Cooking

Moon Update

Many of you have asked how Moon is doing....  So I thought I would give you an update.
Our kitty seems to be holding strong, or at least stable, for now.  He's on a special kidney-friendly food, and is taking a couple of things to help his tummy feel better so that he feels like eating this new fancy-pants food.  We're watching him closely to make sure he doesn't stop eating again, or start showing any other signs of suffering.
In a round about way, it is a bit of a gift to get to know that the end may be approaching.  I know a lot of people who have had to deal with the shock of their pets just disappearing--  missing for good or suddenly and unexpectedly passing away.  It's a treasure, in a way, to be able to take this time to reflect on what this small unassuming animal has meant to me.
I was talking with a friend the other day about Moon, and she said something to the effect of "Moon has carried a lot of your grief over the years".  
This, I know is true.  Grief, joy, fear, loneliness, happiness, confusion--  these are all things we burden our pets with.  This cat has been a little fuzzy sponge that has often soaked up my worries and angst at the end of the day.  Also, now, he is the love of my little girl's life.  We're definitely up for suggestions any of you may have in how to talk with Violet about all of this.  It's going to be tough.

Monday Afternoon Birthday

My birthday is June 2nd.  But, apparently it was also my birthday today (according to Violet O.), and everyone was invited.

As you grow older you find that there are very few people who really care about celebrating your birthday.  But, when you become a mommy, there suddenly is this little person who loves and cares for you so incredibly much, that any and every day-- any old useless meaningless day-- is transformed into a birthday party in your honor.
I went into Violet's room after her nap today, and she informed me-- as she often does after nap time-- that it was indeed my birthday, and that she was going to "make a strawberry ice cream cone cake" for me, and that everyone could have some.

Please enjoy now this tidbit from my party.
http://youtu.be/p4btqw4UIHw

Moon

It's not good news;  Moon has been diagnosed with advanced kidney disease.  This is the kitty who I've had since age 14.  When other young ladies my age were becoming beautiful and starting to date boys, I was carrying this little siamese kitten around in the hood of my sweatshirt, and planning his first birthday party.

Moon was there through all of my high school years, he has seen me become a wife and a mother.  He's moved with me and has been my little companion through every major event that has happened for what has been just about exactly half of my life.  

So it's strange and a bit horrible to think that in a few days, weeks, months he might not be here anymore.  We're not really sure how long he has, but the vet didn't paint a very hopeful picture.  Keep us in your thoughts~  it's been a bit of a hard week for all of us here in the Sprague home.      

Creamy Spinach Penne

Creamy Spinach Penne 

I found this recipe on another mommy-food-veggie-blog that I read from time to time (http://www.squishedsquash.com), and OH.MY.STARS.  It was FANTASTIC!  Definitely one to add to our circuit.  

For the sauce:

1 clove of garlic

1/4 cup of almonds

2-3 oz cream cheese, (I the light kind)

1 roasted red pepper

a couple big handfuls of baby spinach

pinch of red pepper flakes

salt and pepper

Put this all in the food processor and give it a whir until it's pretty smooth. Put it aside until your ready to use on the cooked pasta.

For the tomatoes:

2 cups of grape tomatoes

olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

salt and pepper

While the pasta cooks, cook all ingredients in a skillet, covered, on medium heat. As the tomatoes begin to wrinkle and release their liquid, remove the cover. It will carmelize a little and get thick.

For the pasta:

1 lb whole wheat pasta

2-3 more handfuls of baby spinach

feta cheese

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions, reserving some starchy cooking liquid. Toss hot pasta into a bowl with the spinach and the sauce adding cooking liquid if needed. Top with tomatoes and cheese.

Red Walk

 Violet and I went for a walk this afternoon and looked for red.  We found it, here and there, along with a black and white cat.

Writing

Watch out Shakespeare, my little girl is learning how to write!

Also, in other news, I finished an Indian Treepie.