Friday Footnote

A bit of sparkle for the garden

I worked on flowerbeds this week and realized what a poor gardener I have been. Just keeping the planters watered is quite a chore on these hot days. I managed to pull weeds and cut back lots of irises. That birdbath stand once supported a top bowl. For now the Garden Ridge find from my recent trip will rest there.  

 

Inside I found places for two round balls featuring birds.  There was one long aisle at that Garden Ridge store that had scores of decorated round balls.  It was not easy making choices 'cause I liked so many.  The green one went on top of a pitcher, and the blue one ended up in a basket.

 

 

 

 

 

 
"One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats."
                                           - Iris Murdoch

Today we attended the funeral of a fine man who knew about the joys of family and friends. As a Christian, he touched many lives. He will be missed for his strong leadership, sweet smile, and kind personality.  

 

Highlights

I had four wonderful days in Louisville, Kentucky. It was truly great to be with these four special friends.

 

 

 

the famous track

So much history in one spot!

 

beautiful hats for sale in the gift shop

 

 

Outdoor mall had gorgeous blooms and sidewalk sculptures.  

We had fun just being together, eating out, sightseeing, and shopping.  I wanted to bring this huge flower pot home, but it was out of my price range. I looked for bargains at an antique mall we visited, but didn't find them. This time the thrill of the hunt left me disappointed. Oh well, there's always next time. 

 

HAPPY MONDAY!

HAPPY SUMMER!

Looking Around

Two gardenia blooms greeted me in the garden today. I held them up to my nose and inhaled, recalling this same scent from my childhood days in Louisiana. In fact, this gardenia bush was bought several years ago when I was visiting my birth state.

As I was cleaning and filling the birdbath, I noticed the smaller bloom.

Another white surprise was a hollyhock. So far I have had only pink ones blooming.

 

This was my first summer to place this birdhouse outside on the patio. It got some attention right away. 

These geraniums on the patio table are favorites because you can see their bright colors from my kitchen window.

 

This vignette honors my mother who loved to garden. Under the larger cloche is one of her McCoy flowerpots.

 

 

The E for her given first name - Essie

 

Because her last name was Barnes before she married, she acquired the nickname Barney that was used much more than Essie.

 

 

flower frogs

 

 

This "heart" flower frog is a little something I almost passed up on one of my antiquing days. Sometimes the littlest things provide the most joy. 

 

 

Speaking of Mother, I'm so glad the view from her room is of a courtyard with flowers, trees, and birdfeeder. She and I have spent peaceful times together watching squirrels and birds. This past week Mother's sweet roommate moved to another facility. Ms. Staggs will be dearly missed. She tried to watch out for Mother and help when she could. Maybe in the years to come there will be medical advances to end this heartbreaking disease.

 

 

Until next time,

xo

My Kind of Day

That would be sharing an antiquing day with a good friend.






Linda and I checked out two special shops, one in Dyersburg, the other in Ripley. At The Way We Were I couldn't resist a bird pillow and a tiny jar of vintage buttons.








Outside The Box had antiques, gifts, and unique furniture. I found these three small items for under five dollars.

Two's Company Woodland Floral Frame

Made in Italy Sacred Statue

Avon Charisma Vanity Jar

 





                                          

Looking forward to delving into

 

 

 

Beauty

There's beauty in my own yard when I take the time to notice and enjoy it.

 

 

 Nicolas wanted his Epic Happy Meal bird in the picture. :)

 

 

 

Every time I look up the beauty is magnificent. Sometimes I tend to take the sky, clouds, trees, flowers, animals, and even people for granted. To be more appreciative of this amazing planet and life itself is my goal. 

 

Wishing you a beautiful weekend,

Sandy

 

At Last

For a long time I have sought a rug for our den. In December I saw one and loved its colors immediately. For six months that rug has been on my mind. I tried to picture it in my home. Would it even look right? Well, when that floor covering was still at Charlene's last Saturday, I took the plunge. Although I paid for it that day, it was too rainy to bring home. So after making a return trip on this sunny day, the rug came home at last. 

 

The photos don't do it justice.

 

 rust, green, gold, brown

 

Sometimes it's impossible to explain why something grabs you. You just know when it does. This particular rug had that effect on me.

 

  

Thanks for coming by.



There's Something About Saturdays

 

I love getting a package in the mail. All week I looked forward to the arrival of the stamp kit. It came today, and I'm excited to own it. I have wanted this blue tin with its contents for quite some time. Happily this unused one became available on eBay at a good deal price.    



 

Recently I picked up this journal. Not sure what will decorate its pages in the weeks and months ahead. Just getting started has been a bit intimidating.

 



 

 

 

 

Looking forward...

 

On this rainy Saturday I was able to check out something I have thought about and desired for months. Amazingly it was still there. More to follow...