Nephew's Number One Birthday!

Before Christmas, I was fortunate enough to make it down to Florida for my nephew's first Birthday. It was a short stay but a meaningful one at that. Nephew won't remember how much fun he really did have with his Aunt, so I made sure we took lot's of pictures. Seeing my brother for the first time since his return from Iraq was so exciting, and I miss their little family so much.

Since their not so far away from Disney, we spent nephew, Beck's, birthday at an Irish restaurant with river dancers and fun music. It was quite the celebration for such a little man.

We also spent some time at a pottery shop, where we painted dishes for each other to keep. Seeing my brother as a father was so weird, but natural. He's such a good dad. He always took such good care of me as the youngest out of us three, so I have great confidence that Beck will be great for him. I was so proud, and I can't wait for the next trip down.

Holiday Retrospect

Apologies for delving into past recent holiday events, but Arthur and I seemed to fall a little short of summary during the bustle of festivities. So here are just a few photos we took over Christmas. I hope you enjoy them.

This Christmas was my first with Arthur's entire family, which was enjoyable for me to be apart of. Quite exciting, actually. The three day event consisted of celebrating a delicious Christmas Eve dinner at Art's Uncle Jim and Aunt Sherry's Bed & Breakfast followed by the opening of presents after putting the children to bed. Late into the night after the family finished opening presents one at a time, we all started food preparations together for the next day. I like being in the kitchen with enjoyable company while working together for an exciting dinner. There's always something good to look forward to in the end.

Christmas Morning came early for the little ones in the house for their time to open stockings & presents. Then Uncle Jim got the tractor out and pulled them around with the sled attached. It was so much fun to watch while Arthur didn't hesitate for his turn on the sled with little Abbie. After we had our fun outside, we all came in to warm ourselves with an enormous lunch. Food coma set in with decaf coffee and conversation. It wasn't too much longer when it was time for Arthur's immediate family and I to head back to Mt. Vernon.

The Following Sunday brought in more gifts to open with sticky buns that Landon woke up early to make. It was snowy and cold outside but warm and cozy inside with the smell of baked goods. It all ended on a satisfying note as we cooked a nice salmon dinner with couscous and salad, and Ellen, another family member, came to join us for dinner.

After dinner, Hanna, Emilie, Art, and I went to spend some time with some good friends at their house. A perfect end to a relaxing evening and a pleasant Christmas weekend.

It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas

When I wake up in the morning, the first step out of bed usually leads to the kitchen where I then draw back the curtains to welcome in the natural lighting. It always brings a cheerful note to the start of my agenda.

This morning was special. When I tied my curtains back, everything was covered with snow as it continued to fall. I squealed like a child. I love a good fluff of snow.

So I continued to get ready for church and put my boots on. When I showed up at Arthur's, he had made bacon & egg sandwiches with coffee for the ride to church. This morning could not have gotten any better. Afterwards, we drove around and took a beautiful walk in the snow where arthur continued to plunge snowballs at me.

When he was finished having his fun, we headed back to the car and stopped by some antique shops to look around. We found so many great things including arthur's christmas present that he'll have to forget about.

We had fun looking around and then felt the calling of our stomaches, so we took them to the bakery restaurant next door. We've never been to this cozy little restaurant before but were glad we chose to stop in. It turned out to be a vegetarian restaurant, which we have no problem with and it was delicious and affordable. I sipped on a refreshing glass of grape fruit juice and ordered the special of black bean sweet potato quesadillas. What a good place to end the day with before my Sunday nap.

To hopes for a very white Christmas.

Saturday Salty Caramel Strawberry Night

One of the things I enjoy most out of my day is having at least one good meal that leaves me feeling content, and I give thanks for having been blessed with variety at the table.

Tonight after work, I brought some duck chowder soup to Arthur's apartment from the market, which we ate with a small appetizer of crisp crackers and a cheddar cheese ball with crushed almonds. It was delectable. Dinner was followed by a savory dessert Arthur put together before I had arrived. He made salty (sea salted) caramel covered strawberry's with crushed pecans attractively placed on bamboo skewers. Fancy that. I was quite impressed with the way they had turned out and feel every Saturday night should be a Saturday salty caramel strawberry night.

To more delicious plates!

Dog Park

These were the warmer days at the dog park when it was crowded with the largest to the smallest of muts to high class breeds. An enjoyable experience it was for a girl without a companion such as myself. I can't have one in my apartment with my work schedule, so I satisfy my longings with trips to the dog park with Arthur, Murray, and sometimes Leo when he comes to visit. It may seem strange, but I'm such a child when I'm surrounded by a herd of cute puppies playing amongst themselves.
Now that it's getting colder, the park has dwindled into an unpopular social scene. Sadly so, I thought I would reminisce and post a couple snap shots of the warmer days in the park.

enjoy.

A Few Recent Events

Arthur here.

Good afternoon, friends and family.

Last final of fall quarter this afternoon. I am thankful to be done for a bit. It will give me some time to pursue some interests of mine.

I am also thankful for a winter morning like this. Where you wake to the wet tongue of your loving companion, a nuzzle to the side when you turn away. Breathing early morning air, longing for the warmth of coffee, eggs and bacon.

Reika and I have been busy these past few weeks. Thanksgiving with my family at the bed & breakfast in South Charleston, OH ( http://www.houstonia.net/ ), birthday celebrations for my sister Emilie, which included dinner and a Freelance Whales concert. Thanks to all her friends that came for the festivities. My aunt and uncle celebrated 40 years of marriage last saturday, for which their children invited family and friends to celebrate at Mary Kelley's in Dublin. Delicious food, great conversation with family members I've not seen in a long time. It was just a great time to celebrate the love my aunt and uncle have shown our entire family over the years, put together by my cousins, Spencer and his wife Robyn, Matthew, and Sarah and her husband Shane. Finally, church sunday at the vineyard where we saw my recently married friends Brent and Bethany. Then a wonderful dinner at Barcelona with my aunt ellen. A great woman.

Then last night, Reika bought us tickets to see Over the Rhine at the beautiful Lincoln Theatre. What a wonderful show. Just a really relaxing night, where I felt I could take a deep breath, lean back into the seat, and let my thoughts go. They are such a great show. The new album is pretty. It has been on repeat the past week or so, and pretty much every song is memorable. They've been making music for 2 years. Don't take my word for it. Go listen.

This winter, this december, I'm reminded of friends in far places who I'll not see. Friends who have come into our lives and encouraged, criticized, and accepted our uncertainty. I'm thankful for the friends who accept us as family.
Now on to Christmas, family, traveling, and all those wintery things.

a new otr song called All My Favorite People. check that one out.

Mother's visit to Columbus.

Just a couple of pictures to document the good time we shared with my mother when she came to visit me in Columbus just before Thanksgiving.

We met up with Arthur, Murry, and Leo at the dog park with our Australian Shep, Precious. Don't judge us, we didn't name her but she is precious. Since it was her first experience at an open dog park she was a little socially awkward at first but grew to love Murry the mix and Leo the pug.

After showing mom around my new home town and walking through all of the fun shops with our dog, we settled down to a nice dinner Arthur had picked out at a charming old diner.

So much love for mom and the two days we got to have together.