Hello Monday | In the Groove

At the Stable - I'll Come Out And Visit You Soon

Hello New found free time | Yes, she passed and received her driver's license. Because of this, she is able to drive herself to and from the horse stable which frees up two hours of my day! I don't know what I'll do, but I'm sure I'll find some activity to fill that time.

Hello Zillow | I keep stalking the internet in hopes something decent will come up for us to buy. We are now 0-3 in the attempt to buy a condo in the Andover / North Andover area.

Hello School routines | the kids and I are getting into a better groove - bags (backpacks, baseball gear bag, etc) all packed the night before really helps.

Hello College Football | The first game of the season kicks off Saturday and both hubby and I will be in the horseshoe cheering on the home team. I just hope it's not too hot.

Hello Blast of Summer | It's going to be hot and humid this week - the hottest weather we seen since mid July. I've been watering the lawn since we've had no rain for several weeks. I guess summer decided to show up late this year!


hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

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Hello Monday | New Beginnings

Beginning of A New Day - August, 2013

hello blog | sorry for the recent inactivity - between traveling, preparations for school, my daughter "borrowing" my laptop, new responsibilities and overall craziness, I just haven't had the time.

hello school | summer is officially over for the kiddos as they head back to school this week

hello DMV | hopefully, my daughter will get her license this week. I never thought I'd say this, I can't wait until she gets it! I am looking forward to not having to chauffeur her around and gaining back two additional hours of my time.

hello baseball | the first games of the season kick off this week.

hello saddle number three | I hope you are the "one".

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | Hello Again!

Evening Concert in the Park - Summertime Fun

Hello Monday | It's been too many weeks since my last Hello Monday posts, it's like I'm saying Hello to Hello Monday!

Hello The Blessed Unrest | My favorite recording artist is releasing her fourth full length album on Tuesday. I've been listening to it for almost a week now, thanks to iTunes. My favorite track on the album is "Chasing the Sun" with lyrics that really resonate with me:

You said, remember that life is
Not meant to be wasted
We can always be chasing the sun!
So fill up your lungs and just run
But always be chasing the sun!

Hello Turkey Run State Park | Looking forward to kayaking and hiking again (it seems as if that's all we've done this summer - which we can't complain about!).

Hello Heat and Humidity | yes, it's a part of summer, but I wish it were cooler in the mornings.

Hello Salads, Smoothies and Veggies | I'm on a good, healthy eating trend, having detoxed a bit from our vacation in Maine. I would still love some lobster, though!

Hello Beef House | My reward for eating salad all week long - a nice juicy steak on Saturday!

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | London Edition

The Tower Bridge, As Seen from The Tower of London

Hello Felix and Winnie | My nephew and niece are so cute and getting so big!

Hello Tube and Rails | Getting around is really easy - we are in close proximity to two Tube stations. Today we will also ride the rail way a bit outside of London

Hello Harry Potter Studios | Today's destination!

Hello Countryside | We head out to Bristol later this week to visit my college roommate, Sue. We will stop along the way back at the quaint village of Bath.

Hello Old Friends | Our neighbors and friends from Indiana are going to be in London later this week. We haven't seen them in years and should be able to meet up.

Hello Sweet Sixteen | That's what my daughter turns later this week. Sweet Sixteen in London - I don't think it gets any better!

Here are some iPhone snaps - just a small glimpse of our trip so far:

Swans at Kew Garden -


Waiting for the Tube -


Westminster Abbey -


Our first view of Big Ben as we emerged from the Westminster Tube Station -


Along The Queen's Walk, along the south of the Thames - the Southbank Skate park -


hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | Start of Summer

The Cool, Wet Weather Has Resulted in a Plethora of Roses This June

Hello the Start of Summer | At least for the kids, summer vacation has started. This means carefree days of sleeping in. If only the weather would warm up north of 75 DegF!

Hello Summer Camp | We're diving right in - the boy will be at camp this week. The sessions were very early this year and based on all of his friends' availability, the first week was chosen. The swimming hole might be a bit chilly, but the boys probably won't care. The bonfire night will be really nice with the cool evenings.

