What was I up to this time last year?

You may have guessed cooking my first turkey as a married lady, or some other Thanksgiving type activity. But, the truth is we'll never know because last year around this time I was shirking and failed to send Jessica a postcard. So loyal readers you will see more of Jessica's handiwork today. What was Jessica up to? Visiting both Eastern Market and the farmer's market where she scored some butternut squash that she turned into soup.

Here is her postcard, something she told me was inspired by a photo she found in Zambia. I truly adore this card-its striking and very graphic yet it's actually a scene from nature! These are the kinds of things I picture in my head but can't quite get down on paper. Don't worry, while I was shirking around this time last year I didn't give up entirely. I forged on, though I hope to see as the year goes on that I've improved my artisitc skills and in some way am approaching Jessica's.

To Cairo and beyond

Jess drew and sent this postcard after her business trip to Cairo, I think inspired by her visit to Giza and ride on Michael Jordan- the camel- there.
But, despite the drawing, she wrote "It has been a rainy weekend in D.C., and nothing is new besides my couch!" This was actually important news for me. I had gone along to the store with her to buy a couch- that weekend was one of the first in her D.C. apartment and she didn't have much furniture. We both had talked about how nice it is to have someone else with you when making a purchase of something a) expensive, b) which will be around for a while, and c) that you have to look at quite a bit in your home. Jess then travelled for more than a month and had long been waiting to have a Saturday at home to wait for the delivery of her sleeper sofa! I was glad to hear the saga had a happy ending!

A simple hello

Lynn wrote on the back of this card that she liked that it was simple. I agree. I have been enjoying looking back at we did a year ago - this is classic Lynn. As an added bonus, on the back she shared a recipe for green salsa she had been making from the tomatillos in her garden. It reads:

1 lbs tomatillos, cut in 1/4s
1 bunch fresh cilantro
2 1/2 limes, juiced
2 jalapenos
2 avocados, sliced
9 cloves of garlic, diced
1 - 1 1/2 water
1/2 t. cumin
2 1/2 t. salt
1/2 black pepper

Combined all ingredients except spices/water in a blender and blend. Add water, blend. Add spices to taste. Enjoy!