This is what I found today on my mother's patio, in the shade, at 12:00 noon.

Not to mention the high humidity.

So, I decided to share a few things that I feel just might help by adding comfort to the situation we all find ourselves in.

Maybe, if your week is a hot one, it may help you too.

 

This is now one of my husband's favorite desserts!  They are "snack size", which means they are only a few bites of amazing goodness!
They contain most of the items he most enjoys in the world of sweets.
I can't tell you how many boxes I buy and keep in my freezer.

This is the way I sometimes serve them for guests.  I use my mother's pretty crystal dishes from when she was a young wife, add a bit of crushed ice in each one, tied a ribbon (for fun) around each stick, and serve them on a decorative tray.
Sometimes I sit a battery operated tea light, in a crystal holder on the tray, also.

I can't think if an easier, or tastier dessert!  The box of six bars was $ 4.59, just in case you wanted to know:)

I made these homemade popsicles for my grandchildren today.  I found the recipes on Allrecipes.com
I chose to use the vanilla ice cream instead of the vanilla pudding, because people had suggested that on the web site.  I think either one would taste good.

I made two flavors of Jello in my sprayed loaf pans.  When firm, I removed them and cut it up into tiny squares.  I mixed the Jello squares with 2 cups of melted vanilla ice cream, and stirred it softly together.

I always liked vanilla ice cream and Jello together.  My mother used to make that combination for us when we were children.

I poured the mixture into individual containers

I found these colorful spoons at Walmart for $1.89.  I used them as the popsicle sticks.  I froze the mixture in white Dixie cups and in clear glass votive holders.  The Dixie cups with the sticks will be eaten as the popsicles.  The other ones, I will serve as they are, with a spoon in each one.

I sat the entire tray in my freezer for a few hours, until mixture is firm.

Popsicle anyone???

And, if I decide to have a frozen treat for myself, this is my bar of choice:)

According to my taste buds, these strawberry smoothie bars are so delicious!  I feel better eating one of these than the coffee almond crunch bars above, but...let it be known, I would prefer those, anytime and anywhere.

But, if you prefer keeping your "little something sweet" on the light side, you may want to try these bars too.

This my friends, is my absolute favorite way to keep cool, hands down.  I make it a rule to drink lots of water, and this is the way I would choose to carry out that rule, including the sprig of mint tea from my mother's outdoor pot.

I am so thankful for clear, cold water.

 

I am thankful for you too, because it just would not be fun to do a post and not have anyone read it.

So thanks again for stopping by.

I do hope you stay cool today!

 

 

Nature's Finest

 

 

Thank you God, for little things

 

that often come our way.

The things we take for granted

but don't remember when we pray."   

"Dear God, what a comfort

 to know that You care,

 and to know when I seek You,

 You will always be there."

 ~ Both poems by Helen Steiner Rice

 
Relishing in a beautiful summer evening and the miracles of nature I see, everywhere I look.

Wishing you time to enjoy all that is around you, too.


Photos taken this evening.

Our Special House Guests

 

 

Good Afternoon to you!

 

Here at "justalittlesomethingforyou" things are now fairly uneventful. 

 

We had special house guests staying with us this past week.

 

Our middle daughter, her two little ones, and their favorite pet, Buster spent time with us.

  

Our little granddaughter loves to sing, and sings in the house, out of the house, and even in the car.  Come to think of it, yesterday she was singing with her entire little being, while sitting in the cart at Costco.

 Here she was singing the song "Skip, skip, skip to my Lou", which puts "skipping" in a whole new light for me:)

She wanted to always help me in the kitchen, and of course, I was happy to teach her a fun way of adding a touch of uniqueness to ordinary pb/j sandwiches.  She was thrilled to do it all herself, and wanted to repeat the process every day.  I already apologized to her mother:)

She proudly displayed the finished creation, not the least bit concerned about her stained little shirt, which by the way, I washed three times and could not get the stain out of it.  Finally, I soaked it in white vinegar overnight, and now the stains are gone. 

Her little smile lit up our world...

...as did this little guy's smile, even when the teething pains seem to dominate the visit.

They left now.  The house is so quiet!  I never was one for goodbyes.  I took the empty little "Cutie" drink containers sitting by the sink, and added flowers to them, just as a reminder of our time together.  I found these at the local grocery store at an introduction display.  Our granddaughter would beg for one each day.  Did you ever hear of "Cuties"? 

They have 150% Vitamin C,  no sugar added, all natural, nothing artificial, are gluten free, and contain 2 full servings of fruit.  I am not advertising for the company, but they were a hit in our house the last few days, and they are a fun place to display my daisies.

I can't close this post without a picture of one of the most important aspects of our last week.

Yes, "potty training" played front and center in this maw maw's world.  After many hours spent on my daughter's part without success, I was voted in for the chore.

 

And, yes, it was a successful adventure, after many book readings and made up stories in the process.  I remember at one point in it all, thinking as to what in the world would I blog about in the next post? 

 

So you see, I was correct when I said that I was truly sharing only a very little something with you today.

But, in all the little something, my heart is filled with gratitude at how "big" it all was to me

.

 

You are most kind to stop in here, and to step into my world for a few moments of time.

 

 

"Hey, do you mind if I wear your hat?"

"Tell me what do you think?"

Celebrating our seven year old grandson's birthday at a country park, last evening.
Cousins enjoying time together.  We were so thankful for beautiful weather.

Thanks for stopping by, because truly I did share only "a little something" with you.

