Take a break~

~A cappuccino with a gingersnap~

It's was one of those busy days. That always happens when you take a few days off for yourself.

Errands to run, visiting a new gym, painting, and laundry... endless!

What I really want it this gorgeous cappuccino and a couple of these gingersnaps.

What's your treat of choice on a busy day?

~*~

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

An accident and a discovery~

~Waterford~ Lismore~

It all started when I accidentally broke one of these...

I was away at the summer-house with friends, when I slipped and broke one of these...

It just happens to be my late Mother's pattern too. However I was a few hundred miles from that stash, so I was off to Macy's.

~*~

Hmmm... what's this? Eyebrow threading! I had just read an article about eyebrow threading and thought it sounded great. I knew it wouldn't be something I'd find in my neck-of-the-woods so I tucked that little Lismore wine glass into my bag...{very safely}, and was off to ask questions. For instance~ does it hurt? What is the hygiene procedure, how long does it take and how much does this cost?

The young woman was incredibly nice, well versed- and she spent more time telling me about the excellent measures she took to insure impeccable cleanliness-than the procedure took.

~Eyebrow threading~

I went for it and after that first "ouchie", I was fine and 5 minutes later had fabulously well-groomed eyebrows. I'm hooked! I have no idea how long this will last-but I love my new brows. Oh~ and the cost... $10.00! I was shocked- so much joy for so little money!
The wine glass made it safely back to the summer-house- and I discovered threading.


~Perfectly shaped eyebrows~

Have you tried threading?

The rest of my Autumn repose weekend was decadent! Lots of reading, resting, and some delicious meals.

~*~

Autumn Repose~

~Walks along the deserted beach~

~Rest and Relaxation~

Autumn is a time to reflect on the past months and make plans for the upcoming seasons.

This time of year I like to think about my goals for the slow-down of winter in Maine.

~*~

Friday morning I leave for a few days at the cape. I am fortunate enough to share a lovely home on the water with three other women. We all go our separate ways during the day and get together at meal time.

This autumn trip has always been my favorite. There is something about spending time at the ocean when the leaves are changing and a nip in the air.
It's time well spent alone to ponder ones goals and to collect inspiration from the magical surroundings.

~*~

Do you have a special place where you can escape for a few hours or a few days.

I'd love to hear where you go for a little autumn repose.

J' adore les chapeau

~On my wish list~

Do you love hats? I think women either love hats or really dislike them.

Which are you? And if you love hats...do you wear them? I ask because I have a good friend that loves hats. However, she doesn't think that they are becoming on her- so she just collects gorgeous hats and hangs them on a wall. Here is part of my collection... and I do wear them.

~My everyday Bucket~

~ A favorite Bowler~

I'm a gal that wears many hats... quite literally, I love hats. I have a vast collection and we are quickly approaching the season in which I get to wear my hats!

~*~

This traditional Bowler is a favorite. It's a little more formal than some of my hats and adds a bit of a masculine touch to any outfit.

~Fedora~

Or at least that's what I call this one. It had a sort of western vibe to it and looks great with 'cow-girl' boots.

~Everyday Bucket~

This is the hat that gets the most year-round use. Not very glamorous, but very functional. Perfect for a quick run to the market when having a bad hair day, or when there is a sudden down-pour.


~The Barbour~

This one is perfect for rain, sleet, snow~ but not so much for cold, cold weather.

~ Helen Kaminsky~

Black Felt

This one is a great everyday winter hat. My sister brought it back from Australia for me. It's warm, stylish, and is always appropriate.
~*~

Now tell me, do you love a beautiful chapeau?

Do you collect and wear them?

What's your favorite?

An Apple a Day~

~Cortland~

I think Maine orchards produce the best apples. This is the time of year that I like to start eating an apple a day. We happen to live in orchard country, which means fresh apples are available for several months. I love baking with apples. Apple crisp, apple pies, a family favorite~Jewish Apple Cake, apple sauce. For cooking, baking and eating I adore Cortlands.

~Granny Smith~

Granny Smith is also great for baking and eating. And who can resist that glorious color?

~Jonathan~

But this one may be my favorite, if only for the namesake of a very special man in my life.
~*~
What's your apple of choice?

Busy~Busy~Busy...

~Busy~Busy~Busy~
Courtesy of google search

It's one of those days... lots of work to finish up, errands to do, meals to plan, dogs to walk, laundry to fold...
You know what it's like...don't you?
Although I do love Mondays~ this one is going to go quickly.
~*~
Fast forward to Tuesday...please!
I'm anticipating a much more laid-back day spent where I love to be.
Back to the drawing board.

