It's December!

There has been a bunch of T-Rex jokes, which all started with this, and then this, and this tee was hilarious. So instead of shopping on Black Friday, the Husby was put to work (since he loves me thiiiissss much) and made the dinos. Here we see Gentleman Dino and Scientist Dino in heated discussion over birds. They cannot see eye to eye if "Living Dinosaur" would be a good publication. You can find them here!

Aaand I am still alive, just busy at the bench. Am currently in love with Phantogram's "Fall in love". Looking forward to going birding in Grayling, MI in spring/summer. Dreaming about baking pear tarts and sewing all sorts of tiny bags and coasters. So much to do, so little time! I apologize in advance that I will be away from this blog for quite a while. Happy holidays and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Picnic

Picnic at Gallup Park, Ann Arbor with the Husby and these four clowns was a awesome way to spend the birthday.

Dimply plum cake anyone?

The plum cake did not look as pretty as Smitten Kitchen's but it tasted great!

This is how we do breakfast around here

Wow look! Finally she made us some waffles!

No easy feat to please everyone, but one thing for sure, the lion gets the lion's share!

*groan* we are so full *pat tummies*

Wait, what is that thing??

Mini cinnamon rolls! YUM!

Now that is how we really get fat around here! (No origami squirrel or lion were harmed in this photoshoot)

Patapsco state park

Patapsco state park Hollofield area in May with MJ and Barnes

Birds at the Leslie Science and Nature Center

The Leslie Science and Nature Center is my new favourite place! The bird of prey and raptors outdoor enclosure is most awesome and I have a new friend, the Great Horned Owl who sadly suffers from West Nile Virus. Most of the birds have been injured or are sick and cannot be released back into the wild. Clockwise from top left: Bald eagle, campus sign, the very shy Barn owl, the Great Horned Owl, the Peregrine Falcon, the Red Tailed Hawk, the American Kestrel and us at the Huron River. Center: Barnes the bear enjoying the great outdoors with dandelions- I so love them when they are not in my yard.

We are always hungry

Top left: Homemade strawberry tart for the Husby's birthday! No cake for the man, but he requested garlic bread instead which didn't look so pretty so instead here's the tart which was my idea since he loves strawberries. Top right: Awfully cute banana chocolate panda bun from Pastry Hippo House japanese bakery. This is THE store I want to run some day. Psst.... don't tell them where their new friend disappeared to! Bottom left: mini pancakes for mini people. Center: Red velvet donuts from Dom Bakeries. This place rocks! It has a drive through and is open 24/7!! Left: Pokey getting excited about strawberries.

That was not meant to last, but someday it will

In that same week that I totally wreaked the front tire of the car, my life fell apart. I saw it coming, but how do you stop something you have no control over?

It felt like someone pulled the pin, but instead of a big explosion it imploded deep inside of me. It was sad and heartbreaking, possibly the worst I have faced so far.

We knew the journey was shaky from the start, that we might never have known how this would turn out.

Shock. Denial. Grief. Lots of anger. Tons of tears. Reflection. Acceptance. Not necessarily in that order, but I know what it takes to move on. But having regrets is not one of them.

Everything happens for a reason, and it is what it is. Picking up the pieces of my life, I am going back to where I was in Feb. This time, stronger than before. Someday, it will all be better.

Random musings

Earworms in my head:

New Map by M83:
There's a hole in your heart, 
begging for adventure.
Play yourself a new track, 
set traps for the future.
On your own.
Can you do it?
The unknown.
Can you face it?

Crystalised by The XX
Sweather weather by the Neighborhood

Can't wait to try out these recipes: French toast and bacon, Potato leek gratin

Currently feeling like this book: Me without you

And yes, I'm excited that the Baltimore Ravens are heading to Superbowl. It has been a purple week in the lab, go Ravens! I just might get to see more fireworks next Sunday night!