Boston

We had our big thrill of the year, going to the Cubs game in Boston. Here’s a semi-quick summary of our trip:

Jord enjoying his lunch at Doyle's

Friday was a long day! We had driven to Sarah’s apartment on Thursday night since we had an early flight out of Chicago Midway on Friday. Up at 3:15 and to the airport for a 6:00 flight, we were in for a long day. Once we landed in Boston, we were at our hotel by about 9:30 and on our way to the first stop on the agenda. Sam Adams Brewery was at the top of the list for many reasons, chiefly because we both like beer but also because we knew that all those Chicagoans who were coming to town for the game also like beer and were headed in the same direction. The tour was standard, but the tasting that followed was the fun part. We got to try three brews, the last being Brick Red, exclusive to the Boston area. After the first sip I was smitten and was on the lookout for this flavor for the remainder of our trip. But the best part of the tour was the departing announcement – that we could take a shuttle to Doyle’s, the first pub to buy Sam Adams (way back when it started out years ago), one of their loyal clients. From the bus driver to the menu, it was the very Boston experience we were searching for. This excursion truly was one of the highlights of the whole weekend. On our long walk across the city to Fenway, we stopped at an exhibit for the Mapparium, a 3-story glass globe built in 1935. Then on to the main attraction! We got our first glimpse of Fenway about 4 hours before game time – Jord wanted to have ample time to see all there was to see. We stopped in two local bars to soak up the atmosphere and circled the outside of the stadium (only three times) before heading in and doing a couple more laps. Although the Cubbies lost (badly), it was a fun game and memorable experience.

Fenway!

Boston Cream Pie

Saturday dawned and our plan adjusted. The first stop after a quick breakfast was the Parker Omni House to sample the original Boston Cream Pie – delicious! We hadn’t really planned on walking the Freedom Trail, but it ended up that way and was a nice guide to see different parts of the city. Of course, lots of history! Along our route we stumbled upon a grouping of Irish pubs that I was dying to peek into but it was a little early in the day. Since we were still deliberating on our evening plans, I suggested venturing back to the area and doing our own little pub crawl. One stop during the day that's worth mentioning is the Bull & Finch Pub, famous for the exterior shots for the TV show Cheers - a popular place! After seeing all the sights and a quick rest back at the hotel, we headed back to the aforementioned Irish pubs and it turned out to be another highlight. We had dinner in the first place (I had lobster – yum!) and stopped in several more for a drink in each. And of course we got to see the Cubs win, although on TV, which was cool to view in bars packed with Red Sox fans.

Bull & Finch Pub

Lobster for dinner

Pub crawl mission: find Brick Red brew

Sunday we dedicated to Harvard, but we didn’t have much time before our 2:15 flight. So we took the train out to Cambridge, had some breakfast at a local eatery and strolled through the campus. And that was that – back to the hotel to pick-up our luggage and straight to the airport. It was a jam-packed weekend and quite an experience!

Harvard

Plant Shopping

My mom and I spent Thursday evening browsing for plants and flowers – we needed each other for this excursion. She buys such a mass of flowers that a second person and second car are necessary just to get it all home (it’s easier to buy in bulk rather than spread out over several shopping trips). I needed her expertise, plain and simple. She has been doing this for so many years that she has it down to a science, keeping a list of what works from year to year and how much she buys of each item. As a novice in this department, I just followed her lead. We stopped at two different stores – the first is a big red barn out on Utica Ridge that my mom always buys the majority of her annual supply, but it was closed. Disappointed, we turned to Lowe’s and were able to find only a portion of the variety we were searching for. So my mom will be out again this weekend at the big red barn in hopes that they will be open and she can finish her shopping.

Since we were done in a mere two hours, we headed to my house to do my planting while we still had some sun. I have a measly two planters, so it took relatively no time in comparison to her 40. Of course my mom did all the work! They look lovely and spruce up our entry just enough.

 

Family Time

We’ve been spending an extraordinary amount of time with family lately. That’s been a big part of our adjustment to living back in Davenport. We had this three hour buffer zone, now it’s about seven minutes. Don’t get me wrong, family is the reason we made the move. But it’s a struggle to find a balance, especially for Jord.

I visited Niabi Zoo on Mother’s Day (after a delectable Mexican breakfast at La Rancherita in Rock Island) with my parents, Tricia and Luke. I hadn’t been there in about 20 years! It’s quite nice, and we were able to see the whole menagerie from the train that circles the area, but also strolled around to get a closer look at the animals. Luke’s favorites are the giraffes and I have to agree.

Jord stayed home to do yard work – he is determined to get everything done this spring. He has rid the backyard of all the leftover stumps already, a project I thought would take weeks and weeks. Once he was satisfied with his work for the day, we went over to his mom’s for a backyard BBQ. It was a lovely weekend, although I didn’t get to the Pella Tulip Festival as I had hoped. Now I need to get my life in order before my new schedule starts next Monday!

