Sunday, July 5, 2015

HOLIDAY FUN, FOOD & CRAZY ANTICS

 
Asiatic Lily
 
I thought we'd start off with some nice soft colors before we leaped into the red, white and blue.  And I hope all of you here in the states had a great Independence Day.  I have to say it was different this year in the city after having spent the past 20+ holidays at the lake.  I was not disappointed a bit.  We have parks all around and they have the most awesome displays, and we have several parades in and around our neighborhood. 
 
 
 
Abby came home Thursday for the holiday weekend and in time for the big parade that we had always gone to as the kids were growing up.  Both my boys were in Little League and The Husband coached for many years.  They proudly walked in this parade every 4th of July so it's sentimental.  Abby's Tom lives just a few blocks from the parade route and the park where they have a big fireworks display at nightfall.  We were invited to an after-parade party at his house where we could see the fireworks from his backyard deck.  It was a great evening for all.  And popular!  We had to park the car about 6 blocks away.  The streets were crowded with happy revelers and it was just a great night to enjoy city.  And this was just Thursday!
 
 
 
Before I get too far ahead of myself, I had an appointment to look at dresses for son Jeff's wedding next month.  Yes!  It's upon us for real.  I look back at Kevin's wedding 4 years back, and Emily's 2 years ago and I think---wow!  I was such a wreck and I think I documented that pretty well on this blog.  I'm not going to say I'm a whole lot more laid back now, but I do know that after all is said and done, it's the occasion that counts and what remains in your heart after.  Not all the worries and fussing before. 
 
I found my dress at the small bridal shop where Emily found her wedding gown and I got my mother of the bride dress.  I like the personal attention and that you are not paraded around in front of other women to get a look in the mirrors.  These ladies are pro's but they are also the sweetest, calling everyone 'Hon' and 'Dear'.  It almost makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside while  being in nothing much more than your bra and panties.  Anywho...this is and isn't  my dress.  Okay, it's the dress but not the color.  I really wanted navy, just sort of had my heart set on it.  It's elegant and a step away from black.  And I find dark colors so forgiving.  This color was called Blue Willow and it just wasn't right.  So I ordered the dress in Smoke, which is a very pale filmy gray.  I really love the sheer sleeves with a bit of embroidery, the empire waist and the sparkles just on the bodice---just the right amount of bling.  The pleat down the front is slimming and shows a little leg.  It's floor length and the ladies recommended I not have it hemmed to tea length as it would mess up that ruffled seam.  I'm happy.  It will be in in one week (sigh of relief here), and then I have alterations.  Oh, and I have to look for shoes.  But I'm calm.  Very calm.
 
 
 
I wasn't sure how Milo was going to do with the loud noise on the 4th.  At the lake I usually stay behind with him when everyone goes out on the boat for the fireworks.  Surprisingly, he was pretty chill considering that he now takes the phenobarbital for seizures.  Our family BBQ and romping with cousin Tulo wore him out and he conked out about 9 p.m. right on the patio in the midst of all the bangs and booms.  :)
 
 
 
 
 
I never could have done it without The Husband and Abby.  They did a lot of the heavy stuff because I'm still having issues with my injured hand.  We had three folding tables and our picnic table as well as the umbrella table on the patio.  We ended up with about 30 guests.  Looks pretty fancy, eh?  Shhhh...those are not tablecloths.  Think sheets and a few shower curtains, all of which I had in my linen closet.  Each table had flowers that I dismembered from one grocery store bouquet and an elegant citronella candle from Home Depot.  All other decorations from the Dollar Store.  I'm such a big spender.
 
 
 
I always tint the vase water like this on the 4th at the lake.  I had to sniffle a little when I thought that the daisies would be  blooming up there now.  I always used them in my vases in and out of the house for this holiday.  I didn't let this take away from the day, we had a blast.
 
