French Press, Tunes, & Treats

Last week, a new coffee house/cafe opened in our neighboring town of Farmville. We are all really excited about this new business, as there aren't any independently owned coffee shops in the area. So we visited it last Friday evening; They had live music-Jim Waive and the Young Divorcees-an old-school country/bluegrass group. They were really good! Dad came with us and we all enjoyed some great coffee (they only do french press!) and treats while listening to some great tunes. It was such a nice evening and we appreciate that a place like this exists. Believe it or not we get a little lonely here in the country and so it's nice to be able to go into town for some entertainment! Here's the link to the coffee shop www.madhattercoffee.net and the band www.jimwaive.com. On a side note, I got to talking with the owners of the cafe and they are interested in buying local produce (yeah!) and they are saving huge amounts of coffee grounds for our compost pile (another yeah!)

Wild Geese

This poet was first introduced to me by my good friend, Natalie, or as I endearingly call her Natalia. Jamie had this particular poem out on his desk and I recalled seeing a flock of geese flying over the house the other day...probably "heading home again". Enjoy...

Wild Geese

By Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.

You do not have to walk on your knees

for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body

love what it loves.

Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting-
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

Too Cute

Elizabeth Rose

Maile & Nash

Colin & Nash

Landie & Mai Mai

Sweet Little Things

Well as most of you know I am aunt to two sweet little ones born last week. Jamie's sister, Julie, had Elizabeth Rose on Thursday the 18th, and Audrey had Nash on Sunday the 21st. They both are precious little treasures...and of course I will post pictures of them real soon. I spoke with Audrey on Sunday and she had decided to have Nash naturally (no epidural, no i.v.)...and it sounds like it was quite the experience! Dang...all I can say is..that is some serious tolerance for pain. Aud...basically I think you are pretty darn amazing! You inspire me... :)

Fall Paradise

Here's some pictures for your viewing pleasure!

Week with Jess

Jess left today to go home to Tempe; we had a great time while she was here. Our week mainly consisted of eating tasty treats, knitting into oblivion, solving the worlds problems, playing with the dogs, afternoon naps, eating some more...basically we had some good times. It really is wonderful to have family come visit; it's a reminder of old times and how special my family is to me. They definetely give light to my world! So for those of you reading who are family, just remember that I think everyone of you are "wonderful people"! :) Seriously though...love you all so much and wish I weren't so far away :( Here's a few pics of this past week!

The Official Registered Name

Because Bonnie is a purebred dog, I can register her with the American Kennel Club (AKC)...so I had to think of an original name to register her under...one that hasn't already been taken. So Dad, Jess, and I came up with the following:

SCHNOOKER P. MAGNUM BONNIFIED

OH DANG!!

Sunday Afternoon of Fishing

Sunday, Jessica came into town. After taking an afternoon nap, we all decided to go down to Don & Janet Benson's 17 acre pond to go fishing. Dad & Jamie set us all up with our fishing rods and we all cast out and waited patiently for the big one. After several unsuccessful attempts of reeling in 2 big catfish, I finally handed over my fishing rod to Jamie for him to handle. Needless to say, Jamie caught several large catfish, along with several brim. Jessica caught two brim as well. We had a tasty fish fry that night and look forward to our next fishing outing!