June is off to a good start ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday! ♥

We have arrived at the end of a beautiful week here in New England and so far, June has not disappointed me.  After a rainy and stormy Memorial Day weekend, the sun is making up for lost time.  

I've been having my coffee on the porch this past week, watching the birds, with the sweet smell of lilacs in the air.  I can't help but think about the bitter cold winter we had and how I thought it would never end.  So much snow!! And now here we are.  This is why I love the changing seasons.  

There is always something to look forward to.  

I need to come back out here with my clippers later this afternoon and snip some of these before it's too late.  Unfortunately, the season is short.  Blink and you'll miss it! 

This week was a busy one, but I did make sure to get outside and enjoy nature as much as I could.  I've been walking every night after dinner.  Right after I do the dishes, before I've had a chance to even sit down (because if I do...forget it...it aint happening :).  I live at the top of a hill so if you walk in my neighborhood, it's a workout - which I guess is the whole point since it's the only real exercise I get.  

I really like that time of day to walk. I believe it's called twilight so naturally...  It's nice and cool because the sun is setting and it seems all my neighbors are busy doing their dinner dishes or watering their plants or walking their dogs.  It's a cozy time.  And you know me, if I'm going to "work out" it has to have a cozy aspect to it! Lately I've been listening to music (mostly 80's pop) because that gives me a pep in my step up the long hill to my house.  If I go around twice it takes me about 20 minutes and it's a solid mile.  I'll take that.  Then it's back home for my nightly cereal and chocolate chips. I know, it doesn't seem right, but I am who I am : ) 

Tomorrow we will be attending my nephew Anthony's high school graduation.  

Last year was John and now it's Anthony's turn.  

These two have been best buds forever! ♥

John has always had a special relationship with his cousins.  With him being and only child, they have always been more like siblings to him.  

Julia, Sophia, and Anthony.  Such great kids and I'm so grateful for them! 

They've always supported each other! 

And love to spend time together! 

Tomorrow we'll celebrate Anthony! He's the last of the cousins to graduate. 

How time has flown! ♥

The forecast is expected to be warm and sunny (not too hot, but better than that...no rain :) 

Sunday will be my day to relax.  My social battery will no doubt be drained by then.  Rob and I will go to an early mass and hopefully out to breakfast.  He doesn't know it yet, but that's the plan! lol

The rest of day I would like to sit on the porch, sip iced coffee, and do some reading....at least for a little while anyway. I can already picture it in my head and I can't wait.  

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend too! ♥

Happy June! xx

John's Prom! ♥

Good Monday morning, friends! ♥

It's a coffee on the deck kind of morning.  I'm sipping away watching the birds. I know I have a busy day ahead of me, and this is a nice way to begin.  

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  It was another busy one for us as we prepare for John's graduation in just a few days.  Thank you to all who reached out to and left lovely comments about my last post.  I'm realizing that feeling sad is normal.  I had a good cry with Rob on the phone on Saturday and after that I felt much better. I said how sad I am that things are changing and how life is "so different now." One thing about me...I hate change.  He understands that and gave me the pep talk I needed. He told me all things that I already know.  Yes, things are different, but that doesn't mean it's bad.  So much good is yet to come. And adult John is so much fun (and just as wonderful as baby John), which so many of you shared with me too.  Adult kids are awesome in so many ways.  I started decorating for the party, ordered the cake, and started to feel excited again.  I can do this! (she said to herself in a questionable voice...:)  My mom always told me that I'm stronger than I think I am.  Maybe she was right about that. 

Anyway, on to happier things.  Friday night was the prom!  John and his beautiful date, Liliah, had a wonderful time! They were blessed with great weather too! Nice and sunny! 

Do they look lovely?! She's a doll too! ♥

John opted to wear a suit instead of a tux, which some kids do nowadays.  

Who knew?! ♥

 

They met at another friend's house to take pictures.  One of the moms sent me this.  

I think they all look amazing! ♥

The class meets at the school and they have a "red carpet" situation before boarding coach buses to take them to the venue.  

I think it's great because no one has to drive. 

A moment for the tie... Yup, that's Elvis (of course!) ♥

He has a collection of different ones that he got from his uncle and fellow Elvis enthusiast.

They come out on special occasions! 

They had a great time!  I was so happy for him! ♥

It will be a busy week with more activities as we count down to graduation on Saturday. 

My mom's roses and peonies have started blooming and I think that's a sign that she's watching over us.  

Hi Mom! ♥

I hope you all have a happy Monday! I'm going to pour another cup of coffee, get dressed, and get some work done.  

I hope the sun is shining on you today.  Can you believe it's June already?! ♥

XOXO

Happy June 1st! Catching up ♥

Hello Friends. Happy June 1st! ♥

It's been hot and humid the last few days.  Today we are expecting rain.  It's gray and gloomy out there but I don't mind.  I love a good rain storm and it's been awhile since the last one. 

This was my POV just a few minutes ago.  Sipping coffee and waiting for the rain.  I have a busy work day ahead but am trying to start my mornings a little slower these days.  I drink my coffee, say my prayers, watch an episode of I Love Lucy or read a chapter from my book, and then get down to the business of the day. Lately I've felt like "groundhog day" with everyday being the same.  I'm starting to feel a bit of shift now and it's nice.  

 

We are officially entering the slower pace of summer and I am here for it.  School is winding down and getting a little less hectic.  I'm tired of rushing around all the time and welcome the break. 

Plus in my mind summer is one step closer to fall and that makes me happy.....but I won't go there just yet.  For now I've adorned my rooms with summer and beach scented candles.  I'll be patient and save my pumpkin pie spice for September....maybe August...we'll see!  : ) 

Candles = cozy ♥

My flowers and plants are doing quite well this week.  They are loving the extra sunlight and I am loving how they make me smile every day.

I've become quite addicted to plants and have put them in every place possible in my home.  

Oh hello bathroom plant! : ) 

Outside the summer flowers are blooming.  They love the dewing morning.  

 It's peony season!  

You must enjoy these quickly because they don't last long.  

Aren't they beautiful?! ♥

This past Memorial Day weekend we celebrated quietly, just us.  We went for a walk on the beach to look at the boats and got ice cream. I made hot dogs (a summer must!!!) and a easy cherry cobbler that we picked on all weekend.  It's amazing what you can do with a can of cherry pie filling! 

I'm a ketchup girl! 

Delicious cherry cobbler! I got the recipe from Pinterest (here) 

Nothing but blue skies and summer dreams ♥

On our summer bucket list we have a plan to try an new ice cream place every weekend if possible.

We kicked it off at one of our favorite local places that makes homemade ice cream. I picked a chocolate that had strawberries and white chocolate chips swirled in. 

Not my usual and it was Heavenly! 

I can't wait for next week ♥

  

Summer in a cup! 

And here I am, fiddling with my Instagram....probably much too old for selfies but I can't help myself.  I love a good filter, don't you?! 

My favorite quote of the week.  I am capable.  We all are ♥

  

Have a lovely Wednesday, friends!!! Happy June! It's summer! ♥