As Summer Winds Into Fall

Last night as we drove home from dropping off our daughter at college, I really noticed how the colors of fall are beginning to show themselves. 

The days are getting shorter, the nights cooler, and everything seems to have a golden tint to it. 

As we drove by a nearby farm, I decided to pull over take a few pictures for you to enjoy.

Can you see the golden hues?

Aren't they beautiful?

Made me want to get out a few of my fall decorations (which I did). 

I bought this attractive couple at my very favorite thrift store for $2.00. 

They put a smile on my face.

They also made to want to take advantage of the end of summer bounty (which we did).

My mother, sister, and nephew came over and we feasted on a wonderful end of the summer harvest, which was followed by a nice long walk :)

The recipe for the zucchini casserole can be found here.  I had never made it before, but it was delicious.  Funny thing is the recipe was submitted by Brenda Z which is also my sister's name :)

I said it was a sign.

We had to try it. 

So glad we did.

I hope your Sunday was filled with joy and you enjoyed this slice of summer winding into fall.

Very soon, some items will be turning a vibrant orange...

I can't wait for that either :)

Have a great night.

Who Resides At Your Hall?

My daughter returned to college today.  She is a senior this year and will graduate in May :)  It has been a wonderful experience for her as she has made many friends, excelled in her studies, and taken full advantage of the knowledge base of her wonderful teachers.  This year she has an apartment on campus. 

Honestly, it looks like a really nice hotel. 

All of the residency halls are really nice. 

Take, for example, this hall.

Note the slate roof...

the decorative touches (in turquoise, no less)...

and the cute residents...

Sometimes, it doesn't matter who or what you are.

You just know style when you see it :)

Have fun, Nan!!!

We love you :)

The Mighty Queens of Freeville

Maybe it's because I come from a family of strong women.

Maybe it's because I grew up in a county that has more cows than people.

Maybe it's because I like to dress up on Halloween.

Maybe it's because I love my children more than anything in this world.

Maybe it's because I agree that sometimes by going home, you find yourself.

And it's definitely because I believe in second chances and happy endings.

For all those reasons and more, I love this book.  I think you will too. 

It is a quick read.  I read it yesterday morning while everyone was sleeping.  Couldn't put it down.

So...go grab the book, a quilt, a cup of coffee (or a Diet Coke), and enjoy it.

I know you will :)

Aaahhh Friday

How I look forward to you each week.  Because that means tomorrow is the weekend.  Cooking, cleaning, camping, shopping, and walks with my dogs.  I might even try making bread this weekend. 
Oh, and definitely a movie :) 
I love Fridays.

A Shower for Shannon :)

Sunday we hosted a bridal shower for my daughter's best friend Shannon. 

And, because we love Shannon, we went all out.  We spent two days cleaning out our barn, decorating, baking, and preparing food for this event.  If I do say so myself, I think it turned out splendidly. 

The afternoon began with a torrential downpour which, I won't lie, had me worried.

However, we had the umbrellas ready.

We made sure the lighting was just right, put fresh flowers on the table (thank you Aldi's),

placed straws in pint jars which we filled with punch...

hung my Mary Engelbreit paper lanterns that I purchased on sale at Michaels...

and let the festivities begin :)

The sun even came out!!!

We served the food home style (it was delish), chatted...

played games and laughed...

and celebrated the day happily with the lovely bride to be...

her adorable bride's maids...

and wonderful friends and family that came to congratulate Shannon and Kevin...

I hope you enjoyed it was much as we did.

We'll see you two on September 12th :)

Congratulations!!!

Haste Makes Waste

Or hidden blessings.  You decide.

In preparation for the bridal shower that I am holding for my daughter's best friend, I washed the curtains in my house.  Washed them, took them out of the dryer, got the curtain rod, put the curtains on the rod, and because Dave was outside, DJ was sleeping, and Nana was working, I decided to hang the rod myself. 

Bad idea.
I broke one of dishes that I have above the sink. 

Was I mad?  Yes. 

Did it matter?  No.

So I got over it.  Went on with my business and continued to clean.  Dave went to our storage unit, and came back with a plate that my mother had given me when Dave and I were first married.  I loved it.  I thought it was lost.  It was just misplaced.  Or maybe it was placed there just for this moment when I needed it most.  The words on it are very appropriate.  They are that of An Old Irish Blessing.

I hope the sun shines down upon your face today :)

Have a great day.

Good Morning

Would you like a slice of  pie this morning for breakfast?

You may call it raspberry or blackberry pie.

I call it thimbleberry pie.  (The berry looks like a thimble).

Whichever you prefer, it's yours.

My daughter and I picked the berries just for this.

We hope you enjoy it.

How about a cup of coffee to go with it?

I have cream and sugar :)

I hope you enjoy your day.

How To Be Alone

I recently watched this video and knew I had to share. 

There is so much truth in it.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Make sure you mute the music at the bottom before listening to it.

Enjoy your night :)

Sunday Morning With Brenda

I went to my sister's home this morning and we did a multitude of things.We went thrifting and I purchased this lovely painting.  It reminds me of what I believe Denmark is like in the spring.   And the frame is almost as lovely as the painting.

I then dyed my sister's hair and then went with her to get it cut.

I must say I think it is one of the most stylish haircuts she has ever had.

And, the color to die for :) 

You look wonderful Brenda.

And last, but certainly not least, we went to the antique car show that was at the local park right up the street from her home.  I love it when people are passionate about hobbies.  All of the vehicles were so well taken care of.  Which one is your favorite?  I like them all.  However, it is the yellow station wagon with the wood paneling that I wanted when I was a little girl.  My sister told me it reminded her of the Brady Bunch.

To which I replied, "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia."
:)

Have a great night :)

Go for a walk or a ride!!!

Cleveland Rocks - The Final Chapter

The cruise.

They made it onto the boat.

The dinner.

They would have died for it...

A meal of chicken, fish, and pork provided sustenance to the weary travelers.

Honestly, it was one of the best meals we have ever had.

And they were off - with a pep in their step...

a glide to their slide...

and new found muscle tone...

Corny, yes.

But fun :)

Have a good night.