Where have the past few months gone?

I can't believe how long it has been since I last blogged! The last few months have been busy, busy, busy with our move back home to Syracuse and getting Lisa Rossi Photography (yay!) off the ground. We are finally settling in and getting into a routine. It is AWESOME to be back. The Friday before we moved some friends swung by a happy hour to hang out one last time. I was so happy to spend the evening with such great friends that I miss dearly. We only snapped a couple of pics but it was great to look at them today - they put a huge smile on my face. Miss these girls!

Our weekend at home

We had a fun-filled packed-full weekend at home while we were there for Emily's graduation party.

Stella photo shoot

Hanging out in the backyard, catching some beautiful light



Honeybun taking a breather after all of the playing

SnoTop run (Twinkle Kote!)

Dinosaur

Ava

The fam gathering at the party

And a friendly little game of beach volleyball

Happy Graduation, Emily

We are heading home this weekend to celebrate Emily's high school graduation! Next year she'll be attending Syracuse University. Congratulations, Emiwee! We are so excited for what is yet to come for you.

Support Local Farmers: Asparagus & Lettuce

Over the weekend we grilled up on the roof. It was hot as heck out, but we were craving burgers. Grilled asparagus and onions seemed to round out the meal.

Marinating

and then on the grill

You want one, don't you?

Finished plate with a little lettuce on the burger

Another yummy dinner

Support Local Farmers: Asparagus & Spinach

We were having salmon for dinner. What goes better with salmon than asparagus & spinach?

Sauteed spinach and garlic

And broiled asparagus. Deelish!

So what goes better with salmon than asparagus & spinach? Bubbly! We cracked a bottle of La Reve that night to try out my new birthday gift - champagne flutes.

Support Local Farmers: Dandelion Greens

Next up was dandelion greens.

JB decided they would go well with onions and garlic

and sauteed them up.

We had them with baked chicken.

Not gonna lie, the greens were a little too bitter for my liking but I'm glad I tried them - I had never had them before.

Support Local Farmers: Peaches

I bought a Groupon for South Mountain Veggies last month and used it this week - Tuesday night we had a bag of fresh local veggies delivered right to our door. We thought it would be fun to document how John Buss decided to prepare each of the items. What you get in your bag depends on what is available that week from the farmers. Here is what we have:

Apples - Red Delicious

Asparagus

Dandelion - Red Ribbed

Gold Beets

Lettuce

Peaches

Potatoes, Russet

Spinach

The first thing we did? Make peach infused vodka!

Gathering the ingredients

Pitting the peaches

Chopping them

Into the mason jar they go

Shake it up

Ready to go into the fridge for a few weeks!

We can't wait to try it!

Team Marie

My best friend Kristen lost her momma to ovarian cancer 4 years ago. My grandmother had ovarian cancer, and my aunt fought it off this past fall. Ovarian cancer sucks. Each year Kristen leads the volunteers and helps organize the NOCC (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition) 5k run and walk. The past two years we have volunteered at the event, but this year I wanted to also participate in the 5k. Amy Bridges and I did it together and made it across the finish line! It was a great accomplishment, but an even bigger accomplishment to be part of an event committed to raising funds and awareness about ovarian caner.



We spent the rest of the day eating, drinking, and enjoying time with friends and all of Kristen's family that came to town for the event. We're already looking forward to next year's race!

Quick Trip Across the Pond

John Buss had another trip to London for work, and this time I was able to join him for the weekend. It was a quick trip, but we had a really great time together. The weather was perfect, the food yummy, and the pints quite delicious. There were mobs of people, we presume still in town from the Royal Wedding, so I didn't take too many pictures.


Our first night there we stayed in Leatherhead, where John's office and the hotel are. We walked around town...

...found the river walk...

...spotted the largest swan we've ever seen...

...and had pints at the oldest pub in leatherhead.

Saturday morning we headed into London to enjoy the sites...
...like Big Ben...

...from several angles...

...this guy...

...had a proper fish & chips lunch...

...and enjoyed several points outside the pub...

...hi.


We started Sunday off right at this adorable restaurant...

...with a proper english breakfast...

...walked around Leatherhead before heading into London...

...and then - yikes - the madness that is Camden Markets...

That was my last picture. That place nearly sent me over the edge. Too many people! Too much crap for sale! It was not at all what we were expecting. We made it out alive and enjoyed a nice dinner in the city before heading back to the hotel. I'm so glad I was able to join JB across the pond even though it flew by.

Cuties

Look at these two cuties I got to spend Easter with. Meet twins Maddy & Nathan. Not only are they adorable, they are super smart and so fun to play with.

Celebrating 6 Months

On Saturday we celebrated 6 months of being Mr. & Mrs. Since I couldn't get a reservation at a restaurant we have been wanting to try out (the soonest Saturday reservation is two months out!) we stayed in and had homemade pizza and a bottle of bubbly that Kristen & Tommy gave to us as an engagement present. It was perfect. We're happier than ever and feel blessed to have each other. It keeps getting better and better.