Remembering Summer

We've had such fun this summer, it's almost sad to see it end!   Gardening, visiting with friends and family, tablescaping, and starting this blog-writing adventure - so many  special memories!  Here's a recap of summer.


Gardening

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tablescaping

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Great Times With Family and Friends

 

 

 

 

 

Our 25th Anniversary Celebration 

 

A Picnic we hosted for our bank friends 

Friends at the Lake of the Ozarks

 

Dining at home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And just enjoying the outdoors

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Beautiful Wine Country



 
 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Recalling great times this summer and looking forward to creating new fall memories.  What are your favorite summertime memories?



Linking to:

Seasonal Sunday
Amaze Me Monday
Inspire Me Tuesday
Tuesdays at Our Home





Thank Goodness for the Garden

Well, it happened.  After our annual trips to the doctors, both Wonderful Hubby and I were told those dreaded words, "At your age, you might consider losing a little weight."  We decided to go on the Weight Watchers diet together.  If you know anything about this eating plan you know every item you put in your mouth is given a point value.  At the beginning, depending on your current weight, you are given a point goal for each day and even some 'cheating' points for times when you want or need to deviate from the plan.  Vegetables and fruits, for the most part, are FREE = 0 points!!

Yesterday began week 2 of this weight loss adventure and I think we are settling into a rhythm.  I really like to cook and all last week I felt out of my element.  But after seeking out recipes on the WW website and the internet, I think I'm ready to do this.

This morning I went out to the garden.  We were gone this weekend and I hadn't been there in several days.  What a delicious surprise!!  LOTS OF ZERO POINTS greeted me!!!

 
Green beans, cabbage, tomatoes, zucchini and LOTS of cucumbers!!!!   We shall not starve on this diet!!
 
 
 
We also have several other veggies waiting in the wings.....
 
 
In a few days/weeks we should also be enjoying: 
 
 
OKRA!

Red and Yellow Peppers!  They need to ripen up.

Squash! (I planted butternut squash so I hope that's what this ripens into!)

Sweet Corn!!!! (Ok, I know that's a point or two ..... without the butter .... but who can resist it??)

We also have a lot more green beans to harvest!  I've already canned some for winter.

Yes, that's a live trap to the left.  The squirrels are making unwanted visits.  They need to be moved some place else! 



My tomato plants didn't get in this round of pictures.  They are in the back of the garden and I was running out of battery.  They have quite a few green ones on the vine with more blooms! 



I'm so thankful our weather has been good this year.  Last year was extremely HOT and DRY!  We had to water and tomatoes were about all we harvested.   This year the garden has had plenty of moisture and the compost from the rabbits we raise has really helped. 


I will try to update you on our progress and, if I happen upon some REALLY tasty recipes, I'll share them with you.  Who cares if they're healthy, as long as they are tasty!!!

Have a great week!

 

 

Linking to:

 

Home{work} Wednesday

Inspire Me Tuesday



Spring Is Almost Here

In my part of the country that's sometimes a tricky thing to predict.  Just 2 weeks ago, we had 12 inches of snow.  And last week, we enjoyed temperatures in the 70's.  I've been out and about in my yard this weekend trying to find tangible signs of the new season and  I may have just captured a few bits of evidence.

  

Daffodils (or Jonquils, as my mother used to call them) are blooming behind our shed. You have to know they're there to enjoy them!

 

Pansies from Precious Daughter.  I think there are a few violets peeking through, too.

Grape Hyacinths around the old pin oak in the front yard. 

  

The crab apple is starting to leaf out.  And look at that beautiful blue sky!

I've even found a little spring inside!   

Hoping you're finding a little spring in your backyard soon, too.

 

 

 

Linking to:

 

Seasonal Sunday



 

Life Long Learner

I've learned lots of things in my life.  As a young person, I learned how to take care of myself, drive a car, and build friendships.  During my career years, I learned how to teach young children to read, raise a family, and (relatively recently) how to cook!  While helping my elderly parents, I learned where all the doctors' offices were, the difference between assisted living and nursing home care, and how Alzheimer's Disease is harder on the family than on the patient. 

Now, as I'm getting ready to retire, I realize there are still lots more things to learn.  Things I've always wondered about but never had time to learn.  Like photography....just for fun....home decorating, and gardening (both vegetable and flowers).  I also am looking forward to reading what I want to, not what I have to.  And what exciting new places my wonderful hubby and I can visit and learn about?!

Another thing I've wanted to learn about for awhile is how to set up a photo blog.  This way, I can hold myself accountable for learning these new things and more.  I'd like to invite you check in on my new 'education' from time to time and see how I'm doing.  Your gentle comments would be appreciated! 

Let the next chapters begin!