I feel as slow as these fairies are. I can’t seem to get going this morning.
I had such a lovely time with my second daughter. I am sad that she had to leave but I understand she has her own home now.
Today is the day to announce the winners of the From My [...]

A daughter is a day brightener and a heart warmer. ~ Author Unknown
One of the best parts of summer is having the children be able to visit more often!
My second daughter arrived yesterday morning and will stay until tomorrow morning. It is a delight to see her! We’ve had a wonderful time, [...]

Speaking of nature walks, I almost forgot to mention something that I read somewhere online about the outdoors and mosquitoes and such.  Rather than spray on OFF or another pesticide on yourself to keep those pesky insects away, you can put a fabric softener sheet in your pocket and it is suppose to do the [...]

To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon verdure is the most perfect refreshment.
Jane Austen
My dear husband led a photo nature walk yesterday at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center.  He had a nice size group of 12 people.  The Nature Center is so beautiful and peaceful.  Thankfully, the heat was not [...]

“If we would have a true home, we must guard well our thoughts and actions. A single bitter word may disquiet the home for a whole day; but, like unexpected flowers which spring up along our path full of freshness, fragrance and beauty, so do kind words, gentle acts and sweet disposition make glad the [...]

Each fairy breath of summer, as it blows with loveliness, inspires the blushing rose. ~ Author Unknown
Can you imagine my delight to discover tiny treasures left by my fairy friends?  I woke this morning and went for a walk in my garden and what should I find but a trail of presents all wrapped up [...]

It has been one of those days. You know the ones – where most everything seems to go wrong. Yesterday started out well and then ended not as well. I am trying to think of it as an opportunity for growth (in patience and endurance).
My husband seems to always be away when [...]

“. . . It is one job where you enjoy the results right along as you work.
You may work all day washing and ironing, but at night you have the delicious feeling of sunny clean sheets and airy pillows to lie on.
If you clean, you sit down at nightfall with the house shining and faintly [...]

A short drive and a walk along the cobblestone path led my dear husband and me to the dearest Victorian Bed and Breakfast. We didn’t want to go too far away yet wanted to escape to the beautiful Hunterdon County countryside. This is my first New Jersey Bed and Breakfast experience. My [...]

Though I have been writing here a number of years, I have decided to freshen up my little online journal by changing things around a bit.  I’ve added vintage posts to my right sidebar and have included new chapters.
Along the Cobblestone Path – Life’s journeys and travels
Around the Heart – Home life
Beauty for Ashes – [...]

I love summer evenings.  And summer weekend evenings need a little something sweet.  With such lovely fresh fruit in abundance, you can make this berried treasure pie with any berries in season!  Enjoy!
1 pkg 8 oz cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp sugar
2 Tbsp milk
1 graham cracker crust
1 c halved strawberries (or any berries in season)
1 pkg [...]

Today was the first day of school for Little Miss Matilda Bear. We decided to enroll her in obedience training classes. She is very obedient already but we thought the socialization and the little extra training would be a good thing for all of us. I researched quite a bit to find [...]

Middle age is when you’re sitting at home on a Saturday night and the telephone rings and you hope it isn’t for you. ~ Ogden Nash
How wonderful it is to have a quiet Saturday evening at home.  I would be perfectly happy not to hear a telephone ring.  Snuggling next to my dear [...]

Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish. ~ John Quincy Adams
Patience is not one of my finer virtues. It is something I definitely need to work on. Perhaps that is the lesson that I am to learn during this time of recuperation.
I love the quote [...]

I can imagine gracefully walking down this beautiful garden staircase.  I can only imagine it.  Because, as I was reminded again today, I am not very graceful.  In fact, I tend to fall especially down a flight of stairs.
I spent a good part of the day at the orthopedist’s office because I fell down the [...]