September so far ♥

Hello lovely Friends! ♥

September has arrived!  It's back to school time.  It's dark chilly morning time. It's the smell of burning leaves in the air time.  Welcome back.  I'm so glad it's here.  

This morning after Rob left for work I baked this pumpkin bread.  It's midafternoon now and the house is still filled with the yummy smell of this goodness.  It's better than a candle, let me tell you.  My Dad and I both had a piece for breakfast with our coffee and it was truly like getting a huge hug from the universe.  Ok, maybe that's a bit dramatic, but it really was delicious (thank you Pillsbury quick bread mix) and it totally CEMENTS that we are indeed in the best season of the year

...in my opinion anyway : ) 

Over the past few weeks I've been slowly bringing out the fall decorations.  Every day the house is filled more and more with orange, gold, and warm harvest colors.  It's not quite Halloween time yet, but everything else is fair game. 

I also brought in the last of the hydrangeas off the bush out front and have them scattered throughout the house as well.  I love how the color goes from vibrant blue to dusty gray.  Funny, I like these flowers as late in the season as possible. 

I was thinking of drying them but I'm not sure where I'd keep them after that.  For now I'll enjoy them this way for as long as they last. 

Cinnamon has also earned her permanent place on the counter for the next few months. I add cinnamon to everything this time of year and she deserves her spot next to the sugar.  I especially love it in my coffee. It doesn't look that pretty but it tastes divine ♥

  Days are starting to get shorter.  I can feel and see the shift through the sun coming in in the morning.  

The shadows are so pretty ♥

 Everything feels warmer, cozier, and homier. 

Just the way I like it ♥

Candles are burning all the time ♥

 I've been trying to spend as much time as I can lately on the back porch.  I like to sit out here first thing in the morning for a few minutes and then again later in the afternoon.  I'll read my book for a chapter or two, have a tea or coffee, make a phone call, or just sit and watch the birds. 

It's pretty private back here, like my own little secret garden ♥

Soon the leaves will change color and fall right before my eyes.  

It's a very peaceful spot.  Probably the best spot in our house. 

My happy place ♥

Our local Dunkin Donuts FINALLY has pumpkin spice back on the menu! YAY! Rob knows to bring one when I need it (which is often).  He's good like that.  

Next month will be our 27th wedding anniversary. 

He knows me pretty well by now ♥

We've really been trying lately to make a conscious effort to slow down. Life is so fast, isn't it?  We've spent the last year going like two hamsters on a wheel, going - going - going.  It's time to start enjoying things more.  A slow Sunday drive, coffee shops, walks, easy days.  The house projects can wait.  And you never know what twists life will throw at you (I speak from experience). We appreciate every day we can relax and enjoy ourselves. That's what we're all about lately.  

I smile just thinking about it ♥

 

Anywhoo...

...speaking of enjoyment, we just came off a lovely September weekend.  On Saturday Rob's cousin got married on a beautiful golf course on Cape Cod.  Here is my attempt at an artsy photo of my outfit that I snapped right before getting dressed...lol 

Here is me in the ladies room at the wedding to document that I did indeed dress up and leave the house.  It's been a while.  It was fun, although my feet aren't used to heels (only slippers) and boy were they hurting.  We did dance the night away so it was worth it! : ) 

I must remember that it's fun to dress up and go out sometimes.  I was still home and in bed with my book by 10:30.  

I'm such a party girl :) 

On Sunday I saw the new Downton Abbey movie with my friend Julie.  I brought tissues because I was told I would need them. Glad I listened because I did need them!  I loved every second of this movie.  It was perfection.  I refuse to believe that this is the end.  It has to continue, it just has too.  I love these characters and the world they live in.  Especially when ours is so heavy right now, this is just what I needed.  Lady Mary and her stunning dresses for two hours.  I want to see it again.  

In fact, I might ♥

Well friends, that's my September so far. I can't believe today is the 15th already!  I'll be buying Halloween candy sooner that I realized. 

Have a cozy evening! Bye xoxox

Goodbye Summer, Maine, & John's Birthday! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

Guess what? I lit my first Fall candle of the season yesterday morning.  Yankee Candle Spiced Pumpkin, which I got on sale at the Yankee Candle outlet in Kittery, ME this past weekend. The smell is still wafting through the house today. It's the scent of the season and tells everyone that enters, it's fall! It's my all-time favorite.  As you well know, there are a lot of pumpkin scented candles out there, but none compared to this one.  It's the best.  

We have been blessed with cooler temps this week (some might say even "chilly" in the mornings) and it's blissful. I can feel the shift happening.  We have arrived.  Finally :) 

But before I go on about THAT I wanted to share a few pictures from our weekend in Ogunquit, ME.  It's quite beautiful there, with its quaint shops, restaurants, and overall Hallmark FEEL if you know what I mean.  The beach and ocean view are stunning. 

 I did not go to the beach, but I did spend my fair share of time sitting on a balcony looking at it and taking it all in. It was very relaxing and I did enjoy being away for a few days.  I could feel the stress leaving my body and peace filling my lungs in the form of sea air. It's funny how the ocean can do that.  

How could I stop taking in this view ♥ 

 

We went with Rob's family (our annual summer trip) so there was 12 of us total.  We separated at times to do our own things but always met up for meals and games at night. Some went to the beach, some the pool, some shopping, and some of us read books while listening to the waves, only getting up to eat. 

It was super fun.  

One highlight was stopping on the way up at Nubble Lighthouse in York, ME for lunch.  We had beautiful weather!

Here is John and his two cousins, Anthony and Julia! 

