So much rain. I won't complain, even though I'd like to. The problem is our dryer is not working so I can't hang clothes out. Not a huge deal, just an inconvenience.
Mother's Day was just what I wanted it to be. Danny, Torri and I went to church, then to Jay and Celeste's for brunch. Jay Sr., Gabriel, Jonah, Bitsy (Isabella) and Bastone were already there. The food was delicious. 
After that Jay Sr., Jay Jr., Celeste and I went to Di Bruno Bros. on 9th Street and got the good stuff (meats and cheeses) to put on their huge loaves of ciabatta bread.
Termini's, Isgro's and Superior were all closed so we went to Di Bruno's Rittenhouse location and got everything else we needed to complete the menu, i.e. stuffed pasta and cannoli.
Traffic was brutal, but we went home the back way, which was lovely and the conversation, as usual, was animated.
Danny and the grandchildren went to see Jeanie at the hospital, where she was having an exciting day caring for a couple of patients in ICU. She came for dinner after her shift.
While Jay and Celeste were setting all of the food out, Ike Byrd stopped by to say Happy Mother's Day, which was a real treat.
Krista and I played phone tag all day. Josie had a violin recital (way to go Josie!) and a ballet dress- rehearsal. Krista taped it and sent it to me. I've tried to copy it here, sadly, I can't get it to work. 
My nephew Pat and his wife Jessica arrived with a beautiful Gerber Daisy. The cards and flowers are so appreciated not to mention "The Beekeepers Bible" from Jay and Celeste and the clean up by my wonderful husband. At the age of 62, days like this are what I love and live for. With the exception of those that were too far away to be there (and you know who you are, don't you?) I was surrounded by people that are so important to me. Thank you God for that and for the sun that is trying to break through. 

It's finally happened. Torri and Danny are engaged. We're all thrilled and believe that this is a match made in heaven. Literally. They're planning a fall wedding. Perfect!

We've finished the black mold treatment in the studio. The water and mold damage was extensive and we'll never be able to replace some very valuable items.  Wow, I pray that never happens again. Thank God it's over.

Spring feels wonderful and the bees have been very busy for a couple of months now. I was very concerned about them over the weird, wet winter, so I fed them an organic simple syrup and they did just fine.

I took the entire hive apart a couple of weeks ago to inspect and expand it. They weren't happy about that.

I added more frames to their hive body today and checked the honey supers and they're in there working like busy...well busy bees. I had a little taste of honey today, it's just lovely. Floral and sweet.

They are amazing. I'm so happy to be a beekeeper.

The rabbits were very productive over the winter, so they're on a break for the summer. The last little ones for the season were born two days ago. Half Flemish Giant and half Champagne D'Argent.  Nice, chubby bodies, with a good meat to bone ratio.

We have lots of meat in the freezer.

I also had lunch today with one of my dearest and oldest (as in I've known her since we were kids) friends Karen Morss, of Lemonladies.com.

It was so good to catch up. She brought some honey for me from the hives stationed in her Meyer Lemon orchard, along with apricot jam and some Meyer Lemons. What a treat!

We ate at Restaurant Alba in Malvern. Jay Jr. is working there as the sous chef. Great, authentic, Italian food. My grandmother would be so proud. I had the fresh fava bean bruschetta with shaved Tuscan Pecorino and the beet salad that I actually liked better than the one that I had at Chez Panisse a couple of years ago.

Everything was so good, but my favorite is the handmade, rabbit agnolotti in brodo that just amazes me. Tiny (handmade by a little lady that comes in just to make them) delicate, rabbit-filled pasta in a delicious, rich, buttery broth.

The sheep's milk ricotta gnocchi with San Marzano tomato sauce was truly spectacular. Go, try it. You won't be disappointed. I seriously can't wait to go back, but this was the second time this week that I ate there. I need to pace myself. My mouth is already watering just thinking about it.

The dogs are enormous, Bastone just turned two the other day and is now bigger than Lupo, but Primo is close behind him in size.

Bastone is my serious walking partner. We do between three and five miles on most days. Lupo seems to be getting older faster than I'd like. I'll be taking him into see the vet next week to make sure it's nothing serious. Speaking of which, Lupo and Primo are barking and Jay should be home momentarily, so I'll close now with the promise of being back soon.
Enjoy your weekend and happiest of Mother's Days to all mothers. Remember to thank yours.

                                              Danny and Torri in France.