Although I try my best to live in the moment, I feel as though I have one foot planted in 2011 and the other stretched into 2012.  2011 was a great year:  in fact my husband has gone so far to say it was his best year to date, and I cannot disagree.  When I think back the most vivid memories are all the family moments we spent together watching our son develop as an ever-curious toddler.  Any parent knows the amazing transformation that occurs in a child in a year's time.  I also think of the times spent in the garden under the warm sun, spending time with friends, and some much needed quality time with the hubby.

So, to go along with everyone else out there I have a list of 5 top memories of 2011.  

5.  Girl's weekend in Colorado.

I spent a whirlwind of a weekend in Colorado with my girlfriends to celebrate our friend's marriage.  We were lucky enough to all stay in the same condo, so the weekend was filled with laughs, tears and lots of cheers!  

4.  Purchasing a share in a community supported agriculture farm.

Due to our limited space (that's the excuse I'm using), we just don't have the ability to grow a ton of produce, so this past year we purchased a half-share of a community supported farm, Nature's Road Farm.  It was AWESOME.  Each week we had a generous bag of fresh, local, and mostly organic produce delivered to our door step.  I will definitely do it again.  Man!  This picture is making me jones for some fresh produce right about now...been slim pickings lately.

3.  Crazy weather.

2011 brought some wacky wacky weather:  90 degrees in April, major hail storm in June, early frost and snow and we're finishing the year off with temps in the 50's.  

A major hail storm in June caused severe damage to hostas and other plants in my shady border.  

Huge limbs from a weak-wooded silver maple cracked and fell under the weight of an early snow in November.  

2.  Romantic Chicago Getaway.

Drew and I scampered off for a quick getaway to Chicago this fall.  One of our favorite bands, Widespread Panic played a Halloween show at the Aragon Ballroom.  This particular show marked the 15th anniversary of my very first show, ironically enough on Halloween at the Aragon Ballroom in 1996!  We went for the concert, but were blown away by the liveliness and beauty of the city.  We stayed downtown for the most part, and we were just a brisk walk or a quick cab to anywhere, it seemed.  Shopping, food and sights - it was the perfect fall romantic retreat.

1.  Summer.  Period.

As much as I love living in an area where I can enjoy all four season (to the fullest extent), nothing beats summer in my book:  c'mon I'm a gardener true and true.  I LOVE long days, warm sun, running through the sprinkler, blooming flowers, picking tomotoes and drinking beer on the patio in bare feet.  Enjoying all this with my family and friends is all I can ask for (and dream of during winter).  

There you have it - some of my most memorable memories of 2011.  Can't wait to keep 'em coming in 2012.  

Cheers and Happy New Year!