A Spring-like Winter Weekend

These pictures are from a gorgeous weekend we had back in January.  A sunny, but blustery walk in the woods at French Creek and then the weather turned on a dime within a day, which we enjoyed by having our first braai of the year with our neighbors.

BYOB Paint Party

My mum, sister and I spent the first Friday evening of the new year at an art studio painting a winter scene on canvas.  This paint party was awesome because it was BYOB - seriously, what could be better?!  I'm looking forward to going back for round two!

Posing with my painting...

Ivy and I posing after painting

Christmas

Things that stood out from this year's Christmas celebration include family pictures like the one below of some of the youngest family members (growing up ever so quickly, too), food - lots of homemade and delicious food, and great conversation on topics small and large... all emphasizing the most important part of Christmas... family.  

Gorgeous Autumn Weekend

The last three weekends have been beautiful and perfect for hiking.  We've managed to get another hike in for the third weekend in a row.  The trail was extra special this weekend with a touch of color on the ground and up above.

Daisy does well on the trails at French Creek State Park.  She's been doing great off-leash and listening to commands, especially when I remember to bring her treats.  We've been non-verbally training her the last two weekends - quietly stopping to watch what she does and wait for her to return to us.  Just when I think she's made significant progress and has outgrown her puppy antics, she'll surprise us and throw one in just to keep us on our feet.

We played 9 holes at a nearby golf course this weekend, walking from hole to hole, or golf ball to golf ball, enjoying the beautiful weather.

Weekend at the Beach

We spent the last weekend of summer at our friend's beach house in Delaware. The weather was perfect for beach-walking, letting the dogs run, and going on morning runs. Daisy was beyond excited all weekend and spent the majority of it on the beach or in the water fetching a tennis ball.

Quick Trip to D.C.

We took a quick trip to D.C. last week with T's mother.  The main purpose of our visit was to visit the Museum of African Art where a few of T's mother's photographs will be on display as part of an exhibition early next year.  While we were there, we received a personal tour of the museum from the exhibition curator who described each exhibition and the permanent collection to us in great detail.  I was in awe of her knowledge and passion for her field and artists she represents in the museum.  Amazing work by the artists and curators, indeed!  We can't wait to go back next year to see the exhibition in its entirety and to celebrate her accomplishment.

Being indoors was a reprieve from the oppressing heat and humidity outside.  And as most of D.C. involves walking from one monument or museum to another, we took our time outdoors stopping for water and breaks in the shade.  We also assured T's mother that the weather will be quite different when she returns for the exhibition in the Spring of next year.

Some of the pedestrian highlights included a dinner at Nando's Peri-Peri (so good!), a quick walk-through the public library, two enjoyable breakfasts at a nearby french eatery, and a fun newlywed dinner for T and I at a hip pizzeria with a great menu, draft beer selection, and interior.     \

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