Our Birthday Bash!

We enjoyed a great dinner at Wagshal's and then bought our meat for the week! We are so glad they are in the neighborhood and wish them all the success possible. The food is really good and the meat is exceptional--reasonably priced too! By far, Steven and Julia's favorite was the Berliner. Wagshal's puts their own spin on this doughnut-like dessert by filling a sweet bun with gelato, your choice of a topping/filling (peanut butter, chocolate crunches, nuts), and then putting it in a panini press. A must try and worth a special trip. Steven was telling the server that it was better than anything he had in Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, London... Too funny--we obviously have not been to Berlin!

Delicatessen info: 3201 New Mexico Avenue, www.wagshals.com, 202-363-5698; M-F, 8am - 9pm; Sat., 9am - 8pm; Sun., 9am - 7pm.

Recommendations: Half-smoke with the works, hot bar for seared tuna, seafood pasta (tons of seafood!), make-your-own salads, and gelato bar for Berliner!

Julia's 18th Birthday!

Julia is an adult. WOW. On the first morning of adulthood, she was kidnapped by her fantastic friends and whisked off to Philadelphia for cheesesteaks and shopping. Upon her return, we opened presents--including a new OSU puzzle to work on.

Town Hall Graduation Party!

Thank you friends and family who have supported Julia throughout her childhood. It was nice to celebrate another milestone--her high school graduation. Thank you, managing owner Paul at Town Hall for a splendid event (favorite was the pork belly!).

3D Puzzle and Dinner(s)

Ever since Julia decided she was going to pursue engineering, Steven and I have repeatedly used the phrase, "...we need your engineer brain to help us..." do XYZ. She has fixed and assembled many items over the last two years or so. This puzzle is a prime example! I'm thankful for the hours spent in front of the "capitol" and look forward to our next challenge.

Fourth of July at Deep Creek Lake, MD

We spent a relaxing time over the Fourth of July at Deep Creek Lake! Thank you, Lisa & Tony, for the fun times and the yummy meat from The Organic Butcher!