Memorial Day and Summertime

Memorial Day in my mind begins the patriotic season and summer. I do not minimize what Memorial Day means at all as I will explain later in this post. Living where I live, both the true meaning and the warm weather make this holiday important in remembering and embracing my favorite time of the year.

I have subtly decorated my home, so we will take a tour starting at the front yard and moving in the door no one enters except Gus and me, but we will get to the entry that everyone does enter in before we are done. I love patriotic decor, but I have learned I can't take too much of seasonal decor --period. I get tired of it and for some reason I have never been good at removing the regular decor to replace with seasonal decor. I tend to add in which can make clutter. 

Jeff talked about for 23 years (the number of years we have lived in this house) putting a flag up. With the stone and stucco, he just never wanted to drill through either. America 250 finally got him to bite the bullet.

He also bought the kids one and both have put theirs up too. The family is all in!

Side note to digress on...don't you love digressions?! Jeff and I had an entire conversation last Sunday afternoon while putting around on the boat on which houses looked like coastal Florida (especially northwest Florida, cuz there is a difference). Ours doesn't fit the bill. We love our home...it is strong and has extra precautions built in for hurricane and waterfront living, but Indiana sandstone would not have been our choice nor does look like any kind of Florida. 

Now, we move on with the tour. I found this lovely ribbon on Amazon and added a bow to the light post and to the swans that adorn our front porch. The swans are a nod to my mother in law. 

I added my redbirds with flag wings back to the flowerbed, because Floridians do yard art. Probably too much!

I didn't do much to the foyer ---remember I can't remove standing decor. I added a flag. I also tried out some red books under the candlesticks but decided to keep the blues.

Just inside this foyer door is a favorite spot of mine. I added a ribbon to my bunny. Just a simple touch and I only did ribbon on the bunny and not all the items I do at Christmas. More of a simple approach.

Close up view of the ribbon for which I had more of. I don't remember where I got it and have only enough to do Mr. Bunny. BTW, the print above is one of my favorite things ever. A Panhandle of Florida map. All my favorite places.

I am currently stitching something that I might add to my church pew just across from Mr. Bunny.  We will see. All of these things will get tweaked many times probably.

Moving into the dining room, I added a table runner made by one of Mama's good friends. 

Then we open the double doors in to the family room. 

I added some stitching to the built ins and of course, there are tributes to both our dads which served in the military which are full time patriotism on display.

Left side of the fireplace.

Close ups of the stitched insertions and then a stepping away look.

Oh and I added in a flag too.

 I added a stack of patriotic picture books to the coffee table. A simple but cute way to add seasonal decor.

Moving into the kitchen I added some flags to the island. The kitchen table has some blue checked napkins. I also have some red ones that I can switch out as well.

On one counter, I have added a couple of stitches. This section really is not a cooking counter so I can usually add some decor with no worries.

I actually did remove a picture to put this stitch up.

Right outside my kitchen window I have my geraniums with some flags and down on the boat dock Jeff has a flag there.

Back in the kitchen and down the hallway where EVERYONE actually enters our home is my latest stitch all framed. I know some of you saw it on Instagram. I just love it.

I removed a stitch for the summer that goes here. I may move this stitch to my sampler wall later, but for this summer it will be where it can be seen and enjoyed.

"O Happy Day" by Plum Street Samplers with changes to make it fit my liking.

Then in the guest bathroom right past the sampler, I added a ribbon and the Liberty Bell stitch.

In my sewing room, there are more patriotic things that are on display all the time.

My bunnies in their red, white and blue outfits, my shuttle stitch along with my students saying the pledge of allegiance.

*****

Jeff and I attended a reception at a local elementary school that Jeff was the principal of and then later after  him I did my last 3 years of teaching working on grant that involved the school. It has a high military presence and if you have ever driven from the west to our beaches you probably have driven by it and noticed it because it had all the looks of a military town school with red, white, and blue showing. Mary Esther Elementary Thunderbirds located right on Highway 98 (the Miracle Strip Parkway).

