We flew back to Kansas this past weekend to help my mom celebrate her 60th birthday. During a little downtime, I managed to share a piece of Kansas history with Keith by making the drive over to Abilene for an afternoon exploring the Eisenhower museum.

You all know of my love for presidential libraries. Despite having visited this one many times, I still enjoy walking through and learning a new tidbit or two. Unlike most other presidential libraries, the Eisenhower library and museum is more like a campus with multiple buildings, including his childhood home as well as chapel including his final resting place.

Every time we would sit down to eat at the dining table, I'd look over at my collection of cookbooks and cooking magazines and grow frustrated. I knew there had to be a better system that looked better. I also knew it was on me to organize them. It wasn't like Sammy was going to take care of it.

Here's a before and after. It's very subtle and I'm probably the only one that can tell the difference. You know? I'm okay with that.

You will notice the random canning jars full of our bourbon experiments have been properly disposed of. The box of glasses have found a new home. And what started as this humongous pile of magazines...

...was condensed down to fit in the right-hand pocket of the yellow folder. I'm sure it was because I had Sammy's assistance.

My cookbooks are not at all in the order I'd like for them to be. I struggled with keeping them organized by size versus type/cuisine grouped together. As you can see, size won out.

In a dream world, I'll have shelves like this...

Via

The cookbook corner was the first of many little projects I have on my list for organizing and just overall tidying up. Maybe the first signs of fall weather are giving me the boost I need to get things in order so we can properly nest for winter. How about you? Any little organizing projects you'd like/need to tackle?

Despite not having children heading back to school, it feels like Labor Day weekend brings the official end to summer. Although fall doesn't officially start for a few more weeks, I'm hoping to feel a renewed start when I return to the office tomorrow.

I'm ready to leave the summer behind. Summers at the office for me are filled with various deadlines while everyone else is enjoying time at the beach. I know I sound bitter. Don't worry. Keith and I have agreed that next summer we're going to escape even if it's just for a long weekend. Despite not sneaking out of the city, we managed to fit in a few moments of fun.

We caught a few Nationals games. (Thank you to the office for the great seats!) I took in the War Photography exhibit at the Corcoran Gallery; I highly recommend fitting that in before it leaves at the end of the month. We also ventured over to the northeast side of the District to check out one of the latest DC Breweries - 3 Star Brewing Company. I'm not much a of a beer fan, so I can't give you much. Keith on the other hand cannot stop raving about their IPA. Something about it being well-rounded and full of complex flavors, including apricot. Of course, there were weekends spent baking and time with bourbon. I hope your summer was good to you.

 

I don't know about you. I'm just eager to welcome cooler weather, spend my weekends watching football, and a break from the nonstop hustle at the office. Do you find a renewal with the change of seasons as well?