Friday, April 8, 2011

~A LITTLE OF EVERYTHING~

Hi everyone. I am just popping in with a quick post before the weekend. I'm not sure yet if we are going to the lake...it has been raining for the past two days but Sunday is supposed to be in the 80's, rain or shine. As much as The Husband and I would like to get our projects done up there, the actual thought of pulling out the paint cans and brushes doesn't really leave us with a lot of warm and fuzzy thoughts. So, maybe we are procrastinating. We are wondering if maybe we just need a quiet, relaxing weekend up there just taking inventory of what needs to be done. :-)

We celebrated daughter Abigail's birthday yesterday at a Japanese restaurant, the sort where you all sit around a big table and the chef comes and cooks on a big hibachi grill. Fun, fun, fun.
The blur of his hands show how fast he is working. I've always wanted to be able to chop as fast as Rachel Ray but now I have upgraded my goals. And I want to be able to twirl my knives and pop an egg in my hat.
I had steak and calamari, but of course, forgot to take a picture of it. It also comes with miso soup, salad, noodles and rice, and for dessert ice cream and cookies. My fortune read, "Much love is coming your way". I like that.
This is Abby and her boyfriend, Tom, who came home from school for the occasion {her birthday, not the dinner...but who knows}. Our present to her was a Coach purse and you can sort of see her holding it in the picture and she looks happy. Later she told me she wanted the one with the long strap. I really thought I had got it right this time, I'm notorious for getting almost the right thing. The one with the long strap is $20.00 cheaper, so I get a refund and that's fine with me.
From Tom and his family she received this gorgeous Vera Bradley tote and cosmetic bag, perfect for when she visits Tom at school. I'm a little jealous, not owning one Vera Bradley item. Okay, I'd prefer the Coach purse. Which would you rather have?
I rarely get good pictures of Layla...I'm not sure why. She is a lot cuter in person. Milo is just so darn photogenic. But I want you to take a look at all sweet eight pounds of her. Because...
...this is what we have living in one of our trees in the backyard. Actually there are two of them making a nest. It's hard to see the face, I was standing {cowering} next to my car when I took this picture. I think it is a falcon. We have had them for the past couple of years, but never a nest. Rumor has it that the mayor of Chicago decided to bring some of these guys in to control the pigeon population. What I am afraid of is that it is going to reduce my pet population by half. I know a lot of you live in the country...I am wondering if you have to deal with hawks and big animals and how you do it with small pets. I doubt one of these are going to swoop down and carry Layla away, but don't they get a bit testy when they have a nestful? At the lake I don't worry much because most of the wild animals stay in the woods next door, but here...I'm worried. Am I paranoid?

So anyway, this is my short post. The week has breezed by. I started shopping for my trip to Asheville. I am assuming it is going to be warm, so of course I have to pack away some of these winter clothes, go through last years summer clothes and supplement. So far I have done the supplementing at the mall and Old Navy. Oh, the cute sundresses they have. I am in love. I could wear one everyday. And the wedge heeled sandals, totally impractical for walking and sightseeing, but they are so cute! What do you wear on vacations? Do you choose style over function?

I hope you all have a good weekend. Any plans? I hope the weather is good where ever you are. See you next week! :-)

83 comments:

LuLu Kellogg said...

Happy Cake Day to Abigail!

I hope you are feeling better my dear.

We have a couple of huge birdies that have been hanging around our back yard too and I have to really watch 2 of our 5 dogs when they go out since "The Mini's" (that's our two little Poms) are so little they could get snatched up up and away. Big birdies go home!

xoxo

Julie Marie said...

Oh Janie, you are too cute!... I want to see you twirl those knives and pop an egg in your hat!... LOVE the Vera Bradley set!... and how cute you showed Layla!... not sure but I think that is a Nighthawk in your tree, not a Falcon... it's beak is not sharp enough to be a Falcon, and a Nighthawk will not try to get your dogs... I would still keep an eye on him though... I chase away our Coopers Hawk when he comes around too much... just clap my hands at him and he flies... as you know, I love ALL God's creatures!... our weather here stinks!... blizzards the last two days, including right this minute... hope you have a nice weekend whatever you do!... xoxo Julie Marie

La said...

Hi Jane!

Happy Birthday, Abby! Yum, Japanese Steak House is one of my very favorite dining out options.

