Simple Pleasures

A Special Tea

2012-01-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

My favorite Tea Set Royal Albert "Old Country Roses"

Sandi at Rose Chintz is celebrating 2 years of hosting "Tuesday Tea" each week. Since I am a lover of Tea parties,Teapots and Tea cups, I decided to join her this week.Please visit Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage, Trish at Sweetology,bernideensteatime and antiques and teacups.

What a difference a day makes !

2012-01-23T06:21:00.000-08:00

The sun is up and it is 60 degrees, the birds are singing, feels almost like spring!

2012-01-17T13:21:00.000-08:00

yesterday I had a wonderful outing with my oldest daughter and her 2 children. We visited several antique shops, had ice cream with the boys. Talked, laughed and enjoyed being together! Another wonderful day!

A beautiful day !

2012-01-14T09:44:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful sunny, 50 degrees at my house right now. I am sitting in my patio swing, drinking coffee, listening to " Moonlight Moods Orchestra" and thanking God for this beautiful day and the wonderful life he has blessed me with. Not to say that all is well with the world, but today I choose to think on only those things that are, and bask in the peace and love that comes from him. Have a wonderful day!

A Wonderful Morning !

2012-01-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

It is 59 degrees at my house this morning, kinda damp feeling, very foggy out, not a good morning for sitting on the front porch in a rocking chair or on the patio in my swing. So I am inside listening to "easy listening" music, drinking coffee from my snowman mug and visiting friends in blog land while still wearing my new long flannel pink nightgown I asked for at Christmas, I love it , pink flowers and lace with a sweetheart neckline. I have the house to myself, very quite and peaceful!Another one of my simple pleasures!

It Is a Happy New Year !

2012-01-06T06:56:00.000-08:00

I am loving the way the new year has started. Today I am making my homemade laundry soap

Then I will settle down in my favorite corner in front of my computer and visit some blogging friends. Do you see the tray on my coffee table, that was an after Christmas purchase I made for myself. I found it at Kohls for $6.00 when I saw it I knew it would be perfect for this spot and it is, when I look at it it just makes me smile, one of my "simple pleasures" I am looking forward to many more this new year and hope that all my blogging friends enjoy many simple pleasures as well.

Look what I received in the mail today !

2012-01-03T12:06:00.000-08:00

I am the proud winner of this "Gooseberry Patch Cookbook"
Thanks Kim from "Homesteaders Heart" ! ! !

Tree is down!

2011-12-29T13:50:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe, but my tree and decorations are packed away! I spent today trying to rearrange the living room. I am not sure I like it this way as much as the way I had it before the tree went up, I will leave it this way awhile and see. My living room is small so it is hard to arrange everything the way I want.

Decorations are coming down ! ! !

2011-12-28T11:13:00.000-08:00

I have always dreaded having to take down the Christmas decorations,it seemed so sad that all the celebrating was over. I usually take them down the day after New Years Day, although one year I did leave them up until the end of January. This year is so different, I enjoyed Christmas with my family it was wonderful, but this year I am so ready to get my new home ready for the New Year and what it holds for us! Happy New Year! Elizabeth

Merry Christmas from my home to yours !

2011-12-25T05:22:00.000-08:00

Grandaughters "Winter Wiggle" and Weekend Guest

2011-12-19T09:15:00.000-08:00

Getting ready for Christmas

2011-12-05T17:08:00.000-08:00

I have been busy getting my new home ready for Christmas,the tree is up, no mantel to decorate this year,my fireplace has the t.v. over it,so no mantle. I decorated my sofa table and around the fireplace. It is starting to feel like Christmas around here!

Our Thanksgiving

2011-11-29T07:55:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving in our new home was very nice. I did not miss my large kitchen at all,it was actually nice cooking in my new small cozy kitchen,everything was in reach without running back and forth the way I did in the large kitchen,I sat up a card table along side my dining table and we all had a place to sit and were in the same room, not some in the kitchen and others in Dining room, like the old house. It was all good,wish I had downsized a long time ago!

Halloween at our new home

2011-11-03T06:50:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Halloween, a neighbor counted 700 trick-or-treaters, there was a constant stream of them from 6:00-8:00 we ran out of candy twice, hubby went to the store for more once and neighbors shared some of there's,they knew we did not know that we would have that many! A big difference from the last few years at our old house where we did not get any! This is a new sub-division and has the reputation as the place to go!Everyone goes all out decorating and its like a block party,it was a lot of fun!

Our new home !

2011-10-30T06:03:00.000-07:00

We spent the first night in our new home last night. It was very nice, even though everything is not in place yet, it feels like home. We still have to go back to the old house and clean out closets and clean and get it ready for its new owner. I have not cried yet,about leaving our home of 21 years and I may not it all just feels right. I should not be surprised should I, God knows what he is doing!

