Librarian-At-Large

After what seems like two very quick years, I am proud to say that I am finished with grad school! I graduated with my Masters of Library and Information Science from Dominican University on May 3rd and am now an official Librarian! I'm looking forward to a summer free from school attendance and assignments. I'm also looking forward to a future full of public library work as well as loan repayment.

Big Brown to Win!

For the last few years, my friend Amy and I have taken a keen interest in horse racing, focusing mainly on certain hopefuls in their prospects for the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing. Hopes were dashed in recent years of course with Funny Cide's and Smarty Jones's losses at the Belmont Stakes, and who can forget the dreadful fall and subsequent demise of poor Barbaro in 2006?

Amy and I had been scheming a trip of our own to the Kentucky Derby this year, but as fate would have it the money tree we've been trying to grow still hasn't sprouted, so we opted to stay back and watch this year's race on TV. We coordinated a southern feast of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, biscuits, and green beans. We also made sure to make some lovely Mint Juleps, the official cocktail of the Derby.

TK dressed in his Derby best for the race and we had high hopes on some of our favorites (introduced to us about an hour before the race). Our 'bets' were on Big Brown (obviously), Colonel John, the lone filly Eight Belles, and our long shot Z Fortune. Big Brown became the second horse to win the Kentucky Derby from the 20 gate...amazing! Spirits were high and dreams came true as sweet Eight Belles came in second (in front of all the other boys) but the next thing we knew, she was down. Two broken ankles brought on by the race led to her being immediately euthanized on the track...a very depressing and confusing moment after we'd been so excited about the race for so long.

We'll be rooting for Big Brown to win the Triple Crown this year, even though his owner could eat a helping or two of humble pie. Despite the rather bittersweet conclusion of the Derby (a winner who was so proud, but a horse, now dead because of the race), we enjoyed our meal and have hopes of attending next year's event, big hats and all. After Eight Belles' fatal fall however, this year our Mint Juleps didn't taste so sweet.

Less Famous People

She's always good for a laugh...

(click on image)

Midwest Modern

The ever inspiring Amy Butler has a new line of fabrics now out for Spring 2008 called "Midwest Modern." I'm tempted to spend my hard-earned cash on some yardage, but I have a few projects that I need to finish up first. Here's a sampling of some of the new colorways from this line. Check them all out on her website! Aren't they yummy?!

2 and 6

Over the weekend we celebrated our niece and nephew's birthdays in Michigan. Elaborate Mickey and Minnie cakes, train tables, Webkinz, playing in the mud....it's enough to tire a kid out!

Cooking with Copper

One thing I am most excited about in our kitchen is our new copper pots and pans. Don't they just scream old world tradition and charm? Hopefully I'll be able to cook up some culinary masterpieces of my own on these babies. I've read the use and care instructions (since only one is non-stick, yikes). Is there anyone out there with some words of wisdom on how not to ruin them. I'll take any advice I can get.

City Dog

Toward the end of last summer, Molly finally arrived in Chicago, back in full health after her earlier run-in with a camp dumpster. I like pets a little less than the next person, but I am not opposed to a family dog, and certainly not opposed to by own "furry sister." Lucky for me this fall and winter I got to see her whenever I wanted because TK so graciously offered to adopt her until my parents wanted her back...or indefinitely if he fell in love with her (of which there was a high probability).

Molly stayed with my mom and dad during and after our wedding and that was about all TK could take! We missed her a lot, so she is now back with us here in Chicago. Though she will always be a country dog at heart, she has made adjustments to life in the big city. I'm excited for a new spring and summer with the old girl. Welcome home, Mollers!

Bring It!

Why not usher in spring with some burgers on the deck and some Cubs on the radio? Last night wasn't exactly warm, but we didn't let that stop us from welcoming the boys of summer back with some good old grilling. A little chilly perhaps, but hopeful!

Urban Amish | Part 2

"Slow and steady wins the race," that's what my mom always says. I'm not sure if that applies to my rather stagnant quilting hobby as of late, but I'll try not to be too hard on myself. The "Urban Amish" quilt I'm making for Jakob and Jessica is still en route to completion as is last summer's "Stack-N-Whack" (how embarrassing). 27 days until graduation and then I can quilt to my heart's content.