Hello Guitar | Our subdivision held its annual neighborhood garage sale last weekend and I scored a great acoustic guitar. Since he paid for it, it officially belongs to my son, but so far I've been the one to figure out how to use it. You Tube is a great resource for this sort of thing.

Hello Family Photo Shoot | My dear friend, Heather, and her family are moving away at the end of the month (sniff, sniff), and I am going to shoot their family photos on Wednesday.

Hello Early Travel Day | We leave at dark o'thirty Thursday morning for our trip across the pond to visit my sister in London! I still have to visit the bank, call the credit card companies, pack and tons of other stuff.

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | Remembrance

Hello Memorial Day | Before it became Memorial Day, the last Monday in May was known as Decoration day. This holiday was born out of the Civil War as a day to remember those died in during the Civil War. Since then, it has been extended to honor all Americans who gave their lives serving their country. May we take time to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

Hello Abscess | Looks like I'm not the only one with a foot problem - Caesar has an abscess in his right hind hoof. We knew something was wrong, as he wouldn't trot well and my daughter hasn't been able to ride him for over a week because of it. Now we know - so each day he'll receive a thorough cleaning, foot soak, iodine treatment and hoof wrap. Sounds like he's at the nail salon getting a pedicure, right?

Hello Last Week of School | I know the kids are looking forward to the carefree days of no school, sleeping in and hanging out with their friends. My daughter just has to get through final exams. For me, the end of school means more relaxed mornings.

Hello Trip Activity Planning and Final Preparations | I'm finalizing the various day trips for my upcoming trip to visit my sister in London. We have day trips planned to the Harry Potter Studios, Bristol, and Bath. In the city, the girls have to see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly and I would love to visit Kew Gardens. Final preparations entail getting British pounds before we leave, buying gifts and figuring out what to pack!

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | It's Just Another Year

The New Flickr - Hot Off the Press

Hello Heat Wave and A/C | yup, we skipped spring and went straight to summer. It's been over 90 these last few days and the air conditioning is on. A few of my neighbors haven't succumbed to the heat - I see their windows wide open and wonder how they can stand it.

Hello Lilacs | You've finally bloomed and fill the air with your heady fragrance

Hello New Flickr | Wow - new look - I think I like it!

Hello Baby birds | A bird built a nest in our front door's hanging basket. This happened three years ago and the nest was abandoned. I surmised there was a new nest this season, as each time I opened the door, a bird would appear and fly away, but didn't dare peek in until last week. I saw three hungry mouths wanting to be fed. Since then, we have stopped using the front door. I still see momma and dad (the bird in the branches above) hanging around and flying around the door, so I'm hoping the babies are doing OK.

Hello Long Weekend | Memorial Day signifies the start of summer around here - the pools open and school is wrapping up.

Hello 46 | Yup, another year older for me. As I was telling my bloggy friend and fellow runner, Kyla, my mind certainly doesn't feel over forty, but my ligaments and tendons are starting to reveal that they are. I'm still nursing my right ankle, but hoping to getting back to running later on this week or next. Could it be that in my older age, I'm becoming more patient? I doubt it.

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | 15

Waiting at the Intersection So I Took a Photo of the Setting Sun - Through My Sunglasses

Hello Band Concert | It's hard to believe the students will be performing for the last time this school year. As usual, we are looking forward to all the performances (and especially the Jazz Band Performance). At the end of the concert, the 8th grade students will be acknowledged and presented with a certificate. They are closing up this chapter of life and heading to high school.

Hello Birthday | Hubby turns 46 on Friday!

Hello New Running Shoes | I calculated I've put at least 400 miles on my current pair and that might be the cause of my ankle issue (specifically, my posterior tibial tendonitis). I'm probably going to buy some kinesiology tape, too, so I can start running again. While I don't mind the pool, once a week is my limit.

Hello Neighborhood Picnic and Block Party | one of the perks of living in this neighborhood - we have a great community, a HOA that encourages involvement, and neighbors who care about each other. On tap this weekend - a picnic in the park and then a band block party. The band is an 80's Tribute band, so we are sure to hear lots of favorites. This is the first year the picnic and block party have been combined - the picnic has the tendency of drawing thunderstorms and severe weather - I hope that doesn't happen this time!

