Having a slow summer ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Friday and.....happy August! ♥

Where did July go?! In some ways the summer is flying by and in other ways it's going by very slow, for me anyway.  I'm having what I call a slow summer.  I'm not really doing much, taking time for myself, having quiet days and nights at home.  We haven't gone on any big trips or done anything particularly exciting - and yet, it's been a nice summer far.  

I wanted to pop in today just to say hello and confirm that yes, I'm still alive! :)  I've been feeling like I haven't had much to talk about lately (which isn't necessarily a bad thing!) so that is why I've mostly been absent on here.  Unless you want to see me wandering around the house in old shorts and a Mickey Mouse t-shirt because that's as exciting as it gets.  I'm not even kidding. 

My work has been keeping me busy this summer. It seems everyone in the world has been traveling (except me:) and I get to do all the billing for it. I'm living vicariously through others. I've become an expert avoiding the extreme heat we've been having by hibernating in my air-conditioned house, making tomato sandwiches for me and my Dad, and watching too many Family Feud episodes.  

It's a life.  But it's a good one ♥

I quietly celebrated a birthday a few weeks ago. My heart was full that day because of messages and calls from my close family and friends. That's all I needed.  My circle is small but very important to me.  I guess you could say I'm not really a birthday person.  I resist big fancy dinners and all that.  John insisted on taking me out for breakfast, which I loved. My Dad treated me to an ice cream (just him and I) on my birthday eve, and the night of Rob took me out for a fish dinner.  Very nice, very casual, and I didn't have to do dishes. Happy Birthday to me.  My favorite part was enjoying chocolate dipped strawberries that my friend sent me. They were delicious and made me feel very special.  

John on the other hand is living his summer dreams! He's been here there and everywhere you should be when you're an 18 (almost 19) year old college student. He's been to Boston, Cape Cod, and is currently spending the week in Vermont in a lake house with friends.  Ahhh, to be young again!  I'm so happy for him.  School starts in just a few weeks so big changes are coming.  It's exciting.  

Rob has the day off today and I can hear him outside mowing the lawn.  He told me he was going to do all the yard work early today because temps are going to be in the 90's today with high humidity.  I stepped outside this morning and I believe it.  It felt like a Florida morning, very tropical and sticky.  I went back inside quickly! 

Facebook and all social media outlets are telling me that pumpkin spice season is upon us.  We're practically there! I was in Walmart the other day and I was bombarded with back-to-school displays, fall decor, and seasonal baking ingredients - cinnamon, nutmeg, all things apple.  I heard some people, let's just say, not liking all that so soon. Me, on the other hand, practically jumped for joy at the prospect.  

I can't help it.  I'm a fall girlie, through and through.  

However - we're not there yet....♥

So what's up for the rest of August? Well, we will be celebrating John's birthday next Sunday with a pizza party! Just because I don't like my birthday doesn't mean I don't like celebrating others - because I do!  Other than that, I'll continue to hibernate from the heat, embrace my granny hobbies (reading, cross stitching, bird and bunny watching...) and maybe occasionally letting Rob take me out for a bite to eat or a coffee.  Iced of course! 

I've started my annual Downton Abbey rewatch.  If you are thinking "didn't she just do that??" or "jeeze, how many times has she watched that show??" the answers are YES and NEVER ENOUGH TIMES!.  At least once a year I do a rewatch of the entire series, with the movies.  Since John was away this week I decided it was good time to jump into that world again.  It's funny, I used to think of myself as Lady Mary - her demeanor, her style...I just love her.  Now when I watch it I see myself more as Mrs. Pattmore!  If you watch the show you'll know what I'm talking about! Anyway, it's been filling my nights in a very good way.  I make myself a cup of hibiscus tea and settle into 1920's England. 

Can we please let a girl dream? 

Thank you ever so ♥  

And that, in all honesty, is it my friends!  I'm plugging along and I hope you are too. I have a bowl full of garden tomatoes and zucchinis from my brother in laws garden that I must do something with today.  I'm sad to report that my tomatoes didn't do very well this summer.  Oh they grew alright, but someone or something got to them before I did.  I think the squirrels and birds in my neighborhood are feasting this season if you know what I mean! Rob needs to reassess our situation for next year! 

Time for another cup of coffee! I hope you all have a lovely weekend and are staying cool wherever you are.  I've been reading your blogs and staying updated with you all.  I'm so happy to be able to do that! 

Thanks for stopping by today ♥

I will be back soon! xoxox 

PS If anything exciting happens, I'll be sure to let you know! LOL 

Mother's Day Weekend ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Tuesday! ♥

 How are you?! 

