Christmas, Bluebird Ranch, and the Instant Pot

A lot has happened in the last few weeks.

We had a lovely Christmas in Virginia with the LeTard/Wiseman group. There is absolutely nothing better on Christmas morning than watching Kenny open his Rubric's cube from Santa, and Max trying out his new toy cars! The joy was palpable. We enjoyed many lovely meals together with Lanie's parents, and of course Christmas dinner with Lynn. 

We spent the New Year up in Rock Hill. Chris and I retreated to the Catskills and went for a few walks outside. The snow made an appearance and Chris tried out his new shovel!

I ended up staying up north (west?) because Omicron continued to rage in numbers that made me uncomfortable being back in school. I stayed virtual for an additional two weeks because Omicron does not discriminate, and I cannot afford to catch it. I stayed up in Rock Hill with Tassie for the first week, while Chris went back in-person in Tarrytown. The second week, Tassie came back for some Chris love. 

I was able to work from the sun room of Bluebird Ranch (lovingly named for its notable bright blue exterior and the style of the house).  Chris took the screens off the windows so that I can watch the birds in my two bird feeders. If work were not so crazy and my body not so uncomfortable, I would have loved it!

While I am feeling much better today, I was having a pretty hard time with the high dose of chemo that I've been on. I got a break for a few days, and we are likely going back down to a more tolerable dose. It has just been a tough ride. 

I have done as well as I can and did some cooking at Rock Hill while my mouth was feeling better. I learned that Cooks Illustrated/America's Test Kitchen has the BEST cream biscuit recipe. This is only problematic because I keep making them! I've also explored a bit more with the Instant Pot which has been fun.  I've enjoyed cooking for a few friends who have visited me upstate-- and can't wait to do it some more! Wil & Vickie (and their pup Aly) are frequent friends, The Brumby-Keiths have popped up, and Kristen too! I am looking forward to a Presidents' Day Weekend visit from the Buckwoods. 

Friends, take note! We have Legoland, a heated pool, and as many trails as your legs can go. We are also getting a fireplace insert soon to make Bluebird Ranch super-cozy. We are working on painting, putting some art on walls, insulating the basement, and getting some proper furniture. I guess if we can't travel and throw parties, we are busy nesting and hosting one-by-one. Also, we would love to host you!!