Yesterday Bill and I had our AC and furnace replaced. Annoying and expensive, we hope that it will leave us with better savings and in a more comfortable environment. We got energy star rated appliances that qualify us for the Obama tax credit. Of course, this morning it was 60 degrees so I doubt we will really get to try this out for a little bit.
Last night we went to dinner with Dan(ny) and Brian. It was a lot of fun and reminded me how much I miss my cousins back home.
Since I didn't blog about the weekend I need to give a quick recap --the highlights if you will.
Friday: Pierogi Fest in Whiting IN (complete with the Polka Parade)
Saturday: 13 Mi bike ride to shed some of the Pierogi Pounds :) and then Dinner at Blackbird with Bill and Lena
Sunday: Frankfort farmers market with Lily and then lunch on the deck and a movie to boot.
I spent much of Monday worrying about my test results and whether I should acquire an application to clown school.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I PASSED!!!!
Level one... which means I get to do this all again next year.
I'll have to get the pictures from this weekend up at some point but right now I am too excited to write my blog.
I'll have to get the pictures from this weekend up at some point but right now I am too excited to write my blog.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Happy Friday!
I hope you all have a great weekend. I hope to go ogle some bikes this weekend and Bill has to go to the dentist.
So I may have mentioned this before, but I am currently reading two books. Wuthering Heights, which I had never read in HS/college and this book...
I am really liking it, as I love history books and this writer is very good at his storytelling. Anyway, I am on the part where the Spanish are hunting across all of the Americas for gold. And just to tie things together, last night we watched that new Indiana Jones movie where they travel to South America in the hunt for el Dorado.
So I may have mentioned this before, but I am currently reading two books. Wuthering Heights, which I had never read in HS/college and this book...
I am really liking it, as I love history books and this writer is very good at his storytelling. Anyway, I am on the part where the Spanish are hunting across all of the Americas for gold. And just to tie things together, last night we watched that new Indiana Jones movie where they travel to South America in the hunt for el Dorado.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
picture updates
Maura might kill me as she didn't like this photo, but this is the gang at the white sox game on Monday night
Bounty from my garden. I wanted to blur the background in the photo editing program we have, but no luck. I think I am either very inept at those programs or they are very counter intuitive.
____
Not much else shakin' these days. we tried the bacon we bought at the farmer's market last night. had it with blueberry pancakes and farm fresh eggs. yum!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
gray-no-more
ok so that is a really bad pun about the bike ride bill and I took last night. We are still exploring the areas around our house so we try to go to different places on our bike rides. last night we decided to aim towards the deli we like so that we could get some dinner part of the way through the ride. we enjoyed our ride through homewood and flossmoor and decided to go down a decent looking development off of vollmer. the street we turned down was graymoor. and then we came to a cross street in the development ... it was called graymoor. in fact we say a sign more confusing than those ones in Ireland one side of the street had three road signs all for graymoor and the other had a one way sign for... ...yup graymoor
in case you don't believe me
View Larger Map
in case you don't believe me
View Larger Map
Monday, July 20, 2009
More visits
I had a great weekend that started on Thursday with an 8:30 showing of Harry Potter and ended with relaxing on the couch last night watching some tv with Bill. In between...
Friday Bill took the day off for some much needed rest. The case he had been working on ended Thursday and he needed some r&r. Bill drove into the city and picked me up early from work and we drove out to the west burbs to attend the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Now I like shopping and in my list of things not to miss this ranks higher than any day after thanksgiving or day after Christmas sale. Nordstroms is expensive but the quality and customer care they have are great. And when they have a sale they do it right. Bill and I both got a few new items for work. (and I finally got the black pants I have been belly aching about since November.) Since we were out there, we ordered food to go from Wildfire --with points! So we had ribs and salad for dinner. We spent the rest of the evening hanging out.
