Bar none to Bar some...and then some....

I have determined the trick to a long lasting relationship is access to nice wine and good spirits at all times. Wine solves everything.

Therefore it is necessary to have a stock the bar shower. Thank you to the Taustine's, Butler's, Lawrence's and Penta's for hosting a delightful party for us this past weekend. Jürgen wishes he could have been there, but alas the stage calls and that is where he was. Thank you also to all who attended! It was wonderful seeing all of you and catching up, and I am so blessed to have so many lovely people who are excited and supportive.

Here are some fun photos!

Everyone needs a nice Tequila! Thank you to Bo for keeping track of the gifts!

Everyone also needs nice wine glasses!

Cheers everyone! Thank you!

Opening Night!

This past week Jürgen opened the highly anticipated Chicago Shakespeare production Amadeus. The production values were wonderful and showcased some spectacular performances. Even better, Chicago Shakes knows how to throw a nice opening night party. Here are some photo highlights:
What do we think of the Jurg with long hair? Should he grow it for the wedding?
The Blurg!
Roni and Jurgen, pouting, for no reason. After all there was free champagne!

Some cast members: Phillip (aka Venticelli), Robbie (aka Salleri, aka Brilliant), Kari (aka Opera Singer), Mackenze (aka Saucy Maid)

Happy Birthday Roni!

September 7th marked Roni's ascension into year 28 of her high energy filled life. We were thrilled to be a part of the annual celebration. I am not sure how this tradition was started, but for some years now Roni always holds the festivities at the popular Italian restaurant Bucca de Beppo. Guests sit around a large table in the aptly named "Pope Room" and feast on dishes that are way to large to ever be considered acceptable. But alas, they are. We had a great time and managed to even get a photo, which we never do!
Happy Birthday Roni!

Pre Cana Shout Out!

For the month of August Jürgen and I had the pleasure of spending our Thursday evenings at the Chateau du Lisa et Keith. They, along with power couple Mike and Christa, hosted a four week long marriage preparation class, otherwise know as Pre Cana. If you are to get married in the Catholic church you are required to attend Pre Cana classes. You can opt to do the whole "curriculum" during the course of one day, a weekend long retreat, or do as we did over the course of a month.

It was such a wonderful experience. As our lovely hosts said "this class is really a gift you are giving yourselves" and we really do treasure this gift. It was such a special time to spend together, reflect together and learn together. It also didn't hurt that we got to spend our evenings with some kick-ass couples. Lisa and Keith, and Mike and Christa both have two daughters and are such lovely families. It was really inspiring to hear them talk about their marriages. We were joined by three other couples: Sara and Carl (to be wed in October at St. Clement…so soon!), Melissa and Scott (to be wed in January in Columbia South America…it will be so warm!), and Cristin and Ryan (to be wed in August at St. Clement…yay!). What a great group. Everyone was so funny, honest and open. They are all fantastic couples who will undoubtedly have beautiful weddings and a fantastic life together. Jürgen and I hope to organize a group outing soon!

I am kicking myself for not having brought a camera to capture a group shot. However I did find one image I felt best summed up the Pre Cana experience
Kinzie! While this is not a shot of the actual Kinzie, she certainly made our Pre-Cana classes exciting. For those of you who have not had the esteemed pleasure of meeting her just know she likes people, jumping on people and pre-cana.

Shower Time!

These photos and this entry are long overdue, but my mom just now got these photos to me, so what can you do? The week after Jürgen and I travelled to Louisville for our engagement party, I travelled solo to the ville to attend my first bridal shower. What a lovely time it was! It was co-hosted by Glen and Brittany (aka Maid of Honor) Hume and Mollie and Francie Mulloy. We gathered on the evening of July 6th at the Mulloy abode for champagne and desserts (a delightful combination, never fails) for a recipe themed shower. A truly memorable event and I am so thankful to Brittany, Mollie, Mrs. Hume and Mrs. Mulloy for being so generous and for throwing such a fantastic event. Thank you to all who attended...I hope you have been enjoying your recipes! I am enjoying mine!

To see all the photos visit: http://picasaweb.google.com/BlairBRobertson/RecipeShower070808

The lovely looking (and tasting!) cake

Brittany, Mollie and myself before the guests arrive

Ms. Strange helps me cut the cake, I was very stressed about messing it up. Thank you Ms. Strange and CONGRATS on your engagement!
Brittany helps me serve the cake. Way to take charge Brittany!
The present opening begins. I believe I will use this lovely platter when I have my much anticipated and talked about wine and cheese party.
My cousin Amanda Ganz puts her skills to good use to create a gorgeous bouquet for me to use at the wedding rehearsal. Amanda's one year wedding anniversary is approaching next month! Yay!
Brittany was a very attentive MOH and kept the present opening running smoothly and in an organized fashion.
KCD Buddies! Mollie Mulloy, Emily Albrink and Jenni Pollard (Bo we are sorry you left before this photo was taken!)
Us daughters and our stunning mothers!
Pretty Ladies: Mrs. Hume, My Mom and Mrs. Mulloy

Thank you all!!

