Day 21: Poached Eggs & Lost Gift Certificates

Last night, I poached an egg for the very first time.

I followed a technique described by chef Gordon Ramsay.
Of course, I use the term "followed" loosely.
I didn't have any white vinegar, so I used apple cider vinegar instead.
And I accidentally added salt.
A lot of salt.

But each one was a thing of beauty.

I crooned over them like newborn babies.
I even said mmm ... cheese sauce as a tribute to blogger Julia Powell (of Julie and Julia fame).
And I gently placed them atop my gluten-free mushrooms on toast - also courtesy of Mr. Ramsay.

I lie. 

Egg poaching actually occurred on dog poo day.

Last night was an entirely different story...

Last night, my hubby planned to take me out for a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant.
My parents gave us gift cards for Christmas.
Do you think we could find them?

No.

First we spent a very romantic hour ransacking the house for the gift cards.
Then we spent another romantic hour in the grocery store buying half price Black Angus ham, chocolate, and broken cinnamon candy canes. And Wensleydale cheese.

Cheeeeese, Gromit!

In the end, we cobbled together an excellent impromptu supper.
We also enjoyed an intense moment in the cleaning products aisle.
I knelt on the floor while Nathan read the labels on all five types of of drain cleaner and tried to decide between Liquid Plumr and Drano.

I seem to be kneeling a lot. Maybe God is trying to teach me something.

On the artistic front, I've been studying the art of Michael Martchenko, doing quick sketches based on his work, and trying to apply the principles I've learned to drawings of real people.

This practice is also known as reading Robert Munsch books before bed.

A short term goal I'd like to set for myself is to be ready to do sketches of people at the Crosspoint Missions Yardsale in May. It was something I wanted to do last year, but never got around to it.

Last year, I painted children's faces instead.
I will never get my face painted.
Paint and snot don't mix.

I lie.

They mix rather well.

Poached Eggs and Mushrooms on Toast

Update: 

You'll never believe what I just did ... again.

I took a shower and forgot to put Sam in his crate. He didn't poo this time, though. When I came out, he was lying on the floor waiting for a belly rub.

Thank you God for small victories.