I hope you all had a nice weekend and a happy Mother's Day. I am coming off a busy weekend, and it took pretty much the entire Monday to get me motivated for the week. I really don't like Mondays...but you probably already knew that. I had lots of coffee and survived :)

 I was able to get to the movies to see Michael on Friday night with my sister-in-law.  We both loved it.  The actor who portrayed him (his real-life nephew) was incredible. As was the music! Michael Jackson was such a misunderstood person. It's sad to even think about.  But his talents in music and dance were beyond genius and I felt this movie focused more on that which was interesting to watch.  As a kid born in the 70's who grew up in the 80's and 90's it really brought back memories for me.  I've had some of the songs stuck in my head for days : ) 

Saturday was filled with errands, laundry, and house chores. Rob took me to Panera in the morning, we went to the farmers market and the library. I think he was being extra nice to me because it was Mother's Day weekend! LOL  

Anyway, on to Sunday....John gave me this pink rose he got at church.  So sweet! ♥

We were invited to Rob's sister's house for brunch (my favorite meal).  There was 12 of us and it was a lot of fun.  I was missing my mother of course and thought of her often, but I was also very grateful to be surrounded by family. 

 

I offered to bring dessert. I decided on trifle! So easy and everyone loves it (and is pretty much impossible to mess up!) On Saturday I baked a chocolate cake and made the pudding.  I put it all together Sunday morning before church so it had enough time to set, but not too much time to be soggy.  It worked out just fine :)

We were blessed with a 73 degree day!  I opened my sunroof for the first time! I just got this car in January, and I've never had a sunroof before.  It was lovely!  Fresh air but I wasn't windblown. 

That's a win-win for me! ♥

Rob's sister and her husband did an amazing job hosting us.  We were greeted with mimosas!  

We had two kinds of quiche, bacon, hash browns, bagels, and a yogurt bar.  My other sister-in-law brought a delicious blueberry coffee cake.  It was all so good! 

Needless to say I didn't need lunch after that!  We got home early afternoon, and I went for a nice walk, then promptly hit the couch.

Bliss! ♥

 

Meanwhille Rob planted some tomatoes and basil for me.  He filled big Terracotta pots with soil and put them in the sun.  He's hoping for a garlic, tomato, and basil pizza in the future.  I hope so! Fingers crossed I'll have good luck this year.  

I have a few more pots I can fill and I'm still deciding what to plant in those.  I don't have a ton of room, so it has to be small.  I'd like some more herbs (definitely mint and parsley) and maybe some cucumbers. I also heard radishes are easy to grow and I do like them in salads. We'll see.  

OH HOW I WISH I had room for a big garden. Sadly I don't, so the pots will have to do for now.  Someday when Rob and I retire and live in my dream countryside cottage somewhere, I'll be sure to have enough room for a garden with a white fence around it and I can grow everything I want. Including pumpkins in the fall! #goals 

And now here we are.  Tuesday, it's a beautiful spring day, and it's just about time for tea and my afternoon walk.  I was thinking this morning how so very different this spring has been from last spring.  This time last year I was planning for John's graduation (and all the feels that went along with that) and my Dad was also very sick.  He was in the hospital for weeks and it was very scary.  Balancing those two things is something looking back I can't believe I survived.  Thankfully John is doing great (more on that later...) and so is my Dad. We just had lunch and he's currently sitting at the table across from me watching YouTube videos on his phone and laughing his head off.  He loves the Carol Burnett show!  I like to work down here at the kitchen table so I can keep an eye on him, but honestly, it's quite entertaining sometimes! 

This is much better than the hospital ♥

Hope you're having a great day, friends! What are you cooking this week? I need ideas! 

Be back soon! xo 

Happy May! What's up for the week? ♥

Hello Lovely Friends! Happy Monday and happy MAY! I have moved my office to the back porch this morning because it's so beautiful out.  It's just me and birds and I couldn't be happier.  My Dad still thinks it's "too chilly" to be out here, but since it's 70 degrees (??!!) I'm just dandy with it! 

