***FALL*** Ahhhh.

Well, my fall garden is planted and little tiny things are starting to pop up. I've never had a fall garden. This summer was so incredibly hot and unproductive that I don't really feel like I did much gardening. So I'm pretty excited! I've planted kohlrabi, beets, tatsoi, arugula, radishes and mustard greens! Healthy stuff! The weather is perfect so we've been outside a bunch. I made my fall trip out to Henry's Plant Farm to get some perennials and see Homer and the succulents and peacocks. I love it out there. Especially on a gorgeous day. Been cooking quite a bit. Below are photos of my latest favorite thing: Brussels sprout and caramelized lemon pizza. YUM.

~~~Heat Wave~~~

The heat is on, my friends. We're like crispy fried chickens over here in Kansas. It's been close to or over 100 degrees for weeks now. I'm still watering the garden daily in hopes that everything doesn't just evaporate into nothing. I'm fearful of the water bill. I'm getting quite a bit from the garden -- gorgeous onions, potatoes, basil, and brussels sprouts. So, the dedication to watering is paying off. But some rain sure would be nice...

This is our new, smaller compost bin. We moved it because it was right by the new patio. Now it's on the other side of the house out of sight. 

This is where the compost was. I realized I have dozens of pictures of Chris in this position. Always digging, building, etc. 

Have to throw in a picture of my cutie kitty. Notice the replica of her on the windowsill. My sister gave it to us for Christmas. It even has a short ear and two different colored eyes, just like Bella. 

A new summer cocktail: freshly juiced Crenshaw melon and cucumber, 

lime juice, seltzer water and gin. YUM.

Driftwood

Last Sunday, Chris and I went down to the Kaw River to scour the levee for driftwood. The Kaw, or Kansas, River runs right through Lawrence and is a great spot to watch for eagles during the winter months and ride your bike along the path when the weather turns nice. We are wanting to make a few things out of driftwood and thought this would be the perfect place to find some. It made for a great afternoon outing and we even spotted an eagle!

Giving thanks for the country life in Wichita.

Chris and I went to his folks' house in Wichita, Kansas for Thanksgiving. It's fun to see Chris switch gears so quickly to his old country boy self. He immediately pulls on his overalls and sets out to cut a tree down or work on the truck. He spent all day on Friday in the garage, so I took out on my own to the city. I drove around, took some pictures and did a little shopping. Wichita is a pretty cool town with a lot of interesting old buildings, museums and antique shops. On Saturday we drove to Newton, which is only 30 minutes away. We always stop at Good Old Days Antiques where there is a cat that rides around on your shoulder while you shop. We also checked out our friend, Dave Loewenstein's mural that he completed this fall. It was a great Thanksgiving!

Good Old Days Antiques.

Cutting a tree down with Grandpa Earl.