The Book Bindery

Here is a pretty sweet write-up in the Seattle Times about the restaurant where Ben is working: The Book Bindery. You know it's pretty popular when only after two weeks from opening, this cook's wife couldn't get in....on a Wednesday. I'm very excited to go someday and feast, or sample wine in their winery, or just peer in through the window, which sounds like it might be my only shot at it until after the holidays!

A sad day for the laptop

Ben and I had an accident on the plane ride to Atlanta a few weeks ago. In an effort to avoid spilling my water all over the laptop that Ben was watching a movie on, I handed him my water glass while I attempted to get back in my seat. He wasn't watching...I wasn't watching...an ever so unfortunate kick...water everywhere...laptop dead...no bueno.

A week later we visited the Apple Genius Bar for help. The nice man helping us told us it would cost $800 to fix and since it was two years old, our best bet would be to probably just buy a new one. Then his further justification led to this conversation:

Man at Apple store to me: "People typically replace their computers every three years."

Me to Apple store man: "Who are these millionaires?"

Ode to Summer

Oh summer, how I enjoyed thee...and how thankful I am that you are over.

Let me start off by saying that my summer was lots of fun. North Dakota, 4th of July with family, weddings, the long bike ride, Vegas, South Carolina, and getting to be outside during the week trying to keep up with the youngsters. (Yes, I even enjoyed the one week of cheer camp).

Shane, Jeremy, Gma, Me, Ben, Sean, Ashley

Grandma's House

Darla, Jen, Liz, Me, Marlene

4th of July in Longview

Self-portrait

STP, Day 2, 6 a.m.

(More Vegas pictures to come)

South Carolina

School doesn't start for 3 more weeks, which I will spend getting ready for the new term. I'm excited to once again teach college students, especially since I won't have to tell them to stop throwing sand, keep their shoes on, keep their limbs in on the merry go round, be good sports, etc. etc. PLUS its FALL (or just on the cusp)!!--where everything feels new again: sunny days, crisp cool nights, rainbow of foliage, football, holidays, and some Trader Joe's pumpkin pancake mix on the way.

Summer you were lovely, but I'll see you next year.

Ben's Nieces and Nephew

In South Carolina, Ben and I got to spend a week with his nieces and nephew. They all have completely different personalities, which were fun to get to know since we don't get to see them very often. Those little buggers definitely kept us on our toes to say the least. We had a blast hanging out with them, and can't wait to see them again.

Laura

Charlie

Ella

Anna

Straight out of a Pat Conroy Novel

We landed back in Seattle yesterday after spending a week in South Carolina. My images of the South are based off of what most of us rely on when we've never physically been somewhere: the media. The south to me, or at least the coastal south is full of moss covered trees and marshy beaches...basically how Pat Conroy has described it. And what a wonderful job he did. The real images matched my expectations. When asked what she might want from South Carolina Margaret joked that if I saw Mr. Conroy to grab a book and get an autograph, in which I replied I would grab two. Little to my knowledge that he lives on Fripp Island...and where did I spend 6 days last week? FRIPP ISLAND! No, I did not see him, but I thought it was a fun coincidence. Our trip was amazing, relaxing, and full of Ben's family who we hardly ever get to see. I'll post more pictures soon and tell some fun stories....like how there are alligators roaming around the island and on the golf course....scary. But until then here are some images of sweet South Carolina:

Off our back dock

By the boardwalk

Sunset off the dock

Gaye, Brian, and Ben

(It stormed this night as you can see from the clouds starting to form)