Thursday, July 28, 2016

Summer Snippets



Summer is just zooming past.  I can't believe it's almost August and my son will be starting high school.


Where did the years go?  We had orientation in June.  As I sat quietly listening to the school administrators speak, I couldn't help but reminisce about his toddler and preschool years.  Those feelings are normal, I guess.  I'm not ready to let go.  


My daughter is doing well in college.  She's always been self motivated.  She works hard to exceed in her classes.  She made dean's list in the spring and her summer classes are wrapping up.

Next month my husband and I will celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.


That makes me feel so old!!  We've grown so much over the years.  This marriage thing isn't always easy, but he's my partner; always encouraging and supportive.  I love my husband so much!
  
Nice sunny days make me want to get outside and do yard work.

I don't mind getting my hands dirty.

I love being able to look out my window and see so many flowers grow.

I brake for plants!  Whenever I see something I like, I must stop and check it out.

My idea of fun is visiting different garden centers, walking around looking for inspiration.

I found these beautiful lavender pots at Trader Joe's.

I found this really cute wooden planter box at IKEA.  I filled it up with some shade-loving begonias.

We replaced our outdoor light fixtures.

The old back light had a wiring issue.  The new lights were cheap, but add such a fresh look to our home.

I painted my deck.  It was beginning to look bad.  The new color looks much lighter, but it's harder to maintain.  To keep it looking clean and nice, I hose it off or use the leaf blower daily.

I love the makeover.  I can't wait to share it with you very soon!

I love cooking with fresh herbs, so I decided to grow my own.

There's something really satisfying about clipping herbs from your garden, then cooking with them in your kitchen or garnishing a mixed drink!
  
I choose sage, basil, thyme, rosemary and lavender because they smell so good.


I love the smell of a natural simmering pot.  A medley of herbs from my garden, lemon, dried lavender and spent flower blooms make my house smell so good.


There's nothing like an ice cold drink on a hot summer day.  I love making sweet tea and lemonade to sip on.  But have you ever tried juicing pears and apples?  I like to enjoy a big glass on the porch.  It's the perfect way to end the day.


My brother came to visit us last week.  He went back home yesterday.  It was such a great visit.  Living far away from family is hard.  I don't get to see them often.  It makes me realize how much I'm missing.  But after a week of cooking and cleaning I'm ready for a long nap.  

That's it for now!  So nice to be able to catch up with you!  I hope you're having a fabulous summer and making memories with your family and friends.

9 comments:

  1. Yay for summer my kids go back tomorrow to school and they are growing up last year for my son in elementary and I am going to baby him for one more year and then let him go *cries*

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Brandi! Golly I haven't visited you in forever, I am so sorry! You are blogging on a different way now and I hadn't been getting your blog rolls - and just thought perhaps you were MIA - so I checked and just LOOK at these awesome photos! WOW!

    Everything is beautiful - and yes, the years go by so fast.

    This is what I am all about now - check this post out:
    http://www.finchrest.com/2016/07/welcome-to-world-baby-bug.html

    So nice to know you and your family are doing so well.

    I hope to post pretty things soon. I miss it.

    Hugs! ♥

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very beautiful pictures; congratulations on your upcoming anniversary and your beautiful kids. Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful photos and lovely summer reminisces. Where does time go? I remember when it did not just zoom by me.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Time does go by so fast. Hubby and I was just talking about our grandkids. They are 16 an 18, where did the time go. Congrats on your upcoming anniversary. We will be married 40 years in October. It does take alot of work to make a marriage work, but it is worth it.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Your pictures are so beautiful Brandi! I'm telling you you need to be a professional stylist. Congratulations to your daughter, college is not easy. Congrats to you and your hubby on twenty precious years of marriage. Wishing your son much success in high school.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So nice to catch up with you, Brandi. Your photos are so lovely - looks like you are making the most of summer! Oh, it is so hard to see the time go by, isn't it? Already in high school and your daughter in college! Congratulations to her for making the dean's list! And congratulations on 20 years together! The best is yet to come.....xo Karen

    ReplyDelete
  8. High school...how does that happen, one more year for my oldest, we need to stop time. Loved catching up and looking at all your gorgeous pictures! Happy Summer Friend. XO

    ReplyDelete
  9. So many pretty things - and your photography is beautiful! Glad you had a nice visit with your brother. Time goes too fast, doesn't it? Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
    Shelley

    ReplyDelete

Thank-you kindly for taking the time to leave me a comment. I respond to all questions through email.

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.