Hello Herb Plants | I need to buy new rosemary and basil plants - the sooner the better. Last year, I was late on the basil and I didn't get much of a harvest.

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | May Already

A Picture Perfect Start To a Race

Hello Soreness | In general, my legs feel pretty good, but they are slightly sore from Saturday's half marathon. I didn't have the best run, as the warmer temperatures caused me to experience cramping in my calves starting at mile 9. But I finished without having to stop, so I'll take it.

Hello Morning Runs | Now that race weekend has passed, it's time to incorporate another running day into my routine. I had stopped them because I was concerned about inflammation from my IT Band. As a bonus - it's now bright enough to really enjoy an early morning run.

Hello Soccer Rivalry | The big battle between city high schools will be played on Tuesday. Not sure who will prevail, but I know it will be an aggressive game.

Hello May | With all the rain we received in April, I'm expecting lots of May flowers! It's a month of birthdays and end of year activities. Wow, how the school year has flown by!

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday - Busy Week Ahead

Small Signs of Spring

Hello Appliance Repair Man | there's something wrong with our clothes dryer - it is making a terrible noise, like a bearing has gone out on the rotating drum, or a balance / counter weight is loose. We're afraid to run the dryer now because it shut down once, probably on a motor fault. The kids are freaking out a bit as we have to prioritize what we wash, and of course, all their clothes are dirty.

Hello Sump Pump Hum | We received over 6" of rain last week, and the sump pump still kicks on every now and then. During the heaviest rain, it ran every 30 seconds or so. But that motor humming is a nice sound - it keeps our basement dry!

Hello Sara Bareilles | It's been three years since her last full length album, and she's releasing the first single off "The Blessed Unrest" on Tuesday. It is called "Brave" and you can hear it today:


Of course, I can't wait for the full album's release in July, but for now, I'll have to buy the single....

Hello Illinois Marathon | I'll be running the half marathon Saturday morning. Scott is running the 10K. I'm hoping for not-too-hot weather - 40 degrees F would be perfect, but I like things on the cool side. In the wake of last week's bombing of the Boston Marathon, there will be many tributes to those who lost their lives, who were injured, who were indelibly changed. I'm sure it will be a great event.

Hello Jazz Band Performances | Our middle school's second performance in two weeks - the jazz bands are performing at the high school band fundraiser events. We get to hear the high school groups, too, always a treat.

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | 15

Spring Sunset

Hello Tax Day | Where's the Dislike Button? We've already sent in our return and that's all I'm going to say about that.

Hello Last Day to Register for the Illinois Marathon | I'm registered for the full marathon, but won't be able to run it, so I need to get things changed to the Half instead. I ran 12 miles this past Saturday, so I'm good to go, barring any major catastrophes (heaven forbid).

Hello Track Meet | This will be our first experience at one of these. Not sure what to expect, but I'm sure it will be interesting.

Hello Book Club | We are getting together this Friday at a local Wine bar. Even though most of these ladies are my neighbors, I don't think I've seen many of them in the past month - we've all been super busy.

Hello Flowers? | Why won't you bloom already? I see all these beautiful photos from other part of the US - beautiful cherry blossoms, lilacs and flowering pears. I'm waiting for you!

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday - Is Spring Really Here?

The Season's First Grilled Hamburger - See the Story Below

Hello April Showers | After a most glorious spring weekend, the rains are coming. Even with the impending rains, I persuaded Scott to move the grill from the garage to the patio - I planned to grill hamburgers. Then he discovered we were out of propane. Yes, we have two propane tanks - two empty tanks, to be more specific. So back to the grocery store I went, because I didn't want to miss this window of opportunity to use the grill. It was worth it - that burger was fantastic.

Hello Event Conflicts | The boy's first Track Meet conflicts directly with the girl's and Soccer Game and we are signed up to work the concession stand. I guess we will be attending a future Track Meet instead. Our son will be competing in the hurdles - he might be at an advantage because of his height.