I'm a Vera Bradley girl. I wanted to go to Fort Wayne next week for their big sale, but it isn't going to happen this year.

We used to have a hawk living in the field behind our house. I worried all summer about Bosco's safety, but he's just fine.

Vacation footwear? I go with function and comfort all the way. My vacations are normally pretty casual.

We are expecting gorgeous weather this weekend, at last. I have a baby shower tomorrow but the rest of the weekend is free and I plan on taking advantage of the nice weather.

Have a fabulous weekend! La

Stacey said...

I don't have any Vera Bradley either. Let's pout. :)

Fun post today!

Hearts Turned said...

Happy Birthday to your beautiful daughter! Looks like a fabulously fun dinner--and what a lucky girl! A Coach AND a Vera Bradley bag in one night!

Love your new goals--sounds doable to me!

Hope you're having a wonderful day, my friend...

Julie

oldgreymare said...

oh dear I was watching some videos of the eagles I am addicted to and then watched on U tube about a dog that was snatched by a falcon or eagle I believe? the dog lost a leg but survived. it was dropped several acres away across the road..so yes I would be careful.

BTW haven't you guys been trying to get up to lake-house for awhile now? lol

Hope it is a good weekend. : D

xx
z

Terra said...

This looks like a wonderful birthday for your daughter, Coach purse and all. I hope the falcons will find a safe nest in your tree. You asked, and I like function and beauty combined. No high heels for me.

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Jane we have chickens hawks here and I have seen them carry away prey not fun..I hope you have a fun and slow weekend at the lake..wished I could join you and get out of this snow once again this makes 6 months in a row we have had snow now..Hugs and smiles my Dear friend Gloria

Olive said...

Hi Jane, we have two great horned owls sometimes in our yard at the yellow house so the 9lb cat does not go out at night or at dawn...I worry about him. I love Vera Bradley purses and have five of them. I tend to over pack. We are on the way to the hospital in Athens. Joe's brother has had a heart attack and is having a cath...please pray. Have a lovely weekend. hugs♥olive

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Hmph,and we just get ducks that come to our pool about this time every year. Apparently, they think my cover filled with water is their own little pond! I've never seen ducklings, but the male and female quack up a storm.

I think that with the Winter you've had {us, too}, it's hard to get back into the swing of actually doing stuff. I know I've spent way too much time on my butt this Winter! : )

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Sounds like a great birthday celebrations. And sunshine coming . . . yeah. When do you start planting in this area? Is it too soon?

Fondly,
Glenda

Linda said...

Loved reading your post! Have a good weekend....whatever you decide! After you have both been ill - perhaps a relaxing weekend is in order. NO relapses, please!

Renee {Shabby, Chic and Charming} said...

How blessed we are by a loving family!

Have fun in Asheville!

Mary said...

Loved hearing from you - will definitely let you know if he likes the chairs! If so, I will be working on his recliner next - poor guy he hates change and you know men, they never seem to notice when things get old and tired looking, do they?

I'm coming up to the end of the 2 wk. 'induction phase' of Atkins and think I've lost about 7 lbs - hopefully more but I'm not weighing again until Monday. I feel so much better already but was hoping for a bigger loss (I think only men lose the huge 15 lbs in the first 2 wks. they talk about), women take longer, especially as we age, ugh! Because I don't eat any meat or poultry it's a bit boring - but I can honestly say I haven't cheated once. I would cut my left hand off for a slice of toast with marmalade........but I will not cheat.......YET!!!

Hugs - and have a nice weekend whatever you decide to do Jane. Bob is stuck in Atlanta - has been waiting 2 hrs. to take off - air travel has become horrendous.........and he leaves again on Sunday!!!!!!

xinex said...

Happy birthday to Abby! Her BF is cute! I love her purse presents and I love Japanese food! Wish was there eating with you too....Christine

Kerry said...

I hope you have a lovely relaxing weekend Jane. Some time at the cottage with no more than a piece of paper and a pen to make a list might be just the thing! I know what you mean about never quite getting the right thing. I get very nervous about buying for my daughter who is a complete style queen...which I'm not!

Suzann said...

AWESOME! 3 favorites.
Japanese food (love me some Benihana)
Coach Purses (I own many)
Vera Bradley (own zero, but love 'em)

Low Tide High Style said...

