July

Thank you for all of your incredibly sweet comments about the new office. You guys always say the nicest things, honestly. Thank you. I will update yesterday's post with some details about where stuff comes from. And if you were wondering where that room is, it's the one on the other side of the French doors in my craft room. I know, I'm really spoiled. Andy had a huge computer in there for a long time, but my stuff, like yarn and bolts of felt and plastic boxes full of ornament kit supplies and all manner of random unattractive junk, including a broken dresser filled with fabric I didn't even want and other things we didn't know what to do with just kept making their way in there and piling up. It was like a sand dune. We would sort of balance things on top of other things until they slid off. He recently upgraded to a laptop, still uses the desk for his stuff (but doesn't actually have to sit at it to use the computer anymore), got rid of a ton of old stuff that was just taking up space for no reason, and now this is sort of a combo office/Posie storage annex. Greta (new assistant) has gotten all of the ornament kit stuff organized in the big white cabinets and down in the basement, and she is completely taking over the assembly of the ornament kits this year. What I will say about craft stuff is that it just takes up SO much space. But I think we're all really happy with the new office, even Andy (thanks babe!!!). The room hadn't really been overhauled in the past ten years, so it was way past time. I don't think I had any photos of the old version. Every time I went through it (a thousand times a day) I basically shieled my eyes from it, so I doubt I ever would have stopped to take a picture of it because it's hard to take a picture when you're running and have your eyes closed.

I made a good shrimp thing last night, I think. I sauteed two cloves of garlic (minced) in a tablespoon of butter, added the tomatoes from a can of stewed whole tomatoes (not the juice, just the tomatoes), added a teaspoon of sugar and some salt and pepper, and broke the tomatoes up with a spoon. Let them simmer and reduce for about five minutes or so, then added a bunch of peeled and deveined raw shrimp. Let those cook for a few minutes until they were pink. By this time the pasta was almost done (oh yeah — forgot to say, I started some thin spaghetti boiling at some point). I added about a half a cup of heavy cream to the tomatoes, simmered a bit more. Added a big handful of chopped fresh basil and parsely from the garden, and then spooned it all over the thin spaghetti. Anyway, it's not the prettiest picture of it, but I have to say that although I don't normally wing it when I am making dinner, this time it actually worked and was really good.

Just remembered about the vanilla cake recipe. Okay. Tomorrow.

Comments

[mlle patty]

Yums! That looks so good, and congrats on the thriving garden!

[Jeanmarie]

Sounds delicious and very similar to something I make, but without the heavy cream. Feta cheese sprinkled on top takes the place of that!

[Adaliza]

Dinner looks positively scrummy. We had chocolate sponge with cream & strawberries for my beloved's birthday on Sunday - cakes are such a great treat. Renovations must be shared too - your office is astounding & my sewing studio is brilliant - no daisies though!

[Laura]

I love the flower and veggie juxtapositon on the wood!

[TracyMB]

Wow, your garden is flourishing!! Lovely looking dinner too. My idea of winging it is not checking the timer on the pasta. :)

[Leigh]

The new office is wonderful!! BUT, I still don't understand how it is conected to the studio. If you get a chance, include a diagram (please!).
xoxo-Leigh

[sadie]

mm, yum, that sounds and looks so tasty.

pretty pictures as always!

[dawn]

peeking in on all your goings on again...have been waiting for those 'office' photos...just so cozy, inviting, relaxing and inspiring. looks like a perfect room to wonder into on a rainy day and get lost in imagination...just lovely :)

[Gillian]

That pasta supper looks yum - I make something similar with prawns (which I think are the same as what you call shrimp) and serve it with penne, it so easy and always good. Your garden is coming along well, and is that actual SUN i see in one of your photos?? Please send some to England, it has been so grey and wet for weeks...

[mamaha]

I wanted to let you know that I think the daisies in the baskets in the office are utterly charming. I am smitten :)

[Tammy]

The board with the veggies and flower would make a really nice blog banner. (I like the current one,too.) :)

[Rebekka]

I feel like you're always making really good shrimp things!! This one sounds extra awesome.

[Natalie, the Chickenblogger]

Suddenly the garden looks untamed, wild and wonderful!
Before I was admiring it for its demure and mild manner, for its tidy rows... but now, it looks ravaging, like it has burst free in the sun of summer!
Dinner sounds like a tasty success. It never occurs to me to add cream to tomato sauces... this reminds me that it can be a good idea.
I understand about rooms that make you shield your eyes... trouble is, lately, here, it's every room but the hall, and the barn... which is technically not in the house. I need to kick my own posterior.

[Gloria]

Beautiful pics! The flowers all lined up on the wood are very sweet (the pea pod,,darling). Love the bedroom photos of the lighting in there, so soft and pretty. Your garden looks amazing! Richard loves shrimp,,,he would love yours. Thanks for sharing how you made it.

Happy July!! :)

xoxo...Gloria

[P]

xxx

[Hannah]

that shrimp pasta looks to die for! my mouth is actually drolling...!

[Donna Bell]

OMG your garden looks amazing! Yummers on the shrimp dinner.

[Christine]

That pasta dish looks delicious, congrats on "winging it". OM, your garden has grown by leaps and bounds! Photos of your newly redone office...well, let's just say I could move right in :)

[Amanda]

Your shrimp dish sounds delish!
When I saw your office I was thinking...hmmm I wonder where this is in there cute little house, it's funny that you read my mind.

[Melissa]

The pasta dish sounds delish - simple is always best I think when it comes to pasta.

[Georgia]

Funny. I ALWAYS wing it cooking dinner. Some hits, some misses.
Loved the room; totally agree with you about craft supplies. Our family of 6 is moving to Singapore and trying not to take too much stuff. Even with a SERIOUS cull, my studio had the modt boxes out of any other room in the house...by far.
So, tell me what you know about garlic scrapes? I only found out that they were a thing the other day. So pretty.
And, can I ask, what is that thing hanging on your bed head???

[Julie]

When will I ever learn not to visit here on an empty stomach! (laughing.) Your shrimp looks fantastic. I think I've had something very similar at a restaurant and it is wonderful!

Catching up on your new office post, so nice. What a great space!

[Marie S]

I'm always looking for new shrimp recipes...thanks for sharing. It's making my mouth water!

[cynthia]

alicia, see if you can find a cheese called mizithra. it is ever so delicious on pasta. is the lamp on your headboard antique? such a comfy-looking bed...and a lush garden bed. *sigh* too hot here to be out gardening. upper 90's. thank you for the beautiful photos.

[Martha]

Your pictures always give me peace. I am going to try your shrimp. It sounds so yummy. Please tell where you bought the pretty baskets with daisies in your office. Love the colors in your office. Your home is so beautiful and peaceful. I am envious of your garden. It is 100 degrees here and my herbs and flowers are withering. Just wanted you to know you have motivated me to cross-stitch again! I have been working on tooth fairy pillows to give away to two little girls that have everything! Alicia, see you are an inspiration!