St. Patrick's Day and a Bit More

Top o' the morning to you!

I was up and at it early this morning. I had a volunteer meeting at church this morning and I was trying to beat the clock on a few things before the meeting because rain is coming in.

I am a geranium loving fool. I have them everywhere. Two of my larger ones on the back didn't survive the winter and come back to life. I had tried something different this year. I brought some of them in to try and make it, but those were the ones that didn't do so well. Next year I might as well leave them out and just cover them.

I stopped by Lowe's and got two to replace them and really wanted to get them in the pots before it rained.

Last year's photo.

Also, I really had to go to the gym this morning because I had several busy days this week and had been slacking. Have to be firm about my time there. 

This is what happens when you live on the water and you own a spaniel and a retriever....every time you go out back.

They look so innocent.

It does no good to scold, because when you bring out the old towels to dry them off they think it is great. I get wet...Mama rubs me down all over.

The pansy story....seriously...look at these pansies.

Moved them to the side of the house and they are flourishing. I did a little research (quick one site research) and it says they love full sun and can take the winter temps, but I think the problem that I have with them is they get a lot of wind on the block wall and that dries them out. They like water also and I don't like cold, so I am sure I don't keep them moist enough.

I brought a couple in for the kitchen.

When I was younger, I used to bring violets and pansies into Mama for this bell jar.

It is the Liberty Bell. It has been in her kitchen forever. When she was moving, she put it in the box to get rid of. I dug it out.

If the pansies keep doing well I will just bring a few in every few days. If they last through April, they will look good with the cross stitch of April's cottage.

Now, for a What I Wore segment.

I pulled out shorts yesterday, but I think it is supposed to cool down a bit for the weekend.

They are a little baggie, but I love seeing what ladies my age wear. I struggle with trying to be hip, but still embrace the age. I am happy to be still kicking in my 50's and have no desire to look like a teenager. Yet, I want to look cute and not too Old Ladyish.

Since I didn't wear them all day, I pulled them out again today and....

No make up yet.

Yes, I am wearing my green and my shamrock.

Off to eat lunch with my mom and my uncle who is visiting her. 

I will leave you with an Irish prayer.

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back. 
May the sun shine warm upon your face; 
the rains fall soft upon your fields 
and until we meet again, 
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Sandy

A Whole Bunch of Random

I worked on a few things at the farmhouse on Saturday. I didn't stay long, just went and took a few things and checked on the garden progress.

The garden is doing great and the weather is getting to the point I think we can add other items. The potatoes and onions look great. No carrots....sad face.

I worked so hard last week while Mama was at my aunt's house. I took off Thursday afternoon and headed to Destin to shop. I went to Pier 1 to get those cute little things I shared last Friday, but I also stopped in at Kirkland's. There was the most adorable cow picture that just spoke to me.

I had no intention of buying anything for that farmhouse and didn't have cow pictures on my brain either. 

However, it called my name and I just felt sure it would be so cute in the living room.

I had another idea in my brain so this was really off track.

I love how it looks.

Picture doesn't show how cute these lamps are.

Two weekends ago, I ran into Defuniak Springs for Jeff to get some post nails when I saw those cute chicks. I also saw the cutest little egg baskets right next to the chicks. I picked one up that day.

The repurposed shirt made into pillows are plopped in there. I think I like it.

Now, my other plans for that room are new pillows for the gingham sofa. Not quite sure what fabric I will use yet. Also, the picture above the sofa will be replaced with something more rustic. 

It is a beautiful print and the frame is the right size, but not the right look for the farmhouse look.

I hung some of my cross stitch pieces that were at Mama's in the guest bathroom.

I am making some cloth napkins and a few more things this week to take. I am getting some ideas spinning around in my brain now. 

YARD UPDATE

The flowers are beginning to pop around the neighborhood. My daffodils all bloomed. I like the look so I think I will add more to that area next spring.

I have loved the tulips. They are a great transition from winter to spring. I will definitely do them in pots again. I moved them all to the front so they could be seen. You can see them as soon as you drive into our cul-de-sac. 

I have never had tulips. They have been quite interesting. They open wide during the day, but close up morning and evening.

I love the orange ones. 

The pink ones have not shown up yet, but they are almost ready.

We have this wall planter on the side of our driveway. I am not all that crazy about it, but it hides a multitude of stuff.

Hubby built a wood piece to go over the dirt years ago. You could never grow anything in that stone in the summer. There is not enough water anywhere to survive the heat of full sun in stone. We put pots on top of it. I have multiple sets of pots to use for the seasons. I store them on the side yard. I have lilies that stand up to the heat of summer. I have been putting pansies in them for winter for many years. They were so puny looking when I moved them to the side and replaced them last week.

After I moved them, they popped out and look great. Maybe they don't like full sun. I am going to research that and maybe change that for next winter.

Let's see. Mama made Sunday supper for the family at her house yesterday. She was so excited. She has been eating with us mostly. 

She still has it. Yum!!!

Pot roast, cabbage, peas, and cornbread.

I made time to sew today. If it is worth showing later, I will share.

I am stitching on April's cottage in the evenings.

One last set of pictures. 

The dogs had already changed to the new time for two weeks. They were stirring earlier and going to bed earlier.

This morning they were a little later rising. 

They are really my alarm clock.

Our bedroom door that goes out to the deck faces the east and has always had light pouring in. I have never chosen to to really cover it with blinds. Just a sheer as it up high and no one has a chance to see in. AND I just love the way the sun comes up and shines in. I never take sunrises for granted.

This is how it looks each morning.

My view from my bed.

I stepped outside to take a picture this morning to share.

Even on a cloudy day, it is still beautiful. The sun did shine today though and it was quite a beautiful day.

Nothing we can ever do to decorate can ever be better than God's handiwork.

Blessed,

Sandy