Hello Flower Buds | The spring bushes have started to bud out - the lilac and viburnum shrubs may bloom this week and we are hopeful the dogwood tree in the front will finally grace us with some flowers this year.

Hello Early Mornings | it appears that I will be waking up extra early 4 out of 5 days this week due to work and exercise commitments. Thank goodness the mornings are lighter earlier - it makes getting up at dark o-thirty a bit easier. And maybe I'll catch a good sunrise.

Hello Yard Work | Scott trimmed the boxwoods and I need to follow up with clean up duty. Spring waste collection starts this coming week and it will be good to get the overgrown stuff trimmed back and cleaned up.

Hello Spring | it appears that you finally arrived! We are glad to see you!

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | Snowmageddon

Winter Can't Seem to Let Go

hello snow, snow and more snow | over eight inches as of Sunday at 9pm and the snow is expected to continue until early Monday.

hello snow day | the first snow day of the year extends the kids' spring break an extra day. I guess I'm not ready for the morning chaos to start again, because I'm kind of glad.

hello ankle sprain | my daughter sprained her ankle during the opening soccer game on Saturday. I've learned that an ankle sprain is an injury to the ligaments around the ankle and if things don't improve, we'll need to see an athletic trainer for further action. Another reason why school being cancelled tomorrow is a good thing - it's another day she can keep off her ankle.

hello new bible study | I fell behind in the last one, and I am committed to keeping up for the next eight weeks.

hello soccer photos | I've made a start to Saturday's collection, but need to stay on top of things.

hello good friday | I need to reflect more on the significance of this day.

hello easter sunday | celebrating the resurrection - awesomeness all around.

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Edited to add - snowfall totals for our area - just at a foot of snow. And here's a photo of our snowy house this morning.


Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | Spring Break

Last Thursday's Setting Sun

hello stress free mornings | no need to cajole the kids to get out of bed. OK - just the boy - some mornings are a mad dash out the door after multiple attempts to get him up.

hello soccer tournament | the first games of the season. I'm the official team photographer and I'll get to put the new lens to work.

hello Charlotte Martin | I've been intrigued by a new song used in yoga class, "Every Time It Rains", and thought the artist was Tori Amos. After a quick internet search, I discovered artist Charlotte Martin, who happens to hail from our flat prairie land. Another piano playing chanteuse, her music is amazing - have a listen below.



hello the official start of spring | it just doesn't feel like it! For Spring Break most of our friends are in Florida or California. I remember last year's spring break - it was so warm and sunny here - not the case this year....

hello march madness | I coordinate the office pool, so let the posturing begin!

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | 10

Late Winter Sunset on the Prairie

hello morning darkness | this week is always the hardest, because I prefer light in the morning.

hello short school week | while not "officially" the start of spring break, it may as well be. We aren't going anywhere this year and probably won't again until the kids are out of school. We've learned that spring break week for High school athletes participating in spring sports means practice week that you shouldn't miss.

hello foam roller | my IT Band is causing some lateral pain in my left knee again. I was able to run fine on Saturday, but really want to increase my weekly miles. So I'll stretch and roll, roll and stretch so more.

hello spanish flash cards | we use them to help my son study. He was struggling but since we've been drilling him for 20 minutes each night, his grades have vastly improved. As a side benefit, I now know how to say "he has a hairy back" in Spanish [yeah, could come in handy some day....].

hello pre march maddness | the league tournaments tip off on Thursday so there will be plenty of basketball to keep track of.


hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.


Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | 09

As Pretty as You Are, I Hope The Frosty Mornings Pass Soon

hello more winter weather | I hope this is the last blast.

hello soccer practices | every week day after school. There is an upside - I don't have to leave early to pick her up at 3:30 anymore.

hello ISAT tests | I'm not a fan of standardized testing but hopefully it will prepare my son for those college tests like the SAT or ACT. Thank goodness this is his second to last time with them.

hello morning sun | maybe I'll get a morning run in this week, because next week it will be dark again.

hello daylight savings time | yes, I enjoy the later sunsets. No, I don't like the time change that causes everyone to be grumpy for a week.

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.


Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun


edited to add a photo of this morning's sunrise. You know the saying, "Red in the Morning, Sailor's Warning".... the snow is on its way.

