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 ♥

 

Good Monday Morning! ♥

 

Hello Lovely Friends! Good Monday Morning (as I type this it's still morning :). 

I hope you all had a nice weekend.  We were blessed with beautiful weather Saturday and Sunday!  Summer is here and it definitely feels like it! There are fallen rose petals sprinkled all over the lawn but I don't mind a bit.  It looks like confetti ♥

 On Saturday Rob took me out for a nice breakfast and then he went home to watch soccer -which people are completely obsessed with - in the best way possible - around here!:)  While he did that, I went out and about to run some errands.  I checked some things off my list that had been lingering on there for weeks, so I felt productive.  I picked up a new lamp for my bedroom that I had been wanting for ages.  It sounds silly but I was so happy about it.  It's the little things folks, it truly is (see my smile!!). 

On Saturday night John and I saw Toy Story 5.  We loved it!!  I loved seeing it with him as Toy Story has always been a HUGE part of our lives.  John was Woody for Halloween at least 3 times when he was growing up. The whole franchise holds a special place in our hearts.  Needless to say, we loved the movie and the message behind it. 

If you haven't seen it yet, please go soon! ♥

Sunday morning mass was so nice.  I love getting there early to admire the sun shining through the stained-glass windows.  It fills me with peace and it's a great way to start my week. 

 I spent the rest of day home with my Dad, just us.  It was the perfect way to spend Father's day. We made dinner together which was fun. He had bought some delicious steaks from Omaha Steaks that honestly, I was afraid to cook because I didn't want to ruin them.  He's much better at that than I, so he was in charge. My job was the baked potatoes and green beans.  The meal was amazing, and I'm sorry to say I was so excited to eat, I never took a picture. We still have a few more in the freezer so next time I will! For dessert I made a pineapple coconut ambrosia pie.  Don't you just LOVE a no bake pie in the summer? I do!  I saw this recipe in a cookbook I picked up at the library from Joy the Baker.  I love her, so I knew it would be good! It was sweet, but we have big sweet teeth over here, so no complaints from us! It actually reminded me of my favorite DQ blizzard - tropical!  Rob and John can enjoy the pie tonight. 

I felt my mother with me a lot this weekend. Especially when I was out shopping. That would have been something we would have done together and I'm still struggling to get used to being by myself in those situations. I don't think I will ever not feel that void. I felt like she was thinking about me, but instead of being sad, it brought me a strange sense of comfort that she was near...if that makes any sense.  

Anyway, now all of a sudden, it's Monday and we're off and running with a new week. It's a short one for me because we are heading up to Maine for the weekend. I'm excited for a break and a change of scenery for a few days. I think my soul needs it.  This time Friday I will be drinking coffee and reading a book on my hotel balcony overlooking the ocean in Ogunquit, Maine.  I can feel the stress leaving my body already.....♥

Wishing you the most happy day (even if it is Monday!...lol).  Try to celebrate the small joys.  It really does help ♥

Talk soon! Byeeee! xo 

Saturday morning ramblings ♥

Happy Saturday morning friends and happy weekend! ♥

I blinked and it's August. Lovely, beautiful August.  The one month that stands between me and pumpkin everything! We're getting there! I'm very relieved that some of you feel the same way I do about the heat and I'm not just being a crazy person.  Thank you for your reassurance. You are my people and I love you : ) 

Since I last posted we've had a bit of a reprieve from the heat which has been glorious.  I was able to turn off the a/c for a few days, open the windows, and it's been lovely. But alas, it's coming to an end.  The heat is returning as it always does in August, but thankfully we are in the homestretch now.  I'm only weeks away from the start of the "ber" months and that's what will get me through.  September here I come! 

It's also John's birthday month.  He'll be 18 on the 16th and I can hardly believe it. 18?!?! 

We have a little trip booked for the weekend of his birthday to Ogunquit, ME.  We went last year and really loved it (I wrote about it here).  We booked the same place for this year.  I've been waiting all summer to get a lobster roll (my mouth is literally watering...:). They are the best in Maine! Thankfully my Dad has been feeling WELL (knock-wood!) and so I feel better about leaving for a few days.  It's been a difficult summer for me in that way because I want to be here with him all the time.  I'm probably driving him mad but it's just the way I am.  Now that he's feeling better, he'll probably enjoy the house to himself for a few days.  At least that's what I'm telling myself so I don't feel guilty.  I really want John to enjoy his birthday weekend.  

So as I type this it's currently very early Saturday morning.  The house is quiet as a mouse.  I woke up early, poured a cup of coffee (that Rob already made for me before he went to work), and brought it back to bed.  I grabbed my laptop so I could read some blogs, and I plan on sitting here comfortably for a few good moments before facing the day.  It's been a long week, and I do enjoy a slow Saturday morning. 

  *she happily sighs*  

I fell asleep last night thinking about my morning coffee.  Do you do that? At 10:00 last night I was looking forward to it so much and this morning it didn't disappoint me.  Ah, the simple pleasures of life.  I do love them.  

