Yes, it's the little moments in life that we must pay attention to. For me, these days are filled with last weeks of school activities - frantic marking and exam prep, and there's not much time. But picking raspberries and blueberries is a calming activity and they are flourishing in our garden just now. Yes, the events in Orlando are tragic. I can't imagine the sorrow of the families of the victims. Your little moments are delightful. Thank you for sharing them.
Life's little pleasures are the greatest treasures:) Love my flowers too and I have so much that needs to be done outside! Cute little one visiting with you guys, she is a little doll! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!
June 15, 2016 at 7:57 AM
Anonymous said...
I agree Jane, life's little pleasures are the best. My bog and cat do the same as yours. It's hilarious when my dog digs and then rolls around on his back. I always think it's because he wants to get his scent on things or areas that aren't his. My cat does the same surprisingly...but it's probably because she lives with a dog...so I too have two crazy mutts lol. Best wishes to you my friend.
Oh it sounds like a great summer so far, and that precious little one intrigued by jello, what precious moments are those. As for me, I am in the middle of having hardwoods installs in the house and a kitchen makeover so everything is totally a mess.
Milo is a hoot! So funny trying to get to the toys! I love the idea of painting the tool handles a bright color. Good tip! I bet you look forward to those nights with Elsie every week. Babies have a way of making us slow down and enjoy the little things. :)
Summer is just starting here. The weather has been kind of dreary and the kids were still in school. In the last week the sun has shown up and kids are free!! Summer is here and I am embracing it and trying to make the most of every sunny day!! Milo is hysterical. Great pup!!
We've had temps in the upper 90's for about 3 weeks. The AC is working so hard. We spent a couple weeks in South GA, and oh Lord, was it hot!! We were shopping in Alabama, and you could actually smell the asphalt the heat was so bad.
I always enjoy your posts, and getting to catch up with you. Elsie is getting to be a big girl now, and is just a doll! Enjoy every day with her.
I'm helping out with Rheagan this week. Pam has meetings for 3 days about 50 miles away, across a mountain, and has to stay, so I'm going up to spend nights with her. Last night I may have slept a total of 2 hours. She wasn't resting, so neither did I.
It's the little moments that add up to a lot of happiness. Glad you are enjoying the summer. Texas has had a lot of rain. It was so nice to have the cooler temps and the sound of rain. We didn't have any of the flooding that east of us had. Sad for all who lost so much. Lakes here are full to capacity so flood gates have been open for weeks. Most lakes are off limits to motor craft or at least they were last week. Our walking trails around Lady Bird Lake were also closed. It's difficult to realize that July 4th is just a little over two weeks away. Summer is speeding by. I know you will enjoy your mountain retreat. I plan to head to Cape Cod later in July to see a friend. Long overdue trip! Enjoy the lake visit.
Great post - you always sound so busy with your Doctor visits. Your granddaughter is so beautiful and I know she brings so much happiness to you and Husband.
Sounds like you have a busy summer coming up. I know you will enjoy Ashville, it's such a great place.
I haven't been up to much - I did something to my shoulder and down my right arm. plus I have shingles, not a bad case, as I had the shot. You can get it after the shot, but it won't be as bad a full case of them. Not very pleasant. So, on top of that I am trying to come down with bronchitis. Hopefully I will be better soon.
I hope to go to VA sometime this summer and visit my family, as we are all getting up there in age.
Blondie, The dogs are so funny...he wants that ball. I love seeing your yard with the flowers in bloom. It must be so nice to have your sweet grandbaby with you. You are right it is the little things that really matter. Have fun on your trips and enjoy those wonderful times with your man and friends. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
When my busy daughter calls, she'll ask what we are up to and the answer is usually, "nothing much". But, the "nothing much" days are my favorites - playing with the dog, puttering in the garden, walking on the beach. I'm content at this time in my life with the little things.
But, I sure wish one of our kids would bring some grandchildren into our lives!
Hi Jane, What a fun post sharing in the little things. All your pics tell the story of day to day living and I enjoy that so much. Your flowers are so pretty and I love the little corner bench. Glad your PT is going great. It's real hot here this week too. Summer has arrived a week early. Enjoy your time with friends on your getaway. Hugs
Hi Jane, Such a big post, about "little" things! Regarding the minutiae of everyday life I like this quote: "What I do today is very important because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it." Love the chair in the garden. I used to have one too, but eventually it rotted and got thrown out. Your garden is looking nice. Hope all is going well at the lakehouse and that you will soon be able to enjoy it again. Elsie is adorable! Blessings to you and your family - hope the doctor dates can end soon. I know you have many other things you would rather be doing this summer! :) Blessings to you, Beth
You know what I love best about this journal post??? The shot of your pretty feet! I am especially foot conscience these days and I must say - I admire your beautiful toes! Elsie is growing by leaps and bounds!! How fun that you get her on a regular basis!
