little margie

February photo challenge

2012-02-27T18:47:00.000-06:00

I've been taking part in an online photography project this month. I found the list here and decided it was just what I needed after doing my 365 day project. The good thing about this is, I can be a little lazy. Someone else decides what I photograph each day, and I get to use my iphone to take the pictures. Don't get me wrong, I love my Canon, but it's nice to use something small for a change. Plus, I have some cool filters too.

Here are some of the highlights:

Words

Self Portrait

Inside my closet

Heart

Phone

Drink

A favorite photo of myself

Where I work

My shoes

Green

See you next time!

Sunday Breakfast

2012-02-20T21:02:00.002-06:00

Every Sunday, my husband and I meet our friends for breakfast at a random restaurant. This tradition was started by a friend of my husband who has since passed away. When my better half was younger, he and his friend were in a band together, and after a weekend of playing out, they would meet at the same restaurant on Sunday at noon.

After his friend died, my husband decided to honor his memory and carry on the tradition, with a little change. Instead of going to the same restaurant every weekend, we made a list and chose one at random. We've been doing this breakfast meet up every weekend for the past 10 years. Wow!

As of late, we've decided to add more ethnic restaurants to the list, not necessarily having breakfast food, but still calling it breakfast just the same. This Sunday's breakfast was at the Sahara Palace. It's in a new, second location. The food is mediterranean and it was delicious. I especially loved the arabic coffee. I think it's my new favorite infatuation.

Kristin likes to stay hydrated.

The arabic coffee is served in small cups, but that's all you need because you end up sipping it anyway.

John looking up facts for the group. I think it's about whether or not it's safe to eat orange peels or not.

Charlie and his coffee cup.

I couldn't resist photographing Anne's fingernails.

Anne received her meal first, beef shawerma. It was good!

Dan had the tandoori chicken sandwich, also tasty!

The fellows always extend their pinkies when drinking their coffee.

Well, it was another great breakfast. Maybe we'll see you next Sunday!

The Polyanna Society

2012-02-05T21:14:00.000-06:00

This weekend we went to JRKortman's for The Polyanna Society art exhibit. Kortman's always has very interesting and impressive shows, and this one did not disappoint.

The artist (in red) talking about her art.

The owners in the store below the gallery.

Thanks for a great show.
See you soon!

Bookless

2012-01-29T19:46:00.000-06:00

This weekend my friend Dayna invited me to Madison, WI for a fundraiser event. The Madison Public Library is temporary closing so it can renovate the building, which is in desperate need of repair.

The fundraiser was called Bookless, and it involved 3 floors of library themed art and a series of musical artists. Most of the art that was made was done so using things that were used inside the library (cards from the card catalog, books, signs, micro fische, slides, parts of the building, etc...). I have to say, I've been to a lot of art showings, and this one has been the best.

A wall made of wood and furniture from the library. There were several walls like this throughout the building.

Screen printing the name on the back of the artists creation.

A wall of large painting.

Observing a large floor painting.

The viewing platform for the floor painting.

Another view of the floor painting.

Dayna's screen printed copy of the logo.

The painting wall where patrons were allowed to create their own art.

Swimmers, on the ceiling.

Bookends.

Dan, Dayna and other patrons viewing art on a light table.

One of the bands playing that night, Lovely Socialite. They were pretty good.

Thanks Dayna for inviting me.
See you soon!

Summer Trip - to Europe!

2012-01-23T19:37:00.000-06:00

Hey, guess what?

We're going to Europe this summer! Specifically, Ireland, the U.K. and France. My sister who lives in Ireland has been bugging me to come visit her, and this year we're making it happen. I'm looking forward to taking my husband on a European vacation. It's something I think everyone needs to do at least once. And, since my husband has Irish blood, we'll be visiting the land of his people.

We're also excited to be taking this girl with us (see below).

This is our neighbor's daughter. She's adorable and sweet and if I had a daughter of my own, I'd want her to be just like Isabelle. I'm thrilled that her parents are letting her go with us to experience new places. It'll be an adventure she will never forget. I wish we could bring her parents with us too, but money is an issue, so they've agreed to let their daughter go and live vicariously through her. We plan on skyping, posting on FB every day, and sending postcards and trinkets back to them.

I want to give Isabelle the best experience she can have, and am asking my readers for help. I am trying to raise a little spending money for her so she can do and see as much as she can while she's there. Any amount you can give will help. If you'd like to help make Isabelle's trip special, please click here to donate.

Thank you and see you soon.

Baby Shower

2012-01-19T17:37:00.004-06:00

Ah, babies. Love them. They're so cute when they're new, how they look when they sleep, and the noises they make. Makes me want one, until I hear them cry. But that's another story.