Happy Birthday to Abby! And I sometimes get "almost" the right present too! I'm not big into purses, but our daughter is and we gave her a Radley bag for Christmas.

We have eagles as you know and I was paranoid about Misty when she was much smaller, so I understand, and she was never as small as your sweet pups!

I used to chose style over comfort when on vacation. Now I choose comfort, but I always have a little bit of style packed just in case!

Kat :)

Heaven's Walk said...

Hi Janie! You're not paranoid at all. I would be a little frightened, too, if I had a wee dog like that with that predator bird hanging around! They will go after her if she's alone in the yard according to my hubby. Just be sure you're out there with her all the time. Hope you have a nice, relaxing weekend! :)

xoxo laurie

Lynne said...

Janie,
It looks like you had a delightful evening! Happy Birthday to Abigail!

I balance comfort and fashion. I love linen during the warm months.
Old Navy and H&M are great for sundresses...

I have always wished to visit Asheville...just a little too far from the PacNWest for a quick trip!

I hope the lake trip works out ofr you this weekend!
Lynne
{w/l}

All That Glitters said...

Happy Birthday Abby!!! I lovvveeee those types of eating places

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Janie, Happy Birthday to Abigail! Looks like she had a good one, and it looks like she had fun!

I hope you are feeling better. Mr. Magpie is still battling his thing. He hasn't been to work this week, and then he pulled the muscles in his back coughing. Poor man!

As to the hawk, be very, very careful not to let your babies out when they are there. I would seriously walk them because hawks have been known to pick up small dogs. Brenda, at Cozy Little House, lost her cat, and she thinks it was a hawk. And I have seen them circle my neighbor's yard (who has a small dog). SO please be very, very careful. The birds are hunters, and they see other animals as prey. They can't help hit. It's in their nature. So err to the side of caution. I see what someone else said, but a hawk is a bird of prey. I watch them dive for fish and small creatures around here. They swoop and pick them up in their feet. Just be vigilant.

When do you leave on your trip? Are you going for pleasure or is it a business trip combined with a vacation? They've had some chilly weather in NC, so pack a little warmer than you'd think.

If you get a chance, pop over and see the trees that clobbered our yard. I have pictures which really show more, but they aren't downloaded.

Have a nice weekend...


XO,

Sheila :-)

~Country Lady~ said...

Hi Jane!! Happy birthday to your sweet daughter. These times are so precious to spend with our kiddos!! I have Vera Bradley and Coach...and I love them both. Both are different and depending on mood and occasion, it's nice to have both to choose from!! Your daughter is a "spoiled" gal!! Wink, wink!

We both share a lakehouse. Hubby and I have been going for a month. I can't get into the major projects, but we have been going and relaxing and planning. The urge will strike to get to work...until then, relax and enjoy the moment.

GardenOfDaisies said...

We have tons of hawks here. The circle over the neighborhood all day long. We do have two cats, but they are fully grown, and we are usually go outside with them, so we don't feel worried.
We are a Vera Bradley family. My daughter has 3 Vera's, and I have 2 that were given to me by my late mother-in-law.

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

My friends dog was snatched by a hawk,she started screaming and running toward it and it dropped her little dog. Ever since the dog cowers if she sees a bird in the sky-I would too! Maybe if you had a starter pistol you could scare the bird away.

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Oh Jane Sweetie...
What a beautiful share of Ms Abigail. She is gorgeous and Happy Birthday to her. Looks like she had a wonderful time and received gorgeous gifts. I love the Coach bag, but that Vera one is pretty also.

Love your little guy. Yep I would be watching him closely too, they could just scoop him right up and take off with him. Out here in the desert we have to watch the coyotes, in the city you all have the big birds. Yikes either way.

Always love to pop in and see what you have been up to. I can't wait to see the changes you are going to make to the lake house. I love seeing it.

Have a glorious weekend sweet friend. Many hugs and much love, Sherry

Unknown said...

Lets see.... I prefer Coach most definitely...And flip flops for vacation. We live in town and still have HUGE owls and coyotes ... both not good for small animals. We don't let the babies out alone. :( I know it sounds like a pain but I just would hate to loose one of my kitties. Thanks for stopping by to see my cans. :) They are so addictive. I hope you make one! :)
Have a GREAT! trip! :) Be safe!
~Liz

Tricia said...

Sounds like it was a fun birthday celebration with great gifts too.

