July days so far ♥

*picture taken in the wee hours of the morning when the sun was just waking up*

 

Hello Friends! ♥

I'm back from a short blogging break.  I've missed you and this space so much! It's hard to believe that we are 3 weeks into July already.  The 4th was not even 2 weeks ago but seems like a month ago! How have you all been?  The weeks since John's graduation have been a rollercoaster ride for me.  My Dad was in the hospital for almost 3 weeks.  He came home for a week and then he had to go back...thankfully just for a few days.  I can honestly say I've had my fill of that place (so has he!).  Not that he wasn't getting good care, it's just not a fun place to be. He's home now with visiting nurse services and that's working out very well.  He's getting stronger and (after some medication changes) is finally feeling much better.  He's up and about and today I took him to the barber shop to get a haircut.  He was quite happy about that and feeling like himself again. 

The shock of John's graduation has passed and now we are getting excited for the future.  He'll be starting community college in the fall and will continue working at the theater nights and weekends.  He enjoys working there, especially the perk of being able to see all the movies for free.  I am loving the idea of him commuting to community college.  It's a great way for him to ease into figuring out exactly what he wants to do without the pressures of a four-year university.  I think it's a great fit for him and I'm excited to see where he goes from here.  But like I told him, there's no rush so take your time. You have your whole life ahead of you.  There are many paths that can lead you where you want to go.  What's the rush? ♥

As for me, I'm trying to enjoy the summer as much as I can.  On Saturday night Rob and I took a drive to the beach. We got hot dogs and ice cream and watched the sunset. It's my favorite thing to do in the summer.  I don't like the heat and it's been so hot lately, but sunset at the beach is perfection to me.  I usually hibernate in the summer. I spend my days in air conditioning sipping on iced coffee, reading books, and thinking about Fall.  Just like I did when I was a kid.  Except now The Price Is Right is Hosted by Drew Carey instead of Bob Barker! (which still seems weird to me:)

I know, I know...it's early.  BUT I can still be excited about it.  It's nice to have something to look forward to, and I wait all year for pumpkin spice.  I really do.  

Ok, back to summer....but just know that this is always on my mind ♥

If you happen to pop by my house unexpectedly recently this is how you would probably find me.  Hair up, glasses on, and in my favorite housedress! Gifted to me by my friend who somehow knows exactly what I need exactly when I need it.  It's so comfortable! And not only that, I'm living out my I Love Lucy dreams because I can so see her in one of these.  Our mothers and grandmothers really knew what they were doing, didn't they?  I feel comfortable like I'm in pajamas yet put together at the same time.  I can answer the door or run to the gas station or do an errand without having to change.  I absolutely love it.  I need more of these in my life.  

#bringbackthehousedress 

House projects are a constant work in progress around here.  This is on the side of the house at the end of the driveway.  We are still deciding what to do here. What to plant, where to put it, etc.  For now, it's mulch and rose bushes.  There's a bird bath that I like to keep my eye on from the deck and that entertains me sometimes.  I'm embracing the idea of slow living and trying to be more present in everything I do.  It's a constant struggle for me but I'm trying.  

I appreciate the outdoors so much after sitting with my Dad in the hospital for weeks.  You miss the sunshine and fresh air. Unfortunately, it's been too hot to spend much time outside right now but I've had my moments.  Usually in the early morning hours.  Just me, the birds, and the bunnies : ) 

Back inside the house I'm surrounded by summer things:

Fresh fruit from the farmers market ♥

My favorite summer PJ's ♥

 

My plants that thrive in the summer sun ♥

Summer salads ♥

 And seafood!  ♥

Because of my Dad's health issues he's had to go on a strict low sodium diet which has forced me to become a little more creative in the kitchen.  Are you aware that pretty much EVERYTHING we eat has sodium in it?! UGH.  It's hard to work around that but I'm getting there.  He's not too happy about it, but his heart certainly is! 

I'll leave you today with a glimpse of this beautiful hydrangea bush by our front door.  It makes me smile every time I look at it.  

Happy Summer Days my friends! I pray you are all well. 

