Daydreaming: China

Something that occurs often in my life is the urge to travel.  Every now and then I have to hamper the desire to buy a plane ticket and just leave.  Most of the time my rational, responsible side helps greatly with that, but every now and then I have to resort to image searching and just daydreaming.  Sometimes I forget to appreciate all the places I've already been.  Back in 2004 I went with some friends to China.  It was just over two weeks that we spent there, and we really did get to see a lot.  We flew into Beijing, spent some time in my friend’s hometown of Qinhuangdao, took a train to Shanghai, and spent some time in the Yunnan Province in southwestern China.  Sometimes the specific experiences are  best summed up in a bunch of pictures.  -A

Saturday Camping at the Lake

Yesterday I visited my parents at the campground they are staying at this summer. It was a relaxing day with them and the dog. And what is camping without s'mores? -A

To the Market

This morning we made our way to the popular downtown market.  We don't get there as often anymore as it is not as close to where we live, but is definitely worth the trip.  The variety of items offered makes it almost impossible to choose what to get.  Today was a mixture of oysters, salmon, watermelon, corn, tomatoes, Hungarian bread, and German pretzel rolls.  It is celebrating 100 years this year, which to me is amazing it has withstood our ever changing city.  I can't wait for dinner tonight. - P

A Scarf in July

Over the years I have admired, but not truly appreciated work put into beautifully crocheted items.  My great-grandmother's countless items, grandma's, mom's, and my sister's blankets and now pillow.  Most recently A's sister gave me two scarfs she made.  I received compliments on them all winter long.  A couple of weeks ago I was in a craft/fabric store looking for something completely different when the yarn below caught my eye.  The pretty colors have a summer feel to it.  Although it was a 90 degree day, all I could think of was how this yarn would look if made into a scarf.

Aside from the running, cycling, reading, and other interests, I have never created a handmade item I could actually wear.  Both my mom and sister spent a few nights showing me how to crochet more times than I would like to admit.  I think I have the hang of it  now and I am rather excited to see the progress I'm making.  I think I found something I can do while watching television or chatting with friends.  I think this will look great on the first cool evening this fall.  - P

Daisy

I thought I would brighten up my kitchen table with some fresh cut flowers.  While wandering around my yard I noticed the daisies were in full bloom.  With a glass of wine in hand I put together a bunch to enjoy for the rest of the week. It was quite a peaceful way to end the weekend.  - P

Summer Indoor Projects

Since the summer has been usually steamy and hot here in the Midwest,  we have decided to spend some time on indoor projects.  Normally that would be unheard of but the conditions outside have been unbearable these days.  We still manage to run, bike ride, and garden but have been very conscious of the time of day we choose to take part in these activities.  Taking advantage of the A.C. at home we have been painting and working on some furniture projects.  My parents have been kind as usual and are upholstering my newly refinished dining chairs.  It is exciting to have my new set come to life in my dining room.  I can't wait to choose a rug to go along with it.  -P