Yep, It's Summertime ~

I am not a Summer person,

preferring the cold and snow

of Winter or the cool breezes

of early Spring and late Fall.

But Summer?

No. Nope. Nada. Not an iota.

But for those that are {smiley face font!}

here is THE LINK to my Pinterest board for Summer

and look at the board, Father's Day, for cute ideas!

It happens to be THIS Sunday!

Hello, Summer!

 Remember these days?

Driving forever to get to the sand

that stuck to everything!

But who cared??

We were going to the beach!

Someone always got a jelly fish sting

and someone always got sunburned

and we all slept piled in the back seat

on the way back home.

But oh, the joys of those days!

Thanks, mom and day.

We didn't have a pond

but I bet some of you did.

And we all had a dog.

Summertime in the South.

Watermelon eaten in a rain shower

fresh veggies and cornbread

no school until after Labor Day!

Oh.the.memories.

Now my style is inclined to this

A lazy day in the shade

Lots of pillows

A book, or two

Huge glass of sweet tea

with lots of ice

and retirement ~

Life is good.

Still One of My Favorites

This post remains to be a favorite post with readers and with me. I love the movie and love the information you can find searching for the baseball players. The doctor is even based on an actual character. Here's the link to read it for your pleasure and enjoyment! Click HERE.

Celebrating the last few weeks of Summer.

Teachers are reporting in, families stocked up on clothing and supplies are trying to get in one last chance to take a mini vacation before the business of classes begin. Mothers, like me, put on a smile while my heart weeps because I won't have the children at home any longer. I was never one that did somersaults when the buses rolled up but laughed at the antics of friends that did {giggle font}. As a teacher, it was a delightful time to meet new little ones and also be near our daughters as they attended classes. I was blessed with a career I loved and enjoyed. To also work with some of your best friends was an added blessing.

How are you celebrating these last few weeks?!?! AND, are you one of the many that have decided to homeschool this year?!  With dedication and planning, I'm a supporter of those wishing to make sure their children are learning not only basic, needed skills, but also able to work in field trips, extra studies, and bible lessons that public schools either cannot or find it difficult with the financial strain. I am not a supporter of CORE and would love to see it taken off the lesson plans in Alabama. Getting the answer right, but missing the problem because the steps were wrong doesn't make sense to me. Seriously. Look at past generations and the technology that has hit the world! And we did it without CORE. Okay, I'll get off that bandstand {wink font}.

Summer is a'goin' and Autumn she is approaching. I am SO an Autumn and Winter gal and shed no tears as Summer eases out. As your family gets ready for another school year or you watch your grandbabies step up into another grade, I'll be praying for us. For courage to face the fact they're growing much too quickly, peace and calm as we settle into football Saturdays and cooler temps, and that God will show great might in allowing America to have a President that will not take us into a Socialist state and a nation whose leaders refuse to acknowledge God. Prayers are needed more than ever for our nation and her leaders. God bless and keep us near Him as we draw closer to the November election. May He bless you and yours ~

Summer's Here!

hot days and afternoon thunderstorms

summer is here

here is the cutest ideas for the kiddos!

i love Between Naps on the Porch

i bet you do, too.

here's a sweet summery wreath!

here's the link :)

 

what's your summer story ???

Guess What!?!?

not exactly my favorite season since our girls aren't home any longer. well, okay, it's not my favorite season. there i said it. i'm a fall and winter person, with spring running a close second to fall. but here we are, moving into summer and that means, hopefully, we'll be seeing a bit more of our daughter's and their families. i don't know about yours, but our grands stay so busy with sports!

elle's program as she prepares to leave kindergarten. this child is so excited to be going into first grade. we had to laugh during the program as she looked a bored and only sang when she wanted to. she's loved kindergarten, though, and i'm sure will rock first grade. the girl loves school!

