The Sweetest Reasons

Fourth

As I write this, I am slowly digesting yet another incredible meal and dessert and drinks from Joel and Cyn's bar-b-que today. The second of the weekend. We had one yesterday too. Small. Rainy. Didn't stop us from sitting under beach umbrellas and eating for four hours nonstop. Wish I had a few photos to share from that. It was pretty fun! My waistline . . . not so fun . . .

Enough of that, here are a ton of pics of some awesome people, more great food, repeat. God bless the USA!

John and Mike both got at my camera, so I'm actually in these pictures! Looking kinda crazy, but I was there!!!

No Joke

This wine is exactly what is printed on its label. If you are in Rosi, do stop into our awesome wine shop, Solera. Not only are they the nicest people ever, they carry the best wines, totally reasonably priced, but they remember you and not because we are winos and there everyday. They remember you because they care.

And no, they did not pay me to write this. I just like them that much.

Vermont Journal VI

Here's my little ode to Waterbury, Vermont, through photos . . .

The farmer's market is lovely (and the library is too, though I have no photos of it, we spent quite a bit of time there).

Thatcher Brook Primary School might just be the prettiest little school I've ever seen.

Plus, the school is home to a Natural Playground, open to the community to use. The playground is unlike any other I have ever been to, as it uses its surrounding space in the design of its features, such as a stream, ampitheater, sandbox and more. It is absolutely inspiring!

I also discovered the little thrift shop in town, where we managed to find some thrift shop gold and Bea got to do her Thrift Shop Boogie!

And while I love The Alchemist, the other hot restaurant/pub in town, The Reservior, was pretty fantastic too. Damian ordered the craziest burger I have ever seen, The Truck Driver, which was topped with a fried egg and bacon. He paid for that one later, I'm afraid, but man, pretty awesome burger if it comes with its own American flag, right?

Full Cup

Costumes (or barely anything on) in the morning.

Bike riding around the arboretum and finding a new, magical hiding place. Photo by Mike.

Grandpa spins a yarn for Miss S.

Even though it rained, the Z-Man had a great party.

Oh, these two are too, too sweet.

Girls by the window.

On the move and time for a quick cat nap.

Bike and beer birthday cake by Erin for Reg. Also, yum!

In Somerville . . . for Jess.

Look at that stance. Photo by Kristin.

And speaking of Kristin, world's cutest pitcher? Eh?

Can't you just hear the shit-talking in this photo?

Only one small accident, and tears quickly dried.

It's not easy playing third-base, watching two kids, and taking photos. So when you get a gift such as this one, well, you are allowed to gloat a little. Matt tags out Mary and we win!

The skies grew dark, and thunder rumbled, so we headed back inside.

To smell crayons. Weirdly scented crayons, with smells like Earthworm, Pencil Shavings, and Grandma's Perfume. It was kind of a fun game, actually.

Smelling action shot.

Money action shot. How could we not fit in one game of LRC? Erin's winning, btw.

Incredible day. Grateful for it all, every moment, every person.

Sausage Weekend: Part One

This might just be my favorite "holiday" of the year.

Plenty of couch time with Great Aunt Dody.

And lots of fat-trimming.

Here's a quick lesson in making sausage: On the left is bad. On the right is good.

Of course there was lots of laughing.

A very happy grandfather!

Always entertaining kids and cousins.

Celebrating Dody's 89th Birthday! Wonderfulness, truly.

Beer that goes with everything, especially birthday cake.

And really, right here, this moment is what it is all about: A table full of family sharing a wonderful meal together.

To quote Josie, quoting her favorite book, "Oh, what a busy day!"

Freezing

It is brutally cold here. But these pics instantly warm me up!

Drinks in coconuts? You better believe it. Nothing better.

Fairytale of New York

Having grown-up on Long Island, the City always had this other-ness, a personality, a draw. As a teen, I'd hang on St. Mark's, walk around SoHo, thrifting, eating, and absorbing. In college I'd hang out uptown mostly, with the exception of some rock-a-billy venue I frequented. I'd spend countless afternoons visiting museums and friends who worked in them. I drank in Irish old-man bars and played pool in the Bronx. I loved to visit, but I never wanted to stay. Every night (or early morning) ended with a train ride out, be it East or North, I know both train stations very well.

It is a true luxury to have now been able to sleep in some nice hotels in the city courtesy of Mike's wonderful job. This week was the holiday party, a fantastic tradition in his company's history. You have to trust me on that. You also have to trust that these last few visits have pulled me in a very different direction. Part of me wants to stay. I no longer want to run for the last train out. It's my family that is here. It is my friends. It is the energy that I always felt connected to. I get this city. I always have. I just wasn't sure I could commit to it. Maybe, someday, I will. Until then, a trip in, without children, here and there really seduces my senses. It's wonderful.

As a side-note: I can't wait to bring my girls to the city. Especially for the holidays and all the touristy things we can do.

And finally: Purl SoHo! I nearly cried to be in that space. If you don't know their blog, you should. The shop is a dream.

And how can you go to New York during the holidays and not have this song in your head. Enjoy!

The South Still Spoils Me

Twice in one year! We are very lucky folks, to be able to go South solo, and see some of the best people in the world. Mike spoke at PC, and was terrific. We got some quality family time in, by the fire, with an amazing meal (or two), two wildly adorable dogs, knitting, wonderful-ness. And then, to really spoil ourselves, we checked back in to the Artmore, slept-in, went to a rock show, saw the Dali exhibit, walked around Mid-Town, ate fried okra and catfish and hushpuppies the size of golfballs, explored some corners of the city we had overlooked in years past, and had many drinks and laughs and talked and shared and learned so much more about people I've known for ages and some I'm just getting to know. To all of you: Gemma, Kito, Tony, Hank, Greg, Heike, Nick, Taso, John, Pat, Gordon, Lauren, Jim, Kristen, Miyoung & Alex- Thank you!

Full Speed

My summer is flying by. It has been amazing. Truly. I've been doing my damnedest to capture it with the new gear, and savor it. So here are some shots from the last month that make me happy and punctuate some of the bigger, brighter moments as well as some of the simple, quiet ones. Total love.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pinkalicious

Do you know the story Pinkalicious? Bea's sweet friend Soraya gave it to her for her third birthday and it was an instant hit. Then while vacationing in Vermont, Bea's Ammy took her to see the stage production of the book. Since then Bea often quotes the book and play to us. Inspired by the story, she also wanted to make some pink cupcakes. I had to oblige.

Once done frosting her pink cupcakes, Bea began to frost herself, starting with her toes.