One of those days

No, I do not have anyone's permission to use this photo, but somehow I don't think that Charles Schulz would get too mad at me.  If he did, I would follow Charlie Brown's example and start weeping.  It is only Monday evening, but I am already feeling overwhelmed.  Pourquoi?  Why?  Because it is our first full week of classes, I have to be at school two evenings this week, as well as two mornings at 7:30, I have papers to grade, meetings to plan, and I feel a cold coming on.  I sound pretty whiny, n'est-ce pas?  Pretty sad considering how good I actually have it.
Okay, so now for some positives.  I have a job.  And a job that allows me to travel to France once a year.  I am in good health (well, except for the cold).  My boys are doing well in school.  High school-age son's knee seems to be okay (he slipped at Senior Challenge and dislocated his left kneecap-- ouch).  Feeling a bit better... 
I helped Wine Authorities celebrate Birthday #3 with Prosecco and crostini from Toast. 

I ate more than one (what a shock!)...

There was also birthday cheesecake... hmmm  I didn't get any of it, though, come to think of it.

(The new enomatic card features two ladies in pink-- guess who??)
Salamanzer made me laugh in his silly hat--

Last but not least, I made a new dish with zucchini.  Un gratin de courgettes.  And I ate it all myself (not in one sitting, though, I promise).

Mon dieu bon dieu.  I believe that I may have more or less un-grumped myself.  Looking at photos and thinking of all the fun I had last week has that effect.  Now what kind of fun will I find this week?  I am sure I can squeeze some in somewhere in the midst of everything else I have to do...  Anyone have any suggestions?

Gratin de Courgettes- Zucchini Gratin

(serves 2-4, if you share)

1 1/2 lbs. zucchini, washed and sliced in thin rounds
1 garlic clove, minced
2 large eggs
1 c. crème fraîche (I didn't have any so I used 1/2 c. sour cream and 1/2 c. half and half)
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Sea salt and  freshly ground pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 400F.
Heat the oil in a large pan.  Add the zucchini and garlic and cook for about 10 minutes.  Stir often enough to keep the garlic from burning.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs, add the cream, the parmesan, the salt and pepper.
Place the zucchini in an oven proof baking dish.  Pour the egg mixture over it.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top.

Bon appétit, les courgettes!  Et bon anniversaire, WA!