Tuesday, May 13, 2014

SOME GARDENING, PUPPY LOVE AND A RECIPE FOR GOOD MEASURE







 

, So many of you know that I truly respect Jeff's privacy...I've posted maybe 5 pictures of him on my blog.  He never said anything about his pup!   And which one is his...I haven't a clue.  Maybe none.  He wanted a good dog and connected with a breeder who's female was was having pups.  He chose a male, the pick of the litter before they were conceived.  And then that happened.  And then his puppy was born.  And then he was given this picture of three of them at about 2 weeks.  Awwwww...and then he waited and waited until today and he picked his little guy...




on, doesn't everyone want to pack all the clothes they own so they have a nice selection to choose from?  Doesn't everyone pack 8 pairs of shoes thinking this is finally the opportunity to wear those 4 inch heels?  I religiously read those magazine aticles where they give you three pieces of clothing and 21 ways to mix and match them over a week. But I swear, I saw pictures in a tabloid of Pippa Middleston's visit to the states 2 summers ago and I spotted a red purse and navy wedges on more than one occasion.  So even royalty (or close) have weight restrictions on their luggage.  At least that's the only reason Pippa was short on style...er, outfits on her visit.  

I see my travels as being very much like Princess Kate's recent trip to Australia and New Zealand (or was it the other way around?).  You have to change several times a day.  Breakfast at the inn...bright eyed, bushy tailed and looking totally not like you woke up 12 minutes before and jumped in the the clothes you had on the night prior.  Then there is the shopping and sight seeing.  While running shoes and a sweater tied around the waist, maybe a Cleveland Indians cap on looks sporty and fun, what happens if you duck into a restaurant for lunch with appetizers on the menu you can't even pronounce?  You've got to be prepared at all costs ladies.  Hence, knowing my innate preoccupation  with being over prepared, before every trip The Husband hauls out the bathroom scale and makes a huge spectacle of weighing himself  and my suitcase and then doing some arithmetic.   I now tend to think of the whole ordeal as an analogy between what Coco Chanel was famous for saying...something along the lines of:  get yourself dressed for the evening and before you walk out the door, remove one thing.  And I try to do with my bag.  Like eliminating a scarf or a pair of chandelier earrings.  Way too much weight.  


  I didn't want to disappoint you without something totally unrelated to the body of my post...remember when I got the credit at Pottery Barn for their terrible, terrible oversight of not having the dishes available that went with my already purchased napkins?  I used my merchandise card for these melamine plates that I"ll use for outdoor dining.  I am head over heels in love with them, I'm just not feeling very victorious.  It's not like me to make a fuss. I have beautiful napkins and beautiful plates just for crabbing about a small oversight.  It doesn't make me feel good.  Although, I am thinking of ordering four more plates to even it out at twelve.  



I hope to get back on Saturday.  Probably to complain a bit more about the preparations for our trip, how my veggie garden is so not happening,  how The Husband has hidden half my shoes... you know, the normal stuff.  See ya soon!

XO,
Jane

59 comments:

Simply LKJ said...

Beautiful flowers. English Creams are the best!!' And have a lot less health issues than traditional Goldens.

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

Cutest puppies EVER!

Don't stress about your trip- just enjoy!

Glad PB made things right, I adore those melamine plates!

Art and Sand said...

the plates . . . the pup . . . the flowers . . . wonderful!

I love vacations where we drive because I can take the 8 pairs of shoes and the 8 purses!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I really hate the weight restrictions on your luggage, what a girl to do. You have to be ready for any occasion.
Sounds like you planted a lot of flowers - bet they will be so pretty when they start blooming.
Have a wonderful vacation and don't stress.
The puppies are darling.
Mary

Rita C at Panoply said...

Happy tales, tails and trails!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

It sounds like you had a great day planting with your daughter, Jane! I had to laugh at the plant combinations that come about when you just want to get it over with already. I overbought annuals every year, but just used the extras for my pots. Of course, that didn't always work out and I'd have to go back and get more to fill the pots out.

I'm looking forward to hearing about your trip once you are back. I'd really like to get away even for a long weekend some time this Summer.

Maria Elena said...

The puppies are sooo cute! Have fun on your trip! Love all the flowers!

Primitive Stars said...

Morning Jane, oh my, cute puppies, I want them all. The flowers are so pretty, enjoy your trip, Blessings Francine.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

What cute puppies! I always over pack, don't wear half of what I bring and usually buy something new to wear while traveling lol.

Looking forward to seeing you.

Balisha said...

