A simple, fun way to celebrate "Memorial Day".  We visited our daughter and son-in-law's home for a cookout.

The yellow swimming pool sat on the driveway, and added so much fun for the little ones.  Always ready to lend a helping hand, this guy is happy to help out his older sister.

You can imagine the fun of the evening.  Food to be eaten outside, time to swim, swing, and ride their play vehicles...what could be better?

Each of us has our own way of removing corn from the cob:)

"When you finally go back to your hometown, you find it wasn't the old home you missed but your childhood."     ~Sam Ewing in National Enquirer

This dessert was a huge hit!  It was made by a dear neighbor, and dropped off in the afternoon.  Everyone of us were thrilled.

She got the recipe from...allrecipes.com.  I printed it for you and me.  I add 1 teaspoon whenever I use Cool Whip so I wrote it on the recipe, although I can't imagine anything would make it taste better than it already did.  Thank you Sandi for sharing it with us.

It was a special evening that took place in a countryside hideaway.  The host and hostess were exceptional.  They have been our friends for thirty some years.  Our times together are rare, and we always spend hours catching up.  Friday evening was the perfect opportunity to do just that.  To slip away to another world, in the brick patio behind their home, located in the heart of farmland, was a real privilege.   The water of the fountain could be heard softly running all evening.

The beautiful hostess and my good friend from our high school years.  A few weeks ago she had major shoulder surgery done, which makes the evening events remarkable.

Lush green ferns that she brought home and planted years ago, from the woods of a mountain cabin.

 The most delicious strawberry salad with almonds!

Their lovely daughter helped to serve, and fresh shrimp was a real treat.

The accomodating host lit a fire in their outdoor fireplace.

My friend strung the lights in this tree, three years ago and they continue to light up the patio ever since.  Let me tell you, it was the perfect way to spend the hours of treasured time together.  After a delicious dinner, we retreated to the comfy furniture, in front of the fireplace.  We were served hot coffee or cold drinks, while we talked and laughed until late in the evening.  It will remain a treasured memory in our minds.

A simple touch of patriotic decor for my kitchen island.

For fun, I added a strand of multi-colored battery operated lights that I found in my cupboard, along with a small flag.

Our precious freedom was bought with a huge price, and today we reflect on all those who made that possible, and the ones who are continuing to make it possible.  The older we get, the more we cherish that freedom. 

This is a random post with too many pictures.  It contains a few of the highlights of my week.  Now, aren't you excited that you stopped by?

The above pictures has some "Mock Orange" flowers from my friend's garden.  I share these with you because I do not see them very often.  They smell so good!  My grandma carried a bouquet of these in her wedding, or so I was told.  They were one of her favorite flowers.  They are a perfect addition to a Spring bouquet.

  A big bouquet of Peonies from a tiny roadside stand, way out in the country.  Price for the bouquet (without the pitcher) was 2.00.  The dear little lady said the Peonies were a day old and she did not want to throw them out, so I bought them and now they grace my kitchen island.  I wish you could smell their sweet aroma.

So intricately created and designed.  Each bloom is different and the colors are vibrant.

I wanted a vinyl tablecover for my wooden porch table, to prevent it from getting wet during the storms.  I found this Laura Ashley cover in the clearance section of my T.J. Maxx store.  It fits perfectly with my porch decor.

I found these huge, succulent strawberries, being sold from the back of an old wooden farm wagon.  They were grown in the valley of a farming community a few miles near my home.

I don't remember ever buying such big berries, especially in the month of May.

I drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.  I add lemons slices, or lime slices, or a strawberry, whatever I have on hand.  It just adds a touch of pizazz and makes me it seem a bit more special than a plain glass of water.

And, of course when the grandchildren are over, they want the same.  Yes, I served it to them in glass goblets.  Does that concept go with their bare feet?

The younger one passes on the water with fruit, she prefers her strawberries sliced and in a glass bowl.

Random, certainly not earth shattering (there is enough of that in the world right now), but it all added a touch of joy to my somewhat ordinary week.  Hope it did the same for you, now that you stopped by.  I wish you a few extra- ordinary touches in your day today too.

It was found in the attic in an old wooden box of my mother's paper treasures.  It was probably saved as a reminder of a time long, long ago when her eldest daughter graduated from high school.  It seemed to be a perfect indicator of the times, fashions, decorating, and recipes of the day, and surely she would want that memory someday:)  It was a "Good Housekeeping" Magazine dated April 1972.