Every teacher came up to Jeff and told him he was their favorite principal and honestly it made my time there immeasurably easier because they loved him so much. The school is closing along with another elementary school. The south end of the county has been in a population decline or families with children decline for a decade. The cost of living is just so high... no more land to build on. To shorten this, there a lot more changes coming. Change is inevitable. The north end is growing like kudzu and they are building a new school there right now.

It was this visit to the school reception that I really thought I am going to FINALLY add a Memorial Day post. I have always steered away from it. When you live in a military community you are very aware of the sacrifices made. There are 7 military installations here in the Panhandle of Florida. 

On the evening of the school event a couple walked in that reminded me of Jeff's first year as a principal there and having the most horrific news to give a teacher. Now, this one involves life, but many I have know made the ultimate sacrifice. 

It was around 2010 and the superintendent called and said she was on her way with military officials and for him to get someone to cover Mrs. D's kindergarten class. Her husband had been blown up and was in horrible condition. That was a hard thing to deliver and watch. Later, we would learn that he had survived but lost both legs. He was there on Tuesday evening for the reception and it sent me on a tailspin of thoughts of how many people I know about in just my small world that have lost their family member.

I really don't feel it exactly appropriate to appoint myself the story teller of all these losses, but I have known personally many -from a child I taught who lost his father in the Khobar Towers back in 1996. The losses in our community for me started way back in 1991 with the first Gulf War. You just don't live here and teach and not see the loss. I have had two from church killed in action. My daughter's wedding photographer was a casualty that came later from the war from some chemical he was exposed. It is just a part of life in a military town. It is deep and personal reminder of what those families go through.

I have many members of my family who have served and fought from both our dads, numerous uncles, cousins, and 2 brother-in-laws. 

I may celebrate the coming of my favorite season - summer - but I know we are blessed to live here.

P.S. I am taking some of my small stitches to the Auburn house for the summer too.

Picture from the reception at MEE the other night. Jeff actually ended up speaking to the crowd. He did well as always. Reminded them of the rich history the school has had to the community.

A Grateful Heart

I had the most delightful Mother's Day last Sunday. I always tell the kids to go have fun. They are moms and dads too! However, they all came over in the afternoon and we had a nice visit. We grilled some hamburgers and hotdogs, made baked beans and indulged in ice cream sandwiches for dessert. Simple and fun. Lindsay and Tyler came by boat and Miles was treated to riding in their boat with Tucker and Palmer. Tyler and Palmer drove them around for a bit and all were happy.

All things that make this mama heart sing with joy. Roses which I have shared with them are an amazing gift even more now that I have no roses in the yard or deck. They however gave me even more clever gifts. Lindsay came across some pink and green "OH so preppy" Adidas tenney shoes which was enough for me to squeal, but then you found me another unique gift. These were given as a unit by all the kids. 

Now, let me tell you about the cool bag. It is called a brailer bag and made in Alaska by a company called Nomar.

Here is part of the description of the bag...

Our Brailer Basket with Handle is the perfect companion for foraging, beachcombing, or collecting whatever other treasures you might find on your outdoor adventures! 

What drew Lindsay to this bag? Well she heard on SmartherNews that the company had made the tote bags for the Artemis II parachutes. Easy to lift them out of the water. You can read about it here.

My kids know me well! I could not have asked for more intriguing or Sandy like gifts. Oh and BTW, the Adidas sneakers are amazing. I forgot how much I liked them and went promptly out to the outlet store and bought me a white and black striped pair. All have been on repeat this week.

 

Here are the boys on the boat.

The weather has been truly amazing lately. I know the heat is on its way, but even today I have been sitting out on the deck in the bright sun and it is such a nice breeze. 

I made it out to the beach this week for one walk...

It was absolutely gorgeous. Not too crowded, a wonderful breeze. I could have just parked myself all day there. 

Next up is a view of one of my other top walking spots. 

