We’re at the point of the summer we’re I inevitably start to panic that the warm nights and beach days are going to be ending soon and there’s nothing I can do to stop it. I try to soak in as much time outside as I can, drink a few too many fruity drinks or summery beers, get in as many outdoor runs as I can (even when I haven’t taken a day off in weeks) and wear shorts even when it’s a little too cool or buggy outside. Am I the only one who does this? Am I the only one who really really loves summer and doesn’t want it to end?

Anyway, for the first weekend since May, B and I didn’t have any plans going into the weekend. A few things on our to-do lists, yes, but no concrete, must-do plans. Which meant that we could do whatever we want! And we did.

Friday started with happy hour with a few coworkers. After happy hour, I found myself doing something I hardly ever do after a drink or two – went back to work and THEN made dinner. We had found ourselves with a TON of zucchini from our CSA and overzealous farm stand visit and they had to be used. So I cooked some of those and the pork tenderloin we had gotten at the West Side Market the week prior.

Pretty low-key night, followed by several episodes of Orange is the New Black. Shh, don’t tell me how it ends (I’ve heard this season’s ending is cuhh-raaazy) – but we only have a few episodes left.

Saturday started off as usual. Started off with a nice 6 mile run with B, followed by a trip to the Souper Market, the West Side Market and then Cleveland Tea Revival. Yes, I’m a creature of habit.

After the Market, it started raining a little bit so we spent the afternoon indoors. Meaning I got in some baking. Whatchamacallit bars (peanut butter rice krispee treats with caramel and chocolate – SO GOOD the recipe is here) and lemon blueberry bread!

Later that afternoon, B told me to grab a light jacket because we were going somewhere. Where? I had no idea. A walk? A picnic? We had bought some cheese and bread at the Market so I was sure we were going to walk to the water for a snack.  Was I right? Not really – we ended up getting in the car and driving to Wine Country in Northeast Ohio!

First stop – the Red Eagle Bar and Distillery next to our favorite winery. We did a tasting of their bourbon, rye and vodka. I ended up getting a ginger bourbon drink they had on special which was great!

Next stop – South River Winery. South River is my favorite winery that B and I have gone to together and we enjoyed some flights, our bread & cheese and a great night to sit outside. The Polar Vortex (yes, it’s back) hit us this weekend so it was a little chilly but the rain had let up for us. The South River property is beautiful – it’s a nice somewhat quiet winery (they don’t allow tour buses, etc.) and it was great to enjoy a snack and some wine on a relaxing Saturday night.

A few hours later we decided it was time to head back downtown and grab dinner. We stopped by Sushi 86, which pretty much made my night. Baking, running, wine, cheese, and sushi? I think I had the perfect Saturday.

Sunday was another relaxing day- I went to watch B play softball, but the game was cancelled. So we decided to use the time to clean the apartment (meaning B cleaned the apartment) and I got to go for another run, this time about 7.6 miles and around Ohio City. I ran to the Hingetown Market which had a great showing.

After a lazy Sunday, we enjoyed a perfect summery meal at B’s parents house. Ribs, corn, and ice cream.

Is there a better end to a no-plans weekend?

Now it’s your turn! Some questions for you:

1. When was the last time you had a no-plans weekend? What did you do?
2. Do you make your own ice cream? What fun flavors do you make?
3. What’s your favorite type of sushi?

Do you have a favorite wine?

Do you like bourbon or rye?