Have a lovely Monday and I'll see you soon! xo 

PS this pretty much sums me up in the summer! Just to confirm...I'm the one on the right : ) 

My weekend ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Monday! ♥

I hope you all had a nice and restful weekend.  We were blessed with beautiful weather (in the 70's) both days which made me very happy.  If only it would stay that way...but alas...I know it won't.  It's ok.  I'll enjoy it while I can.  I had all the windows open to let the glorious fresh air in.  I'm finding I do that more and more these days and I really like it.  I even sleep with my windows cracked now, even if it's on the cooler side.  I think the fresh air helps me sleep better.  Rob is usually freezing and I'm "just right." That's marriage for you.  Just wait until we put the a/c on! : ) 

I spent the better part of Saturday out here on my deck with my new little friend.  He really took a liking to that spot and would not leave.  I thought maybe he was building a nest or something because he seemed to be guarding the spot, but after further investigation I didn't see anything. I'm still not convinced.  I'll report back later : )   

I finished Darling Girls which I really liked!  

I hadn't read a good book in a while and this one got me out of my slump.  This week I'll head to the library to find my next read ♥

 I had run out to Walmart (which...going on a Saturday is like going into battle!) but I needed a few things and wanted to check them off my list.  First stop was to Dunkin Donuts to get the mango refresher.  

It's so good and really hit the spot! ♥

I've needed to repot one of my plants for ages and wanted to get that done this weekend.  I picked up this pretty one which is perfect for my kitchen.  Only $5 too - so the trip into battle was worth it.

*Not to say I don't love Walmart because I do. It's just MY Walmart (the one near my house) is very small and always crowded.  They never have enough people working there so it's a given I'm going to be standing in line for ages.  It's literally my worst nightmare.  All to save a few pennies on paper towels and dish soap, but I do what I have to do! I've been to super Walmarts that are so much nicer than mine.  I hope one opens closer to me one day. I can only dream!*

ANYWAY - I also picked up a few things for John graduation! EEEK! 

Today marks the start of his last full week of school.  As of Friday, that's it! Except for finals, he's done.  It's so hard to believe and SO exciting too!  

Next up is prom! ♥

This is one of the proofs that I got with his senior photos.  I didn't buy this one for his senior picture, but I really like it.  He looks so grown up! 

On Sunday it was such a beautiful day Rob and I had a little day date and took a walk on the beach.  The water and sky were so BLUE.  I needed to hear the sound of the waves and smell that salt air.  It's so peaceful. 

 And notice how there's no people?  Glorious! It won't be that way after Memorial Day so we're getting in our beach time now. 

We always stop and comment on those condos over there.  We dream about retirement and even toured the inside once a few years ago.  I would love to wake up to this view.  And Rob would never have to do yard work ever again! ♥

And so begins a new week.  I have to get better at meal planning.  I'm definitely slipping because It's already lunch time I have no idea what's for dinner.  My plan for the week is to work on staying organized.  With John graduation (and everything that goes along with that) coming up, plus my Dad's recovery (and everything that goes along with that) I've felt like an actual hot mess. I know I need sleep and am in dire need of a pedicure so I can bust out my sandals.  I just need to find the time to do it.  

                                                                            

If you have any tips, please send them my way! Love you! Have a great day! XO 

PS Update on Dad - He's been working with PT like a trooper and it's going well.  He saw the doctor on Friday and he said everything looks great.  The pain will get less and less, so keep going.  It will be worth it.  Fingers crossed it's sooner than later ♥

A big thank you and a walk on the beach ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Tuesday! ♥

I want to send a BIG thank you to my friends who commented on my post about John not going to traditional college.  Your kind words and comments made me feel like we aren't alone in this decision.  It happens more than you think these days, but people rarely talk about.  People automatically assume failure if someone doesn't have a college degree and that's just not the case. 

 Thank you for your support.  

As parents we just want what's best for our kids and that's different for everyone. 

♥

In other news...♥

Today was another beautiful fall day.  It was sunny and blustery.  Leaves were flying everywhere!  

It's hard to believe that only 15 minutes down the road from our house is this beautiful beach, where it doesn't look like fall at all.  On Sunday Rob and I took a walk down here.  It's so nice during the off season. The crowds are gone and it's so peaceful.  

I've been coming to this beach my entire life and I've never loved it more than I do now.  

I find it's a perfect spot to escape to and embrace the quiet (especially when the world seems overly loud right now...) 

I hate the heat in July & August.  I hate the crowds. I hate finding parking (and paying through the nose for it!)

But in October there is none of that.  It's cool and you can actually feel the ocean air going into your lungs when you take a deep breath in (I love that in January!). 

 There are people walking, all bundled up with coffees or hot chocolates, and there's always dogs which is nice too.  Also, no crowds and plenty of parking : )

The ocean and sky were like glass on Sunday.  

