last weekend

Last weekend was a good one.  Potato and I did some camping and brewery visits.  On Saturday night we went to a little town near Lake Michigan to camp.  We stayed on a friend's plot of land that has a river dividing it.  We set up tent with about 13 other people and enjoyed talking and singing.  Even though it dropped down to a chilly 40-something degrees, I slept better that night than I had the entire rest of the week.

Friends (Eggs) tending to the fire 

On Sunday we headed to Grand Rapids.  Our first stop was at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture park.  I gotta say, I was really impressed and delighted to be walking the grounds of this beautiful place.  There was a huge variety in sculptures and plenty of green things to look at.  There was far too much GOT talk... but that's okay.  E&G, or Eggs, as they will now be referred to in this blog, are geeks like Potato and I. There was no missed opportunity for an HP or AD joke.  

Angry Mom sculpture 

I wish I had a human for scale in this photo... but the trees will have to do

I'm not sure why, but I feel like dad would like this guy a lot

As a piece of art, I really liked this piece.  Some might think it's not super interesting to look at because it's literal... but I liked that there are 3 different sections that are all different textures and that each is made of bronze.  I also think it was an interesting choice to do all things considered tacky - use color on the bird, make and overly polished gold heart, make the sculpture 15ft tall... but this sculpture for some reason reminded me of Grandma.  Which makes me like it even more.  

After spending a big chunk of the afternoon wandering the gardens we all went to Brewery Vivant.  I had a raspberry cider that I thought was quite good.  Not too sweet or tart.  Moose - I can happily report that the food and the venue didn't disappoint.  I had chicken and waffles that were finger lickin' good.  The brewery is in a renovated church with large tables and benches. I think it would be really fun to go back in the winter.  

After that we checked into the hotel (the only one I've stayed at in Grand Rapids) and went for a swim at the JW.  When we finished relaxing we went to Founders Brewery.  I had my first spicy beer... it was interesting.  I certainly couldn't have more than a sample of it but I think it was worth the money to try.  

Tomorrow, Potato and I will be headed to Michigan City to meet up with some cousins (weather permitting).  I'm looking forward to a relaxing-ish weekend. 

The next weekend we have nothing planned but the weekend after that we'll be headed out to Boston for Potato's sister's wedding.  It should be beautiful.  I expect to never have a bad meal while I'm there as my plate will always be filled with lobster or crabby goodness.  Lets hope the anxiety stays away.  

photo post

flower power 

one of my favorites 

visiting chicago with peef

meeting up with sparky

pouring day in casting.  that glowing thing is a crucible filled with liquid bronze.

fall beer fest! 

my boys

campus flooded (note that trees don't typically grow in water like that)

"Forever" 

"Shackles" 

"Weirdos" 

Summer had been good to me until yesterday.  It was my friend's 30th bday so we went to the park and were eaten alive by mosquitoes - those devils.  I also feel like I've been snorting pollen (or at least my nose/head feel that way).  Anyway, I took some decongestant and now I'm dizzy as a frat boy on a Friday night. 

Potato and I are going to be playing the "living within our means" game this summer and I expect it to be pretty tricky.  It's hard when there are so many opportunities and so much free time.  We want to say yes to every wedding/festival/dinner but know that it's not in the best interest of our bank accounts.   

We are also looking into moving.  I wasn't 100% on board with moving until yesterday when a family with 4 kids and a dog moved in next door.  Now I'm about 50% on board.  Will we move to a place on our own or with roommates?  Good question.  I wish I had an answer.