florence part two

I kind of love that it's taken me so long to get through these photos. Three weeks later I can be reminded of our morning climb through the fog to Florence's outlaying village, Fiesole. I get to relive the cappucinos and beautiful views at every turn. I miss days spent entirely on foot exploring and experiencing life outside of the norm. Florence was surely full of fun beyond our adventures in the kitchen. Going through these photos was the perfect "hump day" therapy that I needed.

weekly scenes

This past week has been strangely relaxing. At times the pace may have ticked a bit too slowly, but it's good to get the heart rate down every once in a while. I'm not so sure where this week will fall into the scope of things. Preceded by big events and knowing that exciting things are coming up, it's that strange lull in between: the calm before the storm and the settling after the earth quake. 

The good thing is that with a new-found pace I was able to catch up with old friends. There was a road trip through PA on a beautiful fall weekend, and I managed to pack in a fair amount of hiking. The outdoor air is just beginning to change, and each breath of it feels so good. The crispy air in my lungs, it's about to be my favorite time of year.

1. Baked goods from Kristina Boggs

2. Oliver, the adorable new kitten

3-4. Monday night dinner

5-7. Fishing and hiking in Tyler State Park

8-12. Hiking the Appalachian trail with old college friends

wanted

Fake Deer Head, The Sydney, and Faux Bison from Etsy Shop, White Faux Taxidermy

wind gap to water gap

Adam, Nick, Naomi, Marley, and Mary-Jane venture into the woods. We did 16 miles of the Appalachian trail in two days - from Wind Gap, PA to Water Gap, PA. The trail was rocky as hell and there was a steady mist, but there was nowhere else we would have rather been. They were two of  the toughest, and yet some of the best days in a long while.

longwood gardens

What better to do when your parents are in town than to escape to some magical gardens, bursting with beauty every which way you look?

My mom and dad visited Philadelphia last weekend and that's exactly what we did. It was so nice to see them - to wander around, calmly enjoying each other's presence.We ate all too much, saw beautiful things, and even did some boyfriend introducing. I was deeply contented at the weekend's close, and fell fast, fast asleep.

--

Visit: Longwood Gardens in Kennet Square, PA