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 Weekly Check In

I had planned to try and do a weekly check in post today, but with all that is going on I am struggling to decide what to do.

New territory for sure.

I have decided to do a lighthearted update with lots of pictures, but I can assure you I am on alert as we all are over the happenings around the world. I do not make light of them.

I have a weakened immune system so I am pretty much on lockdown per instructions of my family. I need something happy to look at in between the sad.
Lots of prayers needed for this thing to calm down medically and for our country. I can only imagine if it goes on long what it could do for the economy which affects us all.

ALL that said, let's move on to some lighter notes and a story.

I finished Redbird. I can't wait for Bluebird to come out to add it to this one. The called for color was Lancaster Red by Weeks. I had some in my stash and thought I had plenty. I ran out towards the end. The substitute was DMC 221. I decided to keep on stitching. I may be a tad bit lighter but it worked enough to keep on trucking.

I hope to fully finish into a pillow for this one much like the pattern cover model.

I am now trying to stitch quickly on the Easter hoopla by With Thy Needle and Thread and then it is back to the blue jays exclusively until they are finished. I think you will be surprised when I share that again.

Around the house I have added more spring. I added my bunnies to the side table in the dining room. Mother gave these to me in the 90s when craft fairs were everywhere. The kids always loved them. I am going to share my story with you about my impulse purchase in brief here. As I share the story I will break it up with pictures from the week. How does that sound?

When I first started this blog I saw some McCarty bunnies on another blog. Her style was similar to mine (miss her blog terribly) and I thought I just had to have some. I ordered one off of Ebay. I could never find another one the same size to match and it really needed a pair because I like symmetry. I had envisioned one of each side of the sidebar.

A closer view of these little cuties... and that cup has some cute little eggs and a story too. I am full of stories.

Fast forward a year and I ordered another one of those McCarty bunnies and when it arrived I was simply not impressed.  This one didn't stand up but was huddled over and time had me not liking it at all.
A combination of factors. I had ordered both impulsively to begin with would be one. Another is I like things in the house decor that kind of have a story to them. *When you are my age there is not a lot of space anymore so things must have a story or some sentimentality to be worthy of the space they take up.

Along came another cute little McCarty bunny and this time it looked like a match that I had looked for with the first one. I quickly ordered it and it was quite pricey. It arrived and was half the size of the first bunny. Mind you when I looked back it was clearly stated. See the quick decision made. Now I had three odd bunnies who didn't really go together. No story except I was uneasy about the whole dog gone thing. For some odd reason it really was like a bur in my saddle.

Really ridiculous in light of real world problems. Anywho...I sat on it a few days and then began to think there were probably some little ladies in Mississippi who were wanting these to go with their McCarty pottery. I didn't love them. Mississippi is where the McCarty pottery started and it is a big deal over there.
I listed all three separately on Ebay. My goal was to get out of all three what I had paid for the final one. I had three boxes sitting in the recycling bin that all three would fit in, some packing peanuts and bubble wrap in a closet so I wouldn't need to buy that. Like I said I didn't want to gouge anyone as I felt I had been sucked into...just break even.

They all three sold almost instantly. I broke even and I feel so much better.
A win... a silly frivolous win in light of things but a win.

My sewing room. The Easter basket is mine from when I was a little girl and Lindsay used it. It was well made.

Also a lesson in thinking a bit more before I buy. I think we all make mistakes every now and then and we live and learn even in a more mature age.

Now, that I bored you with all that...I do hope you enjoyed some pictures along the way with the story.

I will share a few of Tucker and Lemony. It might seem like Gus is always in the spotlight but that is because he loves being on camera. Lemony ---not so much. I baby her and she got to go on a walk with us without Gus. She needs no leash. She would never dream of being disobedient.

Notice the leaves...I have shared before that the live oaks drop leaves in the spring. It will be an all mass of them soon.

Tucker has been sick. He is on the mend, but you can see how weak his eyes were the other day.

Now, for my finale. My pots along the wall are just showing off with spring like temperatures. 

