Memorial Day Weekend

"Who kept the faith and fought the fight; The glory theirs, the duty ours."- Wallace Bruce

I'm not going to launch into a guilt inducing history of Memorial Day, and that it's more than just a reason to BBQ during a three day weekend, because that's EXACTLY what I did. I'm grateful to all those who died in the name of this country, and who's sacrifices helped insure the freedoms and opportunities we take for granted. Like barbequeing and taking in a baseball game.

My friend and UVM roommate, Cameron, was in town for the weekend and we went to the Giants game!

Grilling at our friend's place.

Prepping the shrimp skewers. They were delicious!

Queen of Cats. There were two on her lap and they both HATED being outside.

It's tradition! I skinned my knee that weekend.  The broken toe happened a week earlier.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day, full of reflection and fun!

Melissa

Home Again, Home Again

Youngest and eldest of the Quine Cousins.

Surprise! It's Susan.

The Begans, my maternal grandparents.

Coming back from New Hampshire.

Our view from Bleacher Bar.

I wish I had taken more photos, but we were having so much fun that I didn't think to stop and take out my camera. We were able to see a majority of my friends and family, and even squeezed in a trip to the Sam Adams Brewery and catching a live Red Sox game. We will be heading back in August, so I'll be better next time! See you soon New England.

Melissa

O'Higgins

The tent, that the strapping men put up in the rain.

How cool is this idea for a bar?

Our cabin, which its location and occupants made it the coolest ever.

It has been an honor and a privilege to have a friend like Jenny for so long and to be as close as we are despite the different coasts. When we talk on the phone, it's like no time has passed at all, and I'm home. She also had a MASSIVE problem with time difference, would call me at 5am, and laugh saying she 'didn't have time to do math'. She's been part of my life since we were 11 years old. We grew up together and helped shape each other. We were there for each momentous event in each other's lives. Or, if we weren't physically there, we told each other about it in excruciating and hilarious detail.  This weekend I attended her wedding. HER WEDDING! She found her person, and I'm thrilled and excited for this chapter in her life. John, keep loving her more and more each day. She's a part of me. She's my best friend-but because you asked so nicely, she can be yours too. Just allow me to come visit with a bottle of wine, and have some BF time.

The Talented Mrs. Began

Quilting has long been apart of Americana, starting with the English and the Dutch. Most were made out of the simple necessity of keeping people warm during the winter months, and while they still serve that function, making them has taken on a more social and creative pass time. 

I am the lucky recipient of a few quilts that my dear grandmother has made. I asked her to help fill in some information regarding the subject that I know nothing about. Her input will be in italics.

My next door neighbor was a long time quilter who introduced me to a quilting group and I became hooked.

           I think the first one was the bedspread I made before I knew anything about quilting.

This small quilt served as my baby blanket for many years, until I grew into beds that it no longer fit. It now serves as an extra layer for cold nights and my nephew has played on it. The way it has held up over the years is a testament to the skill of her sewing. 

I made a blue and white twin size log cabin quilt and gave it to you one Christmas. It was my very first big project.

                                          

                                      

I adore this quilt and it looks as beautiful as the day I received it. It was made for my twin sized bed, but a few years after I got it, I upgraded to a Queen. The quilt stayed on the bed even though it was a bit short. Like the one above, it now serves as an extra layer and comes on every camping trip.

                                              

Perfect evening.

                 

This is the queen sized quilt that is now on my bed. I love how bright the colors are, which help during the long foggy days. There's nothing more comforting than snuggling up with a quilt that was made with you in mind.

Thanks for reading, and a special thanks to Marie Began for not only providing me with these wonderful heirlooms, but for helping me write this post.

xoxo

Melissa

Happy Easter

                                      

Half Moon Bay

Amazing food! We had the Lobster Roll which was voted one of the five"Best Sandwiches in America". It certainly was  the best one I've ever had (sorry New England!)

The back deck of Sam's with it's own outdoor bar.

Built in 1872, the Methodist Episcopal Church was added to the National Register in 1980.

 This past weekend, I surprised Cole with a day trip to Half Moon Bay. It's about 40 minutes south of San Francisco, and is a small community. It's claim to fame is the Mavericks invite-only surfing competition, which usually happens in March, and their annual Pumpkin Festival, in October. Never having been their during the off-season, we decided to check it out! You can see from the photos that we started out with a sunny day, but then the fog started to roll in. We loved it, and can't wait for our next visit.

Melissa