Spring released.

First things first, a belated (bloggy) happy 30th birthday wish to Hillary. I hope she is enjoying her life as a 30something, and I'm happy to have her as a fellow member of the club.

Just 'cause you turn 30 doesn't mean weird old men are 

going to stop buying you shots!

In addition to Hillary's birthday celebration Saturday night, much awesomeness ensued this past weekend. We had a brief glimpse at what the summer has in store for us, enjoying a 60-degree Saturday and an 80-degree Sunday. To celebrate, first, we did some yard work (and I also did some yard sitting - I even got a sunburn!). Brad planted some grass seed...

While I planted some herbs (and lavender).

I am thrilled to report that my basil babies are already sprouting!! No sign yet of any mint babies.

Second, we had a bbq, of course.

 The first bbq of the year always reminds me of me, Brad, and 

Birgit, shivering, but enjoying dogs and mac salad for our first bbq

at the Ann Arbor house...

This was our first bbq in possibly two years, as Brad was spending most of his time in St. Joe (without me!) this time last year (crazy!! time flies). The boss-field-trip-fancy-brats for Brad, veggie dogs for me.

I've found I actually quite like this brand of fake wieners.

I also whipped up a giant batch of macaroni salad, which we're still working our way through. Nothing great, but it did the trick. Just some noodles, some mayo, some mustard, some celery, some carrots, paprika, salt, and pepper.

By the time the food was done, it started to rain (of course). So we had an indoor picnic.

In other news, I just finished my latest knitting project - a triangle shawl, just for me. I used bulky cotton yarn and size 13 needles, so it knit up nice and quick (well, 2 or 3 weeks). The pattern was suuuuper boraphil, but I'm so in love with the end result that it was definitely worth it. I am wearing it right now. And I can't wait to wear it all summer. In fact, I kind of want another.

Officially an old lady.