Friday, September 26, 2014

Book Review #6, Sharing


I often go back and revisit favorite books. Coming Home With 
Gooseberry Patch by Vicki Hutchins and Jo Ann Martin (2007) 
has been a go to book for me for many years. I'm sure many of 
you are familiar with the Gooseberry line of cookbooks/recipes,
homestyle products, and craft ideas. They have a blog now and
you can enjoy them on Pinterest and Facebook. With seasonal
ideas and recipes, this delightful book has many photos that will
inspire you to celebrate food with family and friends. Its cozy 
and comfortable, and this puts me in the mood to start my fall
decorating and menu planning. Don't you just love the cover of 
this book? Recommendation? YES.






For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.
                                      Edwin Way Teale
                                       

                               










Monday, September 22, 2014

A Thyme For Fall


The beauty of Fall is rapidly approaching. Leaves slowly changing their colors
of green to the beautiful richness of gold, red and orange. Fall is a delightful
thyme to decorate. The brightness and vibrant colors of summer change to
warm, golden hues, making us feel more the comforts of our homes. We are
getting ready to settle in.  
                                             
Let the season unfold. Autumn is the season of festivals, holidays, harvesting,
and gathering. As you feel the crisp chill in the air, embrace the thyme, nature
will give you a show like no other.  




Autumn is a second spring where
every leaf is a flower
        Albert Camus



                                                                                                       

Monday, September 15, 2014

Vacation Thyme


a view from under the umbrella


We had our doubts about the weather.  Rain, rain, and more rain 
was predicted for our week at the beach. We picked up the rental
car and headed to Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina. The sky was
overcast but we were hopeful. The sun was slowly emerging. We settled in and went for a long walk along the beach. There's nothing like the sounds of waves crashing on the shore, they just keep rolling in. The sea gulls cry, sand pipers dart about, and we see large pelicans  dipping into the ocean for a fish. I love the ocean. It has the most soothing sound I've ever heard. Weather did not disappoint…it was a great week!  
    
Early morning, high tide

Bliss is the ocean, a towel in the sand, 
the sun out, the chance to swim in the
waves or walk dragging a stick behind
you, a good book, a cold drink.
                                 Deb Caletti                                       











You are not just a drop in the ocean
You are the mighty ocean in the drop
                                  Rumi















At the end of the day, Ron and his Merlot and me with a Cosmo,
send you a greeting; right now….it doesn't get any better!
See ya!!






Friday, September 5, 2014

September..Summer's Swan Song & Pictures

Diana's Bug


September is under way. Weather here a toss-up. We always expect heat.
Husband Ron and I decide to take the Veeb (my name for the VW) out
for a spin. Soon we'll be putting our mellow-yellow car in storage for the
winter. We tuck her in the back of the garage under a huge car tarp and
there she stays till next spring. We head out to the countryside, the back
roads, the scenic route, down the highways and byways...no destination,
just exploring. We have our Coke Zero, ball caps and sunglasses. Camera
ready just in case I see something wonderful to share with my Garden
Thyme friends. And I do. Passing a huge farm we come to a shady grove
where we see several mules. We stop and immediately one comes right
up to the fence. I wished we had brought along some apples for a treat.
Husband Ron spies a red truck he would love to have. Isn't it a beauty?

Mules looking for a treat










We thought it would be fun to check out a local nature attraction,
Charleston Falls. Apparently everybody else thought so too. How
many people can fit on a hiking trail? So we'll save that adventure
for October. (I'll take pictures). So we made a big turn and headed
for home. Such splendor Mother Nature gives us, from fields of corn
to magnificent rows of sunflowers, from the butterflies, the birds,
and looking up, a beautiful clear blue sky with billowing white clouds.
What a great day we had, watching the world go by, feeling the sun,
talking, exploring….I feel blessed.

If I could make a day, that I could give you
I'd give you a day, just like today.
If I had a wish that I could wish for you.
I'd make a wish, for sunshine all the while.
                      (John Denver, Sunshine On My Shoulders)


A few more pictures, yes?
Sam, love's gentle touch
Bat Face (flower)
                                 
                 
My tomato bounty
My hydrangea & zinnias
                                                         
Sweet Smeagols  (our grandkitty)



           
                next up: from the beach