A FALL TOUR, DELISH RECIPE & SOUTHERN VACAY

 

Autumn fruit and pinecones in old dough bowl on my dining table

 

 

Hello!  I'm sitting here in my cozy den with my feet up ready to write my post after what seems to have been an hour of uploading and editing my photos.  Posting is very time consuming for me and for that reason I'm lucky to get out one per week.  I just noticed my next post will be number 650.

I sometimes think of them as short essays.  So, as much as I want to get around more often but not have so much for all of you to read at once, I think I'm going to continue to fail at that.  Bear with me.

 

Writing has become much more of a presence in my life since I started writing for the lake newspaper.  I have a deadline and I've learned a lot about myself and self-discipline as a result of that.  My column is a full page spread with 4-5 photos of my own.  And I was recently very chuffed to see that the editor, who titled my column himself as "Lake Life" recently changed it to "Lake Life With Jane".   Anyway, I have to have the October column in by Thursday night and of course, I'm a procrastinator with a capital 'P'. 

 

 

 

Old cabinet in living room

 

I brought some of my fall decorations out, just a few touches to add here and there.  I think I was spurred on by a trip to the grocery store early Sunday morning for dog food.  I walked by some sunflowers at quite a nice price.  Once I brought them home and with a sweet Indian Summer breeze blowing through all of my open windows, I simply felt like adding some bright colors and warmth.  And, my ulterior motive was to have photos for my column. :)

 

 

 

Lower part of the same old cabinet in living room (!)

 

I keep my decorations pretty neutral but most of my fall pieces go back years and years when everything was bright orange.  I'm finding that I like a little bit of that here and there.  It's real and true.  Accept nature in all it's color and glory, not to match your décor. 

 

 

What really makes me smile is how much I held back on my mantel.  This huge fireplace has always been the bane of my existence, simply for it's monstrousness.  As time goes on I get a little more affectionate about it, like a cranky old relative who eventually pulls on your heart strings as you grow to love those sharp edges, imperfections and a steadfast refusal to budge.  I know this guy will never leave us, it's The Husband's pride and joy. 

 

 

 

Carol from Art And Sand made me this last year.  In a unique giveaway, she asked her friends to tell her what they would have on a banner that she'd create.  This was my 'word' and I was one of the winners.  It was co cool to pull it out the other day and it's at home on The Monster. 

 

 

 

 

 

I have three windows I alternate on my mantel...I simply love them.  I used to have a vintage mirror but Emily stole it.  Okay, I admit, The Husband and I were going out antiquing one day and Emily, about 19 at that time asked us to find a vintage mirror for her room.  And we did.  Just gorgeous.  And for awhile she let me use it above the mantel.  When she got married and moved into her own home she took it with her.  Sob!  But, I have my windows.  I added a few fall colored leaves and a wire acorn filled with potpourri.  Plants I bought on our jaunt to the burbs that I wrote about in my last post.  Simple.  For once. :)

 

 

 

Finally, a little container of pots with fall flowers in the family room. 

 

 

 

We had a nice dinner tonight.  I have to admit that when the kids were young I relied on spaghetti and a jar of red sauce along with a loaf of bread and butter for a quick dinner.  Not healthy but better than a can of 'Spaghettios'.  Still, The Husband is not a fan of pasta and a jarred sauce so I've been tinkering with my own sauces for quite awhile.  Tonight I did  Bolognese sauce which basically involves adding meat to your tomato sauce.  Here you go:

 

Jane's Bolognese Sauce

 

***

 

1 pound Italian sausage

2 T butter

1 medium yellow onion

2 carrots thinly sliced

1 stalk of celery thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

2 28 oz. cans diced tomatoes

1 T dried fennel

2 T dried Italian seasoning

1 T cinnamon

Pinch of S&P

1 pound cooked spaghetti

1/2 cup reserved water from cooked spaghetti

 