I must have had some weird dreams last night because I woke up with random thoughts in my head.  Sometimes I dream about school or places I've worked when I was younger.  I never seem to dream about the future or crazy scenarios; it's always my past.  People I've known and places I've been.  I see my mom all the time, which is nice.  I read that means she's visiting me.  She's always happy and healthy.  Thankfully.  What do you dream about? 

This week I've been on an 80's sitcom kick.  One thing about me is I love an 80's sitcom.  And the only thing I love more than an 80's sitcom is an 80's sitcom theme song!  Why don't shows have fun theme songs anymore?  Tell me you don't know the words to "The Facts of Life"??  I know you...you're singing it right now! : ) TV from the 80's and even some of the 70's were the BEST. It was my childhood. Every night was different line up of shows.  And we couldn't miss them because there was no way to rewatch or tape them.  Seems unimaginable!  Thanks to Tubi and Pluto I'm rewatching some of my favorite shows in all their corny hokey glory.  And don't forget the "very special episodes!".  Those were the best ones.  Someone's locked in a fridge or lost in the woods.  Will they every be saved?? Oh no, it's "to be continued" so we have to wait until next week to find out. UGH! John will never know the horror of seeing "to be continued" on the tv screen! 

Fridays and Saturdays were reserved for Dallas and Love Boat, but the rest of the week it was Family Ties, Who's the Boss, and Newhart. Three's Company, Lavern & Shirley, and Alice.  I also loved Mr. Belvidere, Webster, Kate & Allie, Silver Spoons, and Cheers.  Too many to name.  Last night we watched two episodes of Taxi and laughed our heads off.  TV was much simpler back then.  

And I loved it. Still do ♥

I just realized during my ramblings my coffee is getting cold so that's my sign to get out of bed and pour a hot cup.  I might do a fancy foam on this one.  Because it's Saturday and maybe I deserve it.  I wish I was doing something fabulous today like going to an antique store or out for a fancy lunch.  Sadly, the answer is no. Today I have to call the cable company for something which I'm not looking forward to because every time I call them, I'm on the phone for an eternity.  But I've put it off for too long.  Today is dooms day.  There's also laundry, vacuuming, and cleaning the bathrooms.  It's real life folks.  Real life is happening here.  However, I will take some time to read my book and maybe bake something yummy, so there will be some smiles in my day after all.  

Thanks for having coffee with me this morning.  Have a lovely weekend my friends! ♥

I'm glad you're here.  Bye!! xoxo

PS - for those wondering, YES that was the SEINFELD cafe!! It's real and John had lunch there during his NY trip.  He said there was lots of memorabilia inside and it was definitely a highlight of his trip! (yup, we're huge Seinfeld fans over here too!!) 

*actual photo of me...ok maybe not!* 

It's Hot! ♥

Well it's official. It's officially too hot to exist.  I'm done.  97 today and I'm over it.  I'll be honest with you, I've been struggling these past few weeks to gain motivation to do anything.  I don't know what to cook, I have projects around the house that I plan on doing but somehow don't get done, and all I want to do is lay around like 3rd base. Who's to blame for this I ask? 

I'm looking at you SUMMER!  

Now don't worry, this is completely normal behavior for me.  Late July early August I turn into a crazy person.  It's all I have in me not to drag out my Fall bins and start decorating, tricking my mind into thinking it's autumn.  I know it won't work because no matter what I do inside, it will still be a thousand degrees outside.  I know I must wait, but man, when you're a fall girlie like I am, its rough! 

There have been a few bright spots.  Some sunset walks on the beach, getting the occasional ice cream, read some very good books, and I did have a birthday which was nice.  So ok, I'm not cranky all the time (just most of the time! :) 

I know I'm rambling, but does the summertime make anyone of you feel this way too??

Yep!! That's me! ♥

 

 

Last week I turned 51.  My family treated me to a nice dinner out (in an air-conditioned restaurant - don't you ask me to eat outside...lol).  I will say I did enjoy my birthday.  I'm grateful for so many things and I know I'm blessed.  The number didn't bother me too much.  I'm still not over last year! 

 I mentioned not knowing what to cook and it's true I'm struggling. I'm a comfort food person and that's harder in the summer.  I'm not making chicken pot pies and pot roast in July.  What I have been doing it making the simplest meals possible.  I'm trying to use fresh ingredients, less salt, and let the summer flavors speak for themselves.  Like this pizza I put together the other day.  Garlic, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.  That's it.  And it was delicious ♥

FYI - Do you have a FRESH MARKET near you?  I have one pretty close by and just recently went in for the first time.  I'm obsessed with this place! That's all. 

Breakfasts have been mostly yogurt (which my Dad likes for the first time in his life!), granola, and fruit.  Perfect.  I will try to eat outside on the porch if it's early enough and hasn't gotten too hot yet.  I find if I don't get any fresh air the day is harder to get through.  I miss my walks, but I don't enjoy sweating my makeup off, so there's that.  In time, in time.... 🍂🍂

Another bright spot was a very lovely day I had last Saturday.  For a birthday gift my mother-in-law treated me to a fun afternoon touring The Old House at Peace Field in Quincy, MA (about 20 minutes from my house!).  The home was built in 1731 and was the primary residence of four generations of Adams family members, including John and Abigale Adams.  

