Packing My Bags

The other end of my porch where we have all our meals in the summer. 

A local restaurant in town opened their outdoor deck. This scene was in a very famous movie 40+ years ago. Do you know the movie?

And this is the best shot I could get of a baby eastern bluebird before the parents started chasing me.

I finally got my fairy lilies out for the summer. It hasn't even been a week, and it's starting to bloom.

I am stitching on a napkin I was given. I ordered a Michelle Palmer slow stitch pattern to work on. More on that when I get started.

I am meeting up with 3 sweet friends at the beach for a few days. I am looking forward to seeing them so much; we will have such a great time together. We are all from different states, so we only gather a few times a year.

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The movie was "On Golden Pond," and it was filmed on the lake here.

Have a wonderful week!

Superstition

My first iris of the summer. I have lots of buds in lots of colors to bloom.

I was on our back deck, and a wasp wouldn't leave me alone!

So if the old wives' tale is to be believed, if the wasps build a low nest, a mild winter ahead, fingers crossed!

There was a chipmunk making all kinds of noise. I went out to chase him off, and I guess he was just warning the world that a turkey was here. The poor turkey is all by itself. We see it off and on.

And this rat is at my daughter's house. He has eaten all the buds off her stargazer lilies.

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I am playing mahjong a couple of times a week. On Tuesday, I was not winning, so I got up and circled my chair to change my luck. They were laughing (a thing my mom did when she was not winning at cards). I won the next two hands!!

Who is laughing now? Lol.

Do you have any folklore or superstitions?

A Blue Moon

A little bouquet to make dishwashing more fragrant.

I made some rhubarb compote. It's delicious!

An afternoon tea because it's raining again.

I found a couple of things at the dump this week.

I took this plate thinking I would use it under a plant. But somehow I can't. I think it is too pretty. 

We've been getting crazy weather. Pounding rain and cold, frosty cold, brrr.

And snow in our mountains! On our mount Washington, it was 5.5 inches with gale-force winds and minus 4 degrees.

I did the viral thing. Bought a man's shirt and redid it. And now I don't like it lol. 

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Happy June! Enjoy that blue moon.

Are You Watching Me?

Lily of the valley by the walkway. It smells heavenly.

This little bird, I think a sparrow, has been enjoying the bird bath.

He was flapping, and water was going everywhere. I had to refill the bird bath.

On my walk today, I had a spy.

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These past few months I have put on weight. I have kept the 50 lbs I lost off for 5 plus years. But this winter I have put on 8 lbs. So I am now back at it. It is never easy. But I feel better already.

Busy Few Days

Coming back over the mountains at sunset.

Band concert this week for my Grand.

And a dance recital. I got a picture of her on toe.

Some hip hop, she also did tap. My beautiful talented Grand.

And then a throwback to a tea party at the library, I think she was 4 or 5 here. The years tick by so fast.

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It is cold and rainy here. We have the fireplace going. It will be a very relaxing day tomorrow.

Remembering those who gave all.

Our Porch

I have been dabbling with my paints (The boat is cut out from a card).

Our crab tree is in full bloom. And boy, are the bees happy!

And our lilacs too. But sadly, they do not last long enough. The air is so sweet with fragrance.

I picked a few for the porch table. My afternoon treat was ice coffee from our leftover morning brew. A splash of heavy cream was a real treat.

Lady slippers....

So rare and beautiful right in our front woods.

My porch is all cleaned and ready to go for the summer. I wait all winter to have my morning coffee and our evening meal, or just to relax.

And Just Like That....

Summer came in an instant. We've been cold and rainy. Today's high is in the 70s and a touch humid. My beautiful azalea is blooming, and the bees are still busy.

The hibiscus I wintered over inside wants to get outside. But there is a chance of frost Monday and Tuesday night.

I made naan bread, it was easy and came out great. We used it to make pizza, and it was very good.

I wanted to make a pasta salad but used beans instead. It was a good swap and tasty.

I visited my friend Donna in Maine. She taught me how to make these beads, and I tried my hand at making a few myself when I got home. I'm not sure what I'll use them for, but it was a fun.

I know it's hard to see, but I purchased a teabag weight. So no more sliding into the cup.

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I have been dealing with a pulled muscle in my back. I have no idea how it happened; it is not from doing anything strenuous, that's for sure.

A warm week ahead, so I guess we've jumped right into summer.

Have a great week.