“Viva L’Italia”

On Friday after work Dale and I went downtown to check out the Italian American Heritage Festival and we were not disappointed. We saw some traditional Italian entertainment including these men who are part of the Five Gumbas. These gentleman made friends with Dale early in the evening when it rained and there was extra room under Dale's golf umbrella. It was fun to get to know them a bit then watch them entertain later. It's not a huge surprise that the food was amazing. We tried several very delicious Italian foods. It was a delicious festival!

Last Weekend

It's the weekend again . . . already! I don't say that very often but this week did go quickly. Last weekend I got to enjoy lots of time with Ashley and an extra day off work. We had so much fun cooking, walking, relaxing, shopping and splashing around in the pool. On Sunday we went to the Civic Center to see a production of Jersey Boys. It was a great show and the music was wonderful. During the intermission, we warmed up under this sky light. I was drawn to the image of the clouds and the architecture and took a quick shot with my point and shoot.

Long Weekend

I am enjoying a three day weekend! Ashley's schedule worked out for a visit so I took Monday off work to enjoy a long weekend and it's been great! We have eaten some really good food and enjoyed cooking together. The photo shows our Sunday morning breakfast which was yummy and pretty. We also have gotten great exercise by taking a long morning walk and enjoying the lower temperatures and low humidity. We have exercised in the pool every day, enjoying the refreshing water but also taking time to enjoy the lounge chairs, magazines and icy drinks at poolside. With Monday off work I get another 24 hours of this wonderful weekend!

Cedar Valley Weekend

It was a wonderful weekend in the Cedar Valley. This was my first visit now that both of my kids live in that area. It was relaxing and it was fun. Even though it was quite hot Ashley and I spent quite a bit of time outside with Mowgli. We even did a little gardening at her house and a messy dog bath in the yard. Saturday we went to the Cedar Valley Arboretum which is a beautiful place. When I saw Mowgli standing at this pond watching the Koi I wanted to come back again with my camera to capture the image. Sunday before church Travis went with us for a trip back to the arboretum. After church we met up with Jay and Briana to have a family lunch. When everyone else went back to other activities Jay and I spent sometime exploring the area and finding things that he didn't know about or we may have forgotten after being gone for several years. The brush dump and the recycling center were probably the best finds. I loved spending the weekend with the kids. Now it's Monday morning and time to get back to work. I will never understand why we work five days and have just two days each week to play.

Cedar Valley Saturday

It's the middle of a wonderful weekend in the Cedar Valley. I came to visit Ashley and Travis for the weekend and it's been great. This "frappe vino" was served on the front porch by Travis on Friday evening after a wonderful dinner. It was a perfect July evening even cooling off enough to enjoy outdoors.

One of the motivators for visit was the College Hill Arts Festival. I always loved the event when I lived in Cedar Falls and it was fun to come back to it. We had a full morning before the festival too. Ashley had a photo shoot early so I got my exercise by walking Mowgli. Then I headed out to catch up with a friend at Cup of Joes. There are so many places that I enjoy in the Cedar Valley!

We did spend some time exploring the area for photo shoot sites for Ashley. It was fun to find some fun places that we had explored more than fifteen years ago when my kids were little. Ashley made this wonderful pizza on the grill for lunch today. It was so yummy and perfect for a summer meal. The weekend is only half over and I look forward to the rest. Jay and Briana had lots of plans this weekend but we will make connections on Sunday.

Summer Shopping

Summer can mean lots of heat and humidity. We have had plenty of that in my opinion. Yesterday the heat index was well over 100 degrees. Anybody who knows me very well knows that this is my least favorite weather but there are things that I like about summer. I love having easy access to a swimming pool and I love visitors to share the pool. Last weekend my good friend, Linda came for a pool weekend and it was wonderful. We also went to the farmers market, a movie and malls. I got a new swimsuit which should quiet some of the people who say that I don't always need to buy black swimsuits. As you can see in the photo, there is plenty of color in this one...even though most of it is black. Hey, I like black and my mom told me that black was slenderizing and it matches my flip flops and most importantly; if I can find a swimsuit that covers the important parts, feels comfortable and is on sale then that is the one that I will wear! It was especially nice to have Linda's opinion. We do shop well together and eat well together and relax well together. It was a good weekend. Now it's time to look forward to the coming weekend. Let the fun begin. . . tomorrow!!

Family Fourth

I am fortunate to have a loving family that enjoys each other! Again this year we gathered in Clear Lake at Aunt Snook's house to celebrate the Fourth of July and spend time with cousins, aunts, uncles, siblings, nieces and nephews. At least five more people arrived after this photo and it was great to see everyone! I got to meet my great nephew, Weston for the first time and spent most of the last two days catching up with other family members. It was a wonderful reunion again!

Happy Birthday, Travis!!

Today my favorite son-in-law turns thirty! I know he is having a good day because he is dirt biking with friends. Tomorrow I will get to see him at my family reunion but for today I will just send him an electronic birthday greeting!

Happy Birthday, Travis Jon!

Perfect Weather

As June turned to July we had perfect weather day after day! Highs were in the lower 80s with low humidity and mornings were fresh and clear. I went to work early so that I could rush home and be in the pool before 4 pm. I probably burn more calories at the gym but I just love my time in the pool. One evening Dale and I went for a walk downtown to check out the newly opened pedestrian bridge. I took a couple of shots with my point and shoot but I would like to go back again. Although we got a little exercise, we also stopped at a downtown establishment for an appetizer called "Velvet Elvis." I am certain that it is loaded with fat and calories cause it was so yummy! Now that its time for the holiday it sounds like the heat, humidity and storms may return but that's ok. I will be with family and that will be fun regardless of the weather!