Just like spring sprung and then summer swelled, it’s almost time for autumn to fall. I know it’s technically summer still, but for me, it feels like summer is over once school starts. The third week of August was back to school for our little one. It was exciting for us, as always, but more so because he is now in middle school. I know he’s going to be a much more busier student since he’ll have a lot more on his plate than he’s had before leading up to this big move. I am so excited for him!
The start of the school year was only one of the many special and fun things that happened in our August. There were more and we’ve shared most of them on this blog so let’s head on to the recap.
FAMILY
Hubby talked more of his mountain roots of which he shared some in July. That trip to a family reunion in July with his brother was not only fun for him, but enlightening as well and memorable.
His love for family is almost the same as his love for books as well as his love for the game of baseball and movies. In his posts, The Cincinnati Reds’ “Big Red Machine” was a Juggernaut and Shoeless Joe, a Tragedy on the so-called Field of Dreams, he talked about books and also his most favorite baseball movie, Field of Dreams. You ought to know by now that he is indeed a HUGE baseball fan.
The three of us headed to the west side of the city and got a glimpse of our soon-to-be oasis. Dream big, right? 😉 I was delighted when I found out that the 2015 HGTV Urban Oasis that is up for grabs is located in Asheville and there was nothing more exciting for me than seeing the beautiful bungalow up close and personal.
FOOD
It is always a delight when hubby’s good friend is in town. Ironically, his friend is married to a Filipino, giving them even more in common, and he now makes his home back in my country. He never forgets to pay us a visit and give us a treat. This time around, he took us to the best seafood restaurant in Asheville, The Lobster Trap. What’s good about that is we all love seafood so we all had a hearty dinner and a very enjoyable night too.
I love using my slow cooker and I was amazed when I stumbled upon a Slow Cooker Lasagna recipe. I’ve baked lasagna before, but I didn’t know I could actually cook it using the slow cooker.
Then of course, I’ve got to have my native food or I will go crazy. LOL. Just kidding. Both the Pork Afritada (Braised Pork in Tomato Sauce) and the Nilagang Baka (Filipino Beef Stew with Clear Broth) are perfect for the cool weather. Fall is beginning to show some signs so sharing those recipes are perfect timing.
TRAVEL
We didn’t travel out of town for the month of August, but we did get to enjoy what our beautiful little city of Asheville has to offer. We checked out LEAF Downtown Asheville. It was the first time that they celebrated it in downtown Asheville and being there was just so cool. We definitely had fun under the heat of the sun!
Aside from taking us to a sumptuous dinner, hubby’s good friend took us to a neat place before that – at the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar. For the hubs, it was heaven. In his own words, “It was the best of two worlds.” If you could only have seen the look on his face once we entered that place. 🙂
Lastly, I’ve been seeing all those beautiful flowers on the side of the road along the interstate and they always make me happy. Little did I know that there are more reasons in using plants to beautify places. It was such an enlightenment.
And that was it.
The “ber” months start today and it always makes me excited because aside from the fact that fall is my favorite season, the holidays are my favorite time of the year. And it makes me feel like a little kid looking forward to the holidays. Not only that, today, the first day of September, is a special day for me. You’ll find out soon. 🙂
How was your August?
Sounds like August was a great month for you. I remember reading about the LEAF and wished I could go to it too. Fall is on it’s way and enjoying what we got now is always a great way to have a positive outlook on life.
Looks like you had a fabulous August. August for us was a very busy month. I look forward to slowing down and getting back to our routine!
The Lobster Trap was a great article. It made me so hungry. Dang it. Now I’m hungry again!
Although I am sad to see summer go, I am excited for the fall, too. It’s my favorite season and I love pumpkin flavored EVERYTHING!!
Fall is my favorite season too. I just love the beautiful foliage. 🙂
My August was a bit of a challenge. I started my dairy-free diet and my daughter had been through a lot already. 🙁 Anyway, I love Filipino foods and I hope you can travel more! 🙂
So good to know that you love Filipino foods, Jo. 🙂
I always love reading these recaps! It looks like you went to some lovely places, and got to eat some lovely foods.
Thank you, Dawn. We did get to eat superb foods and went to some lovely places in our beautiful little city. 🙂
It sounds like you had an enjoyable month!! I am sad that summer is over too! My kids head back to school on Tuesday and I can feel the relaxation and fun simmering down as we prepare!
The Lobster Trap sounds like a place my family would really enjoy. It’s awesome that your husband’s friend took you guys there! Great posts last month!
Thanks, Liz. It was really awesome. He’s such a nice guy. 🙂
August was a busy month for you. I remember all these post and even tried cooking NIlagang Baka after seeing that post.
Sounds like August was a good month for you! I am excited to see what Fall has n store for me. 🙂
I dislike reading food blogs when I am hungry!! Pretty sure you can hear my stomach from over there! Sounds like you had a great month!
What a great month of August for you guys! For sure September will be awesome as well.
I know how you feel and I am the same way, when school starts, summer seems to be over. The weather here right now validates that feeling. Last week was chilly!
It feels like summer is over for me as well. I spent the last month getting my Daughter ready for her first year of college. It has been an exciting yet busy month.
I love recap posts. It’s great to be able to see some of the things I may have missed. I should really start doing those too!
It’s the same with me, I feel summer’s over once my boys go back to school. Looks like you had an awesome August! Will look forward on how your September will be. 🙂
We didn’t go anywhere in August either. That’s okay though, it was one of the best months we’ve had thus far. 🙂
You had me at slow cook lasagna… Now all I can think about it making that. I hope you have a great September!
The ‘ber’ months is great! I never even thought of that.. i cant stop laughing! But seriously your summer sounded amazing! I can’t wait to start having summers like that! great post!
Sometimes it is great just to stay in our cities and enjoy it! Glad you had a great month.
Sounds like a busy but productive month! Working at a college my August is always filled with back to school stuff. Its fun but exhausting!
It looks like you had an eventful August. Hopefully September is just as fun.