Spring Sprang Back

Does it sound like an oxymoron or what? I had just taken some lovely photos of our yard in all it's springy, blossoming, glory when low and behold winter chose to rear its ugly head again. We were all hoping the weather forcast might be a lie. The slow decline started yesterday morning (Saturday) when it was dark and rainy. It was so dark that Justin and I slept in till 9:00 thinking it was really 6:00. Then shortly after noon, the rain turned to ice and then snow. You can compare and contrast the photos from Thursday to those of toady's for the before and after.

What Matters Most

In times of uncertainty, it is hard for one not to get caught up in all that is wrong with the world. It is the tough times, however, we need to realize the smallest and simplest beauties in life that make the human experience all worth while. My spring break has been full of moments which matter most- love, togetherness, friends, and family. I could not ask for more.

Iwannababyitis

Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick! Can you hear that? It's my biological clock ticking out of control. Babies. It's a subject Justin and I have been discussing a lot lately. St. Patrick's day out with my sister was what we called "The Last Fling After the Ring and Before a Baby." We drank plenty of green beer and enjoyed all the festivities. Now it's time to get serious. So serious that while I was out and about I bought a stroller. Is that totally crazy? It just seemed right. This stroller just impressed the pants off me. I was sold on it without even being pregnant. It's sleek design included many features such as a bassinet attachment, sun guards, and sliding hand rail for tall or short people. It also had these cool wheels that apparently don't ever go flat. Really, am I totally nuts? My only concern/ buyer's remorse moment was---what if we have twins??

Customer Complaint

I can't take it any more, so I had to do something about it. Lately, when I have frequented Panera Break I have been very disappointed in the lack of cheese on my favorite bagel. I have been ordering the asiago cheese bagel for many years. It is my most beloved bagel. I always loved the mass of cheese they used to put on the bagel and the little cheese crispies that used to hang off the edge from baking. Unfortunately, they now only include a sub par sprinkling which pretty much makes it like a plain bagel. Really, if I wanted a plain bagel I would pay $1.00 and get the four pack sleeve at Hy-Vee and in all reality for the price one pays at Panera I would be able to buy not one bagel, but twelve bagels. Rather than continue to complain, I decided to e-mail the company. Here is what my comments and suggestions included:

I have been a customer for many years. I began my bagel experience back in 2000 when I was in college at Iowa State University and continued enjoying your products after graduation and moving to the Kansas City Metro area. While I understand the economy is in shambles and every company is looking for ways to save on costs, I am disappointed to say that my last few trips to any Panera Bread Cafe whether in Iowa or in the Shawnee Mission, Kansas area have been sub par to my expectations. I regularly order the asiago cheese bagel with the sundried tomato cream cheese. Lately, my bagel has only included a mear sprinkle of asigo cheese. This is something I always loved about your bagels. If I wanted a plain bagel for the money that I pay as a customer, I would take my business elsewhere. It would be much appreciated and bring satisfaction to your product if you would include the healthy helping of cheese your bagels used to include.

I don't know if I will get any response, but really I cannot take it anymore. As a continued patron, I deserve my asiago cheese!!

Shawnee St. Pat's Parade

My sister, Erin, came into town for the weekend. We decided it'd be pretty cool to hit one of the many St. Patrick's parades in the area. The local parade in our area was only a few short miles away. It was well worth it and just long enough to make it quite enjoyable. Above are some great pics from our favorite floats. Of course I cannot resist tractors. We were really surprised Shawnee was keepin' it rural with so many in the parade. I took the Little Caesar's pic because they had my favorite afternoon entertainment on the float. Every Friday when driving home from work, this guy is either dressed as a punk rocker or cowboy and is playing a pizza guitar. Regardless, he always is wearing the gloves with skeleton hands on them. Call me lame, but it really cracks me up. The green beer float is one of Justin's frequent happy hour spots, Kite's. After the parade we hit Kite's for a few traditional St. Pat's beers. They had won the "spirit award." So, everyone is a pretty celebratory mood.

Nickel University

Despite the wicked winter weather Justin's parents, Doug and Marilyn, were able to visit. They persevered through the elements and arrived Saturday afternoon. While we had planned to do other things, we all decided it would just be best to stay in and play games for the remainder of the day. We dined on an excellent beef tenderloin, courtesy of my father in-law Doug which I roasted in the oven, green beans, and mashed potatoes. We then watched goldy-oldie movies and enjoyed each other's company. As an extra Christmas gift, Marilyn bought the whole family these awesome Nickel University t-shirts. Apparently you can send this company your last name and they will make all sorts of "university" apparel. While no Nickel University really exists, we do look pretty scholarly! Thanks for coming to visit Doug and Marilyn.