Moxxie Turns 34, World Keeps Spinning

This year's birthday weekend was all about getting out and about: I finally convinced Heath to wake up and join me on a stroll through our Public Market, through bushels and baskets overflowing with apples and pumpkins, jars of homemade maple syrups and jams, bundles of flowers, wheels of fresh cheeses, wine vendors and grape purveyors, delicious treats and all the odds and ends (more odds) that make our market so wonderful. Especially fun was a enjoying a luxurious moment to sit and people-watch from Java's, sipping coffee and shooting the breeze; and in the spirit of the moment, Heath fell in love with a local artist's rendition of a neighborhood, not far from our own: and so purchased it!
From there, it was on to the new local eatery Bodhi's Cafe, as our friend Andy was celebrating its opening after much hard work putting it together: Andy's delicious seared tuna and tasty paninis were outstanding--but we couldn't stay long, for the afternoon was sunny, warm, and had more in store. Off to Canandaigua's Culinary Institute for some more local flavor-savoring and a delightful walk along the lake, the trees turning their autumn hues that coincide with my birthday.

With Sunday came our Sukkah-hopping, more birthday cakes, and good wishes all around!

Little Logan Turns One

It's been a big year: new job, new house, new husband, new niece: with the end of summer and the beginning of the Jewish new year brought Logan's first birthday. I suppose any parent already knows how fascinating it is to watch an infant develop into a person, but to this new auntie the transitions and their fluid rapidness was just awesome to watch. Staci had asked me to bake Logan a Clifford the Big Red Dog cake, and I wasn't sure I could deliver. For one, I'd never baked a birthday cake for anyone. Then there was the issue of having absolutely no artistic talent. But somehow, with a little patience (and some wine), I managed this:

Not too shabby--and Logan must have thought the same. It didn't take long to get knee deep.

Soon, it was time to clean up and open presents, ...but Logan has set the bar very high when it comes to the art of eating cake. Here's to many more!