Are you watching the new season of Downton Abbey? If so, what do you think so far — better than last year’s? Disappointing? B and I like it better than season two so far (yes, he watches with me): I never seem to tire of the costumes and sets, and I must say that watching Shirley McLaine and Maggie Smith face off this season was about as good as it gets.
This week I’m conjuring up the Downton spirit and offering a choice of drinks in honor of the lovely Crawley sisters. These libations are the creations of bartender Nancy Mitchell, a blogger and fan of the show, who came up with a drink for each sister and posted them at thekitchn last year. The Lady Mary, Lady Edith, and Lady Sybil all look delicious, but I think the sloe gin and freshly squeezed citrus in the Lady Edith has to be my choice today as I tell you about my week:
My high: Having B home on Monday for the holiday. We didn’t do anything exciting — lots of errands, hanging out with the girls, giving a presentation that evening at church — but every day that we spend together as a family is the best. Seeing B and the girls together warms my heart: They love their Daddy, and he’s nuts about them, too.
My low: Just starting to feel better from my latest virus and landing myself an infected finger, which ended up being so painful I couldn’t sleep on Wednesday night. If it’s not one thing, it’s another, and it’s starting to get ridiculous.
Bonus Question: Who’s your favorite upstairs Downtown Abbey character? What about downstairs?
For me, it’s hard to choose. Matthew is disappointing this season: Somehow he’s turned into a curmudgeonly old man since he got married. I like Mary and have a soft spot for Cora — plus who doesn’t love Sybil? — but all in all, my favorite has to be the Dowager Countess. No one has better lines or delivers them as well; she steals every scene. As for downstairs, I used to like Mr. Carson, but now I feel like he’s a constant grump. My favorite is Mrs. Hughes: strong, loyal, intuitive, kindhearted.
Okay, your turn. Pick your favorite Crawley sister drink and tell me: What was your high this week? Your low? And who are your favorite Downton characters upstairs and downstairs?
Have a slow weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday!
Image: PBS
Hello, I'm Zoe Saint-Paul. I'm a writer, life coach, and new mama to twins who's trying to live "slower" in a speed-obsessed world. Here we chat about life and love, food and design, and everything in between -- all at the right pace. So grab some tea, pull up a chair, and join the conversation. Feel free to 
Well if that isn’t the sweetest “high of the week” ever. Hooray for Saint-Paul family time!
Um, I want all of those cocktails, please. The Edith looks delicious (and hey! It’s fresh citrus season!), but I do love a St. Germain champagne cocktail… Guess I’ll just have to take one of each.
Low of the week: My parents’ having to cancel a visit this weekend after my mom got sick. Boo! I just saw them at Christmas, but I was looking forward to the family time…
High: Fortunately, my sister Jen is still coming up! I can’t wait to see her and her husband, and especially their squishable baby Dominic.
Bonus question: Oh, Downton Abbey. My feelings on the characters have changed a lot over the course of the show; I feel like the writing went totally off-the-rails-crazy last season, so characters that I loved in season 1 I suddenly couldn’t stand in season 2 (I’m looking at you, Branson and Bates). But things seem a little more even keel so far this season — and fortunately, the Dowager Countess remains awesome. She’s probably my favorite upstairs character, too — along with her counterpart downstairs (at least in the telling-it-like-it-is department), Mrs. Patmore.
Yes, Mrs. Patmore is pretty great. I’ve never been a Bates fan for some reason. And that St Germaine drink was pretty tempting…
They all look delicious, but if I had to choose one, it would be the the Lady Edith. I love anything with citrus!
Low: Peter has figured out that he can reach just about anything by
means of some elevating structure. He’s awfully creative and I can
pretty much forget about putting objects out of reach.
High: At 36 weeks, I’m really thankful to be feeling as good as I am.
Sure, I’m a little tired when evening rolls around and I have my days,
but I’m sleeping great and still have good energy throughout the day. I like to think it’s because of the time I’ve put in at the gym.
BQ: I have a soft spot for Lady Mary. She’s imperfect, knows it, and sometimes even manages to rise above her foibles. As for downstairs, I’m rather partial to Carson. Oh, and I have to confess that I’m not the biggest fan of Sybil — too impulsive and idealistic. Does that make me an awful person?
I might have guessed Sybil wasn’t your favorite! I find her idealistic but not overly spontaneous. I guess that’s relative
She just sees the best in everyone, including her sisters, so it’s hard not to like her in my books.
Hi there!
High: Monday holiday. I love teaching, but a day when I didn’t have to leave my girls is always a treat.
Low: the MLK holiday celebration. Low turnout. I expected a crowd.
More highs: watching my five year old re-tell the Rosa Parks story on a poster. She’s on fire when it comes to social justice issues and I love that. Having my seven-year old get the part she wanted in Macbeth (Macduff) and loving that she knows the play well enough to get the importance of that part.
Wow, social justice advocate at 5 and knowing McBeth well at 7 – you’re doing something right!
Those drinks sound fab! I also can’t get enough reading about how well your girls and family are doing. I could never pick the best DA character. They are all so very unique in their own way!
High: I was offered this amazing package deal to go back to get a MA in the field of my new job. Not only would it be night classes at the local university, but they would pay for my tuition and give me almost a year’s salary as a stipend.
Low: The catch is that I have to continue working full time while going to school for two years. Yeah, right. Not going to happen while I have youngsters, so it felt a cruel tease.