a lovely evening focused on winter ales.

Just a lazy Saturday with mimosas!

Sunday, November 17, 2013, Dianne and I went to see War Horse at Shea's, thanks to tickets that a client gave (e:Terry) & me. We got all dressed up, heels & fancy dress, tie... we looked spiffy. We walked over, went in and admired the theater restoration progress, got in line for drinks, and D and I were giggling about being in love and together forever and she said, "Heidi, will you marry me?" "YES!"

It was so unexpected and yet expected - I had been daydreaming already about when I would ask her - I started with next summer (so she'd have time to fully recover from her 2nd surgery, which is scheduled for 1/13/14) at Sand Run Falls (e:dianne,57816) , and realized I couldn't wait that long, I wanted to know now! So I thought I'd wait till New Year's. She had been trying to wait until Christmas to give it new meaning for me. I love the spontaneity though :-) :-)

We walked out of the theater and it was just sprinkling a little. About halfway home it started pouring (and yes, I'm still wearing 3" heels). We paused in a doorway and laughed.... we continued walking - we wanted to go somewhere to have a drink to celebrate so we went to Nietszche's - jazz every sunday night. We happened upon a couple who are my clients and they were the first people we told. It was pretty awesome because they had gotten engaged not too long ago. So lots of giggling and kisses and shots. It was perfect. They told us that getting caught in the rain symbolized change and the washing away of the past.

When we got home, damp, giddy, pleasantly drunk, and hopelessly in love, we exchanged rings. It was so intense and meaningful. She gave me her Aunt Laura's ring that had been crafted out of stones from one of her great-grandmother's rings. How special!! It is absolutely beautiful. I gave her my grandmother's wedding band (e:heidi,54996). They both fit perfectly.







I didn't know what the stones were and (e:Dianne) couldn't remember. They were really dark so maybe onyx? A few days later, (e:Paul), (e:Terry) and I went out to lunch at Craving on Hertel and visited a client's jewelry store (for this purpose (e:joe,58354)). I asked the jeweler if my ring was sturdy enough to be worn all the time. He peered at it with his loupe and said it was sapphires! He asked if he could clean it, and of course I said yes. It came back GORGEOUS and sparkling, and very definitely sapphires. He tested the setting and it's all solid, so I can wear it all the time without worrying that I'm going to break it or lose the gems. He also described the style as an "eternity ring".

Since then, I think we've told everyone in person that needs to be told -besties, Uncle Dudley, my parents, her parents, my various (former) lovers, our close friends... Some oddly difficult conversations, some expected difficult conversations, and some wonderful celebratory conversations. A couple people said "About time!" - we've only been together a year so I don't think we should have discussed this sooner....?

I've never wanted to get married. It never felt real to me. I think the legalization of same-sex marriage in NYS and watching (e:Terry) & (e:Paul)'s wedding, then Cara & Barbara's wedding... plus law school where the benefits and risks of marriage are pretty clearly spelled out... finally changed its meaning for me.

We first kissed at the 24's 2012 Halloween party, but (e:Dianne) was supposed to leave... first in February, then April, and then June really definitely offered a position in Denver starting in July. I figured we'd have a lot of fun and she'd leave, we'd cry, and maybe she'd come visit every now and then while I'd go back to my regularly scheduled life. Her life exploded July 10th and we've been falling deeper and deeper in love despite a difficult surgery and recovery, and financial and emotional chaos. I completely did not expect to be sitting here telling everyone we're engaged. I didn't even expect to decide to live together (that happened in September, several months after she started staying with me). From some perspectives, it's quick/soon to be making such a big decision, she was leaving, we've only been clear that she's staying a while since July, but from other perspectives, it's been an intense year with some pretty difficult and stressful events and if we can confidently get through all that then we're solid for the future.

We're planning for a summer 2015 wedding. I'm REALLY REALLY hoping that same sex marriage will be legal in PA by then. Bloss' new mayor, Jill's husband, offered to officiate before we even got engaged but he can't officiate in NYS.

(e:Dianne), I LOVE YOU! I'm so excited to be building a future with you!! <3 Butterflies <3 Rainbows <3 Fireflies <3 Fireworks<3

(e:Dianne) and I were supposed to go to the Hotel Lafayette last night, but I drank too much flower power too soon so (e:Dianne) took me home. Today was a lazy and emotional day - she's not been away from family for Thanksgiving ever, and it was my first year in a long time being away from A's family. It's like this holiday got trampled in the transitions of our lives in the past 5 months. We have a plan for Christmas, tho, her favorite holiday. We're going to bed closer and stronger than when we woke up. A good day.

We went for a walk, made breakfast, chocolate chip cookies, kale chips, and baked marinated tofu and chicken with a cilantro pesto.

She called her mom and talked to a bunch of nieces, her brother and sister while prepping the kale.



Chocolate chip cookies


Kale chips


(e:Terry) and I had a working lunch at the 24 yesterday - the backyard is so beautiful!


This is the chaos I see when I wake up - three different patterns??

3 huge green bell peppers
1/2 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 lb boca crumbles
1/2 cup chopped onion
2-3 minced garlic cloves

1 t. oregano
1 t. basil
1 t. parsley
1 t. Hungarian half sharp paprika
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
Be generous in the spices.

2-3 t. vegan Worcestershire sauce
1 (14.5 ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup uncooked quick rice
1/2 cup water or broth
1.5 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/4 c. bread crumbs

Cut the peppers in half lengthwise, remove seeds and pith.
Have two frying pans with lids going, split the onions, garlic, spices, tomatoes, cheese, rice, broth, breadcrumbs between them as you go:
In pan B (for beef) saute onions & garlic, brown the beef.
5 minutes later, in pan V (for veggie) saute onions, garlic & boca crumbles.
Add the spices while sauteing.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, tomatoes, rice, broth.
Cover, simmer for about 15 until rice is cooked.
Remove from heat, stir in 1 c. of cheese.
Steam the peppers in the microwave (covered bowl, 2T water, 2 min on high). Stuff with mixtures. Mix the breadcrumbs in with the rest of the cheese and top the stuffed peppers. Put in baking pans and bake at 350 for 25-35 min.

some shots from chestnut ridge today

I'm still a tad weirded out by (e:Terry)'s lack of facial hair. I was surprised yesterday when his beard hadn't grown back - he's at the office, he's supposed to have facial hair, right?


My love and I spent some quality time in the 24 attic. Took this selfie Saturday morning to honor our 1st anniversary :-) <3



I took some selfies in the new bathroom. When I first saw the teal/brown paint, I was disappointed because it nowhere near matched the picture that had been developing in my head after nearly six months of conversation and their hard work. Now that I've had a chance to let go of the picture, I really like it. It's a striking combination and of course, the bathroom is fucking gorgeous. I love the heated floor mostest.

The selfie suprised me - I don't wear body-revealing clothes often and almost never take full-length selfies. I've lost around 25 lbs in the past year (kinda accidentally, I wasn't trying) and this is the first time I've seen what that looks like. I really need new clothes - my current wardrobe hangs off me. That pink sequin gown I wore last year would be way too big now.



After family dinner Saturday afternoon ((e:Paul,58225) - I LOVE this photo!) the kids brought out the video games. (e:Dianne) hasn't played since before her accident in February (she had a broken wrist too) and she hasn't stopped scheming how to play more. We dug around the attic to find her PS3, but couldn't find of her games. Now she wants Street Fighter ps3 controllers.



And then last night we all went to Griffis Sculpture Park for the Night Lights show. It was cool and I can't wait to see (e:Joe)'s pix.