Maybe its because my mom loves Gustav Baumann, or that I had just seen M.C. Escher’s early wood block prints at the museum in the Hague and loved them.  But I went to the 4th Street Arts Fair here in town and was drawn to the two booths selling wood block prints.  One of the artists was doing goofy prints, but the other one had fun but also beautiful ones.  I told Tim I actually bought something and he didn’t believe me until I got home and had proof.  I NEVER just up and buy something.  And?  I don’t even have buyer’s remorse.  I love it.

Worked 1 out of the past 4 days, which has been nice.  Still hot here though, but thinking of those affected by crazy storms.  Even though it didn’t turn out too bad, I’m glad Mitch evacuated.  Hoping everyone else is safe.  Working on a quilt for baby girl Meouw.  Here’s to hoping that she likes, no wait…that she loves purple!

Tim starts back at school tomorrow with a stats class.  At least it isn’t with a certain SLIS professor, but still wish him luck anyway!

I was lucky enough to have a beautiful day spent with Tim and my brother for my birthday during our trip.  We went to Ghent, did our favorite things, a canal cruise and climbed up many steps in a Belfort and ended up on the coast of the North Sea for beers on a pier and a yummy sea food dinner.  I can’t believe I am 33!

Yeah, we’re travel dorks. We met Rick Steves in a chess bar in Brussels called Greenwich. He wasn’t disguised in all khaki, or wearing his glasses so AJ and I were slightly thrown off, but Tim called it right away. He was really nice, and even though he was on the end of a 6 week trip to update his guide books, he stopped to chat with us.

I know Cynthia will be sooooo jealous.

::NOTE::

Be sure to check out YouTube for a few videos of our trip, especially the musical show that accompanied the Flower Carpet in Brussels. I will try to upload the videos throughout the week. Flickr only supports 90 seconds of video, so YouTube is it.

http://www.youtube.com/user/sarahstim

–tim

Returned last night from our two week trip to the Low Countries.  Together with Andrew, we hit 10 cities in three countries: Brussels, Luxembourg City, Brugges, Ghent, Oostend, Antwerp, Amsterdam, Haarlem, Den Haag and Delft.  We met up with Brad and Sarah in Amsterdam too.  We had a grand time, ate sea food, frites with mayo, tostis with kaas, omlettes, pancakes, waffles, croissants and drank lots of sweet sweet Belgian beer.

We are working on uploading photos, so check the flickr throughout the week.  Wishing the trip could be longer, but happy to be back!  Loki missed us, but was well taken care of.

And, welcome to the world Malcolm!

This?  Is why I always carry my camera. You never know what you’ll see.  I am not expecting to catch the big things on camera, but detail the mundane.  The ignored, silly, strange, puzzling and funny.

I’ll try to do more in the future!

I worked the library booth at the Monroe County Fair this past week and got to walk around for a little bit and take it all in.  I am a total city/suburban girl at heart when it comes to this stuff!  I checked out the animals, and stumbled on the livestock auction.  Surprisingly, some people were buying pigs, goats and cows as a gift to local community kitchens and other hot-plate charities.  Who knew!  As interested in food as I am, I always learn new things about the cycle of land to plate.  Living in Indiana brings all that closer than I knew.

Also?  Looking at these has got me thinking….

Does it make me a horrible person that I sometimes forget what fab kitchen implements I actually own? Like an ice cream maker? Earlier this week, I made green tea ice cream for a program at the library and it was delicious and a big hit. The same night I realized I had a bag full of fresh peaches from the farmer’s market. What to do? Make ice cream! Well, actually sorbet. So I peeled and blended on Monday and made this today, Wednesday. And while it was quite good, I can’t help thinking that it tasted a little, well, like old peaches. Next time I’ll peel, blend and freeze all in the same day.

1.2 million dollars later, our BelNeLux rail passes are purchased! Low countries here we come. Too bad this looks a little complicated, and possibly sold out, the lineup looks fantastic!

After a full day of driving the rural farms of Tim’s youth and family in the searing heat (but beautiful scenery), we hit the Spencer drive in - in the pouring rain.  It did stop at some point, cleared up and was actually a beautiful night to sit in a soggy field to watch some movies.  Even with the calf deep moat around the concession stand.  I can’t remember the last time I went to the drive in!  This was at the one outside Spencer, so maybe we will have to try the one south of Btown before the summer is out.

Today we went to the wedding reception for Brad and Sarah.  I am so excited for them and wish nothing but the best.

Tim and I kicked it to 3rd St. Park to watch Slavic Soul Party and they were fantastic!  Tons of fun, both watching the music and watching the crowd.  I have video on my flickr, but still learning my new camera and had it on the wrong setting and so the focus goes in and out. Anyone else have any gypsy music recommendations?

I love the swings.  I mean I love roller coasters too, especially the crazy ones that go upside down and all of that.  The there is something simple about the swings.  I wasn’t sure that a swing ride could top the swings at Navy Pier.  But when the carnies take a smoke break during your ride, making your swing time even longer…there is no comparison.   Thankfully Suzy loves the swings as much as I do!  We had a blast together this past weekend.

Also?  Is it so wrong that I really want to make this?  Ok, well really I want someone else to make it for me and just give me some.  For my birthday maybe?  You know, coming up.