I would worry about the dog Jane. It's hard to visualize how big those birds really are, but I had and up close view when one ran into our window one day. We thought it was dead, but nope we realized it wasn't when we went out to check...it was huge with very large talons. One day I saw one of them carry away a rabbit. Sorry to be all dreary, but just be careful with the dog.

Hope you have a good weekend, rain or shine :)

~Tricia

Pondside said...

A little style, a little function and I'm set for the holidays.
We have eagles and buzzards up here, and we lose a duck to one of them every so often, but I guess that's nature.

Carrie @ Cottage Cozy said...

Oh...little Layla is a sweetie...all 8 lbs of her! I have often worried about the big birds with my little pearl too...she is only 4 lbs!

Have a dry and happy Saturday!

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane,
Happy belated Birthday for your girl, the dinner looks like fun, never had one of these where the chef chops right in front of you.
Enjoy your weekend, hope the sun will shine for you, see soon!
Maureen x

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Hi Jane,
Happy B-Day to your cute daughter!
It's been sunny and beautiful here the last few days and boy do I need it!
We have a lot of the big hawks and such around us. I don't want to scare you but Dan and I saw one swoop up a small animal the other day. We were both kind of freaked out because it just happened so quickly in front of us.
I just love the coach purse you got your daughter and the vera bradley tote is adorable too!
Hugs friend,
I can't wait to visit you two at the lake!
Cindy

Paula@SweetPea said...

It fascinates me that a hawk is nesting in your yard. I hope your pups will be safe.

I'd choose Coach over VB but that's just me.

The Japanese restaurant looks like a great birthday celebration spot!

Lynn said...

Your dinner out looks like fun Jane! If you do decide to learn how to catch the eggs in your chefs hat I hope you'll video tape it, could be fun to watch:@) Happy weekend!

Leslie said...

Happy Birthday to your daughter!!! Those cooks do work super fast, I love watching them.

I hope you get to the lake.. it is still grey and cold here. Ughhh.

Style over function.. hmmm, tough one. : )
Have a great week.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Yikes, I'd be afraid of that falcon too. Beautiful, but scary. Perhaps you can find out more about their habits, before you let little pets out. -sigh-

And how is YOUR COLD???????

.♥.

for the love of a house said...

happy bd to your daughter!

I was thinking a bb gun .... "anything" to protect your sweet pup.
Or, can you get up in the tree and distroy the nest so they move on out??

I'm thinking a "take inventory" weekend is in order;)

happy weekend!
joan

Nancy said...

Oh I'll have the Coach purse, please...since you're offering - haha! My goodness - so much going on over here on your blog, Jane. I've been doing the regular Slimfast and my husband the Adkins and we definitely need to walk also because I'm doing it and see no difference. I was just talking about a big owl and my friends little dog yesterday. I'd watch out for that predator bird. Hope you made it to the lake this weekend and again...since you asked...just go relax and take inventory. Nothing beats a weekend at the lake! xoxo Nancy
PS Are you going to the Biltmore in NC? It is so fabulous.

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Hi Jane! I'm a birder so I'm thrilled when a pair of raptors nests near by! Yours looks like an owl to me. I'm no expert. Definitely a hazard. Go for comfort over style! Have a great time!

Maryrose said...

Hi Jane,

Happy Birthday to Abigal and what a lucky girl to get such a fantastic almost right gift:)

I have been watching DWTS (funny thing is I even have my husband watching it with me as long as I fast foward through the nonsense) I am really enjoying Kirstie, Ralph, Disney Girl. Football Guy and Wrestler guy. No stand outs so it is more unpredictable. Makes me feel like maybe I can dance too.......maybe not.
Enjoy you weekend.
xxoo
Maryrose

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

I haven't been to a Japanese steak house in a long time! That looked like fun.

I would make sure your sweet pup is not outside alone, I think. I am not sure what would happen, but I would err on the cautious side.

I am soooo looking forward to your visit in Asheville, it sounds like you are going to look fab in your new summer wardrobe!
Hugs,
Penny

Karen said...

Fun night!
Love the shot of the bird. We have Falcons and Hawks here too - I love hearing them screech from high above!
Have a great weekend! Hope you get to the lake.
:) Karen

NanaDiana said...

Jane-those birds scare me too! We live on the bay and we had a hawk scoop down and grab a little rabbit a couple of years ago. It about broke my heart to see it!

