The House is all Decked in Holiday Attire

With only a few days left until the big day, it is time to pause and enjoy all the beauty that surrounds everyone.  Decorating is done, shopping still to do and plenty of cooking on Christmas Eve for Champagne Christmas Brunch I am enjoying an early morning cup of French Press and the peace at the moment.  This time of year brings memories of loved ones who were so much a part of our celebration in the past closer to us.  I can almost hear their voices, laughing, telling stories and parties that were full of festive merriment.  Many of my decorations bring back  wonderful memories and now the importance of creating new ones for the next generations.  Enjoy your Christmas and make it special.

Favorite Equestrian Fox a special gift from my Dad

Kitchen has tucked away treasures

An absolute Treasure I Cherish

Beautiful Set of Candle Holders hold special memories

Santa I Painted Many Years Ago

Handmade Santas from Special Friends

Another Fox adorns the tree

Today our country grieves for the families who have lost loved ones at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.  To the teachers who tried to protect those dear sweet little ones you are to be commended, you are indeed heros.  There will never be answers to such a horrible tragedy.  I will continue to pray for the entire community.

Preparing for the storm of a lifetime

As Sandy approaches and pulls in another monster storm, we find ourselves bracing for hours without electricity and a deluge of water.  As the storm travels through Philadelphia, there is the possibility that we could see a little snow on the backside of this event.  Being prepared for a storm of this size is never an easy process.  What to get, how bad will it really be?  Well I have the first items on my survival kit, hot chocolate, Godiva liquor and lots of marshmallows.  Even if we loose electric, there is always the gas logs that will enable us to  heat up some milk.  The thought of heading out to the market at this point seems a little silly if we loose power and all that food goes bad.  We are riding it out with the bare essentials this time.  Batteries, candles fresh fruit should carry us through.  Hear is hoping everyone out there survives with little damange.  Will post photos of the aftermath of "Frankenstorm".

I hope that the Halloween decorations survive!!!!

Spring Awakenings - Temple University

Last week the Musical Theater Department at Temple University opened their musical, Spring Awakenings.  As challenging as it was to watch this show, I could not be any prouder of my daughter for her soulful performance of a young girl who was being abused by her father.  It sent chills down my spine and that is when I realized, she had pulled me into her performance and I was feeling her pain.  Her talent overwhelms me and she is growing and learning with each passing performance.  I am so very proud of her.

Prepping for the show

CHANGE OF SEASON

Here on the East Coast of the United States we are just about peaking out with the autumnal hues that are changing everyday.  Quite walks offer as much if not better landscapes than are in an art studio.  Colors are vibrant and against a crystal clear sky pop all over.  Berries, grasses, mums, leaves of all shapes, sizes and colors.  Go outside this fall an enjoy the fresh air and the inspiration that comes with this beautiful change.

PUMPKIN SCONES WITH CRANBERRIES

Pumpkin Cranberry Scones

Oh my my my these babies are a delight and I hate to say it but they are straight out of a box...yet a Trader Joes Box.  Easy to make and absolutely delish.  Not to mention they make the house smell wonderful!!!!

Day in the Garden

Day in the Garden

Today was 102 and the humidity was through the roof.  We woke up at 4:30am to a thunderstorm that was right over our heads.  It was a bit scarey for sure.  But it watered the gardens that were in desperate need of a good soaking from mother nature.  A few shots from the garden today.

Summer Reading

My favorite part of summer is heading to the beach with my chair, towel, umbrella and lunch.  Plant

myself next to the water and pull from my pile of books I have been saving all winter.  The first book

that I highly recommend is, "The Paris Wife". 

What was so wonderful about this book that it did not focus on Hemingway.  It was a picture

into the life of his wife and the struggles and challenges she faced.  This is definately

a five star book.

Next on my list that I just started is, The Kitchen House.  Will report on it when finished.

In the meantime if anyone has any suggestions let me know.  After "The Kitchen House" I

plan on reading "The Many Lives and Secret Sorrows of Josephine B",  "Wolf Hall" and "Bringing Up the Bodies".

