It's July! Thinking of my mom on her birthday ♥

Hello Friends! Happy July! ♥

We have officially entered the dog days of summer! It's hot, we've celebrated July 4th, we've eaten hot dogs, and gone to the beach.  We're in deep!  Some of us "autumn loving" people are already thinking about pumpkin spice, but because we don't want to get lynched, we're keeping it to ourselves...  

For now, we're living our summer dreams.  

For me that means staying nice and cool in the air conditioning: )  

But before I continue, I have to ask...did you see the Strawberry moon last week?  

She was magnificent. 

I was pleased I remembered to go outside and look for her.  So many times I fall asleep or completely forget to look at the moon.  

Not this time ♥

That made my week, but anyway, on to July...♥

To put it bluntly....it's been hotter than the equator here.  It was officially a heatwave with temps over 100 for three days straight. UGH.  I kept trying to remember how freezing cold I was in January with snow up to my eyeballs every time I wanted to complain, so I wouldn't dare : ) 

This is summer in New England. We're used to it! lol 

My hydrangeas are loving this weather btw! 

And I spotted my first tomato! Yay! 

For the 4th we were invited to our friends Dave & Lisa's house. We had burgers, hot dogs, and margaritas!  It was fun!! 

I brought ice cream sandwich cake. It's so easy to make.  All you do layer ice cream sandwiches with caramel sauce, hot fudge sauce, cool whip, and freeze.  It's sooooo good.  

I packed it in ice so it wouldn't melt on the way to their house! 

 I posted the instructions on my blog the last time I made it.  I'll link it here. 

So easy and always a hit! ♥ 

 Ice Cream Sandwich Cake 

YUMMMM! (and no baking required! :) 

The fourth of July is also my mother's birthday.  It will always be her day. She would have been 84. 

 I was missing her a lot over the weekend. 

My entire life our 4th celebrations always revolved around her.  As a kid we would have big family cookouts with fireworks and a cake for her.  When I got older, no matter where I was, my day would always end at her house (now my house) to have blueberry pie and watch the POPs on TV. 

A celebration every year, for America and her ♥

This was on July 4, 2023.  She passed only a few months later.  

I remember being upset that my blueberry pie bubbled over. She said it was perfect and tasted delicious.  

That's how she was. She was just happy I was there ♥

This year I made a blueberry cobbler for me and my Dad, just for my mom (she loved anything blueberry). 

  Yesterday I sat out on my deck with a cup of tea and the leftovers for lunch. 

I added ice cream for good measure.  

I'm sure she would have approved ♥

When she was a little girl her Dad used to tell her that all the fireworks in the world were just for her birthday - and she believed it!  I've always loved that story 🎇

  

And once again we are back to Monday and a new week.  The 4th has come and gone and now we'll try to enjoy the rest of summer before it fades away into fall.  This week I have lots of work to do, meals to make, and piles of laundry that need attention. We are expecting rain tomorrow (we desperately need it) and I'm quite excited for a rainy day.  I'll have candles lit and the coffee pot will be working overtime.

 Its finally cooling off a bit and we can breathe again.  The rain will help clear the air too.  

I hope you all had a Happy 4th and are enjoying the beginning of July.  

Can one stay cozy in July? I'm here to tell you they can!  

I do. Stay cozy my friends ♥

 

Thoughts on a Wednesday: missing my mom ♥

Hello Friends and happy Wednesday! ♥

It's been a weird week for me. I've been thinking of my mom a lot. I think it's the holidays of course and we are almost at her two-year anniversary. That's so hard to believe.  The other day I saw someone (who from behind) looked exactly like her.  I think that triggered something in me as well. 

Last night I had a dream that I was very sad.  Everyone around me was ignoring me.  I felt I had no family. No friends.  And I was crying.   I went into my house and saw my mom in the kitchen.  She was wearing her apron and was at the stove cooking something. She saw that I had been crying and asked me if I was catching a cold.  She offered to make me tea and something to eat.  I instantly felt taken care of. The kitchen was warm and cozy and I could feel all the sadness inside me fade away.  I was so happy because I knew deep down that she loved me. And even if nobody else did, she did.  