Love the puppies and the new dishes. Thanks for the yummy recipe.
Most of the time....I travel with just my carryon. When I traveled to Greece....I planned clothes that could be switched around and I could wear in different ways. Three pairs of shoes....basic for dress, casual and sneakers. Sometimes I travel with an emptyish suitcase and buy some clothes to bring back.
No one really looks at what you are wearing....they are concerned with how they look :)

Susie said...

Blondie, With your beauty you can just go nude !!! Speaking of packing shoes...once two g.friends and I went to the beach for a week, we knew we would be dining out and night clubbing later...between us we had over 30 pairs of shoes...we were gone ten days. Now I laugh about those over packing days. LOL Take your basics and switch out scarves, jewelry and different hair styles...you are young enough to do that. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

There's nothing quite like a brand new puppy, is there? I just love their sweet little bellies! I can't believe how green your grass it! It's beautiful and so are all the flowers y'all planted. I love your new plates. They're perfect for outdoor dining. I need to get some for that purpose too.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

You forgot to say then drink the rest of the wine! :)

OH OH OH I want to play with that puppy too!! :)

It got very hot here too and it's driving me crazy. It's either nice and cool BUT pouring down rain or the rain made the grass grow and now you have to mow it in a heat wave, lol!
YET ...there's still a chance of frost until the end of May and I shouldn't plant things in the ground yet but oh boy do I ever want to!

Enjoy your vacation Fashion Princess ! :)

Traci said...

I always buy either too many flowers or too few. The flowers look gorgeous! The puppies are just too cute! Have a wonderful trip!

Vel Criste said...

You are indeed blessed to see so much of your good traits in your kids, after all, they are are BEST legacy in this world right? I love the new pup, he's a cutee - I grew up with dogs too, and just when we were about to get one, this baby happend! Maybe later, we'll be lucky to have it all. I'm like you at packing, I pack for at least 2 outfits a day, and hence most of my luggage is mine. Thanks for sharing another great-looking recipe dear!

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

The puppies are the cutest!! The flowers are beautiful!
Have a wonderful trip!! Oh yes, the recipe looks delicious!!
Hugs,
Jody

Linda said...

Well...that was a ram jammed post, Jane!
And a lot of giggles along the way...
When I buy the cell pack of annual, I merely cute the buttoms off the 4 cells, and plant the whole damn thing...plastic and all!
That way...a bigger display, and no darn fiddling with puny little plants!
Your daughter has a great array of flowers there...and I KNOW you will take everything you want with you on your trip!
I do the same thing every February, when we go to Florida for the month...and we drive...and I still take waaay too much stuff!
When my boyfriend complains...i say"at least you didn't have to carry it all the way"...hahaha!
Hopefully off to the cottage on Friday am...this is is our first long weekend of the summer...
Watching Miss V tomorrow♥️
Enjoy your day, Jane...
Cheers!
Linda :o)

It's me said...

Owwwww those puppies...i am melting......loooooove them.....xxx !

Babs said...

LOL, never a dull moment at your house. Have a good trip...somehow I missed where you're going, but getting away just about anywhere is fun...even if you only can take a few pair of shoes. :) Heck, I take three pairs of shoes to the beach.

Melanie said...

You and Emily want to come to my house and help me with all my flower planting? ;-) I don't even have all my flowers purchased yet. I plan on doing that this weekend. Your chicken and veggie dish looks really good. Yum. I know what you mean about the packing - even for a weekend away I pack several outfits so I can have something to choose from - and what if the weather is warmer or colder than expected? The shoes I'm good on though. I only pack one pair of walking shoes and a pair of sandals (warm weather). We never go anywhere where we dress up, so I don't have to pack dressy shoes - the sandals usually suffice. Once you get to your destination, you will forget all this planning and packing and you will breathe a big sigh of relief!

Melanie said...

PS - Jeff's new puppy is SO cute!

Betsy Brock said...

My girlfriend and I took a cruise a few years ago and we did the minimal clothing thing. We each had only a carry on bag for one week! Honest! It worked. haha.

Sweet, sweet puppy!!!

yummy food.

Have a wonderful trip! And relax! xo

Shirley said...

Jane Have fun on your trip and yes they are stressful. Guys don't understand it takes more for a woman at times then them. It was a vulture on my roof. I enjoyed catching up with you tonight before I call it a day. The tree trimmer was suppose to come and give me an estimate today, but I didn't see him. I guess I will call again tomorrow. Your new grand puppy is cute. We had several of those before we had grandchildren. Have a wonderful trip and thanks for stopping by. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Unknown said...

Nicely done mate. I agree most of what was written right here & this would certainly make myself wanna return to your blog! Bookmarked!..Cccam Server

podso said...