All of these little things are the stuff of life, just ordinary moments like being with a granddaughter and enjoying the antics of our fur babies, garden joys, summer fun. We recognize them even more, I think, when such sad things have happened in our country.
Hi Jane...once again l've loved hearing what you've been up too...the painted furniture in your garden laden with pots of flowers look wonderful. Yes Elsie would have so much fun playing out in the sunshine with you, hubby and the doggies. Sounds like fun plans you have coming up and an afternoon beer by the pool is totally holiday style:-) Enjoy your Summer, we are freezing our butts off here, thankfully it's not so cold that we can't get out for a walk each day (if we rug up).
I enjoyed reading about your "little moments . . ." Doggie sniffing for his ball . . . Another rolling in the grass . . . Vintage chair finding a spot in the garden with some flowers . . . Painted garden bench . . Painting garden tool handles, (good idea!) Jello discovery . . . Stretching ones body . . . Condo visiting Lake visits, afternoon beer . . . I am sure I missed some things . . . I've been birthday celebrating wiith family, friends, . . . Visits, lunches, dinners, sitting on the porch . . . Still celebrating with lunch by the water with two dear friends on Friday . . . Summer it is . . , Happy days!
I agree that the little things constitute a big part of who and what we are. No vacations for us recently, but we did entertain a friend who traveled here from France this week. It was wonderful. I am in total awe of how smart she is, so knowledgeable on worldly events - EVERYwhere around the globe, and we talked non-stop for almost 12 hours, trying to solve the world's economic, military, political problems, as well as small-town issues. It was a very intellectually and physically stimulating visit (we hiked WV while doing all that talking!). Thanks for sharing your world, always, Jane. It's the next best thing to actually sitting down with each other. And I love your garden and decor, Elsie updates, and the playful pups. Rita
Jane, Elise is adorable. I bet you look forward to Thursday nights. I am excited to be having our second grand baby girl come on the 30th. Ahhh to have a little baby around again. Abby is 6 now so it will be fun to have a baby around. Enjoy your summer. It whiz's by way to fast. Kris
I can't say how lucky you are to have little Elise every Thursday. My grandkids live 10 hours away, Makes me make good use of my time off. Your bench and cute chair look so lovely with the flowers sitting on them. It's nice to journal about the everyday stuff and It's even better that you share it with your blog friends! Saimi
Yep, the little things in life are da bomb...LOL As my kids used to say. Like sleeping in and savoring my morning cup of coffee. And pruning my bushes by hand and listening to all the birds. I see you like chairs in the garden too! I have two so far, one is blue and the other, magenta. :) Happy Summer! Kit
I always enjoy it when you share the little moments that make up your full life, Jane. You know what a good life you have and that shines from your blog.
Jane It sounds like you are really enjoying your summer! We have had a bit of a heat wave here in Texas too.My car thermometer read 99 today! Yikes! I'm hoping for a bit of a cool front ;-) Your garden looks lovely.I know you work hard to keep it so pretty. PS I think you should paint your garden tools in bright colors. That would make them so happy AND easy to find!
Milo is so funny! Sounds like you are having a great summer. We have reached 105 already this week, so summer is here for sure. Elsie is getting so big. :) Our little grandson will be with us this weekend and I can't wait. I am just thankful we can enjoy these times with our grandbaby. Have a wonderful weekend! xxx Maria
June 16, 2016 at 7:54 AM
Anonymous said...
Hello It has been so nice to read your blog - i have followed it for year or two now. It is like to be with you sharing all the things. You have lovely little things: milo and leyla, really lovely garden, beatiful toes (just tried to get time to have my feet done), etc etc. Have nice time by the pool and drinks & good books. Have you read Cathy Kelly? I'm just reading Between Sisters, first I didn't quite like it, but now it is difficult to drop to do anything else. I'm having my cancer treatment every other week, now I hope that I do not have to have than one ahead, but you never now. Anyway I usually read books during these three days. Quite many in English or a few in Swedish. I had French in school, but have not dared to try any in French or Germany. Though, just today I amazed my friend by singing In eine kleine Konditorei, da sassen wir zwei bei Kuchen und The... Not sure if I wrote it correctly. It dates back to my mothers youth. We have had the first strawberries. Not sure if we get some bluberries, which flowered (?) before we get any bees. First potatoes have been in shops, but I have a tradition of cooking first potatoes and serve with sour cream, herring ( yes indeed!) and chives on Mid Summer. Just a week to wait - what a treat! All the best to you from other blond ( well a bit greyish ) Eeva, Helsinki, Finland
Dear sweet Jane, It's true it's always the little things that fill our hearts with joy. Sweet Milo and Layla - too cute! Pet antics are the best. Your scalloped pots on your bench - I have one. I love the Tuscan feel, the scalloped edge and the lightness of the fiberglass. Your gardening rocks. Enjoy your summer vacation plans and I smiled wide with those adorable red painted toes. xoxo, Vera
Hi Jane, I just love reading your posts. I am looking forward to seeing your posts from your vacation.
