Not doing too well in the jewelry department...

Last week I realized the center stone on my engagement ring had rotated on the band and two of the prongs weren't holding the diamond in well. So I took it off and resolved we would take it to Bailey Banks and Biddle where we bought it. Well we dropped it off and the quote seemed high and we realized they are going out of business and we didn't feel comfortable getting it fixed if there isn't a guarantee on the work. So right now it is sitting in my jewelry box until we can figure out where we are taking it to get it fixed. I'm just wearing my wedding band, which after wearing the other ring for 5 years just feels weird.

So tonight we went for a run (which at some point my headband came off and I had to retrace my steps to find) and then went to Panera for dinner. We got back and I took a shower. After I got dressed I realized I was missing one of my diamond stud earrings (the ones Craig gave me on our wedding day). We scoured the house, clothes, car, my purse... We found the back of the earring in my purse. But no earring. Who knows at what point today the back came off and fell into my purse and I lost the earring. Needless to say I'm pretty upset. I can't believe I lost the earring, I've worn those almost everyday for the past 4+ years.

Saturday we played golf at a course near Stone Mountain, it was cheap and the greens were in horrendous shape but I got some good driving and pitching practice in. We pulled up to the 12th hole and there were 2 coyotes just chilling on the tee box. Their den must've been close by because I thought coyotes were more of a night animal. We've heard neighbors talk about them in our neighborhood but had never seem them. It was weird to see 2 just hanging out at 2p in the afternoon.

We are really excited for the Orlando Magic, they are playing really well. It looks like we may be heading down to Orlando for a Finals game, if they win one more game against the Cavaliers. GO MAGIC!!

I almost forgot... I don't know how... Friday afternoon we became the proud owners of a soft serve machine. No worries I can make sorbet. We made vanilla ice cream on Saturday and raspberry sorbet on Monday. Turned out very well and was ready in less than 20 minutes with more than enough for us to eat for days. Though the sorbet takes some prior planning. Craig is in heaven.

We've been struggling to find a church that we are comfortable with in Atlanta. I miss the days of Trinity Lutheran in downtown Orlando. This Sunday we are going to try driving out to a church that's about 30 miles from the house in Cumming, GA, the pastor is the same pastor that baptized me in Jacksonville. I love Pastor Tim but I know it will be a drive. Then, I think next week we are going to visit a church with our neighbor that is moving to Germany that is an hour away and a Lutheran Church- Wisconsin Synod.

I'm glad this is a short week and looking forward to the weekend. I hope you have a great week!

Keeping it interesting...

Saturday night we went out with some of Craig's coworkers that were in town from California. We went to a sushi place called Genki. Sushi has been on the brink of being eliminated from my diet since being diagnosed with Crohn’s. I’ve had some rough experiences with it lately but after the way I felt Saturday night… I won’t test it again. I was in so much pain and felt so sick (though I never did get sick) it has been added to the list with biscuits and gravy of things that I’m not allowed to eat anymore. I’m lactose intolerant but I still eat cheese in moderation. But biscuits and gravy and sushi are not possible in any moderation without some grave consequences. My back is killing me today and I’m not sure if it is in relation to the digestive pain and discomfort I had on Saturday.

Then I get to work today and forgot the keys to my office and found out that no one in my office has an extra key so Craig had to meet me halfway to give me my key. Then I got into my office and my computer wasn't working right. So I had to wait for IT to fix it. I didn't begin my work day until 11:30. Next week when our office assistant gets back from vacation I'm asking if an extra key can be made for my office.

Over the weekend I covered my veggie garden with netting to prevent birds and or squirrels from eating everything. They've already had a field day on my strawberries. Now the blackberries and blueberries are ripening I want to make sure I will get to enjoy them.

Today when I got home from work the trees I ordered for the cabin in Tennessee were waiting on the front porch. Carol and Rich have a project when they go to visit this weekend. :-) Part of our wedding present to them was fruit and nut trees to plant in the corral at the cabin. I ordered them from eburgess.com so they came bare root and the tallest one in only a few feet tall. Peach, Red and Yellow Apples, Pear, Cherry, Almond, 2 Pecans, and 2 Chestnuts. I wanted to get them planted now since it will take several years before they produce fruit and hopefully that will be when they have finished the addition and are spending a lot more time there. Planting now for rewards later. Hopefully Craig and I will make it up there in the next month or so, I'd like to go bike riding and check out some of the trails.

Until the next post.

Dinner at Craft

One of the best meals at a restaurant of my life! Tom Colicchio can say all he wants about other Chef's food. The restaurant was decorated in modern/arts and crafts style, a lot of wood, there was a bench seat along the wall with windows that each table had throw pillows to separate between tables. Even the light bulbs were art.
We sat down and someone came by and took our drink order. We just got water to begin with. Then a different waiter came by and offered champaign to toast our anniversary. Very thoughtful. Another waiter came by to go over the menu and offer some suggestions on how to order.
For our first courses we ordered Yellowfin tuna & Avocado and Rock shrimp and Pancetta Risotto. While we were waiting for our first course they brought us an amuse bouche- a tiny cup of squash soup with croutons in it. Delish!!
For our main courses we ordered Heritage Pork Loin & Bacon Marmalade and Beef Short Rib & Root Vegetables with side dishes: asparagus and black eyed peas. The portions were very good sizes I wanted to keep eating but knew I wanted to save room for dessert.
For dessert I had chocolate cake with honey tengerine sorbet and Craig had roasted bananas and ice cream.
Throughout our meal at least 4 different wait staff stopped by our table to clean it off, top off our drinks, deliver food, or take our order. The manager stopped by to check on us and wished us a happy anniversary and was very pleasant. Did not just ask how everything was and jet, he stayed a few moments to get feedback and give us his card to come back again. It's amazing what good customer service can add to a meal. The food was fantastic and I couldn't have asked for a better anniversary dinner.

Happy Anniversary!!

May 7, 2005... 4 years ago I married my best friend.
Since it's Thursday, we are going to celebrate on Saturday night by going to Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio's restaurant Craft. We really miss going to Enzo's in Orlando but I'm looking forward to trying out Craft.

To remember the day... Here are a few pictures... We’ve had a busy 4 years, with the future not looking like it will slow down…

A few things that have happened in 4 years:

June 2005 we adopted Peanut Butter!

May 2006 we bought our first house!

January 2007 went to Arizona for the Gators National Championship game!

September 2007 we moved to Atlanta and took on new jobs!

January 2009 went to Miami for the Gators National Championship game!

With many more memories to come!

Derby Weekend

This past weekend we hosted a Kentucky Derby party in Atlanta with friends from Orlando, Birmingham, and Nashville.
Friday night we went to the Braves game. A home run was hit and landed right in front of us.
Saturday morning we ran in a 5k not far from the house. (I borrowed a few pics from the photographer at the race)

Then Saturday evening was the Derby!


The mint juleps were made from mint in my garden. No pre-made mixes for us!

And in honor of our friend Bret who is 1/8 Mexican we also had a Dos de Mayo party following the derby.
We had a good time. It's always good to see friends.