Lovely

These are the lovely end-of-summer flowers that I cut from those in my yard a couple of nights ago, and brought into my office, so that all might enjoy. Lovely

End of summer sunflowers

And this is the lovely spider that we discovered in the flowers, in the office.

I think this: he had to have been in the flowers as I carried them in my arms to the house. He had to be in the flowers as I arranged them. He had to have been in the flowers, in my car, as I brought them to work. And he has just been hanging out- yesterday and today, so very near to where I sit.

One of my colleagues discovered the spider. I said "just remember they are more frightened of us than we are of them." She nodded in agreement, doubtfully. I took the entire arrangement out onto the veranda and flicked him off of his leaf. Remember my motto: "spiders are o.k. outdoors, inside- not so much."

I tried to identify him because he does have very distinctive markings. However, I could not find any photos or description of such a spider. In the process, I did learn the name of another spider that I see often where we live. Remember the spider who took up residence in the birdhouse and had a tunnel leading right into the birdhouse? [Tuesday, September 1, 2009] The name of that spider is "funnel weaver" or "grass spider." Agelenidae.

You never know what delightful discovery you may make. Have you made a delightful discovery, today?

Comfort food

In November, it will be two years since I've moved to Bloomington.

Since moving here, it seems there has been many times that my heart, (body, soul) needs comforting. Mostly, I've gone to Panera by myself. I try to always have some reading material with me and I sit and read while I eat. Bloomington, IN Panera

For me, nothing says comfort like bread. When I order my broccoli-cheddar soup in a bread bowl and I'm asked what I would like for my side...the answer is bread. Bread with a side of bread! Perfect.

I could never, never give up carbs. I LOVE carbs. You know those t-shirts that say "I heart NY?" I need a t-shirt that says "I heart carbs!" Marketing idea? I would imagine there are others like me out there. I am a carbaholic. There. I said it. It must not be a problem, because I'm not in denial. YUM. Broccoli-cheddar soup in a bread bowl, a side of bread and a green tea. Oh, and a loaf of Asiago cheese bread to go. Have you ever had Asiago cheese bread toasted? mmmmmm...

When I walk into Panera, I am instantly comforted. It is the smell of bread. Do they make the smell of bread in a candle? I know I've seen "cinnamon toast." How about "baking bread?" Another marketing idea!

I also love Panera for breakfast. Have you had a little quiche? I love the four cheese. (Do you see a pattern here? The cheese pattern.) And bagels - asiago cheese with sun dried tomato cream cheese. Makes my tummy happy.

What makes your tummy happy? What food comforts you?

Fourth Street Festival

One of my favorite things to do in Bloomington, IN over Labor Day weekend is to go to the Fourth Street Festival held in beautiful downtown Bloomington on...you've got it, Fourth Street. Our dear friends John and Kathy from New Castle came down and the four of us headed out.
A great amount of amazing artists are there and there are also a lot of local representation as well. They had this simple activity for the children- lots of plastic items, glue and you have a community built collage.

red
yellow

green

purple

Doug said "I don't get it." I thought it was a cool idea.

When we walked to Nick's for lunch, this beautiful baby was sitting on the street. Not mine, mind you, but I had to snap a photo of it. I had an '85 pale blue Mustang which I loved more than anyone should ever love a vehicle.

And we'll have fun, fun, fun till daddy takes the Mustang away... Love it!

Oh, to have a little girl...

Lots of pottery. I love pottery and we have so much.

Aren't these beautiful?

Street musicians.

Because Doug plays, he always has to drop a buck into the open case.

They were really good.

Doug and John stopped to listen while Kathy and I stopped to look at...more jewelry.

every year.

When we started through the festival street, I turned to Doug and said "don't hurry me, you aren't going to hurry me...I'm going to look at everything I want to." He said "o.k." and then John, Kathy and I had to wait on Doug! He was buying Christmas presents. (Pour moi? Oh, you shouldn't have!) Someone also has an October birthday, too...

As always we loved Fourth Street festival. I didn't buy anything! Shocking, I know.