Change of Seasons

I know, I know, it's officially fall but I'm just not ready to accept this minor seasonal detail.

Remember when you were a child and everything was the best because you were young and carefree? Well, I had one of those summers. It was the best! 

I've been really bad about posting so I'll have to do a highlight of the season. Our summer was filled with fun times, great friends and family ~ a recipe for the best summer ever! :)

We spent a fabulous day at the Americas Cup Series. It was a gorgeous day. The weather was absolutely perfect! There was a light breeze, it was sunny and low humidity. It was so nice to have a laid back day with Kevin.

*I learned the hard way of the importance of good {as in not the cute and fun ones} sunglasses after spending the entire day in hazy sun reflecting off the water. I burned my retinas and am still paying for this many weeks later!*

We celebrated holidays and many special times. 

My sweet son surprised me with a package of Lilly goodies.  It was filled with all the important essentials for days at the beach! Yup, I raised him right :)

I'm going to miss dinners on the patio with fresh farmer's market goodies. Not to mention my favorite summer sipper ~ ruby red grapefruit margaritas. 



We were so fortunate to spend lots of time with good friends {welcome baby Graham} attended local events, and got away for a great vacation compliments of my husband planning.



Best of all, was the time I spent with my family! I love them tons. If only they didn't live so far away.  Nicholas wasn't exactly "feeling" like photos after his day of golfing {and they say girls are the emotional ones ~ Ha!}


The weather hasn't made too big of a shift towards fall yet so I'm trying to hold on to the warm sunshine filled days and ignore the reports that we are in for a cold snowy winter. 

Yes, denial is my best friend! :)

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Prepping for Irene ...

Last night we went out to our favorite little spot on the water. The boat yard next door was hopping! In prepping for the storm the marinas around here have been pulling boats from their slips. The highways have been filled the past couple of days with trailers bringing boats of all sizes and varieties to safer grounds.

*I took these photos with my point and shoot so they aren't the greatest.



It's somewhat hard to see, but the lift {the Dodson Boat Yard} was hard at work the entire time we were there.


On a *normal* summer evening this marina is packed with boats. Often there are parties peppered along the pier on the boats. It has such a fun and festive feel. Not last night, it had almost an eerie and lonely feel.

These boats have been *parked* in the parking lot as space and time is very limited.

A maze of boats.

When we arrived you couldn't even see the front of the restaurant through all the boats. Talk about using every available space!

{I took this when we were leaving so it was dark}

While I was running errands yesterday I watched several of the submarines head out for safety. They are much safer underwater than rocking against a pier.

I've had contact with my son this morning. All is well for now in his area of NC. Thanks Corey for the update last night. I really appreciate it!

We are clearing off our patio this morning and securing a few other odds and ends as we await the storms arrival.

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Summer has flown by ...

 I can't believe that summer is coming to end in a few short days.

School starts next week. They have delayed our start due to the hurricane that will soon be arriving.

I feel like I've been going non stop for weeks but have little to show for it when I look back on the days. Do you ever feel like this?

Many fun days have been spent at the beach club. It's always a great day when you're with friends, sunshine and a good book! I'm going to miss the sand between my toes.



A good friend and I treated ourselves to a relaxing day at the Ocean House in Watch Hill. After a day of pampering and lunching I was ready for a nap on the beach ;)




Our summer routine always includes Farmer's markets. There is just something about filling my basket with fresh goodies, and preparing them for my family. It just makes my heart happy!



Despite a nasty storm that was brewing, we enjoyed a great concert at Jonathan Edwards Winery with our very good friends. Ben Taylor {James Taylor and Carly Simon's son} and guest, Arnold McCuller, filled the vineyard with their amazing voices! As an added bonus, the concert also benefited Chikumbuso. I have one of their amazing bags that I use to tote my beach items.

I made my yummy roasted antipasto platter ~ filled with fresh veggies, cheeses, tapenade, and freshly baked bread. So good! We have several courses of great food and wine as the night wore on. Extra time was spent on the treadmill the very next morning.




I've been working on a few dresses. No, there will not be a design collection with my name on it anytime soon, but I do have a few cute dresses to wear around my home {with the shades drawn} :) My "skills" in the sewing department are limited! Ha.



Lastly, but most importantly, we celebrated a special anniversary last week. Kevin and I don't normally exchange gifts but rather go out to a nice meal together. However, since this was a milestone, we bent the rules. He *really* surprised me with a ring for my right hand. I wasn't expecting him to put such thought into that little box. I guess he does listen when I ramble on and on and on endlessly ~ on a regular basis :)

Today I am spending the day worrying about my son. He is in North Carolina attending school{as many of you know.} This mama wants to go down there, scoop him up, and keep him safe and sound until the storm is over. Nicholas has assured me numerous times that he has a plan and will be just fine. Probably, but once a mama ~ always a mama! We too are expecting Irenes powerful arrival. The stores have been packed! Many are out of generators, flashlights and bottled water.  I planned ahead so we are all set ~ good thing we visited wine country earlier this summer! ;)

To all of my friends on the East coast, you're in my thoughts and I'm praying for your safety!

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It's  amazing what a little time of away from the daily drudge can do for your disposition.

I'm refreshed and renewed

 Ready for a new project

A few last licks of summer fun

Clam bakes with friends

Beach club gatherings

and

Getting back into the summer swing here on the east coast.

In celebration of the heat wave {we returned just in time!} I'll be taking it slow and easy this afternoon.

 A day by the water with sun, sand, and a few good friends is just what is required for such a celebration .

Keep cool

and

Take it easy!

I have a few fun photos of our trip to share with you but they will have to wait just a few more days.

It's too sunny and bright to stay indoors!

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To market, to market

 To buy ....



lots of fresh goodies!



It's becoming a tradition that is looked forward to each summer.



Getting up early and meeting with friends.



Selecting top choices for meals to come ~ tried out beets for the very first time.



Crops so beautiful bountiful.



Displays that are truly forms of art.



Filling my basket {thank you French Basketeer} to the tippy top!



After such a laborious  morning, we plopped down on the beautiful lawn and enjoyed the freshest "bestest" lunch they had to offer.

With a glass of wine, of course!


One day we hope to take part in Dinners at the Farm.

Can't think of a better way to spend a lazy summer morning.

We just need more days in the summer for all the activities and social engagements this season offers! :)

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Kick off to Summer

Today was my first full day dedicated to summer. I had a houseful of women for dinner last night {post later} so I'm counting today as my first day.

 I slept in until 6:30 {that is late for me on a weekday} and enjoyed a slower paced morning around the house. It's amazing what you can get accomplished when you don't have to shower, apply make up, pack lunches, iron, dress for work and rush off to the classroom. 

I had an appointment at 9am for a manicure and pedicure. This time I had an OPI Axxium Gel mani. This process is suppose to last a minimum of 14 days. Since I'm getting ready to go on vacation, I thought I'd give it a try. I usually don't travel with painted nails due to the up keep and I don't want to be bothered when I'm not home.

My color of choice was Pink Flamingo. A perfect color to celebrate summer. The photo looks darker than in person. There was an additional cost of $10. for the gels but if it last twice as long, it's worth it in my book.

When I was ready to leave, my nails were completely dry. I didn't have to worry about smudging them when I got my keys or wallet out of my purse. Nor did I have any marks in the polish when I tried to *carefully* buckle my seat belt ~ these are always hazards  for me.

* The Gel manicure is a process of curing the "gel" polish between coats with a UV light. Due to the nature of this, the polish lasts longer without chipping or wearing. I USE my hands {yes, I know that sounds odd} and I'm not gentle when doing so. When I heard about this, I was intrigued and decided to give it a whirl. As I shared, this mani was only 10 dollars more than the traditional and required little additional time to apply. There seems to be a nice selection of color choices. The salon I frequent is slowly adding to their supply as the desire increases.

