pinkness

This isn't the world's most flattering picture, and we are both quite pink here, but the resemblance is pretty clear I think! What a cutie! (her, not me)

But I shouldn't slight Lilah. Here she is at around 7 months, post-hospital and hair fallout. What a cutie! (her, not me, although I do look younger)

Garden update end of August

Here's how the garden looks lately:



We did pull the eggplants out last week, though, as the plants looked pretty bad. We're bringing in edamame, cucumbers, tomatoes (of course), and herbs, and the peppers are starting to look alive again. We planted new greens, lettuce and some other stuff. I haven't had arugula in awhile ...

This is a close-up of one of the compost volunteers. Someone offered that they were squash cross-pollinated with pumpkin. I'm going to take one to the experts to find out this week. We have a bunch of these and it would be cool if they were edible. If not, they might be going away because they are seriously taking over.

finally home

James, Ashly and Ronnie went home yesterday. Here is a pic of Baby J swimming in a fish onesie we bought him (aww) and hanging out with mom and dad. He's most cute, and doing well! Look at those skinny baby legs! We can't wait to meet him.

I just like this picture

Vivi's big, gummy smiles are so cute, and I'll really miss them when she gets teeth (could be some time from now, as L didn't get a tooth until after her first b-day). Lilah's in one of her many nightgowns, looking more like her grandmother than her Abba in near-profile. It is remarkable how we both got our own mini-me's, in looks and in personality (!).

first day of school

Although L has been going to Montessori half-time this summer, the first day of school yesterday was a big deal. She got to pack a lunch (which she didn't eat) and wear a newish dress. So far, so good, and it's definitely quieter around the house between the hours of 8:45 and 2:45.

a very merry half-birthday

Some scenes from Aviva's half-birthday playdate last week. Lots of kids, parents, and a fantastic DQ ice cream cake were there!

Check out more pics here.

feed me, seymour!

Several volunteer vines from the compost pile behind the shed have gone insane, taking over a wagon

and, in another direction, threatening the newly-planted asparagus and tomatoes.

Before long, one of these (I think a pumpkin) will approach the swingset. In the meantime, here's what a good tomato day looks like for us.

falafel and hummus review

The falafel was pretty good. On its own it was kind of bland for me, but it was crispy on the outside and the falafel platter included a pretty generous amount. M didn't think they were so bland. We certainly had much worse in Bloomington (!) just last week. At MM the falafel sandwich included hummus, tahina, lettuce and tomato; it was good, but would have been perkier with some hot stuff. Israeli falafel sandwiches come with bits of a zillion salads, fried things, pickled things, and sauces, and there is no way to compete with that we understand. So, for a midwestern falafel, it was fine.

The pita was quite good, imported from Al Watan, which is a yummy Palestinian restaurant that we visit every time we're in Louisville. The hummus was pretty yummus, although we only got a relatively small amount on the vegetarian sampler plate. Olive oil was present. We'll have to try the hummus on its own next time.

We ate no meat, of course, although I've heard that it's good. I hope this place does well and doesn't disappear tomorrow. M is pretty excited that he can just go for a walk and get a falafel. The owners are great, and I wish them luck.

cousin J

My little sister Ashly had baby James last Wednesday night. He was 6 lb 6 oz and 19 in long at birth. James is L and A's first cousin outside of Israel, so this is quite exciting for us and we are already making him crafts! He will be in the hospital for a couple of weeks in MD and I hope to get out to see him when he comes home. Ashly and Ronnie are doing really well and are surrounded by many supportive family members, so I'm grateful for that. Hopefully I'll have better pics to post soon if A and R haven't already started their own blog!

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP

A new Mediterranean restaurant has opened up within walking distance of here that serves falafel and hummus, among other Middle Eastern fare. It opened yesterday, and we went by to pick up a menu. Jesika, your life is about to change, it's so close.

http://www.courierpress.com/news/2009/jul/28/new-grill-has-mideast-flavor/

This is the first Middle Eastern falafel in Evansville since we arrived 7 years ago. And it's close to home. And it sort of looks hole-in-the-wall-like and not gross EVV upscale featuring nasty $7.00 hummus with non-olive vegetable oil poured on top of it. I hope the pita is fresh, not frozen. We'll try it this week.

It could be good. If it is, it will hopefully take away the sting that I feel everytime I drive by that part of Lincoln, as just across the street is the empty building that once housed La Merienda.