Hello 28

I’m not one to get excited about my birthday. And this year was a bit more depressing than normal. Although I was sick, my family came over on the big day for cake. Luke had called me that morning to tell me he was making me something for my birthday but it was a surprise. Then he mentioned it had frosting… And when I got home Jord had also made me a cake, so we had two chocolate cakes to choose from. At least there was plenty of leftovers for both households.

Our beloved Great Aunt Mary (sister of my dad’s dad) passed away in her sleep the other night and we attended her funeral yesterday and burial today. Of course we’re trying to focus on the good memories, of which there are so many. Most recently, she helped us commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, and before that we celebrated her 80th birthday at the July 4th Collins reunion.

What will this year hold? 27 was pretty eventful, so I’m not expecting as much commotion this year. I will be starting a new job at Deere on May 16th – I sent over my acceptance on my birthday so that seems like a good omen!

Afternoon Tea at Fairhaven Palace

Wasn’t the royal wedding absolutely exquisite! I woke up at 4:00am on Friday to watch the coverage – I just could not wait until Saturday to glimpse the epic event. I didn’t get to see everything that morning – this pesky job thing always gets in the way – but I recorded two stations and have sufficiently witnessed every aspect. I adored it all and am not ashamed to say it. I know some people think it’s all a lot of hype, but how can you not be intrigued by the royals? The fashion, from hats to their “morning dress” to the jewels, is enough to keep me captivated.

The tea party was a success. We enjoyed traditional tea fare, with crumpets and scones, a variety of tea sandwiches, and some tasty sweets, along with three flavors of tea. I even made a version of the groom’s cake, chocolate biscuit cake. We retired to the den to view the recorded wedding, where we enjoyed champagne and had a running commentary on the fashion.

Royal Wedding Preparations

I have a long list of preparations to complete this week in anticipation of the royal wedding. We’re having afternoon tea to commemorate the occasion – it was originally my cousin Kelly’s idea, but we decided to host the little party at our house. Although Jord is playing butler for the gathering, his role apparently doesn’t include the last-minute responsibilities. I’ve been working on decorations, my inspiration stemming from Kate’s engagement ring. I have silver to polish, the tea set to clean, recipes to procure, a playlist to create, table linens to launder, the DVR to set, champagne to chill. I’ve doled out some of the menu items, but my main concern is actually making tea. I’d love to make it the “English” way, but as a non-tea drinker I have my doubts. It wouldn’t be much of a tea party without tea! And since we have to work on Friday, we’ll be watching the recording of the wedding and all the hype on Saturday during the party. I don’t know if I’ll be able to wait that long to see everything!

The Possibilities of a Three Day Weekend

Oh how I adore a three day weekend! Recently, I’ve been in a better groove of working out and cooking dinner, so last night I did just that. I tried a new recipe for a chicken and linguine casserole – not bad – with some cheddar biscuits. So far, all the recipes that I’ve attempted have been “not bad”, according to both Jord and I. Nothing has wowed us, but what do you expect for a newbie in the kitchen? We'll just continue to try new things until I find some specialties.

There are limitless possibilities for this weekend! Who knows what out of town guests may arrive and the exciting happenings to follow! We do know that we’re having my family over for dinner tonight. We’re planning a batch of homemade mac and cheese for this last Friday of Lent, an absolute classic in the Collins clan, along with some mashed potato wontons that are becoming our new favorite. And we also have Easter Sunday mapped out, starting with my family for mass and brunch at the Hotel Blackhawk, sure to be swanky and delicious, then some quality time with Jord’s family. Who knows what will happen in the meantime – it’s sure to be better than any old regular two day weekend!

In Bloom

Hyacinth

It appears that the bulbs we planted in the fall are doing okay. The hyacinth are very little, but colorful. The tulips, my favorite, are just starting to bloom and are quite plentiful. We noticed that some creature is trying to dig at them, but it didn’t seem to do any harm. Even the peony bushes that we transplanted from the back yard to the front of the house are beginning to grow, even though they don’t quite look right.

Peony bush

Speaking of tulips, I'm hoping to attend the annual Tulip Festival in Pella this year. I've always intended to go, but have had conflicts in the past. As long as the weather is favorable, my mom and I plan to make the trek.

Tulips

TRADhome

Check out the collaboration of Traditional Home and Lonny editors, aptly named TRADhome. This new endeavor "combines the style and imagination of both editorial teams to bring you an inspired online magazine that redefines tried-and-true traditional style", to quote the introductory email that I received. The first edition is amazing and I'm so excited to have another source of inspiration!

Best in the Quad Cities

Every year, the River Cities Reader comes out with a list of the best restaurants in the Quad Cities, voted by their readers. I find it very disappointing that chain restaurants top many of the categories. Come on Quad Citians! There are some amazing local eateries to enjoy in the area. Faithful Pilot, Bier Stube, Front Street Brewery, 11th Street Precinct, Riefe’s and Grinder’s are just a few that didn’t make the cut. Yes, some of my favorites were included, such as Azteca, Harris Pizza, Lunardi’s, Hungry Hobo and Whitey’s. Get outside of your culinary comfort zone and discover something new and local!