Brown sausage in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring often.  Remove to a colander to drain.  In  the same pan add the butter and saute the veggies.  When somewhat soft add the canned tomatoes and remaining seasonings.  Simmer on medium heat 1 hour, stirring every now and then and scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.  After 1 hour most of the liquid from the tomatoes should be evaporated.  Add 1/2 cup of the water in which you cooked the spaghetti...this will not add anything except starch to bind everything together.  Arrange spaghetti on plates and top with sauce.  I served this with crusty bread and butter.  This makes a huge amount...could easily serve 6.  I love the leftovers!  Remember that the sauce is going to take an hour not counting the prep---you do not want to be surprised if you decide to make this a half hour before dinnertime! (hate recipes like that).  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Still working on that den.  For such a tiny room it's taking a long time.  I am the type that once I get things the way I want them I rarely change anything up except for some easily moved around accessories.  I was so excited to have found this table at Pier 1 for a great price.  It's a mahogany brown on top and the base is black.  The finish is stunning.  I ordered it at the store as they didn't have it in stock after I saw it online.  The Husband came along to pick it up Saturday.  He is a lover of fine furniture and really wasn't expecting anything up to his standards but he knows this room is my baby.  Once we unwrapped it and set it where we thought it should be, we then fought over that, er...discussed it and finally stood back, admired, fawned over and basically treated it like our firstborn.  I can't say enough about Pier 1.  Quality with a capital 'Q' (the second time I've done this in my post--I'm competing with Sue Grafton).

 

Okay.  On the vacation front.  Leaning very much towards a flight to Nashville and after a few days a drive to Gatlinburg where I have found a great little cabin in the woods along a lake.  Blissfully rustic and quiet.  A few days later we'll drive to our place in Asheville and after 10 whole days following months of nothing but busyness, chaos, nerve wracking events and a freaking broken arm...we will fly back to Chicago.  And then the holiday season will be coming around and I will be back to neurotically posting about my crazy life.

 

Right now I want to give a shout out to a lady that got me started in blogging (and I tell her this all the time),  Lidy, from French Garden House.  She is a remarkable woman with an awesome shop filled with French antiques and goodies.  She currently has a feature in Victoria magazine.  Click here and have a wonderful visit with this lovely soul.

 

Lastly...love and prayers to the family of our dear friend Ceekay who passed away Monday after a 9 year battle with ovarian cancer.  She was a lovely and brave lady who had a blog that was always lively and fun.  And send some hope and prayers to those struggling along the Hungarian borders.  It's heartbreaking to watch but worse to be living.   And of course, here in our country, let the wildfires in California end soon without any further loss of life of or animals. 

 

Jane x

 

SMALL TOWN SHOPPING, DOG SITTING & MIXED UP VACATION PLANS

 

Remember my granddog, Tulo?  He looks a little different as Jeff has him groomed drastically during the warm months.  See his pink tongue hanging off the side of his chops?  Yes, Tulo Droolo for sure.  We had the big guy yesterday and overnight.  We don't really do this much as our house is small, he is relentless in wanting to play with Milo, and since Milo is going on twelve---well, it wears my baby out.  And of course, I have to give Milo a good scrub in the bath after all the Droolo (if you know what I mean).  And Layla cowers in our bedroom.  We play a sort of musical chairs rotating them indoors and out, to eat and have water.  It's hard but we love Tulo, he's really only comfortable with Milo as far as other dogs and I spoil him terribly.

 

 

 

In spite of a 4 day heatwave with temps hitting 92 degrees in the shade, I had to get these dogs outside.  As I watered all my pots and garden beds, I also watered a big section of grass to cool it off for the dogs to lie in, and that they did.  I also bought Tulo a big bone to keep him busy.

 

 

 

Emily popped over early evening with her pup, Rusty (the Boston Terrier you see here).  They roughhoused and really wore each other out.  And now you can see that Rusty has confiscated The Bone.  Milo had it for awhile and as I write this very minute, Layla is gnawing away on it at my feet. 

 

I awoke this morning to Tulo howling and crying---pitiful.  Thankfully Jeff came for him about 10 a.m.   As with grandkids, you get to give them back to their parents. ;-) 

 

 

We had a rather nice Labor Day weekend.  We were sort of like fish out of water.  I asked The Husband, "What does everyone do on Labor Day?"  We have always been at the lakehouse (and what a wild weekend that is as it's sort of the grand finale of summer).  We each discreetly texted the kids inquiring what their plans were and they all had something going on.  Ouch!  Come on, I said to The Husband-let's get out of Dodge. 

 

I think I've mentioned that we like to explore small towns.  We even make vacations of it.  One of our favorites is a historic town about a half hour away,  Most of the homes are well over a million dollars.  The downtown area is fantastic, while most of the shops are a little over our budget we love to browse and the restaurants are great.  I know some of us have problems budging our husbands to do things like this.  My guy has always been pretty accepting of strolling through towns, having peeks into various shops and sometimes actually finding something he wants to buy.  But most times he finds a bench like this and sits and does a little 'people watching'.   This little town had an abundance of spots to sit and the flowers and plants made it all so pleasant.