And that was enough for me ♥

  

This is the time of year that we would go to craft fairs together and go Christmas shopping and out to lunch.  We'd plan the holiday menus and decide who's making the pies (it was always me!).  Now I do those things by myself. I AM the mom now.  It's such a strange feeling that I know I'll never get over.  But I must be strong and carry on.  I will.  I'm glad I have my memories.  

And my dreams ♥

Happy Birthday Mom ♥

July 4, 2023

Happy heavenly birthday to my mom.  She would have been 82 yesterday.  I spent the day cleaning and organizing some of her things here at home.  As hard as it was to part with things, it did make me feel close to her to be surrounded by things she loved. It will be 7 months tomorrow that she's been gone and I still have a hard time believing it. 

  I hope she had a big piece of blueberry pie and a cup of tea with her loved ones on her special day.

 

Love and miss you so much, Mom.  I'm thinking of you always ♥

Xx

Wednesday Ramblings: Living with hope ♥

Hello Friends.  The sun is shining today and that's a reason to celebrate.  So far March has been very gloomy, rainy, and cold. It feels a bit warmer today. We are getting there, inch by inch! As you can see I made the mistake of bringing Easter candy into the house. Jelly beans and Cadbury mini eggs. 

I must be insane : ) 

I don't know about you, but I'm still trying to adjust to daylight savings.  Sunday I just couldn't get it together, and I'm sure it was from lack of sleep and stress for a hundred things that went wrong last week.  I had car trouble, we had a dryer malfunction, my Dad wasn't feeling well (thankfully he's better), and all that combined with a bad haircut I'm trying to work through....anyone would be cranky, right?! 

But then Monday came I tried to turn it all around.  I dug deep in the basement and brought up all my mother's spring and Easter decorations.  I ran around the house for an hour while my Dad was at a doctors appointment and set out all her pretty things.  It made me sad...yes, but happy too.  My mom loved decorating for the season and spring was one of her favorites. I felt she would be so happy to have all her things out and on display.  I did this at Christmas time and was so sad.  This was a different kind of sad.  I felt her close to me and that made my heart full ♥

I'm hosting Easter this year (in two weeks!! ) and instead of dreading it (like Christmas), I'm looking forward to it. The only thing my parents wished for is to have all their family together, and it's happening.  I'm working through the pain by planning a nice brunch menu, putting on my mom's apron, and getting to work.  I took a lot of shortcuts this past Thanksgiving and Christmas (I have NO REGRETS) but for Easter I'm going to try to cook everything myself because that's what I love.  And it keeps me busy!  There will be about 20 of us so I thought a brunch buffet might be a little easier than a sit down dinner. So let's see....eggs, maple bacon, home fries, baked French toast with fruit, blueberry muffins. How does that sound?  For the "brunch" part of it I thought I'd try the ham and cheese sliders on Hawaiian rolls that are all over the internet.  You brush the tops with butter and put them in the oven so the cheese gets all melty. Have you tried them? I'll bring out my mom's pretty dishes and we'll have coffee and tea and I know she'll be there with us.  I really believe that ♥

These are the things I think about during the day to keep my mind occupied. I had to go into work for a little while this morning.  One of the BEST parts of going in the office (and I'm not even kidding) is the selection of coffees we have in our kitchen for the Keurig machine. Bear with me.... Today I saw they had pumpkin spice.  It's my favorite and I know it was sign to CHEER UP Danielle!  I made a big cup of it and brought it to my desk.  The taste reminds me of my friend BJ, who is the only other person I know who drinks PS year round like I do.  I remembered sitting on her deck last summer, overlooking the lake, sipping coffee, and talking about everything and nothing, and I was so happy. It's funny how ordinary things like that become core memories that bring you comfort.  You don't realize it when it's happening. But it happens.  And I'm thankful for that ♥

I am trying to live every day with HOPE.  Some days it's a battle, but I'm learning.  Learning not to be fearful. There is always something to be grateful for.  