Thank You Friends

2011-10-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

Thank you all so much for the encouraging words, it really does help. I am still going from the sadness of leaving here to the excitement of this next chapter in our lives.

Is it normal?

2011-10-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Everything is working out. We have a buyer for our place. We found a smaller house,we love,with a smaller yard,that I really love! So why do I feel so sad. Is it normal to feel this way about leaving a place I have been so long (20) years. I feel like it is a new chapter in our lives and that we are going to be happy in this new place,but I cannot seem to shake this sad feeling about leaving here.

It is almost here!

2011-09-12T06:37:00.000-07:00

It was 59 degrees this morning at my house, So after the grandchildren were put on the school bus,I had my breakfast out on the deck,it was wonderful! They thought it was COLD waiting for the bus,they are too use to our high 90 degree weather. I love this fresh cool air and I am so excited because I know my favorite season of the year is almost here!

A place you want to linger!

2011-03-28T07:51:00.000-07:00

My friend and I found a new Tea Room this weekend at our annual boating club event in Mt. Dora Fl.It was a wonderful place. Almost everything was white,there were bible verses posted on the walls,the owner was a wonderful lady,you know the kind of person you meet and feel like you have known them forever. The food and tea were excellent,this will be "Our Tea Room" from now on.

a new beginning!

2011-03-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

I have finally decided that it is time for a change in our lives. My hubby has wanted to do this for awhile but I said,we have spent 20 years of our lives here and it is "home" I want to stay put,I love my home. There are things that I do not love though, raking leaves,picking up limbs almost daily on our 2 acres and fighting ants,that always win, anyway I have come to the realization that we need a smaller place,we really do not need a 10 room house and 2 acres in our later years. So I am getting our home ready to put up for sale. We have been looking and found a place we both love and will fit our live style now. So, I am excited about the change,but a little sad about leaving here,but I have to remind myself,most of the things I love about here,will be going with us, this place just houses all the things I love.

2011-03-14T05:13:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like watching the sun go down over the water!

I love my life!

2011-02-14T10:08:00.001-08:00

Yesterday my husband took me and our grandaughter to one of our favorite places,a Tea room.

We then did some shopping in antique stores, last night made Valentine cupcakes with 2 of my grandsons,tonight candle light dinner at home with my hubby!

Growing up!

2011-02-03T06:06:00.000-08:00

My puppies are 4 weeks old. I have found a home for all of them but 1 and the 1 we are keeping.They have been so much fun to watch these 4 weeks,from tiny ,helpless little things to now playing,barking,eating,its going to be hard to see them go.Just a little bit like,(on a much smaller scale of course)having our children grow up and leave,not needing us as they once did. I am just a little sad because my first grandson turned 13 a few months ago and I miss that little boy that he was for all those years. He is now a teenager and interested in so many other things than Grandma and Grandpa

Along the Coast

2011-01-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

A day trip along the coast was just what the Dr. ordered! We were really getting cabin fever since Jim's surgery,so Saturday morning we left home and drove about 100 miles along the coast,stopping for lunch, a quick visit with family and a little shopping along the way. It was a wonderful day! A couple of weeks ago,I didn't know if we would have days like this again but God is Good and I thank him that Jim is well enough to do these things,we enjoy,again!

New addition to our family

2011-01-19T16:02:00.000-08:00

We had a big surprise at our house about 2 weeks ago. The afternoon before Jim got sick. Ellie our Cavalier King Charles gave birth to 5 puppies,we had no idea she was expecting or that she had a boyfriend. A very good friend has her mate and we had been waiting for the right time to get them together. It was quite obvious who the Dad is, 4 of the puppies look just like the Jack Russell next door,the other one is black and looks a lot like Ellie,so we have decided to keep him and today we decided on the name Simon.

Home from the hospital!

2011-01-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

Some of you know that Jim had emergency surgery last Thursday (gall bladder) that went well but because of his severe emphysema he had a lot of breathing problems afterwards.He was able to come home today but had to be put on oxygen,we are praying that it will not be permanent.We were so appreciative of all the calls we received and the way our children stayed at our side during the whole thing. I guess sometimes it take something like this to know how lucky we are to have such wonderful family and friends.

I am over it!

2011-01-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

Okay so much for holiday blues,its time for me to get over it. I realize as wonderful as it is all things must come to an end and I have to move on to the next exciting thing. I am slowly beginning to take down my Christmas decorations. I have my new calender out and I am making plans for the year.January will include a long weekend trip, my oldest daughter's birthday. Febuary will of course include Valentine's day, a visit from out of town friends. March will be our first boating event of the year with about 50 other club members for 4 days of boating. So just the first 3 months have a lot to look forward to!

Post- Holiday Blues ?

