My baby she’s a Chippewa. She’s one of a kind.

Well, this summer just keeps strolling along, eh? There were no shortages of “Things Planned” for July, and August is looking much the same. But this past weekend was truly one of my favorites. I can’t place exactly why — a combination of company and weather and activities and fun, I suppose. Or all the sappy feeling that overwhelmed me once again, as result of PMS. That, I’m certain…

Thinking about how summer is slowly creeping away from me, I ordered a picnic backpack from Teak, Wicker & More (where I really, really fell in love with so many things and wished for a backyard with new patio furniture). And how cute — a backpack — so I can take it on my bike! So, my next step is planning a Cleveland picnic before the summer completely passes. You will definitely get a review of my new purchase upon its arrival!

Friday was a last-minute Happy Hour decision (more or less, a forgotten-minute) to meet for a going away party to friends of ours (moving to Austin – sad and happy at their decision). Bier Market, Maharaja IPA & I made friends rather quickly. While conversations turned from pregnancy (not it), to us women talking about our boobs (and how heaviness has prompted a halter-top ban), to pondering why we do not use baby wipes as adults (really though, I do and the men I was conversing with believe everyone should. And after using these from SweetSpot Labs, you will always  too!).  Really though, I wish I could say everyone in these conversations was an old friend, but some were complete strangers in our group. Oh, that alcohol.

After a couple “happy hours,” we were notified of the new Speakeasy opening underneath Bier Markt. Let me tell you, this place is fabulous! Most drinks were $10-$15, but the options were delicious: I had a pepperoncini-infused vodka martini (chile at the bottom), bf had some walnut scotch concoction (nut at the bottom of the glass). I must go back for the bacon bourbon drink!

We made it out of bed early enough to head down to Chippewa Lake for the weekend, hoping to keep rain at bay. I didn’t realize at first the whole Christmas in July tie-in, until the afternoon continued and we hurried to decorate the pontoon in holiday decorations. And yes, it did rain.

We were completely shamed at the inaugural lighted boat parade — boaters went CRAZY! Even though we had a Christmas Tree on the TOP of our boat. And a snowman.  But it was all so much fun. And yum, the white sangria that our host made was perfect for a day where the weather held up even more  perfectly.

Afterward, our group walked to the local tavern — which was complete with classic rock cover band Ware  House. Weird, the lead guitar guy kept introducing his mom (also on guitar) to the crowd. In celebration of Christmas in July, the bar had an all-you-can-eat buffet, including a knock-your-socks-off penne pasta with creamy jalapeno sauce and some of the best pizza I’ve had in a long time.  Jell-O shots were a buck, and there was quite an impressive draft selection.

And before we could make friends at the adult after-hours place — the  “Sand Bar” — this old woman (ahem, yes me) was spent. Last call here was 1am, and I couldn’t even make it.

Sunday was beautiful, so we stayed and lounged around on the boat and in the lake for the entire afternoon.

I actually came home feeling quite relaxed.

Listening: new Dave Matthews, preparing for the concert tonight.

Drinking: Great Lakes Christmas Ale – yes, the bf shared. He’s very nice.

Cheesing: Heini’s Bermuda Onion from Nature’s Bin. Oh, I am so going to miss cheese like this when I start my diet next week.

To-Doing: Leaking pipes in the shared wall of my bathroom has me all kinds of irritated. Awesomeness. Now I have to hold off on listing until the entire bathroom is redone. I cannot wait until this damn thing sells. I WANT OUT OF THE SUBURBS!

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