Monthly Archives: April 2009

It’s Spring To Me

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Spring has my full attention. Perhaps I forgot how long it seemed to take up here in these northern parts last year(this is my second spring in the north). Whatever it is, I’m in awe once again with the ever changing seasons. We did have summer like temperatures the last few days and I was not quite ready for that. Overall though, I’m happy with the brand new season in full bloom and enjoying a nice cool day today.

It’s another pretty day with gorgeous blooms everywhere and I couldn’t help but once again take note so here’s our pretty day in pictures.


Hubby arrived back to our little nest last evening and we had much to catch up on from the last couple days. All is well and my world is back in place now that he’s home.

And as we parted with our daily goodbye ritual this morning he said “Don’t go to Red Lobster without me.” So for my lunch I had a nice spring dish that consisted of pasta salad with some roasted sweet potatoes.


It’s officially spring to me.

A Spontaneous Day

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Sometimes spontaneous days are just what we need and yesterday was one of those beautiful days with spontaneous carved into the heart of it.

What shall I do was the big question as hubby was out of town on business for a couple days. Hmmm, A Monday drive and trip to the lake sounded like a grand idea. Better yet how about I check out some restaurants online in that area before I go? So that’s what I did. I found a couple with great reviews and that was all I needed to make my little trip worth while.

I started out with so much excitement and couldn’t wait to see what the day would bring.


When something caught my eye, I took a picture like this.


Along the way I passed this old schoolhouse that was recently turned into upscale apartments. There are 3 apartments on the third floor and all three have around 3,000 + sq ft each.


This is a beautiful sorority home


This stunning arch compelled me to stop along the way and take a moment.


I love the character of this old home


Bet this was a little gem in the day.


I find beauty in the old barns but I’m also a bit sentimental. I wish I could fix up all the old ones to make them whole, complete with candy apple red paint and black trim.

A pretty piece of property in the middle of nowhere, there’s a neat little restaurant there too.


Beautiful old architecture


Here’s a little sample of grand windows/doorways


One last collage of some of the structures I admired along the way.


Moving right along to my first choice restaurant – While looking at the pictures online, I fell in love with the beautiful natural stone walls inside. It looked like the perfect place to have a nice cozy relaxing lunch.


But it was not open for lunch.

I was downhearted for just a bit as it rained on my little parade.


But let not your heart be troubled because I had a plan B. And this is what my plan B looked like as I pulled in.


I parked over to the far left and took this shot before going in. I already had it planned out that I was going to dine near a window or on the patio to enjoy the breeze and water.


But as you know when it rains it pours as it too was closed for lunch and not open ‘til 5. My heart dropped a little more than the first place as my hopes were so high after I arrived. After all there were cars in the parking lot and this was totally what I was in the mood for at this point.


I dusted myself off and put a smile on my face


And walked on the little path that led to the back. There is where I found a nice little comfy bench to sit and enjoy the breeze and view with this little duck as my company.


I sat there for quite some time contemplating what I wanted to do next. I wasn’t quite ready to drive home, I wanted to enjoy the water and day a bit more.


So I got in the car and drove following the water along to the mouth of the lake. Then is when I spotted this.


And this


And drove all the way to the back of the park and sat here for what seemed like an hour or more.


At the time, this was more filling than any of the two restaurants combined. It was so peaceful and calm and the beauty all around was worth more than my choice restaurants had they been open.

After I had my fill of this glorious spring day, my tummy was starting to let me know that I had better think of something. At this point it was around 3:30 in the afternoon and oatmeal was the only thing I had up until this point. Soooo, I thought “Self, I really want to get back home but I would still like to go out to dinner.” It would be dinner at this point as it was about an hour drive back.

So I made the drive back and decided on Red Lobster. I knew I couldn’t go wrong there.


I was seated in a beautiful spot.


And my diet soda and lime were delivered in amazing turn around time. It was so refreshing after a long day.

Then I ordered my meal and made such a nice healthy choice. It was moments after I made my choice that I really wanted to change my order. What I really wanted was the popcorn shrimp and French fries. I know, not a healthy choice but I was so in the mood to indulge and I did. The waitress graciously changed my order.

It wasn’t long before my salad with ranch dressing with lots of ground pepper with their yummy biscuits were served.


This amazing fried popcorn shrimp and fries were so piping hot and fresh that my mouth did jumping jacks.


This was the lunch size portion and it’s still huge. I did eat all the shrimp and most of my fries. Can you hear me oink?


What a perfect way to end the most amazing spontaneous day.

Finding Beauty In The Little Things

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Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.

I thought of that quote while I was out making another fuss over the dandelions that are taking over the back yard. Why not make a fuss over the things that may not be the best?

When I look out back it’s so pretty seeing this burst of color.


On such a pretty warm day


It appears I’m doing a full study on these little things


Dissecting their every angle


As they reach for the sky


While the grass frames each little one


This has been fun and I’ve enjoyed dissecting the not so glamorous flowers, finding beauty in the little things.