2011-01-03T05:36:00.000-08:00

I thought I was the only one who had this let down after the holidays but today on the morning show I discovered that this is normal and a lot of people have it. I think I feel better just knowing that it is normal and not just me.
I have always had this,as long as i can remember. This year it has been pretty bad.
I have learned in the past to have things planned to do in January,often taking a trip in January. Do any of you have this? If so how do you deal with it?

Happy New Year!

2011-01-01T10:21:00.000-08:00

I am enjoying a quite New Years Day. My 2 youngest grandsons spent the night with us last night. We got up this morning and had pancakes (their favorite) and then went out on the back porch,finished up some sparklers from last night,watched the squirrels and birds playing in the trees all in our pajamas. They have gone home now and I am still in pajamas,drinking coffee and blogging! I think this is a wonderful way to start the New Year. I plan to try to take things slower this year and enjoy the simple things more,I seem to have gotten away from that this past year as well as my blogging . I certainly plan on doing more of that this year. I have met some wonderful friends here and look forward to meeting more and spending more time with those I have met in the past 2 years when I discovered blogging.Wishing you all a very Happy and Blessed New Year!

A Beautiful Day

2010-12-29T06:40:00.000-08:00

It is a sunny 34 degrees at my house this morning. As I sit beside my Christmas tree this morning and drink hot chocolate out of my snowman mug,watching the birds and squirrels out my window I am reminded of what a beautiful world and life we have inspite of all the problems that we all face.
Today I choose to think on only the blessings I have in my life, and they are many although sometimes I let the cares of the world cloud my eyes from them.One of those blessings are the special friendships I have made in this blog land and one of my New Years resolutions is to spend more time this year on blogging. I have been guilty of letting life get in the way of spending time here in this wonderful place that the Lord sent me at a time when I really needed it. I hope that I can give back to others what has been given to me.To all my special blogging friends thank you for being here for me when I needed you so much.

It is 19 degrees in Florida !

2010-12-28T04:53:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to a cold 19 degrees,if only we could have snow too!
The sun is coming up and it will be a beautiful day. The weather man says we will be back in the 60's tomorrow. I know that the snow and cold can be hard on those of you in the North,but for a Florida girl it is so nice to get a little of it here.

Christmas Day 2010

2010-12-25T06:21:00.000-08:00

It is Christmas morning! A cold 29 degrees at my house,the sun is coming up and its going to be a beautiful day. Its a little different than the past Christmas days for me.We had our family celebration last night with the children,grandchildren and extended family at our home. We have always in the past done this on Christmas Day,so this Christmas Day I am actually home alone, Jim offered to work this morning so others could be home with their family today,since we had ours here on Christmas Eve. I am actually enjoying this time, reflecting on the wonderful time we had last night,watching the excitement on the faces of my Grandchildren as they opened gifts and the delight of others as they ate their favorite foods I prepared with each of them in mind. I am also remembering the past Christmas mornings and those family members who are not with us but in Heaven on this Christmas Day and looking forward to all the CHRISTmas Days in the future to celebrate the birth of our Saviour and enjoy with all our loved ones. Merry CHRISTmas everyone!

It is in the air !

2010-09-20T06:22:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful morning,fall is in the air. It is in the 60's this morning in N. Florida. As I stood out waiting for the school bus with my grandaughter and then taking my spaniel(Ellie) out for her morning walk,I was filled with excitement that we will soon be having brisk mornings,leaves falling and the sights and smells that are so wonderful this time of year. I am planning a weekend trip next month to see the leaves at there peak. This past weekend I began to get out my fall decorations and will soon be changing my decor for Autumn,I love this time of year!

The simple things revisited

2010-07-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking lately about "the simple life" I think what I mean by the simple life is the joy of little things,things that we do because we want to and we feel good about,not having to do everything the hard way,as our ancestors did though,but taking from some of the things they did , not because we have too but because we want to. I made homemade preserves this weekend and I throughly enjoyed it. It reminded me of watching my grandmother do that in her kitchen years ago and I felt very close to her and as my granddaughter watched me,as I had watched my "nannie" almost 50 years ago I felt as though I am keeping something alive from our past and wonder if one day my granddaughter will be doing this with her grandchild and be remembering this time that we share. Keeping things form the past alive,yes I think that is what the simple things mean to me.

OH....the dog days of summer !

2010-07-20T06:41:00.000-07:00

A Happy Fathers' Day

2010-06-21T05:18:00.000-07:00

I feel very blessed this Father's day because I had a wonderful Father, although he went to heaven when I was 16 and I have always missed him,but I also have a husband who is a wonderful Father and 2 son-in-laws who are wonderful Fathers's.

"A good earthly fathers' role is much like our Heavenly Father. A provider, counselor,friend. That role is so important that if you fail your children may seek to compensate for that in other relationships."

