Still Life On The Dining Room Table. I ran out to get a few things yesterday at the usual places: Target and Trader Joe’s. The alstromeria I bought when I first came to Harford finally bit the dust yesterday (it lasted three weeks!) I wanted to buy some more flowers and though the bright orange plastic pitcher I had been using for the flowers on the dining room table was an interesting choice, it had lost its allure. Looking for a cheap vase that I could reuse at home, I came across a large canning jar at Target – $1.99. Hello! You’re coming home with me.
I have another bouquet on the kitchen peninsula.
This vase was purchased when I first arrived – $3.99. I can always use vases back home.
Oh, you’re wondering about that tin?
Would you like to see a close-up?
As a well-known hot chocolate aficionado, you can imagine my delight when my eyes zeroed in on this tin when I was shopping at Trader Joe’s.
Sipping Chocolate. Well, I wondered, how is that different than hot cocoa?
I felt it my duty to read TJ’s description:
Not quite a hot cocoa. Hardly chocolate milk. Oh no. This is a chocolate experience meant to be sipped and savored…a European delight. One taste of our Trader Joe’s Sipping Chocolate and you may feel like you’ve been whisked away to a sidewalk bistro in Rome or Barcelona. This decadent chocolate elixir has been crafted in the European style using only the finest ingredients. Immerse your taste buds in this rich bittersweet chocolate. Simply add milk or water to enjoy this velvety smooth sipping chocolate at home.
You’re coming home with me.
Verdict: It’s really, really good. And it does have a wonderful bittersweet taste, which I really like. $3.99, if I remember correctly. I’m going to make some for Don when he comes to visit. Update: We’re delaying until next week. Don doesn’t have enough time off and we have realized it would be next to impossible to pull it off.
Sad.
After being pretty much exhausted all day long, Scoutie rallied and did her running thing in the park last night. Oh, that girl! She simply amazes me. It’s truly magical. I had to run to keep up with her during last night’s adventure. Imagine!
This is the view out my window this morning. Not one, not two, but three cranes.
Try not to be jealous.
Thank you for all the wonderful anniversary wishes. We truly appreciate them, my friends.
New post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page about my professional work with actors, words, and Shakespeare.
Happy Monday.
Linda @ A La Carte says
Enjoy your day my friend! I know you and Scout can’t wait to see Don! Big Hugs!
Linda
Claudia says
We just changed our minds – Don’s schedule is so tight and we are both so tired – especially Don – that we think next week would be a better choice.
I’m really disappointed but we’re trying to be adults about the whole thing.
Sally says
Oh! I’m so sorry Don can’t make it today. Wishing you a wonderful time of celebration together next week!
Adore hot chocolate. You might have liked the hot chocolate Starbucks had on a trial basis a few years back, did you try it? It was like melted bittersweet chocolate. I ‘d bet the old homestead that was all there was in it. No milk, no sugar. I know purists swear that’s the only way to drink it but I couldn’t handle it.
Sorry you have a triple dose of cranes today on your day off. PHOOEY! So glad to hear that Scout is having so much fun cavorting in the park and exploring.
Happy day! xo
Claudia says
I’m pretty disappointed. I woke up thinking I was going to see him, then we had a phone conversation and made the decision not to get together. It’s gray outside and I’m depressed.
This sipping chocolate has sugar which, I’m sure, balances the bittersweet flavor. Nicely done, I must say!
Sally says
Thinking of you. I’d be super duper disappointed and sad too! You keep on keeping on, looking forward to a day together and not just any day but your special day. Hoping you can connect for some lovey phone calls today. Cuddle with Scoutie a lot today and enjoy some more of the (hopefully clearing) outdoors? … sending you lots and lots of hugs. xo
Sharon Cross says
Claudia…Good Morning…to my favorite Blogger! I so enjoy reading your Blogs…It’s a relaxing read! Perhaps not so, for you to write tho’… sometimes!…I LOVE your and Don’s cottage…such a welcoming looking home…
Claudia says
Thank you so much, Sharon!
Donnamae says
Oh…too bad things couldn’t work out with Don…hopefully next week. And yes, I am jealous that you have cranes…I find them fascinating to watch! Have a great day…and a good romp with Scout! ;)
Claudia says
I just wish the darned work would stop. They worked through the weekend, too!
Donnamae says
They worked all weekend? How rude! ;)
Melanie says
Happy anniversary, Claudia and Don! I love the photo of you two that you posted (yesterday). So adorable. You both look so happy and deliriously in love. I have not seen that sipping chocolate at my Trader Joes, but perhaps that’s a good thing. ;-) Not that I’m looking forward to winter (far from it), but their winter spiced coffee is amazing. And I don’t even like flavored coffees! Go, Scout, go! It’s so wonderful to see our aging pets being frisky, isn’t it? I love when my Zippo still plays with a toy and runs all over the living room like a spaz, lol.
