Déjà Vu

♥

A Fun Day!

Not to worry, 'cause all the fish caught were tossed back into the lake. As for getting to Blueberry Island, bottom right-hand corner, winds and currents made it a tough trip. But it was all worthwhile. A great day.

Look Who's Here!

So nice to finally have our week with Hunter and Chloe. Early morning game-time shall soon lead to kayaking, if Old Sol decides to cooperate. Won't you please stay tuned...

♥♥

My Michelle♡

It's nearly a month since beautiful Michelle left us. Hard to believe. She is a constant in my thoughts. After all, those who touch our lives truly do stay in our hearts forever.

Remember the rocks Joe found, pictured a few posts down? I've turned them into (link) flippers, to further enhance our lakeside garden, where they'll be a reminder of the never-ending inspiration Michelle gifted the world. Admittedly, they are not nearly as pretty-ful or fun as the original versions… but someone, somewhere is smiling.

Missing and loving that sweet girl… and thinking of her family, always.

There's Something Wrong In Paradise

It's still summer. Or so the calendar says. But WTF? 48 degrees on a mid-August morning is simply not acceptable. It's the reason I'm so gabby, this morning, here on CMI. Can't take my first cuppa outdoors to soak in the sunrise, heat and humidity. Just a quick trip with NIK to assure myself that flowers are still blooming and back in to blah, blah blog. Brrr.

Is there still hope for at least one heatwave, before fall…???

Sweet Potatoes with a Slice

Wish I could take credit for this simple but fabulous idea from the Food Network online. Can't wait to give it a whirl.

So, ya think the Lord has a problem, do ya?

Gotta love the water bottle inadvertently left on set during the "Downton" advertising photo shoot. Oops. Wrong century.

 Thing is, that's nothing compared to what I find after kiddie visits. It's like modern-day collection time. Guilty as charged. But pouring and drinking doesn't seem to work for busy bodies that are always on the move… and hydration is essential. For the record, we employ the rubber-band system of identification. Not familiar? Let me share…

Each child chooses a color, thus identifying his or her H2O. Helps to keep lurking germs from spreading. I hope Poland Spring appreciates this...

Dinner Theater

During a quick visit the other night, our Local Loves executed a newly rehearsed show. In addition to singing, dancing and card tricks, they twirled balloons. Who knew? Ah, the many talents of the young never cease to amaze. :-) Thing is, I'm still wondering how Gavin knew where to find the balloons. Probable answer? There's not a square inch of this house he hasn't explored!

LakeHouse Update

Here's a little sneak peek of the latest addition to the LakeScape - a portion of our downstairs patio…

And a new bush is already blooming an apricot rose - didn't expect the blessed event till next season…

Last but not least, check out these interesting rocks that Joe found - please stay tuned to see what I have in mind for them…

Just Peachy!

Do you know what is finally in season? Sure you do. Their fragrance is in the air at farm stands everywhere. Can't wait to devour? Well, just slurp a ripe one right off the pit. But for me…

 Morning cottage cheese just got a whole lot tastier. And with sour cream? There are simply no words. Or how 'bout peaches in wine, served in elegant crystal… or peach cobbler, if you dare bake them. Need more? Here's a tip:

To easily skin them without losing a morsel of deliciousness, dunk into boiling water for a mere ten seconds, remove fruit quickly and peel with your fingers under cold running water. An ice bath works well, too. Be fast. Then slice to your heart's content.

Peaches. Yum.

Super Moon!

I was long-snoozin', when Joe picked up NIK with zoom to capture these fab shots of the Super Moon. An awesome contribution to CMI. Thanks, Honey.

It Seems Impossible...

How can it be that someone who could deliver such joy and laughter and sensitivity was plagued by such inner turmoil? What a crying shame. I'm a huge fan. Rest in peace, Robin Williams.

