What's Up With That?

My daughter is "one of the luckiest people alive" according to her brother, DJ.
She is going to see Carrie Underwood live in concert tonight with her friends.
Cost of ticket - $5.00.

I mean really...

Getting Our Hair Done for Easter

Violet don't be bashful.
I think your haircut is really cute.
I think it is too short, Mom!!!
It will grow.
I think you are beautiful no matter how long your hair is.

Hhmmppff.

Life is all about attitude sweetheart and you have enough to go around the world twice:)

Road Trip

Dave and I had pancakes last night. Only I didn't make them. We went on a road trip to Allegheny County and ate at Cartwright's Maple Tree Inn. It was such a nice night out and given the fact that the Inn is only open from February to April, I thought we should go. So we did.

The Inn is in the middle of nowhere. (Actually I grew up very, very close to there). I love it. It is RURAL. However, people drive long distances just to enjoy its ambiance.


And, of course, the best ALL YOU CAN EAT buckwheat pancakes around. Dave enjoyed sausagewith his. I had eggs sunnyside up with mine.

It is charming. It is like going back to the 1960s. They refill your coffee quickly...

and sell real maple syrup...

The drive there is filled with beautiful scenery...

and wildlife...

That is a field of over 30 turkeys (and there were more over the knoll).

If you get the chance, leave the grocery store syrup at the store.

You never know what's in it...

MMMHHHHMMM :)

Make the drive. You won't regret it. I know we didn't.

Have a good day.

A Little Easter Decorating

Easter is my Mom's favorite holiday. She always made it special for us. She made sure that we colored eggs, she hid the Easter baskets that the Easter Bunny left behind, and prepared a wonderful Easter dinner (complete with one of her wonderful pies). My Dad even contributed to Easter by making his pickled eggs. These are traditions that I carry on today.

I will be purchasing eggs, beets, vinegar and pickling spices to make the eggs this weekend. They actually taste very good and are pretty to boot. This morning, however, I am enjoying my Easter decorations which are very simple.

Tonight I will be enjoying pancakes. It is, after all, meatless Friday. Who says you cannot have pancakes for supper?

Try it!!! I think you'll like it :)

Ducks Are on the Pond

Today is my idea of the perfect day. We have a clear blue sky, temperatures are in the mid to upper 50s, the ice is melting off our lower pond and we are all enjoying this spring day...



Violet has been very adventurous...

Snoop has been rooting around (note the dirt on his nose)...

and we are all enjoying the sun on our faces...

and the jonquils that are getting ready to bloom...

Take a walk and enjoy your night.

Happy Birthday Daniel

I know that yesterday was your 15th birthday and I know you do not like alot of attention, but I don't care today. We all love you and are very proud of the young man you have become.


So Happy Birthday Sweetheart!!!
(I hope Ohio does well this week :)

The Tension Mounts

He's had this face since Friday night...
She was born with this face...

DJ's not showing his face.

We don't want to jinx anything.

We're not going to crack a smile until it's all over .......................................:)

I Can't Believe Kansas Lost

So much for winning the basketball pool...

Go CUSE!!!

Dave (Syracuse grad), DJ and I will be routing for you tomorrow!!!

GO ORANGE!!!

The Weekend

I love my weekends. I really do.

I also love spring, warm weather, sunshine and spring cleaning. Given the fact that this past week has been nothing but beautiful weather and today is supposed to be more of the same, I will be taking full advantage of it. I will be putting up my spring curtains, laying new rugs, giving Snoop and Violet a good grooming, hanging laundry outside to dry, planting some bulbs, and maybe even playing a little tennis.

I hope the weather is nice where you are and you do the things you enjoy - whether staying at home or being out and about.

Here's to a wonderful weekend!!!

St. Patrick's Day a Weee Bit Early

for some maybe...
Not for this house me friends!!!


Being the good Irish lady that I am, we'll be celebrating St. Patty's Day all week.
As it should be!!!
As it always will be :)

The Flower Show

Dave, DJ and I went to the Flower Show today. Alexandra is in New York City visiting her roommate and great friend, Barbara. Although we did not think this year's exhibits were as impressive as previous years, I did get some ideas for both the inside and outside of my home. By the way, I saw my first robin this week. Blooming flowers cannot be far behind :) I hope you enjoy the photos.

Remember to turn your clocks ahead tonight. Spring can't get here fast enough :)

Is This Not the Sweetest Dog Ever

I took these photos in January. Violet and her friend Piggy were keeping warm by the fire. She is sooo sweet. She loves to lay by her things (me, Piggy, Santa, her baby). I just love her.

It is supposed to be near 70 degrees here today. Get outside and enjoy a walk. You may even see a robin :) Have a great day!!!

If You Give a Girl a China Cabinet

and she moves it to her laundry room...
she decorates it with family heirlooms and items that have sentimental value... one shelf will have photos of a Swedish homestead...

another holds favorite linens...

she then moves the washstand to the sun porch where it becomes a bookstand that is right next to a rocking chair...

where she decides to sit, enjoy the morning sun and think about baking cookies, mice and her favorite books:)

Have a great day!

Can You Say Spring Project?

Isn't this just the sweetest little china cabinet? I just purchased her at my favorite thrift store. Don't you just love thrift store finds? I have big plans for this cabinet. As soon as the snow melts and I get the chance, I am going to paint her Ralph Lauren's Creamy White and then I am going to adorn her with cookbooks, cake platters, splashes of red, and some vintage linens from Dave's Mom. I can't wait!!! I will definitely share the after photos :)

Don't worry - I brought her inside. I will take very good care of her :)

Lamberton Conservatory

We did go to the conservatory yesterday afternoon. The warmth, splashes of color, and serenity of it all was wonderful. I took a few pictures so you could enjoy too. If you ever get the chance, go. You will not regret it.

Have a good day.