We walked and talked and then we came home and it was still fall 🍁

That's what I call the best of both worlds.  

Have a cozy evening friends! xx 

Summer is here! Let's have a catch up! ♥

Hello Friends!  Happy Friday and happy Summer! It's finally here! : ) 

I thought I'd play a little catch up today because I haven't posted since last Monday!  For no particular reason except ordinary life was happening.  That's all. Time flies, doesn't it? And now here we are, officially in Summer mode.  

School ended for John last Tuesday and he couldn't be happier!  He started his little part time job this week and it's going great.  He still has plenty of down time (as he should!) but is keeping busy and earning his own spending money.  It's the best of both worlds ♥

Rob is doing great too.  Thanks you SO much to those who reached out to me with well wishes for him.  He had his post-op checkup on Monday and passed with flying colors!  Everything is healing and looking good.  Because his work is so physical, unfortunately he can't go back to work for another two weeks.  He's counting the days.  My husband is not the type of person to stay still for very long so the hardest part for him has been not being able to work or exercise.  He's normally up at 4:30 every morning and working out by 5, off to work by 7.  He's had to stop that temporarily, but he knows if he follows doctors orders he'll be back to his old routine sooner than later.  For now it's couch and Netflix. 

Hey, as long as he's healing, healthy and out of the hospital, I'm happy : ) 

As for me, I've been busy working, being John's chauffeur, keeping up with housework, laundry, shopping, and meals.  My usual! However, I'm starting to really feel the shift in seasons and things are slowing down a bit, which is good.  That's what I love about summer.  Not the weather, but the slowness of it.  The longer days and staying up a bit later at night.  The ice cream runs and  late night movies.  Lately I've been enjoying my early morning coffee outside, before it gets too hot.  Just me and the birds.  Not having to rush out to drive John to school is something I very much appreciate!

♥

So what else is new?  Here's the current situation in my kitchen at this moment. 

Stovetop potpourri!  So last night I made fish for dinner. I love fish.  It's one of my favorite foods.  What I don't love is how the smell lingers in the kitchen the next day.  I have found that a pot of boiling potpourri simmering on the stove is the BEST way to get rid of the fishy smell and make the kitchen smell like total heaven!  I have in a pot a sliced lemon, a sliced lime, a vanilla bean, a splash of vanilla extract, two cinnamon sticks, and a few sprigs of rosemary.  I covered with water and it's been simmering for a few hours now.  I check it every now and then and add a bit more water.  It's making me so happy and kinda sorta reminding me of Christmas, but not.  You get it.  Just try it.  You'll love it.

 Promise! ♥

Well, the first day of summer came and went.  Here's what I did.  But first a quick story...

Back in the summer of 2020 during Covid, my friend Julie and I started a tradition of meeting at the beach with our boys every Wednesday evening.  It was a way for us to get together and visit in a safe way, outdoors and socially distant, while still enjoying the beach. It was wonderful. That summer I even had a little birthday cake for John (who's birthday is in August) at the beach.  It's become a very special place for us.  This beach is so beautiful, and only 20 minutes from our house.  

 Well, here we are three years later and we never stopped going.  We start in June and go all the way to September.  Every Wednesday night we meet at 5pm and stay until around 8ish.  John and I usual treat ourselves to Wendy's on the way : ) By the time we arrive all the crowds are gone, parking is a breeze, and we can just sit, sip our coffees, and enjoy the sunset.  The boys take a walk, sometimes a swim, and once the sun goes down we light a fire (which is permitted at this beach).  It's quiet and lovely and I look forward to it all year.

♥

Wednesday, which coincidentally was the first day of summer, was our first beach Wednesday of the year!

It was a bit cool, so we had our sweatshirts on.  I actually prefer it on the cooler side and I was quite cozy in my hoodie.  I know before long the HEAT will be here and my hot coffee will be replaced with lemonade! John and his two friends did take a dip in the water which I'm sure was like ICE but they said they didn't mind. Ahh, to be young again! 

It was so nice to put my toes in the sand and breathe in the ocean air! The sound of the waves is so relaxing too.  Late afternoon/evening is the best time to be at the beach.  There, I've said it.  There is just no beating it. 

Back home we took warm showers and I made us some tea to unwind before bed.  That is my idea of a perfect summer night. 

Now it feels like summer! ♥

 

See you next Wednesday! ♥

In other news, it's Tiger Lilly season.  

The peonies are gone (yup, that was fast!) and now these orange pretties are popping open everywhere.  