We will take a little trip at the end of July to Lake Superior. We plan to stay on the South Shores. We love the little towns on the South Shores and the beaches.
Those little moments become such precious memories. Tiffany and I are taking the three little girls to a huge indoor water park the first week in July. Hopefully, we will have them moved into my old home by then. Moving is all we've been doing for months it seems. But, it's about done.
Sounds like you're enjoying this beautiful time of year, Jane. Love your yard with all your special touches. And love that sweet baby. Can't believe she's big enough to push a carriage. Time flies!
Hi Jane, love those crazy dogs of yours - our pets do keep us entertained! Right now my cat, Ling-Ling has made her way onto my desk and almost on top of my lap-top. I love the little chair with the pot of flowers and your painted bench:) How precious is little Elsie (?), I can imagine her toddling down the sidewalk with her baby carriage - too sweet. You are right, it is the little things that matter the most. Your getaway with friends sounds wonderful. It has been so cold and rainy here, but right now there is a rainbow forming to make up for it all. Glad to hear the light therapy and PT is helping. Hope you have a wonderful weekend celebrating those special Dad's in your life. xo Karen
I so enjoyed this glimpse of your vie quotidienne, every day life, we must all grab every little bit of pleasure not just from the "special" times but also from the quiet ordinary days because as we see constantly it can all change in an instant.
Love the bench you painted in the corner of your patio. Definitely not too bright - in fact, go ahead and paint the legs white, too! With the dark corner and the brick, light is good. Very cool how you have the garden tools hanging there on the wall, too. Elsie is such a doll...I'm sure you love having her that one evening every week. Hope your PT is helping your back and that you're feeling a little better. No vacation plans here this summer. Just looking forward to a family party/BBQ tomorrow and then Tim's graduation party here next month. Have a great weekend!
June 17, 2016 at 2:02 PM
Anonymous said...
Hi Janie! Oh, your little bench looks so sweet with it's blue stripe down the center. Love your garden tools on the wall and so easy to reach. I love day lilies and have some in the back that don't bloom much because they don't get much sun. I think I'll transplant them. Elise is so cute. Don't you just eat up those sweet little times with her? I agree that PT is a very helpful thing to do. I wish you the best with it and hop it really helps you. I have stopped mine now as my tech said she had done with me all she could. I'm doing pretty well and walking without a cane although I probably walk like a drunk person sometimes! :) Thank you so much for popping in to see me. Be a sweetie, shelia ;)
I'm playing catch up after our trip to Cancun. Painting the handles is a great idea. I've never thought of that but I'm always losing them in the grass! I know I've said it before but Elsie is just precious!
Thank you for visiting Thistle Cove Farm; the door is always open (and usually never locked) and coffee takes 5 minutes. Whatever the reason for doc/pt visits, hopefully they'll do the trick and you'll be up to snuff in no time a'tall. SMOOOOOCCCCHHHH that beautiful baby for me and give the dog a snuggle. Life is daily, made up of small things that make a beautiful life and it's our response and choices that determine the loveliness of the journey. God bless you, yours and the work of your hands and heart.
June 23, 2016 at 6:16 AM
Anonymous said...
Hi again, Janie! Hope your week is going well and I'll bet you've been out in the flowers again! Thanks for popping in. Be a sweetie, Shelia ;)
Hi, Blondie...sounds like things are going good around your place...all is well here..getting really hot..doing a few projects right now so am taking a blog break for a few days....
So, here I am again at the bottom of the list. I have just been busy and not spending time on the blog. So tonight I am doing reading/commenting marathon. It it hot here, too. 90s. Dry heat. Little humidity with a bit of breeze much of the time, then the thunder storms or clouds at least come rumbling in over the mountains to cool things down. I had to chuckle over keeping the baby's toys away from the dog. Here it is socks. Our dog loves socks and steels them every chance he gets. We have to bribe him treats to get him drop the darn sock. What characters they are. Enjoy were weekend.
Always enjoy your posts.... the small but lovely things that add up to a happy life are always worth celebrating. Love your flowers, and sweet baby Elsie! Loved seeing your wisteria growing so strongly in your earlier post :) Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Helen xox
Jane, Looks like you're having a good summer. Having baby Elsie over must be such a treat. She's a doll!! Our kids aren't married yet, so no grand babies. I'm looking forward to those days, must be fun! Your flowers look so pretty and I love how your bench turned out! Stan retired in February and it seems like that extra time I had is less. But, I do love having him home. There are lots of projects getting done now. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, always love hearing from you ♥ Hugs, Jody
How great to have had the same home for so long. My parents/family moved when I was 4, 11, 20, and 26, but my parents' grandkids have been all only known my parents' one house from their last move, so I assume they will remember that home as fondly as your grandbabies--well, and your own babies--remember yours. My grandparents' home was that for me and all my brothers and cousins--always the same and so much history there, generation after generation. 'So special. ♥
I know what you mean about blogging. I usually wait for something to inspire me. Sometimes I go to many events and I can't choose only 1 to write about and writing about all of them would make the post too long. So I do nothing. I was shocked to see I had not blogged since February. So not like me!
