Last summer I was introduced to Bean & Leaf Coffee Bar on a shoot for Connecticut Magazine. It’s the best coffee I’ve just about anywhere and definitely the best in CT. No wonder then it was voted best in the state by CT Mag readers & editors. They roast all their own beans and take great pride in making the perfect cup of coffee, espresso, cappuccino etc. The perfect timing & temperatures create the perfect cup. I dream of their thick, creamy cappuccino…nothing nearly as good here in West Hartford.
With my sister in law last summer we tasted every drink I shot…yes, we were buzzing when we left…happily so.
The vibe is slightly hippy, comfortable for all. I was in the area last week for another shoot and stopped in for a cappuccino and was not disappointed. If you’re traveling on 95 through New London take a 5 minute detour into downtown and taste for yourself.
On March 29th Brian moved into his own apartment. I didn’t think it would be a big deal, after all, he was away at college for four years. I know what it’s like for him to be gone for a long time. But this is different. I thought when I took him to Rensselear back in August 2007 that that was the empty nest. It wasn’t. The empty nest happened when he packed ALL his stuff, rented a truck and moved 20 minutes south.
Yes, he’s really grown up now…job as an Engineer, adult apartment, a benefit plan. I couldn’t be prouder.
So when we finished moving him and he drove away I felt fine. I wondered why everyone kept asking me if I was okay. I’m fine. And then it hit me. I stood in his empty room and couldn’t move for about 20 minutes. I just stood and listened to the silence. I cried. And then I had to do something. I started tearing down the wallpaper in his room (something I wanted to do since I bought the house 9 years ago but couldn’t because the room was full of stuff). I started with one little piece and before I knew it the whole room was stripped bare. It’s gonna be okay.
When I look down the hall now he’s not sitting at his computer, no music coming from his room, just space…So I’ll turn his room into a small studio for myself, his closet into my prop room. I’m looking forward to having a little more work space.
Brian stopped by last Sunday to do a a couple things for me, then we sat on my deck and had dinner. So this is my new normal, he comes to visit now and then and we have a nice meal together and then he goes home. He’s so happy that my sadness was short-lived. I’m sure all parents go through the same thing but as a single parent since his birth 23 years ago I feel especially proud, of him…and myself.
I was introduced to the delicate Epimedium (above) by master Gardener Paula Mooney of Paula’s Perennials here in West Hartford. Paula and I exchanged services for a couple of years, she helped me with my garden and provided many many divisions from her own garden and I photographed hers. It was a wonderful pairing and a friendship was born. Paula introduced me to many perennials including the Epimedium that blooms in early spring for a couple of weeks followed by heart shaped bronzy leaves that remain until the following spring. I have a couple of volunteers this season (below) including the wild bleeding heart (which smells incredible). If anyone can tell me what the blue flower is I would appreciate it.. a quick google search provided no results.
❊❊❊ Update, My Mom looked up the tiny blue flower and thinks it’s Star Blue Eyed Grass
And a few pics of the Epimedium in my garden…
A few years ago I was assigned a shoot by Yankee Magazine about legendary New Haven pizza. The magazine ran out of space and ended up using only one or two shots as happens with magazines frequently. If you go on Chowhound there is usually a heated discussion going on as to where in New Haven to get the best pizza. Sally’s and Pepe’s are on opposite ends of Wooster St, both have fantastic melt in your mouth, make you happy, stand in line worthy pizza. I spent a day with a friend/pizza lover/photo assistant and we shot and ate our way through many many pizzas. Here are a few out takes from the shoot. By the way, that’s not a misprint above…in New Haven it’s called “apizza” Above is Pepe’s Tomato.
Sally’s Veggie – my favorite of the day
Pepe’s interior
Pepe’s White Clam
Making the pies in their open kitchen
Sally’s Tomato
The scene at Sally’s
For as long I can remember my son’s favorite (and most requested) birthday cake has been cheesecake and this year was no different. I’m kind of known for it in my family and make it for most big get togethers. Originally it started out as a Grand Marnier Cheesecake but I now use whatever liqueur I have, 1/4 cup in the filling and a tablespoon on the topping. I also used a glaze in the beginning but now use a ganache. For a few years I baked it in a water bath to get a perfectly straight top but I found that no matter how much foil I wrapped around the pan water seeped in and the crust got soggy so I don’t do that any more. I use whatever nuts I have in the crust. That’s what I love about this recipe, there are so many variations you can make depending on what you have in the pantry. No matter what, it’s always good. This years version was with Cointreau and almonds.
I’m happy to post the recipe if anyone would like it.
