With the approach of fall, it seems that all of nature is renewed one final time before it actually turns cold and frozen. I love the color going on outdoors already, and I can’t wait to get out there and take some photos. When I do, I will likely post some of those goodies to my new photography site, amiratzlaff.com (if you’re into that sort of thing, give it a bookmark!).
I have a few different collections, mostly things that other people don’t really get into collecting. There is something comforting in valuing items that are special to only you. My favorite collection involves hoarding vintage greeting cards wherever I can get my paws on them; usually garage sales and thrift stores. I’ve been debating about whether to start an Etsy shop selling them, since the collection has gotten a little out of hand. The problem I face is… I don’t know if I can bear to part with them! What unique things do you collect? 
This is actually quite belated, but they are so cute and so “fall,” I wanted to get them out there. My dad came up to the Flint Hills of Kansas last fall and took our engagement photos. It’s so nice having professional photographers in the family… Actually he is so talented it was difficult to just pick a few images to showcase. You can check out his other work at www.farneyphoto.com (do it!).
Those who know me well know of my continual quest to seek and enjoy delicious fried ice cream. Unfortunately, I know of only two restaurants with the ability to make proper fried ice cream, Annie’s Santa Fe and some place in Duluth, Minnesota. This wouldn’t be a problem if all the Annie’s Santa Fe locations I know of (Topeka and Kansas City) weren’t closed and if Duluth wasn’t 708 miles from Manhattan. If you order fried ice cream at most restaurants you’ll most likely receive non-fried ice cream covered in corn flakes.
…but there is hope! As many of you know Ami and I are getting married. Since people getting married need things from Target and Dillards, friends and family like to shower the bride and groom with gifts. Not a bad deal from our current perspective. Just so happens a Cuisinart Deep Fryer was one of those gifts (thanks Julie and Brett!). One can do many things with a deep fryer: the first thing Ami and I chose to do was fry up some ice cream.
We haven’t perfected the process yet, but on our first attempt we’ve gotten much closer than Carlos O’Kelly’s has ever come. What they say just might be true…If you want something done right, do it yourself.
There’s nothing like watching Rachel Dratch in the first season of 30 Rock drunkenly exclaim “Happy Valentimes!” — except maybe watching Rachel Dratch while eating a heart-shaped meatloaf. You heard me.
"I would do anything for love"
Ami and I are engaged! We had a fantastic weekend…. Friday night Ami drove in from Lawrence and we had dinner with Amy and Brian at the newly opened (and extremely busy) Olive Garden. Saturday (May Day) we pondered various home improvement strategies (what’s more romantic than paint samples and yard lights?), took Zoe on a walk, enjoyed the beautiful weather, ate dirt cake, drank champagne, dined at Harry’s (delicious), then went back to my house where I proposed. Sunday we met our parents at the Brookville Hotel in Abilene and had yet another delicious meal …and more champagne.
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| Engagement |