Chocolate Pear Cakes with Espresso Creme Anglaise

We can finally see the end. In a way it's the beginning, a rebirth of sorts. The last month or so has been a blur but the schedule shows a slow, breathless gap coming. The weekends are slowly returning to us and with it comes the opportunity to grasp it any way we want. The pace will weaken and soften but the chance to create family moments will grow and strengthen. I've been waiting for this date for months. And it's finally mine.

My wife and I talked last night about the plans for today. No plans for today. For the first time in recent memory we have no place to be. No place I'd rather be. The chance to sleep, really sleep. A long walk outside and some time spent in the kitchen. It's the kind of weekend day I've been anticipating since our Saturdays were open for business.
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Sunday Soup: Onion with Sage and Aged Cheddar Toast

The alarm did it. Again. This was supposed to be different, and better. We'd been counting off the days on the calendar. One after another they were mentally crossed off. Weeks ago I looked at this Sunday as the one where we finally lacked commitments and shoots and it was destined to be different. Start differently. After a long slumber we would ease from our beds at an hour we'd normally scoff at.  But this time no guilt could be seen on our faces. It was perfect. Until the alarm clock got in the way.

After a hectic pace that has carried us through the last few weeks without a day off, we were looking forward to a day in slow motion. Living slowly and relaxed. Sleeping in and then soaking up the extended time in bed. Just the two of us, with no plans and nothing to do. A day for us. Together. These are my favourite moments of all.
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(Late) Sunday Soup: Pumpkin, Coconut & Lime

A few weeks ago I planned on starting this soup series. Every Sunday during the cooler months I'd come up with a new soup recipe to keep you warm during the upcoming months. Week one came and went. This will be breezy. One problem. Our weeks are hectic and stretched and worn and the weekends are worse. So week two came and went without a soup imprint left on this blog. And although I thought the fate of this weekend's post was sealed, I was able to come up with this post. Late, yes. Minor detail.

When my wife started her photography passion that quickly morphed into a career, we didn't see this coming. We hoped our styles would touch a nerve with some people, but the truth is we didn't know where it was headed. One shoot led to another which opened the door on another and, before we knew it, our summer and fall was booked. Is booked.

My week is consumed with work. W's week is spent editing and in post-processing. At night we alternate between work and family commitments and work. Before we know it, the day that started off with so much promise is over. Done. And one day bleeds into another which spills over to another. One by one.
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Parmesan Flatbread with Dandelion & Green Onion Pesto, Sopressa Prosciutto, Parmesan & Golden Cherry Tomatoes

I should have seen it coming. Although we had a brilliant summer, it got off to a slow start. Winter wouldn't go away gently and spring pushed itself into the early weeks of summer. Everything has been slow to pick up steam. And, after the first few weeks of autumn started off promising with the cold drifts of familiarity, I held out hope that the cycle stopped here. Now.

The last week or so has seen an about face. Those comfortable fall mornings and early evenings still remain but the middle of the day has witnessed a heat resurgence. I guess summer wasn't done after all. And although I have a real love for fall, I can also appreciate when something this wonderful appears. Happens. And these warmer temperatures left me with a lot to be thankful for.
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Chocolate Pear Tartlets | Reason for Thanks

My life tumbled down a hill and crashed into love four years ago. It was on that day that I threw caution to the wind and let my heart go. Free. And it was at that exact moment when I knew that 'I do' was just a matter of time. Matter of when. And ever since that fateful rainy night, I've been thankful. I'm forever thankful.

Thanksgiving weekend is just a few days away. And like four years ago, I celebrate it with the woman that changed my life. Became my life. I've always known that holidays are important, and it's mainly because it brings family together. But this holiday has extra significance to me because it's the anniversary of the day I found my family.
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Sunday Soup: Squash Bisque with Herb Croutons

We woke up today with the rain playing a melody on our bedroom window. The sky outside was bruised black and blue. The sound of crab apples dropping out back gained in momentum as a few small crimson leaves slowly fell to the ground. Fall was on full display outside our window. It's now in full bloom.

My bones felt cold, slightly worn. The house was being fuelled by the fireplace downstairs, crackling with anticipation after a long hiatus. This was how we envisioned it. Dark, cold mornings and a beam of sunshine to warm up the afternoon enough to enjoy the colours on display outside. The rituals were falling into place, one by one. Just as we have to expect.
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