Me.isms: New Beginnings

Emily asked for an update yesterday (before we skyped today-which is ALWAYS the best way to share!) and I had to wonder "what have I been doing lately?"

When we were in DC in March, we bought books for Nick and Nicki's little one…and sent them with a few cute tops I bought for Nicki as a "Congrats" gift. I told Nicki that I suspect in mid-June while they are unloading boxes and/or waiting at a dock for their car to get off a barge, she'll wake up and feel like her clothes don't fit--so I gave her some rescue tops (and a few books for baby) !

Welcome N3 (okay just an assumption but a name that starts with N cute be cute)

My "Congrats" gift to Steve and Kate Gogela :D

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Julie and Amy announced in their xmas card that they got married-Ardee and I sent this cute card to them from our families with gift below

This is a Pendleton special edition blanket designed by an American Indian artist who titled the work "Female Storm". I thought it was beautiful and powerful, not to mention colors of the "rainbow". Very fitting. Congrats!! And thank you Minnesota for having the guts to legalize same sex marriage.

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For Easter this year, Abi and Craig invited anyone to join them that could make the trek to St. Paul. Steve and Mary, et al., are already there, and Maddy and Amy drove up on Friday. Kev, Beth and I drove up early Saturday morning. We joined them at 4 ish for a lovely Italian antipasti cocktail hour followed by Easter dinner of pasta, salads, duck and lamb-wow! What a beautiful evening and of course I love their home. It was fun to celebrate with them. They were brave enough to have us all back in the morning for brunch and to welcome the first warm day of Spring for beleaguered Minnesotans this 2013-14 winter! We all said however, that we needed 3 more days to go to Ikea, outlets, Nordstroms, antiques and oh yes, the new huge discount wine store we discovered.

The vintage home is updated by having crisp grey walls and unadorned windows. Across from Abi is the private detective that works for her department and he is a kick! Clearly loves and respects her and was a pleasure to talk with.

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One thing I accomplished after the reception was recreating with silk flowers the floral display that Voila had created for the reception. I took photos to the Michael's store with me and tried to duplicate it rather than doing "my own thing". I love turning on the firefly lights at night!

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Also at Smithsonian in DC I bought this 100 card set of Pantone postcards for, what?! $10.00!!

I have been looking on Pinterest at "paint chip" crafts (yes-hugely popular with a certain crowd) but usually they are designed for the smaller strips of 3-4 colors you see at paint stores-not postcards. But aren't these inspiring? I am considering making coasters and/or a tabletop….we will see. Torrey sent me a postcard from England once and it was from this collection-Pantone Blue--so I sent her a few too in an Easter package.

Speaking of Torrey,

She graduates the same weekend as Mitchell and we are so happy and proud for both of these talented grads!!!!

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Over the last few years we have lost 2 small pines outside the fence and one large pine inside the fence, leaving us short of trees and short of privacy. From halfway down the street you can view most of my first floor at early morning and night. After Kev's experience with the thief in my garage I suddenly wanted to get some trees fast! Greg found these beauties at Costco and we planted them on Arbor Weekend. I am excited!! Greg helped us with placement as well.

I love it when these trees bloom!

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As we were planting trees Diane drove by in her new car! I give her credit--in one year she bought a condo and a car--those are significant rather intimidating moves and she not only accomplished it (without stressing) but she did it alone! I certainly would have called for moral support. Way to go Di!

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The following day we hosted Jim, Magali, their two little ones, Jean and Damien and their 10 month old for dinner after Jim's all afternoon cooking lesson with Kevin.

Here is the menu:

Lydia helped but the kids were so good-----Killian (4), Mina (10 mos.) and Cecilia (2)

Jim wanted to learn to cook fish so we made it 6 ways--and had small bites--he excelled!!

We all had fun :D

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Today I will plant herbs and next week, flowers. Look at this little guy……

My basil from Joe and Christin's party

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So I guess this has been a Spring of new beginnings--next up Mitch and Torrey graduate. We will be there with our UHaul next weekend. Joe and Christin join us and Mitch has booked us for dinner at:

ING a molecular gastronomy restaurant--should be fabulous!!

Last but not least, we will host a dual grad party here on the 14th of May ----CONGRATS ALL