Brimfield

I'm trying to play catch up this weekend in all areas of my life ~ I think I'm going to need more than just a three day weekend!

Last Saturday my husband I headed for the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts. It's a about an hour and a half from our home. The drive was relaxing since we were going through the country side and everything is turning green and beginning to bloom. Not to mention the fact that I had some one on one time with my husband.

I look forward to visiting this booth each time I go. It is filled to the brim with lovely vintage and reproduction ribbons, buttons and other wonderful finds ~ I could spend hours perusing all the various colors, textures and patterns. My husband was sweet enough to meander around the field and let me take my time. I departed with an overflowing bag and a huge smile on my face!

Not only were the wares fabulous in this booth but, the way she displayed her items was equally wonderful.

I have been eyeing wrought iron arbors for our back yard. I want to plant some type of flowering vine to grow on it. I have the perfect place for it ~ where the yard transitions into the wooded area of our property.

I finally convinced my husband of my landscape idea and we come home with one of these guys! He was nice enough to put if up for me when we returned home late that evening.

The only thing I didn't find that I was looking for was a tall boy for our master. I know exactly what I want ~ now I just need to find it!

The weather was perfect ~ not too hot, a gentle breeze and the sun peeked out every now and then. I had just made the above comment to my husband when all of a sudden the sky opened up and it down poured! We quickly ducked into a booth and waited it out. The sun popped back out and we enjoyed the rest of the day.

Leave A Comment

It's me ... remember me?

It's so nice to see you again!

How is it that one day turns into a week and before you know it, two weeks have passed and you have barely noticed because you're running around like a crazy women?

The month of May has always been an insanely busy month for my household. There are always endless school projects, performances, and end of the year celebration. I just double that since I'm a teacher.

I feel like I've been MIA for my family and personal interests. When I spoke with my son this evening he mentioned that I didn't seem like "I was really there" the past couple of times I've spoken with him on the phone. Note to self ~ remember who and what is time worthy and important in your life.

I do have some exciting news to share. I've begun a new adventure in my life and I'm off to a running a start! I'll share more with you later in the week and it includes a *giveaway* ~ I thought that might get your attention! :)

Until then, I'm off to catch up with all of you ~ I'm sure I've missed some exciting news, new projects, great crafts, heartfelt moments and, beautiful photographs!

I've really missed "checking in" the past few {too many} days!

Jo

Leave A Comment

April showers ...

...bring May flowers!

Don't these just scream spring?!

Even on a rainy day these cuties will bring a smile to your face. I wore one on my jacket and got so many compliments. Being the nice person I am ;), I sent one to my sister in law and I'm going to surprise a friend of mine with one this week.

They are so darn cute that I had to have more, more, more. Poor Rachel had to scramble to come up with fall colors ~ I'm thinking ahead!

We quickly realized that we *needed* to talk in person. I'm telling you she is fabulous! This wonder woman can carry on a business call (that quickly turned into girl friends chatting) and still focus on her children and their busy schedules (there is a time difference between our home states) without missing a beat. Oh how I wish she lived closer. By the end of our conversation one would have thought we were childhood friends just catching up!

Okay ~ if (and I truly suggest) you feel like you need a little pep in your spring wardrobe, head over to Rachel's. I promise you'll be delighted.

Enjoy!

Leave A Comment

Fieldtrip Fun!

On Thursday I took my students to Project Oceanology. We have been working with them all year. In our classroom, in their labs and on their classroom boats. The children love it! We work with another classroom from a school in a neighboring district.
This is an amazing opportunity for the children (and adults). My own (biological) children have experienced this trip as well and thoroughly enjoyed it at a high school level.

We couldn't have asked for a better day {albeit a little chilly}. The sun was out, and the waters were calm. When we pulled our nets in they were full of fabulous ocean "loot" ~ as you can see. I so wish I could show you my really good shots of our day on the high seas {ok, not really} but, due to the fact that my student's cute faces are in the pose, I must leave them out. I wouldn't feel comfortable exposing them when I don't have permission from their parents.

One fun find was our little jelly ~ found on the blue glove. A little interesting fact was that fluke is really a summer flounder. If you visit the shoreline this summer and go for the infamous fish and chips you'll be sampling our catch of the day! The spider crabs are always a hit. I was rather excited when we pulled up the lobster. Unfortunately, he wasn't dinner size :)
We were able to take a few (small) finds back to our classroom tank ~ Project O has come in and set them up for us as part of the year long project.

We were also treated to the passing of a submarine. Surprisingly, many of the children on the boat had never seen one in the water!

Leave A Comment

Weekend Review

This is the finished product of our weekend. The mulch is down, new areas of the yard are in the process of being developed, and I even found time for a quick trip to the gardening center to pick up a few of my favorite herbs.
I added a fresh coat of black paint to my "find" (thought of you Lisa while I was spraying away) and they are ready for their new home in my herb garden. While roaming our front beds, I found this nest. Over spring break I saw a very busy bird working hard to build a home for her babies. She flew back and forth with goodies she found and created this ~ I'm amazed at the details and workmanship of this nest. I guess I never put much thought into the construction of a nest. How do they know to create a rounded opening that gradually gets smaller towards the bottom with sides that fit so well between branches with a support system? I must admit that I was very impressed as I took in all the details of this little home ~ perhaps the heat from our 86 degree day is getting to me and I'm slightly dehydrated or even delirious! :)

Leave A Comment

Wonderful Weekend

It has been a gorgeous weekend here in Connecticut! The sun is out and the weather is wonderful ~ 77 yesterday and the same is in store for today only better.

My husband and I spent the entire day outdoors working in the yard. While it's too early to plant, I did clean out my herb garden, planted a few flats of veggies, gourdes and additional herbs. I put up the peonie supports, rounded up my trellises, and put down fresh compost from our own composter. I let my husband have all the real fun ~ spreading the mountain of mulch that was delivered on Thursday. : )

I'm so ready to see everything in bloom. My favorite flowers are peonies. Last year for Mother's Day I was given a white plant. I can't wait to see its fluffy head blooms this summer. I'm trying to figure out how to make a hedge along the side of our yard in all peony bushes. Unfortunately, this area doesn't get much sun.

After a long day of working in the yard, we met two other couples (good friends) at Sol Toro Grill for a delicious mexican dinner. It was great to catch up with them and enjoy an evening out.

Today I'm back outside for a short time and then hitting the market to pick up a few things for my weekly dinner menu. I see a lot of grilling going on in this household for the up coming week!

Enjoy your day!

Jo

Leave A Comment

Spring Break ...

Has sadly come to an end.

It was a great week off {with the exception of the computer issues we've had} and I could really use just one more week; please?

It's amazing how much you can accomplish when you don't have to the leave the house from 8~5 each day. I must admit I also enjoyed lounging in my pj's and enjoying an extra cup of coffee each morning.

We were lucky enough to have sunshine and warm temperatures. There were even a few days in the high 70's ~ yeah!

How many more days until summer vacation?

I think I may need to start a count down calendar ~ something like a Christmas advent calendar with the chocolates in each window : )

We celebrated spring with our first visit of the season to Eliza B . There were so many wonderful choice that it was really hard to pick just a couple.

I added to my pink collection and also added a few "fun" items as well ~ can't wait to wear them.

However, that day must be postponed. It is 50 today with heavy showers in the forecast. Oh yes, reality has returned with the reminder that we live in the northeast and it's just not ready to commit to 70 degrees just yet.

Hope you have a great day!

Jo

Leave A Comment