Stacey teaches high school so i know she's looking forward to some time with family, traveling, and not getting up early each weekday morning! looking forward to heading their way and spending some time with our ms babies and families.

owen is three now and still in love with being outdoors, his mum and dad, john deere tractors and being outside. did i mention that already?! the child loves being in the dirt, with the dog, on a tractor, and playing with the animals on the farm. can't wait to spend some time with them, too!

ah, yes, it does. although, the older one gets, the more we remember summers past. still sweet, still fresh, especially when i can't remember where i put my keys yesterday! have a beautiful summer, stay safe, and continue to pray for our nation.

It's Hot In the South!

Is this not too cute!!

Paint or buy a happy flower pot, some ribbon in colors you love, a few silk flowers to match and cheap-o flip flops! There you have it ~ an adorable table centerpiece for a foyer or table. Just think of the ooh's and aah's you'll hear, along with, "I'm going to make one of those!"

Many things I love about this tablescape ~ the double skirting, the napkins extra large and folded as placemats until used, happy centerpiece in a wooden bowl with either silk or fresh flowers and fruit. Just a simple but happy and casual setting for your family and friends. Bring in some good food and lean back and listen to the chatter and laughter. 

One of my best friends actually made these one Summer and they were too cute! And very easy. Nutter Butter cookies with a bit of icing from a tube, edible candy flowers, and there you go ~ 

Talk about easy. Who doesn't like Mason jars, burlap, & plaid?!

And a FREE printable to run off and frame!! Right click & save to your computer!

Our Summer has been busy, as I'm sure yours as been. We are very thankful for the gifts He continues to rain upon us and our family. With current events threatening to surround us with doubt and worry, it's easy to let satan drape us in fear for the future. But you know what?! God's already there! And He promises to always be there for His children. We don't need to do anything more than remember who the Victor is and Who holds our hand and promises Eternal Life. Now, if we could just get the temps down to around 65 degreees tops, I'd be doing my happy dance! {Giggle font}

Summer Wreaths

These can be found on my Pinterest board under Summer or the board titled Wreaths. I noticed many of these are no longer available, but here are ideas to your own! Summer is coming fast ~ complete with afternoon showers and plenty of sunrays. Use sunscreen! And have a great time wherever you choose to spend your Summer days~ 

Love the beachy theme of this one!

Who doesn't own a pair of flip flops!

Too cute!!

A girlfriend actually made one of these.

Turned out cuter than the photo! 

Blessings for a safe and happy season ~

Easily Made ~ Smiles Galore

You can make your drawer or find an old one in a flea market ~ a sewing maching drawer! New, or original handle; distress it; and arrange your clear bottles with sweet blossoms for a simple and adorable look. Cozy home ~ 

Shadowbox. Heart memories of a time at the coast. 

How colorful and cute is this?! Cheap sandals with scraps of ribbon tied on! Yeah, I could do this and if I can, I know you can {wink font}.  

Monogram a Mason jar with glitter; simple twine tie; tulips or your favorite flower. Too cute, too simple! 

Last but not least from Pinterest, a silk green wreath with silk hydrangeas cut off  close to the flower and hot glued to the wreath. Attach a ribbon and voila! {Tip: If your door faces the West, beware that the sun will melt your hotglue. A fact I found out the hard way recently. MESSY!}

Summer, She's a Comin'

It's been awhile. Once I discovered Pinterest and just being busy period, my blogging has slowed down. And I've not kept up with my blogging friends, who I've discovered have either left their blog or not updated as I. I was a bit shocked at the number of blogs that no longer exist. That being said, I'm not making a promise to myself nor to you, faithful reader, that things will change. We're in the process of making another life change, so I'll be busier than ever this Summer. The photo above makes me smile and will bring back many heart memories made here in our coastal town ~ praying your Spring has been filled with love and laughter and a freshening of newness. Here's to Summer! Climbing temps and trips to cool, wet areas!

Summer Wanes On the Coast

the beaches are less crowded

there's coolness in the breeze

children, off to school

vacations, taken and used

life returns to normal

for locals, there's a silence now

as they walk the sand

listen to the surf

and watch the waning of Summer

Summer ~ 2013

Wow, here it is August. Hot, hot August. Hot, humid August. I'm not normally an irritable person. Nor a grumpy one. Not even a lookingforafight kind of person. But this weather is.just.about.to.get.to.me. Garfield said it so well.

