After the absolute rollercoaster that was last week, I was still feeling celebratory, not only because of Monday’s verdict but also because I got a raise and bonus at my job, started planning some Springtime travel- and completed a lengthy list of errands and tasks that had fallen to the wayside while I was otherwise preoccupied with the craziness of the past month.
So, by Friday evening when I’d finally logged out of work for the day, I was ready to unwind with some good food, a couple of drinks, and some live music. I headed to Northampton with Dan, who also had the night off, to grab a New Orleans-inspired dinner at Gombo. I could seriously live in that restaurant, that’s how gorgeous the inside is- and the fried catfish and bread pudding are always worth the trip and (very short!) wait. While we were there, we were treated to a live and soulful set from Lexi Weege and JJ Slater- which was the perfect soundtrack for our meal.
After dinner, we headed over to Gigantic in Easthampton for a couple of tropical cocktails since their “Escape The Northeast” event is going to be wrapping up within the next week or so as they prepare to launch their Spring menu- so enjoying my ‘Pearl Diver’ drink one more time seemed like an absolute necessity. There was a great DJ spinning tunes there, too- so the vibe was just so good and chill all the way through last call.
On Saturday, after sleeping in late for he first time in forever and spending most of my day curled up in bed, watching trashy reality television (I’m obsessed with ‘Vanderpump Rules’) and giving my brain and body a much-needed mindless, motionless reset, I headed to Stef and Andy’s farm for a fire roasted duck and couscous dinner and some catching up before we made s’mores by the firepit and enjoyed this brief window of not-too-cold and free-of-insects nights- which never lasts long here in the Northeast!
And then yesterday morning was spent in and around Hadley! First, I stopped by the North Hadley Sugar Shack to grab some syrup and doughnuts (it’s maple season!) for my mom since I was visiting her for the first time in what felt like forever. I had wanted to try to find a table at their restaurant to have some pancakes, but the place was absolutely packed- so I think I might try again during the week during my half day while everyone else is still at work or school.
And then it was over to South Hadley to catch the last day of the annual Spring Flower Show within the Talcott Greenhouse at Mount Holyoke College. I had arrived just as doors opened for the day and was able to snap some photos before it got almost too crowded to move around comfortably, so I’m grateful! It was absolutely beautiful!
It’s back to work and the usual grind this morning, but I’m starting this week with so much love and gratitude for not only how much fun and how decompressing these past few days have been- but also for how supportive and loving so many friends and strangers alike have been following the vindication I got to experience last week. I’m in awe of the outpouring of celebratory messages, well-wishes and expressions of thanks that a detailed and honest side of the story was shared freely.
It means the world!
xo
Coffee & Chiffon 