♥

And finally I wanted to share with you this yummy lemon garlic pasta that has been on my rotation lately.  It's SO GOOD!!!!  I first made it for our Father's Day dinner and have made it a few more times since then. It's made with oil and just a little butter, no cream, so it's nice and light.  There are five cloves of chopped garlic in it though, so be prepared for that!  The fresh parmesan and lemon zest are what make it so delicious!  Next time I wouldn't mind throwing in a chopped tomato or some cooked zucchini.  

(Recipe linked here)

This weekend we have no plans (which are my favorite plans!).  I'm looking forward to watering my plants, clipping some herbs, making a loaf of sourdough bread, and taking Rob out for coffee at Panera Saturday morning.  It's becoming a regular thing.  Now even more so because he's dying to get out of the house! LOL

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends!  

It's summer!!  Xx 

Amen to that! 

♥

Yesterday was a good day...♥

Yesterday was a good day to get fruity drinks, pack sandwiches, and go on an impromptu picnic.

♥

 

It was a good day to eat lunch with a view ♥

It was a good day to enjoy some sunshine and ocean air  ♥

It was a good day to put avocado in my turkey & cheese sandwich.  

(and why does it always taste better eaten outside?) 

♥

It was a good day to go for a nice walk on a brick path ♥

Yep, yesterday was a good day.  

I hope you had a good day too! 

♥

Ocean City, Maryland ♥

Hello Lovely Friends! ♥

Happy Monday! I have a vacation hangover this morning.  We are just back from an amazing vacation in beautiful Ocean City, Maryland.  My friend BJ and her family hosted us for a whole week in their beachfront condo.  Look at this view. 

  Not a bad way to start the day : ) 

We spent the week talking, laughing, playing games, eating delicious food, watching movies, and breathing in the incredible salty air right outside our window.  

It's really hard having friends that live so far away, but the good thing is that it makes our reunions all the more fun and special.  

We had a great week together :) 

Our condo was absolutely gorgeous! I'll take you on a little tour. 

I was in love with the blue and white color scheme! ♥

The bed was so comfy too! ♥

♥

It was a bit chilly but we had sunshine everyday! 

Some of us enjoyed walks on the beach and some of us just sat with our toes in the sand.  

I won't say who's who... :) 

Breakfasts at the beach are my favorite! ♥

One day we visited the cutest town called Berlin. We had an amazing lunch at the historic Atlantic Hotel (built in 1895).  Afterwards we strolled the square, visited antique stores, the bakery, and got an ice cream. 

It was such a lovely day! 

This was a Hallmark movie moment for sure ♥

Feeling grateful and blessed with this bunch! ♥

**also my lunch was incredible - I must recreate that pasta salad somehow**

Antiquing makes me happy! ♥

This antique store had a whole set of Blue Onion dishes! We had these when I was growing up! I only have one left (for nostalgia sake).   And I've never seen those bowls before.

They are so pretty! 

I've been on the hunt for an old fashioned phone (to accompany my typewriter).  I thought I'd found one here but she was $85! I decided to make one more trip to search the attic before I actually buy one.  

Cherry Vanilla! LOOOOOVE! ♥

These two are the best of friends! 

The Boardwalk in Ocean City is a special place.  We were able to stroll it a few times.  Once we went early in the morning.  There were folks there flying kites and riding bikes.  It felt very vintage, like I stepped back in time.  I wanted to get salt water taffy because that seemed appropriate,  but they weren't open yet.  Next time for sure! 

We also got in our share of dog snuggles this week.  Some more than others : ) 

Ice cream and more fun pics on our last night ♥

On our last night BJ and I stayed in the condo while everyone else went out to dinner.  When I suggested we stay in, she quickly agreed.  We are so alike! 

 We spent the time in our PJ's, eating leftovers, and solving all the worlds problems.  It was my favorite night of the trip.  The next morning we loaded up the car, said our goodbyes, and off we went...back home to Boston, taking all our new memories with us. 

♥

 

I can't think of a better way to spend our spring break! It was so much fun and I can't wait till the next time we see our friends!

But, as always, all good things come to an end.  Today we are back to reality. Back to work and school.  I have laundry going downstairs and I'm thawing chicken for dinner.  It's raining today and smells like Spring outside.  It's hard to believe next week is MAY! 

Have a wonderful day friends.  I hope your Monday is off to a great start. I have about 1000 emails to go through so I better pour another cup of coffee and get at it.  

Stay cozy! ♥

xoxox