Appreciating daily life

 

 

Not everyday of our lives is overflowing

with joy and celebration.  But there are moments

when our hearts nearly burst within us

for the sheer joy of being alive.

The first sight of our newborn babies,

the warmth of love in another's eyes,

the fresh scent of rain on a hot summer's eve-

moments like these renew in us

a heartfelt appreciation for life."

~Gwen Ellis

"It's the little things that make up the richest part of the tapestry of our lives."

Careful to remember the little ones do copy me...with my glasses and a pretend purse, she is ready to go.

So tonight, whether storms like this that hit suddenly, or...

...the sunny days we've had recently, I want to live my life with a heartfelt appreciation for what I have been given.

Thankful for each of you too! 


James 1:17 is one of my theme verses in life.

Their First Tea Party

It was my oldest granddaughter's birthday gift, and to make it more special, we brought her sister with us.
From the moment we first walked through the front door, we all knew it was going to be memorable.
The front gift shop room was so colorfully decorated and had many lovely items, including fine teas for sale.  We were greeted warmly and waited to be seated.

When it was our turn, we walked into a beautifully decorated tea room, with vibrant yellow, red and white décor.  Each table had crisp white linens and a fresh flower for a centerpiece.  The room was quiet, with piped in classical music.

I reminded them that this was a place where guests come to visit and enjoy time together.  It would be a bit different than what they were used to.  We sat down on the comfortable white chairs, and I had them put their linen napkins on their laps.  I think I was in my forties till I attended a tea party like this one.  At this point, I was wondering if this was a good idea, thinking maybe it would not be the fun they had anticipated.  Maybe it was too grown-up for their liking.  But, as time went on, I realized that I was wrong in that thinking.

The first thing they noticed was the fine flowered and gold bowl on the table, with the small golden tongs.  I showed the little sugar cubes.  They were so intrigued by them.
They each ordered a pot of tea.  At the recommendation of the kind lady who served us, they ordered berry tea.  I ordered lemon/spearmint.  Both of us enjoyed the choices we made.  And, because they were younger guests, she brought each of them two square ice cubes for their tea, in square white bowls.  How impressive!

I explained that the cups were fragile and they needed to handle them with care.
They did a great job!  They both drank every bit of tea in their little white pots.

Even the youngest one used her best manners.

Frist plate we were served, were warm, fresh from the oven, blackberry scones, served with lemon curd and jam.  Big hit for them!  In fact, I shared mine with them too.  I hoped they had good spot remover for the bit of jam that accidently fell on the white linens.

Next course, were fresh, delicious garden salads with feta cheese and homemade dressing. 
The anticipation was building and one could see they were eagerly waiting to see what would be served next.

This was the birthday girl's plate.  So pretty and so creatively served.

Her sister's plate.  They were happy with the pb/j sandwiches and the Belgium chocolate mousse, with broken up meringue cookies around it.  It must have been a while since they ate breakfast, because they each had a hearty appetite:)

This was the plate that I was served, and every thing I tasted, was most delicious!
The lady who served us, was also the owner of the shop.  Her warm, gracious hospitality made us all feel at home right away.  She took a real interest in the girls, and they opened up and talked to her like they knew her for a while.

Overall, it was such a good experience for us.  Something reserved only for extra special occasions, but I do look forward to a  future tea party with my granddaughters.

As we drove home, they continued talking about what fun it was, but I do know they were eager to go home, change clothes, and ride their bikes again.

Thanks so much for joining me on this adventure, via my blog, today.
Tea and friendship go well together.

Memories in an Historic Town

It was our oldest granddaughter's birthday.  At her request, we set aside a summer afternoon to visit a pretty tea room, in the middle of a historic old town.  The three of us were excited to take part in their first official tea party.  We parked, and walked a distance so that we could experience the old town before the tea. 

Believe it or not, the first little shop we happened upon, was the cutest vintage candy store.  They were delighted from the moment they first walked in the front door of the store.  The two nice ladies directed them to the princess section, with lit wall flowers and all kinds of princess candy.

The next room had plastic green and pink baskets filled with many kinds of candy.  Oh, the temptations this situation presented to them.  Creative ideas for candy displays were everywhere.  We left the store with their choice of one item each:)

At this lovely old porch, I pointed out to them the many different succulent planters for sale.  I explained what succulents were and in kindness to me, they appeared most interested.

We were especially intrigued by the bloom filled old, rusty wagon that was on the sidewalk below the porch.  As we stood there looking at it's many plantings, a couple came and took it with them.  They had purchased it and were taking it back with them to Michigan, via their motor home.  The lady was giddy with excitement with her new purchase.

 

At the sound of the water fountains, the girls asked to go into these gardens.

I explained what the word "private" meant on the iron gate, so we stood listening to the water running and the birds singing, for a few brief moments.

 

 

The immaculately done gardens created a peaceful feeling as we stood there looking in.

This garden walk peaked their interest as they wondered what was behind the wooden arch.
I wished I knew too.  I liked how they used the wooden pieces as a walkway.

Roses, black-eyed susans, daisies, and geraniums were everywhere.  I reminded the girls to make sure to stop and smell roses whenever they see them.  Good reminder to me too.  The roses were so fragrant!

I will share some pictures of our fun and memorable tea room experience in the next post.

Wishing you all some enjoyable moments in your July 4th holiday.  Freedom is a gift that is coming to mean more to me with each passing year.  I am most grateful for ALL those who gave their lives for that freedom, and for each one who continue to give their lives to this day.  May we never forget it all.

Happy July 4th to each of you!