 

 

 

I love all the little shops.  One complaint I have is with most of the apparel shops.  If you are over a size 8 you can absolutely forget finding anything no matter how gorgeous it is.  Clothing in these places are teeny weeny and it's so disheartening.  I focus on things like purses and scarves and sunglasses.  I'm not a size 2 or 8 or 10 and I feel the sales ladies simply avoiding me---what can they show me?  It's not snobbery, it's just the way things are. 

 

 

 

There are two floral design shops I love to visit.  I have a few cute pots that look sort of weathered and aged that I picked up awhile ago.  I never used them outdoors and I was really wanting to have some houseplants although I'm a notorious indoor plant killer.  This is one of my fave shops.  Love the name. :)

 

 

 

Here's a happily potted couple of ivy plants in their new home.  You know I love ivy as my brick house is covered in it.  Indoors...well I lost a few  pots.  The owner of the shop advised me to keep the soil moist always.,  Any other tips from you ladies?

 

 

 

Another plant I went gaga over was an ornamental oregano plant.  Not as tasty as it's cousin that's used for cooking, it makes for a gorgeous potted beauty.

 

 

 

Look at this close up photo.  The flowers resemble little roses with pink leaves.  Lot's of sun will give you this effect.  I'm going to give it some time outside where it will get some sun (it's also adaptable to low temperatures so that's good).  This is my new baby.  I'll be heartbroken if anything happens to it.

 

 

 

All I purchased on our little Saturday excursion were these plants.  Here you can see my assistant, aka, The Husband (remember my bad arm).  Oh, and he has a bunch of fresh cut lavender in his right hand that I scored for free.  Yes!  By the way, he fell in love with a wallet.  Man oh man, this guy has had the same wallet for possibly longer than the 34 years I've known him.  A guy and his wallet are a beautiful thing.  Never interfere no matter how tattered and wretched it looks.  This one is curved in a way that it fits into a front pocket very easily.  So glad he found something for himself.

 

 

 

Some shops are simply overwhelming.  You have to take them with a grain of salt.  Most times my eyes flit over everything and barely rest on anything.  I may pick up a book or a funny greeting card but 9 times out of 10 we say hello, thank you and goodbye.  I feel very differently about places that feature items from local artists and creative people...in this case so many things are so massed produced it wears on me.   I thought of some design advice I recently learned...leave some blank spaces, the eye needs a place to rest to absorb the beauty and interest of everything else.  These sort of shops make me dizzy.  Oh, I sound terribly critical.  It really was a pretty place and smelled so good!

 

 

 

Whoa, I hope I didn't bore you silly with canine stories and our adventures in shopping.  I have to mention the highlight was having dinner at the Mexican restaurant we have grown to love, Cine.  Incredible as always.  Sorry. this is not a picture of my gorgeous dinner there, it's a quick meal I made one night this week while we were in the midst of our heat wave.  Our outdoor grill is not working and while we wait to get a person out to take care of it I'm doing everything possible stove top.  I try to tell my kids that they can make some fast and budget friendly meals that taste like a gourmet restaurant (or diner).  Chili dogs with cheddar cheese and chips?  Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwiches with a make ahead potato salad.  I'm not a frugal gourmet by any means but I try to balance the budget and nights when I simply don't want a lot of prep and cooking time with some simple but interesting meals.  Last week I picked up a small, sliced, cooked ham.  I have one of those flat grill pans that fit over two stove burners so you can do pancakes, bacon, burgers, whatever you want,  Simultaneously I cooked up slices of the ham, layered Munster cheese over the pieces the last minute to melt and at the same time at the other end of the pan, heated up some slices of good French bread rubbed with fresh garlic cloves and a smear of butter.  Meanwhile I had one sweet potato cut into thin slices in the oven (save time and heat from the oven by starting off the potatoes in your microwave foe 2-3 minutes).  We were loving this dinner.  Totally thinking outside of the box and killing it with frugal, fresh and tasty new ideas.  A little Blondie tip. :)

 

 

 

So, from the heart and soul, I'm sure you're tired of hearing about the old arm.  4 more weeks of therapy ahead,  Still not moving anything above or beyond what I was able to do since this happened.  I've been having an indescribable ache the last few days that only icing it helps---as in 3 times a day minimum. Sometimes when my thoughts get a little dark I freak myself out imagining I may never be able to move my wrist again.  Silly.  But I am left handed.  But the therapy and icing helps. The Husband frowns on me bringing the ice pack to bed which I had thought was grand since it's about the only time I stay still.  A cold bag of ice rolling on to your husband's bare back in bed in the middle of the night does not a good marriage make. 

