She said YES!!!

Well, after being together for 2 years Paul popped the question to Joellen on Friday night here at our apartment. Of course she said yes. Paul was so nervous and his hands were shaking so bad that Joellen had to take the ring from him to put it on her finger.

They both are so in love with eachother that it's that really sick cute that makes long time couples like us roll our eyes and say "just give em time"! We are so happy for them both and wish them a very long and happy life together. If any of you back in Ohio see either of them, say "Congrats".

Happy Engagement You Two!!!!

Ode to Shan!

These pictures were inspired by my friend Shan! Walking around town with her in Charleston she was taking pictures of old flaking paint and fun colors. It made me realize that my pictures in the past year or two have been so focused on landscapes and fitting as much in the picture as possible that I have forgotten the small things.

I took these pictures while on a jobsite in DC. Looking around in the early morning before the town began to bustle I had time to notice the buildings and how much character they had. Thank you Shan for helping me to remember to take a step forward and notice the details.

KeeBaab anyone?

Brian and I made keebaabs for the first time every yesterday and they were pretty nummy to the tummy. Nothing like grilling outside in the evening as the sun is setting casting that warm liquid gold glow over everything. We had so much fun putting the food together. It's a great meal to do together, you should try it!

What kinds of meals have you been making lately?

Art and the Zen of Window Shopping!

Yesterday Brian and I got up and left the house by 5:30am to go finish up a job in Baltimore. After a few hours of work we were finished and ready to find something fun to do. The decision was made to go to Ellicott City and see what was new as we had not been there since we lived in Frederick. We arrived just before 11am and had to wait for the shops and restaurants to open at 11:30. We walked up the street choosing which shops we wanted to wander in once they opened. We chose a lovely French restaurant and had the most WONDERFUL meal. I had a cool cantalope soup for starters and Brian had the best oysters we've had. We each chose one of the daily fish specials, mine being tuna steak over fresh mixed greens with sliced figs. Needless to say the raspberry tart finished off the meal to perfection.
We chose to walk off our meal and window shop. The buddha caught my eye and I just had to go in and see what it was all about. Just about everything in that store I would have put in my home! Unfortunately I can not remember the name of the store. It turned ou to be a wonderful day for the two of us. Brian's been working so hard that we don't get to spend much time time together that isn't about work.

New Motto? Why Not?

This is a sign for a toy store in Alexandria that just made me giggle. I think that maybe we all need to adopt this as a new motto. Nothing can get me down now!
Anyone who has ventured down King Street with me knows this is my favorite store. They have everything. Brian just rolls his eyes and goes next door to the Discovery store to wait for me. If he's along I'm only aloud to walk around the store one time then I must make my purchase and leave! Needless to say he doesn't get to go in that part of town with me anymore!