We had a very nice weekend that went by too quickly like most weekends do.  On Saturday we had some friends over for a pizza game night, that ended up being more pizza (and Kentucky Derby watching!) than actual game playing, but it was a great time.  I made the pizzas which was super fun. Our friends supplied the apps and desserts.  I didn't get to bed until midnight which hasn't happened in ages! ♥

On Sunday we went to my sister in laws for my niece's 2nd birthday party.  She always does a beautiful job hosting! (She's hosting Mother's Day on Sunday as well!). We had a great time with family! After the party I came home, got into some comfy clothes and took a nice rest before dinner.  I had to get a little self care in there too : )  

** Me after an unusual amount of socializing in one weekend! LOL **

♥

And now here we are on Monday morning already.  I have lots of work to do this week and hopefully if the weather stays cooperative (which I'm hearing it will, for the next few days anyway) I'll be doing it from this spot.  I just made my to-do list for the week.  It includes a dental appointment, a few errands, bills to pay, blah, blah, blah.  Real life stuff that mostly stresses me out. I've been getting so stressed over the littlest things lately.  I must work on that.  So, my plan for the week is one day at a time, one task at a time, and try not to worry about things I can't control (Amen!).

It's May so I'll focus on all the lovely things about Spring.  It's finally time for to make that trip to the nursery with my iced coffee and get some flowers for the front garden.  I'm also thinking about taking a ride to a local farm for strawberry picking on Saturday.  I did it a few years ago and loved it.  If not picking, I'll at least visit the farmers market.  That atmosphere always lifts my spirits. Wish we could all go together ♥

Also lots of walks, water for hydration, good food, and rest. I would like to take at least one walk on the beach this week.  I feel I need to inhale some salty ocean air and it's finally warm enough (although not according to my Dad :) to do that.  

Yup - so happy May, my friends! What's on your weekly agenda? ♥

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I also have few letters to write because some of you reached out to be pen pals! I couldn't be happier and it will certainly be a bright spot in my week.  YAY!  I'm so thankful for this space and the friends I'm connecting with.  It truly means the world to me, so thank you!!!  

I also LOVED reading your comments on my last post ♥

Have a lovely day! I hope the sun is shining on you today!  Talk soon! xo 

Hello Monday! ♥

Hello Friends! Happy Monday! ♥

Well, look who went walking with her clippers this weekend...:)  

This is literally a branch that I clipped of that big wild bush I showed you on Friday.  I put the whole thing in vase and called it a day.  It's so wonky and makes me laugh when I look at it.  However, I love the yellow and it's screaming spring to me so she's staying! 

Yay! ♥

We had a very nice weekend, although some things didn't go as planned.  John's event ended up getting cancelled by the venue.  Something to do with overbooking.  He was very disappointed!  However, when one door closes another opens. He and his bandmates have a few other irons in the fire for upcoming performances so there's more to look forward to.  This place will also be rescheduling so hopefully he'll have a busy summer.  That's life in show biz I guess.  Never a dull moment.  

As for me, I didn't end up going out to dinner Saturday night.  It turns out staying cozy in my sweats was more appealing to me in the moment (typical me), so we stayed in and watched a movie instead.  We did go out to breakfast after church on Sunday and went for a nice walk on the beach after.  

It was sooo lovely and made me really excited for the summer ♥

Around the house I was pretty productive.  Little touches of spring as still appearing around here and I keep reorganizing things.   I have way too many dishes and teapots and I struggle to find places for everything.  I just can't put things away.  

Especially if they have flowers on them ♥

I had to run to CVS to pick up a few things and this candle caught my attention.  

I decided to treat myself.  It's heavenly! ♥

I made the custard pie I'd been craving.  I remembered I had a recipe for coconut custard pie that was pretty easy.  I whipped it up in minutes and it came out DELICIOUS!  I did have some crust issues so don't look too closely at it. 

Thankfully it still tasted yummy!! ♥ 

I'll link the recipe HERE if you want to try it.  I blogged about it back in 2016.  

A custard pie (with or without coconut) is pure old fashioned comfort food. 

♥

I cleaned out my closet and filled a donation bag that I need to drop off this week.  The hard part is done.  Now I have lots of room in my closet.  I need to make a point to do this more often.  

There's a coat closet downstairs that I will tackle next time I'm motivated ♥

I also cleaned a cabinet that I store craft supplies in.  It had really been bugging me because it had gotten so disorganized!! Unraveled rolls of ribbon everywhere! Going through all my stuff I really began to miss crafting and decided I need to get back into it again.  I was very into rubber stamping for a hot minute and have a very big supply of them that I totally forgot about.  How cute is this bunny one?! I must use it on something soon! 

♥

If I have your address, you'll probably be getting some type of correspondence from me with stamps all over it. Actually, if anyone wants to be pen pals, let me know : )

After getting coffee at Panera, I took some time on Saturday to read an actual MAGAZINE and loved every minute.  

My Dad and I shared an orange too ♥

Out back is slowly turning greeeeeen 💚

And the evenings are starting to stay lighter longer.  I enjoyed this view last night.  

