Last Weekend before the Weekend

Today is the day.

Red just left to report for camp.

It is officially the time of year filled with redecorating, reading dozens of books, and experimenting in the kitchen. I wear less make-up, eat less healthy, and manage my time less effectively.

But that is all good. Really.

In honor of our last week together, this time last saturday, Red and I went on an adventure.

First, to Uncle Bills. Home of Red's most favorite pancakes.

Half of Red with our gi-normous breakfast.

If you ever come to visit STL, or you live here already, don't write off Uncle Bills.

Go. Appreciate it's greasy, 70's, ski-lodge vibe and order the regular pancakes.

Red would tell you that there is something magical about them. Red knows.

After our mammoth breakfast, we headed to a few stores. We are still searching for je ne sais quoi for our home...

SO, Red graciously agreed to peruse an antique mall or two with me. We headed to the Green Shag Market on Manchester.

We didn't find a thing--but we had fun looking.

Ok, so maybe I shouldn't say we didn't find a thing... I did find a sweet pair of black pants with gold sequined tuxedo stripes going down the side. I resisted. But I question if I should have.

Red found some sweet Lennon glasses.

It was a fabulous saturday morning. Our goal since then has been to make the most of our time together since today marks the start of a month apart--basically.

Thursday night we went on a date as a final duo hoorah. 

Hey grill. You look lovely.

It was fabulous.

Sidney Street Cafe, you woo me.

Allow me to be more specific-- Deconstructed sneakers bar, you woo me. If you go--you must get this dessert.

It was a perfect final weekend and week before the weekend. We had fun and got things done.

Red left this morning, bag packed, supplements loaded, me in my p.j's waving goodbye...a breeze blowing, birds singing, bunnies hopping, I think I may have seen a family of deer in the neighboring driveway swaying to the rustling of tree branches.

It was nice, needless to say, and so it begins.

The Final Two

We are down to the final two weeks before Red reports for work. We are packing it in.

We just got back from a weekend in Memphis, TN--celebrating my brother's 30th birthday. It was awesome.

 Friday night we sat out on the front porch, relaxed, ate a delicious dinner, and reminisced about Henry Crystal--- a pet chicken of yesteryear. (There are rumors that he was cooked by the maid).

My bros opened their gifts from Trader Joes; and Ragan and I spent some time dancing to some weird 70's music. All in all, it was perfect.

Saturday morning Red and I got up and headed down to the farmer's market for some food-truck action.

Beginning at my brother Chris's truck (Fuel), we got the breakfast burrito and hibiscus tea--whoa--amazing.

Then, because you know Red's obsession with perfect pizza, we moved one truck over to try some at Rock n' Dough. This place had a wood burning oven in the back of their truck!! Dude!

No doubt: Red declared he could eat from food-trucks for the rest of his life and be completely and utterly satisfied.

After our food coma we diligently worked to transform Ragan and Michelle's backyard into a setting fit for a luau---complete with lei's, parrots, and a frozen drink machine. Yum.

Without any doubt, it was a great weekend...and now we're back in STL with Hans and Lee in town from Belgium and more friends on the way.

We might as well let summer go out with a bang!

St. Louis in the Summer

Has it really been that long since I have posted? I sign in today and was shocked to see May 22 as the date of my last post.

July 10th resolution: write in blog at least once a week. We shall see.

It has been a crazy 6 weeks. I have been traveling everywhere!! From Charleston, SC to Vienna, VA to Orange Beach, AL--through Jackson, MS and Memphis, TN back to St. Louis.

I feel as if I have seen the world....if in reality I've really just seen my south-eastern corner. It has been lovely seeing family and friends but, as always, it is wonderful to be home.

Red and I had huge intentions of truly experiencing the St. Louis summer---there is so much to do!! Due to the travels, however, our intentions have been pared down.

We shall have to be content going to a Dave Matthews Band concert tomorrow night.

By content, I mean completely and utterly stoked. It's our first DMB show--which is ridiculous. DMB has been on my bucket list since 8th grade. dude.

After that spectacular event, I'm hoping we will have time before Red reports for work (at which time he will disappear from my life for 3 weeks) to visit the Muny for a broadway show and go to a movie on Art Hill both in Forest Park. I will keep you posted.

During the next few weeks I'll be volunteering at Mission St. Louis' day camp and doing research for a project I have while Red prepares for work.

I know it sounds professional of me when I say: I'm doing research for a project. But please, don't be concerned. It is not professional.

I'm getting to design/decorate/fill a room for a friend of Red's. It is to be kid friendly and houseguest friendly. You know how I love good deals and good decorating! I'm jazzed to get to use my obsessions to bless a friend.

Yep--jazzed.