Apple season may be over, but we haven’t stopped eating Nick’s favorite fruit. Ever since reading The Botany of Desire by Michael Pollan, he has been obsessed with trying every variety of apple he can get his hands on: juicy Braeburns, crisp Cortlands, aromatic McIntoshes, tart Granny Smiths. But his very favorite is the bright, sweet Gala. And that’s what... Read more
We drink German beer: Hofbräuhaus München, Hacker Pschoor, Reissdorf Kölsch, and Schneider Weisse. And we eat German food: Weisswurst, Schweinshaxe, spätzle, and Bauernschmaus. Find out what Bavarian eateries we’ve visited recently. Read more
Two weeks ago, during our last weekend in New Jersey and before becoming domestic partners in Pennsylvania, we dined at Zum Schneider in Manhattan. Nick had received the recommendation from a German friend who claimed it was the most authentic Bavarian Biergarten in the city. And that it was. The restaurant is located on a modest corner in the East... Read more
After our introduction, we headed straight onto the dance floor, I handed off my bouquet to my sister, and DJ Wild Bill queued our song: “You Are The Best Thing,” by Ray LaMontagne. Nick and I had spent four Saturday mornings with Kevin from Dance Harmony learning the East Coast Swing to accompany the folksy, bluesy style of Ray LaMontagne.... Read more
While Nick and I were smiling for the camera, our guests moved under the tent for the cocktail hour. They were supposed to gather around the rectangular pool — amidst round high top tables and mason jars of candles tied with red and orange ribbon — but the wet weather prevented that from happening. However, I heard they still had... Read more
During our trip to Ann Arbor, BJ and Megan introduced us to Zingerman’s. With a deli, a bakehouse, a roadhouse, a creamery, specialty coffee, and catering, the place is a powerhouse. But rather than opening hundreds of shops across the country — or even throughout Michigan — Zingerman’s chose to focus only on the Ann Arbor market. This decision has... Read more
The Nittany Lions may have lost to the Buckeyes last Saturday, but we won in the Big House a few weeks ago. Of course we had to coordinate our first visit to Ann Arbor with a college football game. Nick’s brother, BJ, recently moved from Alabama to Michigan to pursue his MBA. Wife Megan, sons Sean and Jackson, and dogs... Read more
It seemed appropriate to serve a refreshing cocktail to our wedding guests on August 28th. We were assuming, of course, that it would be hot and humid, as is typical of summertime in central Pennsylvania. Mother Nature threw us a curve ball, though, and we celebrated our matrimony on a cloudy, cool, rainy day. Of course, that didn’t stop our... Read more
Today we honor the men and women who fight to protect our freedoms and rights. And I am especially proud to be a daughter-in-law and sister-in-law to three men who have made countless sacrifices for our country. Their wives and children are equally as honorable. Thank you, Dan, Jon, and BJ and all others who have served and still serve... Read more
A few weeks ago we visited family in Ann Arbor, and BJ and Megan were the perfect hosts. They recently moved to Michigan from Alabama and brought their sweet, Southern hospitality with them. Megan treated us to home cooked dinners and delectable desserts every night. And after BJ took us to the Penn State vs. Michigan football game — where... Read more