"Veggies...."

Our deck pots are producing some veggies! Below are a few of the Purple Peppers (not Purple People Eaters, for those old enough to know of what I refer to....). I have 4 pepper plants in 1 deck railing pot. I did have 2 Ground Cherries in the same pot, but pulled them out as I was not happy with them (they grew nicely, but were messy for what they produced), so now the pepper plants have more growing space.


The Cherry Tomato plants are rather spindly, but are setting fruit, too. Here is the largest picking yet. I have picked 1 or 2 prior to this group, but never more than that.


The regular tomatoes are also beginning to turn orange. Only a few at this writing, but I am hopeful of a "ripening rush (flush?)".

"APT Saturday...."

Last Saturday was a morning of rain and storms. At one point, we were without electricity. Knitting with dark blue yarn in a dimly lit room isn't easy, so we rigged up this battery lantern for me to see better.


Later Saturday, we had plans to meet some of Don's relatives, from Michigan, Illinois, and Iowa at American Players Theatre, in Spring Green, WI. Thankfully, the weather cleared and it was sunny, although the heat and humidity came on with a vengeance! A picnic was planned prior to the play. We chose a couple of tables that were on top of a rise, which turned out to be a good spot as a breeze was blowing, keeping us cooler than otherwise would have been possible in a still air atmosphere.

Below from left to right are: cousin Sherry, her mother Jodie, and Jodie's husband, Roy.


Here we have again from left to right are: cousin Chris, her son, Nathan, and cousin Beth. Beth, Chris, and Sherry are sisters.


From left to right: Jonathan, Chris's husband, and their son, Simon, plus me.


Don and his cousin Sherry. These are cousins from his mother's brother's family.


It happened to be Chris's birthday, too. We gave her a knitted wool scarf.......just what she needed to model on such a horrifically hot/humid day. Seated next to her is her son Nathan and standing is her sister Beth.


Seated are Nathan and Chris. Standing from left to right are Simon, Beth's husband Michael, and Beth.


Inside the theatre from left to right starting with the back row: me, Nathan, and Simon. Second row left to right: Jonathan, Chris, Beth, and Michael. In front: Jodie and Roy.


I posted this photo of Sherry so that you could see the stage set in the background. We saw the play "Hay Fever" by Noel Coward.


Don found this side by side photo of when he and Sherry were children. Neither have changed. ;)

"Barb and Don....."

Barb and Don had one of their "every once in awhile" get togethers after work last week. This is the time when they leave Geoff and me behind, either home or at work, so that they are able to chat and catch up.

One of their favorite places to meet is Brasserie V on Monroe Street. Brasserie V is known for their large selection of imported/good beers. Each has a specific glass in which it is served. Here is Barb contemplating her "Big Gulp". :)


"Beer Aficionado" Don with his choice for this round......


Both Don and Barb are both photographers.........as you no doubt would have guessed with these next few photos.




Growing up from a small soil area outside of the front door of Brasserie V was this little tomato. How unusual, eh?

"Benjamin's Birthday Continued...."

More neighbors came to wish Benjamin a Happy Birthday, too. Photos of Christin, Christina, and Rob, have already been posted, but Robin and Todd came with their two boys, Simon and Oliver (Simon not shown).


A few photos of the "cake eating" sequence.......


So far, pretty good....not too much outside of his mouth area........


Encouragement from Rob to really get messy.......


A hot air balloon showed up right on time for Benjamin's entertainment.


A good time was had by all.....especially the Birthday Boy, Benjamin! Yea!!!!

"Benjamin's 1st Birthday!"

Don and I were invited over to Andy and Angela's, along with several other neighbors and friends, to celebrate Benjamin's 1st birthday. It was a beautiful evening and the celebration was held on their back deck.

Here is Birthday Boy Benjamin with Mom Angela.


Rob and I..........


Christin and Christina.......


Papa Andy getting Benjamin set to eat his birthday cake......


I was given the honor of cutting the cake.


More photos to follow......

"Sunday's Bike Ride...."

Don and I biked again on Sunday. Our ride took us around Lake Monona. It was a gorgeous day for a ride.

This photo was taken behind Olbrich Gardens. If I understand correctly, this building is being considered for renovation into starter studios for local artists. I know there has been talk and also a vote, but I have not heard anything about it lately. Personally, I think it an excellent idea. Why have a building deteriorate until it can't be salvaged?


On our way back towards home, we ran into Rob, who was also out riding. He joined us on our ride home and then came over to have a beer on the deck.

Another beautiful ride!

"Another Bike Ride....."

Don and I took another bike ride on Saturday. It is so nice to have my Pato back! When he wasn't feeling well, we weren't able to take bike rides, so it is a treat to now being able to do so again.

Here he is in front of Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace, which overlooks Lake Monona.


This sculpture is in front of either a city or county government building, I'm not sure which. It is the one in which I got the information as to where to locate our greenhouse and chicken coop, but not the one in which I purchased our "chicken permit"........thus my confusion as to which branch of government it holds.....perhaps both?


A close up of Humpty Dumpty.


We stopped at "The Terrace" for "refreshment.........


Later that afternoon, a few of the neighbors stopped by as we sat out on our front deck. What a surprise, eh? :)

From left to right are: Marley, Jillian, and Copper.


Again from left to right are: Rob, Christina, and Christin.