The past few days have been crazy! First, and foremost, we made the first addition to our family since we got married this past May. No, it’s not another dog. And no, I’m not pregnant.
A new 2011 Ford Focus SES!
When Patrick and I first moved in together, we had a 2003 Ford Taurus. He was lovingly named Javier, and was there for us through thick, thin… and about six parking tickets in Washington, D.C. before we realized it was probably not so practical to have a car while living in the District. So off Javier went to Patrick’s parents.
Since then we have moved out to the ‘burbs. Although we are still living in an area that’s very Metro-accessible, we missed our wheels. Terribly. We would get occasional wheels – car-sitting for the in-laws, a ZipCar or three here and there… but nothing tangible. And every time we had to return each car, the withdrawal symptoms got worse.
With the decision to stay tucked away the beautiful DC suburb of Alexandria firm, we opted to splurge and buy a new car. So on Friday, around 3pm, I received a call from my darling husband.
“Guess where I am, Liz? Driving down Route 50 from Annapolis [where we bought the car], back to Virginia, in our new car!”
Did I mention this puppy has a sassy moon/sun roof? Swoon.
But this weekend wasn’t just about a new car. This weekend also marked one of my favorite annual holiday traditions. Seriously, I’ve been rockin’ this tradition since I was a small Liz in the single digits.
The Scottish Walk in Old Town Alexandria!
We may be washed out because I accidentally had my flash on when it was bright and sunny outside, but we’re still adorable.
This is a TINY fraction of the number of Scotties marching. It was insane. THEY WERE EVERYWHERE.
Now that’s what I call a ride!
It was definitely cold. And poor Santa, who is the grand finale of the Scottish Walk, didn’t get to parade by because the fire truck he rides in on broke down. (Poor, Santa!) Overall, though, it was an amazing morning. And unlike last year, it wasn’t snowing AND raining sideways.
I capped off our amazing holiday weekend by falling into a bit of a baking frenzy late last night. While watching the Ravens v. Steelers game, I made some fabulous Pumpkin Walnut Bread.
I brought these loaves into work, because otherwise Patrick would end up married to an overgrown Oompa Loompa.
It felt so good to be baking and cooking again. I broke back into cooking over Thanksgiving, and I don’t know why I stopped doing something I loved so much. Probably because I hate doing dishes so much, but also because I think sometimes it’s easy to lose sight of your priorities and making time for things (and people, for that matter) who truly make you happy. Granted, I only got to enjoy about a slice or two of this bread, but one of my favorite things about baking isn’t necessarily the end result of getting to eat it; it’s more about sharing with others, as hokey as that sounds.
I’m going to try to get back in the kitchen this week with a few new dishes.
I think it’s safe to say that this holiday season is off to a great start!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
What a wonderful weekend — and i love the pic of you two!
That car is stellar & that bread looks amazingggggg.
Um, yum.
One of these years, I must attend the Scottish Walk. I mean to each year, but it never happens. Boooo.
And WHY is Horatio not among the Scotties in the Scottish Walk?! I think he would love it!
Great to hear you guys are loving life and enjoying the car. Also some impressive poetic license-car sitting for the in-laws?