Love those plates. Amazing how far melamine has come. The puppies are darling --- glad you could post their pic. Have a good trip!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

Three pieces of clothing for a trip? mixmatched?.... never happening. And what if it's chilly, or really hot? Or you're doing a lot of walking?.. or want to look sorta sexy for dinner? ... or don't! Or you decide to go for a swim after all?... no... about 33 pieces of clothing is more like it :-) Enjoy.

bj said...

I used to stress before trips...now, since I am olden, I hunt for wrinkle-free things I can mix and match and pack without worry. 2 pr shoes tops so I have an excuse to buy a new pair or two....lol

Mary said...

I'm rolling about laughing - you are just so funny Jane! 'A' hiding your shoes is hilarious - I daren't share that with Bob, he might get ideas! He does the same weighing in with the suitcases though - it's the best way as those silly little handheld scales are useless.

Made the dinner reservation yesterday so we are set and looking forward to seeing you soon. Take care, stay safe, and remember….we all pack too much.

Right now my entire guest room is smothered with clothing for my trip - it's so hard knowing what to take where the weather is changeable and I need formal clothes as well as casual. Most of all though, it's how the h--- I'm going to do it with just one suitcase which is all Bob will permit now our arms, and my hands, are bad! Also, on local transportation in the UK they have severe weight issues so we just can't manage a lot of luggage.

Bon voyage - we'll order nice weather for your visit here to the south.
Hugs - Mary

Anonymous said...

Oh my we just got the same kind of dog. Our Seger just turned 9 months. I wonder if the could be related.

Michelle Wright
dn91191@yahoo.com

Kathleen Grace said...

OOoooh, I love the puppy! I'm the same way about trips, thinking about them makes me feel like I'll forget something and that stresses me. But once we are out the door it all goes away, hope it does the same for you. Enjoy!

Beth said...

Tulo is adorable!!!! Have a wonderful trip, Jane. I can't wait to hear about it. And I have no doubt you will be fashionable. :)
Hugs, Beth

Stacey said...

Why yes you do have to pack 8 pairs of shoes and most of your clothes. You never know what might happen while you're there. When we went to San Dieg a couple of months ago it ended up being really cool. I had packed everything from dress clothes to shorts and flip flops. Ended up wearing my boots a couple of times.

The flowers look wonderful and Milo is so happy. My little Belle is at the vet right now getting heartworm treatment. We found out she had them right after we adopted her. This is phase 2 of the treatment. Bless her heart. ♥

Your chicken looks so yummy and delicious too.

farmhouse-story said...

such a sweet puppy and fun day with your daughter:) i don't take much on vaca--i go shopping when i get there!

Donna said...

Those puppies are just so darn cute! I would have a hard time picking just one! Have a great trip. I hate packing! Guys have it so much easier in that department, don't they? They don't have to worry about makeup, jewelry (well, I hope not!) and other accessories like we do!

Linda said...

Good times happening in Blondie's World!! I am SO gonna use that recipe! Amber and Mike are going out next Wednesday and LD and I are going to make dinner for the quads. Amber COOKS every night. NO simple sandwich or easy meal. She cooks!!
I just betcha THIS recipe will be a hit with the babies. She served roasted brussel sprouts with bacon bits Tuesday and they LOVED them. So did we!
Happy Packing!!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Have a wonderful trip jane! I am so excited for you. The new dog is adorable! I find it hard to keep the packing down when we go on a long trip. I always come home with clothing that hasn't been worn. Your flowers are looking gorgeous! Our lives have been a bit hectic lately with Dan working two jobs. My brother and his wife are visiting from Arizona, and that has been nice having them around. Other than that I am babysitting or sewing. Have a great time! Hugs,Cindy

cathy@my1929charmer said...

Like you I worked out in the garden when it was 90 degrees, ugh, it was hot and the plants were wilting before I could even get them in the ground. Love the flowers, I never have enough, no matter how many I buy I need more, typically I send near 500 every spring.. Pst don't tell hubs. That is the cutest puppy ever, I love light colored dogs. I'm with ya girl, guilty on over packing, I always over pack, what you put on for the day is "mood" based, and how do I know what mood I'll be in in a week. Better too much than not enough, but then I always seem to wear the same thing, and hence too many clothes.

Planning a trip is stressful, the fun comes when your out there enjoying it. I sure hope you relax and have fun. Miss ya already! Lunch won't be the same with out ya!

Unknown said...

Wow, another great looking recipe!

You two have certainly been planting! I finally put some petunias in pots, and got all my green plants to the deck, stacked on my small ladder again.

Hope your trip to Asheville is wonderful! Stay safe!

thistlewoodfarm said...

Jane,

Could those puppies be any cuter! Their sweet little faces are ADORABLE!