The land across is the barrier island but this part is owned by the military so no tall condos. I do love where I live. Even in the heat of summer. 

Palmer graduated from his VPK which I didn't realize was a Florida term. It is preschool. They are expected to go to kindergarten in the fall. Lindsay has always planned to do it twice for Palmer because of his late summer birthday and his small stature. His teacher says he is ready for kindergarten but I don't think Lindsay is going to change her mind. The plan was always for him to attend the one Tucker had attended and Miles will be attending in August and then go to one closer to his house in Destin next year. She would used her voucher from the state for that one. I don't think she is going to change her mind. She would rather him graduate at 18 rather than 17 from high school. 

Let me just say the little stinker had a speaking part (one of 3 kids). He did amazing. He hopped down and knew his part and did it with complete confidence. I almost had my mouth opened.

This was him at home after Tyler got his hair done. Let me just say though that shirt did NOT stay tucked in long and he was quite anxious to get the belt off.

I am going to try and round this post up and come back next week with patriotic season around the house. I got my sampler back from the frame shop. I will tell more about it next week, but I love it!

Close up...

I will share more around the house later this week.

I have begun but have not finished deciding where to put some patriotic touches.

I am going to end with a personal note attached to the next picture...

This was an Instagram post by my church. You can see Paul Allen with Valerie and Miles and Jeff over to the side. This picture represents so much. I don't want to make Paul Allen sound bad, but he was a tougher teenager than I was prepared for. Let's just say the Lord did a work in me and HE needed to as much as did in Paul Allen. He never got into really bad things that would have been hard to make a comeback from like drugs, but for this perfectionist mama he had a lot of "fun" and didn't have a ton of ambition. 

I spent a ton of time in prayer for those years. I even remember thinking if he didn't go to college how was he going to meet a nice girl? How shallow of me!!! I was a first generation college graduate and had a history of alcoholism on one side of my family, so I had set high expectations that he was not meeting. I tell you I prayed a lot, but I also had a point where I realized I needed to work on myself about trusting God. 

Let's just say when I got to the point of surrender that God put on a show for me. Paul Allen doesn't have a college degree, but he has an amazing wife who we love like a daughter and he has 2 of the sweetest littles THAT ADORE HIM. Miles always says he wants to be just like Daddy. 

I write all of this to remind anyone out there to remember God hears out prayers and works in both the parent and the rebellious "Having Fun" child and they do grow up. Keep the faith.

I will try and get my house in order so I can take some pics for next time.

Happy Spring,

Sandy

May 9, 2026 A.D.

Baseball season ended this morning. This has been my favorite season yet. I am not sure why, but I do think playing at the older fields which are smaller and renovated this winter made it seem a little nostalgic for me. We tried to go to one game a week each for Tucker and Palmer. Next year, Miles will be old enough to enter the games, so more of this is in my future. I missed another season of Auburn baseball. I am a little bummed that we didn't get up for a game this year and think that I am going to prioritize that next year. 

We have had a real spring this year. There have been many cooler mornings than usual. I have to give all credit for any flowers in pots this year entirely to Jeff. I just was not feeling up to it, but gave him a little freedom to choose colors. We will be a colorful house this year rather than my traditional "white is right for summertime." I have to tell you I am liking it. We have a mixture in each pot up front of pink and white vincas. I think I am liking it! Rather than pots of roses downstairs on the deck we have an array of colors and I am loving it as well. Sometimes I suppose we need change. Jeff has a good little salsa garden going to with tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro.

I shared I was walking in the afternoons like my past days. I am really loving it. It has helped with giving me some alone time to walk, think and pray. I don't exactly have the best location to walk in my neighborhood, so Jeff and Gus, the Springer drive me to parks around town and keep an eye on me for safety while I walk. We have so many wonderful parks around town. I mean really nice ones, but I still feel better knowing Jeff is around to ward off trouble if it should arise for a 65 year old female out by herself. I have been mostly rotating between 3 because 2 of them are by the Sound (water views) and all are shady. The shade will be important as the summer heat is coming. When school is out I will add the beach to my rotation. 

