Lake Country

The shores of Silver Lake

My boyfriend is fishing with friends in Canada for the week, which means that I’m on my own and taking full advantage of it. I headed up to Wisconsin for the second weekend in a row, and I’m quickly falling in love with “Lake Country,” as the locals affectionately refer to the area. There really does seem to be a new pool of water at every turn, and it has become clear to me why many Chicagoans escape to the quaint little resort towns outside of Milwaukee as soon as the clock strikes 5 on Friday afternoons. 

An afternoon well spent eating cheese curds under blue umbrellas at Revere's Tavern

Road tripping around the lakes with an overly excited Floss

Sweet treats at a highly recommended custard stand straight out of the '50s

Roadside attraction next to Oconomowoc's answer to the Sunday brunch: Maxim's Depot

Blankets of lightening bugs in the country fields at twilight

Birthdays in Barns

Just a few of the friendly faces out back

My sister has fully moved in to her barn-turned-apartment in Wisconsin—just in time to celebrate her birthday, country style. Although she is working a ridiculous number of hours at all times of day, we were able to take in some sunshine at the local Farmers Market, enjoy a walk around one of the many lakes in the area, make a pit stop at a gift shop that was too cute for words, and dine upon a local specialty: the Friday night fish fry. Unfortunately, many of the memories weren’t captured on film as I forgot my camera back in Chicago. Needless to say, it was a lot of fun and I’m already looking forward to visiting again next weekend, even if the barnyard animals’ wake-up calls begin around 4 a.m. 

A delicious assortment of birthday cupcakes, courtesy of Miss Julia's Bake Shop

The start of the "5" collection that I've been wanting to start with my boyfriend (who I started dating in the 5th month of 2005) which I picked up while shopping at Monograham in Delafield

The everlasting gardenia blossom that my aunt sent home with my on our way back from Kentucky

Sunday night dessert: a trio of sorbets stuffed inside hollow citrus shells
Not shown: the fruit, which was used to flavor large goblets of sangria enjoyed on the porch earlier in the evening

Nascar Nights

An infield view of the Winner's Circle

Is there anything more American than Nascar? I must confess that I know next to nothing about the sport, short of what I learned while watching the Clint Boyer episode of Duck Dynasty. Regardless, I jumped at the chance to take the VIP tickets that my uncle generously offered and head into the pit alongside a few members of my family during a recent trip to Kentucky. Though the actual race was rained out, I think that the free-flowing Budweiser, periodic engine cranking, abundance of camouflage, and field camping gave me a taste of the scene and an appreciation for this lively subculture. 

The underground maze built for getting around in golf carts

Emerging from the tunnel and getting one of my first glimpses of the speedway

A reflection of my Hunter Boots which, after countless comments, I learned are not necessarily a trend at the races

Before the clouds and rain rolled in

My (losing) picks in the draw

Lots and lots of horsepower (or so I'm told)

Lately

Bunches of berries at one of the first outdoor Farmers Markets of the season

We got back from our European excursion a few weeks ago to find that summer is finally in the air here in Chicago! Though I’ve been a bit absent online lately, I promise to organize and post pictures of the many beautiful places that we visited ASAP. But first, a few glimpses of what we’ve been up to since our return, minus the jetlag-fueled marathons of Duck Dynasty…

Morning joyrides in our unexpected but completely necessary new hybrid car

Making progress in my garden plot--details and updates to come soon

Rainbow at dusk on our drive back from a weekend trip to Wisconsin

Flower-lined afternoon walks in the neighborhood

Joint wedding shower brunch, with red accents for one bride-to-be and purple for another

Tools for a desperately needed self tanning session

Vintage cowboy boots hiding under my friend's wedding dress on the dance floor

Lots of cleaning, rearranging and finding any excuse to display fresh peony blossoms