Family and friends abound

Little elfin Fi

Grownups' night at Blackwater (notice the unplanned purple and blue/red combos)
Good, kids! The coloring tradition has continued!

Papa and the little Diva

I was lucky that despite a week-long trip away for work, I was able to see most of the visitors who came into town. CARH and Fiona were here for two whole weeks so I was able to see them on many occasions, which included a highly-recommended afternoon sitting in her parents' sun porch, which is the closest thing to actually being in a tree while remaining indoors. My sister and the kiddos came and we had a blast--coloring, watching movies, and just being silly. I love that they are the age where everything is just exciting--just ask Sydney. She's the queen of excited. Shandiz, the culinary artist, was able to come for the end of the Hedayati trip, so we spent some time talking about, what else, restaurants. I've been spoiled with many visits already this summer, and a few more to come...

Summertime is weddingtime

I have to collect as many of these coupley pictures as I can--someone tends to close his eyes in about 40% of our attempted photos...

Summer could be here

This weekend was packed, and definitely in a good way. I pulled out my summer clothes storage box that I keep under the bed and welcomed back my long sundresses and Bermuda shorts. The weather has been unseasonably warm lately, so I finally gave in to a wardrobe shift.

Liz and her bridesmaids (We even got a picture with Nan, who has done makeup for most of our weddings!)




Liz's sister Noelle was married last weekend and I was just in love with her vintage-inspired dress and all of its details. The downtown St. Paul building was recently restored it was very cool. Janell and I helped with O for the day; the event was definitely a family affair and it was clear that this couple surrounds themselves with good people. The night before, we headed to Pizza Luce, which after my overwhelming excitement at the GF menu, Janell knew there were no other dining options. It was glorious--eating pizza that was ordered in a restaurant. I savored every bite. We stayed with Amy & Conor, who made us coffee and breakfast. I made sure to rub that one in with the hubs.


Sunday, CB and Dan came over for dinner during a visit home. I wish we would have had more than an evening, but we had a blast. The table was set with candles and some fresh lilacs from our bush, and we grilled shish kabobs and used the fresh berries with some cake for dessert. The sports talk was designated for one room and the kooky, I've-known-you-my-whole-life-so-we-talk-about-everything conversation took place in the kitchen. Hopefully a visit to the east coast isn't too far off!

Mother's Day

We counted this as the fifth Mother's Day of our annual brunch celebration here. Our waiter had to earn his keep that day--we were there for over two hours. My mom and I, with my cousin Mary (back), her stepmom, Sharon, and her daughter-in-law, Tricia. After brunch we did some window shopping and antique hunting. I'm still thinking about the circa-1910 mahogany clawfoot dining table that I don't have room for...We plan to expand the group next year, which hopefully includes my sisters!

Spring times

My co-workers & I prepping for a 5K
Dory & I at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon--formal theme

Rancher town

A recent trip--in the busiest time of the year--was actually quite relaxing. I know my geographical surroundings had a lot to do with my respite. Just a few days prior to my arrival, Missoula (which is the only city by that name in the world) had a snowstorm; by the time I landed it was brown landscape and flowering trees. Climbing to the M, located in the foothills behind the University campus, takes about 1.5 hours, but the view is definitely worth the effort. Despite its small size (I know Tiffany would disagree with that measurement), there were several small, locally-owned restaurants and shops that definitely fit my liking, and kind of reminded me of the hippy/small town/uniqueness of Duluth. Any visitor to this town has to climb to the top of the M--which I did, promptly, without my camera. About an hour to the top.

Some wonderful little ditty shops I stumbled upon: Noteworthy, a beautiful little stationery shop (printing press in the basement) that sells the wittiest little cards that I sent on to a few friends. Their store window was amazing, as it featured four dresses, all completely made out of paper.


Butterfly Herbs was a haven, complete with a coffee shop, and tea/candy/vintage trinkets store. Bestill my heart.

Restaurants--quite a variety of fare for a smaller town (that exceeded eateries with bars). El Cazador (the hunter): very down-home atmosphere; excellent tamales and mole sauce. The Up Town Diner: straight out of 1950; giant breakfasts. Didn't get a chance to try "Missoula's best shake." The Shack Cafe was much more charming than its name describes, with its vintage paneling and wooden booths. Amazing huervos rancheros. Sawaddee Thai Restaurant--delicious green curry. Big Dipper Ice Cream: completely worth the 15-minute walk and 20-minute line. The choices of flavors, cones and dips are enough to make old and young alike dizzy with sugar-infested delight. Lastly, the people here are down to earth, genuine. Minnesota nice, western style.

Ladies, revisited pts. I and II

CR's backyard

Near Carlsbad Public Beach

Cousin Chanel & I

CB's excellent profile

This week, as I slowly recover from my traveling lag and general attentiveness to non-vacation activities, I'm left with an overwhelming sense of love and comfort, reminding me of the immense value of my female friendships. The familiar feeling after being with my ladies--laughter, serious and not-so-serious conversations, fashion consultation, gossipy consultation, life-altering decision consultation--I am renewed and struck by the immense nourishment I get from these relationships. I know I am lucky. Not every woman I know has such an incredible support system. I try not to take that for granted. And although there are curves in our lives and the direction digresses from one another at times, I know who I can count on.

It was hard to say goodbye to the Carries--66% percent of the trifecta--as CR dropped us off at the airport Monday morning. Rarely are all three of us ever in the same location at the same time, but this trip proved we're on to something and I know we won't wait too long before that is replicated. Let's just say that the trip was one of indulgence--lots of eating (thanks to Shandiz for preparing all of those glorious plates and cocktails); shopping (J Crew dress on clearance; golf clothes for this summer); taking in the beach; trying out a few new restaurants; and spending most of our time dissecting the daily goings on of our lives. Their friends, Victor and Janine, whom I've gotten to know from the wedding, hosted a BBQ. My cousin Chanel and her friend came by for dinner(homemade enchiladas per the baby daddy) and us four older adults were transported back to an episode of "I'm a 20-year-old College Student." That makes you feel old. The views surrounding San Diego/Carlsbad really are spectacular, and the rolling (and massive) hills do leave you with a sense that this place is quite grand.

While approaching the officer in the security line, I let an older gentleman in line ahead of me, whom just happened to be one of our former Vice Presidents--what a cool experience. Looks much younger than 82!



The weekend prior to my departure out west, I met with my college friends for Kat's going away party for her deployment. Now you can understand this thread of recent female camaraderie! Beth and I drove down for the day and most of our ladies were there. Amy had a great spread for us, including GF chocolate cake. The silliness was inevitable, and soon I felt like it was all of us again, just with a few more husbands and kiddos. I left with the feeling that I don't see them enough; we need to get moving on our next event. (Cabin? Spa?)