Beauty Amongst the Parched Land

Hi! Thought I'd post a few beautiful shots I was able to capture after spending some time with family last week.  It has been scorching hot out and everything is turning crunchy and burnt.   You don't even want to see our front yard!
So I will show you some of these shots

                                                          All photos this post by Angela 


                            Flowers still holding their color and blooms ... I sure hope it rains soon!

 Look closely below - can you see the mama dove nervously covering her babies?   I couldn't see them but the neighbor friend I spoke to said he couldn't bear to water the plant now.  He didn't want to disturb the nest.  What a plush home she has made!  Right?

These grapes were a fun to surprise to see on my aunt's fence.   I didn't ask if they squish them to make wine!  A Lucille Ball TV episode is suddenly coming to mind and making me smile....

Speaking of smiling - I wanted to snuggle (kidnap, perhaps...) with my cousin's furry animals.  I surely miss having a lap dog. Someday soon...

I've been surrounded by lovable Yorkies lately and I love it!  Have a great week and stay cool!  Drop me a line - what fun things have you done this summer?  I can't believe July is coming to a close.  Well it's not over til I have my birthday then it's off to August already!

Top 5 Current Faves

#1  My Kapoosh wooden knife block.  Genius!  After being frustrated over the lack of drawer space in my teeny kitchen (only FOUR drawers to work with) and no room to put my fancy knives, I found this at Bed Bath and Beyond.  Actually, mine is the 1 tiered version.  I love that all of our combined knives fit in there.  No slots to worry about.

#2 Tarte SmolderEyes Eyeliner Pencil.  Made with Amazonian clay this stuff stays on and is waterproof!  I really like it and must say it puts my gel eyeliners to the test.   Tarte - if you want to send me more colors to try out I'm in!

#3 Tyler Candles Auto Glam car freshener.   I just bought a couple at a cute boutique in town and I'm loving the Beach Blond scent.  It reminds me of summer with the smell of suntan lotion and vanilla.  Yum!
Maybe I should consider stocking up some for when I'm driving my car in below zero temps and I can go to my happy summer place!

                                                                  via Country Living

#4 Flags and Americana ... tis the season I suppose but I was really into it this year.  I do love having a porch to decorate!

#5 Discerning the Voice of God - by Priscilla Shirer.  I'm in a book study with a group of women and really enjoying going through the workbook and writing out prayers.  This may be a good way to journal later, too.

Well that's just the short list!  I'm going to run out and get some chai tea or coffee for a little more energy for a birthday party/reunion I'm going to later.   I was up early taking some photos of lovely adult twins at the park.  I sure hope they turn out well!  God bless, Angela

Stars and Stripes Forever

Happy Independence Day to my American friends!

                                                        all photos this post by Angela 

Do you like my teensie Blythe doll I bought?  I've wanted a Neo Blythe doll for a long time but they are pricey and I couldn't justify buying one just because I think that they are cute.  I've always loved dolls.  I've had just about every kind you can think of.  Cher, Marie Osmond, Shirley Temple and Buffy from Family Affair.   I still have them all but they are well loved and worn.  I must've vegged in front of the TV forever as a kid!
So anyway, I came across this little cutie while shopping at TJ Maxx and she was on clearance for $5.  Apparently the Littlest Pet Shop series included Blythe which is made by Hasbro, I believe.  You know I'd love to find one in a brunet.  

Here's a shot of the banner I bought for the front porch (which still needs lots of work that involves painting and scraping ... just waiting for the 100 degree weather to subside)

Please have a wonderful holiday - be safe - God Bless America.  May He shed His grace on thee

God Bless America
Written by: Irving Berlin

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America.
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America
My home sweet home.

Another Day Another Delicious Dinner Party!

 Hello!  It's me again stopping in to share a few photos from another recent Culinary Caverns event.
The theme this time around was the 70's.   Lots of peace signs, orange, vibrant colors and tasty treats from way back when!

Lovely little posies on the table

I must say I was a big fan of the fondue and Cantonese style spare ribs!  Mmm mmm!

The vodka slush quaffing drink was quite refreshing, too.   As usual everyone enjoyed the meal and the conversation.  This time around we had Michael join JoEll in the kitchen.  I enjoyed how he added the extra touches by garnishing each dish with a bit green here and a bit of yellow there.  Lots of color and a feast for the eyes!

Michael adding lemon zest to the marinated mushrooms

Don't you just love the vintage dishware?  Those glasses make me smile

Here's the Cantonese-sytle marinated spare ribs.  Taaayyyysteee!

Some of the guests and CC crew really got into the 70's vibe and dressed accordingly.  Love it!

Here's a few shots of the prep that goes into making this wonderful dinner party work:

Chefs working side by side

Anyone out there remember Rumaki?  Who knew that was big in the 70's?  Uhhh - the chefs, of course!

Bacon covered anything is amazing.   Although on an un-related side note a friend recently tried bacon dipped in chocolate at a restaurant on Father's Day?  Gross!  Especially if the bacon isn't crisp.  Ewww!  Don't go there, man!  Haha!

Garnishing and the spread.   The Asian chili sace with the Rumaki was incredible!

Danielle stirring up the fondue 

And last but not least ... French silk pie with a little Crème fraiche.  Love the chocolate topper, don't you?

As always I had a great time being a part of the Culinary Caverns crew and capturing the prep and festivities of the night.   

