Things I've learned in the month of June:

• If you stop to get the mail and leave your car idling at the mailbox bank with the door open, a random two-year-old WILL climb into your car.
• If I'm buying book - whether a gift for me or someone else - and the only copy available is the movie tie-in cover, I'll go buy it somewhere else.
• Reading a cupcake cookbook right before going to bed does not ensure sweet dreams... Though it should.
• I'd rather read or garden than just about anything else.
• Mistaking a teaspoon for a tablespoon in a recipe can lead to terrible, terrible results.
• The only time I want to exercise is mid-morning when I'm at work. Strangely enough, when I get done with work and could actually do it, it's the last thing I want.
• I am addicted to the library.
• Waking up to my dog licking my armpit is by far the strangest way I have EVER started a weekend.
• When the screen on your phone says Private Caller you should answer once in awhile. You never know who will be on the other end.
• The sound of chirping birds makes me supremely happy.

Portland Farmer's Market

Brett and I went to the Portland farmer's market this morning and invited his mom, Toni, to come along with us. There were a lot of people there despite the very overcast skies. Today, I bought fresh, handmade cheeses, purple potatoes, locally-made pesto sauces (cilantro-pistachio and chipotle), and a bouquet of peonies. The strawberries all looked delicious but I already have a flat in the fridge. We had a great time!

Saved By The Bell

If you were ever a Saved By The Bell fan, then this clip is for you. I use the term "fan" loosely because, after all, we were much younger when we watched this. There's no judgement here.

How does your garden grow?

I'm really excited about this year's garden. It's nowhere near as prolific as others in my family, but for me - a limited, container-based setup - it's not too shabby. I'm growing lots of tomatoes, several varieties of peppers, lemon cucumbers, cantaloupe, and many many herbs. Someday, when I have more space, I would love to sustain my entire produce needs. I'm also growing various plants and flowers for beauty: dahlias, violas, balloon flowers, heron's bill, sedum, gerbera daisies, columbines, honeysuckle, English daisies, nemesia and others. It's so much fun to grow and nurture something and see it reach its plant potential. Is that how parenting is?

Honeysuckle

Mountain Magic Basil

English Daisies