Don't Act Like You're Not Impressed . . .

The summer has been flying by way too fast and we've been so busy! (So many fun things to do and so much wonderful summer foods to enjoy!) We apologize for the lack of posts, hopefully we'll start picking it up again pretty soon.

Karl played in a triples volleyball tournament in Oshkosh a couple of weeks ago. We camped out the night before. Karl grilled

us some brats on our tiny grill, I found the most amazing marshmallow roasting stick ever and we made "Karl Roth's" and "Claire-belle's" for dessert. (I'm sure Karl can expand on that later.) We got a bit of a weather delay Saturday afternoon but it was a fun day.

We've been getting trout from the Farmer's market every weekend and have been grilling it once a week. It's been amazing and I think we've got Jane hooked on it too. We've mostly just been eating seasoned and breaded but we also tried it in fish tacos and it was excellent.

The garden has been doing well. We're going to be overwhelmed with cherry tomatoes once they start ripening and we're already up to our ears in cucumbers. If you're interested in a jar of pickles - let us know. I think our pepper plants are going to produce one pepper per plant, hopefully. Those darn rabbits . . .

We just got back from a trip to Crested Butte, CO. Karl's dear friend, Andrea, just got married this past Saturday. It was beautiful, truly. The ceremony was so sweet and sincere and the backdrop was magnificent. We had our wonderful time and met so many wonderful people. If it wasn't for the nine months of winter, we probably would've stayed.

It's Time You Know the Truth

I have a problem. An addiction actually. It's been going on for about five months now. Since March, I think. Karl has been very tolerant, very supportive. So have our families and the close friends that we've shared this with. But I think I'm ready to share this with everyone.

I am addicted to Bloom. Mostly the whoopie pies.

Bloom is an adorable bake shop in downtown Middleton. They are amazing. I often find myself slowing down when I drive by their store, staring longingly into the windows. Wondering if I should stop in and just see what they have. (How many whoopie pies is too many? I'm not sure there's even an answer to that question.) Sometimes I sit in my parked car outside, wringing my hands together. "Should I go in? I just ate two whoopie pies yesterday but I'm going to be gone this weekend, maybe I should get some more." Every day is a battle for me. Annemarie's delicious treats have taken over my life. I've lost my sense of self control.

Sundays and Mondays are extremely stressful days for me. Bloom is closed.

Every so often, Karl surprises me with a box from Bloom. Those are some of the greatest days of my life. I slowly open the box and peek inside and decide what to try first. (Yes, he gets me more than one treat at a time.) I usually try the frosting first, to decide which whoopie pie I want to eat first. And then, when I've had my first hit, I close my eyes and slowly rock back and forth as I enjoy the last few bites. It's an addiction.

Explore my addiction at http://www.bloombakeshop.com