Happy, happy day to you friend!
karianne

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane... for some reason, I thought you had already left on your trip???... so I was happy to find this post... Emilyville looks wonderful and I adore her pup!... and Tulo!... what a doll!... love that your children are all animals lovers like you and I... and Milo looks sooo adorable leaping like that!... hope you have a wonderful vacation and take lots of pics... I did not know your hubby was raised by a Native American lady... he must have many wonderful stories to tell as well... thanks for your visit,which made me realize you are still at home... your trip will be amazing... xoxo Julie Marie

RURAL said...

Jane, the pup, oh the pup...congrats on another grand pup.

And have a great trip! Now take a deep breath and relax, it will all be OK.

Jen

Debbie said...

The chicken dish looks sooo yummy!
Your daughter's little dog is the cutest thing ever!!! Is he a Boston Terrier? Congrats on the new grand-puppy. Looks like he'll be a big boy. Milo skipping in the backyard is adorable!
Still can't put any annuals in up here. The nights are too cold. I have to keep bringing the window boxes in.
You make me giggle about packing for your vacation. Remember to layer some clothing on your body as you travel. It will give you a couple extra outfits. lol.
Have a fun weekend, Jane.
Debbie
xoxo

Unknown said...
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Penny said...

Looking forward to seeing you Jane. I know, packing is an ordeal. "Be Prepared" is my motto too.

Unknown said...
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Lori E said...

It is very satisfying to see some of our good traits in our kids. The way my one son likes to cook warms my heart....apparently though I forgot to pass on the clean as you go trait to him... he is a kitchen mess disaster using every pot, pan, dish, spoon, knife in sight.
Hope you get your suitcase slimmed down for the scale. Nobody likes to be told they are "too fat" even if it is only in our suitcase.

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Dear "Chicken with head cut off,"

I did laugh through this and also thought of how much alike our two Jeffs are.

Don't stress, just enjoy the journey and unpack a few more things.

LOVE Jeff's pup. Love!

All joys,

Sharon

Pondside said...

You truly make me smile, Jane! I hope your bag isn't too, too heavy. If you're like me you'll wear the same capris every day!

Unknown said...

You are so funny, Jane. I am the same way when it comes to packing. Actually even when I have no plan to go on vacation, I still get nightmare about forgetting to pack enough pretty clothes. It's rough being ladies, isn't it?

Town and Country Gals said...

Jane,
sounds like you've got a lot going on! Tulo is adorable! Nothing I hate worse then packing for a trip, so hard to know what to bring, of course the one thing you don't bring is just what you need!! I saw your comment on the wedding photos, that was not supposed to be posted yet, it wasn't finished, don't know how it happened! If you get a chance, go back and check it out, there's an update at the bottom and a few more photos. They have a lot of NEWS! I'm posting it tomorrow,(Sunday).
Rebecca

koralee said...

Oh my goodness those pups are adorable. I always pack way too much whenever I go anywhere. Thank you for visiting me today...I got my rose bush and am in love with it. It is all planted and ready to give me beautiful blooms in years to come. xoxoxo

Leslie said...

OMG.. those pups are so cute. We have a puppy nearby that's an English Cream and she's beautiful.

I have a new web address and have missed your post! I'll make sure to get you back on the blog roll:)

xxleslie

Gypsy Heart said...

Beautiful flowers...and puppies! Hope you have a wonderful trip ~

xo
Pat

Theresa said...

Enjoy your trip! I can SO relate to packing everything I own for even a short trip:) Beautiful flowers! I help my daughter too when there are flowers to be planted, we are good Mamas:) Love the plates and OMG that puppy is PRECIOUS! Sending hugs your way dear Jane!

Nancy's Notes said...

I'm still smiling and chuckling like I do when I read what all is happening in Blondie's world! Love the flower fairy tale, the puppy tale and oh my, your packing and getting ready for your trip, hysterical! Funny thing is, I sort of do that too! Now Missy, can't wait to read all about your trip, what you bought and what you wore, when and where!
Nancy
xo

Kelly said...

I know there is always a lot to do right before a trip. I hope you have a wonderful time. Those puppies are awfully cute. I know you can't wait to spend time with him. Planting flowers sounds fun. I haven't done any on my porch yet. The weather and my husbands schedule haven't cooperated yet.

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

Well, I think I found something we DO NOT have in common Jane. I'm one of those obnoxious travelers who can take a two week trip with four pairs of shoes, including the ones on my feet.

The pups are soooooo cute, but saying something like 'cute puppy' is redundant, wouldn't you say? ;)

FYI, when I've tried to visit you recently I received a 404 error message. Seems to be ok now!

xxx

Elaine said...

Oh my goodness that puppy! Can't wait to see more of him when he gets home.

Have a great time on your trip.

Kit said...

So many things that make me smile for you! Kit