Happy St. Patrick's Day…Guess What! I Cooked Irish Stew!

I can't believe I actually made something that turned out great! I got an idea this morning that I wanted to make something special for St. Patrick's Day for my Hub. He didn't want corned beef because of the sodium, so I found a recipe for low carb Irish Stew.

Here's the picture from the website:
Mine isn't nearly as pretty...I think the recipe picture was taken before all the ingredients melded together. So, here's mine:Even though it's not pretty like the recipe picture, it was delicious! I bought only 4 lamb chops instead of 8 (they were super expensive) and I used low-sodium chicken stock instead of vegetable stock. I also added some carrots even though they are not in the recipe (although they are in the recipe picture).

Hub (Mr. Gourmet Chef) loved it! I know he wasn't just being nice, because it was very flavorful and quite lovely. The best part is I had a lot of fun in the kitchen, which is a totally new experience for me.

Anyway, today has been a really a good day.

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My husband is doing great. He is back to almost his normal self. He told me he likes having me around in the morning (I've been staying home to help him in the morning). And it has been nice to sleep in a bit, and take care of him (get him breakfast and medication, help him with his compression stockings and the CPM machine, etc). I feel as if we have gotten a lot closer because of the surgery.

B also is in heaven that I'm home, and we've been going to the park every morning.

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Another wonderful day was Tuesday. I had such a fantastic meet up with Roxie and Diana. You can see a picture of us on Diana's blog. (I love this picture!)

As I waited in the lobby of Roxie's hotel, I wondered if I would recognize her. But I knew her right away from her blog, and she recognized me even though she's never seen pictures of me (since I don't post pictures of me on my blog). We hugged and talked for a few minutes, then Diana showed up. Then we all hugged, and it was like we'd known each other for years! It was like a reunion, even though we'd never met each other before.

We went across the street and had lunch at Palomino's. (We each had almost the same thing...salad, ice tea or diet Coke, no bread and no dessert...lol) We laughed and talked...and laughed and talked some more for almost 2 hours. We talked about the things that we have revealed on our blogs, and we also found out some new things about each other. It was an incredible experience. I felt so comfortable, which is unusual for me, because both of these ladies know my deepest secrets and insecurities already from reading my blog. Still, they accepted me so I didn't feel like I had to put on an act. I don't have a sister, but it was what I imagine being with sisters would feel like. I love you both, Diana and Roxie. Thank you for being just like I hoped you would be.

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Today the weather was beautiful. All the trees are starting to bloom. I love it. Spring is here, finally. Tomorrow is my normal day off. And even though I haven't been in the office much this week, I'm looking forward to my "day off." I'm finding I love being home with my hub and my dog and doing things for my hub. I never would have expected THAT!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

P.S. Diana, wishing you the best in your Big Climb! Roxie, I hope the rest of your time in Washington is pleasant...I'm so happy we finally are having some decent weather!