time for something new

I made the change from Blogger to Wordpress.

Just because I wanted something new.

Please visit my new site here.

Prairie Thunder Baking Company

Here's another good place to try, folks.

Prairie Thunder is a little cafe' that Lauren and I stumbled across last year.

It made us happy. Truly.

It makes us happy every time we go there:

They serve excellent sandwiches, salads, quiches and desserts.

My favorites are the Chicken Panini Sandwich and the Greek Salad.

Oh, and their delicious cream cheese and fruit pasteries.

Although I can't say those are my favorite because everything in their bakery section is my favorite...practically.

Ahem.

Their selection of baked goods does vary from day to day because they make everything fresh on-site.

But you'll be okay with that. I promise.

As I alluded to before, everything they make is always very good no matter what.

They are the Prairie Thunder Baking Company after all. Baking is what they do best.

Give 'em a try!

Coffee: Anytime and Anywhere

I love coffee. I really do.

When it comes to coffee, I can relate to Dr. Suess' book Green Eggs and Ham:

I can drink coffee in

a house,

a car,

a tree,

a train,

a box,

 or a boat...

And be happy.

Lydia enjoys coffee, too.

She's just not as fanatical about the beverage as I am (which is code for: she has more self-discipline).

Ahem.

We both enjoy coffee in our own way.

On Sunday mornings before church,

and random Saturday evenings when we decide to go out;

in our travel mugs on weekday mornings, 

and at Mom & Dad's with dessert.

Wherever and whenever, I firmly believe that coffee gives me extra strength to traverse the roads of life.

I'm not sure how, but I know it does.

If anything, it gives me one more reason to get up in the morning. And that's good enough for me.

a spring evening downtown

The weather was so beautiful Wednesday evening. And I had the week off from my evening job.

So, I decided to take some time away from studying, too. It was so nice.

It's also nice to have a friend with whom I can be spontaneous...

And drink Italian Cream Sodas...

And take pictures...

Especially if front of a moving train.

The train was loud when it blew through the station. It wasn't stopping for anyone. It's been years since I was that close to a train going that fast.

It was exhilarating.

And really loud.

Thanks again, Lauren, for being spontaneous and drinking Italian Cream Sodas and taking pictures with me...especially in front of a moving train.

Il Dolce

On this rainy morning, I thought this post might bring thoughts of sunny days your way.

Il Dolce brings me thoughts of sunny Italian days. Beautiful, sunny Italian days.

One day specificially comes to mind. We were in Ravello on the Almalfi Coast:

(photo credit)

We had gelato on that beautiful, sunny Italian day. It was delicious.

Although it does not have an amazing view of the Amalfi Coast, Il Dolce's gelato is just as delicious.

And a little less expensive than a trip to Italy.

I love the fruity flavors.

Lemon, Strawberry Rosemary and an amazing cream & cherry concoction (Variegato Amarena) that I can't pronounce, despite having lived two years in the Land of Gelato.

Jessica tried the Mocha, Cappuccino and the Chocolate Raspberry. (Correct me if I'm wrong, Jessica! I don't want to mislead anyone and leave them dissapointed! Haha.)

She seemed happy with her selection...at least, she ate every last bite just like I did :)

So, if you need a beautiful, sunny Italian day, give Il Dolce a try!

They have a couple of locations.

I promise you will want to go back.

spring evening

sweet dreams

(Photo from decor8)

I want these pillowcases from RoseHip's Etsy Shop.

I love the bright colors and the vintage feel.

I am convinced they would make my dreams much sweeter.