Your granddaughter is adorable. I imagine you can't wait for Thursday nights!
Your dogs are so cute. What a nice life they have with you!
Summer plans? Not really anything except a daytrip to Cape Cod for a Susan Branch book signing. Excited about that! I have to create my Summer Bucket List as I haven't even thought about it and it is already Summer.
Summer is just starting here in Germany. I always wish for summer to go kind of fast so that autumn and winter can arrive (my favorites) :) but I know I am an oddball in that regard.
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I usually find inspiration to write a post by looking at my photos and seeing a little pattern of what I've been up to, places I've been and sometimes things I think you guys may be interested in. The other day I thought, man, it's been awhile since I wrote a post but there doesn't seem to be anything to write about. Then today I thought of a quote that says something to the effect of looking back on your life and realizing it wasn't the big things, it was the little things that counted. I love that and I thought maybe that's the nudge I need to sit down and just start typing.
Well, isn't this an interesting photo? That Milo can be like a bloodhound sometimes. I have a few outdoor toys for Elsie, we love to play in the backyard. Milo actually gets into the action by retrieving a ball when we throw it and dropping it in front of Elsie. She runs to me or The Husband with it and we repeat. I don't think she knew that dogs could play like this. She's also taken a liking to dropping food down for Milo and Layla and they all get a huge kick out of this. Anyway, Milo knows the smell of rubber. And he loves to chew it. We had to stop giving him rubber toys long ago and now we have to keep an eye on Elsie's favorite toys. So...I caught him doing this the other day, just wanting that rubber ball with a passion. Crazy mutt.
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This is a little old bench I painted a few weeks ago to fill in a corner of the patio (you can see it in the picture above). Nothing huge, I just wanted it to be a bright spot. I kept the legs the original color as it's almost too bright. I've toned down the bright colors on my patio. I may just give this a little darker wash. My garden tools hang on a rack above the bench. I've heard that it's a good idea to paint the wood handles of your tools a bright color, it makes them easier to find if you lay them down in the grass. Good tip and maybe my tools won't blend in so much with the wall. I may do this.
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My day lilies are starting to bloom. I have them in a lot of different spots all over my yard. It's so big and sometimes I just want to fill areas with tried and true plants that take up chunks of space. I have yellow and pink varieties in another area~~~I really favor them. They bloom later in the summer, most likely as they don't get as much sun until mid summer.
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This is my idea of perfect whimsy, Jane Style. This little chair used to be in one of our more 'natural and shabby" bathrooms so it looks pretty good. I'm looking forward to seeing it get a little distressed over time.
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The Husband and I are so happy to have Elsie every Thursday night when Kevin plays softball and Mary Clare plays volleyball. We love it. She's just in time to have dinner with us. She can't really chew food but it's so fun to watch her try new things that she can. She was really intrigued by the jello I made last week. She didn't know whether to play with it or eat it.
We like to take little walks, she pushes her baby doll in a mini stroller. I can't help but think that these are the same sidewalks on which I walked with her dad (and the rest of my brood) to kindergarten. Full circle and another great reason to be happy we've lived in this home for so long. Forever actually or so it seems.
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I feel like summer has been here for a long, long time. The things I've accomplished in the yard and garden, the time I've spent outdoors simply started so early that it truly feels like mid summer. We've have had a major heat wave, some days have actually hit 90+ degrees and that's very unusual for this part of the country in early summer. Today was hot and humid but I was determined to get those pups out and active for an hour. Layla loves grass...in the early morning she goes out and finds a patch of sun and just lies in it. The other day she was lying on her side snoozing peacefully and she looked almost dead. My heart almost stopped, then she lifted her head and looked around, and immediately went back to sleep. For her there's nothing better than sniffing a random spot, scratching at it (a bug?) and then rolling in it. I caught her in the act this afternoon and luckily had my camera with me. A video would have been better, she can be hysterically funny. Another crazy mutt. They keep me happy and busy.
I'm beyond complaining about my daily running around. I call my afternoons my 'Doctor Dates'. I do the physical therapy on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the light therapy for my rash Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Afterward I do the groceries or errands. By the time I get home its time to start dinner and after that I can barely keep my eyes open. I am liking the PT though. Spending an hour stretching muscles you never knew existed is quite exhilarating, for lack of a better word (after the first initial days of pain!). It makes me look forward to doing the exercises at home and I've been pretty good about that.
We have some fun things coming up. We have plans to spend a weekend with old friends at their new home on a lake about 2 hours from here. Oh! To wade in the water, eat hotdogs and have a beer at 1:00 p.m. Ha! Life's little pleasures. And we are going to our place in Asheville the last week of July. My sister in law and her young daughters took a road trip recently and stayed several nights at our condo. They had a ball. They loved the pool, I've never been as we haven't been there in the summer. I know The Husband will want to do some fly fishing so I'm looking forward to whiling away some time by the pool and in the hot tub and plowing through some books I have sitting on my night table.