I remember when we had our cottage and it seemed all we did was work when we got there sometimes. It is good just to have some "downtime" there once in a while.

Happy Birthday to you daughter. I often get "almost the right thing too"...lol I won a beautiful Vera Bradley large purse in a drawing a year ago. Well, actually my daughter won it and gave it to me! yayaa~ and,the kids chipped in and got me a Coach bag for my birthday...love it! Love them both! I am blessed! xxoo Diana
Happy weekend to you! xxoo Diana

Debbie said...

Hi Jane!
Big birds scare me around small pets too. Our Yorkie was always barking at the Bald Eagles that swoop down over the canal for fish. Maggie was only about four pounds...so she would have been a nice lunch for the Eagle.
I hope you can get up to the lake for a relaxing weekend. The work will still be there for next time.
The birthday party looks like a fun time for everyone.
Next time we go to Sanibel, I'm packing bathing suits, and cover-ups, and flip flops...and one outfit for going out...that's it!!!
that's all we wore!!!! oh yeah, and some deodorant.
Hugs,
Debbie@lakehouse

Sarah said...

Jane, I vote for a quiet weekend! ;-)
Rainy weather makes me want to just hang out with a good book or work on my needlepoint project.
Enjoy your time! ~ Sarah

Donna said...

What a fun birthday...hibachi style restaurants are a fav with us too! Happy birthday to Abigail...the gift looks perfect!
Going to the lake...and getting ready for Ashville....sounds heavenly!!!

Shirl said...

Hello Blondie, Happy Pink Saturday! Love your pink post this week. Happy Birthday to Abigail! Looks like a nice restaurent! Thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a sweet comment.
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Happy belated b-day to your daughter!
(LoVe hibachi style dining!)

I have never seen a falcon around here... we just have hawks and coyotes. I had not heard the mayor story about hawks but I could see that might be true!

Have a nice weekend~
Alison

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

It's so much fun at those Japanese tipan (not sure how that's spelled) restaurants. Good food, too!!
The Vera Bradly is beautiful, but not really my style. I have one Coach bag that I love! But that's it.
I'm not an expert, but I think Layla is probably too heavy for a 8 to 10 lb bird. Unless it's an Eagle, it's probably not strong enough. Be careful, though, just in case.
Patricia ;o)

Brenda Pruitt said...

All I know is something big with wings had to have taken my Bonnie girl a year ago. I still am beside myself over the thought of it. Be careful with your precious pets!
Brenda

Anonymous said...

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend, Jane.

We are hoping to get back to the lake before Easter, but one thing and another keeps getting in the way of our plans!!

Debbiedoos said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet daughter. What a great VB bag!~ We love Japanese food, I think it is entertaining to watch them and my boys get a kick out of it too.

Lori E said...

I think I am the only one who thinks Coach bags are ugly. I am so not cool I guess.
I pick function over form for my clothes basically meaning that if it fits I get it because not much fits.

Yvonne - Frl. Klein said...

Hello Jane,
congrats to your daughter!!!!
I looks as you had a wonderful celebration!
Hugs,
YVonne

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Happy Birthday to your pretty Abby! What a fun time y'all must have had.
Please watch your little fuzzy face with that hawk! That scares me.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Melissa: Write it in Lipstick said...

that restaurant looks like so much fun, I always wanted to go to a place like that.

Write it in Lipstick

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

One day I want to go to one of those places for dinner. For some reason we just have never made it. A very Happy Birthday to your pretty daughter!

Like you, I never get it quite right but now I keep all reciepts and the girls do what they want.

Purses..well..my favorites are Brighton and I have several Vera Bradley bags. The last one I bought on ebay and showed it off. I love it. I have never owned a Coach bag..but they are just lovely. Your daughter is lucky to have one. You are such a good mom! :)

We have been watching the eagles and their brand new hatchlings on the computer...It's been fun.

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

What a great birthday! I like the knife flinging, but the egg in the hat is another story! Linda

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I love Asheville...we spend our summers there! And I choose function and comfort! But oh, how I love to travel! I love to pack my bags! Enjoy your evening! ♥

Kathleen said...