Always ♥

Have a wonderful day friends!  And if you have any brunch ideas or tips please send them my way.

Love you! Byeeee! Xx

3 Months Today...♥

♥

Hello Monday and Hello March! ♥

Good Monday morning! ♥

 I'm starting this Monday off with my usual Maxwell house coffee and a cinnamon donut.  My Dad always picks up Dunkin Donuts after church on Sunday mornings. I saw this beauty still in the box this morning so I scooped it up before someone else did. I don't mind day old donuts because they are perfect for dunking.  It's just what I needed to start the week. As you have probably heard me say, Monday's and I aren't besties.  Donuts help : ) 

Well, happy March friends!  It's hard for me to believe it's almost the start of a new season...without my mom.  Time is marching on.  This past weekend I put away the last of my winter decorations and brought out spring.  Where Easter is in March this year, St Patrick's Day and Easter and getting a bit mashed together, but that's OK.  I thought about my mom a lot as I decorated.  How the season will be different.  I'm hosting Easter this year and I think she would be so happy about that.  I wish she was here. I really do. 

It's been warmer these last few weeks and it's getting lighter! We are only a week away from Daylight savings but I can already see a difference.  It's not so dark in the morning and it's still light out while I'm cooking dinner. 

We're getting there ♥

I saw the first signs of life in the yard too! These are daffodils. They will be blooming by Easter.  How lovely to think about that.  This winter has been so dreary, I'm looking forward to seeing color for a change.   Flowers make everything just a little bit better, don't you think?  

♥

Speaking of flowers, look at this beautiful table my mother in law set for us last week?  We stopped over for lunch and a catch up.  She made us meatball sandwiches (that were delicious!) and we talked for a long time.  I love a long lunch.  They don't happen enough these days.  

I'm so very grateful for my in laws.  We are going out to dinner with them on Saturday night for a very belated anniversary dinner (for our 25th that was in October).  I'm just excited to get together.  We picked a nice restaurant and are going to dress up.  

I need to find an outfit 👗to wear. 

In other news....♥

John is in a Beatles phase right now.  He loves music. All music.  From Perry Como to Harry Styles. I’ve never seen such variety in music taste before.  I love it.  As of late he’s listening to the Beatles.  And when I say “listening to” what I mean is “studying”.  He studies.  The music.  How it’s written and played.  It’s what I hear coming down the halls. It echoes through the house.  It’s nice. It’s the soundtrack of my life this week.  Today I woke up to Yesterday and Let it Be. I drank coffee to Hey Jude (one of my favorites). On the way to school I heard Blackbird and I almost cried because it was so beautiful. I love it when as song does that to me. What a gift they gave us.

 On Saturday we stopped by the music store so John could get at replacement guitar string. We were there for over an hour.  I used to bring him here for drum lessons for years when he was in elementary school. 

Now he plays guitar and piano as well. He has had amazing music teachers who have taught him so much and I really feel it's affected everything in his life.  

.

Lately he's been talking about a career in music.  

Who knows what the future holds, but I'm excited for him ♥

Here's a rare selfie of me at work last week.  I was in a good mood because it was warm out and I was wearing polka dots! LOL

♥

 

After work I treated myself to a Shamrock Shake at McDonalds!  I don't go there much anymore but there are certain things I must have.  And in March it's a Shamrock Shake and a fish sandwich.  I'll go back at least one more time before Easter! 

 

And here's how we spent our Sunday.  Did you know you could "check out" puzzles at the library? You can! Which is the perfect solution to the question "what do I do with it once it's done?"  Return it!  This one is 1000 pieces and Rob thinks I'm crazy, but really, we are all enjoying working on it together. 