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Hello Monday - End of February

Better Than Cable - CAT TV

hello soccer tryouts | it's what we've been waiting for all winter long - the official start of spring sports, specifically girl's soccer.

hello new lens | I plan to hit the buy button and finally replace the 70-300mm lens that I sold back in November. On tap, a 70-200mm f/4.

hello zappos | last week, my daughter and I got into a big boot buying frenzy - they are on sale at Zappos. We are still trying to get a pair that will properly fit my daughter. Right now, we are 0 for 2, but hopeful the pair that is scheduled to arrive today will work. Thank goodness for Zappos' wonderful return policy and super speedy delivery.

hello black oil sunflower seeds | they are the only seed that consistently attracts birds to the feeder. The window mounted one was a Christmas gift from my friend, Jill and it is so much fun for us to watch the cats watching the birds. We have another platform feeder further out which needs to be replaced, and I'm trying to decide what style to go with. Or maybe I'll just add another one instead of replacing.

hello photo canvas prints | after seeing three of my photos enlarged to 11x14, my daughter selected several photos of her and the horse to be mounted as canvas wraps.

hello smash | the show is much better this season than last. Hoping it will continue in a positive way (unlike Glee, which really needs to retire all the post high school characters). And no, I don't watch Downton Abbey, although I feel great peer pressure to do so....

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | 07

Missing the Perfect Tropical Nights in Nassau

hello photos and lightroom | I'm still playing catch up. The long weekend helped and all the photos I took in the Bahamas are done. Now on to what I took when I got back!

hello pool | it's been three weeks since my last swim and dare I say I missed the back and forth, back and forth rhythm of lap swimming?

hello best in show 2013 | I submitted a couple of pieces to the local photography competition which finishes up this week. I plan to check out the exhibit this week.

hello farrier | Caesar is due for a hoof trim this Thursday. He's been nursing a cough and we hope that clears up soon.

hello book club selection night | I will be bringing a couple books for our group to vote on: Gone Girl, which I read while in the Bahamas (yes, it is really good) and Pitch Perfect (yes, this book was the basis for the movie).

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday On Wednesday | Back to Reality

Like an Ad for Atlantis - Paradise Island on Nassau

I'm changing things up a little bit, since I just said good-bye to the wonderfully warm people and weather in the Bahamas...

good bye azure waters | I enjoyed your soothing color, the sound of the surf, the salt spray on my legs and the white sea shell sand between my toes

good bye Kelly, Robin, Jaymie, Chrissy and Lisa | I had a wonderful time with you all! I'll see you gals soon around town

good bye norovirus | I don't know how I managed not to catch you while the rest of the family did. You need to stay away!

hello salads, veggies, fruit and lean meats | I may have over-indulged during the trip...

hello to another long weekend | I think I'm getting spoiled with these short work weeks

hello photos | I'll need the long weekend to download and get through all the photos I took during the trip to Nassau

hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

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Hello Monday | Getaway

Even Louie likes Chipotle

hello price increases | gas is over $3.50 a gallon, a sharp increase from the $3.03 I paid a couple weeks ago. And have you seen the price of lettuce recently? The unusual cold temperatures in California apparently impacted supply of produce and you know what they say about supply and demand.... I feel fortunate that I can weather these fluctuations, but my weekly grocery bill is inching closer to $150 - yikes!

hello chipotle | our family's newest discovery and we've eaten there once a week since early January. [at least it's a new discovery for my husband and daughter - the son and I have known how yummy the food is there for quite some time]

hello Superbowl ads | I didn't catch them all, so off to find them on YouTube. My favorite of the ones I saw - The Budweiser Clydesdale ad with the baby foal, the horse growing up, leaving its trainer then finding him again. All set to the song, Landslide - bring me a tissue please.

hello suitcase | getting you packed for a getaway!

hello nassau | I'm looking forward to seeing you again - warm, azure water and all....


hello monday | looking forward to what the week has in store for us.

Inspired by my friend, Lee at Embrace Life, Hello Monday provides a peek into the coming week - in all its glory. Join us and Lisa for the Hello Monday fun

Read more...