summer recap: visitors

Parker and family took a rode trip to Colorado to visit me and the mountains. It was a fantastic time full of firsts, including the feeling of sand on her toes.

nmd vs. rnc

Don't know what NMD stands for? Then you must not celebrate a very important yet quiet little holiday: National Marshmallow Day. Sure Romney is accepting the nomination at the Republican National Convention today and people are debating politics, right and left. But there is a way today to join together- by sharing a gooey treat that can literally stick to your friend across the aisle. I made a gourmet take on the s'more- graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache, marshmallow creme, and chocolate shavings. We as a country need something to believe in so let's rally behind the marshmallow and its unique place in Americana.

summer recap: farmers markets

I love farmers' markets. In Boulder, it is an event. People spritzing vegetables to make them glisten in the sun and handing out samples of gourmet/organic/local fill-in-the- blank concoctions. Beyond vegetables there are wines, cheeses, pasta, herbs, and the best outdoor food vendors with international fare and of course, biodegradable utensils. A summer must see.

summer recap: viva

This year's trip to Vegas was once again fun but a little quirkier. Went to the original strip and saw lots of different street "performers" and discovered the wedding chapels and pawn shops. Of course there was a little bit of glamour too, like a pedicure at the spa and lunch by the pool. The best part was seeing Phantom before it closes for good. Lights, glitz, odd characters. What a fantastic place.

summer recap 2012: time for pie

Summer is when a blueberry bounty

becomes a pond for pastry ducks, and dessert for us.

summer recap 2012: summer attitude

On the eve of the eve of the first day of school, I begin my recap of summer. The road back home to Fargo is long and usually seems to take forever; my stay is long too- about three weeks- but is always over in a flash. At a tortilla making dinner hosted by my parents, the guests told stories of their favorite summer vacations. I tried to think of one from the past- Ireland? A hiking trip? Wisconsin Dells? They were all snapshots of delights in my mind. But it occurred to me that while I've always loved my summer months, this one felt different. I finally realized why while driving: this was the first summer in years that I didn't need to move, finish a dissertation, find a job, complete comprehensive exams, enter or finish any schooling. In other words, I felt that I had embraced a summer attitude.