My mom is really sick. She was admitted to the hospital last night and her blood tests showed she was in sepsis with a raging kidney infection. I know she will be OK, but I hate not being there. Please send her good thoughts of health and quick healing. She is such a good mom and friend, and I love her so much.

It is absurd to add anything to this post, but I handle some scary things with diversion. Tom and I worked with a doula for Jack's birth; she was great and taught me that I tend to deal with fear and pain with humor and distraction. In that regard, I present you with a pic of our amazing dinner. This steak rub was the bomb: lots of mashed garlic, salt, sage, chives, marjoram, mint and rosemary, crushed chili peppers, olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar. These green beans were crisp and fresh -and who knew how great brown-buttered almonds are?- and these mushrooms rich and velvety.