Summer Day

a peaceful view

a swing

birds - real or fake

terra cotta pots

blooms

a special tree

After weeks of stifling heat we were rewarded with a perfect summer day on this last day of June. How have you been spending your summer days? Would love to hear from you.

Amazing Letter

On June 14, 2010, I found an amazing letter. I was so excited just to touch it...much less read it. This was the letter my brother Ron had told me about a few months ago. He was afraid our mother might have thrown it away. My mother has always been a saver of mementoes, letters, cards, and pictures. But with Alzheimer's she would go through papers and sort things in a disorganized manner and also throw away some stuff. It has been tough going through her things and deciding what to keep. Ron knew about this letter, had read it, and hoped it would turn up.

We lost our dad in 1979 to cancer. He would have made a wonderful grandfather. My two children missed out on knowing him.

To read words my dad wrote as a young man was a thrilling experience. He wrote this sweet letter to his parents in January of 1942.

Everett was my daddy's older brother.

My brother and I have very few samples of my dad's handwriting. And this is the only letter we have of his correspondence with his parents.

Saturday...a day for pleasures

After a Saturday matinee and grocery shopping, it's great to be home. With iced tea, a reclining chair, and a good book life is good. Oh, I did something today I haven't done in a long time. I wrote a five page letter. Yes, I did while sitting at my wonderful desk! My 91 year old aunt had sent me the nicest card and note asking questions about my mom and family. Since she's one of the sweetest persons I've ever known, I had to respond. What a great feeling it was to drop that letter in the mailbox! I think I should write more letters.

Miscellaneous

A Well Kept Secret

Usually someone spills the beans when it comes to surprises. However, this time the kids and I were able to surprise Cork. He had no idea that son Les was arriving from California on Saturday morning for Father's Day weekend. The doorbell rang, and Cork grumbled out loud, "Who can that be this early in the morning?" When he opened that door, what joy! Those joyous moments of happy embraces were something to witness. This whole weekend has been extra special due to family and friends spending time together and making memories...swimming party at Jeff and Chance's on Saturday night; Sunday meal of steaks, baked potatoes, salad, and Sock-it-to-me cake; pool tournament this afternoon; a few pranks and lots of laughter and conversation. The photo I'm posting is one Gunner drew for my mother. Happy wishes for a great week!

Thursday Takes

morning visitor


pirate hat creations made from newspaper


Gunner's pose

Garrett's pose with a "pirate map"

chocolate cake from Kroger's

Garrett's ten!
His real party is this Saturday on his actual birthday.

Tonight was a small family celebration.

Nicolas who thinks he's as big as Garrett and Gunner

June Happenings

Many of you know by now how much I love this collection in a small wooden bowl.

The five small acorns represent children Jo, Jason, Ryan, Les, and Lauren. When Cork and I married this month twenty-one years ago, we became a blended family - his three sons and my son and daughter.

When Cork and I read the newspaper with morning coffee, this collection is in full view before me. It never fails to cheer me up each day because so many memories are connected with it.

This June I'm trying to part with objects that were once dearly loved by me or by my mother. I was at the antique store today and was happy to add and rearrange items.

Beastly heat continues here in West Tennessee. However, I don't want to complain because there's so much suffering in other parts. I am thankful for family, home, and health. Also I'm thankful for visitors and friends here at B&P. Your thoughts and comments are always welcome. Sandy

Summer Heat

I will be spending more time inside than out.

Mixed Miracle-Gro with water and gave the planter plants a

refreshing bath.

Birdbath is surrounded by lilies in bloom.

The heat and all the earlier spring rains must be helping the lilies.

I plan to see my mother this afternoon...wish she could be here and sit out in the garden with me. After all, the lilies are hers. She insisted that I transplant irises and lilies from her garden. I'm so glad I did. Mothers (and fathers) tend to know best.

Details

I simply love all the details in older pieces.

Thought I'd share these four in a short post.

My day was crowded with details of another kind.

• cinnamon toast request by grandsons
• hair appointment at 10:30
• grocery shopping
• sandwiches for lunch
• a TV movie
• at art table for some collage work
• chocolate ice cream request by little guys
• omelets for supper
• phone call
• messing around with camera
• blog post

It has been a GOOD day. So glad you came by.