Keeping our eyes sharp!

Wow! Here we are at the end of the first week of July already!  Did the time pass quickly for you?

It was time for that yearly eye exam recently.

Do you see any frames you like?

Although I could use a bit of a prescription, these still seem to serve me just fine.

No new glasses this time!

The women's chorus in which I sing had occasion to regroup, with heavy hearts, unfortunately.

We met for a special rehearsal to review these selections which we then sang at the service of a former member.

If blueberries are ripe, it must be time to bake!

A blueberry pie and blueberry muffins were first on the list!

Of course, food seems to be front and center in this blog's history.😋😋That is apparently still the focus, especially when there is a holiday.

A spinach souffle from Susan Branch's new Heart of the Home (p. 84) and that favorite summer squash casserole - served in patriotic blue as well as a star-shaped baking dish - both from Longaberger.

While lasagna isn't usually a dish that is thought of for this season of the year, it was what this baking dish was requesting!

As you can see, it was met with great acceptance!

There are some standbys that I keep handy for reference during the summer -

- but I've added this one to expand my library.  It is still waiting for that first try!  Stay tuned!

We've spotted - not hard to do as it's right by the front door - the efforts of birds....

....to build a nest above this light!  Not a good spot, unfortunately, and much of the "supply" winds up here....

It is always a pleasure to have an opportunity to eat at Cracker Barrel!  While there are many good choices, this is what appealed to me....

Have you been shopping at a Farmer's Market near you?  Many fresh vegetables are available, and one recipe I like to make at this time is succotash....

This is one of my very favorites!

I send along wishes for a good week-end ahead!   

The last week of June....

Summer is definitely here!  There are a few things that have helped me navigate this summer heat.

For skin care....

....and for lips....my favorite beauty consultant provided these!

The first pedicure in MANY years has given pretty toes for summer's sandals!

A road trip is a good way to celebrate the beginning of summer, and here are some scenes from a visit to Asheville, NC....

Do you like shopping for antiques?

What about lunch?

Christmas in June?

This did give a cool hint on a warm June day.

The perfect spot for outside eating.

Still working through the week-end, we enjoyed some time with our Sunday School class....

Isn't this just the cutest garden shed?

Such a lovely garden!

The bottle tree!

A train layout....reminder of times past.

While visiting with friends during the week, we were greeted by Miss Princess....

....and on our walk, discovered that there will be another hatching in the bluebird's nest!

If this seems like it describes your day perfectly....

.....perhaps this is good advice for you to follow....

I wish you a happy week-end!

Discontinued....

"Discontinued."  How do you feel when you see that designation, particularly if it is labeling a favorite product at the grocery store?  I came across some discontinued items at a nearby supermarket recently.  While they are not items I purchase on a regular basis, I was inclined to add them to my cart, especially when I noticed these....

I knew The Husband would be very happy with the Shelly Beans, and who can refuse pasta - or anything - with pesto! Ben and Jerry's Chunky Monkey is non-dairy!

I find I'm very happy if I am able to find those shells for stuffing! Then there was linguini - in a shorter size that is supposed to be a better fit in the pot when cooking!  Sea salt pretzels....such a tasty snack.

It was this one, though, that brought a big smile to my face!  This macaroni and cheese has the name I am called by the Munchkins!!  While I cook practically all our meals from "scratch," I thought it would be fun to have this in the freezer.

 

 

 

 

 

There was some exciting mail in the box recently!  Susan Branch has reissued some of the charms that had been sold out for awhile.

Do you see that cute sticker on the box?

This is the one I needed.....

......to complete my bracelet!

Of course, the week wouldn't be complete without that usual food....

Lunch with my cousin at The Egg and I.....

......a poached egg and Canadian bacon on a croissant....

......and a Cranberry Orange scone for a special breakfast treat!

Enjoying that good food means this is even more necessary....

Do you wear an activity tracker?

I know the "perfect goal" is to reach 10,000 steps, but this is the best I've been able to do thus far.

We have reached another Friday, and I'm looking forward to watching this that is listed on the schedule for our PBS station....

Perhaps I will get an idea or two of something to bake!:-)

Have a good week-end!

Another week....

Another Friday, and another week in June is behind us. Have you had a good week?

As you may remember, The Husband is fond of playing golf. Last week-end's activities included dinner on Friday evening to which wives were invited.

We started off with my favorites....shrimp and buffalo chicken dip!

With views like this, is there any question why he enjoys playing at this course?

A long-time friend and co-worker made the decision to retire at the end of this school year.  Her family hosted a party in her honor, and we were invited.

Two other horses were in the barn, but this one came over to the fence to greet us.  Other entertainment was watching this soar into the sky....

It was fun watching this drone!  We were told it was also taking our picture as it hovered over us!

Why is it that so much of what I think about centers on food? 😋

A chocolate chip pumpkin muffin, made more special by serving on a doily....

My favorite Asiago cheese bagel from Panera with coffee from a Pioneer Woman cup (a birthday gift from Mucho Mom)....

A banana split for breakfast....topped with Stonyfield nonfat yogurt, sprinkled with Love Crunch granola, a new discovery a few weeks ago!  Love it!!

There have been some walks outside....

Looking down our street...

The sky at sunset

Also, a trip to a favorite shop that specializes in previously loved merchandise....

Though not antique, this set of china definitely caught my eye!  When most my age are down-sizing, this came home with me!  I have even been able to find a place for it!

There are reports that this show will be broadcast tonight!  It is listed on our PBS schedule here, so this is a reminder!  Be sure to remember to watch!  It has been a favorite here!

The week-end is ahead of us!  I hope you have something planned that is relaxing and restorative!  Enjoy!

The second Friday in June....

Wow! Is this the second Friday in June already?!?!?  How does time pass so quickly?  Perhaps when one is busy, time seems to fly!

So - what has been going on with us?  Well, Munchomom and family came for a visit last week-end.  We worked in a trip to the zoo while they were here.  It had been quite a long time since I had been to the zoo, and I was very impressed with all the changes and improvements!

For instance, we were able to approach this beautiful creature with glass between us....

He was cooling off on the brick surrounding a pool of water.  The enclosure allows for plenty of room to roam about with large grassy areas.

We were glad to be able to attend the Bird Show where we saw this gorgeous bird....

Aren't those lovely colors? 

Other activity during the week included a performance by the women's chorus, after which we joined in a nearby restaurant for a late lunch.  I enjoyed a salad....

.....while a friend sitting nearby opted for the brisket....

Doesn't that look absolutely delicious?!?!? Spinach Maria is always a great choice!

So - on this Friday, I decided to begin the day with this tasty choice....

This is an instant coffee drink by Fireside Coffee - Butter Rum.  Delicious already, but made even better by drinking it from one of the new Susan Branch cups!  This is one of three.....

....and here are the other two.  They are my most recent Susan Branch products.

Even pretty when turned upside down - when there is nothing in them, of course.😊

I added a favorite breakfast food with that Butter Rum coffee....

Avocado Toast using Dave's Killer Bread, this one with 70 calories per slice!

Well, now that I have Friday off to a good start, it's time to begin to think about the week-end.  I hope there is some time for relaxation and restoration awaiting you.

China - Strawberries and Cream, Villeroy and Boch, now discontinued.