Remember back in the good ol' days of the mid-2010s? Back then, you could count on regular, weekly blog updates. Admittedly, I've dropped the ball in 2018. Blame it on the "late-'10s blahs" (a new condition I just coined) or blame it on Trump (my favorite orange scapegoat) but we all know it's my fault . . . too lazy, too boring, too too!
My end-of-the-year gift to you is a brief review of the last five months of life at noTTafarm. Enjoy!
Benson Days ~ St. Paul Pie Stand ~ July 27
In my capacity as an up-and-coming Church Lady, I helped lead a team of St. Paul ladies in the creation of our first-ever pie stand for Benson Days, an annual summertime celebration in our church's neighborhood. We baked apple and cherry pies, selling individual slices for $1. I had a lot of fun branding the event - and we sold out of pie in just a few hours.
Vacation ~ Santa Fe, New Mexico ~ August 4-6
The only reason to leave noTTafarm is if you can visit Santa Fe - so off we went, the first week of August to "The City Different" for short but sweet R 'n' R. We walked everywhere, drank margaritas every day, and enjoyed the incredible weather. I hope we don't wait another eight years to return!
Wet Basement ~ August 10
A thunderstorm brought two days of rain and all sorts of mischief. We lost power on August 10 for a short while - long enough for us to really miss the (temporarily-disabled) sump pump. As rain continued to fall, the water level in the 2012 section of the basement continued to rise. Scott hurriedly moved all of his "important tools and lumber" up or out so no damage was done - except for the hours spent fretting about "the next time" Omaha gets a near-record rainfall and the power goes out. (And, of course, Bibbers had to walk all around the wet floor.)
Garden
Our vegetable garden was sort of a bust this year. The tomatoes turned black and fell of the vine before I could get to them, the basil never grew, the beans were tough as nails, and the peppers never quite made it to bright red. Even the ornamental corn was taken by marauding raccoon the night before I was going to harvest it for my fall decorating. The saving graces were the zinnias and sunflowers we planted from seeds near the corn crib and Scott's gourds.
Karli's Bridal Shower ~ August 25
One of the most highly-anticipated family events this year was my niece Karli's wedding and the fun activities surrounding it. noTTafarm hosted 24 ladies (both bride and groom's families were well-represented) for an afternoon of dessert, games and presents. Karli's cousin Chelsie came up with the brilliant "Fiesta" theme (based on the bride's love of Fiestaware) and we were off and running with a profusion of color. Highlights included the 50-or-so tissue flowers displayed on the fireplace, the mound of Fiesta that Karli was gifted with, and getting to meet my two newest great nieces, Charlee and Kree (cousins born two days apart in May.) "A good time was had by all!"
Kate's Baby Shower ~ September 8
noTTafarm volunteered (OK, it was me) to help host a baby shower for Scott's niece Kate and her fiance Alessio. They traveled back to Omaha from their home in Portland, OR for a warm and wonderful get-together with friends and family. The weather was picture perfect so we gathered on the patio for snacks, dessert, games and presents. Such a joy to welcome a new little Camp into the world! (
Spoiler alert: Luca Camp De Cesare was born on November 28 and is just the sweetest!)
Junk Jaunt ~ September 28/29
Is there anything better in Nebraska in late September than driving around the central part of the state looking for junk? Ok, sure - there's Cornhusker Football and I hate to miss it but we made up for it by visiting Wood River (childhood home of our new head coach.) This year's weather was C-O-L-D and damp! A steady mist and temps in the 40s and 50s made for an interesting two days. On Friday, Chelsie and I ventured out with my mom, Jolene; the three of us sported matching floral sweatshirts. Found lots of great things for Chelsie to use in her new store -- that's right! The store I alluded to way back in May came to fruition; Sweet Water Outfitters is now open in Cozad (more on that later.)
Wedding Prep ~ September & October
I was thrilled to be able to help niece Karli with her wedding decor! She had a clear vision of the "rustic elegance" theme with accents of navy and pale pink. We added lots of sparkle with crystals and rhinestones, and adorned frames and lanterns with pale pink roses. The best part was getting to spend time with Karli at noTTafarm! She is a truly special young lady and I'm so proud to be her very favorite aunt. :)
The Big Day ~ Karli's Wedding ~ October 6
Karli and David had a beautiful wedding and reception at The Hills, an event center at Cherry Hills in northwest Omaha. The outdoor ceremony was tempered a little by the cold and cloudy weather, but the archway we festooned with rhinestones, silk roses and sheer drapery made the day less gloomy. I was pleased that the happy couple selected one of St. Paul's pastors, Rev. Jerry Brabec, as the officiant. The dinner and reception was full of music, laughter and dancing - a truly lovely event!
Kappa Delta Reunion ~ October 14
noTTafarm was voted "the place" to have another reunion of my college sorority. (This is what happens when you post a note on Facebook about how much you miss your sisters...you get volunteered.) The weather turned nasty the morning of our party and most of the out-of-towners had white-knuckle drives up or down the interstate. By the time we made it through the potluck line, the power was out. We sat in the near-dark, watching the snow fall and singing old chapter songs. Tracy ventured outside for a photo-op with a handful of snow. Of course, the power came back as the last guest departed. Despite the difficulties, it was still the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon!
Wilson ~ October 18
noTTafarm suffered quite a blow when we lost Wilson. Our big ol' kitty was diagnosed with anemia steadily declined over the next year. It's always painful to lose a pet but we are so thankful that we were able to give Wilson nearly six years of adventures and mice and long afternoons spent outdoors. He was a great cat and a good friend.
Sweet Water Outfitters ~ November 23
As mentioned above, niece Chelsie earned the opportunity to begin a new enterprise in Cozad, Nebraska. Her vision of retail comprising Western wear, stylish accessories, home decor and a sprinkling of vintage furniture came to fruition after months of work to ready the space. Scott and I are excited to pitch in where we can; the pipes and fittings in the photo at left were used to create two dressing room frames which Scott designed to fit easily together and support plywood walls. Sweet Water Outfitters opened for the first time on "Black Friday" and enjoyed welcoming customers throughout the holiday season. Chelsie is pleased with the community's support - and her whole family is bursting with pride. (Follow Sweet Water on Facebook (
@ShopSWOCozad) and Instagram(
@sweetwatercozad) and shop online:
www.shopsweetwateroutfitters.com)
Cookie Baking ~ December 16
The Christmas holiday just wouldn't be the same without me roping a few unsuspecting friends into helping me frost sugar cookies. This year's victims were The Kupzyks (formerly known as The New People) and The Robinsons (Hank and Susie are our 60th Street neighbors.) We had a great afternoon (that's 3 year old Elliot with the frosting-colored smile) and Kevin, Hank and Scott joined us for a delicious brisket dinner. A holly-jolly time was had by all!
Tomorrow is January 1, and I plan to begin the new year "as usual" - in my pajamas until all of the Christmas decorations are boxed and stored. I'll take some photos before I begin dismantling (not of me in my pj's...but of the decor) and then have something to post before the day is done. I really do want to make a better effort of blogging in 2019. Help me out by leaving a comment or sending me words of encouragement. Until then . . .
🎉Happy New Year!🎉
Stay Tuned for Our Next Adventure!
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