CARH's visit

CR was home for a week-long visit and we had a great time. Sadly, there are no pictures to justify that fun was actually had, but indeed, it was. Most of our time together included lounging, referring to house decor magazines and picking out our future designs, drinking pinot grigio and other chilled items, looking at very comical high school pictures (and notes), and talking. We went to this new restaurant and the food was delicious. We had Yellow fin tartare for an appetizer, I had halibut and CR had whitefish. I took her to this new bar and we tried to fight off the 40-something medical device salesman. Note: don't watch sports when you are in a bar (force of habit) because men think that is a telltale sign for conversation. This picture is my absolute favorite--from our Senior Prom. Thanks for spending so much of your time with me, friend!

Weekends

Last Friday my mom and I went to the Quilting Expo. Besides the fact that I was probably the youngest person there, it was completely amazing. The walls of the arena were covered with larger-than-life plethoras of patchwork, intricate traditional patterns and shapes, and even some avant garde clothing and other strange wall-art items. Kat reminded me a few months ago that very few people in our generation can do things like sew, knit, even bake, and I was surrounded by these unbelievable pieces of art. Maybe I'll leave the sewing to my mom, but will really go after knitting and that pottery class I've been eyeing for the fall...The Despins were up and Nathan really wanted to ride the very large Italian bikes with the surrys on the Lakewalk. Man, it was way harder than it looks! We also went on the Vista, which he said "wasn't that exciting." The other picture is Ashley and her friend, who were at our house a few weeks prior (staying warm); she and my sister Karla & my mom came over for brunch.

New garden

The pictures don't do it justice and cannot broadcast the pomp and circumstance that I was humming when it was completed, but this garden was a huge endeavor! I originally wanted to plant vegetables, but quickly realized that this section doesn't get enough direct sunlight (and the neighbor clued me in that the former owner had tried unsuccessfully) . The garden was already sectioned off, so I wanted to plant perennials. Hopefully they'll make it through the rough winters and be back next year. With a lot of referrals & advice from more experienced gardeners (thanks, Pam!), I've got: lavender, chives, parsley, Artemisia, 3 different kinds of Seedum, Russian sage, Bleeding Heart, Bee Balm. My mom, Krista & Nathan really helped me bring it home by laying the compost & mulch. It's looking rather sparse now; I think I need some more decorative items against the house.

Celebrating a legacy

Last weekend was the inaugural golf outing for Coach's scholarship fund. Despite the cooler temps (and some people--who shall remain nameless--in shorts) the tournament and dinner to follow was an extreme success. It's really comforting to know that every year, we will all be able to celebrate Coach with this event.