 

So I found this little stenciled saying on canvas last week at Marshall's.  My mantra these days.  I continue trying to find the time to map out a vacation for us at the end of the month.   This morning I met with an itinerary which The Husband left under the jar of my flavored coffee so I couldn't miss it.  A little weaving of flying into Nashville, visiting several towns in Tennessee including Gatlinburg (no offense but Gatlinburg?) and then on to our place in Asheville.  I had mentioned I sort of wanted to be by the ocean for a bit.  He looked at me like I had two heads.  "Why do you want to be by the ocean?"  Duh?  We have less than a week to decide where we want to go if we want to get good air fare. 

 

Now, I know I'm whining about vacation and some may just never get the opportunity to have one.   Bear with me.  My life never seems to be easy.  However this sign that now hangs very prominently  where I can see it everyday is the darn truth.  It keeps me moving.

 

See you soon!

 

Jane x

RELAXATION, ELSIE PICS & VACAY PLANS

 

Hello!  It's been pretty uneventful around here and that's a good thing, right?  I'm getting caught up on reading, cooking up a storm, cleaning up the garden beds and well, just enjoying a little of quiet bliss.  Oh, and watching a bit more TV now that I have this cozy and comfy den that I shared in my last post.  In the past few days I've watched Just Go With It, a comedy with Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston.  Everything that comes out of Sandler's mouth is too funny.  I love a movie that makes me feel lighthearted so I re-watched Love Actually, Something's Got To Give, Falling In Love and Best In Show.  I made an attempt to go with some more 'recent' movies, one was The Silver Lining Playbook but it was making me not only as depressed as the characters, but a little bored.  I couldn't finish it.  Can anyone recommend a few good movies that I can rent on Xfinity?

 

So a repeat from Instagram.  This is a picture of my island.  God forbid I need to roll out dough or make cookies...it will take me twenty minutes to clear it all off.  I just love to see the things that make me smile.  The rustic wood and marble top make for some fantastic vignettes.  Some of you might remember how I begged and cajoled The Husband into agreeing to buying this.  And as practical and perfect it is for my kitchen, I still play 'dress up' with it. This little arrangement is sort of cool...a bit organic.  I have bananas ripening, plum tomatoes filling in for my slow growing babies outside in the pot, a bouquet of spray roses from the grocery (just $5 for these...wow!). and some ivy I'm trying re-root.  It makes me feel good to look at it and that's nice.  :)

 

I hope those of you who follow me on Instagram don't find my pictures to be too repetitive.  I do think that I give more of a story behind them on my blog than Instagram allows.  If you'd like to follow me, just click the icon on my sidebar. 

 

 

 

And speaking of tomatoes, I've only made Caprese salads.  I have a lot of green tomatoes on the plant and with our current heat wave I hope they ripen up soon so I can make a red sauce or something!!!  I'm using up the basil in my garden quite well, too.  Tomatoes and basil go together like peanut butter and jelly...or something along those lines.

 

 

 

On the garden front I still have phlox blooming (must add more), hydrangeas looking good (adding coffee grounds around them, heard  this was good. Yes?  No?).  And finally my morning glories that grow rampant up my back porch railing and trellis around this time of year.  I have to trim the vines quite as bit as I've had them wrap around my herbs and strangle the life out of them.  Trimming the long winding vine parts also helps to direct the energy to the flower buds.  Around November when everything has dried up, I pinch off the seed pods and crumble them into the same garden bed beside the porch.  I pull off the old vines and come spring, once I water they start to pop up like crazy.   End of story.

 

 

 

Son Kevin and Mary Clare stopped by with little Elsie on Sunday.  Oh, we just want to eat her up.  I wish I could hold her longer but my arm just wants to give out.  Still, we get such a kick out of her.  She's sitting up pretty unassisted for long periods of times which you can see here.  And she's cutting teeth.  Kevin says she is always happy and never cries unless she is hungry or tired  That's really great for a 'first baby".  Emily was very difficult from day one, I think she cried and howled for the first six weeks.  Not a great way to start motherhood,

 

 

 

 

Yep, she's a happy, gentle, good natured little girl.  And that's very much the way Kevin and MC are.  Good genes.  She smiles and giggles nonstop.  :)

 

 

One last pic...remember the cute photo of her at son Jeff's wedding two weeks ago?  This is another shot.  She almost looks like a baby doll.  Oh my gosh, she's just so pretty, I love her to pieces, we all do. 

