A 45 year old letter box, in the mail room of our building. They don’t make ’em like this anymore.

A friend gave the sermon this morning (she’s finished divinity school but has yet to be ordained) so of course I went to hear her. After the service was over, the woman who was sitting behind me said, “I wish she was our pastor.” Me too.

At the Reading Terminal Market annual fundraiser, in our fanciest duds. It was a fun night.

For some reason, I seem to have a habit of starting things on or around February 25. Nine years ago, I started my first job in Philadelphia on this day. Back then my grandmother was still alive. I’d been in this city for all of five weeks. I was about to take possession of a little apartment at 23rd and Spruce Streets. So much lay ahead of me.

Six years ago, February 25 was the day after I started this blog. I had no idea the ways that choice would change my life, but wow, did it ever. It was through blogging that I found a calling. I started creating myself as a writer on these digital pages and took my first, tentative steps towards a life as someone who writes about food. Six months later, I went to my first blogger meet-up and met the guy who would become my husband (as well as many of my dearest friends).

On February 25, 2008, I started my current job. It’s been an up and down journey, but I’m grateful for the ride and all the opportunities that have come from it.

Two years ago, February 25 was the date when I committed to making a success of Food in Jars. That site has grown beyond my most outlandish expectations and continues to bring wonderful things into my life.

Here’s hoping that February 25 continues to bring many good things into my life.

(And happy birthday, Cousin Angie!)

Here’s hoping that this is one of the final truly wintery nights of the season. My spirits require spring.

I am married to a man who loves his Legos. We have gallon-sized jar filled nearly to the brim with his collection of minifigs and there are several famous buildings and national landmarks rendered in Legos around the apartment.

For the last few years, Lego has produced limited edition minifig series. They come in sealed packages, so like baseball cards, you just buy some and hope you get the ones you need to complete your collection.

I ordered ten of these limited edition toys for Scott’s birthday this year (at $2.99 a piece, they’re fairly affordable) and hoped we wouldn’t get all doubles. After a few delivery issues, the package arrived. We wound up with eight different characters, including the samurai you see above.

We had friends over for dinner tonight. I roasted a chicken, tossed together an arugula salad, roasted an array of vegetables and bought a chunk of focaccia from Le Bus. They brought sparkling wine, cupcakes and news that they’re pregnant. A good night.

My closest friend from college had an 18 hour layover in Newark, NJ yesterday. My office was closed for the holiday so I drove up to have lunch with her. We hadn’t seen each other in more than a year, but we picked right up like we’d seen each other just a week ago.

Sweet Honey in the Rock played at the Unitarian Church this afternoon. I’ve never paid much attention to them, but since it was a church fundraiser, I bought a ticket. I am so glad I did! What amazing performers they are! I really enjoyed the show.

Back in the earlier days of my life in Philadelphia, I had the great good fortune to stumble my way into the most wonderful group of friends. We were nearly all new to Philadelphia, most of us were single and we were all looking for ways to connect with people. Though many of them have since moved away from Philly, these folks continue to be some of my dearest friends.

Ingrid, one such friend, is getting married in April and came back to Philly this weekend so that we could throw her a little shower. It was a such a delight to see her (and Cindy as well). The photo you see above is just part of the spread we put together for the party.