Ahhhh Summer.

Mother's Day
This year I was not feeling too well for Mother's Day so my husband, god bless him, took care of everything for me.  I had planned to making this amazing dinner for my Mom but it was just not in the cards.  My husband picked up sandwiches and everyone arrived and we had a most wonderful visit.  I am so blessed to have such an amazing Mom and Dad.  My Mom is a very talented watercolor artist and this year for Mother's Day she gave me this beautiful painting of sunflowers.  I adore everything about sunflowers and now this painting will hang in my home in a place of honor with the many others she has done for me.

In addition, my daughter and her wonderful hubby and my two prescious grandchildren came to enjoy the fun too.  They fill my yard with laughter and bubbles.  How perfect is life?

Yesterday it rained three inches in about an hour here outside of Philadelphia, PA.  All that rain tends to ruin my iris but I was smart enough to get some photos before the rains arrived.  So beautiful that you just have to stop and look for a while at their beauty.

What are you reading?  This is a wonderful book and just can't put it down!!!

Making dinner special.  Every meal with the family all together should be a celebration.  Today in a world that is constantly moving and we all have very little free time, dinner should be special.  As you know I always use linen napkins and pull out the good silver.  Time together is priceless.  Sharing stories of times past for the younger generation to learn about their heritage.  Laughing about the weeks events.  Enjoy this time and keep the tradition for the next generation.

Early morning in the garden there is a peacefulness that is refreshing.  The birds are singing and the rest of the world is quite.  Today I spotted a hummingbird, yea!!!  They are just too fast to get a photo of but I will continue to try to catch him.

Max

Max

Well this past March I celebrated a pretty big birthday.  My middle daughter and her husband surprised me with this new addition to our family.  Now this was a complete surprise to me, well shock actually.  I had not mentioned
wanting a puppy, but my daughter thought that since we are empty nesters we would need something
to keep us busy!  Well this little Yorkie certainly is doing that.  Full of energy  he has entered our lives at full steam and keeps us on the go. We are back up to getting up (even on weekends) at the dawns early light.  Our for his morning
walk.  It has been a long time since my husband and I have been up and walking at 6am, but there is
something magical about being out at this hour as the world comes to life.
This is going to quite a summer I am sure with a new puppy, and 2 year old granddaughter and a new
grandson.  Maybe there is a children's book around the corner about the adventures of Max, Lilly and Liam.
Stay tuned I am sure there are going to be plenty of stories to share!

Four Weeks

Well we are four weeks away from the due date of my grandson's arrival. I was set back to tears when I received this photo from my daughter's most recent untra sound. I feel like I already know him and yet can't wait to officially meet him. At the present time he weight 7pds 5oz. I think he is going to pass his sister as far as birth weight. But there is something magical about seeing him in the womb like this.

Dear Sweet Liam I am so ready for you to arrive into this world!!!

Colored Eggs

Easter and Colored Eggs

It has long been a tradition in our family to make colored eggs for Easter. This year is the first year my Granddaughter can actually participate. Unfortunately she was so sick with a very high fever that she could not have as much fun as we had hoped but she still got to pick her color. Now I will use the eggs to make my Easter bread. That is my mission for today. I hope it turns out as well as last years!!!!

Spring has Sprung

The weather has been picture perfect on this Spring break. The gardens are coming along and blooms are popping everywhere. This is my favorite time of year, so many colors and making plans for the summer ahead. While spending time in my garden is the most rewarding adventure, I have to admit I am not as young as I once was and after a full day yesterday my body is aching. On to prepping for Easter Dinner on Sunday. Today was a day spent at the Farmers Market and Trader Joes. All the goodies are bought now let the cooking begin. Gotta get my Easter bread going later today. Off to pick up my Ali from college this afternoon. We will indeed have a full house this Easter.

Off to Market to prep for Easter

Photos from the Farmers Market this morning.....too many goodies and I have to admit I could not resist the goat cheese with cranberries