Jam Jar

~Spearmint, Zinnias, and Rosemary~

A sweet weekend to you...

Pan Wonder

Thanks for my title today, BJ.

First things first...

~Climbing Brown Eyed Susan~

Now I am not the most observant person in the world. It has taken me until this week to notice how my climbing brown-eyed susans blossom out from a little pod just as you see above. Fascinating really. I haven't been sitting out much in all this humidity and so it's been lost on me.

A lot of you, on the other hand, are very observant. I heard yelps throughout yesterday's comments from gals wondering what was going on with the pan smack dab in the middle of my mosaic. And I even heard from Cheryl who wondered if that was the first mosaic I had used because she did not remember seeing a pan the first time she visited (before she went to the beach) and was now seeing it on the second visit (after the beach). She was probably wondering if the sun, sand, and surf had scrambled something. No, Cheryl, the only one scrambled here is I.

It is a long and involved story and I do not plan to spare you the details. Besides, one of you is responsible for the state of that pan!

1. No, it was not the first mosaic I used.

2. The pan was out in the yard because I didn't want it stinking up the kitchen any longer. It had been out there for two days, perhaps three.

3. While I was visiting a blog and deep in a very good post, I burned the rhubarb I was stewing.

4. Both kids tried to tell me.

~Mama, Something's Burning~

I'll say! The entire house filled up with smoke. John, up on the roof, thought I was roasting marshmallows. Hahahhahahahahaha...

5. This is what it looked like.

~Who else would show you her charred pan?~

I'm still working on cleaning it up.

6. I took the pan's photo yesterday morning because I was just experimenting with light. It was on the path right between the garage and the deck and safe from prying eyes. Very convenient.

7. I created a new mosaic when I realized that I had placed two identical pictures side by side on the first one. That simply couldn't stand. Though you may find this hard to believe, I do have my photo/mosaic standards.

8. The pan found its way into the second mosaic when I ran out of pictures and needed something to fill in. I really thought it would just blend in and go away. Yes, really.

So to all of you who noticed the pot, give yourself a pat on the back. Very well done!

Italians for Lunch

It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?" ~Winnie the Pooh/A.A. Milne 

Even better is a suggestion that includes Italians for lunch. Yesterday, we had these...

Italians are a native-to-Maine sandwich. Some of you are nodding your heads and thinking "hoagie" or "poor boy," and, yes, they are similar; however, these sandwiches are distinctive because of the rolls that are used to make them and the lack of mayonnaise and/or mustard. Come to Maine. Have an Italian! You'll see.

Originally, Italians were made so that the shipbuilders in Portland could have a quick, easy, nutritious lunch. In case you're interested in sandwich history, you can read more about it here.

Otherwise, all you need to know is that one should substitute one's own homegrown ripe tomatoes, toss the cardboard ones, and pour oneself a glass of chocolate milk. It is considered the perfect accompaniment.

Oh, John so must replace those cardboard tomatoes...

***

Just popping this mosaic in at the last possible moment to document early morning light (6:30), tree color, and troubles with the new camera. I do hate to have the neighbors worrying about me; they already can't imagine what I'm doing taking so many photos of the place.

~Leaves and Light~

Have a yummy day!

Happiness Shared

 ~Happiness Shared is Happiness Remembered~

The simplest things keep children happy like collecting the best acorns and creating a family with them. A papa acorn, mama acorn, two brothers acorns, and after a bit, even a wee little cousin acorn. Sam was inspecting for worms and imperfections. There were so many acorns on the lawn that he didn't want to settle for any old one.

Late afternoon on a grand day always finds us with the youngest grand as well. (We pick him up at school.) We go out for a dish of ice cream and a roll down the hill. We listen to stories such as the one you'll hear in the video.

Perhaps there's a bit of anxiety on the part of the about-to-be new kindergartner. He's done so well and come so far in the time he has been at school (year around for the past two years). We're all very proud of him and I am praying that he will learn just how to keep his hands in his own space and "off his friends."

Did you see the tree beginning to turn? Last year, the season was late. I'm thinking this year, it'll be early. Any such signs in your corner?

***

Thank you for sharing all those projects you've got on hold. I have many of the same ones waiting for perfect days when I'll not want to do them any more than I want to do them now. Today, I think I'll clean a closet or two.

Enjoy a lovely day!

House Work of Another Sort

It's been such a muggy summer and hot, though we've not achieved a 100F day yet (and don't wish one) that John decided to follow other pursuits until it got cooler. This week begins with tidying up some loose ends on the house and then moving on to the garage.

This is all very good as I want the garage interior back. After over a year, it is time.

Any tasks that you've put off for cooler weather?

I'm off on Nonni duty until later this afternoon, but never fear I'll be catching up with you. Much too nosy curious not to...

Cluttered Country Store Style, Et Cetera

While many are able to define the decorating style of their kitchens — Tuscan, Country, Primitive, French Provincial — I've never quite been able to come up with a definitive name for mine. Well I have, but would be reluctant to share it for decency's sake. I spend a lot of time disguising that kitchen in photos for Blogdom having promised for years that I would share painting details and still it is not done. Not happening any time soon either.

So when I saw this photo of Sam in the apron he requested a year ago — one "just his size" and only recently finished, I gasped.

Through the magic of the camera's eye, I can definitively state that my kitchen is Cluttered Country Store. Ai yi yi... nothing like displaying the recycling bins prominently beneath the old farm table loaded with the stuff we need and can't seem to find a home for. Sigh. It is what it is for now.

Well then, let us just focus on the happy boy who has an apron his size and a denim jean pocket, an idea gleaned from visiting Linda and her camper redo. If you haven't seen Linda with her new grandbabies (right—quads!), you must check— so cute.

***

Remember when I mentioned that Site Meter was ticking down to zero? It happened. Slowly and methodically, it began ticking back up until, as of yesterday, it looks as if it might be back to normal.

I can smile again.

***

Here's a photo that makes me grin. First, it's that iced coffee recipe from Pioneer Woman. Oh boy howdy — it's yummy good! Second, the roses are rising right out of my glass. Bad, bad positioning. ☺

***

Lastly, we went bike riding in the cemetery over the weekend. I packed a little lunch knowing the boys would be thirsty and hungry after all the exercise. Their mom even had a blanket. Love this photo, though I'm feeling a little insecure about the snack. Look at those faces! =D

Must dash, as if you haven't figured that out already.

A lovely Monday to you.

Early Morning Photos~Mosaic Monday

It was lovely being out early this morning taking photos in the yard. Nothing like cherry tomatoes ripening on the vine, dew dripping from the etched clematis columbine leaves, and sunlight on the morning glories (though I am not as pleased with the color of the morning glories this year as I was with the blue of last year for this reason: these could just as easily be wave petunias as they are not particularly distinctive). The blooms in the front garden are nearly done — white phlox, a few yellow lilies, and a couple of knock-out roses are all the perennials that remain. Perhaps I'll plug in a few mums in autumn. Time moves on...

Join Mary at Little Red House to see more mosaics. They're always so neat.  

New Every Morning

It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His tender compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness. The Lord is my portion or share, says my living being (my inner self); therefore will I hope in Him and wait expectantly for Him. ~Lamentations 3:22–24 (Amplified)