Breakfast at the Lake

It doesn't get much better than this!

A Weekend at the Beach

As usual, time has been flying by and it was Thursday, September 1st before we realized that Labor Day--and a three-day weekend--was here. After some last minute planning about how productive my weekend at home was going to be, I got an invitation Friday morning to leave for the beach that evening after work. I was sold! (Pack at lunch? No problem.)

As so, as the rest of Fresno was sweltering in the heat, I was blissfully (somewhat smugly) enjoying the cool beach air in my sweatshirt. On Saturday we went to a fun craft fair in the park. There were so many different artists, from jewelry makers to painters, photographers, woodworkers, and more. Tyler got a wooden airplane, which he loves. He did notice that there really should have been a third wheel at the back of the plane and found a creative solution to try out.

A trip to the fabric store and then into the spa (with cute little tree frogs to keep us company). Doug got homemade BBQ sauce from one of our clients and he marinated the tritip in it for a day or two. It was delicious! Vegetables, garlic bread, fruit and some Fiasco wine through a very cool wine difuser rounded out the meal.

The beach was a little overcast, but that was the perfect escape from the heat of Fresno. The fresh salty, sea air makes your lungs feel a little bit cleaner. :) And of course, no sea trip is complete without looking for shells and burying yourself in the sand!

And of course, after all of that food for dinner, we had absolutely no room for dessert ... so we made it the next day. It was the first time I had eaten BBQ peaches, but I would definitely have them again. First they were drizzed with a sugar/cinnamon mixture and then put on the BBQ and drizzed with more of the mixture. It certainly makes the peaches less healthy, but oh so good. Add a little ice cream and berries and you're set!

I Think it Must be Love...

I have started a new project. I have done plenty of sweaters, hats, blankets and more, but, believe it or not, this is my very first shawl. It is a pattern that I have loved for a long time. The Ginkgo Shoulderette Shawl is a perfect blend of stockinette (I confess, I love the look of stockinette) and decoration along the edge.

I just needed the perfect yarn to go with it. When I got an incredible early birthday present of Anzula Luxury Fibers Squishy, I knew it was the perfect yarn for this project. I took a little bit of time to get started because I love the anticipation of a new pattern and a new yarn. I don't think I should have waited. Both the yarn and pattern are better than anticipated. I love, love, love the feel of the yarn on my fingers! Maybe it's the super soft merino, maybe it's the added cashmere, but it feels lovely when I'm knitting. I was only supposed to cast on and maybe do a row or two before getting back to cleaning. Yeah, it didn't happen quite like that ;) But I love it so far!