That wraps it up. Do tell what you've been been doing so far this summer. Any vacation plans? As I write I hear we are having some terrible storms down in Texas and some are headed our way. It's hard to be vigilant at night. Be safe.
And in closing I want to express my sorrow over the events in Orlando. I'm sure you share my feelings. Let's continue to pray for peace while we grieve for the victims and their families.
Jane x
posted by Blondie's Journal at 10:32 PM on Jun 14, 2016
"THE LITTLE THINGS"
56 Comments -
Yes, it's the little moments in life that we must pay attention to. For me, these days are filled with last weeks of school activities - frantic marking and exam prep, and there's not much time. But picking raspberries and blueberries is a calming activity and they are flourishing in our garden just now.
Yes, the events in Orlando are tragic. I can't imagine the sorrow of the families of the victims.
Your little moments are delightful. Thank you for sharing them.
June 14, 2016 at 11:43 PM
Life's little pleasures are the greatest treasures:) Love my flowers too and I have so much that needs to be done outside! Cute little one visiting with you guys, she is a little doll! Enjoy your day dear friend, HUGS!
June 15, 2016 at 7:57 AM
I agree Jane, life's little pleasures are the best. My bog and cat do the same as yours. It's hilarious when my dog digs and then rolls around on his back. I always think it's because he wants to get his scent on things or areas that aren't his. My cat does the same surprisingly...but it's probably because she lives with a dog...so I too have two crazy mutts lol. Best wishes to you my friend.
June 15, 2016 at 7:59 AM
You are making me realize that we need to soak up this summer!! We've been working to hard.
Your little Elsie is so precious. I know you love those Thursday nights. :)
June 15, 2016 at 8:14 AM
Oh it sounds like a great summer so far, and that precious little one intrigued by jello, what precious moments are those. As for me, I am in the middle of having hardwoods installs in the house and a kitchen makeover so everything is totally a mess.
June 15, 2016 at 8:18 AM
I find it hard to blog right now. Not a lot going on in my world. Your garden looks great!
June 15, 2016 at 11:20 AM
Milo is a hoot! So funny trying to get to the toys! I love the idea of painting the tool handles a bright color. Good tip! I bet you look forward to those nights with Elsie every week. Babies have a way of making us slow down and enjoy the little things. :)
June 15, 2016 at 11:24 AM
Summer is just starting here. The weather has been kind of dreary and the kids were still in school. In the last week the sun has shown up and kids are free!! Summer is here and I am embracing it and trying to make the most of every sunny day!! Milo is hysterical. Great pup!!
June 15, 2016 at 11:54 AM
We've had temps in the upper 90's for about 3 weeks. The AC is working so hard. We spent a couple weeks in South GA, and oh Lord, was it hot!! We were shopping in Alabama, and you could actually smell the asphalt the heat was so bad.
I always enjoy your posts, and getting to catch up with you. Elsie is getting to be a big girl now, and is just a doll! Enjoy every day with her.
I'm helping out with Rheagan this week. Pam has meetings for 3 days about 50 miles away, across a mountain, and has to stay, so I'm going up to spend nights with her. Last night I may have slept a total of 2 hours. She wasn't resting, so neither did I.
Take care, and have fun on your upcoming trips.
June 15, 2016 at 12:18 PM
It's the little moments that add up to a lot of happiness. Glad you are enjoying the summer. Texas has had a lot of rain. It was so nice to have the cooler temps and the sound of rain. We didn't have any of the flooding that east of us had. Sad for all who lost so much. Lakes here are full to capacity so flood gates have been open for weeks. Most lakes are off limits to motor craft or at least they were last week. Our walking trails around Lady Bird Lake were also closed. It's difficult to realize that July 4th is just a little over two weeks away. Summer is speeding by. I know you will enjoy your mountain retreat. I plan to head to Cape Cod later in July to see a friend. Long overdue trip!
Enjoy the lake visit.
June 15, 2016 at 12:47 PM
Great post - you always sound so busy with your Doctor visits. Your granddaughter is so beautiful and I know she brings so much happiness to you and Husband.
Sounds like you have a busy summer coming up. I know you will enjoy Ashville, it's such a great place.
I haven't been up to much - I did something to my shoulder and down my right arm. plus I have shingles, not a bad case, as I had the shot. You can get it after the shot, but it won't be as bad a full case of them. Not very pleasant. So, on top of that I am trying to come down with bronchitis. Hopefully I will be better soon.
I hope to go to VA sometime this summer and visit my family, as we are all getting up there in age.
Take care of yourself and enjoy your garden.
