Lazy and great

we sort of wandered through the weekend over here - going for runs, eating tomato sandwiches, working on projects around home.

The pictures above are shots of a chest we're redoing. I bought it at a yard sale in April and drug it out this weekend, where we commenced the sanding and peeling off of the layer of siding that had been placed over it. the plan is to get all the fake wood off, sand it, and then paint it a pretty color - it will probably then fulfill its destiny in the guest bedroom...

we also got a lot from our garden this weekend - tomatoes, peppers, peapods. perfect for feasting. We'll spend the rest of the afternoon today doing little things - mowing the lawn, cleaning the house, then capping the evening off with some barbeque.

hope you had a nice weekend too.

Good Night and Good Morning

What I saw last night when i came to bed, and what i saw this morning when i got back from my walk.

Rainy Day in Indianapolis today - blustery and i love it.

Oh me

I was struggling this afternoon, practically falling asleep and fighting off a headache so i splurged and bought myself some french fries. not something i like to do very often, but oh my they tasted good.

Early Afternoon

These are incredible images - Georgia O'Keefe (what an amazing woman), edward weston, and a work after the photography of Weston - transformations of normal, everyday things into beautiful curves is something i can never get tired of seeing

Its noon on tuesday and it seems like today has been what Monday is usually classified as. There was no soft start from bed, it was up and out, cleaning up after the pup and getting caught in a thunder and lightening storm that suprised both milo and myself on our morning walk. We were able to get back home before we were completely soaked and have breakfast with Bryan before we both left for the day - a rare treat. Im working on my eggs over-easy skills, they usually come out too hard, more in the medium category, its a work in progress.

Some of my favorite websites are ones of artists - i see their work and wish i had a million dollars to just spend on works that shouted out to me. Now that the day has settled down a bit, I've spent some time looking for some artworks that would like nice in our bedroom, something we both like and thats affordable. I've also got a new Martha Stewart magazine to run through - v. much looking forward to that and trying out some of the recipes.

We ran 4 miles yesterday! V. good start to the week, and so far, I'm ahead in running points, 2:1. I'm already trying to decide what i want to cash them in for...

Quality Time

Bonding with the dooogie. Doesn't he look like he's loving every minute of cuddle time?!

MONDAY!!!!

So its Monday, and so far its been zipping along beautifully. work is keeping me busy, but I'm taking little moments here and there to catch up on the bloggies and news, and just to daydream a bit.

I stopped at Starbucks this morning, a habit I've been weening myself from lately, but i did make a wonderful summertime purchase there today - a travel mug on sale covered in blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and little orange flowers - not sure why i love it so much, but it reminds me entirely of the wild berries that grow on vashon island, and of summertime in general. i dub it my favorite official travel mug, the apple of my eye on my morning drive. .

Ive been toying with the idea of getting some fresh produce delivered on a regular basis to our house - anyone have experience with that and opinions? I would be worried that the boy and I couldn't get through it all and it would go to waste. But i really like the idea and would love to get behind local farmers and fresh food delivered to our doorstep - something to think about I guess.

We had a great weekend - ended up not going to see Bob Dylan, and instead just staying home barbecuing hamburgers and eating green beans, and splitting up the household chores based on the outcomes of PingPong games. Guess who had to the dishes AND cook the champion breakfast? Ah well - I won the important one - lunch at Bentos Teriyaki when we're home (and i actually don't mind washing dishes, its a fun easy chore that makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something). We capped off the night with a few episodes of "Northern Exposure" and then i tucked myself into bed, cozy against the wall, happy and contented.

We started the week off right this morning with a run, first thing. Unfortunately for both Bryan and Milo I had Gwen Stefani in my head, a result of our alarm radio station this morning, and insisted on sharing it most of the way. i think the only thing Bryan hates more than New Wave Gwen Stefani music is me singing it at 7am. Such is life i guess! We'll probably go for a run when we get home tonight too, as we've invented a "scoring system" for our daily jogs. If both of us go in the morning and in the evening, we each get a point. if only one of us goes (say me in the morning, or bryan in the afternoon) that person gets 2 points - at the end of the week you get to cash in your points and win a prize if you're ahead. Yes, we compete in a lot of things - I have yet to win a week, but he wont get ahead of me so early in the week! i Will WIN!

