Jenna Lou Loves You

August Past

{ Niagra Cave}

{ Family, friends, and our very favorite exchange student }

{ You'll notice not once do you see me on a horse }

(Enjoying ice cream in the adorable town or Lanesboro}

Wow... Did anyone else notice it's September already?? August really flew by.

In the second half of the month we took a long weekend to visit Lanesboro and Forestville. We stayed at the state park in Forestville and it was a total treat. I got to sit back and let others do the cooking ( I did my cooking prior by bringing baked goods and salads!). Many naps while others were out on horse back and spending the weekend meeting and learning about Maria the exchange student staying with my parents were some highlights. We also spent an afternoon with rented bikes checking out the trails and then stopping in town to visit the Scenic Valley Winery and the other local shops. On the last day John and I went our own way and visited some caves. It was sort of romantic to be miles underground. Surprisingly quite and calm.

And the next thing I knew it was September!! My favorite month of the year because the weather is so enjoyable and I love watching the leaves change colors. Can't wait to get long sleeved clothing back out and soon I'll be pulling the duvet from storage to toss on the bed. Time to slow down and savor.

Garden Visit - Earthworks Gardens St. Peter - Mankato

 
I love setting up a booth at the Mankato Farmers Market. There are so many great people who stop by and I get to visit with the very friendly and knowledgeable vendors too. The past couple weeks we've gotten to set up our booth next to Earthworks Gardens... what a treat. All morning I watched as beautiful,enormous bouquet after bouquet was sold... wishing privately that I could too have one too.

By the end of the morning I had wandered over to smell the plate sized peonies and I got to talking with Diane about them and found out I can get my very own... and they are locally grown right outside of St. Peter. My heart races.
 
So after the market we took a motorcycle ride out to the farm which is open to the public all summer. Totally worth it! It was so much fun to talk with Diane and look at all the fields. There were fields of flowers and fields of produce. Rows and rows of hard work and love for agriculture are just spread out before you. It was totally my thing.

I ended up ordering some peonies called 'lullaby'. They are white with blooms the size of my hand if I stretch it open as far as I can. The petals remind me of a dream. They are absolutely stunning. I can't wait to visit again later in the season when more is in bloom and the veggies are growing faster than they can be picked. If you are in the area I definitely suggest a trip out there. Or at the very least stop by the market and get yourself one of those amazing bouquets!

Sunsets and Recliners

Our little family vacation was great. We enjoyed each day from a beach front recliner soaking up the sun. There was massive sandcastle waterfalls, charcoal grilled meals, daily napping hours, mini-golf, racing cars, and a beautiful sunset each night to end the day. It was the perfect amount of activity and relaxation... with an emphasis on relaxation.

I don't know how I ever made it through a working day without a nap. It seems impossible now.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend too. And stay tuned... to help me get back in the swing of things I'm going to be holding a baking related giveaway this week. You don't want to miss this one!

Be Back in A Few

I'm leaving for a short vacation today. John's family has a yearly tradition of camping at a northern MN lake every year and this year we were finally free to go. I'll be taking my sun screen, bug spray and camera and enjoying my day just like this gal or guy ( sorry can't tell )... R AND R BABY! See you soon and enjoy the weekend!

Taking a Trip: Local Park

We had some really amazing weather this weekend. It rained a bit for the farmers market on Saturday, but by afternoon the sky had cleared up and from there on out it was nothing buy beautiful. John had the day off on Monday for Memorial Day so we spent some time around town enjoying the outdoors. We have an amazing park just miles from our house and because the weather was so lovely we decided to walk on over.

It was  nice to see all the other people out enjoying their afternoon with us. Whenever I see so many people outside it really makes me feel pride in this town. Like we have an awesome thing going. Glad I was able to get out and get a piece for myself.

P.S. Did you get a chance to enter the contest yet? It ends on Wednesday so hurry up and join in the fun.