the promise of good things to come

* i spent the weekend at my parents’ place. on saturday, i did five loads of laundry – it felt as though i was washing every single thing i own – and then cleaned their house. toilets, sinks, floors, etc. it was very productive, and tiring in a good way.

* next sunday, trix, her friend and i will bask in déjà vu to re-install the laminate flooring in her basement. we're hoping it's a relatively quick and painless endeavour, but all secretly fear there's the potential for lots of headaches, blisters and profanity -- since one cracked panel or chipped edge could mean the entire project is delayed.

* my mom and i made* the Most Amazing Soup EVAH (*with thanks to giada de laurentiis) yesterday. chock full of goodness and nutrients and flavour. the recipe was supposed to make 10 servings, but my parents and i ate five bowls between us... and then froze 14 (!) more. i will be eating this soup from now until christmas, there’s that much left. but that’s okay because, as mentioned, it was fantastic. and i felt so proud of having made it under mom’s watchful eye.

* after a grocery-shopping trip, my fridge and cupboards are now fully re-stocked. my most exciting purchases: a big bag of fresh, plump, firm cherries and a box of chocolate-chip-pecan cookies. i also picked up lots of whole grain pasta. yogurt. fruit. milk. bagels. popcorn. grape pop. and brought home some frozen chili (and soup!).

* this morning, in the still-cool air, i walked to the library to pick up all the requested items that came in for me, including the first (of many) research materials for my new project. i’m looking forward to exploring this little-known corner of history and, hopefully, eventually creating something unique.

* young beatrix has loaned me her canon EOS rebel XT camera – which she inherited (gratis!) from a camera-loving friend with surplus inventory, and hasn't really used herself – so that i can learn how to master it. there’s a detailed instruction manual, and i’m super-excited about taking some photos with a “fancy” camera instead of just my little 7.0MP point-and-shoot. nevermind the prospect of lenses and remote shutter-release triggers.

* tomorrow is june 1st. i kind of can’t believe it.