Perspective

Did I actually complain about how much preserving I was doing. How quickly one's perspective can change. Ike brought lots of wind to us. We have a very windy little microclimate in our backyard, and the winds were quite high here for about 6 hours. We lost some siding and shingles, but nothing to complain about. The damage to the garden though. If I could just take back my complaints from last week. Canning and preserving will have to wait until next year, since the plants did not weather the storm well.

We are so lucky to live in an area where weather is rarely an issue. Really, we have very few issues here, other than those of our own creation. Another blessing...I will have enough tomatoes from the plants that survived to make some Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta for tomorrow night's wine tasting. YUM!

Another Day, Another Batch

The Worster family lives on pasta. (Just ask our ex-au pair) The kids love pasta of any shape, size or sauce. Steve and I are a bit more picky, but with it being tomato season, it's pretty much marinara. Although I do agree with Barbara Kingsolver regarding the rewards of preserving the harvest, I am at the time of year where it seems like a grind. Tonight, chicken broth simmers on the stove as does another pot of marinara sauce. I thank whatever brilliant people invented the freezer, since this means I do not have to can the aforementioned items. The rest that will come in late fall, between the end of the harvest and Thanksgiving, will be very welcome.

Now, do I buy that extra bushel of tomatoes or not???

Oktoberfest-Columbus Style

We went to the German Village Oktoberfest yesterday with some of our friends. The kids were unimpressed, which isn't surprising since they are used to the Irish Festival. I tried to talk to them about our German heritage, but they were more interested in climbing the barrier fence and playing in the fountains. I can't say that I blame them.

One highlight of the evening was that I bought my dirndl for the Oktoberfest in Munich at the end of the month. I am so excited, but I feel like a dork when I'm wearing it. I'll wait til I've had a few at Oktoberfest to post that picture!!!

Davis Family Reunion

This weekend was the reunion for my dad's side of the family, which is always quite an event. This time my parents had it at the poolhouse of their marina. We had enough food for about 5,000 people. All of the siblings were there, totaling 7, plus their kids and some grandkids too.

The kids all had a blast playing ball, playing with fire, and throwing rocks in the river. Danny tried to fall into the fire, but thanks to my Aunt Judy's quick reflexes, he is fine. (I was too busy making smores to notice that he fell...oops) I wish that we could do this event annually, as I always feel so out of touch with everyone when we see them.

We went to Kalahari again and stayed there along with my two brothers. We had a good time, but the kids were all really tired. I think that we were tired too! That place is just so cool, and the waterslides are incredible. It's like the Cedar Point of indoor waterparks. I even got to try one of the "real" slides this time. This is just more evidence that my kids are growing up...I get to act like a real person occasionally.