We started this one yesterday while watching the We are the World documentary on Netflix.  Have you watched it yet? It's excellent!!! And will take you right back to the 80's! :)

♥

Well, I'm off now to get some work done now.  I'm all cozy and settled in my home office today.  I've got a pot roast in the crock pot bubbling away for dinner tonight (what a feeling that's done!) and I'm just about to pour myself another cup of coffee.  Happy Monday friends! Thank you for visiting.  I'll be posting on here much more often now and I'll be visiting your blogs too.  I've been busy the last few weeks with things around the house and (UGH) taxes.  Thankfully all that is done now ✔ 

I'm thankful to have this space to share with you ♥

Be back soon! Byeeeeee! xo

A quick catch up after being SICK! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

I'm back from a short absence on here due to the flu completely wiping me out.  I went from feeling a little "under the weather" to a full blown old fashion flu.  The kind you remember as a kid when all you did was lay on the couch drinking flat ginger ale out of a straw watching The Price is Right.  That was me. And it was rough. It hit our entire household, one by one, including my dear 84 year old father.  I'm HAPPY to report we are currently all healthy and normal life has resumed! The house has been aired out, Lysoled, all linens laundered, and surfaces cleaned. The first thing I did once I felt a little better was bundle up and go for a winter walk.  It has snowed last week and the air was so fresh and clean.  It was cold but I loved it.  Then I came in and put a banana bread in the oven. 

It was just what I needed.  Not only did the house feel extra warm after being out in the cold, it smelled like heaven.  I put the tea kettle on and that's what I call a perfect afternoon (or close to it :).

♥

On Sunday I started adding a few touches of Valentine's Day décor around the house.  It's nice to see the pops of pink and red.  Everything has been bare for the last few weeks which I don't mind a bit, but it did feel cozy to see some color.  There will be more to come.  Next week is Rob's birthday and after that I'll finish decorating for Valentine's Day.  This also means two cakes.  One for the birthday and one for Valentines Day. One is definitely going to be chocolate and I think the other will be coconut.  TBD. 

**These are the things I thought about while on a steady rotation of DAYQUILL and NYQUILL** 

 

I've been going through some of my mother's things. It's an ongoing process that is very bittersweet.  My mom was a teenager in the 50's and has a collection of many things from her childhood.  I think that's why I have such an affection of that time period.  I grew up hearing all about it and how wonderful and fun it was. My parents always told me that the film American Graffiti was exactly like how it was and they have such fond memories of growing up during those "good old days."

 Last year she gave all her Elvis records albums to John (she was a HUGE fan).  Knowing how much he loves Elvis, she knew he would take good care of them.  I grew up listening to all these records on our living room stereo.  She has some gems in her collection.  Bobby Vinton, Ricky Nelson, Dean Martin, and my favorite of the bunch...The Platters! ♥

I can imagine little teenage Patti Fumorla in her bedroom listening to "Only You" on her record player while pin curling her hair.  I love it.  I've played them all and they make me feel closer to her.  I'm smiling more than crying and that's a nice feeling. 

I'm sending you all some love today!  I hope you are all healthy and taking good care of yourselves.  If not, your body will tell you to slow down.  I think that's what happened to me.  I had no choice but to listen and now I'm feeling better.  

♥

As someone who usually loves winter I'm looking forward to the springtime more than ever.  Warmer days, green grass, and flowers. I'm thinking about Easter and what that will mean to me this year.

Only a few months to go.....we'll get there! 

Love you! Stay cozy! xoxo 

♥ 

Hanging in there (and an apple swirl cake) ♥

Hello Friends.  Happy Friday!  ♥

I had the weirdest experience yesterday.  I thought I heard my mother calling me.  I was upstairs and I could swear I heard her calling me from the kitchen.  It was her voice. When I realized it wasn't I felt two things.  Happy because I remembered what her voice sounded like.  I never want to forget it.  But then I felt sad because I realized she wasn't there and she'll never call me again.  I've felt empty ever since.  I don't know what to do with these feelings except let myself feel them. So that's what I'm doing.  Letting myself feel them.... ♥

 

I've been feeling under the weather this week anyway due to a cold so maybe the Dayquil has something to do with it.  I'm trying to get as much rest as I can and stay cozy at home.  That's not hard to do.  I have so many things on my to-do list that did not get done this week but I'm not stressing over it.  Those days are over.  There's always next week : ) 

We managed to finish off the apple cake I told you about on Monday.  It was my mom's favorite.  She gave me the recipe.  There is something special about it that people can never put their finger on.  I'll tell you the secret ingredient....it's orange juice!  I've shared the recipe before, but in case you missed it here it is.  If you want to put your oven on and let the smell of apples and cinnamon waft (is that a word??) through your home, then bake this over the weekend.  

