Busy

The last week and a half have been a bit crazy so I keep putting off updating. Briefly (I'll need to come back once I've sorted through a billion pictures):

• It started raining here while I was in DC and hasn't stopped. Mom doesn't really believe me when I say it's normally much nicer.
• Due to the rain, I only managed to ride my bike once last week (home from work (I've been getting rides in from a neighbor so mom can have my car). My grand total for biking is 46 miles so I have 66 to kill before the end of the month (which is sunday. I may not make it).
• Mom got to meet my wednesday night dinner group last week. I hosted but Mo made tofu stir fry (delicious). I made zucchini bread to share (and for Mary).
• Mom and I met Mary in New Mexico for a long weekend in Taos and Santa Fe (lots more on that later).
• Dinner last night was flank steak marinated by Megan and grilled by Mo (so good), stir fry zucchini (Matt brought a ton up from his parents' in Phoenix (there will be more bread made tonight)), risotto by Mike, and chocolate cookies by me (their getting better (touch wood)).
• After dinner, mom and I stopped by Michelle's for a tour of their house.
  
• Mom has done a ton of work in my backyard (again, pictures to come (as soon as the sun comes out)). I have a nice long to do list out there but it looks much better than it has.
• Susan, Lia, and I had a breakfast meeting with my mom this morning at La Bella Via. Their pancakes are amazing.
• Michelle and I bought tickets to Houston this afternoon for the fall. We missed the big Chicago quilt show this year so are trying out a new location. I need to get some serious work done before I go though (or am not allowed to buy anything).
• Megan, Michelle, and I walked over lunch. Michelle is still working on her Iron Man run/walk miles. I'm planning on biking home (please let it be dry at 4).