More James Photos

Day three of Flanagan's Chicago Expedition was spent expanding our minds and stomachs. We traveled to Hyde Park to visit the Museum of Science and Industry where a fully functional "Green" home has been built in the courtyard of the museum. It is the most eco-friendly and efficient home out there and we had a great time exploring it. From the recycled deck, solar paneled roof, Chardonnay glass tiled shower and the dual flush toilets it was interesting to learn about how we can make changes, big and small, to make our homes more safe, efficient and enviro-friendly. If you are in Chicago from now through January 4th (hmmmm.....) be sure to check it out!

After the home tour, we traveled north to show James the Chicago History Museum, which is of course the site for our upcoming reception. We had a little too much fun with our camera on the old time El car.


Um...excuse me while I grope your leg and take your stuff.

After our museum trips we stopped at Chicago Oven and Pizza Grinders, a local haunt specializing in pot pie pizza. In a word: delish. After which we rolled ourselves home and tried to force ourselves back into hunger as we had dinner plans that evening with Ira. A few hours later we succeeded in making a yummy Summer bouillabaisse with smoky rouille. The recipe is forthcoming! Followed by more hoopla and another favorite game, Apples to Apples.

Mr. Flanagan has arrived!

The weekend of July 19th heralded the arrival of the infamous James Flanagan, creator of the word Blürg, and best man for the impending nuptials. Sadly we did not document our first night with James, but we will tell you it was filled with succulent mussels, fantastic beer, a rousing game of mini-golf (which Blair won by the way) and many games of Hoopla on Blair's deck, certainly waking the neighbors. Day two we spent the late afternoon attempting to see Lang Lang, a piano virtuoso at Ravinia only to have our plans thwarted by lack of parking (Blair was not pleased about this). Proving ourselves to be adaptable (well sort of in Blair's case) we instead payed a visit to the Chicago Botanical Gardens, which are actually located in Glencoe but let's not fight with semantics. It ended up being a lovely evening as the gardens are stunning and the weather was cooperative. Here are some photos of the day! More can be found at

http://picasaweb.google.com/jurgenhooper/JamesVisit

Blair calms down when she enters a beautiful garden
James heeds the advice: For your safety please do not climb on the fountain
Blair does not: Rock on!
Not. A. Good. Picture. At. All
Take two, much better!
James and Jürgen take time to "sense" the tree in the sensory garden.
An arty photo through the arches. So deep.
The esplinade. Kinda pretty if you ask me.
Look Ma, a catfish, can I touch it?

After our trip to the gardens, we drove back to Blair's abode and played more hoopla. Everyone needs to know about this game.

Happy 4th O' July (many days late)

(I am sad this photo is dark, but I like it nonetheless)

Alright I will admit that we have both been very lazy when it comes to updating the Blürg. We hearby solemnly swear to be better about this henceforth and promise to bring you many updates and images from the life of Blürg! Several weeks ago (I cannot believe it is almost August) Jürgen and I had the extreme priviledge to attend a fantastic fourth of July party held on the 16th floor of my dear friend, and voice teacher's, lovely condo in Chicago. Now it must be noted that for some reason Chicago always hosts their annual fireworks display on the third of July, not the conventional fourth day of the month. Why this is we do not know, nor did we spend much time speculating about it because there was much merriment to be had. Jürgen and I had the great honor of attending this soiree last year, and we were thrilled to receive an invitation this year. Thank you John and Pasquale for hosting such a lovely affair! Below are some pictures (which turned out to be very small) of the fireworks and the amazing view:

More Photos!

I could only upload 5 at a time and because my dad is a master photographer I felt I should post some more!


Group Shot! We had a great crowd.
Group shot from other end of the dining room
The "young folk" Blair the boy, Bo, Jürg, Blair the girl, Mollie and Scott!
Mom and some of her best friends-Glen, Denise, and cousin Meme
Last group shot of the eve (Mom, Bo, Blair x2, Jürg, Uncle Jamie, Mr and Mrs Butler and Charlie Bond!

The Wedding Website is up and running!

Hooray! The website is up and it looks AMAZING! We are so so so thankful for our dear friends Roni and Rick for taking the time to help us create such an amazing and unique site. They are such talented, funny and loving individuals. You must check it out: www.blairandjurgen.com

Jürgen and I got the idea to create a site like this from Roni and Rick. They created one when they got married and we absolutley copied some of their ideas (they say imitation is the greatest form of flattery). You can check out their site at www.practicalcooperation.com

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Roni and Rick, you guys rock!

Have an amazing weekend everyone! Check back often for updates in the world of Blürg!