June Sweetness

Happy June! The month with the longest days and the kindest weather. A month of anniversaries (mine), fresh herbs in abundance, the reading of books aplenty, eating al fresco, and catching fireflies.

Lighter schedules are certainly needed, made and adjusted but summer sweetness rolls along merrily filling us with hours of extra goodness.


The lavender is heavenly and the harvesting has begun. The friendly bees buzz around me as I snip the stems, my mouth waters with the thoughts of lavender honey.

I love the month of June....forever and always.

A Kirsten Dream Birthday

You know there is a popular saying applied to several things in life, especially regarding children, simply stated, "May all your dreams come true".

This is something parents like to do for their children

as much as it is humanly possible.

Charlotte's birthday dreams were easily met this year....a Kirsten American Girl doll.

Did you notice the smile on her face that absolutely could not be erased? Now my dreams have come true too!

Happy sixth birthday sweet Charlotte.

Charlotte's Corgi Serenade

Who could sing it better this night than the corgis? Enjoy! I'll return with details tomorrow.

corgis singing happy birthday

At Camp

"Hello Mudda, hello Fadda,
Here I am at Camp Granada.
Camp is very entertaining,
And they say we'll have some fun if it stops raining."

A package of goodies: baked brownies, candy and a favorite stuffed horse, was sent off this afternoon, following the letter that was posted earlier this morning to our first-time camper, Rose. She was very hesitant about leaving us when the time came to head to the mountains to drop her off yesterday. But full assurance was given in regard to our camping days of how much fun was to be had at camp. Sometimes I find that my children need an extra dose of encouragement to try new things and then their confidence is boosted and they consequently experience a wonderful time.

But there are predictions of rain all week, so I "made" her pack a raincoat. I am thinking every time she pulls it around her shoulders she will possibly thank me in her heart. Mothers just know these things.

Wedding Bliss

Ordinary words do not suffice, visions to be pondered and memories of a thing of beauty, a joy forever will stretch over a lifetime.


Both of my beautiful daughters were a part of the wedding party of this precious bride who is greatly loved by us all. Charlotte, in her puffed sleeves, did an excellent job dropping rose petals down the aisle while Rose, nervous but composed, was a striking junior bridesmaid.

A popular gathering place was the candy table where candy abounded from glass jar to glass jar.There was candy to eat, lots and lots of candy. The bride had a tale to tell about all her pursuits of pink and green candy. A fanciful idea loved by young and old.

There was twirling of fancy dresses

and dancing of tired feet unshorn of shoes.


"Daddy, won't you please?" The most special dance of all belonged to Daddy with his tiniest Cinderella.


There was blowing of bubbles.......


and the capturing of bubbles.


The fragrance of this glorious day lingers stout.

Bridesmaids' Luncheon

Taking advantage of a few moments before we scoot off to the rehearsal...

So glad to be able to sit down and rest a spell.

The Bridesmaids' Luncheon was a joy to give for this bride, a 1:00 affair on the wedding eve. Traditional wedding-like colors of white and ivory happened to be my choice. The idea was planned from a fabric I wanted to use for the table covering.


Donning the chairs with ribbon bows and fresh ivy, simple elegance is best.

And since everyone loves presents and chocolate, in whatever order, I made chocolate truffles and tucked them inside these pyramid-shaped boxes tied up with satin ribbon and tipped with the most delicate white flower.

The menu is tried and true:
Chilled Zucchini Soup garnished with fresh chives
Proscuitto and Cheese Quiche, with chopped parsley
Fresh minted fruit
Yeast Rolls with herb butter
Iced Tea
And glorious cake...........decorated with gumdrop rose petals and mint leaves.

Can you tell my herb garden is flourishing?

Taking Time for Tea

I relish open windows as one of the highlights of warmer weather as long as it is comfortably possible, until that point we must regretfully succumb to air conditioning. The outside sounds are clear and distinct: the wind rustling in the trees, the birds calling their melodies from here to there, the children conversing lively while playing. I can even hear the sunshine shining when I listen hard enough.

So what if my days are jam packed with last minute details and preparations for this weeks events, teatime in the playhouse with Charlotte was not to be missed. We munched like hungry caterpillars on goldfish and raspberry yogurt-coated pretzels then smiled through a reading about Pete on Geranium Street. And the buzzing insects filled our ears with their sounds from the opened windows in the playhouse.

Sunbeam Music

Gently touching the piano keys and singing little melodies, what a wonderful way to begin a day.

The dissection of the many noises blending throughout my house in the natural stirrings of any given morning is usually nil, but on this particular morning, my attention was riveted with Charlotte's sweet music. The truest form of sunbeam music.

A Mighty Good Lettuce Crop

We are continuing with the harvesting of our wee garden patch. The spinach was completely pulled last week and this week's bounty has been green leafy lettuce. Only a few short rows left to pick and store in my refrigerator to enjoy fresh organic salads all week.

Wash, wash, and wash again.

Crystal Plans

My head is spinning with the upcoming events for the wedding of a special young woman, a good friend's daughter.

I am so pleased you asked, yes, I am hosting the Bridesmaids' Luncheon. It must be what I "do" ......and I certainly love it!


Nine invitations sent, and nine accepted.

The crystal chosen for the place settings is my "everyday"Sunday crystal, made by Mikasa. Nice crystal, with an affordable average price, thus I can use it weekly without regrets for Sunday dinners. But I still hand wash it (if you are wondering). I bought only eight ice tea glasses in this pattern two years ago, but nine are needed for the luncheon. Off to the store I scampered to purchase more. Since I had to place an order, I figured why not get four more to keep this little mishap from stirring itself again in the future.

High hopes of the order arriving in time for Friday's luncheon. It needs only be delivered to my door by 12:00. I can then give it a expeditious sudsy bath and slip it into place on the table before the first guest graces my doorway. A very good plan.