Weekend Review~

~Brushes~

This was a full weekend- lots of things to get done with autumn upon us.

I sketched and painted Saturday and Sunday.

~Sockeye salmon~


On Saturday night we had dinner with good friends at their lakeside cottage.



~Scooter Ride~

On Sunday Morning I did more painting and then it was too nice to be inside, so I took off on a long scooter ride. It was cool riding, I needed to wear gloves- but as cooler weather approaches~ my riding days are numbered.

~Freshly mowed grass~

While I was out on my ride... this chore was completed...

~Repotting Plants~

We found a great home for a huge Bird-of-Paradise plant we'd had for 20 years! {Not this plant above}

~*~

Autumn means repotting and bringing plants inside before that first frost.
It was a beautiful weekend~ the sun was out both days. We got lots of work done inside and out and there was a little fun mixed in.
I hope that your weekend was filled with projects for a new season and a little fun on the side.

Sunday Flowers~

~ A little Autumn Bouquet For You~

~*~

A little autumn bouquet just for you on the beautiful Sunday morning.

Chicken Soup for the Soul~

~Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup~

Soul food. Chicken soup is such a comfort food for me. These cooler temperatures mean time to make soup. Usually done on the weekends, I had to get a head start and make it this morning. Tonight's dinner will be this soup and some warm cornbread.

~*~
I hope that your weekend has a bowl of warm, comforting soup, a fire and your loved ones all around you.

My "Ready-To-Wear"~

~ Basic Black Pencil Skirt~

Please join me in wishing this very special and lovely lady a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

If you happen to be one of the few that hasn't had the pleasure of knowing this gorgeous lady and her blog- run don't walk.

Anne has a way of introducing us to the most fabulous people. And her art- well, stop over and see for yourself!

Happy Birthday darlin'.

~*~

I am "Ready-To Wear" fall clothes. Soft cashmere sweaters, tights, crisp white shirts and ballet flats.

It seems that right after Labor Day- I want to ditch the linen, light cottons, Capri's and sandals.

I want to cozy up to a soft, rugged sweater and find a new pair of jeans.

~Tights for cooler days~



~This sweater with that fabulous shirt~




~Ballet Flats in buffalo plaid~

Are you ready to pack away all of those tired summer things in exchange for heavier, warmer togs for these cooler days?

~*~

I like to take out all of my winter clothes, try them on {maybe too much lobster and fresh-buttered corn this past month...} See what fits well and what needs to be replaced.

~*~

I like my wardrobe simple and basic. I wear a lot of black and gray and try to choose things that go together well. I have been wearing this skirt {above} for several years. It's become a good friend and my go-to piece for so many events.

I awoke to cool temperatures this morning...actually cold temperatures!

I've had a sweater on all day. Time to bring our the woolens.

Are you ready-to-wear warm, cozy, fall clothes?

{For my dear friends in warmer climates~ I can come for a visit just about any time.}

Sweet Roasted Tomatoes~

~Sweet Grape Tomatoes~

Before that first frost, folks around here are picking and giving away their abundance of sweet, grape tomatoes. I love them! I love them in salads and roasted.

I simply rinse and dry them- scatter them on a cookie sheet and drizzle on some Rosemary infused olive oil, add a little sea salt and ground pepper.

I set the oven at 425 degrees and forget about them for about an hour.

~Smoke Detector~

Of course the last time I did this I set off this thing. Which sends my little Pickle-Pup into a frenzy!

I got wise and removed the smoke detector and set it in another room.

So, if your neighbors have an over abundance of these beauties, or you have them in your own garden-try this if you haven't already. I eat most of them right out of the oven.

If you have some left they are great on salads, in quiche and in soups.

I'm off to roast two cookies sheets full.

I do love the fall harvest.

The Gift of Good Reading~

~Wish I May, Wish I Might~

Fantastic Thoughts for a Starry Night

~*~

by Florian and Gabriele Langenscheidt

An amazing little book for all of us!

~Rosebud & Red Flannel~

~*~

by Maine author Ethel Pochocki

I have started collecting some of my favorite books for my two darling Grandchildren. My list grows steadily, but for now am concentrating on books appropriate for young children.

~The Secret Garden~
~*~
by Frances Hodgson Burnett

~A Christmas Carol~

~*~

by Charles Dickens

~The Gift of the Magi~

~*~

by O. Henry

The illustrations done by Lizbeth Zwerger are exquisite.

