NumberNineteen

Blackberry Picking

Last Sunday, Hope & I drove out the foothills of the Shenandoahs to Hollin Farms to pick blackberries.  Just look at these bushes, just loaded down with fruit....


The rows of blackberries were one of the pretties sights that I've seen, BUT, alas, you notice that the berries are RED, not BLACK, as blackberries should be.  Apparently, we were a little early for the season.  So, we spent about an hour picking and came up with this...

Just enough berries to make this...

And, the farm had a large patch of zinnias, free for the picking, so we also came home with these....

Now, if that's not a happy sight, I don't know what is!

July 17th

July 17, 2009 turned out to be a very exciting day, with two new arrivals into my life.  First....

Rainer Eli, my most precious nephew, was born at 1:50pm.  He came a bit earlier than expected, but was welcomed to a world full of love for him. He's just perfect -- 6 pounds, 9 ounces, 18.5 inches & apparently wants to eat non-stop! My mom says that is quite strong for a newborn & is already looking around (though I doubt that he can see all that much at this point).  She also says that he has had the hiccups & keeps sneezing.  Baby sneezes!  Isn't that the cutest thing? I can't wait to meet him, but I'll have to wait a few weeks.  Grandmas & Grandpas get first dibs on visiting, so I'll have to be patient.

The other arrival was less miraculous, but ridiculously fun...

Yes!  I got an iPhone!  I'm not particularly into gadgets & having the latest thing, BUT, this is awesome.  If there was ever a toy for grownups, this is it.  I have been playing with it non-stop (interrupted only by phone calls to my sister & mother for the latest baby news) since I got it on Friday afternoon.  I just love ZIPPING my finger across the screen.  And, there are all kinds of applications that you can add -- to count the amount of water that you've drank during the day, track your favorites wines, follow your exercise progress, and so much more.  I've already added Facebook & Pandora as well, so I don't really have much of a reason to put it down, ever. :)

Changes

As you can see, I've completely re-designed my blog for the first time since I started blogging, in late December 2006.  Time for an update.  I wanted it to reflect my style right now & where I am right now.  I absolutely love the red & white elements from Designer Digitals.  Does anyone know how to add a spot to the sidebar so that I can credit Designer Digitals?  If you know, please email me directions!

 

I'm Pretty Sure That....

I'm Pretty Sure That....

...Real Lemonade = Summer

...I have the sweetest husband in the entire world (July 1st = 9 years since our first date)

...I should have pedicures more often

...Retail Therapy is often the best sort of therapy

 

...Sometimes, a STAYcation is one of the best vacations.