Happy Halloween

"Dashapiress"

"DARTH"

NIGHT MOVES

I HOPE YOUR HALLOWEEN WAS FREAKY

Dasha Cooks

My very first Pork Loin with Orange Glaze

Pork, the other white meat

Amazing, I know

BUT

Yours truly actually cooked tonight

I made my first pork loin

And if I may say so myself...

It Totes Rocked!

Thanks Uncle K for the inspiration and the recipe.

Postcards from Heaven

Dene would often send me postcards from Karlsruhe - it was a quirky little thing she did from time to time to let me know I was not far from her thoughts. 

I still have them.

This week I received a very special & unexpected postcard in the mail from the Karlsruhe gang. It reminded me of that little habit of Dene. 

I am glad you miss me

I miss you too

With love from the Apple, Dasha

PS - weather is good

Get your kicks

On the Road

After all the family fun, me and Yahtzee took a short road trip across Route 66. Though the Mother Road is still in tact in stretches here and there (it was decommissioned in the early 80's), we did have to take Interstate 44 for to get to place to place -  but that sounds much less romantic.

We rode to from St. Louis to Branson & back again, making stops at several roadside motels diners/restaurants and historical sites.

One of the neatest spots was a part of old Route 66 where you couldn't even see Interstate 44. The old Vernellis's Hotel sign was still up and facing where the traffic once sped by - now off the beaten path. 

Vernelli's is actually still open.

The neighboring "modern cabin" park had a different fate....

It was difficult not to get lost at times... 

But we managed to find the worlds biggest Banjo and Rocking Chair

Though the Mother Road has disappeared in some spots, we very much enjoyed the ride and the interesting people that we met and got our kicks on Route 66

Mom's Side

Across the river lives my mom's side of the family. 

And last Saturday, my cousin and his lovely [now] wife were married at the Botanical Garden. It was an outdoor wedding and the backdrop and weather could not have been more beautiful.

The night before the wedding we met with close family and friends in the Hill. The food was fantastico (especially the pork loin) and the company was even better. 

The Groom gave his Dad and all the groomsmen ties.
I loved the orange and green colors.

A candid moment

Me and Dad

Ready Set Go

Siblings

Friends

Lovers

The day of the wedding everyone was a shutterbug, 

but these two were the professionals

We all dressed up for the celebration

Do you like my hat?

 And the parents of the Groom looked especially spectacular and classy

 My sweet little niece was the flower girl and came all the way down the long pathway by herself.  We were all so proud. 

Never mind that we did not deliver on the promise to have a cupcake waiting for her when she arrived.

We spent the evening dancing, laughing, eating (my Aunt's family made all the desserts) which included an amazing cupcake tree, italian biscotti and this awesome rice crispy bachelors cake

My Nephew also enjoyed the party!

All she wants to do is Dance! - My cousin & Dad

Besties

We were all tired from such an amazing day. Thanks for hosting us. 

We had so much fun and already miss you guys lots. 

xoxoxox

Our flower girl was wilting as the night wore on