A Happy Mothers' Day ! ! !

2010-05-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

How wonderful to be a Mother and Grandma! My day started out at 8:00 a.m with a phone call from oldest grandson to say "Happy Mothers" day, then grandaughter got on the phone to sing "Happy Mothers Day to you" then a call from hubby who was at work and then both daughters called and later we met for dinner at one of my favorite places. It does not get much better than this,I feel very blessed!

What A Beautiful Morning !

2010-05-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

Not really, its cloudy and very warm and muggy this morning.Rain and thunderstorms are on the way. I have been in a terrible rut lately but today I feel much better,the dark clouds are lifted off of me and I feel like its going to be a wonderful day,even though things are not perfect in my life. I know I do have a lot to be thankful for and happy about, so I am going to think on those things today .

2010-04-19T05:50:00.000-07:00

It has been a sad couple of weeks. A beloved friend and neighbor passed away and another was rushed to the hospital a few days later.We never know when things are going to happen to change our lives for ever. Another reason we need to live each day as if its our last and make sure that our loved ones know how much we love them.

A wonderful Easter !

2010-04-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

Easter 2010 - 3 of my grandchildren having a Easter egg hunt at my home.
It was a wonderful day! First celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord,having loved ones and friends over for lunch of Baked Ham,candied yams,pineapple souffle,potato salad,fresh peas and butterbeans,cream corn and strawberry cheesecake and coconut cream pie for dessert and of course hiding eggs for the 3 youngest grandchildren all afternoon.When everyone had gone home ,I sat down and relaxed and watched the movie Did you hear about the Morgan's? Thanking God for all his blessings to us!

Some of my favorite things !

2010-03-23T06:17:00.001-07:00

looking out my kitchen window
one of my favorite chairs with a book and cup of coffee in my favorite cup
Plates hanging on walls

Black and white pictures
angels

Picket fences and old buildings

2010-03-20T06:13:00.000-07:00

It is a beautiful sunny day with a high expected of 76 degrees,perfect for the first day of Spring! We are off to a Christian music festival on the river and may take the boat out also,its going to be a great day!

I love all things Irish !

2010-03-17T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today I am wearing green, cooking Corned Beef and Cabbage, listening to Celtic music.
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone !

A wonderful Weekend !

2010-03-15T07:00:00.000-07:00

I had the most wonderful weekend with my 8 year old granddaughter. We went to a Fred Astaire dance recital "The magical world of Disney" saturday night, to church Sunday morning,breakfast at Mcdonald's on the way and after church lunch at a beautiful historical lodge,that she had never been too,she kept telling me ,as she looked around at the beautiful scenery,as we had had lunch,that she felt like she was in Paris. Being able to enjoy these things with her,this grandma feels like she is in Heaven. Life is good regardless of the problems and trials we face.

A Beautiful Day !

2010-03-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

It is 24 degrees at my house this morning. We may get into the 60's this afternoon.
I am so ready for Spring,as I am sure everyone else is.I am really trying to make the most of this cold florida winter by reading more,spending time sitting around the fireplace,cooking homemade soups and dreaming about warmer days ahead when we can sit out in the sun,go boating,and to the beaches. It cannot be too far away but for now I will enjoy this cold and sunny day.

My Valentine's Day !

2010-02-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

We went to my most favorite place for lunch on Valentines Day. Its only about 5 miles from where we live,but when I am there I feel like I am in a different world.
I love this place it is beautiful and peaceful and feels like going back in time. One of my simple pleasures! After lunch we sat in front of the huge fireplace in the lodge for awhile and then took a walk around the property. It was a wonderful day !

The hunt for snow

2010-02-14T12:36:00.000-08:00

The snow did not make it as far south as our house,so we drove 150 miles North to see it!

What ? Snow in Florida ?

2010-02-11T05:52:00.000-08:00

Just when I thought Spring was in the air,we get a winter storm warning. It is 33 degrees at my house this morning with a high of 40 predicted for tomorrow and 90% rain. The weather man says we have a good chance of snow tomorrow afternoon. It has been about 20 years since we had any here.

I see hints of Spring

2010-02-08T05:27:00.000-08:00

The sun is up and its 31 degrees at my house with a forecast of 60 something today.The driveway is full of beautiful robins, spring just cannot be too far away!

A Give-Away!

2010-01-26T12:34:00.001-08:00

You will want to check out"just simply southern"
I just discovered this blog myself and she is having a wonderful give-away and also has wonderful things for sale in her Etsy shop.

Virtual Dinner Party

2010-01-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

My friend,another Elizabeth, is having a dinner party at "sweet nostalgia" and everyone is invited to join in so go check it out,but hurry its tonight!