 
 
Abigail made a wonderful sangria and the drinks and appetizers flowed.  Everyone brought such great dishes but I simply forgot to take get some snaps.  The Husband manned the grill and along with the hamburgers and hotdogs I made a potato salad and pasta salad.  My sister in law made a tossed salad with an awesome dressing.  We had chips and pickles and everything 'All American'.  The desserts were in abundance;  apple pie, cookies, two beautiful cakes, cupcakes.  My daughter in law, Mary Clare, made some sort of  toffee treat with Heath Bars, graham crackers and vanilla chips that was so fantastic I texted her at 11:00 p.m. for the recipe.  I will share that soon. 
 
 
 
Here's our little Elsie in her cute Star Spangled Banner outfit.  Isn't she precious?  Her eyes really lit up over the brightly colored decorations.  And she is amazing (I know, we all say that about our grandkids), she absolutely doesn't fuss or cry...not when we've been around her.  Gosh---we want to eat her up!
 
 
 
I'll end with a parting shot of Abby putting mosquito netting to a new use.  Leave it to the "Me" generation to figure out how to protect the baby and oneself at the same time. 
 
So there you have it.  We're good on holidays until Labor Day.  We will be going to Louisville in less than 3 weeks for my niece's wedding.  I'm so looking forward to that---it's been years since we've been down there and I always love catching up with my brother and his really sweet family.  We're making a 4 day weekend out of it so we can relax a bit.  And then Jeff and Deirdre's wedding is two weeks later.  Their wedding is at the church in the parish Deirdre grew up in not far from here.  The reception is at the country club Jeff belongs to.  I understand it's going to be huge...250 invites mailed the other day.  Yikes, that's almost 500 guests.  I can honestly (and a bit proudly) say that they both have many many friends going back a lifetime, as well as colleagues and family and they didn't want to leave anyone out on this special day.  I'm happy for them and I'm calm.  Calm, calm, calm. 
 
I wish my hand was doing better.  All the activity in the past week has not helped.  I keep it wrapped in the long tight bandage thing at night and as much as possible during the day.  The main issue is in the wrist.  With my good hand I can hold out my arm and bend at my wrist to make a sort of claw shape with it.  With the injured left hand I can't bend the wrist a millimeter like that.  I have thought about making an appointment with the doctor that did my carpal tunnel surgery in November.  The Husband thinks I should give it more time, maybe the tendons and ligaments need more time to heal.  Just not sure what I'll do. 
 
Okay, I'm off.  Thanks for listening to me drone.  Have a wonderful week!
 
Jane x

47 comments:

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Looks and sounds like wonderful weekend celebrations. You certainly don't need to spend a lot of money to decorate effectively. Your outdoor tables look great. Lots more celebrations coming up. Congrats on finding a lovely dress. Healing wishes for your hand. My bosses wife broke her wrist and it took a lot of physical therapy to get good use. She said it was very painful but she knows that if she hadn't gone through it, she wouldn't have the mobility she has now even if it isn't 100%. Keep moving and stretching it. Best wishes, Tammy

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow / Sacred Eclectic said...

What a beautiful shot of you and Elsie...everything looks fun and festive ! : ) Hope that your hand gets better asap and what a pretty dress.

Stacey said...

First let me say that's a wonderful picture of you and the baby. You don't show pics of yourself very often and you are gorgeous!

I love your 4th tables and the red, white, and blue water. What a cool idea. You are the hostess with the mostest for sure.

Your dress is beautiful!!

Vicki @ lifeinmyemptynest said...

Love the dress you picked! Your backyard party sounds like it was fun - different than the lake, but a nice change too :-)

Linda said...

Hi Jane.....
Your 4th celebrations sound fantastic!
Love the pic of you and Elsie♥️
Your dress is beautiful....gonna wear your hair up?
Enjoy your week....I would head for an X-ray if I were you....
Cheers!
Linda :o)

Theresa said...

Sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate! LOVE the red, white and blue colored water! Great idea! Your little granddaughter is precious:) Enjoy your day dear friend, I pray your hand feels better as each day goes by! HUGS!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

It looks like you had a wonderful holiday weekend! Sending you healing thoughts for your hand and wrist!