The first bottle of nail polish I bought was Cutex.   I remember it so clearly.  It was a light pink.  At the time there was not many companies who manufactured nail polishes, unlike today's world.  Just walk into the local drugstore and you will see what I mean.

The blouses like this were the going trend, and most always in pastels.  They looked perfect with the bell bottoms of the day, or the flared knee length skirts.  I remember working tediously to get the bow tied just right.

The maternity fashions way back then.  Yes my friends, this is the look I tried to copy when pregnant with my first daughter, and yes, the phone with the cord was exactly like I used to have some of my long, fun conversations with my friends.  I never would have imagined a world of iphones, cell phones, texting, and ipads.  In fact, I probably would have vowed that it was impossible to live in a world of communication like that.  But, my collar of my dress would have been perfectly ironed, my dress would have had ample room to grow into, and I would have told you the phone cord did not hamper any fun in my life.

The "Cooking Magic" bags had just made their debut, supposedly adding real simplicity to the cooking and clean up process.  Did any of you use these?

Really, was the record player a part of life then?  A radio, stereo, and phono all in one.  Imagine that!  What a breakthrough!!!  Think how many of these are sitting in attics across our country right now.

 

Only 39 brief years ago, life had such a different feel to it all.  After graduation, I felt like a brand new world was about to open up to me, and truly it did.  I honestly had to do the math twice, to convince myself that it really was true, it has been 39 years since that time. 

For all of you who are graduating from high school or college this Spring, I offer you sincere Congratulations!  As you venture on in whatever direction your life may take you, just remember that before you know it, 39 years will have past since this special occasion.

If you are a mother of a graduate, maybe you will want to put away a dated "Good Housekeeping" magazine for them to find in 39 years from now.  My mother only had to pay .60 to do what she did.  I am not sure what a " Good Housekeeping" magazine costs now, but I know for sure it is much more than .60.  Makes one wonder what it will cost a mother to do this for their graduate 39 years from now.

Life begins each morning...Each morning is the open door to a new world-new vistas, new aims, new tryings."   ~Leigh Mitchell Hodges

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jer.29:11

Congratulations 2011 Graduates!

And the apron winner is(thanks to my dear husband who so willingly reaches into the old crock and chooses a name)...  "Mammy".

"Mammy".  She has a beautiful, somewhat old fashion blog from Oklahoma.  When I visit her blog I always get that "warm welcome" feeling that she shares with everyone.   She lives in a world of family, cooking, cowboys, and friends.  I am sure she would love to have you pay her a visit at her blog... "cometomammys.blogspot.com/"  I want to congratulate her, and wish her joys as she wears her new apron. 

For the rest of you who so kindly shared comments with me, I offer you this bouquet of the first peonies from my garden.  Thanks to all of you.

On Sunday morning, my husband and I boarded a flight in Minneapolis, MN, for our flight home.  The flight left earlier than was planned and it seemed like the flight crew was in somewhat of a hurry.  We had no idea at the time, that after we left, parts of the city of  Minneapolis would be hit with a devastating tornado.  Our flight was a good one, and we stopped in Missouri for a few hours layover.  Once again the crew seemed in a big hurry to get everyone loaded and ready for take off.  Of course, it never would have entered our minds as we left the runway in the state of Missouri, that it would soon be hit with the worst tornado to hit the United States of America in four decades.  It is sobering tonight, especially after watching the evening news.  How quickly life's circumstances can change.   Life has changed drastically for so many people in the Midwestern US.  In our flights, we were just ahead of it all, and we had no idea.

The above two pictures are taken in the beautiful old, historic church where our SIL's parents hosted a Midwest wedding reception for our daughter and her husband.  The building no longer functions as a church, but as a banquet facility.  It was certainly a special place to hold their reception, on a cool, very wet Friday evening. It was a privilege for us to meet family and friends of our new Son-in-law.  Here is our daughter pictured with her dad.  The pretty white dress she wore, though not her wedding gown, was the perfect thing for a featured bride to wear. 

It was a fun, memorable evening.

This picture was taken early the next evening, in the city.  When we went into the restaurant on the left, the sun was out and it was a gorgeous evening.  When we came out a few hours later, a storm was brewing and ominious dark clouds had replaced the clear blue sky.  Once again, change happened so quickly.    Our daughter took this picture revealing the pending storm.

Our weekend memories are special, and the fact that our flight was ahead of the massive tornadoes, gives us so much to be thankful for this evening.

Thank you for stopping by.   And, if you happen to live in any of the storm related areas of the US, our thoughts and prayers are with you tonight.