Very peaceful ♥

I hope to see many more sunsets from my deck this summer.  

And that was pretty much my exciting weekend in a nutshell.  

Here I am this morning trying to take a selfie without feeling silly. 

It's not easy! LOL 

But I was up early, showered, and dressed on a Monday morning. A big accomplishment when you work from home. I felt it should be documented.  Does this mean I'll have a productive week? We shall see. 

Fingers crossed! ♥

Have a wonderful evening friends! ♥

I'm making a lemon pasta for dinner tonight that I am very much looking forward to.  I'll definitely need my after dinner walk....I'll leave my clippers at home this time. 

 Talk to you all soon! Bye! xx 

Ordinary Day ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥

I'm just winding down work for the day and I'd thought I'd pop in to say a quick hello.  

I've made myself a cozy tea to have with my afternoon chocolate fix. 

I know it's not good, but here we are :) 

I've spent most of the day in front of my computer working.  Usually by this time of the day my eyes are starting to cross, and I know it's time to stop. It's been very productive though so I'm happy about that.  It's amazing I can be this productive in sweatpants, but again...here we are. 

John just packed his drum kit into the car and off he went to perform his first "gig" with his band!  They are preforming at an art show at a neighboring town's high school.  He was so excited. They've been practicing for a long time and hopefully this is the first of many opportunities to play for an audience.  

Fingers crossed! ♥

It's been raining all day today.  A little while ago the rain turned to hail (which was fascinating to watch!).  When it finally stopped, the sun came out.  Yup, it's definitely spring!  I stepped outside when John was leaving and I was pleasantly surprised to see that my hydrangea has buds on it.  I've never seen this so soon.  

This is a very good sign ♥

With all the uncertainty and ugliness in the world, I know I can always count on nature.  The bushes will bud, the bunnies will visit us in yard, the birds will sing.  There is comfort in those things.  A constant that will always be there, and I'm grateful.

It's still on the chilly side today (cold and damp due to the rain) but the weatherman says we are headed for a warm up the rest of the week.  60's and maybe even 70 on Friday?!  That's a bit hard to believe but it's nice to think about!  I'm so looking forward to ditching the winter clothes and getting into lighter things.  I'm tired of looking at my same old sweatshirts. 

And that's pretty much it for today. A typical Tuesday over here.  Tonight we are having leftovers from last night which means I don't have to cook tonight and will have minimal dishes to clean.  That is music to my ears!  

I hope you all had a nice day.  Tomorrow is hump day! :) 

A good day ♥

 

Hello Friends! ♥

I'm just winding down work for the day, and I thought I'd pop on and say hello.  My day started early this morning.  Once a month I take my Dad to the hospital to have bloodwork done.  Today was the day.  Thankfully he got a very good report and didn't need any shots or infusions!  His numbers are all very good! We celebrated with a coffee & donut (which is NOT on his diet but since this was a happy occasion, I let it slide...:) 

I came home, switched on my Easter village, and got to work.  I am so grateful I can work from home!!  I don't have to leave my Dad home by himself all day, and believe it or not - I'm much more productive in my home office than my real office.   

Sidenote: I'm loving my Easter decorations this year.  They are so cheery after the long winter.  I suppose its like that every year, I just am really appreciating it this year.  It has been so so cold.  I'm o-v-e-r it!  We are definitely over the worst of it now and warmer days are coming.  I can feel it! 

I wanted to show you something else that made me smile today...♥

I found this tiny little cup with some of my mother's things.  

It's the prettiest floral pattern (love) and has four legs, which is very different.  

I have no idea what it would ever be used for besides decoration.  For now, I've put it on a teacup shelf I have in my upstairs kitchen.  

This shows you how small it is compared to a regular teacup.... ♥

Regardless I love it and it will probably stay there forever.  My mom and I clearly had the same taste and love for the same things.  She saved it for a reason and I will too ♥

Overall, it's been a good day and one that has gone by very quickly.  A typical ordinary March day that I have truly appreciated - there was sun, good health, and pretty things. 

Yup, a good day indeed ♥

I'm off to start dinner now.  I'm trying a new pork chop recipe tonight.  If it's good, I'll share it!