Looks like a fun evening!
Happy BD to your dd!
I have one Coach bag I have had for years. I call it my funeral bag.
I have a VB tote my dil gave me. I am not into purses and shoes, bring on the dishes! :)
Have a good week, Jane!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Wow, you packed a lot into this post. What a great way to celebrate with your daughter. The food looked amazing. I like that Vera quilted bag. I have to choose comfort over style when I travel, since four years ago I broke my ankle and have a plate and 17 screws that have made any kind of heel impossible for me to wear.Until I lose a lot of weight sun dresses won't work for me either, but I love them just the same. I'm a city girl so I know nothing about hawks and wild animals.Hope you are having a great time at the lake.

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

I forgot to say Layla is as cute as a button!

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Your daughter's birthday dinner looked like a great time! She's one lucky gal with those purses. I hope you can enjoy your time at the lake without painting one of these days. And I think the spring wedge shoes are so cute, too! I wore a pair to the 'event' this weekend (thanks for visiting my post about it). I look taller than I really am! Have a great week Jane!
- Susan

Julie@beingRUBY said...

Happy birthday to Abby!!! Love her lovely pressies.. that tote is so lovely.. pretty blue!!

Hope you had the restful and relaxing weekend you were hoping for.. and have a fab week.. ciao xxxx Julie

The Moerks said...

Gosh you have been very busy. I hate to admit this but when it comes to holidays, I favour form over fashion. Then again I have to. Our last trip was half way around Australia.

Sherri said...

I would want a Coach ...cause I don't have one. ;-) Hope you are feeling better. We had a beautiful weekend in GA...hoping you had one too!

Knitty said...

Do you know about the eagle cam in Decorah Iowa?
http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles

I find these birds interesting from afar but think I would be a little spooked to have them in my neighborhood. With the "wilds" diminishing, we have had hawks around here in recent years as well as coyotes. This is the suburbs! I'm only supposed to worry about my neighbors putting their trash out for pick up too early! (said in jest)

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Happy Birthday to Abby! I know exactly how it feels to never get the gift quite right. But you certainly did good with a Coach! I have one little Vera B item and 2 Coach purses. Either one would please me!
Thanks for visiting me today!
Have a great week!

Anonymous said...

Happy B-day to your daughter! It looks like you had a great celebration with her. :)
Wow... that bird is big! We get hawks and owls out here, but they've never snatched any of our small pets. We've been here for 7 years now, so far so good... but you never know.
I hope you got that relaxing day at the lake with your hubby, Jane.
XO,
Jo :)

April said...

Hi Jane!
So glad to hear that your daughter had such a Happy Birthday! Wow...a Coach person...and a Vera Bradley bag...you can't beat THAT! We love going to those Japanese steakhouses...YUM! The fried rice is my fav!

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

I tried to toss an egg up and crack it with my knife....once....it wasn't pretty!

Happy Birthday Abigail!! My girlfriend has a Bella who weights about 6 lbs and they have eagles in their neighborhood. She always has to watch Bella when she goes out because they can swoop down and snatch them up! Scary!!

Hope you have a good time at the lake! I am behind in my blog visiting as I have been sick! :(

But I am catching up!

Lou Cinda

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

Hi Jane! Looks like you had a wonderful time with your family. We have a Japanese restaurant at our mall...I can't get my husband to go very often...but I love it. I noticed a book on your side bar...looks really good. What do you think so far? Worth buying? Have a great week...~Ann

Shellbelle said...

Birthdays are always so special, especially when it's one of your kids! Of course, I say that after complaining to my son in February that he could stop having birthdays any time now. I swear I feel the years adding up more on my kids birthdays than on my own!!!!

As for a purse, I'm not fussy, but I love them cute and SMALL! Just asks Mrs. Magpie, she always comments on my purses when we're out and about.

Btw, I looked back and drooled over your spice cabinet! That is SO cool, I'd love to have something like that, where I don't have to dig through looking for the particular spice or herb I need at the time. The most used ones usually just live on my counter. Shhh, don't tell anyone!

Can't wait to hear about your upcoming trip! I want you to tell me all the right places to see if I ever get there! Right now I'm just hoping to get to Georgia to visit family.

Hugs

Lori said...

I love that restaurant ~ what fun! As for being paranoid I can't say I blame you. When Molly was a puppy I used to go out with her because she was such a little bundle ~ perfect pickings for an eagle ~ which we have because we are so close to the river. As for vacation if we are sightseeing and doing a lot of walking I am a sneakers girl ~ for anything else I am in sandals or flip flops. This vacation will be a bit of both! Hugs to you Janie. xo

Sue said...

