Family Reunion

This past weekend I attended our family reunion. I think it was the first family reunion I have ever been to. I always hear about other people attending their family reunions, and assumed I would most likely despise such a boring ritual if it ever happened in my own life. But was I ever wrong! My grandma had set out several pictures of our ancestors and I just drooled over them. In the picture above, the man sitting on the chair (on the right) is my great-great-great grandfather who came over on a boat from Germany. How incredibly cool is that! It's amazing when it actually hits you that you are, in fact, not American.

This picture was my favorite. The girl in the middle is my great-grandmother. I simply adore her dress. She seemed so elegant, simple, and sweet.

When all the conversing about our ancestors got to be a little much, I ran away with my cousin, Addie Joe and we played Yahtzee. She was far better at the game than I. Although, we both came up with a little trick of how to guarantee a good roll. It goes like this: while the person is rolling, the roller yells what she does want, and the other player yells what the other person doesn't want. It made perfect sense to an 8 year old.

Good Pickin's

Today my mom and I went strawberry picking at a local farm. The farmers declared that today was the first day for picking. It was about 82 degrees, with a cloudless sky. These berries were as good as they come--huge, red, and juicy. They literally fell off the stems. My mom filled her bucket until it was practically overflowing. A lady down the patch from us kept laughing as my mom refused to stop. "Can't let a good one go by!" I think my favorite part was this young, urban-looking couple a few rows down from us who were asking the local farmer how to plant strawberries. They asked if there were seeds. Good thing the farmer was so humble.

"While There's Life, There's Hope" -Norwegian Proverb

For though the fig tree blossom not
nor fruit be on the vines,
though the yield of the olive fail
and the terraces produce no nourishment,

Though the flocks disappear from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet will I rejoice in the Lord
and exult in my saving God.

God, my Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet swift as those of hinds
and enables me to go upon the heights.

-Habakkuk

Garage Sale Findings

Yesterday I went to a garage sale near my house. It was filled with old lady things you would find at a craft store up north, like crocheted towels, knit washcloths, and this...a perfect 50's style apron for only 50 cents. I was more than thrilled.

I also bought these dish towels to use in my future home. The home owner's sister-in-law made them, and I've always wanted towels like that have sewn words or scenes. There are seven of them--one for each day of the week.


These mittens were 25 cents...perfect for mild, fall weather. And of course, they're brown. It's hard for me to branch out.

"I have an affection for a great city. I feel safe in the security of man, and enjoy the sweet security of the streets." -Longfellow

I spent this weekend in Chicago with my "sisters" from college. Being there reminded me of my love for the city. It has a different beauty than the country...but it's still beauty. The first night was spent chatting over expensive desserts and wine. It was lovely to sit outside and let the night slowly fade away, as I savored each bite of my flourless chocolate cake with rasberry sauce and whipped cream.

But we were still up bright and early for the first pickin's at the farmer's market:

There was even a little band playing. They were all playing bluegrass instruments and took turns singing. My favorite was this old man playing the banjo. He sure played the part well...he looked straight out of a storybook.

And as for Michelle...

She was a big hit with the boys.

The afternoon was spent at a quaint tea store. There is a flavor for everyone there. My choice: White Champagne Rasberry. The store is small, but we spent nearly 2 and a half hours smelling every tea and observing the beautiful mugs that reminded Michelle and Kate of India.

What would a Chicago visit be without Chicago deep-dish pizza?

Joe and Mr. Sullivan are not prepared to find out.


That evening was spent doing the tourist thing...a walk down Michigan Ave and exploring Millenium Park. Later that night was a gospel music festival held in the park. There's nothing quite like hearing the gospel proclaimed in the heart of the city.

Until next time, Chicago, Good-bye.

A Lazy Afternoon

Today was my first real summer afternoon. As in, I finally did what I dreamt of doing while I stared into my computer screen for hours, finishing my final papers before graduation. This perfect summer day included my Schwinn bike, a good book, and a spot in the shade by the boat dock downtown. I find so much hope in seeing the sailboats anchored, ready for another season of sailing. Despite the dreadful winter, summer always seems to find its way here. It's good to be home.

My favorite part of this bike it the old-fashioned bell. Sometimes I ring it when no one is around...I feel like a 1950's paper boy, announcing to the neighbors that I'm about to throw their daily newspaper into their yard, and they better come and get it.