It's soooo good! ♥

~Apple Swirl Cake ~

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2 cups chopped, peeled  apples
3 tbs sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1/2 cup orange juice
2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Mix apples, 3 tbs sugar, and 1 tsp cinnamon in a bowl.  Set aside.

In a large bowl combine 2 cups of sugar and oil. 

Beat in eggs, orange juice, and vanilla.

In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Add to creamed mixture a little at a time.  Beat until smooth.

  

Pour 1/2 batter into a greased bunt pan.  Add the apple mixture on top of the batter.

Pour the rest of the batter on top.

Bake for 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. 

Cool for at least 10-15 minutes in the pan before "doing the flip".... 

Turn onto a rack to cool completely. 

**I made a quick glaze with confectionary sugar and apple cider and drizzled it on top **

I wish she was here to share it with me. 

But I know she's here's watching over me.  I guess that's the next best thing.  And how wonderful it is that I can bake her recipes and share then with the people I love (like you! : ). 

So this is where I've been most of the week.  On my couch, watching tv, while the sun sets through the blinds.  I'm not gonna lie, I usually love the winter.  It's my favorite season, but this year I'm longing for the warmer weather.  How long until Spring?  

♥

(Not pictured are tissues and a hot mug of something.)  

I made this yummy soup this week too.  We finished it up last night.  It was a chicken soup and I added a few handfuls of spinach for an extra boost.  I want to make more soup this weekend.  Sick or not, it's soup season.  Don't you just LOVE soup season? Me too ♥

And here's my current view off the back deck.  The river has thawed and is very high due to all the rain we've had.  This morning there were so many geese out there.  It was definitely some kind of meeting!  Maybe they are getting ready to fly south.  Something  I wouldn't mind doing....lol 

It's nice and still now.  

I'll leave you with this beautiful poem I found on Pinterest.  

It made feel happy and sad at the same time. A feeling I'm going to have to get used to. 

I hope you all have a nice weekend.  We have more rain on the way!  I'm getting a needed haircut tomorrow morning and then putting the rest of my Dad's Christmas decorations away.  

On Sunday we are going to my mother in laws for a nice dinner.  It's very cozy over there and I'm looking forward to it.  I'm sure there will be a fire in the fireplace and something delicious on the table. 

Hugs to you all and thank you for all your nice comments and support here and in IG 

I appreciate it with all my heart!

XO ♥

My Mom ♥

It's hard for me to comprehend that I am actually writing this, but I wanted to let you all know, my friends and dear readers of this blog, that my mom passed away last week.  As you know she had been sick.  In and out of the hospital for the last few months and as hard as she tried, her time came.  The time to be with her family, my sister, her parents, and all her friends that went before her.  She's happy now.  Not sick or in pain.  She's finally at peace. 

It's been very difficult for us.  I still can't really come to terms that this has actually happened.  Everyone is telling me in time it will get better.  I know that's true, but right now it's tough.  It's long days and even longer nights.  My heart breaks for my Dad, who cared for her day and night.  It's quiet now and the house feels empty.  I miss my mom. I always will. 

She died on a Wednesday.  It snowed that morning.  It was the pretty kind of snow that lightly covered the trees.  I remember looking out the hospital window thinking how pretty it looked and how she would have thought so too.  We spent the whole day with her that day, talking to her and holding her hand.  She knew we were there.  And then, after we all left and she was alone she drifted away.  I can imagine the joy she felt to see my sister again, who she missed so much.  She's dancing now, strong, with two legs.  We'll be ok.  It will just take time. 

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers over the years.  It has meant so much to me (and to my mom, who was my biggest supporter of this blog). 

XO