Oops!

For the first time since I began this blog, I FORGOT TO POST!!! Apparently my "to do" list was not as comprehensive as it should have been yesterday...ha, ha. Anyway, my lack of posting is not in any way related to a lack of JOY. I had quite an enJOYable day, really. Let's see...

*I mailed three fun packages at the post office. One's headed to IL, one to WV, and the other is California bound.

*I got a pedicure...pretty toes always make me smile.

*I sat in the late afternoon sun reading, writing, and pondering with a cup of tea and a chocolate muffin.

*I began watching "The Jane Austen Book Club". It's rare, but I loved this movie just as much as the book.

*It's Friday...pizza night & the promise of two whole days with Lee!

So, there you have it, lots of JOY was had on this bonus day in February, and lucky for me, Blogger allowed me to backdate this post. Yay...my daily posting streak is still alive!

So Sweet

Chicago - Day 3

Our meal at the Tapas restaurant was a highlight for both us. Lee devoured the SPICY!! potatoes, and I loved the chicken paella. I have to say that actually being able to go the Paper Source store was my absolute favorite activity on Saturday. I treated myself to a couple of beautiful papery souvenirs thanks to my giftcard from Christmas.

Chicago - Day 2

Our favorite part of Day 2 was the time we spent high atop the city on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building. Lee enjoyed some Manhattans, and I had a Hot Chocolate Pixie...Bailey's, Butterscotch Schnapps, and hot chocolate.

Chicago - Day 1

We left Thursday around lunchtime, dropped the dogs off, and drove to the airport. Two exciting things happened before we even boarded the plane. First, we got to spend about 20 minutes with Ginger (Gini's godmother). Of the 11 stores that she works in at the airport, she just happened to be working at the one right next to our gate that day...what are the chances??? Anyway, since she hadn't seen Lee since our wedding six years ago, it was a treat to chat with her during her lunch break. Second, Lee saw Kerry Collins, an NFL quarterback. He was drafted in the first round by the Carolina Panthers in 1995, and played for the Tennessee Titans last year. Lee is an NFL fanatic, so this was an exciting beginning to our trip.

Our flight into Chicago was smooth and uneventful (yay!), and as we descended over the city we were greeted by light snow and a temperature of 18 degrees. During the 30 minute cab ride to Alexis and Steve's apartment, we got our first glimpses of a frozen Lake Michigan and the twinkling lights of downtown.

Later that evening we walked to dinner at a local bar (our noses and ears were nearly frozen) and had yummy bbq sandwiches. After a few bottles of beer for the boys and some wine for the ladies, we headed back to the apartment for some much needed sleep.

Lee took over 100 pictures, so there's lots more to show and tell. Part 2...tomorrow.

Chicago

We had a blast in the big city, but it's good to be home.

Tea for Two

Arinn brewed the tea (Lipton Black for her & Wild Maine Blueberry for me). I stopped by Starbucks and got a slice of banana loaf and a chocolate hazelnut biscotti for us to split. We enJOYed our treats and a chat...a fun way to spend a late February afternoon.

Ice Cream for Lunch

I had Outrageous Oatmeal Cookie (vanilla ice cream with pieces of oatmeal cookie, ribbons of caramel, and chocolately chips) on a sugar cone, and Lee had a scoop of Vanilla Chocolate Chip and a second scoop of Moose Tracks (vanilla ice cream with teeny peanut butter cups and swirls of fudge) on a sugar cone as well.

Other deliciousness from my day...

• I've been searching for an affordable, but well-made, fountain pen. I chose this one, and it came in the mail today! There's blue ink in it now, and I'm looking forward to trying the turquoise and violet replacement inks that I ordered too.
• I've been reading "These Three Remain" for a week or more. The first two thirds were entertaining, but there's something about the final chapters that have me hooked. I'm in the lovely space between I'm almost finished and Oh no! I don't want this to end.
• Santa gave me a subscription to Somerset Studio. I've been anxiously awaiting my first issue. It finally arrived today! I'm trying very hard to save it for my upcoming airplane ride, but it's so hard to just leave it sitting over there...untouched. Luckily, there's lots on my list to do between now and then, and I won't have much time to sneak many peeks.

Holiday Monday

It was a lazy sort of day...actually that should be LAZY with all caps (and maybe bold and italicized). We slept in way past late, even by our standards. Then we enJOYed the things both of us like to do in our spare time...Lee playing video games and me reading a book. Both were made all the better because we did them in the quiet company of each other.

Playtime for Penny

After five days away...

He's here again, and that makes me happy.

Berries & Chocolate

My Valentine

Puppy Love

When I let the dogs out early this morning, it was pouring rain. They surprised me and ventured out into the sogginess willingly. Since Penny's coat is much thicker than Jake's, it takes her more than just a good shake to dry off. Jake spent a few minutes helping her out, though, lovingly licking the water from her head and back.

Creative Writing

Each morning I spend a few minutes checking in with my "virtual world". Most of the blogs I visit belong to women I don't know, but I've learned a lot about life from these "strangers". They've challenged me to think in new ways, introduced me to great books, added recipes to my repertoire, and brought me JOY through their words and pictures.

Holy Experience is one of my favorites, especially this morning's post.

A Cool Quote

"So you see, imagination needs moodling --- long, inefficient, happy idling, dawdling and puttering." ~Brenda Ueland

Memories

I spent most of the afternoon cleaning and reorganizing our guest bedroom. As I sifted through books and papers, I had the pleasure of revisiting old notes from former professors, students, and co-workers. I also sorted through a basket full of our cards and letters written to each other during the past three years.

Bananas Foster

An early Valentine's Day treat...banana bread, vanilla ice cream, warm banana slices, and a sweet rum syrup.

On the Screened Porch

...a book, a mug of hot chocolate, and late afternoon sunshine...

A Big Fat Envelope

My mom told me it was headed my way, but I didn't realize what fun it would be to open. Inside I found: four homemade Valentines (my favorite is the one with the red foil background and pink jewels...I know a certain little pal of mine that will absolutely love it), a hilarious (and very fitting of Jake) Peanuts cartoon, a sheet of stickers (the JOY one has already been stuck to the front of my journal), two articles about a woman & her husband who are both writers (I haven't read them yet, but I did drool over the pictures of their writing room, her fountain pen, and colorful ink collection), a tag book that I'll save for just the right moment (maybe some pics and jottings from our upcoming weekend getaway), and a handwritten note (always a highlight for me).

Warm & Windy

This morning the unseasonable weather lured me outside for a long walk. With the sun at my back, I followed my shadow down the path. Large fluffy clouds scudded across the sky and their shadows raced along the path ahead of me. If clouds could feel, I imagine their scurry across the sky today would've brought them JOY. It was certainly delightful to watch them.

On her lunch break...

Gini called. Our conversations are usually short and sweet with lots of "I've gotta go, but let me just tell you one more thing". Today was no different. Amazingly enough, we can cover lots of ground in a few quick minutes. Thanks for calling, G!

7 Things

Mrs. Meyers cleaning products (especially the all purpose cleaner)
warm sunshine
a chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie
Winsor & Newton Cotman watercolors
finishing a book
homemade potato skins w/cheddar cheese, bacon, broccoli, and sour cream

blackberries

Pre-game Snacks

A Lot Like Love

Watching my all-time favorite movie with my hubby...

Today's List

sleeping in
warm wind and rain
a full refrigerator
chicken, spinach, and feta pizza
dark chocolate peanut m&m's (in red, pink & white...Valentine colors)