Ah, but it's a nice summer. Filled with family, thunderstorms, friends, rain, good food, humidity, giggles and snuggles from the grands, thunderstorms. You get the idea. I do think it's the busiest summer we've had since moving to the gulf coast. Along with those coming in to visit and eat seafood and swelter on the sand, we've met more nice strangers that have become good friends, found places to eat that tourism overlooks, and fell into a nice routine of retirement that seems to suit both of us just fine. Took awhile but we're pretty much there.

Just a few more weeks and I can tell my self, "Self, it's September and you know what that means? Yeah, yeah, it's gonna be cooler, but it's SEC FOOTBALL TIME!!!" WhooHoo!! The Tide will roll once more and we aren't with MediaCom this year so we shouldn't lose a single game!! Oops, you did not read that, Satan, you can only hear. You cannot read.

Here's to a few more weeks of sweltering heat, enough humidity that the grands ask why there's water on our windows, and staying inside, only going out long enough to get the meat off the grill!!

Summertime ~

If you have a blog, you'll understand. If you don't, then please be patient and accept my apology now. It's been a busy summer with family and friends visiting and we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves. Which means I keep up with them through Facebook and have taken the time to sit down and stay current here. This blog began as a diary for me and those to follow after, then I branched out a bit and found it fun to share decorating tips and recipes. It's a nice outlet and I enjoy it. However, I'm going to have to take a hiatus for a month or so and let things settle down. We are working on some projects around the house that have been pushed back due to fun times and the seemingly constant rain, and threat of rain, we are having this Summer!

So if you're a follower, then you'll be notified as soon as I post again. If you aren't a follower yet, I'd like to have you as one. It makes it easier for you to know when a post is published.

I pray that you have had a safe and healthy summer and that we'll meet here again in the Fall. Oh, the feelings that word evokes! Cooler temps. Fall foliage. And SEC football!! Specifically, the University of Alabama! Let's get ready to roll into Fall and capture another National Championship for the great state of Alabama. We hold the crystal ball for the last four years {BIG smile font!}.

Summer's Begun!

Stacey & her babies came to spend Memorial Day with us! We celebrated with the rest of the coast at The Track playing Putt Putt, riding bumper boats and go karts! Ice cream and Dairy Queen yummies helped cool off the day! Everyone at the Track was having such fun. We didn't meet a single grumpy person, and the weather was warm but breezy. 

Alaina and Austin ~ I believe Alaina is trying to give the "I love you" sign. They are ready to have fun on the coast!! 

Sweet Owen turned two months! We've got a trip in the making to go see this young man and his parents. It's been too long for this Pa and Nan {heart font}.

Noah graduated from Kindergarten this month and we were so happy to be a part of that celebration. He had such fun and it was great seeing this young man get ready for 1st grade. 

John rode his bike up to Jenny's home and before he left, Elle and Noah volunteered to help him wash the bugs off. He was impressed with their hard work, and Noah wanting to take a ride. But he'll have to go through Nan first. Elle had the spray bottle and was loving that!

Our summer has gotten off to a great beginning, filled with family, love and laughter. Praying yours has been the same ~

Yes, Alaina, It's Summer!

And you will soon be here!

Her Sanctuary ~ My Dreams

adventures in decorating 

one of my favorite blogs

today i clicked on

to find some of my favorite colors

and a nod to an upcoming holiday

we are in the process of redecorating

our bookcases and i want

a more neutral look for the season

a nod toward our area of sand and surf

to bring in glass, silver, and mercury

along with natural woods and finds 

these are so easy to place

they go anywhere

anytime

i love to watch our grandbabies

smell and listen to them

it's a valentine's day tree

makes the heart smile

and when the heart smiles

the soul sings

*   *   *   *

click here to see other photos

of her home

i'm never disappointed

Time for Pools & Beaches ~

Pool & Beach! at Pottery Barn

It's Pool and Beach time at Pottery Barn. The Mister calls it Poverty Barn, a name he learned from another.