Have a great night, dear friends! ♥

Byeeee! xo 

Friday Musings ♥

  Hello Friends! ♥

Happy Friday! I'm just back from my weekly grocery shopping, a task that I do not enjoy and am always so happy once it's done!  And isn't it so nice for two or three days when the fridge is full?! I feel like I have my life together when we are fully stocked.  Check in with me around Wednesday when I'm scrounging for crumbs. Total chaos :) 

I'll enjoy it while it lasts ♥

The sun is shining today, and it promises to be a nice weekend.  I'm planning on a little shopping tomorrow morning.  I'd like to grab an ice coffee and pop into a few local charity shops. I have a list of items that I'm looking to thrift so hopefully I'll have good luck.  My kitchen painting project is finally complete (pictures coming soon)!!  I'm SO happy to have things back to normal and not have workers all over the place.  And now the fun part - I can focus on a little decorating.  I feel like I'm starting over with a clean slate and that makes me very happy. My parents hadn't changed anything in a long time.  It was hard to do at first but over time it's gotten easier. We have a bakers rack in the kitchen that I'd like to makeover, and some bare spots on the walls that need "a little something"... I don't know what yet, but hopefully I'll find something fun ♥

On Sunday we have some family coming by for coffee to visit my Dad. Everyone is so busy these days, so when people make time to visit it is very much appreciated.  My Dad loves it too. Sunday is a perfect day to do it too, because oh shoot...I guess my housework will have to wait! DARN! lol...Well, except for laundry that unfortunately can't wait and won't stop.  But that's a rant for another day.

This afternoon I have to finish up some work and maybe go for a short walk before dinner (if I feel motivated enough). I think the fresh air and exercise would do me good.  Tonight I'm making baked haddock for dinner (yum!) and then settling in to watch part 2 of the Bob Barker documentary series on E. I watched part 1 last night and as a child of the 80's and lover of The Price is Right (especially on sick days!), I am horrified. Have you watched it?  Here's your warning...it was not all sunshine and roses on the set.  That's all I'll say about that.  

Have a great weekend, friends! Stay cozy and I'll be back on Monday! Xx 

PS. Happy First Day of Spring!!!!!!  ⚘🎕

March: In like a lion, out like a lamb...hopefully ♥

Hello Friends! Happy March!! ♥

We are in the home stretch of winter now.  Yay! 

It's the winter that will not end.  Since I posted last we had a blizzard! It dumped over 20 inches of snow on us. It was crazy.  Every window was covered and when we could finally see out, all we saw was white.  Pretty? Yes.  But oh, so cooooold!  

We had three full snow days with no work or school. That hasn't happened in years.  Thankfully we didn't lose power!  I made pancakes for breakfast and soup for dinner.  

We ate comfort food and watched movies while the snow came down ♥

It wasn't so bad.  It was actually nice to see everyone slow down.  

They had no choice :) 

And then a few days later, the sun came out.  

My daffodils started blooming and I realized that Spring is almost here.  

March came in like a lion, but is slowing turning into a lamb...♥

It was 23 degrees on Monday...and we might reach 50 today.  

Yup, 50! 

To celebrate I started decorating for spring.  Not full-blown Easter yet, but a few pastels here and there never hurt anyone.  I put away the last of my winter snowmen.... packed away safely for next year, and out came some bunnies, spring dishtowels, new sheets on the beds, and new vanilla candle that is divine.  

This weekend I made a banana bread with (my new obsession) homemade butter.  All this is bringing me life.  I feel rejuvenated.  

Isn't that what spring is supposed to do?! ♥

YUM! ♥ 

Don't get me wrong, we are still in the throes of winter (I won't be fooled) but I know in a few weeks I'll see buds on the trees.  I knew it would happen.  

It always does ♥

Every morning, I come downstairs and open the blinds to see the sun shining in (insert happy face here).  My houseplants are thriving and I'm thrilled they have survived the winter.  

 I would like to get more plants this spring. I'm redecorating a baker's rack in my kitchen that will hopefully include some pretty blooms.  Once it gets a bit warmer, I'll head to the plant store and see what they have.  

A day strolling the nursery with an iced coffee is something I'm very much looking forward to ♥

And of course, with it being lent, I've been practicing gratitude now more than ever.  Here is what I remind myself of everyday.  Along with giving up chocolate (not easy, by the way:) I am trying to be my best self during this time and let go of things that don't serve me anymore (also not easy).

♥

This morning we've got blue skies and the drip, drip, drip of melting snow.  

These are ordinary days of March, friends ♥ 

In my next post I'm going to share a few new recipes I've made over the last few weeks and some books that I've read this winter that I loved.  I just wanted to do a little catch up first.  I hope you are all keeping cozy and are enjoying these last days of winter.  The season is about to change and that makes my heart happy. 

Have a wonderful day, friends! xx 

PS just because I mentioned it last time, here are my Valentine brownies I made a few weeks ago.  They were a hit ♥