Happy Tuesday - catching up from the weekend! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Here I am this morning meandering around my front yard in my pj's, coffee in hand, checking on the flowers.  Please tell me I'm not the only one that does this.  My neighbors probably get a good little chuckle from time to time seeing me in my ugly, mismatched jammies, but surprisingly it doesn't bother me too much.  My only rule is I never make eye contact. I wanted to step out check out the roses this morning. They are loving the sunshine.  Usually, I keep my morning coffee drinking to the seclusion of my back porch, but today I ventured out front. It was worth it to see the roses.  Plus this morning Rob was out there doing yard work so he was my buffer zone :) 

We had a very nice weekend.  Saturday we went to my nephew's graduation.  

It was beautiful day! ♥

It's so hard to believe these kids are all grown up! I get misty just thinking about it. 

We had a fun day with family celebrating. It got hot in the afternoon and by the end of the day, we were beat. 

As expected, by Sunday my social battery was drained, so we kept it low key.  I did get my post mass breakfast that I was hoping for and after a quick trip to the library to return some books, Rob took me out for an ice cream. The first of the season. 

YUM! ♥

We also watched a great movie called Song Sung Blue.  Have you seen it?  It was excellent.  Kate Hudson was actually amazing in this film.  I believe she was nominated for an Academy Award.  

I can see why! ♥

Have tissues handy because you will cry. I was not expecting it at all! 

It's also a true story which makes it even more emotional : ) 

♥

In other news, yesterday I tried overnight oats for the first time! 

I went for raspberry almond.

 

I'm not quite sure what I was expecting but it was delicious! I really liked it.  I'm going to have fun trying different flavors, but this one with fresh raspberries was really yummy! 

 

In the summertime I like to have cottage cheese or yogurt with fruit for breakfast.  This is a nice alternative - and from what I'm reading, the health-conscious people say it's full of protein!  It was surprisingly very filling too. 

♥

This week is already shaping up to be a busy one.  Lots of work meetings and such, and on Wednesday morning I'm going for round two of my shingles shot. That's adulthood for you! Fun! 

So what's for dinner tonight?  I'm dancing a jig this morning because I know just a few feet away from me in the fridge are LEFTOVERS! My favorite meal! Last night I made garlic chicken with roasted rosemary potatoes and summer squash.  I made extra on purpose which was a great decision.  

Having a night off from cooking, as much as I love it, is a simple pleasure I've come to really appreciate ♥

The other day I made a quick trip to Fresh Market and treated myself to some amazing produce, bread, and herbs.  It really does make a difference in cooking.  Do you have a Fresh Market near you?  I only discovered it last year and I'm obsessed with it. I like it much better than Whole Foods. 

John is away on a little vacation to Cape Cod with some friends this week, so the house is especially quiet. I'm off to pour a cup of coffee, put on another episode of I Love Lucy for background noise while I get some work done.  It's going to be a hot one today (maybe hitting 90 this afternoon) so the kitchen will be kept cool and maybe we'll have BLT's for lunch. 

 It's starting to really feel like summer ♥

Have a great day, friends!  xx 

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

It's March and almost Spring! ♥

 

Hello Friends! Happy March! ♥

In 8 days it will officially be spring, and I can feel it coming! After a very long and cold winter, Mother Nature is working her magic and we are starting to thaw out.  Yesterday was in the 60's and sunny!  No, my crocuses have not started sprouting yet, but I'll bet they are right below the surface, just waiting for the right moment to make their grand entrance.  Normally I am the first one to complain about daylight savings and losing that precious hour of sleep (and I'm still not nuts about that part) but I have to admit that having some extra daylight at the end of the day has been nice. Late afternoon yesterday I stepped outside to take a breath of fresh air and check out the bushes (looking for buds!!).  I only had a light sweater on and it wasn't pitch black out.  That's progress!  I want to plant pansies in my flower boxes so badly, but we are still getting frost at night, so I guess I'll have to wait a bit longer.  

My indoor plants however, are ready to party!  I thought this plant was dead and then all of sudden it started sprouting flowers.  I am over the moon about it!  It was a gift from my father-in-law and I promised to take good care of it.  

♥

Last week was a very long week for me which is why I was absent from here.  I was feeling a little under the weather, so I rested and now thankfully I'm feeling better.  I force myself to do that now and it really helps. What I've discovered is pretty much everything can wait.  It's true (you heard it here : ) 

You know what also helps?  Cookie skillets! I made my first one and boy was it good!!  So easy and yummy! I'll link the recipe *here*.  I first had a cookie skillet when I visited my friend BJ in Pennsylvania a few years ago.  Cookie skillets are her daughter Peyton's specialty and BJ's favorite dessert! BJ, this one wasn't as good as Peyton's, but I gave it my best shot! : )

You must have this warm with vanilla ice cream!  OMG the best medicine there is! ♥

 So now here we are, Lent has begun, and everyone is planning for Easter and springtime. It's a nice time of year.  You know what's weird though?  I keep thinking about Christmas. The holidays seemed to go by so fast for me. I mean, more than usual.  Last week I watched a few of my favorite Hallmark Christmas movies (that I have saved forever on my DVR) and they brought me such joy!  I want to lock that joy inside me. I'm trying to carry that feeling with me every day.  Somedays are harder than others, but I'm trying.  Just like Elvis sings " Why can't everyday be like Christmas...what a wonderful world it would be." 

Anyway, forward we march...(I know, I'm all over the place!) 

On Sunday we attended my niece's baptism.  It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun.  As usual I took more pictures of food than actual people!  To be transparent, I leave those photos to my sister-in-law Val, whose so much better at it!  She takes all the family pics and then sends them out in a group text. 

