.bikespotting.

Ever since I got my new bike in June, I've been peaking into the world of biking and bike loving. Bikespotting will by my new Wednesday feature every week. Some weeks may be simply photographs of bikes around my town or the internet. Some may be links to great articles. I think we'll take it as it goes and see where we end up, shall we?

Speaking of loving bikes, I think these two bikes love each other. I'm usually not into his and hers type deals, but this is the right kind of adorable.

Oh, and did I mention I love my own bike, too? Here she is, parked outside the bakery this afternoon while I was inside buying some lovely local treats. Her tires are terribly dry-rotted. They're downright falling apart! Poor girl, I'm hoping to get some new tires next week.

I also desperately need a basket. Eventually, I want to have both a front and rear baskets. For now, I've been hanging my purse and any bag(s) I need to take with me from the handlebars, but this results in much wobbliness. Not good when I'm biking to work through a crowded Kellogg Park. No, sir.

So, baskets:

I just love the look of this one. It's a little smaller than my ideal size, but man it would look so great!

This lovely wire beauty is still about the same size as the wood one. But, the perk here is that it slides off, so I could carry it around, say, the farmer's market if I wanted to.

There's also a huge, gigantic basket made for delivery people and groceries. I think it's so big that I would have to only put it on when I knew I was lugging some serious stuff around. I'm still undecided on the viability of this. It would all depend upon the ease of installation of both baskets...
Don't you just love this rear rack? The wood is such a classic, lovely touch. I'm not sure if I would be able to attach rear side baskets to it, though? Do you know? I would also consider a pair of gorgeous canvas panniers. Those require some investment.

Do you have a bike? What are your favorite load-bearing options?

.escapades.

On Saturday, we went to Murray's Lake with my sister, Ashley, and her boyfriend, Isaac. We had such a good time! Last year, Eric and I went there several times, but we hadn't gone yet this year. I really have no explanation. I love this place. And Eric has so many great memories from his childhood. There's a tree with his name on it! Not that I condone tree-carving...

The boys briefly bonded over fishing. We didn't last long at this spot. There were no fish, and it was not quite a prime swimming spot.

But, we did eat our sandwiches on the grass there! Ashley made them and they were super delicious. Mine and Eric's were deli sandwiches and Ash made chicken salad for herself and Isaac. It was exactly what I needed.

We finished the rest of our picnic lunch/dinner on the little island at the big red picnic table. Doesn't painted a picnic table in a glossy red make all the difference?

We caught fish! They were all blue-gills and they flocked to the worm as soon as it touched the water. They totally know what's up.

This is another little lake within the park. It's a lot bigger and Eric says that it's much bigger for fishing. I'd love to put a kayak in here and just lounge and paddle around.

I love the old, clean architecture of the bathroom/snack bar building.

My sissy wading. I didn't realize how much I liked this picture until I got home and looked at it on the computer.

I didn't really plan right away to take this picture, we didn't coordinate it or anything. I just saw that they were going to jump together and my lightning-fast reflexes grabbed my camera, turned it on and took the picture. I'm so proud of myself! It was at the perfect time. I think this photo just about sums up the day. Double date fun.

Also, we went and saw "Inception", the new movie with Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, and a whole bunch of other awesome actors and actresses. I didn't really know what to expect, as I hadn't read any reviews or seen any previews for this movie. But...

I LOVED IT. Seriously. Go see it. It's not just a crazy action/thriller (it is thrilling), but it's really smart. Part of the premise is the technology to go into people's minds through a dream state. I won't tell you more, since I really loved everything about the movie being a surprise. There is some cool science involved, and some general really smart thinking. There were no obvious plot holes or science holes that weren't filled. No, I'm not a movie reviewer, but I very highly recommend this movie. I loved it and we're seeing it again next weekend.

I never see movies in the theater twice. In fact, I rarely go to the theater at all.

How was your weekend? Was it crazy hot by you too?

.linen love.

As part of my new blog schedule, Thursdays will be devoted entirely to linen (and occasionally, when I see fit, there will be other textiles as well). I really do love linen that much.

I've had JoDemontis in my Etsy favorites and bookmarks for quite some time now. Her designs are so fluid and organic, I can just imagine her moving around the mannequin, draping fabric here and there. This is my favorite of the styles she offers in her Etsy shop, the Draped Sack Dress and skirt. The outline is so intriguing and the linen draping must feel wonderful to wear.

It's my cousin's wedding this weekend and I totally wish I had this dress to wear!

.beautiful.

I have to share this video with you. Especially you, Susan, and you, Mollie, if you're still reading my blog. I just love this.

Also, I love the old photo of him.

Chelsea linked this to me.

.outside the box.

Get it?!

Yes, I look strange. Trying to make it look like you're trying really hard to lift a box really just makes you look awkward... Just ignore that part and focus on my clever joke.

Look at her! Just standing there in all of her righteous, backlit glory. This is her new home. She is my new home. With care, she will outlive me. Kind of like owning a tortoise. Except she eats yarn and spits out beauty.

.a box.

Yup, it's home.

I couldn't have done it without my wonderful friend Annie and her awesome husband, Chuck. Thanks guys!!

Now I have to wait until Eric gets home to unload it.

.camp.

The Saturday after graduation (this is May 15th we're talking... yes, I'm that behind!) I spent the afternoon with my parents and sisters enjoying the campground where they were staying. We made our favorite camp food, hobo pies. Now, I don't know how widespread this type of eating is, but it is so rewarding. Before I go into too much detail, there is something you should know. Hobo pies can be breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. Yes, I'm serious. Perfect, right?

Suggested potential ingredients:

Breakfast - eggs, sausage, bacon, peppers (a major favorite of mine), cheese, onions, black beans, feta, spinach, mushrooms

Lunch - lunch meat, assorted veggies (zucchini, peppers, onions, etc), cheese

Dinner - PIZZA! (this is my favorite) - still use croissant or biscuit dough, cheese, pizza sauce, pepperoni, canadian bacon, peppers, onions, mushrooms, feta, pineapple

Dessert - basically any pie filling (apple, cherry, grape, etc)

Here's a basic recipe, since it is SO that time of year:

Ingredients:

bread dough (we loooooove croissant dough and biscuit dough)

cooking spray (we like to use olive oil spray)

filling of choice

pie makers

Here's how:

Make sure your pie maker is nice and clean, then spray it with cooking spray.

Tear off a square of dough and line the bottom of the pie maker

Start filling! Be careful though, it's very easy to over-fill your hobo pie. This leads to leaks and trouble.

Tear off another square of dough and place it on top of your fillings, making sure to pinch the two layers of dough together for ultimate filling retention.

You're ready to cook! Slow and steady is much yummier than hot and quick. This is best done after the fire has died down a bit and there are lots of good roasting embers. Think, marshmallow fire.

Be sure to check your pies frequently. This is important! It's very sad to open your pie maker and see black crust. Very sad, indeed.

Once you've cooked your hobo pie to perfection, pop it out onto and plate and enjoy your hard work and ingenuity. Cold beer, iced tea and lemonade all make very good accompaniments.

Enjoy!