A wonderful Wednesday.

What a beautiful day we had today. Sometimes I hope we never leave Cleveland (yes, I just said that). If it weren't for the sense of adventure in me, I think I could settle down here forever and continue to discover new wine bars and underground concert venues, parks with century-old trees and towering estates. . .

You know, a mile from our house is where the J.D. Rockefeller is buried, as well as Eliot Ness and President Garfield.

There are only enough chain restaurants to count on one hand, and instead, there are small, privately-owned diners, bars, restaurants, that really wait to be discovered.

No one can see this when driving through downtown Cleveland, or even on the streets of the East Side where we live. You really do have to hunt (or have great friends that get around), but they're there.

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Here's a cute picture of a cute dog looking for a new home.

He has a lot of energy, and we just can't provide him with the exercise and attention he needs right now because of how our life has changed. He's great with kids (Joyce loves him) and excellent with other dogs (his favorite is the female Pitt Bull that walks past the picket fence every morning and night).

Any takers?

He likes to chew through ropes that he's tied to and bury his bones in piles of laundry. He loves taking walks when it's breezy outside and he's great at snuggling up close. He's an awesome guard dog (he's letting me know there's a dog walking past the house as I type) and an even better companion.

 Really, this is all for his best. But yes, I'll miss him. A lot.
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We're having a Germanfest at our house Friday night. Lots of bratwursts and ale, of course. So, to spruce up the house beforehand, Peter's been working hard in the yard-- planting, mulching, raking, mowing-- while I potted mums and purchased pumpkins (that will be carved, Lord willing, before Friday morning).

It's really amazing what a little yard work and a couple pots of flowers can do!

Hugh and Leif's pumpkins. Yes, we're carving theirs too.

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And now (you knew it was coming), my smoothie ranting.

This week: no fancy greens, just plain old spinach plus frozen berries and bananas (and the flax oil!).

Something I've found to be extremely helpful: peel ripe bananas and pop them into a gallon-size freezer bag. That way when you're ready to make your drinks, they're super cold and easy to just toss in the blender (and they make it icier too).

This week I've been filling my blender to the very top-- this makes 3 full glasses. I have one right away and stick the other two (or one, if Peter's around) in the fridge for lunch, or an afternoon snack.



-A.H.