~The Diary of a Young Girl~

~*~

by Anne Frank

A gift from my Mother when I was in the sixth grade. I know I have read it at least a dozen times.

~The Snow Goose~

~*~

by Paul Gallico

A favorite of mine and one I look forward to reading with my Grandchildren when the are much older.
~*~
I love reading with my Granddaughter. At the present time she is having me read the same books over and over. I don't mind, I know there will be plenty of time for me to introduce both she and her brother to these favorites. My little Grandson is only one and he seems to love books- picture books and is a bit too wiggly right now for a nice long story- soon though.

~*~

There are so many great children's books out there. Would you share some of your favorites so I might add to my special little library?

The Sign of the Cross~

~Classic Lifeguard sweatshirt~

~The sign of the Lifeguard~

When I was in high school, I applied for the position of lifeguard at our local country club. I had taken all of the proper classes and was ever so hopeful that the summer job would be mine.

I was called in for an interview and said all of the right things, answered all of the questions correctly, and yes~ I had my own transportation so that wouldn't ever be an issue.

Everything was going along swimmingly. Until... the country club manager asked me to remove my shirt... ahem... "EXCUSE ME"! Apparently he felt responsible for being sure that the person guarding the lives of the club's young members was fully equipped.

I stormed out of there and never looked back! When my Dad, who was a member found out about this incident...well, let's just say this guys days were numbered.

~Like this Swiss Watch~
Victornox

Actually, if truth be told~ I think I was more interested in wearing the lifeguard sweatshirt-with it's big red cross.


~A bit of sweet Swiss chocolate~

Many years later my sister and I visited Switzerland. It was around this time of year. The leaves were changing and the air was crisp and clean. Everything about that country was clean. I fell for that Swiss flag with it's big, bold red cross.

That cross became a symbol of a country I had enjoyed seeing with my sister. I love the color and that it was also an important symbol of giving and kindness world over.

~The classic Swiss Army knife~

I carry this small Swiss army knife in my purse. It's a handy little instrument. I think all women should have one.

~ The Red Cross Field Kit~

Wouldn't this make a cute make-up bag? Or maybe a 'grab-for' purse.
~*~
The red cross appears here and there. On flags, watches, knives, woolen blankets.
I love the look of it. I love that it stands for a country that holds happy memories of special times.
I love that it is a symbol of an organization that is there to provide hope, love, food, shelter and a warm blanket.



~The Red Cross- doing what it does best~


~The flag of Switzerland~

Images: Thanks to Victornox, The Lifeguard Store, Swiss Army Knives, The Red Cross

An affair of few photos~

~Greatest Family Friend Mel and Erin~dancing~

~Erin~

The sun wasn't out for long, but it did make occasional appearances. Dad videoed the whole wonderful event, but alas... my pictures were few and not of good quality as you can tell from the two above. Convincing me for sure that I really need to invest in a much better camera...hear that Santa. And an early Christmas gift would do nicely!

The couple was totally surprised when A's Dad strolled in from Santa Monica as a surprise. Other family and friends arrived from near and far and I have to think that a good time was had by all. Now, if some generous family member... wants to email me some great photos I will share them here.

For now, I have to take a deep breath, put my feet up and think back to this happy event for a very special couple.

Let the sun Gods smile down~

~Sunny Sky~

Please Mr. Sunshine show us your ever-so-sweet smiling face this afternoon-let's say around 3:00. That would work perfectly for what we have planned. We would be forever grateful and promise to be good for the whole rest of the year... Pretty, pretty sunny sky please!

Image compliments of Flickr~ Thank you so much!

Last minute details~

~Making my list and checking it twice~

Thank you for your sweet wishes for my son and daughter-in-law's special day on Saturday.

~*~

The plans are all squared away and there are just a few minor details to check on. I will be taking just a bit of a blogging break while my family is here. But then... you never know! So, stop back soon.

I hope you all have a glorious weekend ahead!

~Remembering September 11, 2001~

Belated {very} Wedding Celebration~

~Celebration~

My son and his wonderful fiancee were married very quietly, very privately and very long time ago~ did I mention the wedding took place a long time ago?

~*~

This weekend we will finally have a family and friends gathering to honor them.

I won't share many details in the event one of the guests~of~honor takes a peek here.

{Yes~ that means you A.}

The guest list is complete and undated. The caterer and I have met and gone over the details too many times to count. The wine and other beverages have been chosen and purchased. The cake has been ordered.

All we have to do now is hope and pray for a nice, sunny day on Saturday......

~Don't you love planning a special party?~