I had the same delicious lobster roll I had last year (when in Rome..:).  

It's the best I've ever had.  So fresh! 

On Saturday we celebrated John's 18th birthday!  

My father-in-law picked up a tiramisu cake at a local bakery and we surprised John at the hotel.  He loved it!  

I can't believe this boy is 18!!!! ♥

I wish you knew John.  Some of you might.  He's a special kid.  Smart, funny, caring, and kind.  I'm so proud of him. 

Did I say kid? I guess I should say adult now. Wow! 

To be honest, all weekend I was fighting myself not to worry about my Dad at home.  He's been feeling great lately and assured me he'd be fine.  I left him fully stocked with meals and all the essentials he'd need.  He joked me with me I was only going for 2 days, not 2 months, so RELAX!  I called every day and he was as he said - totally fine.  Whew! 

Before heading home we stopped by a candy store (of my dreams!) that sells this yummy black liquorish bridge mix that I remember from last year.  Are you a fan of black liquorish? People either love it or hate it. 

Personally, I love it!  I have to keep the bowl out of my sight, or I will in fact, eat it all.  

We arrived home on Sunday afternoon.  I caught up with my Dad, unpacked, did laundry, sat on my bed and took a rest until dinner.  Why is riding in a car doing nothing so tiring?  Anyway, I'm glad to be home. And now the time has come.  I always use John's birthday as my time meter.  Once we've properly celebrated his summer birthday, I can turn the page to Fall. I'm so excited for the season to change.  I feel myself coming back to life once the air changes.  I love to decorate and craft and especially bake and cook in the fall.  All the things that bring me joy.  

John is in Boston today with some of his friends, still living his summer dreams. He still has a few weeks until his classes start so he's hanging on to summer, not letting one second of it slip through his fingers. A lot of his friends are heading off to college, so this week will be a long week of goodbyes.  

 I know summer's not over just yet, but it is for me! ♥

Have a great day friends!  I'm making chicken pot pie for dinner. 

 This girl isn't messing around! LOL 

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 : ) 

John Graduated! ♥

Hello Friends! ♥

It's hard for me to put into words what I felt that day.  I was overjoyed for John.  It was such an achievement and happy occasion for everyone.  As I sat in the bleachers watching my only son walk with his classmates (402 of them!) while the music played, the last 17 years flashed before my eyes.  It all happened so fast.  I am so proud of him! I was on the edge of crying the entire time...happy tears of course...some a little sad. It's really happening. 

*Also, does Pomp & Circumstance give anyone else chills? That song is so emotional!*

He was SO Happy! It was a beautiful ceremony.  And the best part was John got to play with the band one final time.  He's played at graduation for the last 3 years and this year he got to play for himself.  How cool is that ♥

Afterwards we went home and celebrated with family and friends.  We ate, told stories, laughed, and it was wonderful.  I thought about my mom a lot. I wished so badly she was there with us.  And my Dad, who unfortunately was in the hospital.  He's still there battling a few things but thankfully getting better and hopefully coming home soon.  (More on that later)  

 

For now I'd like to say Congratulations to John.  You did it!!! I know you'll do great things! On to the next chapter! We love you soooo much! ♥

And now that that's over, I'll be back to my regular scheduled program of coffee, candles, and cozy posts.  It's almost summer! 

Happy days my friends! And thank you for all your kind messages and congratulations to John!  

He read them all! Xx 

I'll be back soon with an update on Dad ♥

John's Prom! ♥

Good Monday morning, friends! ♥

It's a coffee on the deck kind of morning.  I'm sipping away watching the birds. I know I have a busy day ahead of me, and this is a nice way to begin.  

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  It was another busy one for us as we prepare for John's graduation in just a few days.  Thank you to all who reached out to and left lovely comments about my last post.  I'm realizing that feeling sad is normal.  I had a good cry with Rob on the phone on Saturday and after that I felt much better. I said how sad I am that things are changing and how life is "so different now." One thing about me...I hate change.  He understands that and gave me the pep talk I needed. He told me all things that I already know.  Yes, things are different, but that doesn't mean it's bad.  So much good is yet to come. And adult John is so much fun (and just as wonderful as baby John), which so many of you shared with me too.  Adult kids are awesome in so many ways.  I started decorating for the party, ordered the cake, and started to feel excited again.  I can do this! (she said to herself in a questionable voice...:)  My mom always told me that I'm stronger than I think I am.  Maybe she was right about that. 

Anyway, on to happier things.  Friday night was the prom!  John and his beautiful date, Liliah, had a wonderful time! They were blessed with great weather too! Nice and sunny! 

Do they look lovely?! She's a doll too! ♥

John opted to wear a suit instead of a tux, which some kids do nowadays.  

Who knew?! ♥

 

They met at another friend's house to take pictures.  One of the moms sent me this.  

I think they all look amazing! ♥

The class meets at the school and they have a "red carpet" situation before boarding coach buses to take them to the venue.  

I think it's great because no one has to drive. 

A moment for the tie... Yup, that's Elvis (of course!) ♥

He has a collection of different ones that he got from his uncle and fellow Elvis enthusiast.

They come out on special occasions! 

They had a great time!  I was so happy for him! ♥

It will be a busy week with more activities as we count down to graduation on Saturday. 

My mom's roses and peonies have started blooming and I think that's a sign that she's watching over us.  

Hi Mom! ♥

I hope you all have a happy Monday! I'm going to pour another cup of coffee, get dressed, and get some work done.  

I hope the sun is shining on you today.  Can you believe it's June already?! ♥

XOXO