 

 

 

A simple but delicious recipe with little prep, a tiny bit of stovetop action and then finished off in the oven while you get on with something else.  Emily gave me the recipe after telling me she was making it for dinner.  We were simultaneously making it last night.  It was just so good, I hope you Pin it and try it. 

 

Baked Chicken & Chorizo

 

***

 

2 T olive oil, divided

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs

12 oz. soft chorizo sausage, crumbled

2 cups medium diced yellow baby potatoes

One red onion, roughly chopped

2 t. dried oregano

2 t. salt and pepper each,

Zest of one large orange.

 

In a medium size ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven heat 1 T. of the olive oil over medium heat.  Lightly brown chicken thighs about 3 minutes each side.  Turn heat off.   Add crumbled chorizo sausage, then top with diced potatoes.  Layer red onion over, then oregano and S&P.  Grate orange zest over the top and then drizzle the remaining T of olive oil.  It will look like the above photo.

Remove from stovetop to oven  pre-heated to  425 degrees.  Bake 30 minutes covered, then 30 minutes uncovered.  Serves 4.

 

 

 

 

This dish was above and beyond delicious.  Very flavorful, filling and a bit spicy but not overpowering.  I served it with a simple handful of baby greens and cucumber along with a basic vinaigrette and the juice of a lime.  This was a cool balance.of all the flavors.  I plan to have a big family dinner and serve this.  It won't be hard to double or even triple the recipe and much of it can be made ahead of time.  I hope you try it.

 

I've really had a relaxing few days and it seems it will continue..hopefully.  Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are having the second heat wave of the summer, in the 90's tomorrow.  I have the feeling the dogs and I will be getting little if any outdoor time.  And...The Husband very casually announced to me that he hasn't taken any vacation time this year.  To be honest, with all we've been doing, especially with Jeff and Deirdre's wedding, I never really noticed.  We've always taken a 2 week stretch at the lake in August and a few three day weekends here and there,  but obviously this couldn't happen with the lakehouse in such disarray.  He's looking at his schedule and good naturedly told me the itinerary is mine.  Hmmmm..two weeks to fiddle and plan, within bounds of course.  A visit to our place in Asheville for sure and maybe a few jaunts south?  The East Coast possibly for a little time oceanfront?  Oh my gosh---this is really exciting and no, I don't take it for granted.  The Husband runs the ship at work and he's always the last one to abandon, so to speak..  Anyway, we can be taking off at any time depending on his schedule.  You'd think I would roll with this but no, I'll be a mess as usual overthinking and micromanaging everything.  I'll keep you posted. 

 

Hope all of you are off to a fabulous week!

 

Jane xx

NAILING SOME HOME & LAKE PROJECTS

Hi...remember me?  I can't believe I waited so long to post, it's been one thing after another and then a lot of distractions.  You may be looking at this picture and wondering if it's upside down.  No, I'm drying roses from the bouquets I brought home from my son's wedding.  I have vases of dried roses I've saved just everywhere,  I love them, they hold up pretty well for a long time.  I thought about pressing some of these petals and perhaps making a first anniversary gift for the couple.  Something along the lines of framing some romantic sheet music and placing some petals here and there under the glass?  I know you can print out sheet music but it seems I'm always picking out old books of it whenever I'm in an antique shop.  

The wedding is so far behind us it seems.  We really had a ball.  One of the best parts was seeing the friends of the bride and groom (and of my other children as well since they all sort of blended in as they grew up).  Several young guys that Jeff and Kevin went to school with and also played with on the same little league teams came up to me and I didn't recognize them at first.  Then I'd see something in their smile or eyes, it was so cool, these adult versions.  And I don't think I sat the entire night.  Every now and then I think of someone that I didn't have a chance to talk to.  Still, a great time was had by all.  I'm still recovering.