A Golden Day

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Hubby and I are enjoying a very nice relaxing weekend and experiencing summer type weather.

The dandelions are popping up all over the place sprinkling the yard with lots of bright golden color.

So I took advantage of them while they’re here.


If I were a little tiny bug, this is how big the world would appear.


And she’s so pretty and golden


It’s so much fun getting on their level


The three musketeers all lined up with an added touch of a few butterflies.


The backyard dotted with so much color


May your weekend be bright and blessed.

Home Work – Don’t Ya Love It

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Hubby and I had a little meeting with the builder this morning and I’ll have to say things are going quite well considering all the rain we had this week.

Here is a recap of where the house was last week


And here we have the same view and where we stand as of today.


The area to the left is hubby’s garage – it’s filled in with dirt, gravel and who knows what and the builder is waiting for things to settle before she pours the foundation.

Things are taking shape and we have hopes to have the frames for the exterior of the home up next week.

Hubby standing in what will eventually be his garage.


Our builder working her magic


Hubby in the basement for the very first time


And this is me in the basement standing in what will be my pottery studio.


We’re thrilled to have a full walk out basement, much less a basement as we’ve never had one.


As the house goes up it is truly starting to sink in, in a surreal sort of way.

Dew Kissed

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An overcast day is what we have splashed with a bit of misty rain = April showers and dandelion flowers.

I noticed our weeds dandelions popping their little heads up through the blades of grass this week.

So I took numerous photos of them early this morning before they had a chance to fully open for the day.



This picture was a fluke but a happy coincidence as I didn’t even know the dew was there.

I came in and downloaded the photos immediately after taking them and was quite smitten with the picture above. I must have tried taking a 100 or more pictures of the dew and nothing, absolutely nothing. Then I tried misting the weeds with water and I still couldn’t get another dew shot to save my life. So I’ll just have to smile at the only one I got out of the whole bunch.

So mileage, that’s what one shot is getting…mileage people. She was cropped into several different portions to come up with this little collage.



And the group of buddies will continue to live happily ever after ‘til the lawn guy comes callin.



And here’s a few shots I took at the exact same time I took the photos above. As you can see, the dew does not seem to appear.



Hmm, now that I think about it…perhaps it was the one and only shot I took with a flash. I remember turning the flash off…If you look really close, the dew is there but I believe it’s the flash that made it sparkle in the first photo. I need to remember that next time.

You are all still very pretty in my eyes though.

Deer Speaks

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This is the hottest thing off the press at my house. My friend has learned to speak. We’ve been communicating nearly two years but she finally spoke this morning!

See, here she is asking for the apple that I promised the other day, remember that?


I do keep my promises and here’s some apple she generously shared with her family this morning.


Our sunrise this morning.


It’s truly a beautiful spring day although hubby’s having a hard time believing it’s spring. As he states…the summers up here are like winters in FL. He’s beginning to wonder if he’ll ever get to experience summer, let alone spring.

Our Home Taking Shape

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I took a little drive out to the lot to observe/get my nose into what all the fuss is about.

And I like what I saw very much


The walkout basement as she stands


After I arrived the builder informed me that the concrete truck was due to arrive any min. Sure enough, I spied it rounding the bend.


Pouring the footer for the garage – A nifty little sleeve for the concrete


Meanwhile the crew finished work on the last frame for the basement


Up goes the frame


I’m watching you guys


Very Close


It was hard to pull myself away but I left with dreams of home.


One day…one day, we will be Home Sweet Home

Springtime Attire Or Not

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Sha spring is coming and little dresses are waiting to be worn. I purchased this little dress weeks and weeks ago to wear to Hubby’s daughter’s graduation.


The weather sure needs to start cooperating though or I’ll have to find something else.

I was in need of some black heels to go with my little black dress and today I found the perfect comfy pair that I can’t wait to wear.

These little numbers are so comfortable – not too high but high enough…


Oh the places we have to go…


Hubby and I enjoyed a nice weekend filled with so many blessings. We shopped, had a couple fun dates and celebrated a wonderful Easter together.

We’re off to a brand new week with so much to look forward to.


A Little Moonshine and Daylight Splendor

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I had the desire to check in on the moon last evening after the sun bedded down. The goal was to check on it a bit earlier than the previous evening.

I applied a few different settings and here’s what we came up with.


It was so pretty observing the moon rise just over the treetops.


I believe this particular shot was the twilight setting as I remember the flash going off with it. For all the other shots I didn’t use the flash.


Who knows what setting this was on but one thing for sure…I’m not a tripod. Sheesh, that camera can be so sensitive.


One more shot


Morning broke with birdies singing while I soaked in the beauty of the day.

Caught him taking flight


While he sings his little tune way up there on his perch


Some trees have yet to blossom while others burst with colorful energy.


My friends were making their little morning rounds.

I’m a little bashful this morning, ya mind?


