We Love Guests!

Aimee and Jen
Originally uploaded by aimeedars

Some of our favorite Arizona folks, Jen and Brian, who are on a massive road trip around the US, came to Ithaca last night. We showed them Ithaca Falls, ate at Moosewood, and walked around the Commons. This morning, we tried to go to ABC but it was closed, so we ate at State Street Diner instead. Jen and Brian are on a tight schedule, so we had time to drive around the IC and Cornell campuses, then they had to get back on the road. George, Walter, and I were all so happy they visited and very sad to see them go. (Harvey was a little relieved. ; ) )

Jen and Brian are on to New York City. We wish them fun and safe travels!

More photos here.

Our "New" House

New House!
Originally uploaded by aimeedars

We've been living in this wonderful house since we moved to Ithaca in July 2008. When people asked how I liked it, I would often answer, "The only thing I don't like is that we don't own it." Due to George's perseverance and the help of my family, we now own the house!

Though we weren't necessarily looking to buy a house--and while it may not be the best time with the current economic situation and accompanying uncertainties--when the opportunity arose to purchase the house, we couldn't pass it up. I love the layout, the hardwood floors, and the spaciousness. George loves the very large yard we have.

We have started making small upgrades and cosmetic changes--George and Gary (and me, a little) redid a room in the basement to make it a comfortable craft room for me--and we have purchased a new refrigerator, curtains, and rugs. Any large renovations will come much later.

There is plenty of room for guests, so come visit Ithaca and stay with us!

Cool Man

Walter
Originally uploaded by aimeedars

Goodbye, Bubba

Bubba
Originally uploaded by aimeedars

Bubba came into our lives when Ryan found him running along a busy Oklahoma City street in 1998 or 1999, right after I moved back to Oklahoma. Since Grandpa and Grandma had had many Rat Terriers, it was natural they would give him a home. (As they had for many other animals!)

Bubba was a great friend to Grandpa during the final years of his life, and has been a wonderful companion to Grandma, Lizzie, my Mother, Coco, and T Bone. We all wish he could have been with us longer, but his breathing became incredibly labored. It seems his trachea had collapsed and nothing could be done to repair it. He died peacefully and loved yesterday afternoon.

We always laughed that Bubba loved the ladies because if Kelli or I were at Grandma's, he'd abandon sleeping with her to come sleep with either of us. I can't believe he won't be there the next time I visit Ardmore.

Cayuga Lake Wine Trail's Herb and Wine Fest

16 wineries - 16 herbs
Originally uploaded by aimeedars

Last weekend, George and I did the Herb and Wine Fest. By the end of the tour, we'd visited sixteen different wineries and driven around Cayuga Lake.

At each winery, we received a different herb (or plant). The wineries had a dish (e.g., pasta or a dip) that used the ingredient, and they had special tastings of wine that went with the dish.

In July, we're doing the Greyhound and Friends tour, and we'll be able to take Walter with us!