The rest of this post will be an attempt to share the status of some projects going on around here.  I'll even have to refrain from sharing a few new recipes I've made up and promised on Instagram that I'd post.  We'll save those for a rainy day.  But I did have to share my first gorgeous tomato from the vine.  I planted two Early Girl plants in a big container early this spring.  The squirrels got at a few and that made me sad, they don't even like them.  I know I won't have anything more than a few to make salads and some pasta with, maybe a small bowl of fixings for bruschetta.  Still--it's something since I never seem to find the time in the spring to resurrect my old vegetable patch.  Thank goodness for farmer's markets. :)

I'm happy to say that we get closer each day to starting work on the lakehouse.  We have a contractor that has been so wonderful in working with the insurance company on prices of material and labor and we are now starting to pick out the essentials for basically rebuilding the whole interior of the house.  I personally will be in charge of the kitchen.  We've redone it twice in the past 25 years.  I've gone from yellow and white checked wallpaper with white painted cabinets, to white open shelving above and dark "turtle green" colored cabinets below.   Wood floors to tile.  Butcher block counters to Silestone.  Above you can see some of the samples I took home with me from various tile shops I went to with Emily on Monday.  It is an absolute wonder and relief to have an interior designer in the family.  I know the blogger mantra by heart, "I decorate with what I like."  And I do as well.  I walk into these shops with a vision in my head and thank God my daughter knows me and understands exactly how I want a certain room.  And yeah, that's me...each room can be very different, I like to keep my color schemes neutral but I can go from cottage to more rustic in turning a corner.   Decorating is pure self expression, design is technical.

In a nutshell, if you look at the above picture, everything but the hexagon shaped tile is for the kitchen, that particular tile is for the powder room around the corner.  My kitchen floor will be the porcelain with the wood grain pattern that you see.  It has more blues and greens in it much like driftwood.  It's also maintenance free.  My back splash will be going from subway tile to these stone pieces.  And the space between the stove and it's hood,  these glass squares to add reflection and shine.  "Texture!" as Emily says!  Also, easier to clean than the stone---a must in an area where you get grease splatters. 

She put this together for me.  She nailed the light fixtures right on the head.  And I had scoured Pinterest for the open shelving I wanted this time around---something a bit more rustic and natural.  I don't want to say I'm aiming at a farmhouse kitchen, I simply want a kitchen (and home) that reflects our lifestyle there; wildflowers in vases, tomatoes ripening on the window ledge, sand on the floor and little Elsie running around in a tiny bathing suit laughing!

The powder room will be done in muted beach colors.  I'm looking at pedestal sinks and light fixtures.  Very simple.  And I have a long mudroom/laundry room and love all the ideas I've seen for keeping them organized and fabulous looking at the same time.  Believe me, here in the city my laundry room is down two flights of stairs in a dark basement.  I deserve a clean light filled laundry at the lake. :)

 

I know I left all of you hanging with ongoing projects here in the city.  I left myself hanging (gag, gag).  The den has come together little by little.  I ordered the chairs, I bought the sea grass rug, the chairs came, I had no tables.  Tossed around some pillows.  Shopped the house for a table and lamp.  We could finally sit.  Ahhh...

 

 

The Husband thought sitting was boring in itself so he shopped the sales and bought this awesome curved TV.  I love it.  The picture is 3D,  It's like watching live television.  I found the cabinet at Home Decorators.  I love the hardware and the whole distressed look.  I never thought they would be using reclaimed wood.  I tossed a basket of books and magazines on a Target pouf that I use as an ottoman.  Looks a little silly though.  So...now I have ideas for the walls.  That will happen soon.  I'm pretty sure.  Yes.  Ahem...

 

 

I've been spending my days doing a myriad of things.  I'm trying to do more reading and in an effort to do that I'm finding it nice to have more than one book going on at a time.  That would have been a horrible idea to me six months ago but with the variety of books I read, from fiction to non-fiction, decorating books to gardening and cookbooks,  memoirs to beach reads, well a girl deserves to change her mind once in awhile.  So, I read what I'm in the mood for.  When I sit on the patio in the afternoon with the dogs lolling in the grass, I love my romantic novels.  Evenings are usually non-fiction and before bed I usually hit the self-help books, I have no idea why.  Maybe the prospect of hope for a better tomorrow gets me to sleep easier.  Ha!

This just arrived from Amazon.  And that's another new thing I've been doing of late.  Ordering less  on my Nook and getting more of the real deal.  I love them both and have always gotten my reference books straight from the source.  They are keepers.  And  I've always loved picking up a soft cover at Target or a hardback in a bookstore.  And why, why, why would I do this after repainting all the rooms of this house in the last two years and taking down each and every bookshelf to eliminate clutter?  Because I'm crazy, that's why.  Don't ask where I'm keeping the books I'm hanging on to (closet shelves, under chairs, a hamper in the guest room.  Shhhh...).