Claudia says
It’s awfully tasty, Melanie. Hot cocoa of any kind seems to be my downfall.
Deb says
Glad to hear Scout has been so happy in the park! Would love to see a photo or video of her there! Do you think she might even be able to write about it? ;)
Claudia says
Maybe. But trying to hold her leash and take a video is next to impossible!
Marsha Lash says
Happy Anniversary Claudia and Don! So happy for you and so glad to hear Scout is enjoying her romps in the park!
I also love Trader Joe’s! have found many delicious and useful items there all at reasonable cost.
Sounds like you are feeling better also. Yay!! Take care!
Claudia says
I am feeling better. The past couple of days seem to indicate that I’re turned a corner. I still cough a bit at night, but on the whole, things are much better.
Janet in Rochester says
What’s this? Sippin’ chocolate? Gee, that sounds good. And we’re just now coming into “hot chocolate” season. Winter will never be my favorite season, but hot chocolate definitely helps. Have you ever tried adding a wee bit [half-teaspoon or so] of espresso or chipotle powder to it? Both are REALLY good. You don’t really taste either flavor [unless you use more] but the coffee somehow magically enhances the chocolate. And the heat provided by the chipotle is nice and strangely-soothing. A couple of tips I learned from my niece, who, if Chocolate had a country, would be its Queen… Hope you and Scout have another energetic visit to the park today!
Claudia says
Sounds good! I try, however, to limit my caffeine after noon, and with chocolate having a little caffeine already, adding espresso would keep me up all night! Maybe some day when I partake of it before noon? And that day will come, especially when I have to shovel snow this winter.
Chris k in Wisconsin says
Oh, phoo! You don’t have to be too adult about it ~ you are totally entitled to pout a bit. I bet that WAS a hard decision. But I imagine that Scout is excited to have you to herself for a day. Your day off has been so busy each week, so since you are turning the corner on your cold, maybe today will be a nice day to just relax a bit w/ her. We are getting rain here today through Wed., but it is in the mid 60’s. The color is beautiful. We went for a drive into Madison this morning, and if the sun had been out, it would have really been amazing! Take care and get some rest, kiddo, and it will be next Monday before we know it!! :-)
Claudia says
Well, we’ve both been pouting. I was so looking forward to this visit and especially for Don to have a chance to watch Scoutie run. Ah well. I am definitely feeling better. Just took a walk to one of my favorite places in Hartford, the Main Library. Heaven.
Two new books that I’ve really been wanting to read were on the shelves. They renewed my card with no problem and now I have to squeeze them in in the two weeks I have left here!
Nancy Blue Moon says
I’m so sorry that you two (three)..can’t be together today..I was looking forward to hearing about your day..My..acting is a busy busy profession isn’t it..The sky is gray here too as we are expecting some showers today..Looks like a good day to relax with a book in my little reading nook I created..That chocolate sounds wonderful..
Claudia says
I’m sad, too. Ah well, onward and upward!
Trudy Mintun says
Love the flowers Claudia, but my real comment is for the sipping chocolate! Last year I went into a small decline when TJ’s told me they didn’t make it any longer. I have never had such a good cup of hot chocolate as theirs. Thank you so much for posting this. I am going to have my friend buy up several cans for me. She is coming for a visit in a couple of weeks. I can taste it already.
Claudia says
I’ve only just discovered it, Trudy, but I’m so glad for you that it’s back in stock! Enjoy!
sharron says
Boo on being a grown up..but yay that you have flowers, Scout and sipping chocolate to share with us today.
Hope Don makes it soon!
I need some of that chocolate now….
Claudia says
Go for it, Sharron!
Nancy in PA says
Another lovely post, Claudia. Very enjoyable.
I like Deb’s idea, of another guest post by Scout….if she has the energy, that is, after all of that cavorting through the park.
Claudia says
She’s pretty tuckered out. We’ll have to see….
Debbie in Oregon says
“Sipping Chocolate”? Oh be still, my heart! I guess I NEED to go to Trader Joe’s ;)
Claudia says
You do, Debbie, you do!
Barbara W. says
Our local grocery sells a chili spice just for hot chocolate – I think it’s from Mexico.
I was just visiting your other blog and it brought back fond memories of trips in the summer to Stratford. I took my daughter to see William Hutt in one of his last performances as Prospero – just wonderful. Question for you – my daughter wants to know if the Horatio in your production is terribly handsome. I’m pushing 53, but I think I’d like to know as well! :D
Claudia says
I was lucky enough to see William Hutt many times at Stratford. What an amazing actor he was! I would have loved to see him as Prospero!
Yes, our Horatio is handsome, and a very good actor, to boot!