Monday, September 8, 2014

Soaking Up the End of Summer

Happy Monday, everyone.  While we technically have 3 more weeks of summer, in this part of the country it seems like the weather has begun to shift and fall is in the air.  This past weekend was gorgeous but we have a cooler week ahead so this past weekend I spent as much time outside as possible. 

On Friday night we hit up the driving range after work.  I hit the ball terribly so was a little bit grumpy afterwards.  Golf definitely does not come easily for me!  But it was a beautiful evening and it was great to get some fresh air. 

On Saturday morning I went for a nice long run along 3 local lakes (more on that later this week).  The temps were cool so I had a great run.  This is my favorite time of year for running!  The rest of the day was spent being productive and getting stuff done around the house.

On Saturday evening we went to a Greek Festival in the neighborhood where Phil used to live.  It was fun to sit outside, listen to live music, and eat some delicious Greek food.  I couldn't have any of the desserts, but the dessert that Phil got looked so good!


On Sunday I went to a yoga class in the morning and then went bike shopping.  I've been wanting a bike for awhile but haven't been motivated to shop for one (or spend the money) but I signed up for a Minneapolis Bike Tour that the Park and Rec Board puts on every year and it's next weekend so I need to either buy a bike or find one to borrow...  I didn't have any luck yesterday but it was fun to ride around on the two bikes I tried out.   

On Sunday afternoon I crossed another thing off of my summer bucket list - kayaking!  I bought a crowd cut deal for kayaking earlier this summer and it expires next weekend so this was pretty much my last opportunity to go as next weekend's weather forecast doesn't look great.  I kayaked to 3 different lakes.  I've ran around all of these lakes many times this summer so it was fun to see the sights from a different vantage point.


My favorite part was kayaking on the small canals between the lakes as it was so quiet and peaceful.


Being by the water is good for the soul.


On Sunday evening I used this basil






to make a trial run of the soup we are planning to serve at Julia Child night.  I am hoping my basil plant survives into the fall as I love being able to pick fresh basil!

All in all it was a wonderful weekend and it was great to not really have anywhere that I HAD to be.  I needed a weekend like this after the last couple of weeks which have been a little over-planned!  I am usually so ready for fall to start but this year I find myself a little sad to see summer coming to an end so I am trying to soak up every moment that I can!

Was the weather nice this weekend where you live?  Did you do anything outdoors?

13 comments:

missris said...

I'm like you--usually fall is my favorite season but this year I'm sad to see summer leave. It's been such a beautiful one this year!

Abby said...

I have never been more ready for summer to end. Ha! It was 80 degrees with 70% humidity at 5am when I went to swim this morning. #overit

That kayaking looks so much fun! Kayaking is such a peaceful pastime. I didn't realize the 3 lakes were connected!

That Greek festival sounds fun. I love Greek food. Ryan does not. So I rarely get to eat it.

Sounds like a perfect weekend! You needed a peaceful one!

Emilie said...

Kayaking looks beautiful! I am not one to do many water related activities because I am a terrible swimmer. I always wish I felt more comfortable in the water. I am usually sad to see summer end even though fall is my favorite season. We've had really nice weather this year, but I have not done much to enjoy the season because I've been so busy. I'm glad I'm training for the marathon because it guarantees me a couple hours of weekend outside time :) My least favorite thing about fall is that winter is right around the corner and that is a season that seems to never end in Connecticut!

Nora said...

It was definitely fall-like here on Saturday & Sunday. Friday was crazy hot and humid, we had crazy rain storms that brought us cooler weather. We spent a lot of time outside on Saturday: we had an outdoor wedding to attend which was gorgeous and reminded me a bit of our wedding so I got VERY sentimental. Otherwise just errands and lying low as I pulled (I hope!) my abdominal muscles with all my crazy working out the last few weeks. I took Sunday off of working out to try to let them heal up a bit!

Leigh said...

Sounds like the perfect weekend! Did you go by yourself kayaking? It's a good arm workout too

Stephany said...

It's been miserably hot here. I did go out to the beach on Saturday with my mom, but it was SO hot where we were sitting. AND I forgot my sunglasses which made things even worse! I'm sticking to indoor activities as much as possible!

I want to try kayaking sometimes! Seems like such a fun activity and there are so many places to explore around here!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely weekend! I tried to get into golfing a few years ago but I was just so terribly irritated with myself half of the time -- so I totally understand the grumpiness. I've just started talking my sister into trying footgolf. I can kick a soccer ball, so it's got to be more enjoyable!

Amber said...

What an awesome weekend you had! We had beautiful weather last weekend but it was really cool at night (especially since we were sleeping in a tent!) and that's always a for sure sign of fall for me. I am sad to say goodbye to summer this year as well. I am just really not even remotely ready for winter. Haha

Marlys said...

We had a beautiful weekend and spent as many hours outside as we could - mostly cutting and cleaning up the two big branches that broke off a tree during the storm last Thursday, but we were outside! Sunday we went for a leisurely boat ride and just soaked in the beautiful day.
It is going to be cold and rainy for the rest of the week so it will be a struggle to get the mowing done this week!

Jeanie said...

I'm trying to soak up summer, too. Looks like you maxed it out! Sounds like a great weekend and filled with fun. (And you know I'm off to check the Julia recipe because I'm a basil whore and will take it any way I can get it! I have to strip my plants soon -- they're telling me they're tired!

Anonymous said...

On Friday we toured around Ireland. Visited a super cool castle and the Cliffs of Moher before arriving in Galway where we had a nice dinner and then went to this super cool bar to watch some amazing live music. On Saturday we took a gorgeous walk along Galway Bay then hung around downtown then grabbed some amazing local cheese and snacked on it while sitting on the grass near the water. On Sunday we got up at 5am and took a plane home... sigh

Charis Faith said...

Being on the water is definitely good for the soul! I know you found a bike, so excited for you!
I've been learning how to golf, I haven't practiced since end of June though. It was on my list of things I wanted to learn forever!

Jolene - EverydayFoodie said...

Sorry to hear that it didn't go so well at the driving range :-(

Kayaking is fun!! What a great way to end off the summer.

Yay for Julia Child night!! Looking forward to reading about that!!