Hugs,
Mary
June 15, 2016 at 1:08 PM
Blondie, The dogs are so funny...he wants that ball. I love seeing your yard with the flowers in bloom. It must be so nice to have your sweet grandbaby with you. You are right it is the little things that really matter. Have fun on your trips and enjoy those wonderful times with your man and friends. Blessings, xoxo, Susie
June 15, 2016 at 1:31 PM
When my busy daughter calls, she'll ask what we are up to and the answer is usually, "nothing much". But, the "nothing much" days are my favorites - playing with the dog, puttering in the garden, walking on the beach. I'm content at this time in my life with the little things.
But, I sure wish one of our kids would bring some grandchildren into our lives!
Enjoy your "little things".
June 15, 2016 at 3:15 PM
Hi Jane, What a fun post sharing in the little things. All your pics tell the story of day to day living and I enjoy that so much. Your flowers are so pretty and I love the little corner bench. Glad your PT is going great. It's real hot here this week too. Summer has arrived a week early. Enjoy your time with friends on your getaway. Hugs
June 15, 2016 at 4:11 PM
Hi Jane, Such a big post, about "little" things! Regarding the minutiae of everyday life I like this quote: "What I do today is very important because I'm exchanging a day of my life for it."
Love the chair in the garden. I used to have one too, but eventually it rotted and got thrown out.
Your garden is looking nice. Hope all is going well at the lakehouse and that you will soon be able to enjoy it again.
Elsie is adorable! Blessings to you and your family - hope the doctor dates can end soon. I know you have many other things you would rather be doing this summer! :)
Blessings to you, Beth
June 15, 2016 at 4:29 PM
You know what I love best about this journal post??? The shot of your pretty feet! I am especially foot conscience these days and I must say - I admire your beautiful toes!
Elsie is growing by leaps and bounds!! How fun that you get her on a regular basis!
June 15, 2016 at 5:14 PM
All of these little things are the stuff of life, just ordinary moments like being with a granddaughter and enjoying the antics of our fur babies, garden joys, summer fun. We recognize them even more, I think, when such sad things have happened in our country.
June 15, 2016 at 5:14 PM
Hi Jane...once again l've loved hearing what you've been up too...the painted furniture in your garden laden with pots of flowers look wonderful. Yes Elsie would have so much fun playing out in the sunshine with you, hubby and the doggies. Sounds like fun plans you have coming up and an afternoon beer by the pool is totally holiday style:-)
Enjoy your Summer, we are freezing our butts off here, thankfully it's not so cold that we can't get out for a walk each day (if we rug up).
June 15, 2016 at 5:22 PM
You have been very busy and have got loads done. Have fun on your weekend adventure and your trip down south.
Meredith
June 15, 2016 at 5:29 PM
I enjoyed reading about your "little moments . . ."
Doggie sniffing for his ball . . .
Another rolling in the grass . . .
Vintage chair finding a spot in the garden with some flowers . . .
Painted garden bench . .
Painting garden tool handles, (good idea!)
Jello discovery . . .
Stretching ones body . . .
Condo visiting
Lake visits, afternoon beer . . .
I am sure I missed some things . . .
I've been birthday celebrating wiith family, friends, . . .
Visits, lunches, dinners, sitting on the porch . . .
Still celebrating with lunch by the water with two dear friends on Friday . . .
Summer it is . . ,
Happy days!
June 15, 2016 at 6:36 PM
I agree that the little things constitute a big part of who and what we are. No vacations for us recently, but we did entertain a friend who traveled here from France this week. It was wonderful. I am in total awe of how smart she is, so knowledgeable on worldly events - EVERYwhere around the globe, and we talked non-stop for almost 12 hours, trying to solve the world's economic, military, political problems, as well as small-town issues. It was a very intellectually and physically stimulating visit (we hiked WV while doing all that talking!). Thanks for sharing your world, always, Jane. It's the next best thing to actually sitting down with each other. And I love your garden and decor, Elsie updates, and the playful pups.
Rita
June 15, 2016 at 7:27 PM
Jane,
Elise is adorable. I bet you look forward to Thursday nights. I am excited to be having our second grand baby girl come on the 30th. Ahhh to have a little baby around again. Abby is 6 now so it will be fun to have a baby around. Enjoy your summer. It whiz's by way to fast.
Kris
June 15, 2016 at 7:47 PM
I can't say how lucky you are to have little Elise every Thursday. My grandkids live 10 hours away, Makes me make good use of my time off. Your bench and cute chair look so lovely with the flowers sitting on them. It's nice to journal about the everyday stuff and It's even better that you share it with your blog friends!
Saimi
June 15, 2016 at 9:21 PM
Yep, the little things in life are da bomb...LOL As my kids used to say. Like sleeping in and savoring my morning cup of coffee. And pruning my bushes by hand and listening to all the birds. I see you like chairs in the garden too! I have two so far, one is blue and the other, magenta. :) Happy Summer! Kit
June 15, 2016 at 10:38 PM
I always enjoy it when you share the little moments that make up your full life, Jane. You know what a good life you have and that shines from your blog.
