views from the day

Today felt like the days when I was a new mom, only a few years ago. All day at home, quiet music on, small tasks, lots of books, nap times a must. I tried to stay off of the computer & out of the kitchen. A vintage puzzle was unearthed from who knows where, a drawer maybe. A coloring station, a tent. I know that with the boys getting bigger I tend to run them more. Going on more errands & adventures, which is fun. But today was a good reminder that to be home all day, again, can be simple & fun.

counting coins

Like many others we're sick around here. The little guys have fevers but are lively & have a good appetite, T & I are waiting for the other shoe to drop, we'll see how the next week goes. So, home bound. Felix has been wanting to count out his owl bank lately ( his birthday IS coming up) so I came up with this little teaching moment. No counting, values or anything too complicated ( yet). I found a nice coin chart here, took a sheet tray & uncorked the owl bank**. We matched, stacked & talked about all of them for....about 5 min. Maybe your children will last longer, but I bet we will come back to this during our sick spell.

**Oh, I didn't take ALLLL the coins out, only a good variety.

hope you all are well.

missing riley

some of you close to us know that we had to let our dog go up into the clouds last week.


I'm reallly missing him today. During nap time he would accompany me in the kitchen, making a sweet treat for later. I'm off to bake a little without him. I know everyone in my house is missing Riley. He was one of those great dogs.

weekend in the north woods

Headed up north this weekend to a old family spot my husband used to go. It was lovely, grandparents & aunts & uncles to hang with the kids. I knit a few projects, and picked up some fresh cranberries ( $1/lb!!). We saw fall and loved it.
hope you had a good weekend too.

sitting down?

Been too long. Life's a whirlwind here at my house, as I'm sure yours is too. 2 season's worth of clothing everywhere, moving toys inside from here, and the general juggling of home.
I think the last time I sat down with the boys was to do this button sorting project. Now nicley displayed in our living room. I was surprised at how many different shades of gray, black, white & off white there were. I'll have to do a color chart with buttons when I have a free week or so.
hope this seasonal transition is treating you well, best of intentions to get back here soon.
Lily

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.