The first zucchini

We harvested the first of this year's zucchini this weekend and enjoyed it in a pasta dinner with good friends. Since we planted the seeds earlier this time the crop was ready a full month sooner than last summer. Now I wonder how long the growing season will last? Just as long? Longer?

Backyard movie night

With all of the changes we've been making to our backyard over the past couple of years we have been excited with the possibilities of hosting all sorts of get-togethers and parties. We've had a number of people over for various outdoor meals, but last night was something special. We were able to create something of an outdoor theater and host a few friends for drinks and a movie. We borrowed some key items (the projector and enormous popcorn bowls) from the 'Denny and Nan Rental Service' - it worked out perfectly!

We made a Blockbuster run earlier in the day and chose three movies for people to vote on. Vicki Cristina Barcelona won by a landslide which made it easy. We also finally got to try out a contraption to make popcorn over the fire - our estate sale find from a few months ago - and everyone brought other sweets and snacks to munch on. Beer and wine were of course plentiful. We had an awesome time so we'll definitely do this again before the end of the summer!

Home improvements

After waaaaaaaaaaay too long, we finally got around to patching the cracks in our walls that were made when we straightened our foundation. It was actually pretty simple once we got down to it. Why on earth did we wait so long?!

Now just wondering how long until we paint.

Swiss chard

The first harvest from our summer crop is swiss chard which we made into a yummy baked cheese polenta dish tonight.

Aaron wanted me to share this conversation snip-it we had this evening:

Julie: I hear that "Polenta" translates to "corn meal mush."
Aaron: translates from what?!?
Julie: I dunno. Italian?
Aaron: There's a word in Italian for "corn meal mush?!?"

So now, even though he liked the dish, Aaron is pretty sure that from here on out he wont be ordering it based on the translation. Aaron's culinary journey: two steps forward, one step back.

Huntington Gardens

This afternoon I needed to send my computer to IT, which basically means I can't work since I'm so dependent on it for my job. So I gladly passed the time with a couple of girlfriends at Huntington Gardens out in the sunshine, enjoying some fresh air, and getting acquainted with the massive estate. We peeked at one of the Gutenberg bibles, viewed some art, and toured a portion of the acres and acres of gardens. I was able to identify a number of the plants and flowers, but I have a long way to go!

Springtime in New York City

Aaron and I recently returned from a whirlwind weekend visiting friends and family in New York City. We arrived Thursday evening in time for an amazing home cooked dinner with cousin Dani and fiance Dan in Brooklyn (though we unfortunately forgot to take the camera out!). We caught one of the last trains to Yonkers where my dad, Julie, and Jen now live. Friday we all drove out to tour Jen's college, Manhattanville in Purchase, NY. We spent some quality time with my dad and Julie, then headed into the city to meet up with some friends and to cheer on the Lakers at a bar in the Village. Saturday included bocce ball and a take out pizza picnic in Central Park with Lisa and Timmy. We were back in the park on Sunday morning to participate in the 4 mile Japan Day run with my dad - Aaron's first race ever. After a super tasty lunch at my dad and Julie's new favorite mexican food restaurant we took a much needed nap. Our friend Miro picked us up later that afternoon and we headed out to Jersey to see the new baby and new home. He and Nida treated us to a yummy backyard BBQ. Monday we went on a mini road trip to check out the Jersey Shore. The sun and sea air must have magnified our lack of sleep because Aaron and I both slept as Miro graciously brought us to the airport in time for our early evening flight back to LAX.