Both of us are looking forward to this week, as there's nothing major happening in it at all - i love weeks like that...

Good Morning

Good Morning on Sunday! Its sunny here, and cooler than it has been in the past few weeks, which is really nice. I guess we've traded with the Northwest... The week really got away from me, which to be perfectly honest, was just fine with me. Both of us had kind of crazy schedules this week - i had a change to a new work position, a stint down at membership tables, and a staff retreat all lined up, and bryan had a major work contract fulfillment to get through. both of us were really really happy when we had friday afternoon roll in. We got home, i straightened up a little and bryan took milo for a run, and then we went out to dinner at the little mexican place by our house, making it home in time for Man vs. Wild! very cool.

Saturday was spent sleeping in, reading, and working on house projects. I finally got the bedroom finished! Hurray! i really like how it turned out, im not sure if the photos really do the color justice, but it makes the room really warm and welcoming. we also moved around the furniture and i feel muuuuch more comfy and homey in this new arrangement. Today is laundry and cleaning up a bit - i have a bunch of clothes to take to Goodwill. we're also off to get a shelf for my side of the bed, a tree or fern to go in the corner, and a comfy chair and i think we're set! We might head down to a baseball game this afternoon - Indy is playing the Durham Bulls - how fun is that?

Kristen - i hope you guys are finding ways to stay cool, grover included. You look great - any sunday afternoon plans?

Oh - and im convinced - I must read "ring of endless light" by madeleine L'Engle. A couple of the girls whose blogs i frequent are raving about it and i love madeleine already! consider it added to my summer reading program :)

So my job description has been re-designed. Im now a part-time receptionist at work and i guess Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday afternoons will be spent out here at the front desk. not sure how this all sits, but it is what it is for now.

we cooked out last night - it was so good! I had stopped at the butcher on the way home ( i only do this once every 2 months or so) and bought us 2 new york steaks. when we got home, we grilled them, with just a little bit of sea salt for flavor - in a word - delicious! We also cut up some strawberries and made a great salad - all in a all a good night with belly's full.

Home, and so happy to be here. right now im waiting for bryan to get home - then we'll begin making dinner together, me the salads and cutting, and him the grilling and seasoning..lucky me i think.
I also have a wishful thinking date at Greenlake with Kristen tonight! Lucky me i say....
The above pictures were taken at lunch today, in a beautiful, green-walled cafe.
What are you up to tonight?

1. What time did you get up this morning? 6:30 - it was a good morning today, got up with enough time to take Milo for a walk, shower, and wake up bryan without rushing.
2. Diamonds or pearls? i am dazzled by them both.
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? i think it was 300.
4. What is your favorite TV show? Northern Exposure may have won my heart after just two episodes. I also love the SuperNanny - it keeps those crazy baby thoughts at bay :)
5. What do you usually have for breakfast? I try and grab at least a banana or bagel before heading out the door. I like skim chocolate milk too - to wash it down, and if I'm really leisurely, a bowl of cinnamon life.
6. Favorite cuisine? though I'm not that adventurous within the menu, i love my favorite Indian staples - chutney, curry, naan.
7. What is your middle name? Lyn
8. What food do you dislike? I "hate" so many foods i really haven't tried (brussle sprouts!) but i really don't like broccoli, even though i try to eat it every now and then.
9. What is your favorite CD at the moment? a mix kristen kamp made me
10. What kind of car do you drive? 2000 Subaru Forrester - cranberry colored
11. Favorite sandwich? grilled cheese with tomato soup.
12. What characteristic do you despise? people that know everything!
13. Favorite item(s) of clothing? well - either a loose tank top for summer, or my seahawk hoodie for fall, or even though bryan hates it, my biiig sweater with a huge turtleneck.
14. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? someplace quiet, far away from people, with a cabin with a big down comforter.
15. What color is your bathroom? green - i love it!
16. Favorite brand of clothing? i love jcrew - but i have a lot from here and there..my wardrobe is not very grown up and is begging me to make it more so.
17. Where would you retire to? someplace close to family, but far from cities - montana, oregon, washington
18. What was your most memorable birthday? my 26th on was great - meg and steph came to DC to help me celebrate, i turned in my thesis, and i got to fly out to INdy to see bryan.
19. Favorite sport to watch? tennis, volleyball, football
20. Furthest place you are sending this to? i don't know.
21. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? i don't know.
22. Who do you expect to send it back first? i don't know.
23. Favorite saying? totally
24. When is your birthday? april 18
25. Are you a morning person or a night person? morning
26. What is your shoe size? 9-10
27. Pets: Milo - a beasty german shephard that i love
28. What did you want to be when you were little? a writer
29. How are you today? ok - cant wait to get home and cook some din-din
30. What is your favorite candy? i used to really like dweebs (cousin of nerds) but i can do some mean work on a tub of red licorice
31. What is your favorite flower? i love peonies and hydragias
32. What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to? August 8th - home again home again to seattle