On my menu is:
Smothered Swiss Steak with
mashed potatoes
Broiled parmesan tomatoes
Green salad with creamy
garlic dressing
Chocolate cake with
chocolate frosting
coffee
sweet tea

Recipe for Smothered Swiss steak

6 (4 ounce) cube steak
1/2 cup flour
1/2 t. salt
1 T. black pepper
5 T. veg. oil
1 onion (sliced)
1 green pepper (sliced)
1 14 oz can stewed tomatoes

sprinkle salt and pepper on steak,dredge steaks in flour,brown steaks in oil,
add onoion and green pepper and tomatoes,cover and cook over low heat for 1 hr.stirring often.

I love cooking for my family and friends, new recipes as well, as old treasured ones.
I love setting my table with different dishes from my new Royal Dalton Country roses to my 1960 fireking I am using tonight.

I did it !, I did it!, I did it!

2010-01-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

I finally took my Christmas tree down and all the decorations around the house.

I think I am now ready to face the New Year and all it has to offer. I am expecting good things this year! I have my table set for Valentines Day already. I had to replace Christmas with something,my husband calls this "playing" That's okay, he plays with boats,I play with dishes!

I think I am over it !

2010-01-14T06:24:00.000-08:00

We are suppose to warm up to the 60's this afternoon,so I think I am finally ready to take down my Christmas tree and put up all my decorations. We have had the longest cold spell, here in N. Florida, in 25 years. I think that is why I could not take the tree down sooner,but if we get back to the 60's, I think its time and I can get on with the New Year!

I'm not ready for it to be over ! ! !

2010-01-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Well it is now the 9th of January and for some reason I just do not want to take my Christmas tree down. I know its time and I really should, but I am just not tired of looking at it yet,maybe I should find a smaller tree that I can keep up all year. I love white lights on a tree,so maybe I will do that and decorate it with each season.
It may be the Christmas spirit that i want to hang on to,you know that happy feeling and goodwill that seems to be so plentiful this time of year!

more pictures of mini vacation in mountains

2010-01-04T05:46:00.000-08:00

A New Year's mini vacation

2010-01-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

Here we are,on our way to the mountains!

Up the mountain we go!

We arrive at our bed and breakfast and there is snow on the ground!

as we go inside...

A Wonderful Christmas

2009-12-26T15:19:00.001-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve with the children and grandchildren and Christmas Day with twin brothers and today visiting friends and a little shopping. It was all very nice and now we have a New wonderful year to look forward to. So much to be thankful for.

It's almost Christmas ! ! !

2009-12-21T05:25:00.000-08:00

It is 28 degrees at my house this morning in north Fl.now if only we could have a little snow it would be perfect Christmas weather,not the nasty blizzards that our northern friends are having,but just a dusting.I love Christmas first of all because it is the birthday of Jesus but also the decorating, baking,music,lights,wonderful Christmas movies old and new and everyone seems to be happier and nicer this time of year,smiling and saying Merry Christmas to strangers and helping those less fortunate,I wish it could be Christmas time all year!Merry Christmas! ! !

Thanksgiving at my house

2009-11-28T18:04:00.000-08:00

Especially for you Dee and Pearl ! ! !
We had a wonderful Thanksgiving here with family and friends,the weather was perfect sunny and about 60 degrees.After stuffing ourselves with Turkey and all the trimmings,we sat outside and watched the children play in the backyard,later I had a nap on the sofa and my favorite sandwich ,turkey with cranberry sauce.

2009-10-27T05:49:00.000-07:00

Is there anything Grandma's won't do for their grandchildren?

This was Tylers' 12th Birthday party,they needed another adult to drive a child in a go-kart,so ofcourse this grandma could not say No.

It was fun but those curves were scary!

I got lapped by everyone and 4 year old grandson said "grandmas' a slow poke"

Week-end on the lake

2009-10-20T06:19:00.000-07:00

100 miles of yard sales along the coast

2009-10-06T06:07:00.000-07:00

We left home in 60 degree weather for the annual yard sale along the forgotten coast and ended up in 80 degree sunshine on the beach. What could be better !!! It was a wonderful day !

Happy Birthday !

2009-09-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Jim and the grandchildren on his birthday

Labor Day and Birthday !

2009-09-07T17:28:00.000-07:00

We had a very enjoyable week-end! As well as it being Labor Day it is also My Hubby's Birthday. Sunday we went out to dinner with our oldest daughter,SIL and grandchildren. Today we went for a long drive,the 2 of us and the dogs,it was a beautiful day for a drive,we rolled the windows down and enjoyed the sea breeze along the coast. I had already made his favorite pineapple upside down cake and hid it in the dishwasher (they never look in there)I left a pork roast cooking on low and when we got back home Tyler and Brittney were back from spending the weekend with their other grandma, so Brittney and I finished making the Birthday dinner,pulled pork sandwiches,baked beans,corn,deviled eggs,b.b.q. chips (His favorite)cake and ice cream sundaes.

