{{{ Autumn Love }}}

I can't believe how quickly summer went by. I know it's not quite over yet. I'm being fooled by the sudden drop in temp and general "summer is almost over" vibe. Kansas sure is something special, with its distinct changing of the seasons. I just hope that we get a colder winter this year. Winter almost felt as though it didn't exist last year. I've finally stepped out into the garden (after days and days of over 100 degree weather) to enjoy planting a fall crop, having bonfires with Chris, eating at the table outside and opening the windows. Feels good.

Harlequin beetle invasion!

We painted our dining room floor!

I got to arrange flowers for an event at The Merc.

Chris and I went on a date to the top of the Oread Hotel 

where you can see for miles and miles.

Valentine in August

Supper Club hadn't met in months, due to vacations and just general summer craziness. We finally reunited for a summertime themed dinner party. YUM. Paté, various cheeses, steak tartar, caprese salad, potato salad, quinoa salad, squid and root beer floats were on the menu. It was great! It was really nice to hang out with everyone again and eat awesome food! Not to mention the bonus of Valentine, the lovebird, and a round of 90's Trivial Pursuit. Next month, a field trip...

◊◊◊ The Blackest of Berries ◊◊◊

My friend and coworker, Gina, asked me to go blackberry picking on our day off from work and I was totally stoked! I haven't been berry picking since I was ~5 years old. We went in the morning so it wasn't too hot yet. Just a short drive outside of town. Gina was creative and made blackberry basil jam. I was not creative. I froze mine for smoothies. I don't really know how to make jam or pies or cobbler and such. Should probably learn. I tasted Gina's jam and it was summery sweet goodness. Would love to make this an annual tradition. It was great fun!