This is one of my spots. The Gulf is just on the other side of the buildings across the water, so I get a salty breeze.

Jeff bought me a FitBit which has been extremely informative to what is going on with my energy levels. For instance, it warned me I needed to rest on this day and I heeded that advice. 

I have noticed in the 2.5 weeks I have worn it that when I don't sleep I feel awful. Duh! Big surprise there, but I'm 65 and I do think my autoimmune issues haunt the sleep patterns. I knew I was off weeks ago which had me thinking I needed to make some changes. I am getting some beneficial information and am changing even my big cleaning days around and trying to even those out some. I was so hoping the doctor would change my thyroid dosage but he did NOT. I am trusting him, even though I know in my heart it is not all just right. I think I have to look at changing some other things too. As with any medication there are side effects -so adding a higher dosage magnifies osteoporosis issues. I do take supplements that benefit me and those were in accordance with doctor advice. I see so much out there, but I do know you can mess up stuff royally just going rogue with additions. For now, I am walking working on that stress relief and listening to my body on the days when I have done more than is considered beneficial.

I am oddly just itching to put all my patriotic decor out. I swore off rushing seasons years back. I usually put it out the week before Memorial Day so it is very soon. I might just go for it this next week. I did put out some ribbons on the swans and light pole to go with Jeff's new flag he bought. I ordered the ribbon off Amazon. I just didn't see any at Michael's quite like that. I also ordered my flags to decorate in the house with from Amazon. See, I am telling you I have the itch this year. I even ordered the kids some patriotic shirts.

I took my stitch to be framed. It should be ready on Friday. I can't wait. I took it in with one idea and completely went another direction with my choice. I hope it all works!

I finally got my 2 little pillows all finished up.

Feather Flock by Plum Street Samplers

Let Freedom Ring by Needle Treasures Nook

I am stitching 2 things at once. Breaking all my rules.

The first is what are called Animal Crackers. This is a whole series of animals finished up to look like animal crackers. I chose the rabbit Maggie Mae and started it. 

Then I saw the goose called Olive which I just had to buy the pattern. I told you my stitching mojo was back. I am so happy about that! Anywho, I like her way more than the rabbit, but I am gonna finish the rabbit. I am doing the rabbit on 28 count which is making it larger than the patterns intended. I felt like I needed to experiment with these before I did a small one and even if I enjoyed them. Stay tuned.

Have y'all noticed the goose resurgence in the decor. I am gonna be back in style in so many ways! HA!

Then I got sidetracked when I saw the next pattern finished by someone on Instagram. I think it will be last patriotic stitch except for the Pledge of Allegiance which is a large stitch and I didn't plan to try and have it finished for this summer. I want to add it to my sampler wall but no timeline on finishing it.

Now I usually stick to one stitch at a time, but reading is a whole different story. I can and do most of the time read multiple books. I am reading 4 good ones at the moment. Yes, you read that right. 4 - I will let one really captivate me and finish and then go back until the next one grabs me, etc. I should have some to share soon.

The Bible study I picked and shared in the last post is actually very good. It Is Well I have enjoyed reading through it. Like I said, I didn't think it had any earth shattering information, but very good reminders to keep the mind on track with the coming times.

My last item of the post is the word discernment. I never ever pick a word of the year. I have read the book that inspired that idea and it is not that I don't think that is a wonderful idea, but I am just never put together to ever come up with one. My mind is all over the place! HA! However, the word discernment was laid on my heart at the beginning of this year with so much incoming information all over the Internet. Honestly, I miss the days pre Internet when I just had my library and the World Book Encyclopedias. I am a total researcher always loving to find answers and read about anything and everything. I think the Internet can be good and not so good for a "me." I do know this, there is some crazy stuff out there, so discernment is wise to pray for!!! 

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. I am expecting my family over tomorrow afternoon to grill out. We will celebrate the generations of moms tomorrow. 

Grands....