Thursday, June 28, 2018

Summer Days


The Grosbeak's are back and have been serenading 
us every evening. 

They have the most beautiful song.......
It is long and complicated with a lovely warble at the end. 
They answer each other with distant echoes,
all through the forest as the sun sets. 


On cloudy days, the sun sets golden on the hills;
sometimes the only sunshine we might see all day. 


A full moon prolongs the light show, 
that lasts well into the 10:00 hour 
here in the Pacific Northwest. 




It's only in summer that the sunset reaches 
beyond the hill that blocks the light 
for most of the year. 







Wildflowers are blooming and berries are ripening. 

Life is good for the wild things. 
A time of abundance and ease to store up 
for the winter. 



The roses and sweet William are having their day, 
causing us to linger to catch a scent, or admire a new bloom
 on our quiet evening strolls with the dogs.  



Even the succulents are blooming, 
creating their own fireworks 
for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations. 



I love these long summer days when I can linger 
over chores - taking my time in the bright early mornings
and late afternoons. 


I find time to notice little things, 
like the intricate lace and wonderful label 
as I hand-wash a new blouse. 


Or the amazing luminescence of a moth on the deck
as I work to prep the surface for painting. 


From this.......


To this. 


One board at a time. 

The weather has not been cooperative for painting, 
so I have focused on scraping and scrubbing
while I wait for the sun. 

An umbrella keeps me cool and dry. 


I've been trying to cook healthier 
and I've discovered a delicious and easy
way to make Spanish rice for summer meals. 

Oven Spanish Rice

Preheat oven 375 degrees

1 cup long-grain brown rice
2 cups boiling water
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, Mexican style
1/2 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup chopped green pepper

Mix all ingredients in an ungreased casserole. 
Cover and cook 45 minutes, 
stirring occasionally. 


So good with tacos! 

It reheats nicely, too. 


So while I wait for sunnier skies to complete my work, 


I'll just enjoy these long summer days, 
storing them up for winter. 

xoxo




Monday, June 25, 2018

A Sweet June Bridal Shower


Hello, Dear Friends, Welcome to summer! 

I've missed you all!

I've been so busy in the gardens,
celebrating Father's Day,
and......
this past weekend a sweet little Bridal Shower 
to celebrate my daughter, Jennie's upcoming wedding. 


Jennie's sweet sister, Heather (and best friend)
wanted to show her love by inviting 
a few close family and friends over for 
a little celebration for the bride-to-be. 

(She planned it all in between working and 
caring for her toddler and 5 mos. old twins!)  
She's truly amazing!
(And so is hubby!
Check out the immaculate grounds.....)
xoxo

Come along and let's take a peek inside! 


Lavender and daisies blooming :)


Fuchsia baskets and potted blooms.


A boxwood wreath. 




A sweet vignette.


 Let's go inside......




'Guess how many kisses for the soon-to-be Mrs.!'

A deconstructed cake decorated with 
garden roses. 



Tasty refreshments. 

Mango Moscato wine with sparkling water and berries
and 
fresh squeezed lemon/limeade. 


Yummy eats. 



Something for everyone, 
including berry, cheese picks.........


Olive, cheese, kielbasa 
and 
tomato, mozzarella, basil bites


Pasta salad....
Orzo, arugula, cranberry and feta. 


Sandwiches...... 
Chicken salad and tomato 'flowers'
and 
cream cheese and chive cucumber rounds. 



Cream cheese and strawberry jam 
with strawberry 'hearts'. 


The pretty seating area. 

It was a perfect June day. 
(Although there were worries - it rained the night before!)


A chair with umbrella attached for the bride-to-be
as she is 'showered' for her upcoming wedding. 


Her favorite flowers. 


A 'practice veil' rests on the back of her chair. 



Pretty bottles tinkle in the summer breeze. 


Canning jar vases. 


Burlap and lace. 



A sweet photo garland. 

Thank-you cards for guests to address. 



Bridal shower games;

'Put a Ring On It!'

Place a ring on your finger. 
If you say 'wedding' or 'bride' 
you forfeit your ring to the one who notices....
The one with the most rings at the end of the day
wins a prize! 



More fun games....


Delicately wrapped prizes. 

(Beauty products!)


Vintage
xo


The bride-to-be arrives! 


Sisters and best friends. 


Jennie and 'her girls';
Fiance' Steve's beautiful daughters. 


Let's eat! 


Precious friends and family. 


Selfie time! 


Jennie and I. 

xoxo


Trying on the veil. 
The crown has a miniature bride and groom :)


Heartfelt gifts. 





Pretty and practical.
xoxo


Hugs all around. 


Sisters share a special moment. 



Time for cake. 
Vanilla cream. 


A special message from a young guest 
on the playroom wall. 



Don't forget your favor! 

xoxo
Thank you for sharing this special celebration
with us, Dear Friends! 

I'm so glad that you came! 

xoxo



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