Whirlwind week...

I write this post 1 hour from departure on a crazy whirlwind week of vacations and weddings.

First: Jessie Mace & Matt Miller - 8/1/09

This upcoming weekend, August 1st, has been marked on my calendar, and anxiously awaiting for about 16 months. That's about the time that my best friend from childhood and college, Jessie and her fiance Matt got engaged. Matt & Jessie met at Denison, and their entire bridal parties are all Denison kids (minus Matt's sister, Lauren). Tonight we are all meeting at Dension, staying in the DORMS, and having a 'Round the World party....circa 2004. Friday we do the typical mani-pedi routine, rehearsal dinner and then our friend Hillary has put together a scavenger hunt around Denison (hey, remember tank weeks?) Saturday is the wedding on the South Quad at Denison and reception at Bryn Du Mansion. First and foremost, I'm beyond excited for this weekend!

Jesser & Matt

Second: Traver Lentz & Allison Kato - 8/5/09

A few months ago, Matt got the good news from his college friend, Traver, that he and his girlfriend Allison were engaged! Matt and I had been predicting that of all our friends, Trav & Allison would be the most likely to have a destination wedding. Little did we know that it was going to be THIS summer. At first, I told Matt "There's NO way" we can go, when Traver told us that they were planning an "early August" wedding. But then we found out that the wedding, was planned for a WEDNESDAY. Genius. We had been wanting to take a tropical vacation, but hadn't been able to pull our plans together, and now we had the perfect excuse! Thankfully, I talked Matt into leaving on Monday...much to his chagrin "We lose a WHOLE day..." While I'm not looking forward to the 5 hour flight from Charlotte...I am looking forward to spending the week in Aruba for this wedding!

Allison & Traver

Third - Jon Brollier & Katie Brumbaugh - 8/8/09

Jon & KTB are friends from Denison, but we've become much closer over the past few years living as *almost* neighbors in Columbus. I don't really know how it got started, but a few years back we all were at a party that someone coined as a "LUXURY" party - and thus began our obsession with luxury. Most of our "luxury" events consist of hanging out at 325 W 1st Ave, drinking red wine, miller light WITH a lime and playing flip cup. In the summer, luxury is moved outdoors to the porch for an evening of cigars and stories. In the winter, luxury hunkers down on the couch for a serious game of catchphrase. Nonetheless, Jon & KTB have become the matriarch and patriarch of luxury, and I couldn't be more excited to attend the pinnacle of luxury the weekend we get back from Aruba - their wedding day / evening / afterhours until 4am.

Jon & KTB

know, I know...I'm a pretty lucky kid. Not only do I have a great week of travels and catching up with friends, but I have wonderful friends who are marrying the loves of their lives. Weddings are such a fun time to celebrate...and I am so happy to be celebrating the 3 couples this week.

Wedding Tour 2k9 - 3 couples, 2 countries, 1 week, NO REGRETS!

Sweet Summertime....

I've been meaning for quite some time to update the blog....namely because I really like to do it. I know it isn't an excuse, but this summer has been very busy. Not a bad busy, in fact, a really good busy...parties, vacations, trips, all good stuff. All good stuff that doesn't lend much time to writing on here.

Nonetheless, i'm back in action. Sorry for the hiatus, if there are any readers out there!

As most of you know, I grew up on a farm. When I went to college, I first learned that this upbringing was a novelty to most. All my suburban friends marveled at the fact that my dad spent his days in tractors, that I didn't drive by a gas station (or anything, for that matter) on my way to school, and ALWAYS wanted to know if I ever went cow tipping (the answer is no.)

It wasn't until I had the outside perspective from my friends that I really began to see what a unique experience I had growing up. Sure there are lots of ups and downs of farming life, but one of the very clear ups is the summertime food.

Even though my parents farm is primarily for business, and all the crops raised are sold to distributors, we still had plenty of farm fresh food growing up. I can vividly remember nights in late July when all that we had for dinner night after night was a plate of sweet corn, fresh tomatoes and burgers (from our cattle).

Sigh....I didn't know how good I had it! In fact, I can remember being a brat and probably telling mom that I wanted PIZZA for dinner.

This past week, I had a glimpse back into those glory days as Dad came over on Saturday and dropped off some fresh produce from my good friend, Becky, who, along with her brother and sister-in-law run an produce, honey and flower farm right up the street.

Did we have a feast on Sunday...and Monday...and Tuesday....


Matt shucking the ears of corn!

Charles, looking envious of our food!


Seriously, there is nothing better than fresh tomatoes and sweet corn!

My delivery man (Dad) and a very tired pup (Charles)

Envious? For those of you hear in Columbus...you can catch Becky at the local markets!