June 15, 2016 at 11:23 PM
Hi Jane! Yep, hooray for life's simple pleasures and warm summer days. Happy to hear you are enjoying pt and also making the most of the summer. Jane
June 15, 2016 at 11:40 PM
Jane
It sounds like you are really enjoying your summer! We have had a bit of a heat wave here in Texas too.My car thermometer read 99 today! Yikes! I'm hoping for a bit of a cool front ;-) Your garden looks lovely.I know you work hard to keep it so pretty.
PS I think you should paint your garden tools in bright colors. That would make them so happy AND easy to find!
June 15, 2016 at 11:43 PM
Milo is so funny! Sounds like you are having a great summer. We have reached 105 already this week, so summer is here for sure. Elsie is getting so big. :) Our little grandson will be with us this weekend and I can't wait. I am just thankful we can enjoy these times with our grandbaby. Have a wonderful weekend! xxx Maria
June 16, 2016 at 7:54 AM
Hello
It has been so nice to read your blog - i have followed it for year or two now. It is like to be with you sharing all the things.
You have lovely little things: milo and leyla, really lovely garden, beatiful toes (just tried to get time to have my feet done), etc etc.
Have nice time by the pool and drinks & good books. Have you read Cathy Kelly? I'm just reading Between Sisters, first I didn't quite like it, but now it is difficult to drop to do anything else.
I'm having my cancer treatment every other week, now I hope that I do not have to have than one ahead, but you never now. Anyway I usually read books during these three days. Quite many in English or a few in Swedish. I had French in school, but have not dared to try any in French or Germany. Though, just today I amazed my friend by singing In eine kleine Konditorei, da sassen wir zwei bei Kuchen und The... Not sure if I wrote it correctly. It dates back to my mothers youth.
We have had the first strawberries. Not sure if we get some bluberries, which flowered (?) before we get any bees. First potatoes have been in shops, but I have a tradition of cooking first potatoes and serve with sour cream, herring ( yes indeed!) and chives on Mid Summer. Just a week to wait - what a treat!
All the best to you from other blond ( well a bit greyish ) Eeva, Helsinki, Finland
June 16, 2016 at 12:53 PM
Dear sweet Jane,
It's true it's always the little things that fill our hearts with joy. Sweet Milo and Layla - too cute! Pet antics are the best. Your scalloped pots on your bench - I have one. I love the Tuscan feel, the scalloped edge and the lightness of the fiberglass. Your gardening rocks. Enjoy your summer vacation plans and I smiled wide with those adorable red painted toes.
xoxo,
Vera
June 16, 2016 at 1:46 PM
Hi Jane,
I just love reading your posts.
I am looking forward to seeing your posts from your vacation.
We will take a little trip at the end of July to Lake Superior. We plan to stay on the South Shores. We love the little towns on the South Shores and the beaches.
Have a great weekend,
Carla
June 16, 2016 at 5:56 PM
Those little moments become such precious memories. Tiffany and I are taking the three little girls to a huge indoor water park the first week in July. Hopefully, we will have them moved into my old home by then. Moving is all we've been doing for months it seems. But, it's about done.
We've had terrible hot weather already.
Stay cool.
Judy
June 16, 2016 at 6:30 PM
Elsie is just adorable. Thursday must be your favorite day of the week.
Fondly,
Glenda
June 16, 2016 at 8:13 PM
Sounds like you're enjoying this beautiful time of year, Jane.
Love your yard with all your special touches.
And love that sweet baby. Can't believe she's big enough to push a carriage. Time flies!
June 16, 2016 at 8:16 PM
Hi Jane, love those crazy dogs of yours - our pets do keep us entertained! Right now my cat, Ling-Ling has made her way onto my desk and almost on top of my lap-top. I love the little chair with the pot of flowers and your painted bench:) How precious is little Elsie (?), I can imagine her toddling down the sidewalk with her baby carriage - too sweet. You are right, it is the little things that matter the most. Your getaway with friends sounds wonderful. It has been so cold and rainy here, but right now there is a rainbow forming to make up for it all. Glad to hear the light therapy and PT is helping. Hope you have a wonderful weekend celebrating those special Dad's in your life. xo Karen
June 16, 2016 at 9:31 PM
I so enjoyed this glimpse of your vie quotidienne, every day life, we must all grab every little bit of pleasure not just from the "special" times but also from the quiet ordinary days because as we see constantly it can all change in an instant.
June 17, 2016 at 12:17 AM
Love the bench you painted in the corner of your patio. Definitely not too bright - in fact, go ahead and paint the legs white, too! With the dark corner and the brick, light is good. Very cool how you have the garden tools hanging there on the wall, too.
Elsie is such a doll...I'm sure you love having her that one evening every week.
Hope your PT is helping your back and that you're feeling a little better.