Susie said...

Blondie, You may need a cast...so as not to over work your wrist. You look so sweet holding the baby. We had our family baby, Layla, with us at the picnic. Glad you all had a fun time. I can't wait to see you in your dress. Blondie, I have two step grandchildren being married on the very same day....how unfair for me. I will not be going to either wedding, as I did not want to chose. So I will give them both a nice wedding gift and stay home. I did attend one bridal shower yesterday. Blessings to you , xoxo,Susie

Row homes and Cobblestones said...

Jane,
Love your pretty flowers, simply beautiful. Rest that wrist and heal otherwises you'll be wearing a cast to your Son's wedding. I always love a share of your family get together's and OMGosh how adorable is your precious Grand.
xoxo,
Vera

Vel Criste said...

Wow, your summer is crazy busy! The dress looks nice and yes, I like it too in navy but who knows, it might look better with the color you chose! Excited to see details of Jeff's wedding too! Glad your 4th was a blast, the parade thing was sweet, glad your boys are still into it, makes any parade even better when the vets of the game are around! Elsie is super cuteee, love her outfit! FYI, the mosquito netting won't help since it's clinging to them, the mosquito can still bite her directly :-(. Have fun in Louisville, but dear, I agree, you probably need your arm casted already!Good luck!

Primitive Stars said...

Hi Jane, such a sweet picture of you and Elsie, adorable. Sounds like your 4th was so much fun, that's what it's all about. Love the dress and nice color. Good luck with your arm, Blessings Francine.

SImple and Serene Living said...

I'm sorry to hear that you are still having issues with your hand, Jane. Looks like you had a wonderful weekend and love your dress. xo Laura

thistlewoodfarm said...

Looks like you had a super fun Fourth!
Three cheers for the red, white & blue!

podso said...

The dress is lovely and will be pretty in gray. You do sound very calm!

Brenda Pruitt said...

I've had bilateral carpal tunnel surgery. It was in 1998. Didn't take long to heal, I recall. I think I'd check with a doctor, Jane.
Brenda

Brenda Pruitt said...

Oh, I just remembered that you fell. So that's probably it.
Brenda

Gina said...

Try to relax & enjoy both weddings! Your dress looks beautiful & I'm sure you'll look lovely in it. I hope your hand feels better soon.

Lisa @ Texas Decor said...

Love your dress!!! Be sure to take lots of pics to share. :) Sounds like you found the perfect place to shop. Oh, that Elsie is just the cutest! And I'm loving the mosquito netting idea! Your backyard looks lovely and I bet you all had a blast. I always appreciate dollar store decor. No need to spend a fortune when they have such cute things there. Looking forward to the heath bar dessert. I make one with heath bars, chocolate cake, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and Bailey's Irish Cream. Yum! Enjoy the week and stay calm. ;)

Doreen@foxdenrd said...

The dress is lovely, but seriously I think you could wear a clown suit and look elegant.

Elsie is simply adorable! Those chubby thighs crack me up. Why is it chubby thighs on babies are cute...but us, not so much?!

Don't overdo it with your hand. Allowing it to heal properly is super important for long term success.

I'm happy you weren't disappointed with the celebrations this past weekend. I know you're missing the lake, but you're making the most of where you are. Bloom where you're planted, right? ;)

Carla from The River said...

Hi,
Your dress is beautiful. You are beautiful. :-)

I am looking forward to hearing about your busy days ahead. The weddings sound like a fun time seeing family and friends.

I love the bandana on your sweet dog.
Carla


Debbie said...

Your party sounds like a huge success! and your little pumpkin is adorable. No wonder you want to eat her up!!
The dress you picked out for the wedding is beautiful, Jane! I think the smoke color will look wonderful with your coloring, and pretty blonde hair. You have such great taste in clothing.
Even tho you missed being at the lake...city celebrations are really awesome!! Of course you found that out yourself. I'm happy you had such a good time!
Have a fun week!
Smooches.
Debbie
xo

Rue said...

