Summer comes to an end

The other day, a friend who I haven't seen much stopped by and asked me how my summer has been. I realized that it has been the best summer I have had in a very long time. It's not that we did some spectacular activity, instead, it was all of the simple activities that made it magical.
We started the summer with a trip to the beach, albeit a very rainy trip that was successful due to our careful planning of attending several tide pools that are only revealed at the lowest tide of the year. Despite the typical Oregon coast weather, we managed to marvel at the urchins, nudibranchs, one bright orange sun star and lightening fast hermit crabs of all colors and shapes.
We rented a house that was not directly on the beach and since we have a family rule to walk, not drive to the sand, you can imagine how cold and wet we were each time we slogged back to the house! The house was set up brilliantly for a family, the lower floor had a large jacuzzi tub right off the entrance. It didn't take much coaxing for the kids to strip down and suds up!
Kevin and I were forced to strip down too, but after dressing, made our way to the kitchen and prepared hot cocoa for everyone. Afternoons were spent reading books, talking a lot and listening to Cat Steven's greatest hits.
We weren't in Hawaii, and it wasn't warm but we were together, relaxed and about to begin a great summer.
~more soon.

Girls rule, boys .....!!!

I just spent a great day with the girls. Nick and Kevin are off to Boy Scout camp for the week leaving me with luxurious girl time. We went out to lunch and had Mississippi Pizza with shaved ice on the side. It was an interesting but yummy combo for a warm summer day! Kate chose watermelon and Annie chose grape flavor. I went with the more sophisticated mango concoction! After lunch we strolled down the street and poked our head into a few shops until we became restless for home. The girls spent hours playing with their Breyer Horses and creating bridles, blankets, saddles and the usual horsey accoutrement.

Later we took Holly for a walk through the neighborhood. Well, I took Holly for a walk and the girls scootered circles around us. I was amazed that Annie could jump off the ground with her scooter over a water hose that was laying across the sidewalk. Funny, I used to be able to do all sorts of things like that when I was her age, I don't know why, but I seem to marvel at Annie's ability to do it as though she is a great talent! Must be a mom thing!

We ended our evening with some cheese, crackers and lots of blueberries. When I tucked them in they both gave me a hug and told my that it was a great day.
~ Bon Nuit!

Surprise gift

This morning as I was drinking my coffee and perusing the garden i discovered the best surprise. A beautiful sunflower shot up amongst my tomato plants. I love the idea of birds dropping seeds in the right spots.

Rain on my parade

Today was beautiful. It was overcast and drizzly. I must admit I don't enjoy the endless days of rain that we often have in the Northwest but I do enjoy an occasional grey day in the midst of a sunny summer. The plants are greener and I switch from iced tea to warm tea, flitting about to slowing down and reading a good book. My dog seems to enjoy the change in forecast too. She sleeps longer and seems to smile at me while I am curled up next to her reading my book. Most of all the birds and the squirrels are happy not to have their work of feeding, in my garden, disturbed by a protective terrier!

Secret to a happy marriage?

My grandparents just celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary. They told me that the secret to a great marriage is doing things together as a couple. They camped, fished, poured concrete for a patio and hung shingles on their home, not to mention raising two boys, enjoying 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren! Grandma also reminded me that every Sunday for lunch they would split a margarita!!!

grilled peach salad

This is a excellent salad that my mom made for my birthday dinner~

slice fresh yellow peaches place into lemon juice until ready for grilling. layer grilled peaches with mache lettuce, crumbled feta cheese and almonds. Drizzle dressing made of olive oil, minced shallots, rice wine vinegar, salt and pepper. This is tres magnifique!

Mon potager

Here are the first tomatoes in my petite potager. I immediately popped one into my mouth. There is nothing more delightful than eating a warm piece of fruit straight from the garden. In a week I will be eating tomatoes on my bagels, with basil and fresh mozerella...mmm!

Summer Tea Party

My English friend Juliet became an American citizen today. We went to her house and celebrated with a proper British tea party... a safe send off for her in her new role as an American! Cheers Juliet!

Perfect summer cottage

Yesterday I spent a relaxing hour sitting on my front patio flipping through Sunset Magazine. I was taken by the beautiful pictures of vacation cabins and homes and realised that my own 1920's cottage is the perfect place for me. When the weather is nice our cottage grows two outdoor rooms where we pretty much live. This year the garden is lush and beautiful, the song sparrows are singing and perched high in the 100+ year old cedar tree. We have a resident Robin who likes to regularly bathe in a small bath near my sitting area. Sometimes it can be a challenge for me to relax in my own home, but isn't that the point of having a home? Mon vie est tres beau.

Sounds in the distance

We lazily awoke to cheerful sounds of a band playing in the distance. This weekend is the sidewalk festival in our neighborhood. The sun is out, people are strolling by and my children are blasting down the sidewalk on their scooters!

Boys!

The girls went to Grammy's for a July Birthday sleepover, leaving Nicholas home with me. I love these moments with my soon to be 12 year old, he is so witty, intelligent, funny and truly enjoys the only child attention he gets when it is just the two of us! Late last night he invited his friend Peter over for a sleepover. This morning the house is filled with tying knots, lots of laughter, Nerf guns shooting and continuous boy banter! In the midst of all of this they made their own breakfast (english muffins with cinnamon and sugar, feta and a smoothie). I haven't checked yet... but I think they even did their own dishes!

to be 10!

My daughter just turned 10. She is the second of my three children but the oldest daughter. Something happened to her yesterday, it was like she really changed from being my little girl to a big girl. Perhaps it was just a birthday girl on display for her family- or maybe when we hit double digits something inside of us changes.
In honor of her birthday I asked 10 special women in her life to give her their most favorite book. These are not books she might read today but instead lovely novels that she might encounter as she matures. Her grandmothers each gave her books from their college days that were life altering for them. I hope that when she grows and they are long gone she will find a connection to them in her reading. She is very proud of her books and has named the collection "library of 10".