Serve on

Big T (who loves taking selfies) and I were in Washington DC this weekend for a dear friend's investiture into the Order of Malta.  The Order originated in the 11th Century and developed the concept of modern hospitals. Today its primary purpose is to serve the world's sick and the poor.  We were delighted to be able to be there to show our support.

Our first event was dinner at the Metropolitan Club. 

 The woodwork inside this club was amazing. Cell phone usage was not allowed, but I did sneak one quick snap of the library.  I texted this photo to B as a gentle reminder that the library is a good place to be...

Next on the agenda was the Investiture Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle.  This parish is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, and our new Pope will be here next week.  I just love Pope Francis.  Who doesn't?

 Those red banners are for the Order of Malta.  The white eight-pointed Maltese Cross is a symbol of charity towards mankind and comfort and consolation to the sick and the poor.

The mass was a long one....but I never got tired of looking around.  Ornate churches really help me to imagine God's beauty and grandeur.

For you history buffs out there, this church is where President Kennedy's funeral took place.

 His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl was so humble and gracious.  He suggested taking this photo.  He impressed me so very much with his Christ-like attitude.  I bet he voted for Pope Francis...

We celebrated with a delicious dinner at the US Chamber of Commerce.  

This was our table.

More importantly, this was our dessert.  Two years ago, when Big T was invested into the Order of Malta, I could not make the trip. This weekend, while it wasn't easy, I could do it.  I am so grateful for how my body has healed. 

 On the flight home Big T was reading an article in Newsweek about curing cancer.  My surgeon, Dr Martin Weiser, was listed as one of the top colo-rectal surgeons.  Thank God  for Dr. Weiser!

Soul Work

I finally finished the baby sweater today.  It was, thankfully, as easy as I thought it would be!

I have had all the pieces finished for awhile...just needed to sew it together...

and still need to find a cute button....and a cute baby (T and S, are you paying attention?)...

Earlier this summer, I knit these socks out of Opal yarn.  I love the Lake Michigan colors.

I mailed these off to B for her birthday.  My baby is now 18!!  Socks take awhile to make...so I only make them for my very favorite people. :)

This is the best sock book...gorgeous photos of beautiful patterns.  This book requires a bit of experience....so go ahead and knit a few pairs of socks before plunging in here.

I am making these next.

Or maybe these in blue....

Pickles on the Peninsula

Small family farms cover the Leelanau Peninsula.

Farmstands, operating on the honor system, are along the sides of most roads.

This is my neighbor's stand.  Everything is super fresh and delish....I stop a lot.  

Big T, who is always watching his lineman figure, loves my homemade pickles.  Really-- once you taste the homemade version, you can never go back.  I like to make them with regular cucumbers that my neighbors grow.

This super easy recipe came from my Aunt Jo.

5 to 7 cucumbers, sliced

1 sweet onion, sliced

4 cups sugar

4 cups vinegar

1/3 cup canning and pickling salt

2 tsp turmeric

2 tsp celery seed

2 tsp mustard seed

Heat all but the cucumbers and the onion over low heat until the salt and the sugar have dissolved.

Place sliced onion and cucumbers in jars.  Pour prepared liquid over them.  I told you it is easy. I have Big T convinced that this takes me all day. They last 6 months in the fridge...but they will be gone long before then.

4 out of 5

This weekend Big T and I headed to Notre Dame for some meetings and to get a B update.  She seems to be doing great!  (Of course the tests haven't started yet.)  T and C came from Nashville and Chicago to tailgate with us before the big game.

Big T played left guard back in the day, so he missed the whole student tailgating experience.  Nevertheless, he has embraced it as an alum, come rain or shine. 

B brought a lot of friends to our tailgate...she has that part of college down.  Now, about the studying...

I was delighted to see T's old roommates on hand to depart some words of wisdom to our new freshman.

And I know B actually listens to her big brother's advice.  (mine? not so much...)

Although she assures me that when she is not in the library, she is at mass...

We had a great time watching an Irish victory.  I was so grateful to be able to tailgate all day, and stay for the night game.  I hope this gives those of you recovering from colo-rectal cancer hope.  It gets better!!

However,  I am sorry to report that saying goodbye to B was not much easier this time.  Luckily, we were heading to S's family's lake house on the way back North, so that gave me something to look forward to as we drove away.

I just love S's family.  They are always such gracious hosts.  They picked us up on their dock and  showed us all around their beautiful lake.  

S seems to be surviving married life so far.  Isn't she darling?

Look at their beautiful lake house.  I am coming to visit more often! 

 By the time Big T and I arrived back on the peninsula, I was counting my blessings.  The only thing that would have made the weekend better, is if M could have been there too.  But 4 out of 5 isn't bad....

Leland Loves

 The Leland River connects Lake Leelanau to Lake Michigan.  When you go over this bridge on M-22,  which crosses the Leland River, you have entered the village of Leland.  Friends, I love living in Leland.

Here is the Leland Mercantile, otherwise known as the Merc, where I buy my groceries... 

...and my wine.  Actually there are some great vineyards on the Peninsula, but that is another post for another day.  I love all the beautiful flower boxes that are everywhere in Leland.

The Harbor House sells all the necessities for fun on the water, including Moomers Ice

Cream.  If you have tasted Moomers, you will understand.

I love this little book shop.  It is so cozy.

I was serious about the flower boxes...

In Fishtown, which sits on the Leland River, you will find weathered fishing shanties dating back to the early 1900's that have been converted into the cutest shops.  

The Cheese Shop sells incredible sandwiches.  I love "the Lake Effect".

T has been known to bring "The Cheese" all the way to Chicago for his better half, S. 

The Tug is the unofficial symbol of Leland.  

You name it, we will put a tug on it.  We love our tug up here.

Leland Gal is my favorite shop in Fishtown.  Maggie Revel Mielczarek  designs the most gorgeous fabrics, all with a Leland theme.  You can check them out on line.

This is B's favorite shop. (Of course, there is a dam on the  other side of this building...)

This is Big T's favorite shop....the freshest white fish you will find.

I would like to go for a sail on this please....

...and then have a cocktail on this....

But I am more than happy to "settle" for a cocktail and dinner at "The Riv".  This fantastic restaurant, bar and inn sits right on the Leland River.

The Leland River empties into Leland Harbor.  If you look closely, you can see Sleeping Bear Dunes.  Come visit and see for yourself!