Adding Summer to the Decor

I have many coastal items that stay out year round in my home since I live on a bayou of Choctawhatchee Bay. They don't seem like summer to me, but just part of our natural environment. Lately though, I have added a few new items to the decor.

I saw these herons in Ross the other day. I thought they would look cute in my foyer since I had changed up things in there the other day. I thought the gold in them would match the gold in the candlesticks. I think they will be so cute at Christmas with red bows.

These walls are opposite of each other.

I added a dough bowl with shells to the guest bathroom. I am not sure I completely love it where it is placed. I am in love with the dough bowl and the shells, but haven't quite found the best place for it.

Other coastal things are in this bathroom year round.

Of course, I had already added the shells to the dining room table when I changed out the lamps on the buffet table. I am really loving the silver tray with the starfish.

Like I said, there are coastal things all over my home that stay up all year, as you can see in the clock in our stairwell.

I love the coastal life and summer even with its sweltering heat.

Sandy

A Year of Retirement

It has been a full year since I walked away from the classroom and into retirement. I will say it has not been all that I expected, but yet, oh so wonderful too.

With Mama being sick so much and the many trips to her house taking care of business following my step dad's passing, it has been much busier than I had hoped. I had visions of so much leisure time that hasn't quite panned out. However, I am very GRATEFUL that I wasn't teaching and trying to do all that has come about this past 12 months.

I have made an effort to enjoy my morning coffee on the deck and enjoy the great area I live in.

One of the things I haven't been able to do is sew. I have so many things I want to accomplish there, so I am going to try and make an effort to do more of that. The house will never be perfect, so I am going to have to settle for that and put in a bit more time on the things I long to do.

My latest projects have only been monogramming things my daughter has bought to give as shower gifts.

My cross stitch project that I started last June has been a wash. I just lost motivation. Got to work on getting it back.

I am looking forward to the second year of retirement, and I am hoping I can do a better job of living and doing, instead of worrying and fretting.

The latter I have done a little too much of this year.

Blessed and looking forward with anticipation,

Sandy