Afterwards, I met up with a few friends at the beach. The picture above is after spending time in the ocean and sand. Yes, I had my hands in both. I was told not to worry even though it was a humid day.

I'm off to shower, do a few things here at home and then I'm heading to the club to meet friends for cocktails.

So far, summer is off to a great start!

*On a side note, it's rather difficult to photograph your own hand and not have it look  like a disfigured object.

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Summer's bounty

One of my favorite treats during the summer months is going to the local farmer's markets in our area. We are fortunate enough to have several near by.

I love the beautiful colors of the garden goodies. There is just something so relaxing and enjoyable about meandering through the booths and picking out what your family enjoys. If I'm lucky enough to be accompanied by my husband, we often stop for coffee or breakfast along the way. It's so much nicer than running through the local market or commissary. The fresh flowers are amazing as well. I love to buy several bunches and place them throughout our home.

Our weekly menu is centered around the fresh veggies and fruits that are available in abundance during this season. Not only do they taste delicious, they are healthy {always a plus when you have children} and low in calories!Tonight we are having the ever famous tomato, basil and mozzarella {caprese} salad, summer squash, zucchini, and fingerling potato gratin, and grilled salmon.

If I'm really good today, I may even treat myself to some fresh fruit over frozen yogurt this evening!
* My tassel giveaway ends tonight, you don't want to miss out!*

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I have been trying to find a *summer suit* for the past few months {yes, I said months}. I have ordered from catalogs, I have driven many, many miles to the nearest "real" mall, and I've forced my children to painstakingly watch the new suit fashion show each and every time a new batch enters our home. They are seeking damages for such torture!

Recently I went to Providence Place. Upon entering the first store, I felt the onset of nausea, chills and cold sweats! Seriously, you either have to be a size 0 with big boobs or settle for something the Amish are modeling this season {no offense to the Amish, they are lovely. Many families rented cottages down the beach from my grandparents and we looked forward to seeing them every summer}. It really doesn't help that my post baby body not only requires two different sizes, but two different styles as well! I've looked into vising my hips but apparently, this isn't a service plastic surgeons are offering.

The current victim {pictured above} is scheduled to arrive any minute. It's a JCrew suit that I ordered in black. If this doesn't fit, I'm moving to Alaska ~ no bathing suits required!

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I just can't take it anymore ~ I've had enough!

It has been raining for days which has turned into weeks and I'm beginning to think it's never, ever going to stop.

The picture above is of me {in cartoon like characteristics} This is what I look like today on June 23rd. Yes, I checked the calendar and it is in fact June. This month also happens to fall into the season of summer {I had to check that too!}

What?

You're confused as to why I have on a jacket and scarf, with long pants and boots while holding an umbrella?

The answer is simple ~

Mother Nature here in Connecticut hasn't gotten the memo ...

it's summer!

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School is officially out for the summer!

I'm ready for the beach ~ now if I could just get the rain to stop and the sun to shine.

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It's almost here ...

Summer vacation that is!

I'm counting down the last 17 days of our school year.

I am looking forward to quiet mornings {I have teens who like to sleep past 7am} to myself. I love my time first thing in the morning. It's my time to regroup, plan my day ahead, make my lists and just think without interruptions.

I'm ready for lazy days spent at the beach ~ to time schedule and no rushing around.

My gardens are planted and ready for some steady sunshine {it's been a tad chilly here this spring} so they can stretch out their little leaves and grow!

We had a little taste of summer this past weekend. My children and I went to a local seasonal restaurant. The outdoor kind that serves fresh fish and chips, lobster, clams, and steamers ~ oh so yummy and looking out at the water only adds to the delight. It was a great evening of catching up with them and enjoying what's about to come!

Well, I'm off to check off #17 from my calendar.

Have a great day~

Jo

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