I cannot remember the last time I would have shared two posts in one day, but today is the day. Because I am getting older:) somethings take longer to register in my brain and this is a perfect example. I knew that today is our wonderful son-in-law's birthday and that I wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday, but I had too many things on my mind this morning. He has, and continues to bless our lives in so many ways.

Today it is our privilege to wish him a

Happy Birthday!

One of the aspects of life that I enjoy is experiencing the talents of my friends. Recently I had some time to share coffee at the home of one of my dear friends. Everytime I step into her home I find it so interesting to see the artistic and creative decorating touches she adds to her home. She is one of those women who take the things she finds in her home and rearranges them, places them at different locations and then adds her magic decorating touches.

As we sat on the stools at her kitchen island, I could almost hear the cries of the seagulls and feel the ocean breezes, as I observed the scene before me. I asked her if I could take pictures her kitchen window. She decorated it with the coastal living look this summer using her star fish and old glass bottles.

I think I could wash dishes all day with this seascape before me.

On the kitchen island her decorating touches continued with a white ironstone platter, sunflowers from the farm, and some of the seashells that she picked up on the beach during her family's vacation.

Simple, elegant and so tastefully done. Just wait until Coastal Living Magazine discovers her and the talent she posesses. Maybe I can share some pictures of her kitchen vignettes, when the Fall season is here.

Last night as we dropped off my mother-in-law at the retirement home and I saw this little guy propped on a rock in the flower garden. He made me smile as I observed him laying there as though he was watching the comings and the goings of the many cars and people. I thought about all that he sees...the hellos,the good byes, the tears and the smiles of the many visitors. I thought of my daily life and all that it encompasses. It seems at times lately, my mind is on overload with all that I observe and hear from the daily happenings of life around me.

Fresh flowers, experimenting with different containers and photography have a way of lifting my spirits. This winter when the cold winds are blowing, I will resort back to the flower pictures of my summer.

I told you before, that I like bringing in fresh flowers during the summer and choosing containers that I have on hand to display them. You may have tired of my flower and container posts. If that is the case feel free to click onto another blog now.



On the table of my porch throughout the summer season, I enjoy changing the tablescape using old pieces of glassware and flowers from my gardens.



I thought this small sunflower in the tiny, old salt shaker made a pretty presentation...




...as did the red flowers from my pot by the back door, in this old salt shaker.

A daisy and clover in another glass salt shaker.

One week I used my old flea market find glass bowl and floated a rose, some daisies and a few glass bubbles. I placed this on the back of the toilet in my powder room.

It cheers me up with each visit. Do touches of beauty do that for you?



I wish I could share the aroma of the pink rose in this tiny glass vase with you.



More than any flower arrangement could ever do, these precious ones create spirit lifting for me. Their little smiles continue to warm my heart.

Pathway to Happiness

"When we start to count flowers,

we cease to count weeds;

When we start to count blessings,

we cease to count needs;

When we start to count laughter,

we cease to count tears;

When we start to count memories,

we cease to count years."

~from the book, "Whispers of Joy"

Maybe, just maybe this post will lift your spirits today. Your visit has certainly blessed mine.

Since the little ones were here overnight this week, I got to do some of their laundry. As I pulled each the small sized pjs, shorts and tops and dresses out of the dryer, it was so much fun. I am one of those rare people who enjoy doing laundry. And, to add to my oddity, I love to iron each little piece. It stems back to the days when I worked for my grandma in her tourist home. Ironing everything was what made up my days in the summer. There is some sort of rare satisfaction for me in this simple job.

I like to stack the clothing on a neat, straight pile, smiling as I think of each little person who wears them...

...like the guy who happily wears this outfit that looks like his big brother's choice.

I use this wonderful smelling freshening spray from the Meyer Company as I iron. I lightly spray it on and then iron. I like the "Baby Blossom Scent". On the label it states,"The blossoms of spring wildflowers, butterfly violets and honeysuckle with a teeny bit of apple, lemon and mint--oh so gentle for your baby. Hush, the baby's sleeping." One bottle of this spray lasts a long time.

So, that is why I spray it lightly on clothes that I iron...it just makes me happy whether I have baby clothing, adult clothing or bedding that I WANT to iron. I am well aware that many of you out there have not touched an iron for many years, and that is just fine. Me...I am an odd one.

If you choose to iron, you most likely have a favorite iron that you like to use. Over the years I have tried a few different irons, and this is one of my favorites, an inexpensive Black and Decker iron.



