Exciting News!

I guess I really need to learn how to sail now because...

You guys. We bought a boat!

Garrett and I are thrilled to announce that we are the new owners of a 1979 Rafiki 35'. Check her out!

We'll pull her out of the water soon to have a renaming ceremony to the new name, thisldu. It is, after all, what this blog is dedicated to.

Garrett and I have been planning to buy a sailboat since the fall of 2014. Since then, we've been learning to sail (him more than me), saving, and looking for the right vessel (non-stop). It's been our intention from day one to call this boat thisldu, the name that Garrett's grandfather gave his cottage. 

"This old thing? It'll do," inspired the moniker thisldu. Many a happy memory were made at that cottage, and we hope to create a lot more upon our sailboat under the same name.

Stay tuned for posts that will follow our projects (I can't wait to replace the interior upholstery, and Garrett wants to add a roller furling ASAP) and sailing adventures. Give us a follow on Instagram (@thisldu_) and on Facebook for updates!

Isn't she a beaut?

Sommerfest at the Mill Valley Tourist Club

We trekked through the blustering fog in the hills of Mill Valley, pulling our sweaters close and keeping our eyes down, one foot in front of the other on the dusty trail.

It was the middle of July, but might as well have been October.

As the fog cleared, so did our path. And then we made it. Our destination, the Nature Friends Tourist Club, was just a few short steps away.

Established in Austria in 1895 to bring families and nature together, Naturefriends has over 600,000 members globally. The Mill Valley chapter opens their doors to the public three times a year, for Mayfest, Sommerfest, and Kinderfest. We visited the club lodge for Sommerfest, and felt instantly transported back in time. 

I'd liken Sommerfest to what I expect of Oktoberfest in Munich. Women dressed in dirndls, men donning lederhosen. Steins of beer swinging to the music. Pretzels and bratwurst being passed around. Live music. Dancing. Merriment all around. I captured what I could in the photos below.

Keep your eyes on the Tourist Club's site and like their Facebook page for upcoming public events. It's definitely worth visiting when you can!

Chicago Architectural Tour

After taking the in-law's Chris Craft, About Time, out on Lake Michigan (read: here), the whole family got on board a much larger vessel in the much calmer waters of the Chicago River to take the Chicago Architecture Foundation boat tour. The architectural boat tour is a wonderful way to see the city and learn the history behind the beautiful buildings that make Chicago the architectural hub that it is. I definitely recommend the tour to residents and visitors alike!

Here are a few pictures from the tour, but I encourage you to go take the tour yourself!

About Time: Maiden Voyage

My in-laws live in downtown Chicago, so I'm lucky enough to visit the windy city a few times a year. Our last trip fell over the 4th of July holiday weekend and was filled with lots of laughter, lots of food, lots of drinking, and lots of time on the water.

After undergoing years of restoration, my father-in-law's 1956 Chris Craft was finally lowered in the water just before my arrival. Garrett, his father, and brother worked tirelessly to add finishing touches to Craft before the rest of the family embarked on its maiden journey into Lake Michigan on July 3.

The lake was choppy with 2-4' swells, so the maiden voyage was...quick. I had just enough time to snap a few pictures of the bright blue water and skyline in the distance!

Newport International Polo Series

One of my all-time favorite things to do is attend a polo match hosted by the International Polo Series in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. It's a perfect way to spend a summertime Saturday evening for anyone and everyone. Want to get dressed up and sit field side with champagne service? Opt for a seat at in the Alex and Ani Pavilion or a spot in the Positive Energy Polo Lounge. Want to throw down a picnic blanket and bring along food and drink for your family? Take advantage of General Admission. Looking to tailgate? Reserve a spot for $50-$100 and start setting up when the gates open at 1:00 PM. Really, there are so many ways to enjoy the Newport International Series, so do yourself a favor and just go.

We attended the USA vs Palm Beach match when we were in town this past weekend, and it was, as always, a perfect event. Our small group reserved a table in the Alex and Ani Pavilion, and are so happy that we did. There's nothing like sitting a mere few feet from a field of horses pounding by. The buckets of champagne delivered to our table didn't hurt, either.

The International Newport Polo Series is in its 25th season, and has upcoming matches against France, Jamaica, England, Morocco, and more. The series is home to the Westchester Polo Club, and with 31 countries visiting to date, America's first polo club has done well in its mission of connecting the local community to the the thrill and awe of this international game.

Here's what you can expect at a match: The game lasts for about an hour and a half, and is comprised of six seven-minute chukkers. There's a fifteen-minute half, during which you'll be invited to go out onto the field to stomp divots. You'll laugh at the accounts made by the snarky British commentator throughout, and you'll enjoy being a spectator of such a worldly sport. 

Have I sold you on it yet? Yes? good, I'm glad. Below are links to helpful information to help you plan:

• 2016 Calendar
• Admission Information
• Directions
• About Newport Polo

Below are some photos from the USA vs Palm Beach match: