Little Herbs Sprout

Little herbs are popping up quite well in their little peat pots. Soon I'll have a crop of nice fresh herbs awaiting great dishes this summer. Rebecca you most likely will get free reign of them while you are home this summer. I'm looking forward to seeing what scrumptious creations you choose to make.

Miss Citronella

Citronella

A visit to one of our local garden nurseries, Green Thumb, I discovered this lovely little plant and had to try it out. Miss Citronella found her way into a quite large planter and sits just outside our back door and under the light...I hope she works her magic and scares off any naughty little summertime insects. Fingers crossed.

Abloom in the Garden

Just outside Mum's Window

Clematis

Irises

Coral Azaleas

Tiny Herb Starts Coming Soon

I garden for my friends, and for the community. But in the last few years I have done very little for our own back yard. However, this week-end Mum and I decided to spend the whole day as a focus on yard projects.

We made numerous trips to various garden centers, bought many plants and 18 bags of cypress mulch! Mum mowed and I weeded, mulched, split some hostas and re-planted them, watered, hoed...etc.

But most of all I am extremely excited about a future herb bed. I found these little pop-up peat planter cups that swell when soaked in water. I anticipate a great little crop of herbs. Mmm...lovely spring and summer coming! Fresh mint tea coming up.

Happy Anniversary!

To: Two Dear Friends far away, who know who they are:)

Fineart from art.com

How Clean is Your Closet?

How Clean Is Your House?, hails from Great Britian and the episodes can be watched on youtube. The shows are a good source of encouragement, especially when I am tired of waging war on the dust bunnies in our house. I led an all out asault upon my closet this week-end. I was surprised to see all the dust which had collected at the back.

Let me encourage you to get after your own home's dust bunnies...they may be lurking in the strangest of places!

A Miniature Buffet

A little area of Betty Gram's dining room was needing a little show case of some sort. So, Betty Gram and I found a little table and set it together with a country looking shelf. Betty Gram's husband, Fred gave her the shelf filled with many varieties of tea one year at Christmas. The shelf/table duo looks like they are meant for one another.

This is What I Wear: Blue College Ensemble

A great day at college! I enjoyed wearing a new outfit (not new, just new to being styled together). The outfit is inspired by robin's egg blue and seersucker sports clothing from the 1920-'30, when people really cared about what they wore, even to casual events. When I have five classes in one day, the day seems to last forever! However when I'm dressed in a smashing ensemble, I seem to be less cynical, more positive and really think about what I do and say...even how I sit. So Happy Spring and be inspired by the beautiful things our Lord has made!

Craft Evening with Friends

Mum serving up iced tea to our guests.

Kayla hard at work on her embroidery project...well done, my dear!

Kaleb diligently works away on his "horse behind a white picket fence" latch hook rug. He looks pleasantly pleased with himself.

Semi-Makeover: The Living Room

I've got just the thing to lift your spirits and brighten any day! Play some lovely music on your CD or record player, set your kitchen timer (to keep you motivated), light a candle and clean house! Re-arranging your living room furniture will do wonders, also to lift your Monday Morning's blues.

A Day with Betty Gram

Across town, I dash in my silver station wagon to help Betty Gram with some much needed grocery shopping. Let's run away she proclaims, let's go shopping in Collinsville. But, no perhaps we shouldn't. What about taking a spontaneous trip to the very near town with an antique shop hub on main street? Yes, lets.

We spend four hours perusing three antique shops, and having lunch in the car. At our favorite shop, which is like stepping back in time, we spend well over an hour. Betty Gram had a small estate sale some months back. She should not be buying anything! I know you are going to squeal Amy, when you see what I am going to ask you to move up to the front counter, and yes, I am going to buy that folk horse on rockers. Betty Gram! Despite it's broken wheel, she buys it, among other things.

I am lingering at a booth display with many green glassware items and kitchen items. A green lettered breadbox captures my attention. I don't think I have seen one quite that old. Then I remember...you must save...and so...

This favorite shop of ours boasts an old fashioned soda fountain, and Betty Gram and I, each enjoy rich chocolate sodas. First one ever and it's yummy! As we drift out the doorway, I holding Betty Gram's shopping bags, I turn to behold my violin teacher of some years ago, standing just inside the doorway. Mrs. Wallace! Quick, I think....who is older...Mrs. Wallace....Betty Gram...Mrs. Wallace...oh yes, then I introduce, Mrs. W. to Betty Gram. As we are driving away, I am nearly rolling with laughter, when I tell her of my sudden predicament inside, as to the oldest, she laughs heartily, Amy, I am always the oldest in every situation!

P.S. If you have the money, you may buy a bread box like this one from E-bay...and someday it will be an antique...for the penny pincher's of the world, we must maintain the hope of finding one at the GW Boutique (for those unacquainted with GW, that's the illustrious, Goodwill).