Well hello there and Happy Friday! It’s time for another edition of “Friday Five,” where I share five things going on in my life lately, no recipes required. 😉This one is a special one (see #5) so let’s get started…

1. 42 years…

Earlier in the summer I celebrated another trip around the sun. I used to feel weird about getting older, but these days I embrace it. Growing old is a gift, but also, life feels full of joy in the best ways lately. That said, I could do without the extra wrinkles showing up uninvited. 🙃 I spent the day with those I love, and even made it out to my favorite place for a margarita (and the obligatory sombrero photo)!

2. Hummingbird Happiness

I’ve fallen head-over-heels in love with the hummingbirds that show up to our feeder each day. This hummingbird feeder (Amazon link here) is quite possibly my most favorite purchase this summer. Watching these little birds zip in and out for nectar has been so fun. I cannot stop (won’t stop!) taking photos and videos of them, even though every picture and video looks almost exactly the same.

3. Summer Fun

My son spent his last day of school in the hospital, with another round of chemo still ahead of him as summer began. We didn’t make any big plans, and that turned out to be exactly what we needed. We spent countless days at the pool (his favorite place to be), and snuck in a couple of weekend getaways — one to St. Joseph, Michigan, and another last-minute trip to Door County, Wisconsin.

Right now, I’m trying to soak up every last bit of sunshine before the season shifts. He’s mostly excited for 5th grade, and while I’m never quite ready to say goodbye to summer, I’m also craving the routine that comes with back-to-school.

4. A little getaway to Galena

My boyfriend (Todd) and I took a little trip to Galena, Illinois which is a picturesque small town in the northwest corner of the state, not far from the Mississippi River. It’s known for its historic charm, beautiful rolling hills, and an adorable downtown area.

We stayed at the Jail Hill Inn, the most charming bed and breakfast that used to be the town’s jail. I had never stayed at a B&B before, but it was great. Every detail was so thoughtfully done and the jail theme was sprinkled in throughout — like the black and white striped robes!

The innkeeper was incredibly kind and attentive, and each evening, a curated charcuterie board and bottle of wine were delivered to our room. Such a thoughtful touch! And breakfast? Absolutely delicious and SO MUCH food.

We spent our time wandering the downtown area, eating way too well, people watching, and intentionally climbing stairs (if you’ve been to Galena, you know!) to feel slightly less guilty about it all.

Where We Ate (and drank) in Galena

• Fritz and Frites Bistro (he had steak and frites, I had chicken schnitzel, we shared some kind of chocolate cherry dessert that was incredible!)

• Log Cabin Steakhouse with the largest pepper mill I’ve ever seen! (he had a bone-in New York Strip, I had filet mignon, we shared cheesecake)

• Breakfast at our B&B (bananas foster oatmeal, chocolate almond croissant (not pictured), veggie quiche with twisted candied bacon and potatoes)

We also did a root beer tasting at Root Beer Revelry and a tour at Blaum Bros. Distillery.

What I’ll Remember Most

• The flowers, card and chocolates that Todd had waiting for me in the room when we arrived–it was incredibly sweet and thoughtful.
• The laughs we shared — especially as we sat on a park bench to people watch. So many laughs!
• Gratitude — an overall feeling of gratitude. I am feeling so thankful for the incredible man in my life, and the wonderful grandparents who spent time with Miles so that I could take a couple of days to just be.

5. My son is DONE with chemo!

I saved the best for last, and it truly is the happiest news I’ve shared in a long time: Miles is DONE with chemo!

If you read my post from earlier this year (How Cancer Changed Everything Again), you know that Miles was diagnosed with cancer in February. It came out of nowhere and hit especially hard after losing my late husband to cancer.

Miles’ cancer was linked to the medications he takes to prevent rejection of the liver and kidney transplants he received as a baby. It’s a rare complication called post-transplant lymphoma, and unfortunately, we found ourselves facing it head-on.

Thankfully, Miles responded so well to treatment. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about the moment he rang the bell to mark the end of chemo which is something his dad never had the chance to do. That moment was simultaneously full of joy yet heartbreaking at the same time as I thought about those that don’t get to ring the bell.

Ringing the Bell!

On that day in June, Miles rang the bell for him and his dad.

While we’re deeply grateful to be through treatment, there are still hurdles ahead as Miles works to feel like himself again. Physically and emotionally, all of this was a lot for him (I’m lookin’ at you steroids!!). The steroids have been brutal. I think it’ll take time for both of us to recover but right now I am feeling so much relief and so much hope for what’s ahead.

Throughout the last six months we were surrounded by the love and support from family, friends, and even complete strangers. I will never forget the ways that people showed up for us both big and small.

Thank you…

On that note, I want to take a moment to thank you!

Thank you so much for being here, for reading, and for sending support from afar. Whether you’ve visited my site, tried a recipe, shared it with a friend, or simply left a thoughtful comment, please know how much it means to me. 

Have a great weekend.

❤️Ashley