Israel

It's official, Elijah is now a world traveler. He slept during much of our flight to Madrid and spent the layover happily surveying the airport. The terminal was full of buttons to poke, garbage cans to inspect and clocks to admire. After discovering one such clock, he started dancing below it, singing a happy tune. The airport cafe had cases of delicious-looking sandwiches and pastries. The potato omelet sandwiches on soft baguettes were a perfect prelude to a chocolatey croissant and hot coffee.

Elijah plays with Cousin Orit

The extended Eisentstein family at Shlomtzi and Eli's house

Elijah and Dod Danny

Four and a half hours later, we landed in Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport for a happy reunion with Danny and Shelly. After masterfully arranging our belongings into the trunk of his car, Danny drove us to the picturesque town of Gilo. It was even more beautiful than I imagined. Everything is built in milky Jerusalem stone and even the newest buildings match seemlessly with their surroundings. Shelly and Danny's welcoming home was brimming with tasty treats. Hagit and Matan joined us for homemade carrot soup and unexpectedly amazing pizza. Elijah was happy as a clam, opening doors, purposefully inserting keys into their locks and giggling the whole time. Following dinner, we visited Shelly's dear friend and neighbor, Ruti. We then stayed up playing a fun guessing game in which the names of a famous people or characters are written onto scraps of paper. Each player has the name of a character stuck to his head, and we then take turns asking yes/no questions in order to determine our character's identity. I guessed mine quickly (Jesus) and was amazed that Danny figured his out at all (Teenaged Mutant Ninja Turtle, my idea).
Today was just perfect too. We had a fabulous brunch and visited Amiel's lovely, extended family.... more details to come!

Shana Tova

We just celebrated Rosh Hashana, and this year's festivities were made extra special by a visit from Hagit. We can't wait to see her and the rest of our Israeli family next week!

Savta, Hagit and Elijah

Shana Tova!

Off to see the Gigi

Last week, Elijah and I flew down to Florida for a visit with Grandma Doris aka Gigi.

On our first morning, Elijah woke up to find Papa Fred in the room. Unfamiliar with his surroundings and unable to find Mommy, he clung to Papa like a baby monkey.
Posing with Gigi and Doggy
Papa and Doggy

Real Beauty

Just found this interesting Dove video showing what it takes to create the images we see every day. Definitely worth a look.

And many more

This week, we celebrated Amiel's birthday by doing what we do best. On Saturday, we kicked things off with a Steuerman-Kruss breakfast at Walker's Brothers. It's a family favorite which never disappoints. Amiel and I typically start with eggs, rye toast and sliced tomatoes. I like to order some hashbrowns (extra crispy) and a side of cheddar cheese too. After that, we get dessert. A short stack of chocolate chippers for me and Swedish pancakes for Amiel. It sounds like alot, but we do have a growing boy to share with.

On Tuesday, I told Amiel he had to be home by 7:15 for a special dining adventure. He clocked in 2 minutes early and was quickly prompted to switch out of his day clothes and into a black t-shirt and jeans. He knew something was up when I whisked out the leather biker jacket (I usually keep it well hidden amongst our other outwear). We then loaded Elijah into his carseat and headed to Roscoe Village. After driving way west on Belmont, we approached a dimly lit bar with a smattering of motorcycles outside the door. "Where are you taking us?" Amiel hesitated as he unstrapped Elijah from the Britax.

Kuma's Corner is a Chicago institution which I had always wanted to try. It's a heavy metal bar, known for it's cleverly titled hamburgers and peppery fries. An unlikely choice and a real treat. The make-your-own macaroni and cheese was amazing, and the burger (read portabello) choices were mouth-watering. The Lair of the Minatour and Metallica were tempting, but I opted for Neurosis. Who can resist carmelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, cheese and horseradish mayo? Did I mention that the burgers are served on a pretzel roll? Food wise, my only (slight) disappointment were the fries. They were fabulous, but too salty. The music was as bit much too, but everyone was super-nice (and tatooed). It was the first time I'd seen fishnet stockings in a long time. Elijah was completely unfazed by his surroundings and spent the night juggling wrapping paper balls with Daddy. I am already plotting my next visit, but I'll be sure to avoid the need for earplugs and sit outside next time.

On his actual birthday, we picked something on the opposite end of the dining spectrum. Arun's is world-class Thai restaurant whose tasting menu rivals that of Charlie Trotter's (in this diner's opinion). Suffice to say, it was an elegant and heavenly meal. The menu is catered to every diner's particular food preferences, and every course is a feast for the senses. I had to resist the desire to lick my plate on several occasions. Our friends Ron and Dori were perfect dining companions and (forgetting the insane cost) I would have gladly enjoyed the exact same meal for breakfast the following day.

It was a wonderful birthday celebration for a wonderful husband. I'm thinking French Laundry and Waffle House for next year.

