thirty

My little Oscar is a scratcher. Since I knew I couldn't be around him at the party I tagged him so all other parents would know. Pick up your kids when he's around.
Dancing in the shop after hours. Thanks T for putting in that new floor !
Todd on the guitar, Tim on fiddle, Karl on Base, Peter on banjo, and others made up the band for the evening.
After the potluck and a happy birthday song we started to dance. Jessie was the caller, a farmer & fine fiddler himself, he got everyone moving.
Flower prep the night before.

Thanks to everyone for coming and thanks to my family for helping me put on the party that I had in my mind. " wouldn't it be great if we could square-dance in the backyard!? " If this is what Thirty looks like I'm so in. Babies at our feet asking for another piece of watermelon. Friends picking up any child who needs help while maintaining a spirited conversation with a neighbor. Musicians who can grill chicken, and Family who will pick things up where you left off.
I think we'll do this again.

Orton Park Festival

it's hard to choose.
maybe a little of everything.
the hardworking bakers, taking a well deserved break.
(photo taken by my dad) Oscar & I rearranging the bakery on the table.


In my town, Madison, Wi, on the east side of that town there are 4 + festivals a summer. All held in a beautiful neighborhood park. Local restaurants provide food, the boy-scouts provide the games and the best lineup of music you can hear north of Chicago. The Waterfront festival, Le Fet de Marquette and The Orton Park Festival, to name a few.

I grew up next to Orton Park and have volunteered for these events since I was 5. The best, the best best best of these events ( in my bakerly opinion ) is the Jazz Brunch. Held Sunday morning, on the last day of the orton park fextival this little bake sale is the best one you have EVER been to. Neighborhood folks donate dozens of bakery, like red velvet cupcakes, feta & phylo torte, scones, muffins, grits, quiches, macaroons, I could go on & on. Everything is $1 each. All the money is donated to the neighborhood association for free summer camp for kids.

For me it's about being at home again, a good sleepover at Grandma's. Baking late into the night, the healthy competition between mother & daughter as to who will bake what. In the morning dragging the vintage tablecloths & fresh flowers down the tent. And transforming the bingo tent into a proper outdoor brunch spot. The ladies who have been doing this for years all deserve a break ( MOM! ) but I am sure they love it so much they never will.