Saturday I spent sometime in the morning weeding the yard. I also took out two tomato plants that were wilted and not coming back. we aren't sure if it was some type of bacteria/fungus or just over watering (I am hoping the later), but to keep it from spreading it was the best option in case it was contagious. For my troubles, I ended up with so nasty mosquito bites. Bill got some work to do so I relaxed and tried to zen away the itchies watching Miss Congeniality. We then packed up the car and headed out to Naperville. We ran some errands and then headed to REI to look at bikes and their summer sale items. I didn't purchase a bike but did see a few I might test drive. The we had some returns to make at Nordstroms and some other stops at the mall. Finally we stopped and got Winnie some more food and headed home. After some left over ribs we cleaned up the house a bit for our guests that were coming.
Sunday morning was filled with a bit more tidying, going to the farmers market and getting ready for Maura Jeff and the boys to visit. We had such a wonderful evening with them and Brian. It was nice to sit out and enjoy the summer night (even if it was only 70` outside). After they left, we played a few games of corn hole (or "bags" as you Chicagoans call it). Then we settled in for some Sunday night tv and hanging out with the dog.
I hope you had as uneventful but enjoyable weekend as we did.
Friday Bill took the day off for some much needed rest. The case he had been working on ended Thursday and he needed some r&r. Bill drove into the city and picked me up early from work and we drove out to the west burbs to attend the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. Now I like shopping and in my list of things not to miss this ranks higher than any day after thanksgiving or day after Christmas sale. Nordstroms is expensive but the quality and customer care they have are great. And when they have a sale they do it right. Bill and I both got a few new items for work. (and I finally got the black pants I have been belly aching about since November.) Since we were out there, we ordered food to go from Wildfire --with points! So we had ribs and salad for dinner. We spent the rest of the evening hanging out.
Saturday I spent sometime in the morning weeding the yard. I also took out two tomato plants that were wilted and not coming back. we aren't sure if it was some type of bacteria/fungus or just over watering (I am hoping the later), but to keep it from spreading it was the best option in case it was contagious. For my troubles, I ended up with so nasty mosquito bites. Bill got some work to do so I relaxed and tried to zen away the itchies watching Miss Congeniality. We then packed up the car and headed out to Naperville. We ran some errands and then headed to REI to look at bikes and their summer sale items. I didn't purchase a bike but did see a few I might test drive. The we had some returns to make at Nordstroms and some other stops at the mall. Finally we stopped and got Winnie some more food and headed home. After some left over ribs we cleaned up the house a bit for our guests that were coming.
Sunday morning was filled with a bit more tidying, going to the farmers market and getting ready for Maura Jeff and the boys to visit. We had such a wonderful evening with them and Brian. It was nice to sit out and enjoy the summer night (even if it was only 70` outside). After they left, we played a few games of corn hole (or "bags" as you Chicagoans call it). Then we settled in for some Sunday night tv and hanging out with the dog.
I hope you had as uneventful but enjoyable weekend as we did.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
bicycle BICYCLE!
ok i was trying to think of a title to this post... ...its sad that you all probably don't get it and now I am stuck with a Queen song in my head.
Anyway. now that i have my bicycle in working order I am loving it. I enjoy my spin classes when I go, but there is something so much nicer about riding outside. Of course, I am now having bike envy because Carolyn and her brother brother recently got bikes. I am tossing about the idea of a good bike, but then i feel like maybe i need to prove myself first. we my bike isn't in good enough order to do any long ride, but there is a ride in October called the pumpkin pie ride. they have 25, 61 and 100mile courses. I am pretty sure that i can do the 25 in about 2 hours, so I am considering signing up. I would love to be in good enough shape to do a century, but that isn't happening without some serious training and a new bike.
Anyway. now that i have my bicycle in working order I am loving it. I enjoy my spin classes when I go, but there is something so much nicer about riding outside. Of course, I am now having bike envy because Carolyn and her brother brother recently got bikes. I am tossing about the idea of a good bike, but then i feel like maybe i need to prove myself first. we my bike isn't in good enough order to do any long ride, but there is a ride in October called the pumpkin pie ride. they have 25, 61 and 100mile courses. I am pretty sure that i can do the 25 in about 2 hours, so I am considering signing up. I would love to be in good enough shape to do a century, but that isn't happening without some serious training and a new bike.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
great weekend... for me at least
So I had a fabulous weekend. I unfortunately cannot say the same for Bill who was stuck in the office during the day both days.