Little Sugar River Farm

Amiel and I just returned from a blissful weekend at the Little Sugar River Farm. We clearly needed a vacation. Much of the 130.2 mile ride to Albany, Wisconsin, was spent declaring how beautiful the view (from the interstate) was and how much fun we were already having (sitting in the car). After the sun set, the glow of the city slowly faded and the sky filled with stars. We switched on our "Oh Brother Where Art Thou?" soundtrack, and Amiel made fun of my fumbling to turn on the brights. After twisting and turning down a dozen country roads, we finally found a gravel driveway with a perfect little house at the end. We were greeted by our gracious host (Frank) and escorted inside for cheese, home-grown tomatoes and Spotted Cow beer. Frank had the lights dimmed down and a mix of low-key tunes playing. It was just perfect.

Frank lent Amiel a guitar for the weekend

This is a view from the interstate. We pulled over to the shoulder, and I poked out of the sunroof while the cars whizzed by.

The guesthouse itself is a gem. The wood floors and furniture were gorgeous. My favorite feature is the lighting. There are an abundance of windows and the natural light pours in. In the night-time, virtually every light is on a dimmer and there are little reading lamps in all the right places.

I love this shot of a neighboring farm. I think it would be fun to have an old barn for hosting big parties and sleepovers.
I was particularly curious about the carefree tendrils swishing outside the house. They looked like dill gone wild, but we learned that they are actually asparagus.

I loved sitting on our porch swing and watching the prairie grasses sway in the wind.
It was fun to just wander in the fields. We could pick whatever we wanted to eat or cook. These zucchini blossoms caught my attention, but they were too pretty to disturb.
On Saturday, we stopped by New Glarus for a Swiss-inspired lunch and bakery treats. We then drove on to Mineral Point to poke around the art galleries. We found an old area of town called Shake Rag Alley (named for the miner's wives who shook dish towels at mealtime). We had fun poking around the old buildings and gardens.

Before leaving Mineral Point, we stopped at the Brewery for an excellent dinner. En route to the farm, we were chattering away and got a wee bit lost. After stopping for directions (and an explanation of cow chip throwing), we eventually made our way back to Albany. Unfortunately this entailed a U-turn which was prompty followed by the all-too-familiar-flashing lights of a squad car. The cop greeted us casually from his vehicle. We excitedly explained that we had gotten lost, but had finally found our way. He said that was fine but U-turns are illegal on a highway. We apologized and he miraculous let us go without so much as a warning.
In addition to produce, the farm is full of beautiful flowers and industrious bees. Frank is a beekeeper; and we had a big jar of honey waiting for us in the pantry, perfect for spreading on toast or savoring by the spoonful.Zinnias have always been one of my favorites. I love the vibrant pinks and happy oranges.

A pretty garlic blossom
Frank with his dogs, Juneau (with Frank) and Tiva (in front). One night, Frank cooked us a gourmet meal fresh from the fields; corn chowder, grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, cucumber-dill salad and homemade strawberry ice-cream. Amiel deemed the ice-cream orgasmic, and everything was so amazing that I couldn't even pick a favorite. On Sunday, we took a leisurely bike ride down the Sugar River bike trail.
A highlight of the trip was enjoying farm fresh eggs. The night we arrived, Frank took us to the chicken coop to collect eggs for the next morning's breakfast. A view of the guest house from the fields. We were sad to leave and can't wait to go back.

Sunny days

Doda Gilie found this great little car for Elijah. He loves driving (and pushing) it up and down the Castlewood sidewalk.

Sweet Sabba

Sabba's 87th birthday bash was a huge success! We danced to fabulous Jamaican music, and a tasty spread was served up in the new Kruss kitchen. Friends came from all over, and sweet Sabba was all smiles.

Double trouble

When Elijah was first born, I remember proudly parading him around the neighborhood in his little black pram. Strangers would smile approvingly as we passed, and I would feel the teensiest bit sorry for other parents. Their kids were cute, but Elijah was gorgeous! Ok, fine, I still think Elijah is gorgeous, and I still assume those looks are pure admiration and unrelated to our sidewalk monopolizing tendencies. Last week's ratio of "what a cute kid" to "get out of my way" was the highest on record. I was watching my friend's son Peter and the two toe-heads certainly attracted attention. Peter and Elijah are just over a year apart, and I think a lot of those smiles were the "better you than me" kind. We stopped by Stella's for brunch, and the parents at the table beside us look visibly relieved when I explained that both children were not mine. As for onlookers encountered on our walk, I just beamed at anyone who looked our way. It felt like a ruse, but that was part of the fun.

Summer snapshots

Clark Avenue at dusk

Lili and Auntie Deba at the playground

Lili and Peter chillin'

Adin helps feed Lili

Dancing at Millenium Park's kids' concert

Na'ama, Ori, Orly and Yael at the famous "Bean"

Lili romping in the fountain

Lili at the Millenium Park Kid's Tent

Shelly and Savta enjoying delicious Max and Benny's bagels

Talia and Amiel enjoying Israeli pickles!

Neal, Adin, Elijah and me walking down Harvest Lane (photo courtesy of Clarissa)