She's Back!

Abigail Snots Fitzpatrick Haag has returned to her Albany home with all of the sass and unsatiable appetite for food and affection that she left with.  Dr. Husband and I are so happy to have her back.  As some of you may know, Abby made the journey from NY to NC with her Grandma back in November (thanks, Mom!)so that she could spend some quality time at Camp Grandpa and be "home for the holidays."  I missed having her around the house and I'm pretty sure she's the World's Greatest Snuggler, so I had to turn Ian into a spoon for a couple of months.  I have to admit, though, it was nice to not have to rush home to let the girl out or to have white hairs covering almost every piece of clothing I own.  And I know that my Dad takes the very best care of her so it's nice to know that she's in good hands. 

Last weekend, Abby made the return trip from Asheville to Albany with my Dad and the notorious Mr. Pickles (the dangerously adorable basset/beagle mix who hails from Knoxville, TN).  I was so excited to see the 3 of them pull into the driveway last Saturday.  I love having my family here because for a couple of days Albany doesn't seem so far away.  Dad was floored by all of the work we had done around the house.  (The last time he saw it was when we were moving in.)  We were showing Dad around the house when I smelled something horrible.  Pickles made himself very comfortable in our bedroom and left us a housewarming present (emphasis on warm).  Dad took care of "things" and then settled in for a relaxing (and tasty!) evening. 

Before Dad's arrival, I shopped at Cardona's Market, the best Italian market and cafe in town, for dinner fixings.  That night I made (with the help of Cardona's) spinach and walnut tortellini and spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce, sweet Italian chicken sausage, fresh Italian bread, sauteed yellow squash and red onions, and sauteed broccoli rabe with garlic and olive oil (thanks, Dad!).  It was so delicious.  For dessert, Dad helped me make my favorite molasses cookies (thanks, Martha!).  To get the recipe, click here.  The next day, for breakfast I made French toast with the leftover Italian bread.  With our tummies full,  Dr. Husband took us on a driving tour of the Capital Region.  We saw a couple of the houses that my dad lived in while he was growing up.  We took him to see some areas that had been built up since he moved away from Albany.  Our last stop was for lunch at his favorite deli in Albany.  Mmmmm....grilled turkey reuben sandwich.  Dad had to get on the road after that, with Pickles as his co-pilot.  It was a quick visit, but it was great nonetheless.  Now, I sit here on the couch writing this post with Abby cuddled up next to me, a cup of coffee nearby, and Sopranos reruns on the tv....I love Sundays.