I love these products!! I don't love their prices. UNLESS, you happen to find a good SALE, which is possible! And you can also find dinnerware at good prices at times. Mainly? I use Pottery Barn for ideas and decide what I want and what I don't want. Then I go looking in flea markets, Hobby Lobby, Michael's, even Penney's homewares!

Wire & Wood Row of Hooks

I could so use this in my laundry room, which is our back door into the garage. We wouldn't need it at what one would call the back door. There's no walkway to it {happy font}. However, our laundry is narrow and it would catch our tall son in laws at the shoulders as they haul in clothing bags and other items when the families visit. I'd love to look for something like this, but it just wouldn't be feasible for me. How about you?

Wall mounted storage shelf

I would so love to find something like this! I would hang it in the kitchen, by the patio door, just for decorative looks. Useful, too, when our granddog visits as there's a place to hang a leash, and possible a pretty towel for quick clean ups. I haven't seen anything like this, but then I haven't looked. I will now.

Molokini Floral Tote Bag

Pottery Barn has this for a good price, but if you know a Thirty-One representative (I use Joy Gordon in Prattville AL) you can find one larger with more pockets and lots of different patterns. I love 31!

Chesapeake Daybed ~ Oh.Wow.

A daybed. Right up there with a swinging bed. Even above a wicker swing, and way above a wooden! My thing about these happens to be a concern for mildew on the mattress and covers. Doesn't that happen?!

Hammock ~ place for dreaming

Our neighbor next door has a knotted hammock between two pine trees. I love it. I do. I love it. When she is out there with her book, she look SO peaceful. The Hood is cutting our pines down. Dangerous in this part of the world to have pines overhead. There are no hard woods behind us, so no hammock. Drat.

Palmetto All Weather Wicker ~

Isn't this gorgeous?! I would love to have this on our porch, but in white. It wouldn't seat everyone, though, so I think I'll have one of these and one of these.

Chesapeake Rectangular Dining Set ~

It would just about seat all the adults and I love tables large enough to decorate. Just might talk him into one of each. You think?!

White Outdoor Drapes ~

I've mentioned on here before that I plan to do this on our porch but I am not using panels this costly. I plan to go to Lowe's, but up some $9.99 dropcloths and have the Hood string up some clothes line wire and I'll clip large rings at the top and slide them on. Mostly for looks, as our backyard is green and shady, but it will be nice to close off the sides during a rain shower. Not to mention how it softens the living area.

Scallop Shell

Isn't this gorgeous?!?! I think I've seen similar items in souvenir shoppes around here, so I'll be on the lookout now. Maybe Old Time Pottery will have just the one I need. If not, the 'Shark' shop will.

This one and the next three are just to show you, and me, how easy it is to scatter them around the house! I love it when the grandbabies touch and even smell the "ocean". {And try to remember, if it can be picked up, patched up, or cleaned up, don't worry about it. Feelings are more important and life is too short.} 

This is ONE faux dogwood branch with a nest on old books. And I have a table just waiting for this vignette. Notice the book tied with twine? The cover's been torn off. A girlfriend and I, this past week, saw this in a boutique for $25. Yeah, we giggled. This is easy to duplicate!

Suh-weet!! $29.50 Melamine Plates, Set of four

You know my weakness for plates, especially salad & desserts. These are dinner plates, so I'd pass on them and purchase the smaller ones. But it gives you the idea of mix and matching and I love doing that.

Croquet Set, remember these?!?!

And I'm ending with this. How many of you remember croquet sets?!?! I know the grandparents we lived near had one and I would love to have it now! You would NOT believe how expensive this set is, so I plan to be on the lookout now for one when I hit the flea markets and places like Target. A little distressing on a new set and it looks nice and weathered. We loved playing croquet, although my sister and I were the only ones playing by the rules. The twins loved kicking the balls and laughing. Boys. So, did you have one?

Have a great week! Get ready for a great Summer, and blessings to all ~