This book is wonderful.  Part decorating, part memoir.  The writer, Frances Schultz, mixes the two with her spunky Southern charm.  Just as the changes in our homes mirror the lives we are living, you can see how this really wonderful lady navigated her way through good times and bad while she created Bee Cottage.  You'll love it.  I just signed up to follow her blog.

 

 

So I left all of you with some teasers  in my last post.  I seriously thought that after Jeff and Deirdre's wedding life would settle into a somewhat predictable and sane order.  I was really excited for Monday to roll around to have a hot shower, a warm breakfast and sort of just lounge on the patio for a week or two or three.  Nope.  Woke up to The Husband, "Jane, I think there's something wrong with Layla."  He continued to get ready for work and out the door he went while I cradled a limp, feverish, eight pound ball of fur.  I threw on some clothes and patiently tapped my foot until the vet clinic opened at 9:00 a.m.  Thankfully I was able to get her right in and even better, they are just 5 minutes away.  I rushed right over, well, at least halfway over.  A really sweet and kind police officer pulled me over en route.  Talk about pleading guilty before charged, I meekly asked her, "Was I going too fast?"  She looked at me like I had two heads and then saw Layla's glum little face peering up from the passenger seat.  "No.  You disregarded a stop sign."  Oops.  That's also called 'blowing a stop sign",  just between us.  I didn't cry or anything, I rarely cry if you don't count weddings, funerals, romantic comedies, John Greene books or the endings of the last two Tiny Houses on HGTV (the proposal and the father/daughter project).  Sniff.  She let me go with a warning ticket, it was all about Layla's sad little eyes I'm sure.  What Officer Friendly didn't know was that if Layla hadn't been so terribly sick, she would have been growling, barking and baring her teeth, the uniform being a huge motivator.  Well...all that's well ends well.  Layla recovered from her virus.  I didn't get a ticket.  I could have bought a weeks worth of groceries with what the vet cost.

All of you are so sweet in asking about the old broken arm.  It's healing, but slowly.  I get physical therapy several times a week but I still can't bend or twist at the wrist.   I awake in the morning peacefully and then once I move my hand, it all comes back to me and I think...when will this nightmare ever end?  I mean---I fell June 27th!  I did go for a second opinion with a great specialist.  If he hadn't recommended more therapy before taking other avenues, I'd have totally switched over to him from the crotchety doctor I have now (excellent doctor and surgeon...just a little like a spark plug when you question his methods).  My 2nd opinion guy had me look at the X-rays with him and explained that one of the three fractures was really quite bad. And that particular bone has healed in such a way that it's shorter than the other bone.  Thus, I have cartilage, a callus and soft tissue changes going on and that spells out a lot of pain.  So I continue the therapy close to home as opposed to the other doctor,  hoping to get things moving (literally).  The human body is amazing but it also takes a beating once in awhile.  I just wish it wasn't mine.  ;-D

I'm trying to visit blogs and to those of you who come by and leave your heartwarming comments.  I've been reading blogs while I'm curled up in my new, somewhat finished den but I don't always comment for fear of having to hit the pain meds again from the pain.  And then you probably wouldn't understand my comment anyway.   :)

See you soon!

Jane x

A WEDDING

 

I gave my advice to the newlyweds-to-be and I know I'm not supposed to do that.  From here on I will keep all my thoughts, opinions and advice to myself.  I told them. "All of the planning and fretting and frustration will end once you say those vows.  You will no longer be getting married, you will be married, and that's a wondrous moment."  I felt that myself, did you?

 

Calm myself?  Hmmmm...  I don't think I was as tightly wound as I sounded.  This was my third child getting married and all of the weddings took place in the last five years.  I've become absolutely tired of the stress.  If something goes wrong, there's not much you can do.  Still, I hope Abigail elopes. 

 

I arrived at the hair salon bright and early bearing goodies.  Fresh croissants, butter, sliced fruit, orange juice and chilled champagne.  I added cute napkins, melamine plates and bright purple cups.  The five of us gals had a great time, we had never been to this salon and I think I have a good idea that this is where I'll go when Katie no longer does my hair (after she has her baby in December).  Later my sister in law and a few of the teens and tweens popped in---we had a great party!