Lunch today was great. took myself out to a little restaurant called patachou near where i work. quiet and slow, i was able to munch, read the paper, and escape from work for an hour. 1/2 chicken salad sandwich on sourdough and a fruit cup - delicious.

only 3 more hours.

new locks

so Milo has just learned to open our sliding door. the heavy, glass sliding door to our backporch. so for the record, the only door he hasnt figured out how to open is the front door, and thats only because its got a round knob. I have a feeling we've got a impending mutiny on our hands...

So I've spent some of this late afternoon going through piles and sort of doing an improptu spring cleaning. I do that you see, make piles here and there of "important things" or "things to look at later" which seem to grow throughout the week and then just get sorted into different piles. Im not that bad, i mean the house isnt covered in piles here and there to the ceiling, but it is nice to catch up and get it all sorted through. ive managed to finally figure out my 401k shenanigans thats been nibbling at me for a little while now, and i also sorted and paid a bill, got my brothers t-shirt ready to mail for his couples shower next weekend, and got some library books in a pile by the door so i remember to take them with me to return tomorrow when i head out to work. It feels good to tie up these loose ends.

in other news, someone is outside mowing their lawn right now - how is that possible!? arent they dying from the almost 100 degree heat? Even our cat Fargus, who's usually the posterchild for independant male animals everywhere, took a step outside and turned right around, loving the AC more than his freedom today. i think so far he's been inside for 6 hours today, even taking time to curl up with me and help me sleep away my headache. these 6 hours are about 6 more than we usually see him during the day.. he comes home around 10pm for some greenies that taste like "fresh from the sea tuna!" or liver, eats them and then heads out the door again. or he stalks us on our nighttime walks with milo. its so funny - we'll walk down our drive way and turn left or right and right away you can tell milo's agitated by something and sure enough, 10 seconds later you see fargus darting here and there between the trees - he does this the whole way around our very very big block - these days getting brazen enough to follow us in the street, close enough to drive milo insane but far enough back to have the excuse that he just happens to be out walking on the same street as us, but not necessarily WITH us. his antics make for pretty amusing night time strolls.

We dont have any big plans for the week ahead, sort of like i dont have any big plans for punctuation in this post i guess, but thats ok. events on deck though, are looking pretty exciting: on top of normal summertime fun like baseball games and eating outside, our favorite place to hear music is kickin into full gear in a couple of weeks. This weekend coming up - Bob DYLAN!! Actually, i dont know if that warranted 2 exclamation points - he never does any of his old stuff, which is really what i would love to hear. but bobby dylan here in indy - at our little river side mini-gorge. it will be divine. then bryans friend is headed here for a week of relaxation during the last week of july and we're all going to go see Incubus (a favorite of Bryan and his friends). Up next is 311 the following weekend, a band i recently started to like for their summertime sound and then a real treat - Live, counting crows, and collective soul - it will be like 9th grade all over again! Then, before we know it, home again, home again ... cant wait!

me in alaska

This is a test. I'm trying to follow the bloggie instructions and ... we'll see if it works

ok - hmm this didn't work. I am a computer wizard apparently.

In other news, i changed the template again since i cant make up my mind, but i really like this one, ive used it before, and this time i figured out that you can change colors! and fonts! and presto - i like it :) its so fresh and summery. . .though im unsure about the text color..

