How blessed I am... - laptop row

 Over the past few weeks I have been blessed with wonderful visits from some of my favorite people. From surprise birthday visits, planned vacation trips, helping out friends in the midst of a move, and the ever more delightful company of family, I am truly grateful for the presence of these wonderful people.

Sudden beauty - Old County Rd Sunset

While driving to my grandparents after a lovely dinner date with my mum, I was caught up in a gorgeous sunset.

While the photo may not do justice to the magnificent display, I was certainly swept off my feet.

Riding in NYC-3 - private train car ride

Goodness! Almost a month has passed since I had the honor of joining my dear friend Chandra and her family for a ride in her parent's private train car - NYC-3 from New Haven, CT down to New York City.









It was a such a delight to get to ride in this elegant and timeless train car and imagine its glamorous history while in the company of people who each have a timeless elegance of their own.





I have always loved trains and have spent much time getting to ride from the east coast out to visit my grandparents in the midwest.

For details on the car and a bit of its fantastic story check out the website. (link above)

I have known of this train car for several years and could not help but jump at the opportunity to take a ride and enjoy such a classic experience.

Thank you Barbara and Lovett!

Rocky nappin'

In my ever-present quest to fix up our house and make it into an oasis, a
sanctuary and a haven, I have been collecting rocks. Well, to be fair, I've
been collecting rocks from people who collect rocks.

Now, personally, I don't think of them
as being particularly a "comfortable" item.


                                      
Jake has a different opinion.

deliciousness!

While we had our first fire in our fire pit a few weeks ago, this past week we fired up the charcoal grill on the kitchen porch for the first time this season. (I finally remembered we needed charcoal WHILE I was at the store ;) )

I have a spigot!! :D

Well, I still have the dreadful leaky (unless you shut it off both inside and out side the basement wall to which it is fixed so close that you have to scrap the turney-part against the concrete and try to retain all skin on your knuckles) faucet in back of the house, but now, thanks to my dear incredible cousin Ben, I have a functioning, non-leaking, winter-proof spigot at the front of my house.

All my garden beds in front are incredibly grateful as well. :)

mmm (grain-free, paleo) homemade freezer waffles :drool:

As many of you know, I've been experimenting with almond flour as an alternative to blood-sugar-crash-inducing grain flours and must say - I can now make a mean waffle I can eat.

This is partially inspired by an almond flour cookbook, partially by waffleizer ("30 answers to the question 'Will it waffle?'") and most importantly my love for our waffle iron. There's just nothing like bacon and waffles for dinner - especially when you still feel well an hour later. :)

catching up...

Life has been quite a whirlwind since I got back from worldwide adventures. Many things have slipped past undocumented here and some documentation is lying in wait.

I am so grateful for the little blessings all around. I find I have to remind myself to stop and smell them from time to time as I bustle through my to-do lists - sometimes they are just outside my door.