 

I know I'm running on here and I promise this post won't be too long.  I went in to the salon with no idea how I wanted to have my hair and that's a big deal these days.  I looked at every conceivable option on Pinterest and finally told the girl, chop some off, style it smooth and straight and let's call it a day.  A half hour later I was smooth and straight and looking at three inches of blonde curls all around on the floor.  No regrets.

 

 

 

Both Emily and Abby were bridesmaids.  Aren't these dresses gorgeous?  Mary Clare wore a beautiful mint colored dress that went so well with her green eyes (that sometimes turn blue---magical, eh?)  And little Elsie stold the show.  MC brought her up to the alter as we took communion.  Son Kevin was best man and when he saw MC and Elsie, he hopped down the steps to the line to give his girls a hug.  The look on his face was priceless. 

 

There were so many precious moments in the church.  Jeff and his groomsmen didn't enter from the side as in most ceremonies, they walked right up the aisle and my son, so full of personality, not too mention great manners, paused to shake hands with many of the family and friends seated in the pews. 

 

And finally, the look on his face when he saw Deirdre with her father.  And the smile of sheer joy and love on her face...she never took her eyes off him as she walked up the aisle so gracefully and then kissed her father and joined arms with her husband to be.

 

Sorry---no pictures were taken in the church out of courtesy.  That's okay, I have plenty for you!

 

 

 

Two trolleys awaited to take as many of the guests that chose to off to the country club for the reception.  Traditionally this is known as partaaaay time!  Here's Abby and Kevin.

 

 

 

And Emily and Mike.

 

 

 

Kevin and MC.

 

And finally Abby and her longtime boyfriend, Tom.

 

It was so cool because we have so many young nieces and nephews, etc., and riding in the trolley was such a thrill for them. 

 

The Husband and I chose to drive, mostly because the trolley was going to drop everyone off home by home after the reception.  We weren't looking forward to that ride at midnight.  I was having a problem with my contact lenses at the church (as per usual it seems if you remember the debacle in my last post), so we stopped at home where I could fix the problem.  In doing so I managed to pull off one of my faux eyelashes that are such a big deal (and expense) when you have your make up professionally done for an occasion.  I totally freaked out.   No way was I going to go to the reception eyelash-less!  So I did the best I could do and grabbed a bottle of Elmer's Glue All and repaired the damage.  Thank goodness I had that on hand because I'm sure I would have used The Husband's wood glue in his toolbox if I had to.  Vanity.  Sigh.

 

 

 

 

 

The veranda outside the banquet room...so pretty.

 

 

 

I knew you guys would want to see my dress and I really don't like to post a lot of pictures of myself so this is a stretch.  And you can see my shorter hair.  I was a bit unhappy that the rainy, humid weather made it curl up a lot as the evening wore on.  Only someone with unruly hair like this can appreciate what I'm saying.  My sleek look was short lived.  Doesn't Emily look fantastic? :)  And look at the view of the golf course.  Pictures of the wedding party were taken there in front of a huge fountain that was later lit up in the darkness.

 

 

 

And Abigail and I.  The first hour was so wonderful.  Waiters made the rounds with trays of bubbly and hors d' oeuvres.   A great time to take family pictures but I'm clearly lacking some.  We were all spread out. 

 

 

 

These were the arrangements on all of the tables.  The roses were spectacular and most had Bells of Ireland to pay homage to Deirdre's homeland.  In fact, at the church and right after the "I do's", a bagpiper came up the aisle to serenade the couple.  Ahhhhh, the sound of bagpipes makes me tear up!

 

 

The cutting of the cake...and the happy couple.

 

 

 

...and the couple's first dance. 

 

 

 

As the night was nearing its end word went around that we were to gather on the veranda for an announcement.  That piqued every one's curiosity.  But there was no announcement, just a spectacular fireworks display that Jeffrey secretly arranged for.  The perfect ending to a magical day.  I think none of us will forget it...especially the bride and groom.  They are relaxing in Lake Tahoe now with plans for a tropical honeymoon in December. 

 

All of you have been so great in looking forward to this event almost as much as I was.  I appreciate all your kind words and support when I was stressed out or fretting, but I think I kept that under control.  I had many more heartbreaking and terrible things to worry about, and I thank you for all the condolences and uplifting words for our losses. 

 

I have to do another post soon about all the craziness that has happened in the past three days.  Yes, I can devote a whole post to it.  Possibly re-setting the broken arm, two sick doggies, breaking the law and why I love police officers, surviving never ending heat and humidity and tomatoes rotting on the vine.  Just to name a few things. 

 

See you soon! :)

 

Jane x