I'm so sorry you hurt your hand, Jane. I've been there and in fact, I'm surprised that I didn't do the same thing recently, because I always seem to hurt myself before some holiday.

It looks like you and yours had a great time though! I'm so glad :)

You definitely have a full schedule this summer. Good luck and I hope your hand is better soon! Oh and the dress is gorgeous :)

xo,
rue

susan said...

When in doubt, go to the doctor. Are you at least icing it regularly? What a pain right now when you have so much going on.
I love your dress - the misty grey sounds perfect. And that beautiful baby. How much fun is that?
Take good care of yourself and don't overdo it - get that hand better!

Sarah said...

What if it's broken? I think you need to see the Dr. again!
Love the dress. You will be stunning, Jane.
Baby Elsie is adorable, and I think the mosquito netting is a clever idea. ;-)
Glad you had a happy 4th. Take care of that hand!!!

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Jane, what a lovely post and the flower pic the perfect way to begin my day. What a great idea for the tables using pretty linens like shower curtains etc. Love it and the colored water is another wonderful idea. I love the dress you picked. The style is beautiful. I can see it in the smoke grey. It will be stunning on you. Look how sweet the pic of you and the baby. Too precious and the mosquito netting is a great idea.
Thank you for sharing your fun weekend. Thank you for stopping by and always leaving such an encouraging comment. You bless me with your visits. Enjoy the day and sending hugs your way.
cm

Ricki Treleaven said...

What a wonderful celebration you had with your family! I'm happy Milo was ok after all the earth shattering kabooms. Our Westie Bonnie hated fireworks, but Finlay wasn't bothered by them....I don't think much of anything bothers that dog!

Thanks for sharing all your family photos with us. The dress is pretty, and I hope that you're happy with the new color.

Traci said...

LOVE the lily's! I love the different colors. I really like your dress. The color you chose sounds gorgeous! The colored water is such a cute idea. I would've never thought of that!I hope your wrist is better soon!

White Lace and Promises said...

Sounds like a wonderful 4th. I love your tables. I've never thought about doing red and blue food coloring in the water. What a great idea! Everything looks so festive, but that little one with the Red, white and blue is my favorite. Take care of that hand. I'm having some carpel tunnel issues with both hands going to sleep at night and it hurts so bad when they are trying to wake up. Ughhh. I may be looking a surgery. Take care and recover.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I love the dress you chose for the wedding! It's beautiful. I do hope you see a doctor about your wrist, just in case something else is going on hindering the healing process. Sounds like you had a fantastic fourth celebration...everything looks wonderful! And little Elsie is just precious in her sweet outfit.

Barb said...

Hi Janie,

Your post is delightful, as always. I love your dress and gray, of any shade, is so elegant and beautiful.

I do hope your hand is getting better. It takes time for anything to heal.

Yes, it would be great to live closer and check in on each other.

Barb xo

Beth said...

You have a lot to look forward to this summer, Jane! Your little Elsie is a sweetheart. I like how you tint your water for your flowers for the holiday - very cool! Your backyard looks amazing. Glad you had a good holiday. Hope your hand is better very soon.
xo, Beth

Bluebird49 said...

Ooh, the dress! So pretty, Jane.
So very glad you all got together for the 4th---do it whenever you can! :)
Elsie and you look so sweet together.
We had a quiet day..with hot dogs, of course.
Still raining buckets... still no new roof. Ah well, maybe I'll join the circus. ;) With what talent, I do not know. Argh.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Jane, your dress is just perfect! I am sure that it will look amazing on beautiful you! Your Elsie is adorable, it looks like you all had a wonderful celebration. Thank you for sharing your piece of the world so generously. And….the wedding? I'm so glad you are "a lot more chill"…lock each special moment in your heart and mind. They are such special, special days. xoxo Lidy

Penny said...

Great pictures Jane. Elsie is adorable and your 4th of July decorations are great. I got the same things from the dollar store. Love your dress too.

