A catcher-upper

Well, Summer is finally over. I'm not a fan. at. all. Summer is too hot, and too busy.

I have accompished several things this hottest summer on record. I've also battles allergies and sickness. I took a trip to the ER diagnosed with headaches (Is that possible?) I have been on more antibiotics than I've ever ingested in my life total. But, I'm better! I take a daily dose of claritin, and I'm pretty much good until the next morning.

Let me tell you about my summer! Since spring time, I've learned how to be a single working mother, and let me tell you! It's not easy. I'm so thankful the moment when my husband returns, and he gets to see his daughter's smiling face. It's hard to talk while he's out of town simply because our lives are so busy. He's working for the betterment of our family, and I work, too. So, this is a small part of how our summer went- I was mommy and daddy, and we had lots of conversations over the phone, but we also had super sweet moments and wonderful memories made!

1. We made a home brew. I can't tell you all about it because we'll be sharing it with some special people soon.
2. We rode bikes almost everyday to the pool in 108 degree weather. The pool is right off of historic Route 66, in fact, I live 100 yards from Route 66.
3. We had special visitors from our past visit and we saw a new and happening band, Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three.
4. We finished our living room!! This is huge!!
5. Ryan and I went on several hikes. (Cuivre River, Laumeier Sculpture Park to name a couple)
6. We took two trips to Arkansas. (a third is happening this month.) Kia Kima.
7. I have read The Devils Picnic, Alice in Wonderland, A Heart-breaking Work of Staggering Genius, Joe, The Little Prince, and I'm currently reading Life of Pi.
8. We went camping/canoeing at Randolph Lake, IL.
9. Adam and I had some date nights! I make recommendations to several restaurants in the St. Louis area.
10. Music has been back in my life recently in full swing; and I love it!
11. Finger painting is so fun with a one year old.
12. Mother's Day was a french success this year! It's the holiday I host and love the most. Our menu follows: Boulliabaise with spicy rouille, Salad with Herbs de fines dressing, champagne and truffles, and vidal blanc aux tarragon.
13. Cooking is still one of my loves, and I'd like to really shine those meals and times with you.
14. We always have a project, and we've also made these things this year: Repurposed oak cask barrel rocking horse, refinished a metal lantern, fixed a wicker loveseat, refinished a found ice cream parlor set, and gardened!
15. 3 out of 6 of my herbs survived the summer: basil, tarragon, and thyme (they are my favorite, too).
16. I have a complete list of recipes of made things that I'll address later.

Anyway, it was a successful busy summer. Fall is my favorite time of year. And, I'm loving the weather lately. (Now, I just wish I didn't have seasonal allergies.)

This is my listing post! I have a list of things to do for fall and winter! And, I'll get to that shortly, perhaps a next post very, very, soon. I'll leave you with a few photos from our wonderful summer!

Delight

This is just a montage of the last couple of months. It's a wonderful life.

The next post from me will be about Missouri Wineries... Doesn't that seems like a oxymoron? 121 wineries in Missouri, and I'll divulge my experience in the near future.

Much love,

B

I'm sorry I've been gone a month again.

! Earth day!

We tried 5 wines, and came home with 5 herbs. We had food at each stop, and I've recreated those at home. There are 125 wineries in Missouri, and they are beautiful. It's not California, but it's close. (We were inspired by this trip, and we've got a project going at home.) Try Ste. Genevieve for  good recipes and a wonderful little town off 1-55.

Also, we had artisan cheese from Baejte Farms in Bloomsdale, MO. Try their Bloomsdale (aged) goat cheese. It's delicious!

If you  enjoy wine, take a day to explore your local wineries.

B 

Where have I been?

Hello,

I must admit that I have slacked. Life with a baby is different and fun. The first year was interesting and a learning experience. I just now recently decided that I have adjusted to this new way of life.
It's spring in Saint Louis (with the exception of today.), and I am incredibly proud of my yard. It's blooming with buttercups, tulips, and hyacinths. Plus, the back yard has a patio, and it is becoming a home. Ryan's loving it too!

So, we've been playing outside going to parades (Soulard Dog Parade and St. Patty's Day in Dogtown.) and going to our closest park, Franz. Ryan and I have had our first experience without husband and Daddy. He left back in February for 17 days to go work. It was rough.

I tell you what. Those moms that do all of this on their own are to be lifted up and appreciated. I am glad my experience with the single working parent lifestyle is only on occasion. We get into our own groove, but it's harder providing all the care a little one needs. And, I can't imagine two babies right now.

Lastly, our anniversary was 2 days ago! It's been two years. And, what an amazing life! We have been so blessed, and we are truly fortunate. I appreciate all the days that are memorable, and how Ryan is becoming such a loving little girl.

Hope this is a happy update! Happy Spring!