A Pleasant Surprise

Last spring, I planted Peonies. This year they've gotten little buds on them. One was much deeper pink than the others, and today, that bud was all opened up in my garden. Beautiful, isn't it? I'm so excited!
I think the other two plants are going to have the traditional multi-petaled pale pink blooms, but I do think this one is striking. I can't wait to see it next year when the plant is full size and has multiple blooms!

The Greening of Mayhem Continues

Our next attempt at greening!

Hardwood Charcoal. I read an interesting article this past week on grilling - the green way. Chris and I have both a charcoal grill (because i'm a purist), and a gas grill that we bought second hand (because gas grills are quick and easy - and we often need a second grill when we have a party). My favorite cousin and her husband were in town this week, and stopped by the other night. I was discussing this Hardwood Charcoal i've read about with them. When I went home at lunch today, there was a bag of it on my front porch that they got for me at Trader Joe's.

It put a smile on my face, and it makes me smile just thinking about it. I'm excited to try it out. I'm quite a grilling enthusiast, so i'll keep everyone posted!

Spring has Sprung!

Springtime is my favorite time of year, now that I am a homeowner. Aside from both of us having allergies, it's just wonderful to spend so much time outside enjoying beautiful weather, sleeping with the windows open, and enjoying our neighbors.

We did a full day of yard work last weekend, and it was so rewarding. I added a SECOND compost bin in the yard, so Chris removed a Honeysuckle tree (I hate those things!) to open up a space near the fenceline, and we're now planning to remove them all, and plant evergreens in their place. My compost project is going well. I had actual FINISHED COMPOST at the bottom of my pile on Sunday when I was turning it. I was giddy with excitement.

We also had a nice evening last night. My neighbor is from Denmark and invited us over to come and meet his mother and uncle who arrived on Monday for a visit. It was such a pleasant evening. I always love to hear the observations of someone who is visiting our country for the first time, and recommending things for them to do.

This weekend we'll be hitting up the farmer's plants at the market for some annuals. I love having flowers around! I know, I know. My content here is really getting boring. It's so interesting to me to observe my OWN transformations these days.

New York Photos

Check it out!

A Quick Rundown on Recent Travel

I hope to post pictures earlier this week than later, but here's a quick rundown of our fabulous trip to New York:

- Lots and LOTS of sightseeing. My feet still feel achy from all the walking
- Great experience watching a taping of the Colbert Report - Chris even got to ask Stephen a question!
- Fun dinner with my cousin Jeremy and his friend Paul
- Top of the Rock - best view in the city, hands down.
- Helvetica is the first type face to become part of MoMA's permanent collection
- Chris learned that he actually DOES like modern art!
- Yeungling and Brooklyn Lager. YUM.
- Chocolate Chocolate Canoli and Raspberry Cheesecake at Veniero's
- A visit to the old stomping grounds - 1st avenue and 12th street
- The Strand Bookstore
- A fun taping of Letterman
- A really wonderful afternoon spent with Kevin at the Public Library, Bryant Park, and Grand Central
- Fishs Eddy!!!!
- Wonderful wonderful Cuban/Mexican food in Park Slope - guacamole was heavenly!!
- Shopping in Park Slope, Brooklyn
- Brooklyn Heights Promenade
- Gorgeous weather

One Week!

I've been so excited at the prospect of our New York City trip, which is just one week from today. I am getting quite giddy over the thought of it, too. We are still researching intinerary options. I have lost sleep over the excitement!

The Conclusion of a Very Good Week

It's been awhile since I could say that I really had a great week all around.
Here are a few highlights:

Monday: It was GORGEOUS outside, and I took the dog for a LONG walk and went to the gym. YAY me.
Tuesday: I volunteered for the first time at our church food ministry. We feed meals and distribute bagged lunches for the homeless and working poor in downtown Cincinnati.
Wednesday: I took a really fun Latin Aerobics Class at the gym. I'm still sore Saturday morning.
Thursday: I had a great meeting with my boss and team about upcoming project's and I feel really optimistic about the work we'll be doing this spring/summer. I also had my annual review, and it went really well. I came out of it really feeling confident about my work and my ability.
Friday: I stepped on the scale to find I've lost FOUR POUNDS this week. I treated myself to a new haircut (see photo from webcam...hehe), and I had a fun night out with Chris and good friends - Angie, Todd, Julia, Sean, & Datina. I hadn't realized how much I needed it.