Wordless Wednesday

73 Degrees

As we walked through Tonkadale Greenhouse yesterday, the air felt so fresh and alive with oxygen.

Katie mentioned that when we walked in and she let out her first couple of breaths, it felt like all the tensions building up inside were let out, too.

I understand what she was saying.

It was 73 degrees in there, something wonderful when it's February in Minnesota and winter feels like it's never going to end.

We took our time. There were a couple of cats there, and pussy willows.

Why do I always forget that there is somewhere like Tonkadale Greenhouse to go to?

Silly me.

After we were done, we went to People's Organic for supper. We each ordered their breakfast bowl, and this is what they were ... layers of fresh baby spinach, brown rice, small chunks of sweet potato, black beans, avocado, red onion, pico de gallo, two eggs cooked the way you want, bacon, a drizzle of sour cream, and some toasted sunflower seeds. So good.

And, I had to write all this down because I want to remember!

As I sit here sipping on Jasmine green tea and looking out the window at the falling snow (it's really pretty but we're supposed to get another 5-10 inches tonight), I know that winter won't last forever.

A Night With Debbie

Debbie came over last night to talk about giving Katie a wedding shower, so we turned the night into a little party! It had been awhile since they had last seen each other, maybe Jake's graduation, and it was relaxing to sit in front of the fire and catch up.

Katie made Grandma Joyce's recipe for apple pie, and it tasted just like when Grandma Joyce would make it. We also had fruit and cheese, bbq little smokies, almond stuffed olives, and a con queso dip made with Rotel and Velveeta cheese. And some warm winter wassail.

Time is going fast. The wedding is now six weeks away, and we're trying to chip away at the last bit of details. Flowers and food are this week's current agenda. And, probably beverages and the Rehearsal Dinner will be next.

If we do a little something every day, it should all fall into place. And, I'm thankful that nobody seems to be feeling the need for perfection. I think we're going to have a very nice evening with friends and family when everything is said and done.

Wordless Wednesday

Anniversary Week

We celebrated our 31st Wedding Anniversary on Valentines Day, but actually made a whole week of it. It went something like this ...

Saturday brought purple tulips.

Sunday brought chocolate dipped strawberries, homemade of course.

Monday we had a dinner of appetizers and champagne in front of the fire in our living room.

Tuesday, Bruce and I went out for an early dinner at Houlihans. I had steak!

Wednesday, we went to Como Zoo and Matt's Bar in South Minneapolis for Juicy Lucy's, YUM.

Thursday was Karaoke at the High Timber Lounge in Chanhassen. I still didn't have the courage to get up and sing, but it's now on my bucket list.

Friday, Jake came home for a visit after finishing up his work week of recruiting at St. Olaf and Carlton College. Yay for Jacob!

The zoo was wonderful. The weather was balmy and sunny, and we felt like we were on a tropical island as we walked through the Conservatory. It wasn't crowded, and there weren't many kids there, either, probably because they were busy having Valentine parties at  their schools. I need to remember Como Zoo in the future when I'm feeling like the winter is getting too long. You can't beat the price of free, and it really is a nice, little zoo.

I need to point out that Katie gave us a Bunny on a Ball statue to sit on the mantle, and it looks glorious there. She also gave a bunch of interesting cheese to Bruce, but we haven't eaten it all quite yet.

I like that most of our celebrating was home based, and included lots of time doing things together versus buying stuff. I read somewhere that the average cost of Valentines Day can be about $512!

Wedding Things

Wedding preparation is moving along! Invitations are now out, and yesterday we met with the coordinator of the wedding venue. She told us that we were not behind at all, which was really good to hear. And, I'm grateful that there is someone like her, I even told her that as we were leaving. It's true, I am so grateful for any and all guidance we can get.

Meanwhile, our thirty-first wedding anniversary is coming up next week. You might think that we'd have some grandiose idea of how we could celebrate big, but I'm thinking that it could be fun to just go to the zoo and look at the animals. Maybe make a Valley of the Sea salad with heart shaped pasta and imitation crab delights. Oh, and Trader Joe's has two dozen tulips for $10.99! Maybe make some chocolate dipped strawberries. The possibilities are endless!

I also brought a wedding picture of Mom and Dad to the Care Center. They're going to have some sweetheart's shindig for Valentine's Day, and people will try to guess who's who in the photos.
Since Dad is now done with his last round of antibiotics for pneumonia, and seems to be feeling more energetic, maybe he'll feel like going. Or, maybe not. He doesn't usually like parties.

And then we'll be to the middle of February, and winter will soon be over. It's all good.