Saturday we had a HVAC guy come a pitch a new A/C and furnace to me. Bill scheduled this a few weeks ago when we had to get the A/C fixed. an hour and a half later I had discovered just how priced replacing these things are and that my furnace, which proudly claimed to be a carrier was actually some bottom line furnace with a carrier emblem affixed to the outside of it. (that was real classy previous owners...)
Since that was at 8am I had a long day ahead of me. I weeded my garden (I need to show you guys pictures... my tomato plants are taller than me!) ran some errands with the dog, ending in getting a grilled salmon salad from a local butcher/deli type place. laid out and read a book (which I have never done at this new house!) played some wii fit (I love the boxing ans hula hooping!) drove down town and got bill at 5 and then got read for the concert we had tickets for.
Bill had bought tickets to see No Doubt with Paramore back in March as his birthday gift. Little did he know how busy this weekend would be. But, we got to the show and had a great time. Gwen Stefani looks really good for a woman with to kids, but I guess that is what she is paid to be/do. anyway we got home and in bed around 2am.
Poor Bill had to be up around 6 something to catch a train into the city to work on Sunday. I got to sleep in until almost 9 which was much needed. Highlights of Sunday include Frankfurt's farmers market, Winnie getting groomed, and a cooking spree. I made tabouli, hummus and mom's blueberry coffee cake. I picked Bill up around 8pm and we had a late dinner around 10.
Yesterday I enjoyed a nice 50min bike ride around Homewood and had a quite evening at home. Bill caught the 12:40AM train. he got home around 2am. I want my husband back! this is now basically tradition that at some point in July every year he has to work an 80 hour week.
Saturday we had a HVAC guy come a pitch a new A/C and furnace to me. Bill scheduled this a few weeks ago when we had to get the A/C fixed. an hour and a half later I had discovered just how priced replacing these things are and that my furnace, which proudly claimed to be a carrier was actually some bottom line furnace with a carrier emblem affixed to the outside of it. (that was real classy previous owners...)
Since that was at 8am I had a long day ahead of me. I weeded my garden (I need to show you guys pictures... my tomato plants are taller than me!) ran some errands with the dog, ending in getting a grilled salmon salad from a local butcher/deli type place. laid out and read a book (which I have never done at this new house!) played some wii fit (I love the boxing ans hula hooping!) drove down town and got bill at 5 and then got read for the concert we had tickets for.
Bill had bought tickets to see No Doubt with Paramore back in March as his birthday gift. Little did he know how busy this weekend would be. But, we got to the show and had a great time. Gwen Stefani looks really good for a woman with to kids, but I guess that is what she is paid to be/do. anyway we got home and in bed around 2am.
Poor Bill had to be up around 6 something to catch a train into the city to work on Sunday. I got to sleep in until almost 9 which was much needed. Highlights of Sunday include Frankfurt's farmers market, Winnie getting groomed, and a cooking spree. I made tabouli, hummus and mom's blueberry coffee cake. I picked Bill up around 8pm and we had a late dinner around 10.
Yesterday I enjoyed a nice 50min bike ride around Homewood and had a quite evening at home. Bill caught the 12:40AM train. he got home around 2am. I want my husband back! this is now basically tradition that at some point in July every year he has to work an 80 hour week.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Happy Friday!
So my work has a subsidized cafe up on the top floor. And when I don't have breakfast, like today, I will go up and snag something up there. There is a woman named Terry that works upstairs, mostly at the register, but also serving some of the food and keeping things clean. Terry can always make you smile, remembers you name and ever detail of your life you have told her and greets you on Fridays with a big, "HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!"
Terry - you are awesome!
Terry - you are awesome!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Bike ride
Bill cleaned off our bikes put air in our tires and we went for a 45 min bike ride last night. It was nice to get out and about, and since the weather was over cast and cool it was a very refreshing ride.
Last night, we made more of the beet greens from the garden. Bill has decided the greens are ok even if he doesn't like the beets themselves.