The Aftermath

Momma wasn't quite finished, after coaxing her babes out of their cozy abode. She waited till all four had executed the Great Escape. The last one worked up the courage more than an hour after the first. Then, they all disappeared. Or, so I thought…

About half an hour after the excitement, I wandered to the pool to do a few laps. There was that noise, again. At first, I thought it might be yet another nest of young 'uns, but no… a glance towards the driveway revealed a marching brigade of the four fledglings, all gray and blending into the blacktop. Momma could be heard in the nearby woods, loudly instructing them in what's next. For about fifteen minutes, each bird flew back and forth over the driveway, very low to the ground. Then, all disappeared into the woods, still chattering.

INCREDIBLE! 

To Note: 

Photos and vids for related stories were taken through a finely meshed front-door screen. NIK with 300mm zoom was in the foyer and on its tripod, pointed towards the birdie condo just beyond the portico. I'd never have been this lucky in results, if I was outside or even near the door. Thanks to those who asked. Need more info? I'd be happy to oblige.

Time to say "Au Revoir"

What a blessing to have witnessed our resident wrens, as QUADRUPLETS got ready to take flight! Momma coached from a nearby branch.
Beautiful Noise from Mother Nature.

"Hey, Mom, where's mine?"

Monday Salad

The fridge was full of random ingredients left from last week's fare: chicken prepared three different ways, two pastas, grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese (a rare indulgence, these days), sweet corn, hard-boiled eggs. With the help of cashews, cucumbers and black olives, everything came together well. A fresh dressing of EVOO, white balsamic, mustard, oregano and pepper completed it to deliciousness. Ahem… I know 'cause I tasted. To be served with lettuce, tomatoes and a side of Summer Blues, dinner is on deck for al fresco dining alongside today's hibiscus blooms.

Buon Appetito!

Fly The Coop, Already!

The baby wrens are about as big as their momma, now! And noisy, too. You wouldn't believe how noisy! Adding to the commotion are the latest round of robin toddlers, residing in the nearby weeping cherry tree. Jeesh! Time to find your own digs, Kiddies. It's like Angry Birds, here at the Old Homestead.

LakeHouse Update

We went to contract on a few major things, last week, including the new great-room kitchen. Pretty exciting stuff. I'm dreaming of cabinets and such. Also, a couple walls came down to create newly designated space. The house echoes. It's wild! 

This morning, a crew is digging and pouring a stamped concrete patio for the downstairs, lakeside. We're excited to see the results of our design choice.

Work-wise, there's nothing major for us to contribute. Just a lot of decision making. We anxiously await the painting of the two-toned deck, but must hold off till all the new wood and rails cure properly. Patience is eluding me...

During a round of retail therapy, I found gorgeous aluminum numbers. Modern House Numbers has incredible options to choose from and contact with the company is a breeze, thanks to courteous and accommodating Rick. I've already placed a second order, to be used for an upcoming birthday gift. Please see for yourself.

Monday, Monday. Time to catch up at the Old Homestead. Our gardens are crying for me.

Split Time

We had a gorgeous weekend, split between the Old Homestead and the Lake House. 

Two budding chefs kept us well fed.

And it seems that driving a John Deere is in a boy's blood.

We even took the time for kayaking on Golden Pond :-).

Serenity Now!

Birthday Boy Bri ♡

Had to laugh, this morning, as I took the requested birthday cake from the oven. The wrens were going nuts in the bird condo, making an exorbitant amount of noise… and there she was. Cake down, camera up… gotcha! A momma feeding her babes - photo below. Ah, there's something so familiar about that. Life imitating nature.

Thing is, Joe and I just cannot believe Bri's 44… the years literally took flight, speeding along at an unreal pace. Even CocaCola knows it's a special day, though their product is rarely a drink of choice. But who could resist such a special salute?

I told Bri it seems like just yesterday, when he rode around on the little train and called out every few minutes, "I love you, Mommy." Ask me how many kids have ridden the train that now awaits Lyla's turn.

And back to the cake. This one has been around a long, long time, but I haven't made it in years. It was a request. Some things never change - well, that is if you don't alter the recipe!

Love you, Honey. See ya later. Happy 44th.

♥

EVENING UPDATE: