{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, sometimes you like to walk around the house shirtless after doing push ups and sit ups. I think this is AWESOME. Dear Cafe Brazil, thank you from the bottom of our pancakes for our FREE breakfast yesterday. We couldn't have been more grateful. Dear October Eve, can't wait to celebrate you tonight with costumes, apple cider, and Charlie Brown's Great Pumpkin Escape. Two fist pumps for being my favorite month. Dear Husband, you are the Fletcher of my Corny Dog, the tornado of my taters, and the ferris of my wheel. T-minus 7 days until we hear Big Tex say, "Howdy Folks."

Team Loerke wants to know what's your favorite thing to eat at the fair?

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, after dropping almost 2grr into the Fart Box yesterday I was thinking we could possibly start renting it out as an extra bedroom. Any takers? Dear Favorite Coffee Drink, some people refer to you as a Dirty Chai, Soul Soup, or Tiger's Eye. I never order you by these names because I fear the barista won't know what the hell I'm talking about. (Insert three Buehller's here). Dear Foundation Group, after much expectation and anticipation we finally get to meet you tonight. Our house = dinner, leg kicks, dessert, fist pumps, life maps, jazz hands. WE'RE GONNA LOVE YOU. Dear Husband, Exhibit A: Old Man Flash Face and Loerke Catch Phrase. Exhibit B: One laughing wife who wanted to cry. Job. Well. Done.

In honor of it being National Coffee Day today (thanks T.Jett!), what's your favorite coffee shop? And if you'd like to humor me with other ways to order a soy chai with a shot of espresso I would be delighted.

{The Freelance Whales}

Some of you may remember this video I posted a few months ago featuring The Freelance Whales. Here is their latest masterpiece offering exclusive versions of "Generator 1st Floor" and "Generator 2nd Floor." (You can thank me later with lots of fist pumps and baked goods).

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, this morning you offered me moonwalk lessons before leaving for work. Thanks for helping my body dance as awesome as it looks in my brain. Dear College Students, rumor is this blog is responsible for you failing your exams. We don't know if we should say "awesome" (as in oh, sheet) or "FREAKIN AWESOME!" (as in you still think we're young enough to kick it on campus). Dear Color, sometimes I forget how wonderful you are until I visit the farmer's market and want to buy every eggplant I see. Dear Husband, did you know the colder the room you sleep in, the better your chances are of having a bad dream? Reason #568 why we should leave the thermie set at 95°. To the moon!

What was your biggest distraction in college?

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, when carrying groceries into the house you don't like to make more than one trip. This used to drive me crazy until I realized it was a game. #manshallnotbedominatedbygroceries. Dear Perfect Fall Weather, thanks for being cold enough to wear pants. I was getting tired of shaving my legs. Dear Oktoberfest, this weekend you filled our bellies with Warsteiner, brats, and sauerkraut. Two fist pumps for getting us to shake our Spätzle and sing OomPahPah till our hearts content. Dear Husband, yesterday you rode your invisible bici around the house while doing wheelies and skid stops. For real. Why you gotta give me another reason why boy roommates are the shiz?

HAPPY FREAKIN MONDAY!

Only 4 more days until we celebrate October. What the?

{The Wild Hunt by The Tallest Man on Earth}

Because with Fall comes new beginnings.

{Upside Down Apple Skillet Pie}

In honor of Fall we decided to kick off the weekend with an upside down apple skillet pie. Because we think anything baked in cast iron tastes UHMAZING. We also think the uglier the pie the better it tastes.

Serving Size: 2 (We used a small 6" cast iron skillet given to us by our Papa).

Ingredients:
2 large granny smith apples (pealed and thinly sliced)
1/2 stick butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbs flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
pinch of salt
sugar for dusting
1 Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust (comes in packs of 2)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425° and set aside pie crust to thaw.

2. Combine butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and sliced apples in a medium bowl. Mix well to coat.

3. Heat a 6-inch cast iron skillet over medium high heat and add pie filling. Once the mixture begins to bubble, spoon off a tablespoon of the liquid and set aside.

4. Next, unroll the pie crust over the skillet (we cut ours down slightly to fit). With a wooden spoon push down the edges of the crust into the pie. Cut steam slits in the crust, brush with the reserved liquid, and sprinkle with sugar.

5. Bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 1 hour before serving.

Serve with a scoop of Blue Bell Vanilla Ice Cream and you'll make this every chance you get!

"Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness."
- Jane Austen

{Husband's Letters}

Husband's Letters: Dear Mrs. Loerke, I like our deal. I fall asleep in the fort while you write and then you wake me up when it's time to go to bed. That way we still get to fall asleep in the biscuit at the same time. Dear Mace, while cooking on Monday I accidentally used you in my recipe instead of curry. I think you make things taste like wood. Thanks for being the reason Emo and I got to eat cake for dinner. Dear Future Job, each day I think about you and get more excited than a kid in a candy store. Thanks for waiting on me while I finish up school. Dear Little Football Fan, you wear your Farve jersey every Sunday even when he's not playing. You are the most loyal person I know.

Love,
Husband

HAPPY FREAKIN WEEKEND!

The Mr. asks: What's your favorite thing to cook?

{Today's Letters & Reason #981}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, reason #981 why I love Thee: you taste my coffee before me so I don't burn my face off. Dear Heavy-Heartedness, sometimes you hit me sideways but then I see things like last night's harvest moon and am reminded that all is well. Dear Papa, today is your 63rd birthday. Sending you a virtual homemade coconut cream pie with a 3 egg mar-an-gue. (To be eaten for breakfast of course). Dear Husband, yesterday marked the end of your 5th rotation. This left us no choice but to celebrate with a late night shakies run to Sonic. SO. PROUD. OF. YOU.

{Dust On the Ground by Bombay Bicycle Club}

Three fist pumps for Crouch End, London for producing such a great band. Love. this. song.

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, Saturday you built a fort. So far we've spent time in it each night talking and eating Oreos. I love this. Dear Holiday Paper Chain Countdown, everyday we come home from work and tear off one of your rings. This makes me wanna drink my Ovaltine and sing Fra ra ra ra ra, ra ra ra ra. Dear SARK, reading your book Inspiration Sandwich changed my life in college. Ten years later it's still inspiring me to find my creative freedom. Thank you* Dear Husband, wanna take me on a hot date to the McKinney Oktober Fest on Friday night? (circle YES or NO). Ten bonus points if you wear your lederhosen.

HAPPY FIRST DAY OF AUTUMN!

{Loerke} Interviews

Some of you may remember from our list of {10 Things} That Have Made All the Difference that Tim and I regularly like to interview each other. It's amazing what you can learn about a person when you just take the time to ask! That said, we thought it would be fun to share with you the answers from our most recent interview. By doing so we hope to accomplish two things 1) that you'll get to know us a little better and 2) offer hope to any kids from the 80's who used to rock thick rimmed glasses. You can still turn out okay.

MEET TIMOTHY JAMES LOERKE

1) What are you normally doing on Monday's at 6am? It depends on my rotation schedule. Last month I was rolling out of bed to turn off my alarm. This month I'm making coffee in the French press and reading.

2) What's your favorite beer? Lately, Left Hand Milk Stout but I also secretly love Guinness with a shot of espresso.

3) What skill do you hope to one day master? I'd like to be America's next Master Chef. Not really, but I would like to learn how to be a better cook. Specifically, I'd like to learn the skill of chopping onions like a ninja.

4) If you had a free round trip ticket in the U.S. where would you go and what would you do? I would fly to Oregon and go rafting and fly fishing with my buddy, Brett. I'd also help him finish building the retaining wall in his backyard.

5) What are three things that give you life? The medical field, spending time with you, and being places where all I hear is the wind and rushing water.

6) What makes you cry? Injustice, those suffering loss, and watching people accomplish their dreams.

7) What is one adventure you'd like us to experience before we die? Climb Kilimanjaro.

8) If you could be friends with anyone famous who would it be? It would have to be Tony Romo. I know, I know ... people think he's become too "Hollywood" but I think he's still a true dude at heart.

9) What is the best book you've read this year? The best book I'm "in the process of reading" is Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I'm sad to say that I have only finished one book this year, primarily due to the time I spend learning and reading about medical things.

10) What's your LEAST favorite chore? Dusting. Enough said.

BONUS QUESTION: What are your favorite pair of kicks? My bleach-stained house shoes.

MEET EMILY ANNE RICHMOND LOERKE

1) What's been your favorite thing about blogging? The friends it's allowed me to make and the conversations I've had. I also love that more people are doing fist pumps & leg kicks. (Check out this month's issue of Bon Appetit, pg 84).

2) What keeps you up at night? Creative ideas and the sprinklers. Sometimes your snoring, but mostly the sprinklers.

3) If you could have one superhero power what would it be? I'd like to be able to speak every language ... does that count as a superhero power?

4) If you could take a trip around the world in 80 days what would be your preferred mode of transportation? A Vespa with a sidecar. Final answer.

5) What was your favorite TV show as a kid? Fraggle Rock even though the Trash Heap terrified me.

6). If someone paid you 1,000 dollhairs to ride a roller coaster would you do it? No. I've never been on a roller coaster and have no desire to get on one. I'm scared of heights, even more than I am of eating meatwad.

7) If you could give your readers one piece of advice what would it be? I'd tell them not to get discouraged. There are a ton of GREAT marriages that look nothing like ours. Be yourself and work hard at studying your spouse or significant other. And don't forget to make time for the things and people you love.

8) What about being a parent are you most looking forward to? (Besides watching you be a dad), teaching our kids how to fish, skip rocks, and make Woobie capes.

9) What is your favorite article of clothing? My Patagonia R2 fleece. It feels like Grover.

10) Where would you want to go if we went on a Backroads cycling trip? Tuscany, Italy or the North Island of New Zealand.

BONUS QUESTION: What would be the "hero" of your ideal backyard? An organic garden with a studio for writing and taking naps.


Don't forget to follow us on Twitter for photos and updates not posted on the blog!

Today's Letters receives over 38,000 page views per month and would love to rock your small business or website under our RECOMMENDATIONS heading. Be sure and email us if you're interested in receiving an October rate sheet!

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, yesterday you asked if we could hang a tandem kayak in our living room. Reason #246 why boy roommates are AWESOME. Dear Extra Butter, Sir-Mix-A-Lot and I thank you from the bottom of our biscuits for making all things magical. Dear Fall Concerts, Sufjan, Mumford & Sons, Ray LaMontagne, and The Freelance Whales ... so grateful to have a husband who appreciates live music more than new clothes. Dear Beloved, Friday night's hot date was kind of the shiz: an outdoor movie, $5 cheese wheels, FREE Stella & Barefoot Wine, great weather, and lots of laughs with Brooke Fish & Co. Love you more than flux capacitors and Marty McFly!

HAPPY MONDAY!

{It's Kind of a Funny Story Movie Trailer}

Three reasons why we want to see this movie 1) we remember the stressful demands of being a teenager just like they were yesterday 2) a rock star cast (who doesn't love Emma Roberts, Jim Gaffigan, and Zach Galifianakis?) and 3) Tim used to work on a psych unit. Nuff said.

RELEASE DATE: OCT 8th, 2010.

Ps, Tickets for Ray LaMontagne's Dallas show @ Nokia went on sale this morning. Click HERE to getchu some.

{Husband's Letters}

Husband's Letters: Dear Mrs. Loerke, just the other day you held up one of our heirloom tomatoes and told me it tasted like the sun. I don’t even know what that means but I like it. Dear 239 Days Left of PA School, you have come so far from 1,020 days. Pretty soon you will be no more and I’m happy to say, I will not miss you. Dear Couples, I never knew how much fun tacos, babies, ping-pong, dance parties, and rap-offs were until last night. So blessed to have friends who refresh us with laughter. Dear Little, your new hair cut reminds me of a willow tree with all of its flowing layers. You are more beautiful than the foliage of the Fall.

Love,
Husband

HAPPY FREAKIN WEEKEND!

A question from the "Mr": What do you love most about Fall?

Ps, to the sweet reader in Springfield who sent me an email yesterday, somehow it disappeared into cyberspace before I had the opportunity to respond. Jazz hands for you if you can resend.

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1.02.28

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, recently you decided to organize the mountain of clean clothes on your dresser into sleeping outfits for the rest of the week. This was to avoid having to put them away. Reason #245 why boy roommates are AWESOME. Dear Stranger on the Katy Trail, yesterday you said good morning as we passed you on our run. Thanks for changing the direction of my day with those two simple words. Dear Friends, remember our coffee giveaway from a couple of weeks ago? Check out this sweet review written by one of our winners. Makes me wanna hold up a gigantic sign saying, "I'm the luckiest Twinner alive!" Dear Husband, yesterday you brought me home a Michael Jackson cupcake wrapped in a paper towel. This photo is proof that you are still the best gift wrapper I know.

PS, 100 days until CHRISTMAS ... what's the best gift you've ever received?

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1.02.28

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke PA-S III, yesterday you texted me this picture with a message that read, "Just checking in on you." Look out Patch Adams, there's a new joker in town. Dear Lost Maples State Park, because you were listed as one of the the Top 10 Fall Foliage Destinations in the US, you left us no choice but to plan a backpacking trip for October. CAN'T WAIT. Dear Outdoor Movie, already looking forward to hanging out with Doc and Marty McFly on Friday night. Will be sure and bring our lawn chairs, blankets, and radiation suits. Dear Husband, love you more than homemade banana pudding and watching you work out. Both are d-to-the-licious.

Much continued thanks to those who follow the blog. I love knowing who you are!
Ps, what are your "must haves" for camping?

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1.02.28

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, yesterday your surprised me at work with a chocolate shaky on your lunch break. Thanks for choosing to date me even though you already got the girl. Dear Mom, recently you called to say your favorite part of dusting is finding the petrified Cheerios Twinner and I used to cram into your dresser. I loved this. Dear New Boobie Baskets, SAYONARA SWIMSUITS. There's new support in town. (Insert Nina Simone's song, "I Got" here). Dear Beloved, did you know that your sneezes often exceed 100 mph? This is why you can't keep your eyes open when they rocket out of your body. To the moon ...

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1.02.28

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, last night we had dinner with a couple at Eno's who drove up from Tyler to talk about marriage. Two fist pumps for good food, three leg kicks for great conversation. Dear Peyton Manning, even though you lost to the Texans yesterday you still earned my fantasy football team 41.32 points. I HEART YOU. Dear Australian Blue Pumpkins, this weekend you had us singing pumpkin carols at Whole Paycheck with Charlie Brown. Beyond delighted to see you again. Dear Husband, I always know when you've been doing laundry because of the bleach marks on your house shoes. Pretty sure you've never looked so good in polka dots. Over and out.

HAPPY MONDAY LITTLES!

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1.02.28

{Timshel by Mumford & Sons}

Only 53 more days until the Mumford boys come back to Dallas ... Favorite line: "Death can steal your innocence but not your substance." This maybe might have been the reason why Husband and I listened to this song on repeat for over 2 hours last night while we cooked dinner. We kind of heart these guys.

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1.02.28

{Meddlesome Moth}

Last night we ate dinner at Meddlesome Moth with our friends Jonathan & Stephanie Tyroch (pronounced tie-rock).


We can't say enough good things about this place (or our sweet friends).


Located in Dallas' Design District, Meddlesome Moth serves food that will fill your bellies and make your hearts sing. The four of us split a hummus plate, sweet corn rolled in lime mayo, cotija cheese and chile powder, and shrimp & grits.


Husband and I also shared a Capt. Keith beer flight which had us throwing fist pumps left and right.

If you're ever in Dallas we highly recommend enjoying a night with good friends at the Meddlesome Moth. It won't disappoint!

XOXO

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1.02.28

{Husband's Letters}

Husband's Letters: Dear Author of Today’s Letters, I think I might start high-jacking your blog on Fridays. Just sayin. Dear Dudes of the Man-A-Thon, you have left me with sore muscles from hours of wiffle ball, a sunburn, and a heart full of quality memories from my favorite guys. Dear 86 Year Old Male Patient, I hope I'm as healthy as you and can one day tell young fellas like myself, “There isn't a place in this world I haven't visited.” I maybe might have a grandpa crush on you. Dear Mrs. Green Thumb, where did you learn your mad fruit display skills? Maybe it's the succulent but I think you might have a future at Whole Paycheck.

Love,
The Mr.

And as my sweet Emo would say ... HAPPY FREAKIN WEEKEND!

What are you most looking forward to?

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1.02.28

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, yesterday morning's rainstorm woke us up at 5am. We couldn't remember what day it was, so we decided it should be Friday. And a lovely
Wednesday
Friday it was. Dear Selfishness, sometimes I wanna junk punch you all the way to Cambodia. Will keep working on you ... Dear Twinner, yesterday you passed your first kidney stone while on a 5 hour flight back to CA. Pretty sure you deserve an infinite amount of leg kicks for being the bravest vegan I know. Ps, Missing you* Dear Husband, you remind me of my favorite tree; strong like an oak but humble enough to let your branches hang low. Love you more than Willows at the lake.

Ps, Yesterday I announced on Twitter that the Mr. will start writing letters on Friday's. Get ready for PURE AWESOMENESS!

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1.02.28

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, before we met I had never tried jalapenos on my omelet, looked at someones ear drum with an otoscope, or had an appreciation for Connick, Sinatra, and Fitzgerald. You introduce me to so many wonderful things. Dear Israeli Melon, three points for tasting like a cantapear, two points for being our new favorite after dinner snack. Dear Organized Bookshelf, you make me wanna ride my invisible horse around our office while shouting, "I'm alive! I'm alive!" That's all. Dear Husband, sometimes you like to cook while wearing your conductors hat. This always makes me smile.

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, this weekend you and 12 of your college buddies played 30 innings of wiffle ball, did back flips into the river, dominated RBI baseball on NES, peed outside, and ate your weight in burgers & brats. So thankful for Man-A-Thon. Dear Open Windows, falling asleep with you + The Innocence Mission = onesweetwaytoendtheday. Dear College Students Who Read This Blog, sending you lots of virtual Ramen and fabric softener. The two things I was always out of. Dear Husband, you are my afternoon kiss and the man who leaves me notes reminding me to wear my rain jacket. So blessed to call you Beloved.

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1.02.28

{Lull by Andrew Bird}

In honor of my new Andrew Bird softy (and Husband who came back from the lake looking like a lobster).

Happy Labor Day.

{Today's Letters}

Today's Letters: Dear Mr. Loerke, last night you FaceTimed me to see if the tie you had picked out matched your shirt for work today. Two points for creative use of your iPhone, three points for being. so. darn. cute. Dear Brookside, after 20 years Ashley and I finally had a reunion at our favorite childhood stomping grounds. Thanks for the Topsy's limeades and for letting us walk down memory lane on The Dime Store's creaky hardwoods. Dear Papa, today we stuff our belly's with wings from The Peanut, visit Mrs. Blackwell's Thrift Store, tour the Boulevard Brewery, bake a coconut pie, and enjoy a night on the front porch with the neighbors. CAN'T WAIT. Dear Husband, you are the second half of my Zman sammy and the empty space in my biscuit. Missin you so ... Ps, two fist pumps and a leg kick for camping with your boys!

HAPPY FREAKIN WEEKEND!
What are you most looking forward to this Labor Day?

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1.02.28

{Husband's Letters}

Husband's Letters: Dear Mrs. Loerke, thank you for introducing me to the amazing music of Nathaniel Ratliff, Josh Garrels, and Ray LaMontagne. Without them I'd be falling asleep while studying. Dear Fart Box (aka my ride), I think your days are coming to an end. Won't be long before I have to put you on life support. Dear Readers of Today's Letters, thank you for reminding Em and I the importance of pursuing one another. It is hard work, but completely worth it. Dear Little Emo, you left me specials beneath our giving tree. I miss you already!

Love,
Husband

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1.02.28

{Day 2: Operation Rejuvenation}

Yesterday morning I woke up early and got to do one of my all time favorite things: RIDE MY BICI (pronounced b-see).


My dear friend WMBM kept me company which made riding all the more wonderful.


She outclimbs me on every hill but somehow I still feel like I can conquer the world. She's kind of amazing like that.


To this day I still haven't found anything more PEACEFUL than being on two wheels while riding around the lake. I LOVE IT.


After my ride I stopped by my favorite nursery. Because I think dirt underneath my fingernails is AWESOME.


I was finally able to replant some of our overgrown succulents & herbs. Three fist pumps for having more room to shimmy & shake.


Later in the afternoon I spent time writing letters to dear friends. The Twinner and I have always LOVED getting mail. Perhaps this is why she wants to name her first dog Mailbox.

T-2 hours until Scout and I make the 9 hour drive to Kansas City. Praise the Great Lion of Judah for good music.

HAPPY FREAKIN SEPTEMBER, LITTLES!