The new Genesee Brew House

Today I met Aprille for lunch and after I suggested we walk over to High Falls to see how the Genesee Brew House was coming along. It just so happened that we stumbled onto the ribbon cutting!

It looks really amazing. The view from the outside balcony seating overlooks the waterfall. Check out the picture of the inside on the Genesee Brewery Facebook page. There is a bar where they serve food, a tasting room, a museum and a store where you can buy t-shirts, glasses etc.

I am really excited about the new brew house because I think High Falls has so much potential, yet there is are so many empty spots there. We have been missing Empire, Jilians and Triphammer for awhile now. I am hoping this is the beginning of new business for High Falls.

New food experiments - pie crust & grilled beets

Aaron's mom brought him one of his grandfather's rhubarb plants last spring. We already have a nice crop which Aaron cut for me to make a strawberry rhubarb pie. I did some late night baking while watching Downton Abbey on my iPad.

For the first time that I can recall, I made the pie crust from scratch. I think I'm hooked... it was so flakey and buttery.

Another food first... we grilled some beets. We love beets and my parents gave us some from their garden. Usually I roast them in the oven, but I saw online that you can cook them on the grill. I ended up burning a quite a few of them, and some didn't seem cooked enough but there was promise in some of them. I think I need to adjust the thickness of the cuts, the heat and how long they stay on the grill.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Wipes

A few weeks ago I got a pack of Aveeno Ultra-Calming Makeup Removing Wipes. I am really particular about facial cleansers. Most leave my face super dry and tight feeling. I was willing to give these a try though. I was pleasantly surprised. They don't have an overwhelming scent and they don't leave any weird greasy feeling behind. The best thing is they didn't dry out my skin.

They are super handy for traveling. These would be a must have for camping! I have to say these are now part of my skin care routine.

New Coco Pop flavors

The Coco-Pops at Wegmans now come in flavors! Maui Onion and Blueberry Cinnamon. I like to dip the Maui Onion in red pepper hummus and smear peanut butter on the blueberry cinnamon.

They are 16 calories a pop! I mean c'mon. You can burn that off taking off the twist tie!

Pet of the Week

Ivy looks like a mix between an orange stripe kitty and a black kitty!

Ivy #16662145

Meet Ivy! She's a two year old domestic shorthair mix with lots of personality! She is a friendly girl who likes to keep people company. She's looking for a forever home with a family to call her own! Please come visit Ivy at our Fairport location.

Happy Campfire Birthday Aprille!

We had a campfire birthday party for Aprille and Tina made s'mores cupcakes. So cute!

I set out fixins for meatball campfire pies, 'cause I know Aprille loves meatball subs. We had a nice evening hanging out on the side porch, sweating by the fire (it was so warm even in the evening!)

Happy Birthday Aprille!

National Dog Day

August 26 is National Dog Day. A day to appreciate our furry companions and to promote all the dogs that are looking for homes.

Stewie tries to contain his disdain.

Spokes & Ink

Today was Spokes & Ink at the Genesee Center for Arts and Education. I had a poster up for sale along with others to raise money for the Center. They also had bands (Aprille's brother's band the Moon Zombies!), postcard making and food vendors (Le Petite Poutine Truck!).

Aaron fixed up his Schwinn Twinn for the event. Look familiar?

Late summer outfit

Last weekend it started to cool off and feel like fall. My new fav weekend outfit = shorts + a button up + sandals. I was thinking I could carry on this lil fashion trend for a bit but looks like we are in for some hot weather again!

Pearl Harbor film shots

Remember how the day was saved at Pearl Harbor by two rolls of film when the digital camera battery was left at the hotel?

I just got the photos back from the lab. This is the USS Arizona turret that still sticks out of the water.

The oil drops.

USS Missouri

Fire power.

Aaron and two Pearl Harbor vets.

The film came through for us.

Beach jars

Summer is almost over and I just realized I never blogged about my summer mantle decorations/

All I did was take different size glass jars and fill them with sand.

Then I added shells and other goodies I have found on some of the beaches we have been to.

It's pretty simple but it looked nice and reminded me of our beach trips.

Furball shots

I just realized that my favorite models were at my parent's when I got my new camera.

I took a few shots of them today.

They look as cute as ever.

Sunflowers and bees

My friend Paulette loaned me a macro lens and I put it to good use in the sunflower field.

These bee photos would probably make Tina pass out cold.

They were so busy and full of pollen they didn't pay much mind to us.

I love these close up photos!

Caught mid-air.

Sunflower field 2012

I packed up my cameras, lenses, and a step stool and then Aaron and I went out to the famous Rochester sunflower field.

I think we got to the field just in time, the sunflowers were in full bloom.

There were lots of chubby, full bees buzzing around.

The stepstool made all the difference.

The sunflowers seem to go on forever.

Red Jacket Orchard

Aaron and I stumbled upon the Red Jacket Farm Store where we were able to taste 10 different juices. The strawberry apple and cherry stomp were our favorite.

They also had a drool worthy selection of honey... look at all the variety!

Pet of the Week

Check out Harley and his buzz cut!

Harley #16887860

Harley is a 9 year old Bichon Frise mix. He weighs in at 17 pounds. He is sporting his summer buzz cut which will turn into a handsome curly coat as it grows. He's enjoying his time with our volunteers and staff: exploring our grounds and checking everyone out. He is a big fan of treats. Our behaviorists suggest that Harley would do best in a home with children 14 or over and that he would love to be the only dog. If you have a dog and are looking for someone like Harley, please bring your dog (and the rest of the family) in to meet Harley at our Fairport location. Harley is available free of charge to eligible adopters age 60 and over through our Seniors-for-Seniors program.

Eat Me ice cream sandwich

I finally got to try an Eat Me ice cream sandwich. They were at the South Wedge Farmer's Market with cantaloupe butterscotch ice cream sandwich. It was just as good as I hoped. Summer is now complete.

Blue

A monochromatic outfit is the way to go some days.

Pet of the Week

I have a few Pet of the Week posts to catch up on. Bummer that they are still available after a couple weeks, so if you are looking for a furry friend check them out!

Abbey # 9225581

Abbey is a lovely black and orange domestic shorthair who is 4 years old. She's a devoted companion and will be wherever you are. She has been "helping" some of the staff at Lollypop with their computer work and loves a good cuddle. Please come meet Abbey at our Fairport location.

Lucas #1050882

Here's Lucas! He's 11 years old and weighs 71 pounds. Lucas is a German Shepherd mix. His owner moved and did not take him with her, so, after being adopted from Lollypop Farm as a puppy, he has come back to find a new family. Lucas will do best as an only dog. He will need to meet everyone in your family to make sure you will all get along well. We recommend a family with children age 14 or over. He's available free of charge to eligible adopters, age 60 and over, through our Seniors-for-Seniors program. Stop by and visit Lucas at our Fairport location.

Karina #15487180

This lovely gray and white lady is called Karina. She's a 4 year old domestic shorthair. shy but sweet, Karina will blossom in a forever home. Come and meet Karina and her many friends at our Fairport location.