Karen (Back Road Journal) said...

It really does sound like you are calm about the upcoming wedding. You will be lovely in your new dress…I love it. So sorry to hear about your hand and wrist. Thank goodness that you didn't break anything when you fell. A friend of mine broke her leg last week getting off a step stool. Take care!

Val said...

GORGEOUS photo of you with your Elsie. Just beautiful, Jane. ♥

I hope your hand heals soon.

There was something else I was going to say, but I'm forgetting. . . .Oh! 500 wedding guests?!! My mind boggles, I can't imagine the planning that would involve! But it sounds like it will absolutely be a love-and-joy-filled day for them, and that's what it's all about, with 12 guests or 800. :) What a blast you'll all have.

Seawashed said...

Oh I love your dress. I hope whenever my children begin marrying that I can wear something simple. How exciting that the wedding is almost here. Best wishes in the weeks ahead.

Curtains in My Tree said...


The dress is beautiful and you will look beautiful in it, glad your chilling out and not getting over stressed over the wedding, which us Mom's do

Alicia@ Eco friendly Homemaking said...

Your dress is so pretty and I love how beautifully you decorated your tables.

Linda @ Life and Linda said...

Hi Jane, The dress you selected is gorgeous! It's so nice to find a dress you truly love. Elsie is so sweet...great idea with the netting for protection from those pests. Milo is such a cool name for a dog and he is precious. I am all for using things we have....Looks like a fun party! I hope your hand recovers....How painful. Thanks so much for your visit. Believe it or not, the comforting words do help. Only true pet lovers understand the loss of a fur baby. xo

Stonecropsister said...

Hi Jane,
it sounds like you have had a good few weeks. the dress is beautiful, I love the sheerness and the detail. You had beautiful weather for your parties! Isn't is wonderful that summer is finally here, and we can feel the warmth of colour on our faces? I am revelling in this, it's a gift. Then to get to share that with family and babies. Elsie is so beautiful, I just want to reach into the picture and squeeze her cheeks. (that's a bit weird, sorry). anyway I loved hearing about time lately. and it sounds as if you have a few more special occasions to go. xx Nancy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh I would have loved to be a guest at your party Jane! What a great looking and fun weekend. You do such a wonderful job as a hostess. And that baby girl...what a little doll! Oh gosh she is growing like a weed too.
And now to your dress, oh my, I love, love it!
Great choice!
So sorry about your hand too.
We need to talk someday soon.
Its been a bit of a rough summer for me, but it was nice spending a few days with my son, dil, and Cali.
Love ya friend,
Cindy

Maria Elena said...

Sounds like you have been busy! Elsie is so adorable. She is growing up so fast. Our little dog is also always scared of the fireworks. She did NOT have a fun 4th of July. :) Have a great weekend, Jane! xxx Maria

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Jane,
I enjoy your writing and warmth so much, precious photos of you and your dear family. Our youngest married 3 years ago and I wore a smoky hued dress and felt very comfortable in it. I get exactly what you are feeling about the more relaxed approach to our children's marriages. Our son was first and I was in such a twitter, seems a tad silly now. I follow you on IG, I am so sorry about your arm- I left you a little note there.
Xo
Jemma

Anonymous said...

what an exciting summer!!!
the dress is fairy tale perfect and you will look beautiful!
I sure hope your hand heals quickly, thats a bummer for sure!!!
What a lovely photo of you and the baby,, I love your smile!

Kathleen Grace said...

I don't know how I missed this post, except it was the week we put on a dinner for 30 and sometimes my bloglovin feed puts new posts further down in the feed and I miss them! At any rate, I love your dress for the wedding, just the right amount of sparkle and I think you will look gorgeous in the smoke color. I'm glad you didn't let the mess at the lake get you down for the 4th. It looks like a wonderful party and having friends and family is what is really important no matter where the party happens!

Crafty Girl said...

The dress is spot on.Enjoy your weekends!