lazy sundae

Happy Sunday, friends! We’re recovering from what I hope to be our last winter storm, and Penny is spending a lot of time staring longingly outside in hopes of soon frolicking on the beach. We ended up with mostly sleet, ice and a whole bunch of slush – so while we didn’t end up with pretty snow, the waterfowl around here are pretty happy with the coastal flooding.

Don’t forget, Tuesday April 4th is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops. Take pictures of what you get and tag @stressbaking #stressbaking on Instagram, or post the pictures to my Facebook wall!

When Spring has finally sprung, I’m looking forward to planting some flowers that will hopefully be able to withstand the summer heat. Last summer was so hot, humid and brutally dry that gardens and orchards didn’t stand a chance. I’m thinking sunflowers and tulips in the yard since it gets plenty of sun, and maybe some sort of planters on the deck.

Speaking of warmer weather, I plan to come up with some desserts that can be made on the grill this year, like one of my all time favorites: Grilled Peaches. Drool.

Tomorrow is MLB opening day in Boston. YAY! I have tickets to the Cubs vs. Red Sox game at the end of the month and I’m going to be beside myself. Get ready to see this hot mess all over the news as she desperately tries to get the attention of Grandpa Rossy (fingers crossed that he’ll be there in his new role).

My beach town coming out of winter hibernation also means that all the restaurants and stores will be opening up again, and be open for more than a couple days a week. Score!

I’m counting the days until the weekend ferry service starts up again. It makes everything easier and more accessible! Specifically, I can float over to the Boston Public Market to pick up meats from Chestnut Farms, fruits and veggies from Stillman’s, wine from Truro Vineyards and refill my honey supply at Boston Honey Company (and to say hi to Evan!). Oh, and to grab a donut because… donuts. It’s 57 days, by the way.

And speaking ferry boats, I’ve got my sights set on a few boat tours this year that we didn’t have time for last summer:

Whale watch cruise that goes out to Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. I speak whale, in case you were wondering.
Sunset cruise on Boston Harbor. Doesn’t it seem wonderful?
One of the Tall Ships tours – they’re so cool to see in the harbor.
A lighthouse brunch cruise, which I’ve been dying to go on for years. I have what is probably an unhealthy love affair with lighthouses.
A trip to Martha’s Vineyard via either Steamship Authority or Hy-Line Cruises – I’ve never been!
I’m considering one of the weekend party boats – we can see and hear them from our house and it just sounds like a damn good time!
And I did it last year, but more trips to PTown on the Provincetown Fast Ferry. That thing is an absolute godsend – Cape Cod traffic is a nightmare.