Goodbye July

July can be summed up as BUSY, but then again what summer month is not busy? I can hardly believe its over, it really feels like it just began. 

We started the month with a very laid back 4th of July. We went out for a nice al fresco dinner and caught some fireworks on an evening bike ride. The mosquitoes were out of control and it was much more difficult for them to munch on us if we were on the move. 
 

The theme of July was weddings - we attended three including my younger brothers. I must say they were all delightful and full of love; wonderful food, company and venues. However, I am welcoming a break from the high heels and full face of makeup. 
  

Cafe Brauer

I also witnessed this little ladies adoption.

Barbara Mae AKA Babs

I have never rescued a dog and the experience left my eyes welled up with tears. I had been following Babs through Tiffany since she was rescued from a puppy mill.  Babs has had a rough life, and she is only believed to be about 2 1/2.  You can read more about Babs here. Babs will always have a special place in my heart. Love you Babs!

Our garden is in full swing. Although, I must say its a bit less kept than last year. We have already received a bounty of peppers (green and yellow), yellow squash, green zucchini and a couple of tomato varieties. The ridiculous start-up cost from last year is paying off. As always, zucchini recipes needed! Look at this perfect little eggplant! It was delicious grilled up and drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

We ended July with a trip to Michigan.  It was just what our busy July needed, a relaxing ending.  We stayed at my husband's Aunt and Uncle's cottage on the lake with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and nephew. The weekend was full of catching up, fishing (for the guys), a day trip to Saugatuck and relaxing "off the grid." I will post more about how much I appreciated this "off the grid" getaway in a separate blog post. It was just what both of us needed.

South Haven, Michigan

 

Goodbye June

June has been a month without injections and endless doctor's appointments. A month to unwind, relax and reconnect with a normal-ish schedule. 

Our vegetable garden is in full swing. The soil is rich and the rain water is plenty. This year we have planted zucchini, variety of peppers, watermelon, various herbs, eggplant and a variety of tomatoes. I cannot wait until we can begin reaping the rewards. There is nothing better than a dinner compliments of your backyard garden.

Green Pepper - Tomato - Squash

My father-in-law has placed an offer on a short sale down the street from us. It will be nice to have another family member in our vicinity.  Baci is sure to miss him dearly, but I am pretty sure he will be missed just as much if not more.  I see lots of mid-afternoon visits for Baci.

I spent a glorious Sunday with my sister-in-law (have I mentioned how awesome it is to have her in my life?) full of chit-chatting about genetics and MTHFR. We then lunched at Dukes Alehouse and Kitchen. They specialize in local and organic cuisine. The chorizo tacos I had were both dairy and gluten free. I know, tacos again? These were different yet delicious. Definitely a place to check out if you are in the Crystal Lake area.

I cleaned our severely neglected closets.  We donated almost 8 bags of clothing. It feels good, so good. We also deep cleaned for the summer, so things are spic and span around here and I love it. How long? Who knows, as my husband has to remind me we live in our house. I am attempting to keep a closer handle on things and attempting to follow some of FlyLady's routines.

My husband has family in from Sicily so we did some entertaining. I must say the day turned out perfect.  When my husband and I put our minds together and work together wonderful things happen. The menu consisted of BBQ ribs, Sicilian sausage, shrimp pasta, caprese salad, salad, cauliflower with green beans and balsamic glaze and of course "Maria's" famous foccacia. The day turned out to be beautiful. Lots of catching up, espresso and bocce ball. We also made a promise to visit them in the next 3 years.  Ciao Sicilian seaside! We need to make it happen.

We have continued with our evening bike rides and exploring our surroundings.

We happened upon this neat sausage and brat shop in Naperville this past weekend. We haven't put the sausages on the grill yet, but the establishment itself is so neat and historical.  You can also dine-in.

Kreger's Brat & Sausage Haus

After a few friend's recommendations we also checked out Peter Rubi - not exactly in our neighborhood but close enough and we will definitely be coming back for locally grown produce and excellent homemade baba ghanoush.

As June wraps up, we begin to look forward to July.  July is full to the brim with weddings, 4th of July and a long weekend trip to Michigan.

July also brings the beginning of our second IVF cycle with an estimated egg retrieval the middle-ish of August.

Bring it on July!

Blessings in Life's Inconveniences

My father-in-law is temporarily staying with us until he finds a new home.  I have heard from several people what a saint I am in dealing with this new temporary living situation, and honestly I look at it as a blessing. 

A couple of years ago my husband and I found ourselves "homeless" due to an awful flood.  We had to find temporary housing for 2 months and wound up staying with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephew and mother-in-law for that time.  I look back, and I wouldn't change a thing.  Seriously. The flood was a blessing in my eyes because it gave me the time I needed to get to know my "new family", and what better of a way then completely immersing yourself in their home. BAHA. I actually cried when we packed up and left.  My relationship with them would never have been the same without our stint as unplanned house guests. True story. 

So anyhow, I feel the same way with our current living situation. 

Prior to my father-in-law's stay I would have no clue what to buy him for Christmas. I now know that hes a huge fan of Wheel of Fortune, Storage Wars, Italian movies,  Axe deodorant spray, classic button down shirts from Venture circa '98 (I know this because he told me), house plants, Guinness Beer, Liberty Creek Chardonnay, dandelions with pasta and skate fish (well, really any fish but catfish).

I hear numerous stories about my husband as a child, family history and life in Sicily. Stories that I hope to one day pass on to our children. 

We have also taught each other a thing or two. 

He has taught me about picking the best apricots and making the most tender ribs. I have taught him about natural remedies and searching for houses online. I now love Wheel of Fortune and he knows the story of Kaitlyn Jenner.

Is his stay at our house the most convenient situation for him nor us? Of course not, but there are blessings to be found in all of life's inconveniences.