Irish coffee and a smoke on the deck... even if it's December.  :)

As we prepare for a week of giving thanks, it is the simple act of cooking a meal that brings us all together.

There's something about the weather turning colder, the sun setting sooner, and long winter nights that makes life just seem cozier.

There's little in life cozier that that first day of cold and gray that you can spend in your PJs and on the couch.

I work long days, and occasionally really long days... but there's nothing like curling up with a good beer and a little football after one of those days.

It's a good day when you see a sunrise and a sunset - both gorgeous - in the same day.

After 7 months, it's finally the best time of the year... FOOTBALL SEASON!

Skol Vikings!

FOOTBALL SEASON!!!

I don't care if it's preseason - it's just good to see the guys out there again!

I'm not a hot-hot-weather person, so there's something calming and refreshing about that first time in summer when the heat breaks and you can walk outside and breathe at the same time.

Part of it is the simple return of taking coffee on the deck in the morning.

The deck, the stars, the citronella candle flickering and the hum of the air conditioner.  Summer.

I firmly believe in celebrating holidays in any way you can, and yes, I work most holidays.

So, I took an informal poll yesterday and.... the cupcakes for 4th of July treats just came out of the oven.  My house smells good!

I am admittedly not a fan of super-hot weather, but there is something gorgeous about being able to run around in cutoffs and a bikini top all day.

A deck, a beer, a book, and country music on the ipod, on a summer night.  Bliss.

Gotta love cool mornings that follow hot days!  It's 9am and just shy of 60 degrees out there with sunny skies.

Turned down an invitation for a day out this morning, because I already had a couple ideas I was throwing around for my day. I neither made it to the art museum nor the outlets for a new couch, but I did talk to my sister, drink beer, finish one book and read another. Good day.

Iced Irish coffee on a summertime deck allows for deep breaths and thankfulness.

We all know we're going to get some bad weather in April - cold, blustery, more March than May.

I choose to take advantage of this cloudy, blustery day to curl up on the couch with books and tea.

It's funny how we as a society grasp random holidays and sporting events to make life feel more exciting. Like a college basketball tournament.

We know in the overall scheme of things it makes no difference - except to the few players who get recruited for the pros - but we'll still create our brackets and become completely involved with who's winning. The experts would say it makes us feel connected and we vicariously experience "our" team's success.

I say it's just fun. But then, I chose Kentucky to take it all.

Loving my second morning in a row in my chair with a cup of coffee.

I don't always get my days off together, so when I do, the second day always feels like a bonus!

Happiness is when spring comes early - especially after last year's season of record snow, and cold, rainy weather through May.

Broke out the grill for the season last night with a steak I found in the freezer and a baked potato. This is living.

Happy Valentine's Day, all! Yes, we should acknowledge our love every day of the year, but there's something nice about setting a day aside to say "I love you."

True to form, I commemorated what-for-me-is-an-emotional-holiday last night with a back-to-back-to-back movie marathon of Friends with Benefits, Valentine's Day, and Love Actually. Because, "Love actually is all around."

Yes I'm awful about posting. I'm working on it.

Today is a day for coffee and bad TV. It's 0 degrees out - these activities were made for days like today!