The restaurant looks great...love that way of eating, but my husband doesn't. I have given both Vera Bradley and Coach as gifts, but just bought my own first Vera Bradley item...a cover for my Kindle. As for Coach, I got the purse back that I bought my mom a few years ago. She "saved" it, so it has hardly been used, but she liked smaller purses than I do, so I haven't carried it.

As for travel (when I get to do it) I go for comfort these days. We end up doing so much walking everywhere we go, that I dress around my Privo shoes...which are just slightly cuter than Nikes! They are my favorite shoes of all time and if my feet and legs hold up...I'm happy. I tend to be in capris and colorful T's most of the time.

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Sounds like a fun weekend:) Happy Birthday to Abigail, so pretty:) We had big birds similiar to that who nested in our yard two years in a row right in sight of our chicken coup. Happily they didn't snack on any of them. That pot you saw on my blog is called a chamber pot aka potty. lol I have a few of them. They are just so pretty and can be used to hold so many things. Everything but what they were originally usde for;) lol Have a wonderful week Jane.
~Debra xxx
Capers of the vintage vixens

Deborah said...

Oh looks like such fun!!
Birthdays and family gatherings...love them all!
Thanks for visiting today and following in friendship..Im your newest follower (purehunnybee)
We have a lot in common...:)

With all my heart...Deborah xo

High Street Cottage said...

Hi Jane, thanks so much for the kind comment on my lavender bottle stoppers. Oh you guys went to my favorite type of restaurant, something about a man cooking my meal right in front of me! haha,
Bet it was wonderful, xxx tami

Anonymous said...

Hey there Janie!

You have one beautiful girl! Happy Birthday to Abby! I would rather have a Coach purse but that's just me. I don't own one but you asked...LOL! Looks like a great dinner! Isn't it fun to watch them twirling around and chopping away?! We have a lot of hawks being so close to the mountains. I've seen them carry off rabbits, prarie dogs, etc. I would be watchful that's for sure. Wish I knew of a way to detour them. Maybe, google it.
Hope you have a great week! It's nice to be back!
xo,
Michelle

Privet and Holly said...

Hi Jane!
Layla reminds
me so much of
our Gracie ~
that same look
and pose on the
couch! And YES,
I had a local friend
whose Jack Russell
was swooped down upon
by an OWL and the JRT
weighed 14 pounds!
So we are very careful
not to let Gracie off
leash.....I smiled cuz
I'm shopping for a trip
to Texas where it is in
the 90's and am also
looking for dresses ~ the
only way to go in those
temps and they pack great.
Happy Tuesday, friend!!
xx Suzanne

Unknown said...

I hope that your daughter Abigail had a wonderful time. My daughter Ashley's Birthday is this month also. I love Japanese food, especially when you can see them cook it in front of you.

We have two hawks that fly overhead. Sometimes I have been worried about my little dog Cocoa. They swoop down and try to scare her. I love the watch them soaring around in the sky though. I did hear one of them swoop down one day and take a little bunny.

I often wonder about the large crowns and how they chase the hawks. They seem so small in comparison.

Have a wonderful day Jane.

Karen

The Fajdich Times said...

Looks like your daughter had a fantastic birthday. Coach and Vera Bradley......doesn't get any better! We have been to Hamanda Japanese Steak House in Tinley Park, IL.....it's very good.

I was checking out your spice cabinet......love it! That is really great!!

You mentioned you were going to plant blueberry bushes. A few years ago I planted three blackberry bushes on one side of the shed and three blueberry bushes on the other side. We did get berries from both and they were good. Then two years ago I was looking forward to some really good blueberries and guess what.....they turned to red raspberries!!!! I went to the nursery and they told me because I had blackberry bushes on the otherside it has been know to happen. They changed......no more blueberries. Last year I had the best crop of blackberries and red raspberries. Strange but true!

Can't wait to hear what kind of bird you have nesting in your tree, owl, hawk, eagle?

Have a nice weekend:)

Anonymous said...

yes ,I'm still reading past posts,, I admitt.I promoise myself no more commenting but I just had to on this.I don't want to alarm you but we had a cat carried off by an eagle,, so , yes I think you have concerns ,, even more with them in your trees.I hated to tell you but its better to be informed.I wouldn't want this horrific thing to happen to you,,,