My niece, on the other hand, has jumped right into motherhood, and I couldn't be happier for her. Her baby was born premature, so he's still in the hospital, but he's doing well. He's due to come home soon, so we had a baby shower for him.

My niece, the new mommy! She can't wait to have her baby home with her on a full time basis.

The presents.

Shoes, on top of one of the presents. Aren't they cute?!

The cake. Very yummy.

Playing "guess what chocolate is in the diaper" game. Looks disgusting, but fun.

Of course, she had a boy.

My niece opening the presents.

See you soon!

Time spent with my niece

2012-01-14T09:41:00.001-06:00

Last weekend was a busy weekend. I was gone both days, doing things with people I love. The second part of the weekend I spent with my niece and sister at a bridal show in Schaumburg, IL. My niece is getting married this year, and even though she has already planned every detail of her wedding in only a few months, she wanted to be sure she wasn't leaving anything out.

My niece (on the right) and her friend posing with their engagement rings.

The wedding cakes looked so beautiful. I love the spirals on the middle one. It makes you almost afraid to cut in to them.

More cake designs. I especially loved the samples! Yum!

Some examples of table center pieces.

More table center pieces.

They had a fashion show for the wedding dresses and brides maids dresses. I like this dress the best. Makes me want to get married again just so I can wear this dress.

Another dress...

...and another dress.

It was a long day, but it was fun. I had never attended one of these, so it was a new, fun experiences.

Time spent with a friend

2012-01-10T19:21:00.002-06:00

This past weekend was busy for me. I usually just sit around and maybe clean my house. Instead, I spent one of the days with a good friend. We spent Saturday exploring the small town of Hebron, IL and we visited their antique shops. We each found a couple of things we couldn't live without, had good conversation, and enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather.

This lady worked at Lloyd & Loeta's (she's probabaly Loeta). She's cleaning and staining a box she will later display in the store. This shop is filled with antique wooden furniture. She was nice.

This shop was probably our favorite because it had 3 levels of antiques.

We ate at Crandalls, where they claim to have the best broasted chicken around. We try the chicken though. They had only just opened when we got there, so we had fish tacos instead.

This place was my other favorite because of it's shabby chic feel. There were several things I wish I had purchased, but it gives me an excuse to go back again.

A jar full of clothespins.

Old feather dusters.

Bingo cards (I wish I would have snagged some of these).

Small bowling pin game.

Thanks for suggesting this day, Dayna! I had lots of fun.
Stay tuned for part two of my busy weekend.

Winter Walk

2012-01-05T20:40:00.000-06:00

It's early January, and the temp today was great. 48 degrees for the high, which is unusual for the midwest right now. It felt almost spring-like. I don't care. I love global warming right now. If winter was like this everyday, I'd be happy. You can keep the snow and below freezing temps (can you tell winter is my least favorite season?).

So, my niece and I decided instead of working out in a stuffy old gym, we'd go for a walk.

At sunset. My niece brought her dog, Wrigley to walk with us. He's not a trained dog, so he kept her on her toes.

The houses across the river are nice. Everyone dreams of living "over there".

The Rock Men.

This conservatory is new. It used to be just a small green house, but they spruced it up a bit. I haven't been in it yet, but I'll go soon.

The symbol. One of our first city art pieces.

A new bridge on the path. It looks really nice compared to how it used to be. I'm not afraid of falling through the slats anymore.

The walk was good, the temp was just right and my niece was good company.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-02T19:48:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been awhile since I've been on my blog. I see I didn't post anything in the month of December. I hope to change that.

So, what did I do on NYE? Well, I went up to Madison with my friend Sue and we hung out with our friend Dayna, her son and her boyfriend. It was low-key (a little too low-key for me), but we had fun.

Andy got is thinking about getting a new camera. He borrowed this one from a friend. He's been going crazy taking pictures of everything.

That's me and Dan. I'm giving Dayna the evil eye.

Dayna and her beau Paul. She's in love. So is he.

Dayna and Maxine made us NYE gifts. They were great. It was very thoughtful of them to do that for us. Thanks guys!

The next day, Dayna made us french toast and Paul cooked us bacon. Delicious!

We stayed in Rio, WI, where Paul lives. It snowed over night. While breakfast was cooking, I took my camera outside and shot some naturey stuff.

This is Paul's wood pile. All winter, he tries to only use his fireplace to heat his home. It was very warm in the house. It's a special setup where a fan sucks the air under the fireplace and blows the warm air out into the room. He really had to cut a lot of wood, as you can see, to last all winter.

Holidays, holidays, holidays!

2011-11-16T22:15:00.001-06:00

I can't believe it's been almost 3 months since I last posted. I kept telling myself I'd do it later, but that day kept slipping further away.

