Juice Disappears to Posh Study Retreat

Oh, man.

I can't even begin to explain what a sweet weekend I am having.

Geoff invited us up to his "cabin," which is in northern MN, near Mille Lacs. This place is P-O-S-H. I nearly peed my pants when I saw the huge gourmet kitchen --granite counter-tops etc. Dreamy. The "cabin" is huge, with six bedrooms, huge wooden beams, giant windows facing the lake, big teak rocking chairs on the deck, etc. The house is wired for sound, and I was in heaven with a glass of red wine, listening to Norah Jones, cooking in that big kitchen with my buddies. I have a full menu planned for the weekend. These guys indulged me and let me make whatever I want, and we picked up all of the ingredients on the way up.

Andrea (Matt's wife) and Jessica (Geoff's gf) arrived after dinner (shrimp pad thai), and Geoff's parents and little sister arrived near midnight with news that the northern lights were out. We jumped in the car and drove to an open field, where we saw the most amazing display and a brazilian stars in the clear night sky. It was awesome.

Today is homework day. Geoff's dad woke us up with blueberry and banana pancakes for breakfast before they left. Matt and Geoff went grouse-hunting (maybe we'll have some fresh wild game for dinner?), and we ladies sat around drinking fancy hot chocolate before settling in to our homework.

We are surrounded by fall colors. The sky is clear today, and the water is so blue. This is such an awesome retreat. I plan to invite myself up here more often.

In other news, Shad and I celebrated our four-year anniversary on Wednesday! He surprised me by showing up to my class with a bouquet of flowers. He dragged me away from school for a few hours, and we had a delicious and relaxing dinner at Loring Pasta Bar. Sure wish he could be here with me this weekend. Next time.

Thursday night was an excellent craft conspiracy meeting at Julie's house. Lots of photos are available on the craft conspiracy web site. I walked away with an excellent owl t-shirt and a congratulations gift for The Gnome, who finally had her baby! I haven't seen mama & little Esther yet. Hopefully we can drop by when I get back.

Also, I am trying a case on Monday! I'll be seeking an order for protection on behalf of a female domestic abuse victim and her three children at 9:45 a.m. Monday. Wish me luck!

Must return to my homework now. Ta-ta!