♥

We saw the writing desk where John Adams wrote letters to Thomas Jefferson and the very chair that John Adams died in.  I love history and this was so interesting.  If you are ever in the Boston area, I highly recommend this tour.  

Next to the house was the family's private library and this beautiful garden that reminded me so much of an English garden. I think this was my favorite part.  There are rose bushes that Abigale planted herself that still bloom.  

That gave me chills  ♥

It's fun to be a tourist in your own city.  I felt my mind expanding that day.  I really loved it and told myself I need to do that more often.  Even if it's by myself.  

And lastly, do you recognize this place?  John is in New York for a few days with a friend and his family sightseeing and yesterday he sent me this! IYKYK! :) 

We are slightly jealous around here but so happy he's having a good time! ♥

Well, it's coffee and work time for me.  Another day of staying cool, although I am headed out this afternoon to get a haircut. I'm trying out a new place and stylist today so hopefully it will go well.  Fingers crossed!

 If you're a summer person, tell me...how do you do this?  I need help! :)  

Have a lovely day my friends! Stay cool! 

xx 

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 : ) 

Ogunquit, ME (i.e my new favorite place ♥)

 Hello my lovely friends! Happy Labor Day! ♥

It's a slow day around here today and I couldn't be more pleased.  I'm so happy it's finally September.  But before I gush about Fall and how I spent all day Saturday decorating (there will be plenty of time for that) I want to tell you about our mini getaway to Maine last week.  It turns out I love Maine!  Specifically, Ogunquit Maine.  The quaintest little Hallmark movie town I've ever seen.  We stayed at a lovely hotel, ate lobster rolls, visited darling shops, enjoyed ocean views, and had an overall wonderful time.  It was just the vacation I needed and the perfect way to kiss summer goodbye.  

Our first stop was Kittery, Maine for some outlet shopping.  It only took under two hours to get there from Boston.  Kittery is known for its shopping.  There were plenty of stores to browse.  My favorite was the Lindt Chocolate shop because they were giving out samples.  From this moment on I knew it was going to be a good trip! :) 

Is this not beautiful?! ♥

From here we headed to Ogunquit, but first stopped for lunch at Nubble Lighthouse.  

It was a little overcast, but I did not mind at all! 

Of course I had to get a lobster roll (and a cup of lobster bisque).  It was delicious!!! 

Could be the best one I've ever had ♥

We went on this trip with Rob's parents, my sister-in-law and her family.  They booked long before we did so we were in different hotels.  We stopped at theirs first, which was literally on the water.  This is their balcony. 

 

It overlooked Ogunquit beach.  

The views were spectacular, and the grounds were so pretty. 

We had some snacks and then Rob, John, and I headed to our hotel which was just 10 minutes down the road.  

It wasn't ocean front, but we couldn't have been happier.  It was adorable and we were greeted with coffee and fresh baked cookies!

And look what was on our door....they must had known I was coming! Lol! 

For the next few days, we explored the town.  

What I really appreciated was everything was mostly in walking distance, so we were able to visit the shops and restaurants mostly by foot.  

Walking along, everything is so beautiful and cozy....♥

I did see hints of Fall here and there too, which made me very happy!

It made me excited to get home and decorate, which is exactly what I did : ) 

The next day we walked the Marginal Way which was breathtaking! It ends in Perkins Cove for more shopping and iced coffees.  

I'm not an outdoor girlie (at all!) but I was completely obsessed with the scenery here. 

Our hotel included breakfast which was a nice little treat.  The waffles were yummy!

Our final day we stopped in Kennebunkport (another place I've never been to) which was absolutely DARLING! I wish we had more time to explore here. Another time for sure.  

This is the Bush compound.  It was quite something.  I've always wanted to see it. 

We browsed the quaint square for a bit and then hit the road.  Our final stop was the Stonewall Kitchen flagship store in York, ME which I wish I took a picture of, but I didn't.  It was the best! IYKYK! 

Rob and I have decided to go back to Stonewall at Christmastime to do some shopping, because that place really deserves an entire afternoon.  There is a little cafe there so we can have lunch too.  

♥

My overall thoughts of this mini vacation were that I learned I truly love Maine.  I think too I was really ready for a vacation, whereas when we went to NH last month I wasn't as much.  This time I was able to relax and enjoy myself a little more. 

We enjoyed being with our family so much!  At night we gathered in my in-law's room and played games, told stories, and had so much fun. 

Also, it was fun exploring and falling in love with a new place.  We have already decided to go back next summer :) 

And NOW my friends, the time has come.  It's officially a BER month! Sweater weather season is upon us (ignoring that its 80 today....just don't think about it!).  John goes back to school on Friday.  He's ready and so am I!  I need to bake something fall-ish this week...apple or pumpkin? Stay tuned!

After having one of the worst summers of my life...the first without my mom among other things, this trip and the start of Fall are just what I need to feel happy again.  

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend and a beautiful start to September!!  Let's enjoy this season together.  I pray is takes its time so we can truly enjoy it ♥

Love you! xoxoxo