Simplification or Complication

Jacques Pepin, a French chef, explained that the problem with nouvelle cuisine is that in an effort to use new ingredients and be creative in presentation, the dishes have become complicated rather than simplified, which is the essence of French cuisine. I guess I agree, because I've never been a fan of French food, mostly because it was weird and the portions were small. French cooking was developed much like soul food, where nothing was wasted and preparation was basic. Just simple and rustic.

As a knitter, I'm not one for complicated patterns and funky yarns. I tend toward the simple, straightforward patterns and am more successful there.

So,I am staying with these Leroy Brown socks, just 'cause I like 'em. They will take a while, but since they aren't complicated, I don't think I'll lose interest.

I dug through my yarn bin/stash in the garage, and found some yarns comparable to my husband's scarf yarn. He agreed that they were similar, so I cast on the needed 36 stitches on size 10 needles. 4x4 rib.
Easy enough, I just have to remember to carry the alternate yarn when I change colors. I'm not going to break off the yarn each time and tie in the new one. Wayyy to much trouble for this simple country girl.

For Christmas, I got these beautiful placemats and knew right away that this was my chance to buy some new napkins and napkin rings. There's a World Market about 45 minutes from here so last night, I found these lovely yellow napkins and brass rings.
We ate dinner across the way at a warm and cozy restaurant. It's been snowing for 3 days now and I wanted something hearty. DH had the chicken pot pie and I had the chicken cordon bleu. It was a little overdone, but very satisfying. So much so that my husband commented on how quiet I'd gotten. I didn't mean to be sullen or morose, but I finally concluded that most of our eating out is after work or after church and I'm still 'in gear'.
(We were headed to a prayer service so I guess I was a bit thoughtful.)

My son, who is somewhat like me in his no frills mentality, asked for a new computer for Christmas. We agreed to help him foot the bill, and he seems to have enjoyed it. Where would we be with out computers?

Someone paid me a compliment about my son last night. They mentioned how enthusiastic he is when he plays his drums.
I second that emotion, and am grateful that he has found a fulfilling thing to do. He is so genuine and real when he's engaged in his music. It's absolutely contagious. He has a sweet lady in his life now, and I know she brings him a tremendous amount of joy. She has offered to cook lunch for all of us tomorrow. Wow. Who could turn that down? What a treat!!