Lazy Sunday

ooo Sunday has been great. Its so hot here today, so we've been laying low - watched tennis this morning, and then bryan went to hunt and gather lunch/dinner while i tried and sleep off a headache. He successfully and sweetly mananged to kill two whole pizzas to fill up our bellies and Now, we're both just having a quiet afternoon - i'll go for a walk or run when it cools off a little bit, but for now we're holed up inside the house with all the curtains drawn, tv and radio off. I've just started rereading a great book - Million Dollar tattoo by Earl emerson, one my favorite Seattle authors. This sunday afternoon has been wonderful - and its not over yet!

i almost forgot - we started watching "Northern Exposure" on dvd - i may be going out on a limb here, but this might be a series to add to our home collection - its so funny, and great, and of course - reminds me of home! i'm hooked now, and can't wait to get the rest of season 1...

Friday Evening

Friday night at our house....

picture post

one of my favorite painters, Andrew Wyeth.

Week Gone By

Milo, swimming in the Potomac with a buddy. Aren't they cute?

The weekend is here again and i cant believe its been a week since my last post. if i remember correctly, i did get to check off the main things on my list: i experienced the iron and its friend the board, with expectations that were far too high. I had these visions of jesse transforming into mary poppins in one go around! ha - it wasnt to be, alas. but i suppose i did have much less wrinkly clothes than usual.

We also got poorer (bills!) and got richer (spent time relaxing with each other).

And... we welcomed a new "member" into our family - a ping pong table top that goes over the pool table in the bar/garage/game room. Oh my goodness - i dont think i can remember something that has ever been so much fun - ping pong tables are MADE for summertime when its too hot to do anything else! It relieves boredom, provides an outlet for the competitive spirit, and there's really no threat of getting injured (unless you hit the ball really hard and it pings off the dogs head accidently). Bryan and I have been playing practically nightly and he bet me that i wouldnt be able to get one win before he got to one hundred - ha again! he was wrong. I'm now the proud owner of 4 wins thank you very much! i think the score now is Jesse 4:Bryan 25. Milo tries to play with us too - he brings his "mailman" stufftie out to the garage and then insists on placing it on the pingpong table mid-rally to get attention. So far though, we've only had one dog interception of the ball, and only one off his noggin (his head is really hard so it didnt really hurt him) We actually haven't lost any balls to his crushing teeth either, though sometimes when the rallies go too long he gets a little over excited and pounces on the ball when it hits the floor.

This week has been a really long one for me, not sure why it didnt go faster. i guess the combination of fighting a cold, humidity, and a little bit of stir-craziness makes for a slow ticking clock. Bryan had the day off on Wednesday, so him and Milo and Fargus had one of their illustrius boy parties as bryan likes to call them. After i got home and broke up the ruckus, we cooked out and had the most enjoyable, quiet 4th of July between the two us. Sometimes i worry that im too much of a "homebody" - that i should be GOING OUT MORE, PARTYING LIKE WILD WOMAN (caps seemed to be neccessary there for effect) but there is something so peaceful and nice about having time at home with nothing on your plate. We grilled up some chicken on Bryans new BBQ, Gordan the Grill, then settled in to watch the fireworks. Here in INdy, people seem to get REALLY into the 4th in the local neighborhoods, much more so than ever in seattle, so we dont really have to go anywhere to see a show, its right off our back porch. so after dinner and small bowl of Neopolitan ice cream (i'm channeling my inner 5 year olds taste buds) we crawled into the hammock and ooohed and aahhed.

Today, I just got back from lunch. Bryan was going to meet me, but since its a bit of a drive, I went by myself, eating out on the porch of a little pizza place on a canal. wish id brought my camera, a pic of my lemonade would have been perfect for todays post. i could have sat at this table forever, its the perfect temp out in the shade, and i was people watching contentedly.

What are our plans for this weekend? oh, not too much. Minor league baseball game tomorrow and maybe haircuts all around? who knows.. have to use up our peppers that we pulled from the garden last night (*by we i mean Bryan pulled). Im looking for a dress to wear to the weddings this summer, something fresh, flattering and cheap?