Park pictures and a lost cat

We couldn't find Clara for a while and eventually found her
asleep in this basket under
a table. Silly cat!

We have been going to the park for Sunday walks but I haven't
remembered to put up posts.  This one is from Peace Valley
Nature Center before the drought

This one is from Green Lane Reservoir at dusk

This is one of the most peaceful places to walk

We also feel as if we've entered the Adirondacks but it is only 10 minutes
from our house.  Green Lane is aptly named. Yeah for being outside, even
if it is beastly hot and dry.  It is like taking a contented sigh. 

Hot summer Weekend

Sammy turned one this past week and we celebrated at Dad's house.

Thank goodness for the pool.  

The birthday boy in his new suit with his Daddy.

Samuel enjoying his cupcake- he really smashed it!

So good!

       And just for fun- here is a little clip that goes to show that homemade toys for pets
                                                              really are the best.

A Happy Ending

Three years ago, at our wedding, two friends, Brian and Morgan met.  I can't say that it was an accident.  In fact we had an inkling they might just like each other and sure enough, they did.  Three years later, they're married.  Congratulation to our friends Brian and Morgan Clinton.

We went to college with Brian and church with Morgan. It was a happy ending indeed.

Mr. and Mrs. Clinton

Adam loved the antique cars

Brian and Morgan waltzed and danced all night

There was a different cake at each table - love this idea!

Congratulations dear friends!!

What do we do on hot summer evenings?

We cook! For there is nothing better than to use what we've grown and make
real food for supper.  After a full day of research cooking and walking seem to be
therapy for us.  

Our sage butter sauce simmering away in our new copper pot

which went on top of our homemade spinach stuffed ravioli

The first fruits of our labor: beans and cucumbers- we made refrigerator pickles.
You can see a picture in the recipe. We forgot to actually take a picture and they are half
gone already.  The recipe can be found here:  http://www.lesliefehling.com/2011/07/quick-and-delicious-refrigerator.html
Our garden has been slow in coming, but soon we'll be overflowing.

Claude sleeps in the piano on hot summer nights

Clara keeps her eye on Peter Rabbit who is always trying to get in our garden.

Summertime Festivities

We've been enjoying summertime fruit- here we are making a Blueberry pie

Ta da! We used the Fanny Farmer recipe, which can be found here: http://bookblog.uconncoop.com/2009/08/04/the-best-blueberry-pie/

The Dieffenbachs playing at the Family Reunion we went to this weekend.  

Daniel (our nephew) enjoying his treats from the pinata. 

Claire (our niece) looking so grownup!