No vacation plans here this summer. Just looking forward to a family party/BBQ tomorrow and then Tim's graduation party here next month. Have a great weekend!
June 17, 2016 at 2:02 PM
Hi Janie! Oh, your little bench looks so sweet with it's blue stripe down the center. Love your garden tools on the wall and so easy to reach. I love day lilies and have some in the back that don't bloom much because they don't get much sun. I think I'll transplant them. Elise is so cute. Don't you just eat up those sweet little times with her? I agree that PT is a very helpful thing to do. I wish you the best with it and hop it really helps you. I have stopped mine now as my tech said she had done with me all she could. I'm doing pretty well and walking without a cane although I probably walk like a drunk person sometimes! :)
Thank you so much for popping in to see me.
Be a sweetie,
shelia ;)
June 20, 2016 at 6:06 AM
I'm playing catch up after our trip to Cancun. Painting the handles is a great idea. I've never thought of that but I'm always losing them in the grass! I know I've said it before but Elsie is just precious!
June 21, 2016 at 2:12 PM
You are so right in expressing that it feels as if summer's been here for quite awhile. The heat has reminded me of July / August, not May and June.
ELSIE...I just cracked UP at that photo. So darling! :)
June 22, 2016 at 10:43 AM
Thank you for visiting Thistle Cove Farm; the door is always open (and usually never locked) and coffee takes 5 minutes. Whatever the reason for doc/pt visits, hopefully they'll do the trick and you'll be up to snuff in no time a'tall. SMOOOOOCCCCHHHH that beautiful baby for me and give the dog a snuggle. Life is daily, made up of small things that make a beautiful life and it's our response and choices that determine the loveliness of the journey.
God bless you, yours and the work of your hands and heart.
June 23, 2016 at 6:16 AM
Hi again, Janie! Hope your week is going well and I'll bet you've been out in the flowers again! Thanks for popping in.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)
June 23, 2016 at 7:07 AM
Hi, Blondie...sounds like things are going good around your place...all is well here..getting really hot..doing a few projects right now so am taking a blog break for a few days....
June 23, 2016 at 6:29 PM
So, here I am again at the bottom of the list. I have just been busy and not spending time on the blog. So tonight I am doing reading/commenting marathon. It it hot here, too. 90s. Dry heat. Little humidity with a bit of breeze much of the time, then the thunder storms or clouds at least come rumbling in over the mountains to cool things down. I had to chuckle over keeping the baby's toys away from the dog. Here it is socks. Our dog loves socks and steels them every chance he gets. We have to bribe him treats to get him drop the darn sock. What characters they are. Enjoy were weekend.
June 23, 2016 at 11:39 PM
Always enjoy your posts.... the small but lovely things that add up to a happy life are always worth celebrating. Love your flowers, and sweet baby Elsie!
Loved seeing your wisteria growing so strongly in your earlier post :)
Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Helen xox
June 24, 2016 at 7:48 AM
Jane, thanks for the good wishes dear - hopefully I will have healed somewhat and not be as scary looking in Asheville!
Have a great weekend - Mary X
June 24, 2016 at 12:41 PM
Jane, Looks like you're having a good summer. Having baby Elsie over must be such a treat. She's a doll!! Our kids aren't married yet, so no grand babies. I'm looking forward to those days, must be fun! Your flowers look so pretty and I love how your bench turned out! Stan retired in February and it seems like that extra time I had is less. But, I do love having him home. There are lots of projects getting done now. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, always love hearing from you ♥
Hugs, Jody
June 24, 2016 at 3:26 PM
Elsie is adorable! Jane, you are one busy bee! Good luck with your PT; it sounds like you are truly enjoying it.
Poppy
June 26, 2016 at 4:46 PM
How great to have had the same home for so long. My parents/family moved when I was 4, 11, 20, and 26, but my parents' grandkids have been all only known my parents' one house from their last move, so I assume they will remember that home as fondly as your grandbabies--well, and your own babies--remember yours. My grandparents' home was that for me and all my brothers and cousins--always the same and so much history there, generation after generation. 'So special. ♥
June 26, 2016 at 8:01 PM
I know what you mean about blogging. I usually wait for something to inspire me. Sometimes I go to many events and I can't choose only 1 to write about and writing about all of them would make the post too long. So I do nothing. I was shocked to see I had not blogged since February. So not like me!
Your granddaughter is adorable. I imagine you can't wait for Thursday nights!
Your dogs are so cute. What a nice life they have with you!
Summer plans? Not really anything except a daytrip to Cape Cod for a Susan Branch book signing. Excited about that! I have to create my Summer Bucket List as I haven't even thought about it and it is already Summer.
June 26, 2016 at 9:46 PM
Summer is just starting here in Germany. I always wish for summer to go kind of fast so that autumn and winter can arrive (my favorites) :) but I know I am an oddball in that regard.
June 27, 2016 at 1:44 AM
I TOTALLY agree. It is the little things in life that matter! xo Hope you're having a great summer!
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