My new Baby ! ! !

2009-09-05T07:36:00.000-07:00

This is my new baby,Ellie, she is a 4 year old cavalier king charles. We instantly bonded.Now if I can just get her house broken and to stop barking at everyone who comes near me! Any suggestions?

Mixed Emotions

2009-08-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have mixed emotions today. Tomorrow school starts back and my oldest grandson starts middle school.Where did the time go.It seems like yesterday that I was rocking him. I am not sure I am ready for this.But it will come and I will survive.

I am looking forward to this time of year.Soon the leaves will change and there will be pumpkin patches,fall festivals, cool brisk mornings to sit on the deck and have coffee.Many good things to look forward to.

Look what I found ! ! !

2009-07-30T04:53:00.000-07:00

I was driving around looking for historic homes and found this beautful tree !

2009-07-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

I received this in the mail today, An inspirational book of poetry by Leah Carpenter of "Miss Leahs' makings and musings" and 2 apple potholders.

She is truly amazing, visit her blogs and see what all she has.

4th of July On the Coast

2009-07-06T05:27:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July.

We took a long drive along the coast , had lunch on the water, stopped in some small towns, did some yard sales, antique stores, drove by old homes and visited family. It was a very nice relaxing time.

2009-07-03T15:34:00.000-07:00

I love this homemade laundry soap,it smells so good and cleans clothes so much better than what you buy.( My grandson goes mud bogging on a dune buggy) and this gets the mud out !!

I really enjoy doing things the old fashion way like making soap, hanging laundry on the clothes line to dry when the sun is shinning and the wind is blowing. I am glad we do not have to do things this way all the time but sometimes it just feels good.
I guess another of my simple pleasures!

Dance Recital and busy weekend

2009-06-22T13:40:00.000-07:00

It was a very busy weekend. Friday was taking grandaughter to have her ears pierced and hair done for the big dance recital, her first one,she was so excited.(grandma too)

Friday night was dress rehearsal from 4:00--10:45 .

Saturday night was the big night,it was great,brought 2 grandsons home for the rest of the weekend,while their parents are out of town.

Sunday we all made it to church , potluck afterwards and baby shower.

Cooking Sunday night Fathers day dinner for husband.Whew , I need another weekend to recuperate.I know these years will pass way too fast so I am enjoying every minute .

2009-06-16T16:21:00.000-07:00

The princess and I had a Tea Party today. This is my favorite tea set, I bought it on ebay from Denmark,a few years ago.It usually sits in my curio cabinet,but we decided to get it out and use it today. Simple pleasures and making memories !

Summer Fun

2009-06-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe it is already June 15. I have been very busy with the grandchildren since school has been out. After a week of VBS we have been going to the movies, skating, birthday parties, the beach or shopping almost every day. Grandaughter has dance rehearsal every day this week with the big recital Saturday, so another busy week. It is so much fun though and this time with them will be so fleeing. I am thankful for every minute we have to enjoy.

A give-away

2009-06-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Leah is having a give-away at "Miss Leah's makings and musings"
check it out, she has some wonderful things. I just ordered a book of poetry she wrote.

I'm back and it's Summer already !

2009-06-02T04:49:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, I am back after taking some time off from blogging , to deal with some family issues.
I can hardly believe it is June already,it is summer here in N. Fl highs in the high 90's Where did Spring go? I did not get to do a lot of things I wanted to,now its too hot to do much outside and I have never been much of a morning person. Oh well, now I have summer to look forward to , trips to the beaches ,Springs and Islands near us, visiting the farmers market and getting fresh vegetables,putting some in the freezer for the winter, making homemade pickles,fig preserves and pear relish it will be fun!
Thank you so much for those of you who sent me messages while I was away,
it was a big help to know you were there and concerned.
Love, Elizabeth

Boats, Antiques, and Bok Tower OH MY

2009-05-07T06:50:00.000-07:00

We are back! It was our" International Classic boat Rally" at Lake Wales,Fl.

which was very nice but also visiting historic lake wales with its lovely restaurants and antiques(there was an antique show on the streets saturday that I attended.) A friend and I spent one afternoon at Bok Tower which was wonderful,the gardens were beautiful as well as the music.We sat in the quite beautiful gardens listening to the concert of bells. It was such a beautiful and peaceful place.On the way home I stopped at several antique stores and cracker barrels,who were having 70% off porch sales,so ofcourse I could not pass one up.

LIFE

2009-04-28T17:29:00.000-07:00

Live is not a problem to be solved,but a mystery to be lived.

Joseph Cambell

I will be away for a few days.When I return I will have lots to share!

Let"s Dance !

2009-04-26T14:30:00.000-07:00

This spoke to me today.
I hope it does some of you.

''You can't sit around and wait for the storm to be over,
you've got to learn to dance in the rain!

Look What I found !

2009-04-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

My new little friends for Spring, aren't they sweet!

I found them at our local Dollar General.

2009-04-20T06:00:00.000-07:00

Its a beautiful monday morning.I am getting back to my normal routine after having had a lot of guest since Easter.My husband's brother and his wife we're with us this past weekend and we had a lovely visit,they live in Michigan and we only see them about twice a year.Saturday we went to a nearby town full of antique stores,they were having a sidewalk sale.We found a few treasures,ate lunch in a little cafe,shopped more and stopped in at a little ice cream parlor for dessert before heading home.

Another Give-away !

2009-04-09T18:58:00.000-07:00

Sue at country Pleasures is having a "Afternoon Tea give-away"
check it out!

OH NO ! What happen to Spring?

2009-04-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

When I got up this morning it was 73 degrees outside and now at noon it is 65 and suppose to get down in the 30's tonight.Well maybe this will be the last of the cold weather.Sunday is Easter and it always seems to be cool for Easter.It seems We always have to cover up our new Easter outfits with sweaters or jackets.
I plan to go to church Sunday morning and have about 15 for Easter dinner at my house. My menu will be:
Baked Ham
chicken & dressing
potato salad
Macaroni & cheese
sweet potato souflee
peas & butterbeans
corn pudding
collard greens
fruit salad
rolls
cornbread
chocolate layer cake
cherry cheese cake

After dinner we will ofcourse have a Easter egg hunt with the grandchildren

What are you doing for Easter?

Another Give-away

2009-04-05T15:42:00.000-07:00

Pictures of The Apron and Dress made by Leah at "Sweetly Modest"

2009-04-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Its 3:00 A.M

2009-04-02T06:07:00.000-07:00

I was up at 3:00 this morning! I had my alarm clock set for 4:00 as I had to have the 11 year old grandson at school at 5:00 to leave on a field trip but when i awoke at 3:00 I knew better than to go back to sleep. I think I was more anxious about him going on a trip 5 hours away without us.We sent a cell phone with him and he has already called 4 times to let me know that he is fine and having fun so hopefully I will get through the day alright,but I think its going to be a long one.

We are having a lot of rain so my flower garden is still on hold,I just hope the soil that I moved doesn't all wash away!

I finally got my little princess to model her dress from Leah at sweet modesty so I am including a picture of her in it and the apron that I won with Leahs' giveaway. She does beautiful work!

Mt. Dora antique and boat festival

2009-03-31T05:43:00.000-07:00

We took a day trip to historic Mt. Dora saturday to the annual antique and boat festival.We usually go from thursday- sunday,but had decided not to go this year,with everything that was happening. Friday night Jim said "how about we get up at 2:00 in the morning and go just for the day"

I said yes,lets do that!

We arrived about 8:00 a.m. Just as it was getting set up. We shopped ,had breakfast,shopped more,had lunch at my favorite English Tea Room.it was wonderful,as I sat there looking out the window over the beautiful garden sipping tea and eating finger sandwiches with my husband I could not help but think,It doesn't get much better than this.

I know he would have rather been at the boat festival all day but he spent all morning doing what he knew I loved. So after lunch we headed over to the boats and spent the afternoon on the lake. It was what we both needed.

Here are some of the boats that were at the boat show.

And these two pictures are my treasures that I purchased at the antique show.

The first picture is an aluminum canister set

And the next is a picture of a milk glass bowl and platter, two cake plates and a depression glass platter.

Tornados and homemade laundry soap

2009-03-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

It's Friday afternoon,I had hoped to have pictures of my rose garden by today,but mother nature had other plans for us.We have had rain for a couple of days and today We had 3 tornado warnings in our area.I spent 20 minutes in a closet in the interior of our home waiting for one to pass.My husband had a nephew and his wife killed in one last month so i take them more seriously than I use to.
Hopefully weather will cooperate and I can get back to gardening next week.
I did make homemade laundry soap this week. I got the recipe from Lea's blog"farmhouse blessing". I really like it, it smells great,cleans well,saves money and just feels good to make homemade things for my family and home.
Have a blessed weekend!

Monday Morning

2009-03-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

It was 45 degrees this morning when I woke up,but it is climbing and should be in the 70's this afternoon.This is the time of year I enjoy the most its not too cold in the morning,just brisk, and not too hot in the afternoon,just nice.
Today i plan to start working on a rose bed just off my porch. I am not much of a gardener so keep your fingers crossed.The first thing I will be doing is taking a wheel barrow to the back of my property and getting a load of dirt to even up the ground,my husband doesn't think i can do this by myself but i will show him.

It was a very nice weekend we celebrated my youngest grandsons 1st birthday
with a family cookout at Wakulla Springs,its only about 5 miles from my home and one of my favorite places. I hope to have pictures to share soon.
Have a great week and check back to see how my gardening goes !
Elizabeth

2009-03-22T09:50:00.000-07:00

A SPRING GIVE-AWAY
at "Internet Cafe"

Spring Is Really Here

2009-03-20T07:34:00.000-07:00

I just realized it is the first day of Spring, Hoo ray!
I am so glad it is here,a time when everything is new again,new beginnings for all of us.

Sunflower Apron

2009-03-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

I received a package in the mail today and it was the sunflower apron from Leah at sweetly modest. Her work is wonderful. I bought the pink princess dress with purse for my grandaughter and we both love it. It will be her Easter dress.If you haven't yet, check out Leahs' blog,she has beautiful things.pictures will be coming

Its a beautiful morning

2009-03-18T05:55:00.000-07:00

It is 9:oo a.m and about 50 degrees with the sun shining. I just had coffee and reading God's word while setting on my back deck,while looking at the beautiful white blooms on the dogwood trees and my dark pink azaleas blooming,watching the squirrels chase each other and jump from tree to tree and listening to the birds sing,I have a beautiful red bird and blue bird visiting this morning. I feel that all is well with the world and know that God is in control.What a beautiful morning!

Thank You

2009-03-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

I want to Thank you all for your prayers and comments.
We were able to get everything taken care of with out
too much of a problem,even got an apology and nice
call on the weekend from their attorney.
Elizabeth

My 4 Grandchildren

2009-03-06T05:55:00.001-08:00

It is 9:00 friday morning and already 50 degrees and will get to the mid 70's today and 78 tomorrow. YEA !

I am so ready for spring and summer and I know you all in the north are.

I haven't posted lately because I have just been "down in the dumps" and I am sure the weather has a lot to do with it. So for the next few days,we are going to have near perfect weather and I am excited about that.

I painted two flower pots sunny yellow yesterday and started decorating for Easter, all the winter decorations are gone. It's Spring at my house !

A GIVE-AWAY

2009-03-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

"Cynthia's Cottage Design" is having a wonderful give-away

Her blog is also wonderful, so if you haven't already you

should check it out.

Elizabeth

2009-02-26T06:12:00.000-08:00

It is a beautiful morning,the sun is brightly shining and it is 56 degrees outside and should reach 75 today. It doesn't get much better than that!

I have been spring cleaning this week, taking down and washing curtains, shampooing carpet,washing walls hanging pillows on the clothesline and opening the windows and letting the cool breeze blow through.

This morning when I woke up I could tell that I am not use to working this hard,my shoulders and legs ache, but thats o.k. when I have finished it will be well worth it.

I can then sit down with a nice cup of coffee or tea and feel good that my home is fresh and clean.

2009-02-25T07:50:00.000-08:00

2009-02-22T13:04:00.000-08:00

Its a beautiful sunday afternoon here, about 50 degrees. I have had a very quite Sunday,woke up with a sinus headache and decided to take some tylenol and stay in bed, hence i missed church. Hubby is working and grandchildren are visiting other grandma this weekend. I finally got up made myself an omelet and now i am reading blogs and drinking coffee, enjoying the quite.

My house is usually a very busy place so quite days are not something i have a lot of and certainly not something i would want a lot of, but one once in a while is nice.

Leah

2009-02-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

Please visit Leah at " sweetly modest"
She has beautiful handmade aprons and
dresses for sale and is having a "giveaway"
for her grandopening.

A Beautiful Morning

2009-02-11T06:15:00.000-08:00

It is 8:45 on a beautiful Wednesday morning , the sun is shining and its about 49 degrees here, i just put my grandchildren on the bus and I am setting down with a cup of coffee to do what has become one of my favorite things,blogging.

I just read one from a woman in France, and wonder how would i have ever met or talked to someone in France if i had not found the world of blogging. Thank you Sophiemae for introducing me to this,I still have a lot to learn,but I am enjoying it immensely.

There are a lot of things going on in our world, some in my own family, that could cause us to be pessimistic but I have decided to be thankful for all the good things in my life and give those things i cannot control to the lord,so rather than worry about things today,I will be thankful for my 4 beautiful and healthy grandchildren,my husband,my home,family, church, friends,the robins and squirrels that are playing in my front yard right now.

Oh yes, the lime green curtains ended up in my grandaughters (7 year old) room.
I hung them up while she was at school ,she only had 2 windows so I had 2 extra panels which I used to make a swag over her vanity/dressers mirror.(A wonderful gift fromSophiemae) When she and her friend walked in the room after school they yelled AWESOME! pictures will come,hopefully.

I hope everyone has a great and thankful day!
Elizabeth