This photography is more my speed...♥

Look at Sara's table.  So pretty and springy!  She had all her Easter decor up and it was inspiring! 

After Church we had a catered lunch back at their house and it was delicious! ♥

Every detail was so lovely! ♥

This weekend I'm going to make an Irish bread and plan our St. Patrick's Day menu.  I usually do a boiled dinner and Rob will get the Guiness!  The house will stink of cabbage for a day, but hey, that's what traditions are made of!  My husband absolutely loves it which goes to show you, everyone is Irish (even Italians!) on St. Patrick's day ♥

No, we don't have lasagna! LOL   

But first...coffee.

Have a wonderful Day friends! ♥

I hope Spring is starting to spring for you too! Xx 

PS - here's a bathroom update.  We have a floor and a working sink and toilet! YAY! 

Time to pick out colors for the walls and trim and we need a mirror! 

It's getting there! ♥

Weekend wrap up ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

As I'm typing this it's 9:12pm on Monday night.  I decided to do some evening blog reading in bed.  I had a busy afternoon, and the day got away from me.  I decided (because I don't want to break my daily blogging streak :) that I was going to settle into bed early tonight with a cup of tea and catch up with my blog friends.  

So here I am, tea on the nightstand, laptop on my lap : )  

Today was a Monday...for sure.  It was one of those busy days where you're on the phone all day...making appointments, rescheduling appointments, taking to a computer for 20 minutes just trying to get a live person on the line for customer service, etc.  I'm sure you've been there.  Thankfully, I got everything I needed to get done, done...and no one got hurt :) 

But enough about my crazy Monday.  How was your weekend?! 

We had a lovely one and very Fall-ish too!  Friday night was the homecoming football game and the school band was playing on the field.  John had a great time participating in that! 

On Saturday afternoon  we were invited to Rob's sister's house for lunch.  

She set the most beautiful table.  

Lunch was delicious and such a treat!  She served autumn chili in a pumpkin and apple pie for dessert. 

So yummy and cozy!  

But the reason for the gathering was to celebrate their puppy Enzo's 2nd birthday! Yup, it was a dog's birthday, and it was FABULOUS!  ♥

He's so cute!  Rob made his fair share of jokes but it was all in good fun and we had a great time. 

We also got to spend time with our new niece who is a doll! ♥

Straight from the puppy party, John had to get ready for the homecoming dance.  He went with a few of his friends.  

All dressed up! 

It's hard to see in this picture but his tie has Elvis on it! He has a whole collection of Elvis ties given to him by his uncle.  A love for Elvis runs in our family! LOL 

(did you notice the haircut and shave? :) 

They had a great time! 

 Sunday was a quiet day at home.  I did some cleaning, laundry, and filled two donation bags.  Yup, I'm still filling bags!  It's endless but we are making progress.  Funny thing about getting rid of things.  The more you do it, the easier it gets. To reward ourselves Rob and I went on a quick coffee date.  

And all of a sudden, we are back to Monday. 

Side note: did you notice John at the homecoming game had a winter coat on? That's because it was freezing cold that night.  We had the heat on.  Today was 80 degrees.  I put the a/c on.  What the heck?

Let's hope this burst of heat is short lived.  I'm already in sweaters and I'm not going back.

Happy Monday friends.  Time to get some sleep.  Update: it's 9:50pm.  I did good! ;) 

Talk to you tomorrow.  Night! xx 

Update ♥

 

Hello Friends! Happy Halloween and Happy November 1st ♥

September and October looked a lot different to me this year and in some ways are a blur.  I apologize for my absence here these last few weeks.  My poor mother, who is literally the strongest person I know, has really been struggling.  Since I last posted she has been in and out of the hospital twice battling a bad infection that has attacked her immune system.  She is currently in the hospital again and we are awaiting test results on how to treat it.  The last time she came home and was able to get home care.  I am praying we can go that route again.  Its been an emotional roller coast ride and I know I have to be strong for my family, especially my Dad.  I just want her to get well and be comfortable and happy at home. If you are the praying kind, I ask that you keep my mom (and Dad) in your prayers.  They are the best people I know who have given so much to their family. I pray for strength every day to know what to do and how to do it.  I understand this is a natural course of life.  It's just really hard when you are going through it.  

One day last week John and I went for a walk around the neighborhood.  I needed to get out of the house for a few minutes and get some fresh air.  To my surprise I looked up to see that fall had finally arrived.  I'd been so preoccupied I almost missed it.  We walked in the crunchy leaves and I smelled the crispness in the air and someone must have had a fire burning because I smelled that too.  It was really lovely and just what I needed in that moment.  

Last night was Halloween.  John carved his pumpkin and I cooked the seeds (which I've been snacking on all day).  He went to a friends house last night with some buddies to hang out and play video games.  He had a great time and I'm SO glad!  We are trying our best to say positive as well as keep normalcy and traditions.  Our neighborhood was full of trick or treaters.  For the first time in forever I put a bowl of candy outside with a "help yourself" sign.  My Dad was at the hospital with my mom and since I live upstairs I didn't want to be running up and down every time someone was at the door.  I could hear all the chatter and laughter from the the little ones outside which made me smile.  Needless to say at 8:00 when all was quiet I went out to retrieve the bowl and it was completely empty.  

It was a BIG bowl too : ) 

I hope we have a little bit of fall left to enjoy before the snow comes.  I'm hearing my corner of the world is in for a lot this year.  My mind is already drifting to the holidays now.  Food and shopping and all the things. I'm going to do my best to make it as special as I possibly can.  Because I'm grateful. Family and friends are everything to me.  And that includes all of you.  

Sending you virtual hugs ♥ 

Stay cozy my friends! I'll be back soon! 

xoxox