Tomato season!

Our first homegrown tomato of the year has ripened!

From the Wall of Tomato.

Yeah, it's a grape tomato.

And there's only one so far.

We let Paul eat it all by himself, rather than splitting it amongst the three of us.

Cuz that's how we roll.

July Mittens

July Mystery Knitalong Mittens

New clues every five days.  

I'm lagging behind.

Black Caps are ripening

We have quite a few black cap raspberries hiding amongst the wild greenery, and they're ripening.

I fought back the flocks of mosquitos and managed to pick three cups of berries.  

Have you got mosquitos like crazy?  Ours are unbearable.  I saw an article that said the mosquito population in Minnesota has tripled this year.  I believe it!

Two jars of black raspberry/jalapeno jam.

Can't wait to try it! 

On to the State Tournament

It is Girl of the House's final summer soccer season.

I may have mentioned that a few times?

We're fairly soccer obsessed around here.

She had one goal for the summer - the state tournament.

They're going next weekend.

We have one happy girl.

Winery Tour

Four of us took the day and wine hopped.

We hit three wineries:  Cannon River Winery in Cannon Falls, Falconer Vineyards in Red Wing, and Maiden Rock Winery and Cidery in Maiden Rock.  We had a fabulous time at them all, but I'd have to say Falconer Vineyards knocked our socks off by serving wood fired pizzas on the large deck overlooking their vineyard.  It was a perfect way to end the day.

Last home game for summer soccer

Girl of the House had her final summer soccer home game.

Ever.

They have the best record in their division and move on to playoffs this weekend.

Then, hopefully, on to state.

But this was the last home game after ten years (TEN!) of summer soccer.

Our girl's grown.

Soccer Variations

From rainy and cold a month ago to hotter than hades tonight, it's been one heck of a soccer season.  

PS.  It's just not safe to leave three dogs unkenneled in the house. Even if you're only going to be away for a few hours for a soccer game.  

Temperature scarves at six months

Northfield Temperature scarf, six months into 2013

Other City Temperature scarf.

I'm really enjoying the color changes.  I also really like just doing seven days a week - doesn't take too long to catch up.

Internets have not been happy here at home

But I can post from my phone!

Happy Saturday everybody!

From the bike

I've been riding bike to work and the mornings have been amazing.

Cell phone pic just doesn't do it justice.

I wish I could send you the morning freshness.

Strawberries!

We've been to the berry patch.  Lorence's have the best berries!

And we've made jam.

And Girl of the House made delicious strawberry shortcake, all from scratch. Even the whipped cream.  Mmmmmm...

Arboretum in July

The Carleton Arboretum restoration is still in process.

Recent storms took down a few of the remaining trees.  Arboretum staff also applied herbicide to this hillside a few days ago.  

Still a work in process.

Chocolate milk

Recent research has revealed that chocolate milk is the perfect recovery drink after exercising.

And it makes me feel like a kid.

Win-Win on all counts!