Well, here I am, finally. So, Halloween has passed. We had another fun party at our house. The theme this year was fairy tales, mainly Hansel and Gretel. I think it was our best one. The hardest part was setting up a real forest in our attic. I don't think I want to do that again, but it did turn out cool! My husband and I were the kids from Bob's Burgers, Gene and Louise. Our friends always out do themselves on their costumes too. They're great people.

So, today at work was our annual Thanksgiving lunch. The food was delicious, and the turkey was extra moist. I love it so much! Especially the skin. I know it's bad for you, but that's what makes it so good. Next week is the real feast, then I'm having another one with my dad that weekend. I'm going to be sick of turkey after that, or will I? I know I'm going to have to hit the track extra hard to work off that pumpkin pie and stuffing.

I bought a new Christmas tree this year. Yes, I like the fake ones. They're practical, less messy and don't need constant watering (I kill house plants, just sayin'). We had a small tree lent to us by a friend, which has been very nice for the past 4 years, but I always have to find a place to put it on, which isn't always easy because I like to change my living room around often. I decided I wanted a taller tree, but thinner one too. I can't wait to use it. I keep telling myself that I'm done buying ornaments, but I see something cute, and then suddenly I'm in the checkout line paying for it. I don't know how it happens, it just does. I'm excited for the holidays this year, which is strange because the past few years, I haven't been. It's felt more like a hassle than fun. I can't say why I feel different.

Wow, I really had something to say. Well, I'm done now.

Until next time...

Apples, apples, apples!

2011-08-28T19:55:00.001-05:00

Yep, it's that time again. The time when my favorite place in the midwest opens, Edwards Apple Orchard. I look forward to it every year. Why do I like it so much, you ask? Well, it's a prelude to my favorite season, autumn, for starters. And, they make the most delicious apple donuts and apple pie. Let's not forget, they have great treats, like yogurt covered pretzels, sweet corn salsa, pumpkin butter, fudge, the list is endless. They also get new things every season, like candles, dishwear (Mike, don't tell Karen), Halloween decorations and books. I could go on and on. I plan on making several trips to Edwards this year. You should come too!

A Wedding

2011-08-07T10:47:00.001-05:00

This weekend, I went to the wedding of a my niece Erin. She's been planning this day for a long time and that day had finally arrived.

The bride and groom.

The wedding party entered the reception wearing green hats and glasses to match the vests and dresses they were wearing.

The bridesmaids.

A gift of good fortune for all the guests.

The bride and groom's son, Blake. He's so adorable!

Cutting the cake.

Look out Scott! I think Erin wants you to wear that cake!

Ah, delicious cake!

The wedding party table.

Their first dance. They look very happy.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. McCormick.

What's been happening in July...

2011-08-01T19:11:00.001-05:00

Well, it seems like summer has been flying by! I'd like to say I've been so busy that I haven't had time to blog, but that's not entirely true. Wait, did I already say this in a previous blog? I need new material. I know, I'm a lazy blogger. Let's be honest. There's not much to say when you work a boring desk job everyday and struggle to keep your 365 day photo comittment by photographing your husband and cats every other day.

I guess I DID manage to go out last month and do a FEW things. Let's have a look, shall we? (in no particular order)

We went to the local farmers market and enjoyed some local, homegrown food. Delicious!

My niece (by marriage) had her bridal shower this month. She's getting married this coming Saturday. I know she'll make a beautiful bride. I haven't been to a wedding in awhile. Should be fun!

My dad has season tickets to our local college's outdoor theater. He couldn't go this year so he gave me his tickets. The play was The Drowsy Chaperone. It was funny, but I thought the story inside the play didn't make much sense, and I don't know if it was supposed to. Oh, and I got in trouble by the director for taking pictures. Basically, a warning, but enough to hurt my feelings, sort of.

Our annual independence day cookout with my girlfriends from high school (and their families). We always have great food, and we shoot off fireworks afterwards.

The local fireworks show in my town. It was fun. We skipped it last year because we were lazy and didn't like fighting the crowds. This year, we went with our neighbors. The show was pretty good and I'm glad we went.

Market street days in Madison, WI. I've never been before, so I didn't know it was a giant street long sale. I did find a few things I couldn't live without. Now that I know what it is, I'll plan to take home a lot more booty next year.

Dinner with our favorite people, the Abbotts. They always make the best food. This time they made Thai pasta. Looks good, doesn't it!?

The monthly meeting for the girls in the extended family. It's called Third Thursday. This month we went to Shogun for asian food. Lots of fun watching the chef to his bit. The food was delicious. Next month, Granite City. I can't wait!

The Sherman's annual pool party, but no one ever goes into the pool. I guess we're all a little self conscious. We cooked out, listened to music in quadraphonic and enjoyed each others company. The Sherman's are real music buffs and always have the best music playing.

Well, that's the month in review. See you soon!