I always go into summer thinking it’s going to be quiet and chill. I am not actually sure WHY I think that – I think the only quiet and chill summer I had was the summer of 2006, when I interned 4 hours per day and slept the rest (no joke, coming out of my first year of teaching, I was catching up on ten months of exhaustion) Otherwise I spend my summers working at TFA Institute, or moving across the country. This summer, I have done neither, but work and life have certainly cooperated to fill every spare moment!
Lots of gardening is happening, despite the miserable drought Wisconsin has suffered. Seriously, it rained for about 45 seconds yesterday, and I couldn’t even continue the conversation I was having. The peppers did not survive (something ate them to the ground, but the tomatoes and petunias are doing nicely. I have 9 tomato plants, divided between slicing and paste, and I think I will take up canning as a new hobby this fall – can’t stand to see a single one go to waste!
These little guys are hanging out in the shade and doing ok despite the heat and the dry. I have been informed that they are usually houseplants, so I’ll bring some in in the winter.
Family time has been amazing this summer – it’s so nice to be a short drive away from so many people. Birthday parties to baseball games, it’s been wonderful to reconnect with my people!
I love this picture – the tiniest person and the bestest Papa 🙂
Cousins bonding over sunglasses – two handsome guys!
Cory keeping his eye on the ball.
Outfield is somewhat boring, however 😉
Brunch is on a summer hiatus – my little window a/c can’t really cope with the epic production heat, or the crowds, but the last one I threw, in May was a lot of fun – pancakes on the porch, enjoying the early summer breezes. Until the end of my days, I will live somewhere that allows me to sit outside.
The result! Chocolate chip, blueberry, and “plain” pancakes, bacon, eggs, and the requisite bowl of berries. Yum!
Using the last of my eggs from the Tinants – well traveled, and completely delicious 🙂
Best of all, Milwaukee has proven itself to be a truly excellent city to explore this summer! From custard, to Summerfest, to farmer’s markets, to the South Shore Frolics (this weekend!) there is always something great to do, something amazing to eat, and some excellent music playing. In Wisconsin, we never quite forget that a long, hard winter is right around the corner, so we get out there and soak up every sunny moment!
Rarely the winner, but always our favorite – wearing number 5 – Chorizo!
We managed to get photos with every racing sausage that day, a minor miracle on a Saturday afternoon!
Taken inside the Northern Chocolate Co – right before I got yelled at for taking pictures…oops!
Lake Michigan in the morning
City Hall is amazing inside! This was also the tallest building in North America at one time.
Going here now! Kopp’s has nothing on this classic 🙂