I do hope all is well in your neck of the woods. I hope my post served as a bright and happy diversion. I am well aware of the seriousness of things and it is meant to be a momentary distraction.
Sandy

A Little Easter Planning and a Final Cross Stitch Finish

I have had a little head cold the past few days. I am feeling a tad bit better today, so I thought I would take it easy and do some fun things this morning.

I am planning for my Easter dinner whatever day my kids can do it. You can read about my thoughts from last year on holiday dinner times here.

One thing that is tradition for me and that I have held on tight to is using the good dishes for holidays. I was toying with the real china for Easter this year, but I have so fallen in love with my linens that I put out for Valentine's Day.  I love them so so so much, I simply can't put them away. The linens are from Jenny's Everyday Occasions online shop. I think she has sold out of the pink linens, but she has new stuff with every season.

I first put out the good china.

Slightly boring.

Then I put out my not necessarily good china, but one I only use on special days. I fell in love with this blue pattern from Southern Living at Dillards a couple of years ago. I just had to have it. It is so versatile. The bunny plates are from Pottery Barn.

Anyway, I think the blue will win out for Easter this year. I will share the final look closer to Easter.

Then, I decided to finish up my spring pillow that I stitched a couple of weeks ago. I want to get it out for spring which is not quite here, but my mind is definitely on it.

I used the thread that came with the pattern. It was Classic Color Works Weathered Vine.  It is definitely a muted green with an olive undertone. I simply had n-o-t-h-i-n-g in my very l-a-r-g-e stash that matched it. I decided it wouldn't have to be something that contrasted rather than matched, but I still had nothing in my stash. 

I headed down the road to the expensive quilting store and found the perfect piece by Moda. I just love the little bees. The leaves are a perfect match and the muted and soft blue is perfect. 

Such a perfect match that I plan to finish the "Summer" pillow in the same fabric.

See it will be perfect for it too.

This is also a great match for foyer which houses my new church pew.

I am in love with it.

It all pairs well with my foyer decor that stays out from January to late September and fall arrives.

The table is opposite the pew.

A better opposite view.

In search for the perfect rug...until then this small one will have to do.

I would so add a small book ...Bible or prayer book to the pew, but sweet Gus, the puppy Springer, likes books as much as me!!! Just not to read, but to chew on.

Fall Decor 2016

It finally feels like fall. The mornings are nice, so much so that I have been sitting on the deck rather than getting started on my chores today. 

Hank, the heron was fishing. Love Hank.

I didn't do a ton different this year, so some of these pictures will be the same, but I do have a few noteworthy changes, so here is fall at our home this year.

The dining room got one new pumpkin mixed in with the coastal things that stay pretty much year round. 

The squirrels are back for another year.

The desk got a new bunny and sign. I simply love this bunny.

The foyer is the same.

The other bunny got a fall ribbon.

The kitchen got some cute new dish towels that need ironing.

The Boo sign and jack-o-lantern are new in the kitchen. I also still have the black gingham napkins on the table, but I didn't take a picture I guess, and I am too lazy now to do it.

The living room has a few changes since I last shared. After moving these pumpkins to every place in this room, I finally settled on the end tables. I love these pumpkins that I got at JoAnn's several years ago.

The coffee table got a few candles and some leaves. The couch got some new pillows, and there is a new rug on the floor.

The rug took some getting used to and the pillows too, but I like them now.

The change was the result of one thing leading to a chain reaction.

You see I was shopping at Haverty's for my daughter. I am going to share that soon!

Anyway, I was in Haverty's back room when I came upon this chair. I just felt it needed me. I was so tired of my rocker. 

I LOVE the chair. I mean really love it. It is my new stitching and reading chair and it reclines. I never ever thought I would want that, but it was custom made for my body. Anyway, the chain reaction started when I just felt that there was too much red and busy patterns, so new rug, new pillows, etc.

I am trying to mull it all over and see if it works for me. It may be back to drawing board, but for now...

Here are a few more pics of the bookcases with a few fall touches sprinkled in.

Now, I am off to do chores before I allow myself anymore computer time. I have flitted away a good bit of time already.

Loving October,

Sandy