Mainiacs

I'm a firm believer that Bloomington boasts some of the most spectacular autumns imaginable. However, after asserting this the last two years throughout September and October, Jim has held strong in his belief that New England's are better.

And while I'm not ready to say they are better than Indiana (better than Indiana? Is there such a thing?), I must admit that I found very stiff competition for Bloomington this weekend.

I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend with Jim's family in New Hampshire and Maine.  We attended a wedding in Southport, where we stayed at the stunning Newagen Seaside Inn, which, conveniently was where the wedding was held as well. 

The wedding truly could not have been more beautiful, and I couldn't have enjoyed myself more.  From the food, to the dancing, to the company, it could not have been more perfect. 

Jim says the leaves are only just beginning to turn, which further solidifies my only complaint from the weekend: we left too soon.

I tried lobster for the first time!

Margaret Hamilton's house...

 The vows...

And the first dance...

Some Midwestern love...

PS: Thanks to Molly for sharing her pictures

[no]meatlove

Although I like to give her a hard time for her non-meat-eating ways, Courtney is my favorite vegetarian around.  And even though I think we'd have a grand old time grilling chicken together, I support her decision to love the animals (even if she secretly doesn't want a dog either).

So, today, on Hug a Vegetarian day, I'd like to send her some virtual love.  If I were in Virginia with her, we'd certainly be celebrating this lovely holiday together (probably with froyo, because, let's be serious, we're not vegans). 

And while I tell her (all the time) that I wish she'd join in my carnivorous ways, it takes a very special vegetarian to buy me deli turkey every time I visit. She's certainly a friend of the animals, and of mine.

A special thanks to Erin for telling me about this monumental holiday.
Photo via dolce vita.

Maine bound

I leave for Maine this evening for a wedding and I couldn't be more excited. It's my first time to visit Maine and Jim has given me multiple consultations on how different it is than Indiana.  He keeps reminding me that it's less skirts and dresses and more Patagonia fleeces.

His reminders, along with the cooler weather, make me wonder if I should have invested in the Patagonia fleece Jane suggested to me last week.

Or possibly the lovely duck toed boots Erin loves so much.

I'm thinking these assets might make me look slightly more Maine-ready.

Regardless, I'm just impressed with myself for fitting all of my clothes into one tiny carry on...

Now I just have to pray that I have everything I need.  Off to Maine I go...

Whimsical Wednesdays {so long summer}

I'd like to raise a glass to this 90 degree Wednesday afternoon.

If I were planning to throw a party, I'd honor the last drop of summer on this first day of autumn with one final fête.

I'd start by sending these popsicle invitations to my friends (all of you), inviting each of you to come over for a swim.

Poolside, we'd sip on cucumber and lime spritzers...

And eat sweet summery blueberry pie.

After dessert, we'd soak up every drop of sunlight as we sit on the screened in porch, with the ceiling fans on high.

And once the sun goes down, we'll catch fireflies.

Photos via Pottery Barn, Better Homes and Gardens, from me to you, and fossil blog.