In Full Bloom

The rose garden at the park is in full bloom. A sweet smell of roses is drafting down the road, especially with all the rain we have been getting. This weekend dear hubby and I made window boxes for the house. We filled them to the brim with hanging petunias in purple and white, and also some hanging vines. Hubby got a rickety ladder out of the basement and carefully, while I pleaded for him to not get hurt, put the window boxes on the thick stone ledges. Today we noticed bees and a hummingbird visiting the new flowers.                      

We also planted some more herbs and a white peony bush that I can't wait to bloom big frothy ruffled flowers. Onyx the cat is loving the catnip plant, maybe just a little too much - he's currently sleeping it off on the couch. 

There was also some more wallpaper stripping - Ugh it's one project that I wouldn't mind ending. We only have the downstairs hallway and our room left. It's the hardest paper of all. Thick, shiny, and doesn't like to peel off easily even with water/fabric softener mixture. Paint swatches have been hung up just in anticipation. A deep dark navy blue for just one wall of our bedroom - called Midnight. Tuxedo Tie, Lunar Eclipse, Belle Grove White, and Snowday are just a couple other colors we like for other rooms. 

My back is starting to feel better, and I am really grateful. I've always known that I like to keep busy, but I never realized how much until I was stuck to the couch for a couple days. Honestly I can say I am not a television person. But with all that thinking time, there was a lot of planning. Crafty things that I just can't wait to start. 

Weekend Adventures

This weekend we had a day where it was just dear hubby and I. The kids visited with my mom and their new cow - which they lovingly named "buttkiss". I'm sure I don't have to tell you what the cow did to get that name. My guess is Damien the 10 year old had more say in the name.

Rob and I snuck off to a flea market, the Book Barn, and a lovely blog friends greenhouse, all by ourselves. At the flea market we walked in the sun looking at everyone's goods. There are the usual things I look for like handmade blue pottery mugs and old chippy furniture but this time I added something to the list. Vintage film cameras. When we rounded a corner, hubby scouted some out and we left with a neat Kodak camera made in Germany from the 1960's. I can't wait to see what kind of pictures it takes.

At the Book Barn we looked for books together, something we never get to do. I had a list in hand this time and found four books from it, Rob was able to find 5 books for himself. Then we headed down the road to a blog friends nursery. 

Carole's greenhouses were filled with color. We decided to focus on the side yard herb garden first and picked out a great variety to start with. We couldn't help but sniff the air while we were there. It was so fresh. Plus there was also the added pleasure of meeting a person I've only known through our blogs. Such a great way to end the day.

These were our adventures this weekend. What were yours? 

The Lone Daffodil

Across the street there is a lone daffodil. Just one - all by it's itself. Surrounded by trees, rocks, and leaves. I'm not quite sure who planted it or if some how some way it made it's way over there. But every time I open the door and it's brings a little cheer to the day.

It's finally starting to feel like spring. We are making plans for all the gardens and outdoor landscaping we want to do. Getting ready to move our table outside to the porch again - meals outside everyday. Reading my pile of books from the book barn, learning about the healing power of herbs and how to use them daily. I cut some daffodils the previous owner planted in the secret garden and spread them around the house. Our vintage pink quilt is starting to stay folded on the back of the couch and windows were opened today. 

Ahh spring! 

What I Meant To Do

On Friday I meant to write a post here but as luck would have it we lost power. We knew there were thunderstorms rolling through the area and if the weatherman didn't tell me the kids did. I got play by play updates as they looked out their windows, at the dark luminous clouds that were fastly approaching us. Once the thunder gave a loud clap they all came scurrying down the stairs. The storm rolled in fast and when large hail started pinging off the windows the kids got nervous. To calm them I advised we track the storm online, then the power flickered and then out. We wouldn't know until later that the stormed knocked several large trees down, right onto the power lines, and we would be without power for over 24 hours (trust me if I  had known I would have turned the temp. in the refrigerator down, taken a shower, and filled up some large jugs of water).

With no shower and very little sleep I went to work on Saturday, were I needed to show my new abilities. After a very long day I did get good news that my shadowing is over and I will start seeing patients one on one tomorrow. It was a relief, at least for myself, to hear that news.
Sunday we cleaned out the fridge, due to no power, and refilled everything. I tried my best to take that day to relax making more crochet sampler squares.

Today we looked at a beautiful old house, chalked full of character and charm. It had a perfect studio room on the second floor with an old farm sink, jade green wainscoting, small pink cottage flower printed wall paper, large built in cabinets, and a wall filled with floor to ceiling wavy old glass windows. Unfortunately copper bandits came in. They took out all the copper for the plumbing, electrical, and heating, so while it put some change in their pockets, a piece of history will sit - needing far too many repairs that Rob and I can't do ourselves.
I must admit I pouted a bit when we got home. Why must people do that to earn money? It drives me bonkers. So to cheer myself I went out to the very very neglected garden and cut some flowers. My shasta daisies, bachelor buttons, and coreopsis all bloomed around the weeds. In fact I am telling myself the only reason their petals remain from the storm is due to the weeds.... works right?!
So what I meant to do this weekend was relax, find a house, and write a post. One out of three isn't bad.

Peonies

One of my favorite summer flowers.What's your favorite summer flower? I'm happy I got these from my mom this weekend because after looking at the weather forecast and all the rain this week, it will be nice to have something bright and cheerful in the house. Maybe peonies cut from the garden before the storm will be the saving grace this week.

There has been a lot of waiting around here lately. Waiting on replies on house bids, waiting to learn new things at a new job and the ability to do those tasks, and waiting for school to end. I'm also waiting for some fabric from Japan for a new baby quilt I am starting for a friend. This quilt I am going to hand quilt, which will take a little longer, but all those personal touches will really make this one special. Since it is going to be a surprise I can't really share the coming together of it but I will take pictures along the way so I can share the story of it all once it is finished. 

I kept my promise and added new things to the shop last night and it felt good. Weather is finally starting to feel warm and sunny. Cleaning and deciding what needs to go, you realize just how to much "stuff" you have. At least it's good stuff that someone else may want. Flowers are starting to bloom in the beyond neglected flower garden from last year. The bearded iris was not planted by me but was already there. I must confess I dislike this flower and the color, just not my favorite. More house hunting tomorrow and then an interview. Hope everyone has a sunny fun filled, let's go celebrate, kind of weekend!

My Weekend in Moments

Filling out thank you notes with orders from the shop.

House hunting for charm & character.

Thrifting at new to me antique shops.

Picking wildflowers with Aries.

Random magical coincidences.

A giveaway winner sharing lovely projects they made with their winnings.

Fun birthday party for my one year old 2nd cousin.

Watching Matilda just to see Ms. Honey's cottage.

Lack of sleep, but not from stress more from dreaming.

 ♥ 

Blustery. That is the weather outside today. It's so windy that the windows rattle and it chills you to the bone. Maybe it's the winds of change.
Aries asked me to teach her how to sew. I was hoping this day would come. So tonight she gets to rummage around in my fabric cabinet. We will start small with a little pillow - nothing major.

I noticed the bleeding hearts were in bloom other day. They are bringing some much needed color to my kitchen windowsill. Wish there name was different ....to me they look more like hearts in flight. Little heart balloons drifting up, carrying wishes.
Hope they are carrying your wishes ♥ Have a lovely weekend.

Small Surprises

These are a few of my small surprises:

1. Pretty blooms from the neglected garden.

2. Full unopened packet of seeds from last year.

3. 5 leaf clover! Found while outside with the kids.

4. Small bird card found in a used gardening book purchased from the book barn.