did wonders for me, however D. felt poorly enough at 0500 to deposit dinner in the commode. In fact she was debilitated 'til around noon.

When I went down to take some early morning photos at 0645, Sean, Katie's beau was there with their dog Gully playing catch on the back lawn.

Michelle and Josh came down about that time to say that they were going to go to Dunkin' Donuts to get coffee and did I want some? To which I replied; but of course. Actually I think I sad; mais oui!. Katie wasn't up yet so the house coffee wasn't made yet....most folks do not get out of bed as early as I do, especially on a holiday weekend.

When the coffee arrived I took up space in the sunroom to write up the daily scribble.

Tomorrow: Saturday Breakfast with Katie.