She radiates self-assurance


We must be going now


HEY! Back off or I’ll kick.

Okay, the crazy lady can take a hint…but I thought we were really good pals? Perhaps I’ll share some of my apple with you? How does that sound?


Apple, did somebody say APPLE?


I talk to the deer as if they completely understand what I’m saying. I read their expressions just like I know what they’re thinking. So I admit, I talk to the animals and we bond beautifully.

Many blessings ‘til we meet again.

Moon Watching

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The hour was 8:30, the day was last evening, when I got up to pull the curtains and noticed the sky illuminated by the light of the moon.

I was so awestruck that I started snapping a pictures.


My mission of pulling the curtains shifted to a little moon surveillance


And scrutiny


With a dash of assessment


And it breaks down to the fact that I couldn’t get enough.


Then the clouds rolled away and the illumination vanished.


And that’s a wrap of my beautiful moonlit evening.

In The Backyard

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It’s a perfect spring day and I took advantage of it by spending some time in the backyard. I spent some time looking up…

Looking up while passing under the pine


Looking up while passing under this tree with all kinds of life.


Looking up at the bird feeders

Filled and ready for customers


And another


We mustn’t forget the squirrels


The customers arrived while I patiently waited for them


I also spent some time looking out. Yes, looking out into the brush, as I could see my friends hangin’ out, rather watching the crazy lady.

My buddy on the left is not quite sure what to think and I see you over there on the far right.


He felt so much better after I warmed up to him


She looks so sweet and innocent


And they look curious as ever


Hey, I see you!


I certainly enjoy my surroundings and I’m thankful for the simple little things.

Happy Spring!

The Majesty Of Spring

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How majestic is spring? It has a way of piercing my heart with utter joy and causes me to do double takes every time I get the chance. It was yesterday morning when I noticed these blossoms outside our window.


This was taken yesterday when we had a tiny glimpse of blue skies scattered with white fluffy clouds. I believe this blue sky only lasted 20 minutes or less as we had lots of clouds and rain yesterday. We’re getting more April showers today as well. Yea for the rain, bring on the flowers and blossoms!

So after I flung open all the curtains, I had to have a deeper look for myself so I continued to soak in all these little clusters for a very long time.

Here’s a little close up view


And another


Happy Spring – It’s here at last!

Hooked On Exterior Paint Color

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It’s Hooked On Friday’s. So do check out Julia’s Hooked On Friday’s party this week! There’s lots of fun stuff going on over there as always!

Choices, oh the choices we have. The next choice up for our home is the exterior paint color. Luckily the website has this little design studio where you can pick a home similar to what you have and then choose the colors for the roof, trim, front door and home.

Hubby wanted me to pick my top three colors and mull over them a few days so this is what I came up with. I picked my top three but I also picked two more just in case he didn’t like what I had in mind.

The company does not offer the candle light yellow that I was aiming for, so the next best thing is this Adobe Cream. It’s as close to yellow as I’m going to get with the colors they offer.


I truly want a red front door and this cranberry color is as close as I could get to red in this program.

The next choice is this Colonial Ivory. Not as creamy and bright as the one above so I make this choice #2 I would keep the red front door with the Colonial Ivory as well.


Next up is Monterey Sand. This is way off from my yellow preference but a nice light sand color. So this color comes in as Choice #3. And my red front door will still apply with this color.


To switch things up a bit, just in case hubby didn’t like any of my choices above, I took it a step further picking out my next two favorite colors. Next up is this interesting Coastal Sage. I really believe this color could grow on me. With the Coastal Sage, you will notice I changed the front door to match the white trim.


And last I picked Mystic Blue. This is another color I’m quite fond of as I have big plans of painting hubby’s office in this color. The front door would also go with the white here as well.


Hubby is giving me the liberty of picking out the color of the home but I definitely want him to like it too. And he contends that if I’m happy with it then he’s happy. He’s likes both the Adobe Cream and the Mystic Blue but I think he would go with any of these. Do you have a favorite?

The next step is to look at all the samples and make a decision. The builder is dropping all of these samples in the mail today and we should have the decision made by sometime next week.

Hope you’re enjoying your Friday and don’t forget to check out Hooked On Friday’s!

Home Progress

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Progress, yes progress is a good thing! Our home is finally in queue to resume building after our long cold winter. Since the builder wasn’t able to get the footer and basement poured before our first winter freeze, the lot sat untouched. Finally we are going to start seeing changes in the weeks and months to come.

The mason poured the footer yesterday and they have hopes to have the foundation poured this afternoon or sometime this week.

Hubby and I had another meeting with the builder this afternoon and things seem to be clicking off really well. We met down at the lot with the mason and builder and here’s the way she looks today.


We have hopes for this project to be finished by summer so hold on and join the ride as I plan to post the progress here.

Hubby took me to one of our favorite places for lunch and I stole this little picture of him.


I enjoy these times with him so much and working together with him on our home is such a joy.