June's Flow

June has brought the Bell household lots of reasons to celebrate.

On June 2, Jessica accepted a position with the University of Arkansas. That Friday, we were on a plane to locate her new home. We both were enchanted with Fayetteville. We left town having successful found an apartment, which Jessica reports she loves.

On June 10, Doug and I observed that we have been married 14 years. A picnic in the park with a bottle of prosecco. Perfect.

June 13th, we witnessed Doug's niece, Kim, marry her sweetheart in the woods of Downieville CA. We enjoyed catching up with our relatives and meeting our brother-in-law's family. It was touching to see the outstanding woman Kim has become, to see her embrace this next phase of her life. We look forward to spending time with Kim and Brandon within the next year...getting to know them better as husband and wife. Doug adores Kim and Kim adores Doug. It was a splendid weekend.

Doug is also keeping busy with a new venture that I will report on later.

"There are two temperatures in San Antonio...hot and damn hot" Shelly McArthur told us when we announced we were moving there. She wasn't kidding...we've been contending with 100+ temperatures since May and are now in level 3 water rations. Cantaritas and Tinto de Veranos are libations perfect for cooling off. The pool is also a welcome respite.

We can't help but look ahead to July 20, when we will depart for Marbella, Spain. I am fortunate that my Pilates services continue to be in demand. Since this demand has been constant since Christmas, I will be relieved to have a break.

Can we really be facing the 4th of july so soon?

Madly, Deeply, Passionately and Joyously

Today is my wedding anniversary. June 6 was my anniversary with my former husband. Doug forgives me when I get the two mixed up - which happens more than not.

Doug and I enjoyed a very hot, long distance romance. I don't remember how it came to be but "madly, deeply, passionately and joyously" became our romance mantra whenever we wrote love letters. This continues today...most recently he sent it to me in Spanish, which I posted to his FB.

Unbeknownst to the other, both of us arranged with our jeweler to have "mdpj" engraved inside our wedding bands. There is more engraved but after 14 years, I can't read it.

I feel quite fortunate to feel that madly, deeply, passionately and joyously sums up my love for Doug just like it did all those years ago.

Happy Anniversary to us.

Spanish Tortilla and Strawberry Soup

The skies opened up and drenched San Antonio not long ago. The bad weather caused us to change dinner plans. Since I didn't make it to the market, I made do with what we had. It ended up being pretty tasty.

Oven Baked Tortilla Espanola











My recipe was inspired by one I found at The Perfect Pantry blog. I left out the sour cream and cheese, making it more like those I had in Spain. A simple salad of arugula, manchego and marcona almonds is on the side.


Strawberry Soopa (Ayurvedic word for soup like preparations)














2 cups ripe strawberries
2 cups watermelon
1/4 cup coconut milk (cream would work too)
Agave nectar to taste (use any sweetener you prefer)

Blend all ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate at least 30 min. Serve in dishes or glasses chilled in freezer. Substitute POM pomegranate juice for the watermelon for a more tart, refreshing drink.