Recently, this magic has become my choice when removing stains off of these little clothing and the bigger ones too. I spray, let set and then wash as usual. Stains disappear and that is all that matters to me.

I only use spray starch when I feel it is needed. This brand works well and again it's soft lavender scent is a bonus.

As I close this fun laundry post, I want to tell you that I did read a beautifully done post on doing laundry and the room she does it in, at the..missgracieshouse.blogspot.com/ Her laundry room decor certainly would add joy to doing the daily chore. If you have time, pay her a visit.

Do you ever find yourself wishing for a simpler time? I do.

"I can remember vividly the sun passing through the emerald green cathedral of a weeping willow and illuminating the sandy bottom of the riverbed with the fire of a thousand minute diamonds." ~Madeleine Kamman
As I was driving close to my home last week, I chose not to go the main route and instead to use the quiet country road route. As I came around a bend in the road passing by the creek, I came to this clearing in the woods. I stopped and watched this young farm boy working with his horses and equipment.

Sometimes I find it hard to believe that in our world of modern, cutting edge technology and electronics, that methods of farming like his continue to be used. Aside from the sound of the piece of equipment and the work horses, all was quiet in the wooded alcove where he worked on this Wednesday morning.

He waved a friendly "hi" and I drove on. Yes, there are times when I long for simpler days. Maybe I could get a job on the farm:)

It is a gorgeous clear, somewhat cooler summer day here in my part of the world and I am thankful for it.

A few simple, little pleasures that make up some of my days lately, besides coffee that is.

Finishing off a day of play at our home with a small amount of choc./van ice cream and one of their favorite television shows..."Caillou".

This is definitely a "good to the last drop dessert" in their book.

...the very, very last drop:) I'm sure Emily Post would approve when one is not even two years old yet...do you agee?

Yes, ice cream and "Caillou" just seem to go together.

For some reason, this television show always brings laughter...rolls of laughter to this little one.


Thank you for visiting my blog today. I hope you are reminded of some simple pleasures in your life.

Way back on her December birthday I gave her a gift card for her and a friend to share tea time at a local bakery/tea room. I was delighted when she asked me to join her. On Saturday noon her and I went for tea/lunch at the beautiful and elegant tea room.

Walking into the Tea Room revealed to us immediately, that this was a special place. The pastel painted walls and crystal chandeliers created an elegant feel to the tea room. We were seated at a table for two.

What made this celebration even more of a celebration, is that my dear sister-in-law had just become a grandma for the first time, a few hours before. What a perfect reason to celebrate together. I never would have imagined when I gave her the birthday gift, that this case scenario would have taken place. I do want to share that despite the fact that she has a pink blouse on and a pink plate, she did just welcome a new little grandson. Because her son and dil live in the midwest, she was not with them in the hospital on Saturday noon. That reunion will be coming soon.




Each table had a silver tea pot like this and we were served endless cups of delicious hot tea.





A kind lady served us each course. She personally baked each of the tiny delicacies and served them. We liked this tiny chocolate tea cup.

Because of the beauty and taste of the food we were served, I thought you might enjoy seeing pictures of each carefully created delicacy.

We all agreed that sometimes food looks attractive but the taste is not there. This tea room had both and thankfully provided take-out containers for each of us.


Well known for it's wedding and all occasion cake decorating expertise, the bakery provided a lovely display areas and glass lit cases for it's baked creations.
I was so intriqued by the artistry and the vast amount of creativity that went into all the aspects of this place.

One of the decorated cakes on display, that captured my attention was this adorable cake. The attention to details given each cake, was amazing.


It was the perfect way to spend a few hours on a dismal Saturday afternoon, and being with my sil..."the new grandma"... made it even more memorable. Hope you enjoyed the pictures from this outstanding bakery.

Roses For You

"Just a little something for you" this weekend, to thank you from my heart, for all your visits to this blog. Your visits and your comments mean so much to me.

This Summer has presented it's own array of gorgeous sunsets. The extremely hot and humid weather was difficult to take, but the sunsets seemed like they were specially designed gifts for us, at the end of the days.

My sister captured this setting sun in Florida last week


And this one, looks like an artist's rendition of a sunset. I can't imagine sitting by the water and watching this evening come to a close.

My uncle captured the next four pictures several weeks ago in his area of the country.

A cold front was coming in and the sun was setting at the same time. Wow!

Another day has come to an end.

I hope to never outgrow my love of sunsets, or ever forget the One who creates them for me to enjoy.

Good night!