Day 2 of John Bryan

Our friends Anne & David came up to join us for some hiking. 

Lia made fast friends with some other friend's son, Peter. 

Frank, John and Gabriel enjoying the fire. 

Lucky for us David brought his guitar and him and Anne played and sang. 

Angie and I.  There were actually a total of 12 of us around the fire.  It was a great evening.

John Bryan State Park

 Our first night at the park.  It is going to be a beautiful weekend!

Jo

HUGE cooking day!

Time to cook and prep for our Scamper trip to Yellow Springs this weekend....

A new seasonal favorite, Rosemary Pumpkin Hummus.   A keeper!!!!

And I made this recipe above, Crisp Rosemary Flatbread, originally made by Connie for a feta and tomato bake.  However, it is fantastic with the Rosemary Pumpkin Hummus!

Plenty of rosemary!   These Rosemary Walnuts are very yummy.

And, another NEW favorite!!!!  Here's Sausage and Egg Bake with plenty of kale and chard from my garden and our chickens.  I decided to make ahead breakfast for our trip so that there's less work and less mess to clean up while we're camping.  I cooked them a bit more than I would normally b/c Frank doesn't like his yolks runny like Lia and I do!

Last but certainly not least is a different Moussaka recipe (just a version in one of my many Greek cookbooks that I hadn't tried yet). I made it with some of my eggplant that I grew.  This was dinner tonight. It was AMAZING.  Perfect time of year for this comfort food.

Oktoberfest in Zinzinnati!

Frank, Lia and I had a family event going down town today for Oktoberfest.  Of course Lia had to ride some rides!!!  She rode one with me that was pretty crazy.  Here are some kid friendly ones. 

Lia's favorite part (besides the rides!)???  The CORN on the COBB!  :)

Fingerpainting and soup!

While Lia was busy fingerpainting, I was busy in the kitchen. 

Not a great photo but a WONDERFUL soup - yellow split pea, sweet potato and kale soup!!!  Packed with flavor and nutrients!

Happy Birthday Connie!

Happy Birthday to my sister Connie!  We were honored to have her here for her birthday dinner!!!  :)

Great find!

I found this light fixture today at a local thrift store - it was $8!!!!!!  And it's fantastic shape, no cracks or anything.  It is PERFECT for our bathroom!!! 

Mary Ellen's Reception Cakes

My friend Mel got married up East and came home to host a reception party.  I offered to make her dessert: Rootbeer Chocolate Bundt Cake and mini cupcakes.  Lia and I picked up some white pearls for decoration.  This cake is DELICIOUS, Connie first made it (thanks Connie!!!).  I have since made it for Lia's birthday and now for Mel.  We LOVE it. 

Lia was a good little helper. 

Lia at soccer practice!

Warm up time!  These kids are too cute! 

Go Lia! 

With her friend - taking a lit

tle break!. 

B&W thanks to Patti!  :) 

Yes!  This is how it's done!  What a beautiful night it was.  I took Lia and often do, in the bike trailer to practice.  Good workout for mommy also!

I LOVE my zinnias!

I love the zinnias I grow and to make arrangements with them and herbs and any other flowers or veggie plants that I choose from my garden and yard.  I put these together today for us and a couple gifts for friends!