How About a Persimmon?

We know a couple who came from Viet Nam. They are the most reliable and dependable people we know. They have done a lot of work not only for us, but for a lot of other people on Capitol Hill. We were first introduced to them when we moved to DC - our family lived just down the street in an 1890’s townhouse/rowhouse. There was always something that needed fixing. They redid the entire place from top to bottom, including “lifting” up the house. For us, a new shed for the patio, interior painting, a complete new bathroom, a new ceramic floor, renovated kitchen, and emergency calls .... the list goes on and on. Since we moved to northern Virginia seven months ago, they have helped us out by hanging all of our artwork and a couple of light fixtures. Last weekend we needed their help removing a huge carpet from underneath the tv stand/bookcase. Every time they come over, they bring a treat or two. Usually it’s a Vietnamese dish or drink. They introduced us to Pizzelle cookies. This time it was a bag full of persimmon. There were so many that I had to share some with my brother, sister in law, and sister. We haven’t yet decided what we will do with ours, but perhaps jelly would be an idea. It’s not so much what it is, but the idea of being so thoughtful is priceless. 

Yekta Market and Kabobi Anniversary Dinner

Although we have been together almost forty years (!) our official twenty year anniversary was yesterday. We had a wedding day lunch at Reza's in Chicago - a place we went to almost every couple of months when we lived in Milwaukee. So we decided we should celebrate at Yekta Kabobi in Rockville. Because Persian New Year is upon us, the market was still open for business selling out on Haft-sin items. The little grass containers were sitting out front, and a haft-sin was on display at the entryway. The restaurant was really busy, and we were lucky to get a seat without reservations. After dinner we wandered about the market. Everything is so fresh - in fact the salad in the restaurant is my favorite because it is so fresh. My husband had a taste for cookies, and was also on the hunt for quince. This place reminds me of the outdoor markets in Iran and in most other places, including Eastern Market right here in the neighborhood. Obviously tea, rice, and pistachios are well stocked. It's all so very colorful and ethnic. Just as I love pierogis and all things Polish, my husband loves all things Persian. Unfortunately there is not a polish restaurant that we know of here. Milwaukee and Chicago were full of those. So Christmas is the time for Polish food and Spring is the time for Persian food. Although nothing stops us from enjoying it all any time of the year. 

Crate and Barrel Shower Curtain and Towels

It's been eight years since we freshened up the apartment. Next week our favorite handyman will be repainting, regrouting the bathroom, and updating a few things for us. The yellow walls in the bathroom and bedroom need to go! We had a friend of ours help select new paint colors - Benjamin Moore Persimmon as an accent wall in the bedroom and Southern Comfort throughout the rest of the house. I searched the internet for some ideas and came up with a couple bathroom choices. After lunch we took a ride to Crate and Barrel in Tysons and picked up a new shower curtain, matching towels and bath mat. Much to my husband's chagrin I thought we would try something a little bolder rather than the neutral tones we typically prefer. I was going for a warmer feeling and for something that coordinated better with the rest of tiny place we live in. So, rather than the very neutral beiges, we went with the watery fluid looking peachy, cream, white and neutral pallet. Let's hope it works out! I might have to change up the mat of the picture that hangs in that space. It's a green mat - hopefully it won't clash too much. But the peachy color really goes with the guys pants.