I made a few new friends and felt very appreciated for my help, which is such a nice feeling!  

Cheers to another great event!!

Garden

                                                                all photos by Angela 

"The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."   Isaiah 58:11 NIV

Sometimes we need strength and to know God will satisfy all of our needs.  Sometimes we feel dry, scorched and weary in this world we live in.   Isn't it great that we can be watered like a garden?  That the spring waters will continue to flow? 

I don't know what led me to post this but I hope it blesses someone today.  I know I feel a bit on the scorched side after a long, hot week so you are not alone.  Hugs!! - Angela 

My Aunt's Farm

                                                         All photos on this post by Angela                                                           

As promised I am finally posting the photos I took at my aunt's new home.   I really enjoyed capturing shots of all the out buildings and I'll share a few of her farmhouse, too.
All of the buildings and farm equipment look like they have been frozen in time and it was definitely a working farm back in the day...

I love a red barn, don't you?  In all of it's old patina 

I sure took A LOT of photos!!  Maybe we need a song to cheer us on! "Old MacDonald had a farm Eeeyi eeeyi ooooh"

 I was able to stick around and capture a beautiful sunset, too!

My aunt said it's unusual to see a rectangular corn crib

They definitely had cattle on this farm at one time

When my aunt said they "moved the chickens" I totally thought she meant REAL chickens!  Um I was wrong
but boy it would be cool to have a small chicken coop and get some fresh eggs daily.   My aunt may be like my mom having a fear of chickens after being pecked on her grandma's farm.  

So no animals on this farm - or are there?   See the "dinosaurs" in the trees in the background?

You gotta admit those are some weirdly shaped trees!   I love that this is not too far from the city but yet seems miles and miles in the country.

 Here's the farmhouse which is over 100 years old and deeply in need of a good paint job.  I love chippy and shabby antiques but a fresh coat will make her look bright and cheery again.   The owner is working on it this summer...

Well that's it for now!  I can share dozens and dozens more but it's Sunday night and time to get ready for the work week.   I hope you all enjoyed the pics.   I had a friend's mama tell me that my pics brought back fond memories of her grandma's farm in Iowa.   I love that pictures can take you somewhere that makes you happy!  God bless!

Nature

                                                                   photo by Angela 


"The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely, or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. As long as such a place exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles."  Anne Frank


I found this quote and thought it fitting for my post today.  Anne Frank was a wise girl at such a young & tender age, no?  It is amazing how words can carry on decades and still touch someone even today.
This last weekend was full of time spent with family and dear old friends.  It was a time of giving to others with my time, help, conversation, love, prayer and reconciliation.   I left the weekend exhausted but fulfilled and satisfied.  I cannot say that for very many of my weekends but this was one I could circle on my calendar as one to remember with gratitude.

This upcoming memorial holiday I plan on spending some quiet time with God at a Benedictine retreat center out in the country.  My friend asked me to come along - we are going to be sharing a room but I expect there will be some alone time for us both.   I think I may dust off my journal and bring it along with me as I'll be off the "grid" for awhile.
No tethers to a phone or social networking...  could be a challenge! Ha!
There's a couple of books that my friends/family are recommending I read: "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson and  "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer.   These may be great to bring along on this little trip.

The above picture is from my many shots from my aunts farm.  I promise to include them in my next post! I'll leave you with one more in black and white.  Have a great week!

                                                                       photo by Angela 

Happy Mother's Day!

May all the hard-working mothers out there have a blessed Mother's Day!  Sometimes the kiddos may forget to say thank you but those of us that don't have children or spend time with kids for a length of time know you have the hardest job out there!
Thanks for all you do!
Enjoy this  Mother's Day YouTube video - may your heart be warmed.  If you feel you could use a laugh check out this hilarious video. too!

Happy Spring Flowers

                                                                   all photos by Angela 


Hello friends! Are you enjoying the new Spring season?  I am - aside from the weird hot spells and hailstorms I have enjoyed the sunshine in the morning all the way til 8 in the evening.  I am energized and sometimes run around after work until it's dark.
I am definitely not a winter person.

I was at the store running an errand the other day and decided to check out some of the flowers they had outside.   I normally do not care for the normal marigolds but just felt joy looking at the bright bulbous yellow flowers of these particular marigolds - couldn't pass them up!  I also found this pretty mix of yellow and orange flowers as well.   

They really brighten up our table on the front porch and look so welcoming and cozy.  

I also decided to get some white petunias as well.  I thought they all blew away the other evening during a hailstorm but thankfully they were safe under the porch.

I went to see "The Hunger Games" on Saturday and liked it.   It's definitely twisted but it did have a great message about hope and overcoming obstacles.   I was in the mood for something different and skipped the more romantic film my friend suggested.   

It's been quite awhile since I've gone out to see a movie and this one did not disappoint.  I swear there was a rowdy group of English teachers behind me!  Either that or a book group since they mentioned it afterwards.    

My aunt Janet recently moved into an old white farmhouse and I'm itching to get out there and take some photos and most certainly will share them here!  From what I've seen there's so many great architectural gems to capture out there.  It's just outside of the city limits so I hope to get out there soon with my other aunt - Gloria.

Have a great rest of your week. Thank you for those of you that have left such sweet comments when you've dropped by.  You make my heart smile.  Blessings, Angela

Linking up with Cozy Home Scenes Tuesday blog party