Dog beach

We took advantage of the beautiful weather, and the cleared out city Sunday and headed over to the dog beach. It was gloriously empty and a breeze to get over there. A few pics of Stella loving life, and Ben with his dad and Stella.

He is growing so big and independent - walking all around on his own, pointing at everything that interests him. He is babbling up a storm too. No real words but we recognize the same 5-7 sounds he makes while talking to himself all day long. We find ourselves responding in kind.

Ben helped me garden a bit today. We went to Home Depot yesterday for compost (my composter is filled to the brim and has yet to be turned, subsequently not yet realizing compost for the garden), and couldn't resist buying a few things. A blueberry plant, a bunch of onions and asparagus. I swore I'd map out the plots, and research the crops before buying anything. I just get so excited though, and have no self control. But it makes me so happy, so I guess who cares?

What are you planting this summer?

Lounging Around

The wonderful thing about a holiday weekend is how long and luxurious they are, the bad news is the inevitably come to an end. We had such a terrific time just hanging out together - we hit the farmer's market, the dog beach, watched fireworks, took walks and played in the pool. It was awesome.

And then suddenly it was Monday morning and I was SAD!

Here is a picture of the two babies hanging out on the couch watching the Cubs.

Activity update: Ben now puts everything in his mouth; regularly stands (assisted); can switch hands when holding something; loves listening to music; has started making a funny face where his lips disappear; 'surfs' in his crib, where he puffs out his chest and holds his head up high; and loves the cats and dog.

Happy Wednesday. It's almost the weekend again :)

Sweet, sunny Saturday!

Woke up early this moring and took Stella to the dog beach. Seeing her happy makes me happy. She ran all over the beach, went into the water on her own (remember she is afraid) and chased dogs in circles. We waded out beyond her comfort zone and she actually swam! Too deep to touch so she paddled along - very, very close to me. When she was a puppy we did this and she would swim up and try to hook her paws on my waist so she was taller and could walk on her hind legs. She tried the same again today but mostly did OK. She was afraid, the look her in eyes bordered on dog abuse, but she was totally afloat and lived to tell about it.

I dropped her off and Chris and I went for massages. Glorious. Came back home and worked in the yard for a bit. Garden is doing great. Spend a wonderful hour on the lounge chair reading and getting some sun.

AND - best of all - I bought a composter! Now what to do with it is another story but I'm learning how, see here. I've gathered all my recent weeds, tossed in the morning's coffee grinds and am doing a lot of reading on how to make this puppy work. N&P gave me tips during Jackfest. Of course they have manure, straw, tons of leaves, all the things the sites say are great. I have none of those things. I'm going to ask my guys at the Farmer's Market tomorrow if they will bring me manure from WI. Crazy but I'm serious.

My goal in '08 was to start recycling. This is selfish recycling because it will be great for the garden. Lots of pictures coming later of swimming Stella and garden growing tall. I'm off to read more about composting...

Oy, another crusher of a week at work. When will we relax and enjoy summer?! I was supposed to take off Thurs-Friday this week (and all of next) but clients had other plans for me. No big deal, we have a huge launch on Monday and it was naive to think I'd be able to get away. Almost wrapped up, not without a few major challenges. Lots of near vomiting this week and I had my first work panic dream in years last night. I won't even go into it but definitely need a break soon.

Either way, we're almost to the weekend which I think should be work-free (famous last words). We've been going and going most of the summer. This weekend we simply relax. We literally have no plans and I'm thrilled. The house is still semi-trashed from the pig roast and I have a million errands to run.

Maybe we'll go to the dog beach.

Anyway, couple new party pics on the side. Sorry for the delay. Back with more fun news later.

Did you see Sex and the City this weekend?? Well I haven't. Nor have I seen the final episode of Lost, yet. In the span of 48 hours I've officially moved myself under a rock and am unable to converse with anyone without prefacing this fact so the spoilers stay away. At least I have a decent chance with Lost, it is tivo'd. I'm talking with the girls about seeing SATC tomorrow but the likelihood of getting myself to the theater this gorgeous weekend is pretty slim. Early reviews are excellent though...and of course there is popcorn at the movies.

We did girl dinner last night for my b-day dinner at Takashi, new place on Damen. This morning Stella and I got up bright and early to make our first trip of the season to the dog beach. K&J were there too with C&Z (and of course gorgeous Q). Super fun. Stella went right back into the water, big success (she was scared much of last summer).

And I finished the front yard, finally. Hopefully everything thrives and I never have to plant there again.

Hubby gets home tonight from work trip in JAX and we're hitting the local street festival. Going to make some lemonade!

Happy weekend!