Mosquitoes are in full swing. every evening I seem to get a few from taking winnie out. if any one knows of ways to prevent this without long pants or bug spray i would appreciate the tips. (I don't want to change or spray just to take winnie out)
The other problem we are having for the second year in a row is a rust fungus of some sort on part of our lawn. I am thinking it is because of the rain but I don't know how to organically fix this. Any ideas?
Last night, we made more of the beet greens from the garden. Bill has decided the greens are ok even if he doesn't like the beets themselves.
Mosquitoes are in full swing. every evening I seem to get a few from taking winnie out. if any one knows of ways to prevent this without long pants or bug spray i would appreciate the tips. (I don't want to change or spray just to take winnie out)
The other problem we are having for the second year in a row is a rust fungus of some sort on part of our lawn. I am thinking it is because of the rain but I don't know how to organically fix this. Any ideas?
Monday, July 06, 2009
Fourth of July
So we were back in Cleveland over the weekend. Bill worked a half a day on Thursday and I took the day off. I made us a health lunch of lettuce and beet greens from the garden to make up for the garbage that we would eat on the way into town. We packed the car and got on the road before any major traffic and arrived in Solon around 9:30 far earlier than we are accustomed. Winnie was really excited to see Macy Jane (my Aunt & Uncle's lab). We settled in and made plans for Friday since Erin and Brad were off of work.
Friday we all went to the barn and then Brad Bill and Larry left to get fireworks on an all day excursion. I stayed and rode Dandy (and Bailey for a few minutes) and then we were off with much of the 4-H club in tow. I helped my cousins with their horse costumes for the fair and also visited with Bob and Cathy Clarke who came into town from Arizona. That night the adults went out for dinner and then a quick trip to my cousin Billy and Tina's house in Chagrin Falls. They just got a new puppy (9 week old boxer!) and have been doing a ton of work since moving into their house a few months ago.
Saturday we went to Dad's for a fabulous breakfast (that included fresh blueberry pancakes with smashed blueberries and cream cheese frosting on top.) Bill Dad Winnie and I took a quick walk down the tow paths by the canal and then we were off again. We all got to Maura and Jeff's in the late afternoon with plenty of time for a long creek walk before dinner. Jeff , as always made awesome burgers and grilled chicken, and all the sides brought by family were great. After dinner there was wiffle ball, Irish dance and time to catch up with all the family. once it got dark we had smores and a great fireworks display by Brad (who had help from Larry Bill and Danny). By the time we got home the girls could hardly walk to their beds and the dogs fell asleep and wouldn't budge all night.
Sunday E&B made a great breakfast and we got on the road around 11:30. We were home around 4:30 (Chicago time) and and time to unwind and get read for the week.
I have pictures from the weekend and will post a slide show later today.
Hope you all have as much fun as we did -- Happy Fourth of July!
Friday we all went to the barn and then Brad Bill and Larry left to get fireworks on an all day excursion. I stayed and rode Dandy (and Bailey for a few minutes) and then we were off with much of the 4-H club in tow. I helped my cousins with their horse costumes for the fair and also visited with Bob and Cathy Clarke who came into town from Arizona. That night the adults went out for dinner and then a quick trip to my cousin Billy and Tina's house in Chagrin Falls. They just got a new puppy (9 week old boxer!) and have been doing a ton of work since moving into their house a few months ago.
Saturday we went to Dad's for a fabulous breakfast (that included fresh blueberry pancakes with smashed blueberries and cream cheese frosting on top.) Bill Dad Winnie and I took a quick walk down the tow paths by the canal and then we were off again. We all got to Maura and Jeff's in the late afternoon with plenty of time for a long creek walk before dinner. Jeff , as always made awesome burgers and grilled chicken, and all the sides brought by family were great. After dinner there was wiffle ball, Irish dance and time to catch up with all the family. once it got dark we had smores and a great fireworks display by Brad (who had help from Larry Bill and Danny). By the time we got home the girls could hardly walk to their beds and the dogs fell asleep and wouldn't budge all night.
Sunday E&B made a great breakfast and we got on the road around 11:30. We were home around 4:30 (Chicago time) and and time to unwind and get read for the week.
I have pictures from the weekend and will post a slide show later today.
Hope you all have as much fun as we did -- Happy Fourth of July!
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