and MORE dumplings

 Granddaughter Samantha and I had a lovely late lunch yesterday back at Dumpling Story on Valencia Street. She is full of plans which include (alas) a move to Florida and yes, we will miss her and Luke and the big old doodle Harlow so much. And they will miss the Bay Area, that much I know for sure.

a poem to start the week

 

Tablecloth

Victoria Guerrero-Peirano Translated from the Spanish by Anastatia Spicer and Honora Spicer

My mother made a tablecloth She crocheted At the time I didn't know anything She took it everywhere I wondered at how she crocheted in the darkness of a theatre But she did And the next day there wasn't a single stitch added or dropped That was my mother in those days A strange woman She worked during the day and on the weekends stitched She took me to the theatre I didn't understand her then My friends' mothers stayed home They cooked   They picked them up from school   They packed lunch boxes When the tablecloth was finished She put it on the table It was magnificent But back then I didn't understand It was complicated I was tangled in her delicate web I saw my mother through that pane of thread She kept being different from the others: She worked during the day Embroidered on the weekends And couldn't really stand being at home I never understood her Maybe I didn't know enough She also never taught me Thought it was too much for me—or too little Now my mother says she can't do anything with her hands The tablecloth stays tucked away in the kitchen cabinet I got myself knee-deep in diplomas And I don't know how to embroider

a remarkably good movie

 Thanks to the Blogmaid for recommending Remarkably Bright Creatures featuring Sally Field, Lewis Pullman and a chatty octopus who is filled with all sorts of wisdom. On the Flix®.

let's call them step flowers

 Nancy, my almost perfect step daughter, sent this glorious bouquet and my house smells lovely as a result. I was not a great step mother, but I lucked out and am grateful to have experienced the growth and development of Bill's four children. And of course the six grands are a delight. Happy Mother's Day to the REAL mamas out there. Good job!

ah, those Brits...

 A select team of undercover Customs investigators infiltrate the drug world back in the 1990's. This is based on a true story and these civil servants risk their lives to stop the flow of heroin into the UK. Starring Steve Coogan, Tom Burke and Ami Ameen. Six episodes on the Flix®.

a little Monet, please

 Yesterday Chef Sarah and I went to the deYoung to see Monet and Venice, a sweet little exhibit that brought back lots of memories of my trip to Venice. I recommend this and it wasn't too crazy/busy so we could really enjoy the paintings. The Red House (bottom photo) might be my favorite. Good early lunch in the cafe along with easy parking made this a lovely, special day. Thank you, Sarah Ann.

the kitten update

 All seven are flourishing and will be going to their forever homes soon. I admire Cristina and Deanie so much for taking on this chore. The mother was never found in the field so these kittens have been bottle fed and cleaned are as healthy as can be. Annabelle does NOT want a little sister or brother, so there.