Glimpses

a rubber stamp quote that I love

framed quote on top of miniature chest


clover

lucky Saturday

fresh garden tomatoes

dried hydrangeas in an old green crock

Oppressive Heat

Yipes, it's only June, but this heat wave feels like August. Thank goodness for air conditioning, iced tea, and good books.

White House Studio

Come and see my larger art room, thanks to son Les and daughter-in-law Pennee. They left behind three computer tables and a white cabinet that I am thrilled to use...using the back room of the house they vacated. I told Les I felt like I was trespassing. A few footnotes you might find interesting: the cedar wardrobe was a wedding gift from 1971; the wood magazine rack under the table was made by my late father; the modern art painting once hung in my first apartment above a bookcase made from old bricks and boards.

Two Trips

Lovely Reelfoot Lake was formed by an earthquake in 1811-12.

Nicolas would throw a stone in the water and clap for joy.

Son Jo showed his boys how to skip flat stones across the water.

a nest built on a pavilion post

one of many peaceful spots on the lake

messages and pictures at the booth

A morning drive took us to Reelfoot Lake so we could check out the scenery and have lunch at Lakeview Dining Room. My catfish fillets, slaw, baked apples, onion rings, french fries, and hushpuppies were sooooo good. In the afternoon it was a trip to the antiques store. Even though the AC unit was working upstairs, it was still hot. A nice couple bought two iron molds...enjoy seeing my things go to friendly, appreciative buyers.

Thursday Already

After reading a couple of articles on drying hydrangeas I decided to give it a try. I'm not feeling very confident about it even though the information said it was easy. Probably it's just a matter of luck. Many blossoms outside have started to droop plus are developing brown spots so hubby and I will be cutting the plants back very soon. I tucked that vintage bird in among my cups and saucers...turned it so you see more yellow than blue. It once belonged to my husband's mother. The Lenox plate with the pair of birds once belonged to his aunt whose house we now enjoy. This week has passed quickly...keeping two grandsons may have had something to do with it. Actually it is hard to grasp that half of 2009 is almost gone...why is time in high speed...???

A Few Closeups

a corner of our weathered swing

a small birdfeeder

a chain on shed door


tiny birdhouse decorated with old jewelry pieces

old ice cream bucket

No real news to share, but I wanted to say "Hi" anyway. In the late afternoon I walked around the yard with my camera taking these few pictures. The swing has become a favorite place to sit and rest on these hot days. With trees nearby it's a pleasant spot for reading or relaxing.

Beauties

This has been a wonderful year for hydrangeas...first time we've had blooms in three shades. I really would like to dry some bunches. Any suggestions for best results?

Letting Go

One of the hardest things about being a parent is letting go...to wish them well as they seek new places and experiences as they follow their dreams. Just this morning we said tearful good-byes to our son and daughter-in-law. They left behind a surprise for us on the kitchen counter - this photo frame, the REMEMBER tag, and the dearest card with handwritten messages. We are blessed in our blended family to have six - four boys and two girls...each one with special talents and aspirations. Now that two sons are in California maybe a trip out west is a possibility.

Keeping In Touch

At Lowe's these discounted primroses were almost dead.

I am happy they are blooming.

I am also happy to report that the booth is a fun way to move items out of the house and give others a chance to enjoy them. The tiny crystal watering can and owl pitcher have already sold.

The metal bird and fake stack of diaries are antique mall objects I once selected and continue to display in my home. Someone gave them up so others could shop and discover them. This form of recycling is the best!

Hello! I admit to spending too much time on the computer...love other people's blogs. There's so much inspiration out there. Keeping my own blog has proven to be rewarding... your comments are encouraging...thank you for spending some of your valuable time with me.

Thanks again,

Sandy

Newest Family Member

Scooter

Saturday we had perfect weather for an outdoor gathering of family and friends. It was held as a going away party for Les and Pennee. This Friday they are starting a return trip to California. Also on Saturday we acquired this adorable little puppy. He was the main attraction of the weekend. After many suggestions and much deliberation the little guy was named Scooter.

Thursday Tidbits

It was an inside day due to rainy conditions. I managed to accomplish a few things...finished a paperback novel, made a healthy salad, tagged items for the booth, did a number of household chores, etc. With friends coming this weekend I thought I had better get started with cleaning. Catch you later.

Hay Bales

This week the tall grass near our house was cut, raked, and baled. I snapped a few pictures to share with you. Hope your week is shaping up to be a good one.

School's Out

June... the real beginning of summer vacation...time away from schoolbooks and classroom learning...time to relax and appreciate the great outdoors. I have several very old schoolbooks, and when I turn the pages, I wonder what hands once opened them and studied the lessons inside. What was the classroom like? What did the teacher look like? How did they spend time away from the schoolhouse? What became of them? Someday folks will wonder about us...what was it like to live in 2009?