Thursday, April 4, 2013

Being a busy woman..................


Don't you agree that women are amazing? Sometimes I'm astounded at the things we accomplish in the course of a day........all while blogging on the side, and many of you also working outside the home and/or raising young families. Tuesday was a busy one for me and, when nearing the end of it, I was feeling tired but happy that I managed to do so much.......some of which I managed to photograph of course.


I just knew it was a perfect Spring morning when I awoke to sunshine and birdsong outside the windows......and heard the raucous screams of the crows who were chasing a large and beautiful red-tailed hawk across the morning sky. No matter that the windows are still grimy from the Winter, I'll soon be out there, Windex and paper towels in hand. I didn't care, I just wanted to enjoy some time in the garden..........so watched the finches on the front porch while having my wake up coffee.


Mr.and Mrs. flirting and thinking of nest building no doubt!


Throwing on gardening garb, I was soon out there. The trees in the back garden are still somewhat bare, never mind, all the better to see the Carolina blue sky and puffy clouds......


.......however I did see our one remaining scrawny Dogwood just opening its greenish blooms. Another few sunny days and the white flowers will be lighting up the landscape.


I found my first ladybug (called a ladybird in England) and took it for a garden stroll in my glove - then noticed there were quite a lot around also enjoying the warm day.


It was almost warm enough for tea in the gazebo but 
I had too much to do................


...such as sand, wash, prime and repaint the kitchen window 
box in Oregano Green ready for a new planting soon... 


.........and start cleaning out the potting shed, 
again over-wintering as the catch-all for all and sundry.



Back in the house for a short breakfast break, bowl of oatmeal and fresh berries, I then watered my beautiful purple tulips, a gracious and thoughtful Easter gift from the next door neighbors......and perfect in the vintage olive basket.




Then I decided to make soup from some of the veggies taking up half the 'frig space. I tweaked my usual basic spinach and zucchini by adding a bag of organic chopped kale - the greens seemingly 'en vogue' lately. Throw in a potato for thickening, an onion and veggie broth for flavoring........puree and add milk and cream for goodness and velvety texture - delicious and definitely healthy. 


Back in the garden, stripped down to a short-sleeved t-shirt, wow that felt good. I think shorts will be coming out of storage very soon. Bending exercises came next while playing pick up sticks and ivy, bunches knocked down by nesting squirrels.........


....and checked the camellias now blooming profusely....
cleaning up fallen dead ones which, if left under the bush, 
can cause disease.

A few other chores were squeezed in on this day........including painting a damaged wall and laundry, but at 4 PM I hopped in the shower, put on my face, dressed up a bit, and DH and I headed out for supper at our favorite Italian with our favorite friends............a wonderful end to a perfect Spring day.
  
As I mentioned............we women are amazing, aren't we?


P.S. Have you noticed, Google has brought the Lightbox feature back? Thanks so much Google/Blogger guys and gals.
If you click on one photo, all in the post will show up for view at the bottom of your screen if you like to view them that way, and full size if you post your photos in a smaller format. BTW, you must turn on Lightbox in your Settings if you want this feature.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Girls and shoes...................


Girls just wanna have fun!!!!!


Just to prove that girls of any age can enjoy a 
shopping trip, especially when it comes to shoes!

Luna arrived already well shod in new pink sneakers, 
a gift from her Grandma. 

Jasmin discovered a hit at the thrift shop.
Vintage looking, wedge-heeled espadrilles in a 
perfect red/cream stripe. She would have had 
to fight her Grandma (ME) for them, if they 
had been my size. A great $7 buy and so 
Summer in St. Tropez looking!



Fun at the thrift shop...........no age limit and 
great bargain prices.

Monday, April 1, 2013

A day out with the girls.....................


Nothing sweeter than a day out with the girls.

via Jasmin's iPhone

Starting at my house with sweet treats - yummy lemon 
cupcakes made by Vanessa who came by with little Luna. 
I baked almond croissants early in the morning with 
the help of Trader Joe - have you tried them?  
Fabulous, easy, and definitely addictive!


After some thrift shop fun where the girls looked for 
clothes and high heeled shoes (another post later 
on that part!) we headed to 
our second home - SuzAnna's Antiques of course. 
Vanessa and I miss having our booth there but 
stop in to see what everyone else has for sale.....
and sometimes buy an irresistible treasure. 
Jasmin continues to work there on weekends but 
enjoyed visiting as a customer.


Everything looked 'Springy' and, as I had my new little 
point and shoot handy, I had to take some pics to share.  
I'm pleased with this camera - Nikon's Coolpix S6400 - which 
has a touch screen which for me is much easier than trying 
to see those tiny buttons! It has lots of features to play 
with and I must learn those. This should be a good pocket 
camera for travel when the large, heavy SLR is 
not required.....












SuzAnna's Antiques on Friday afternoon...where everyone 
was smiling, especially Jasmin enjoying Spring Break.