571.

Ahhh... Shandy Season.

570.

Rudy being adorable and resting his face on my leg.

(Yes, I was sitting on the floor.)

569.

A fresh fern at Taylor & Steph's new abode.

568.

The basement remodel begins (!) with Ky and Steve re-sheetrocking the ceiling.

567.

566.

My handsome German Shorthair.

565.

564.

This gorgeous Oriole was hanging out in our neighbor's tree, a little bit dazed after a run-in with their window... Fortunately, he recovered later, but let us get up close in the meantime.

563.

Mother's Day.
A little last-minute card-making.

And some celebrating with my momma and bro and family :)

562.

Our friend and wonderful musician, Chris Silver, rocking Junior's with his son, Ari.

561.

This is Meatball!

Just hanging out at his "dad" Zack's beer-tasting--watch out for his up-and-coming brewery, Hamel Brewing!

560.

Taylor & Steph bought a house!!!!

And it's only a few blocks from us. Exciting!

559.

Speaking of Rudy... he turned 4! 4!!!

So, naturally, I made him homemade doggy treats. Because he's our fur-baby.

(Good news, he loved them.)

558.

Rudy & uncle Dane.

557.

I made soap! Oat & honey soap, to be more specific.

Quite proud.

556.

Milo.

555.

Sunset from Hoffman Park, RF.

554.

Two beautiful gals on this blog post from the Brathol Family Easter.

First, lovely little Charlee.

Then, Charlee took a turn with the camera and got this cute shot of Aunt Susie :)

553.

I was very excited to spot this little patch of moss in the woods out at my parents' house. The return of the color green to "the Northwoods."

552.

Kirk's 27th Birthday! We celebrated at Ngon Bistro in St. Paul. Yum.

551.

We went for a short jaunt out to Rush River Brewery for a couple growlers of Minion and Unforgiven.
Yum, beer.

550.

Spring!

It took me awhile to get this one to my liking.

549.

My biker dude. ;)

(He doesn't know I took this...)

548.

Rudy enjoying a bit of spring weather.

547.

I'm back. Apparently 2014 has just been too busy for me to handle...

This is our maple syrup haul back in early April. I'd say we did alright! Lot's of late nights bottling and lots of long (and fun!) days spent around the stove.

546.

So... we bought a motorcycle! It's been delightful so far and I cannot wait for this summer.

544.

After I lugged my camera through the absolutely packed Beer & Wine Tasting during the Bluegrass Fest in RF, I realized I didn't even take one photo. Ky & Taylor were so happy to oblige me in remedying that problem... :)

543.

April 4 snowman.

542.

541.

Syruping day.

This is our fancy new sap collection tank, as modeled by Ky, Pat, and Dane:

And our fancy new syrup stove:

540.

I made Bucky Badger pretzels for March Madness.

539.

Community Education group trip to Feed My Starving Children.

Great turnout!

538.

A change of pace from my last post.... Bingo night at Clyde's!
with Max, Ky, and Dane. Dane somehow managed to avoid my camera...

  

   

537.

The hydro-electric plants in the dams along the Kinnickinnic River are up for renewal and part of the renewal process is a public comment and suggestion period. A further, lively discussion of removing the dams themselves has been sparked. The fantastic turnout at the comment session made me happy to live in a town where so many people are engaged and eager to learn and/or voice their opinions.
Go River Falls!

536.

535.

Ky and I decided to explore a couple places we hadn't been before in the Twin Cities.
It ended up being a beer & brunch outing with a tour of Surly Brewing, followed by a delicious brunch at Wise Acre in Minneapolis. Highly recommend!

534.

Another day of syruping with my brother Dane.

533.

Maple syrup season.

Dane out checking buckets.

532.

Rudy would like attention now.

(iPhone photo)

531.

Winter milkweed discovery.

(iPhone photo)

530.

Changing up this chalkboard in my kitchen has become one of my new favorite activities.

529.

Coach Lauren with our lovely senior gymnasts Taylor, Karlie, Paige, & Kinsy (and manager Jordan) at this year's gymnastics banquet. These ladies (& gentleman) will be missed!