If you would like to be in the drawing for this lovely apron, created by my Sister-in-law, it is not too late to comment on my "apron post".  Tomorrow evening a name will be drawn.  After reading the comments from all of you, I truly wish it were possible to mail one to each one of you.  You have no idea how much those words meant to me.  Thank you!

I am back.  We spent the last few days visiting our daughter and son-in-law in the Midwest.  We spent time in their apartment, and saw where they each work, where he attends school, and basically where they live their daily lives.

We had the privilege of attending their second wedding reception that was hosted by his family for all their relatives and friends in the Midwest, who were unable to attend their January wedding (held in the East).  I will share some pictures of this fun event with you soon.  It was an enjoyable time and many things were packed into the four days.  I know that some of you know this fact far better than me, but at times it is difficult to have your children live so far from home, and to see them so infrequently.  But we are thankful for the fun memories that we hold in our hearts.

Thank you for all the comments regarding my apron giveaway.  I was so blessed by your kind comments and I am sure my sister-in law was also.  The giveaway will be on Tuesday evening, so if you did not comment yet, please feel free to do so.  See previous post.

I have decided to host a giveaway in blogland.  It has been decided upon for three main reasons;

The first being to let you all know how much you all mean to me.  I appreciate so much that you would take time to visit  my simple, down-to-earth blog as often as you do.  Whether you comment or not doesn't matter.  I am well aware of how much time that does take, to comment as much as you would like to.   What does matter is that you care enough to stop by, but when you do comment, it is so much fun for me.  It is almost like receiving a letter in my mailbox.  Thank you!

The second reason for my giveaway now, is that we will soon be smack dab in the middle of fresh strawberry season.  That might mean you may want to serve family and friends some strawberry shortcake, or a strawberry dessert of your choice.  Strawberries can be messy when eating or serving, which leads me to believe you need to have an apron to wear when you serve.  Am I right?  Would that help?

Thirdly, I watch my talented Sister-in-law create and sew many exceptionally beautiful aprons, and I wanted to pick one out to give away.  It will make life easier for you, when guests come.  You will be able to grab some jeans, a white tee shirt and your new apron.  I promise you will look so good!  I know many of you already own a beautiful apron, but there is always room in your closet for one more:)

All you need to do to be in the running, is to leave a comment for me, sometime between now and next Tuesday evening, May 24th.  That's it...one simple comment.

My Spirea bushes are in full bloom.  I have a new fascination with my mini Petunias.  Their vibrant pink color and vine type nature, make them a perfect addition to my hanging basket by the back door.  And, as you might remember, I like bringing the outdoors in so that I can enjoy them inside also.  This small canning jar container came from Walmart's Better Homes and Gardens selection.  It makes me happy when washing dishes at my sink.

Saturday noon I needed to make lunch and was not sure what to make.  I used this simple, delicious recipe and thought I would share it with you, just in case you ever needed the same.  I unrolled the French Bread loaf onto parchment paper.  Added a thin layer of Ranch dressing over the dough.  Placed 1/4 pound of sliced oven roasted turkey breast as the next layer, then added 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.  I rolled it up tightly from the short side, pinched the seam, and put the roll seam side down on a sprayed cookie sheet.  I brushed the top with melted butter and sprinkled it lightly with Cavender's All Purpose Greek Seasoning.  I baked it at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
This recipe yields 4 or 5 servings when sliced.

If you prefer deli ham, that works just as well.
It makes a really good sandwich and can be served with whatever you prefer.

The golden brown baked loaf smells so good when it comes out of the oven.

 This is how it was served at our home on Saturday, with a few of my husband's favorite foods. He said it was not easy to stop with two slices of this sandwich.
Thanks for stopping by today.  And just in case you ever need a new sandwich recipe, you might want to try this one.

  I appreciate you all so very much! 
A fun giveaway is coming up soon at this blogspot:)

"'Fiery sunset, tiny pansies by the wayside, the sound of raindrops tapping on the roof--what extraordinary delight we find in the simple wonders of life!

With wide eyes and full hearts, we may cherish what others miss.

As we grow in our capacities to see and enjoy the joys that God has placed in our lives, life becomes a glorious experience of discovering His endless wonders.."

~Wendy Moore

Some of nature's finest photograpy captured recently by my Uncle.  The exquisite beauty of the Springtime is everywhere, and what he shared with these pictures, is a great reminder to me.  Wishing you some unexpected joys this weekend.