Creature Comforts

Now that the weather is summer-like, we can drive with the top down! One of our next big projects at work involves planting an educational vegetable and herb garden, which requires lots of riding around the property with two fluffy hitchhikers.

Back at the home front, I have been staying busy while Nick journeys around Chicago for the next six weeks.  I took my first trip to the Chicago Botanic Gardens on Sunday to attend a volunteer orientation and get a general feel for the place. Even though it was a rather gray day, it is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places I have visited since moving here.

Two of my very favorite spring pleasures: daffodils and weeping willows!

I think it would be an exciting challenge to attempt an espaliered orchard in our vegetable/herb garden, but that may be an adventure for next year. In the meantime, I was inspired by the beautiful espalier display at The Garden!

A 24-Hour Vacation

We took a quick trip to New Buffalo, MI this past weekend with a few dear friends and were surprised by a light dusting of snow during the night! I don't think I have ever seen the beach covered in snow before. As you can see, it is gorgeous and a little surreal.

We made a few friends as well:

We built our first snowman of the winter! Also probably our last..

Spring Fling

It is only March 3, but we have had a few beautiful days lately that have me thinking that spring will soon be here. Everyone has assured me that there are still several months of Chicago winter before true spring arrives but I can't help but feel some anticipation anyway.  I think I will begin with an herb garden!

An early morning in my kitchen:

We celebrated a four year milestone on March 1st at a Cuban BYOB restaurant called 90 Miles. It was just the right mixture of romance and fun - an apt reflection of our own experience together. Nick gave me some sparkly presents: