Mother's Day Flowers and Charm Bracelets

Outside our bedroom window this morning things are looking a bit soggy.  The downspout has created a raging river at times next to the rosebushes.  The rain is a welcome sight after our rather dry month of April.

While things are a bit dark and drippy outside, this beautiful bouquet of flowers near the kitchen sink are brightening things up inside.  A thoughtful gift from my son for Mother's Day.

Another bouquet from Brett.

Bringing beauty to the dining table.

So nice the be remembered with flowers, cards and phone calls on Mother's Day.

I do hope you, too, had a nice Mother's Day.

A few days before Mother's Day I received a surprise in the mail.

My sister sent me my Mom's charm bracelet.  I suppose I had seen it as a child, although I scarcely remembered it.  As I looked at each charm, it seemed as though the story of her life unfolded before me.  Engraved charms depicting each of her children, tiny baby shoes and a tiny baby carriage which were most likely gifts when her babies were born.  A telephone and victrola ... perhaps from her days before marriage and children?  The tiny warplane... did my Dad bring it from his time in World War 2?  If my Mom were still here, I would be asking those questions.  So often at this stage of my life I wish I would have been more curious about my parents and grandparents younger years.

Either way, this charm bracelet was a little glimpse into my Mom's life and interests through the years.  More familiar to me are the golf bag and tennis racquets.  She absolutely loved tennis and thinking of the pleasure it gave her makes me happy.

After looking at Mom's bracelet, I was compelled to dig out my own.  Far fewer charms on it as I think the fad was beginning to wear out in my generation.  I believe that most of the charms were gifts from my parents.  That little round one to the left of the roller skate says "I Love You" when you spin the circle.  

I can't think of a sweeter gift to receive for Mother's Day.

Although my Mom has been gone since 2009, something so personal brought her memories flooding back to me and that's the next best thing to having her here.

Since I know that many of my readers are from the same generation as me, I am wondering how many of you have a charm bracelet still?

If you do perhaps you would consider sharing it on your blogs??

A Good Day in the Garden

 ~ Dogwood ~

On a beautiful spring day there's really nowhere else I'd rather be than in my garden. 

~ Eastern Redbud ~

For it is here that I find peace.

Everyday worries fade to the background as I breathe in the freshness of the air and take in the beauty of the colors quietly dotting the landscape.  

 

I think of my mother as I tend to the wee grape hyacinths.

She grew them in her Michigan garden where they multiplied like crazy.  She also fostered in me a lifelong love for gardening.

 Today was a day for picking up sticks.

Every time I walk around the yard I seem to end up with an armful of branches.  Windy days seem to shake them loose from the trees.

While the earth is still soft, the weeds usually slip out easily.

It's always satisfying to remove the entire root along with the weed.

While down on the ground pulling weeds, I noticed this little blue flower coming into bloom.  How pretty!  I'm not sure what it is.  I'm thinking some type of phlox.

It was a good day to trim back the ornamental grasses as the new green growth is coming out now.  

 

 All of that bending over made my back a bit stiff.  

Seemed like a good time to stretch out on the grass.

My gardening tends to be a mix of work and play.

~ Loropetalum ~

While sitting on the grass I looked to my left and saw this.

He has the right idea, don't you think?

He is surrounded by dwarf Loropetalum shrubs.  Are you familiar with them?  I wasn't until we moved to North Carolina.  They are blooming all throughout our neighborhood now and look so pretty.  We have some in the front yard that are huge.  I am hoping that this dwarf variety stays true to it's name.

 

 After deciding that I had lounged on the grass long enough, it was time for a nice stretch. 

Bend and stretch and reach for the sky.

Oh my, that is one gorgeous sky!

 Back to work.

This early spring day was the right time to apply fertilizer to the rose bushes.  I am in the process of changing over to only organic fertilizers. 

It often seems like we wait so long for spring's arrival and once it gets here we have to pay close attention or we might miss something.

For instance, most of my daffodils and hyacinths have come and gone.  Soon these, too, will be done until next year. 

 When the day's work was done it was time for a coffee break.

While sipping my coffee I watched a pair of butterflies "dancing" together as they flew higher and higher.  Once they were out of my sight I watched a pair of blackbirds flying back and forth across the yard most likely setting up housekeeping in one of the tall trees.

Spring has sprung and everywhere I look there are signs of life.  

 Happy Spring!

May you find joy in the beauty of this new season.

Conversation in an Antique Shop

Back here  I shared the story of this children's ironing board which resides in my laundry room.  Despite the fact that I'm all grown up, these little vintage toys tug at my heartstrings.

You may or may not understand this attraction.  If you don't, you may want to mosey on out of here as continuing to read may make you wonder about me.  :D

Okay, now that you've been duly warned...

on with the story.

When my mom was still alive she would sometimes give me a monetary gift with a note included saying it was to be used for something I would enjoy (i.e:  not to buy groceries or pay bills).

Not one to disappoint my mom, this little gem was calling   screaming my name from the antique store shelf recently:

 

 Thinking I couldn't possible justify the price I remembered a monetary gift I'd received for Christmas.  Hmmm, what would mom say?  

As long as I'm on the subject of vintage toy love...

I've had these child sized clothespins for a long time.

The laundry tub in the first photo above was way too big for this little vignette.

When we were on our recent getaway, we stopped into the local antique mall where I was hunting for one thing...

a galvanized child's size laundry tub.

I searched carefully through every booth with no luck.

Truthfully I didn't even know if such a thing existed.

As I was about to leave one of the sales ladies asked me if I found what I was looking for.  After telling her what it was, she said she had one in her booth.  A conversation ensued.

She told me her parents had sold antiques together after their retirement.  Her mother's special interest was children's  items.

She shared with me that her mother had died unexpectedly last year.

When I told her about my interest in children's kitchen and laundry toys, she said she knew she had a box at home of  children's kitchen items that had been her mom's.

She offered to call me if she could locate them and I could come in before the shop opened the next morning to see if I was interested in any of them.  She told me she would be happy to know that they were going to a good home.

The next morning when I met her at the shop, she was on the phone for a while.  After hanging up she apologized and said that her dad had just fallen.  Since he lives in another state she was trying to assess what to do.  As the middle child she said the decisions seemed to fall to her.  As a fellow middle child, my ears perked up to this.  She went on to explain that he has been falling a lot recently, he has been lost without her mother,  though a very capable man he was nearly useless in the kitchen she said.  We laughed about how with that generation it was so common for men to stay out of the kitchen and laundry room.  

Though we needed to get on the road soon, I knew she could use a listening ear.

As she talked I felt her pain.

Emotions still very raw with the loss of her mother and now she said she felt it was probably time for her to find an assisted living home for her father to move into.

These decisions are never easy.

My heart went out to her as I was reminded of going through a similar scenario with my mom.

As we talked she showed me her mom's vintage kitchen toys.

She said she'd like to offer me a better price on anything I was interested in.  Along the way she told me bits and pieces of the history of some of these treasures.  

A little board to roll cookies on and an angel food cake pan for the little stove remind me of my mom's love for baking cookies and her special angel food cake dessert that we all loved.  They also remind me of the antique store owner's mother.  A lady I never met but feel that I would have enjoyed knowing had our paths ever crossed.

I'm also reminded of two middle child daughters doing their best to support and love their parents til the end of their days.

A Rosy Morning

~ Good Morning Friends ~

Today I am offering a rose to you.

If you're ready to be done with winter and move into spring, but the weatherman has other ideas ... hang in there.  It won't be long until we will be smelling the roses once again.

While cleaning up my photo files  I came across this photo taken at a local garden walk two years ago.  I was instantly transported back to that beautiful rose garden.  It made me so excited for the upcoming gardening season and all of the potential it holds.

If you've never been on a garden walk, I'd like to encourage you to find one and go.  It's so inspiring to see the creative ways that people bring beauty to their little corner of our world.  Not only that, the gardeners are usually milling about and so willing to share information.

 In my last post I took you along on a wintry walk through my neighborhood.  

Today the snow is long gone, the sky is blue, the temperatures are heading into the mid 60s and the daffodils are popping up everywhere.  I was compelled to snip a few to place in a vase I found at the thrift shop several months ago.  

The excitement of Spring is in the air ... I can feel it.

   

Like a bear coming out of hibernation I can feel my winter lethargy slipping away.  This morning I could hardly wait to get out of bed and plan my day.  It will include plenty of time outdoors.  Our rainy day yesterday has made the conditions ideal for weed pulling and there is a little doggy around here who's always up for a walk.

This morning as I was standing at the window with my cup of coffee in hand I had one of those "I'm turning into my mother" moments.  Ever had one of those?

My mom was an early riser and often started her day at the window with coffee in hand.  I think it was her way of enjoying the peace that comes in the morning before anybody else is up and also the beauty of her garden.  She would stand there in her bathrobe sipping her coffee and appreciating the moment.  

As I was reminded of my mom's little morning ritual I also remembered that today would have been her 89th birthday.

   It seemed a fitting way to start the day.  She may not be here to share a cup of coffee with, but I somehow think we did share that cup of coffee.

~ Always remember to take time to smell the roses ~

Mom's Peach Pie Recipe

For those of you who requested the peach pie recipe that I had mentioned in this post, I'm happy to share it with you.

This was the pie my mom made every summer when I was growing up.  You bake the crust ahead of time and make the filling on the stove top.  Since the pie doesn't get baked in the oven, I think it retains a really "fresh peach" taste. 

My mom's handwritten recipe (above) is what she wrote down once when I asked for the recipe.  I guess it's more her method than an official recipe, but I can tell you it is super easy and super yummy.  So, I'll do my best to relate the recipe and if you have any questions, please feel free to ask in comments.

Mom's Peach Pie

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sugar

5 large peaches, cut up or sliced

water

2-1/2 Tablespoons cornstarch

pat of butter (roughly 1 teaspoon)

baked pie crust

Directions:

Bake single shell pie crust according to directions (I usually use the pre-made refrigerated type).  Let cool.

Cut up or slice peaches, set them in a bowl and pour 3/4 cup sugar over them and let weep.  (if you aren't familiar with this term, it means to let the peaches sit for maybe an hour until they release their juices).  At this point drain off the juices that accumulate and add enough water to make 1 cup.  Add 2-1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch and cook over stove until thickened, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.  Add pat of butter and about 1/4 of the peaches and cook for a few more minutes.  Remove from stove and let cool.

Once cooled add the remaining peaches to filling and put filling into pie crust.  Refrigerate until serving time.  Top with whipped cream before serving, if desired.



Sometimes I add a couple drops of red and yellow food coloring to the filling to make it look more "peachy".  Not necessary, however.  Either way it will taste peachy keen (sorry, I couldn't resist). 

I hope you are having a happy summer.

I've just finished moving the contents of my living room into the dining room in preparation for the painter's arrival.  I'll spare you pictures of this mess ;-). 



Mother's Day Wishes

In honor of Mother's Day I brought out some of the china that is normally hidden behind the closed doors of my china cabinet.

When my mom and mother-in-law downsized I inherited many pretty cup and saucer sets.  It seems many of them were bought in Canada many years ago when a favorable exchange rate enticed these two moms to purchase one new set every time they crossed the border from Michigan.  My dad was born in Canada and our summer vacations usually included a trip there to attend his family reunions.  As I recall one of our first stops was at a little china shop where my mom would carefully select her cup and saucer.  Through the years she would use them often when she entertained.

Although they aren't used much anymore, they are something I will always cherish. 

I couldn't resist showing you the mums that are blooming on my patio ... in May.  I can't recall ever seeing them bloom this early.  

My dad used to say "mum" instead of "mom".  We found this to be endearing and assumed it was because he had been born in Canada.  So, whether you are a mom or a mum I wish you a



Happy Mother's Day. 



Thankful Thoughts of You

Hello again gals.

I'm popping in to tell you something.

This makes 2 posts in 2 days ... for me that may be a record.

Today I took a long drive through the countryside.

At the end of my drive I met with other like-minded ladies to talk about putting our gardens to bed for the winter. 

There was only one man in attendance.  You can see him above.

He didn't add much input to the meeting as he's made of chicken wire.  But, he was probably the best dressed person there and you may have guessed that I really dig his bike.  :-).

While we're on the subject of well dressed ... didn't God do an AMAZING job with nature?

Okay, I told you I wanted to tell you something.

I always enjoy hearing from each of you through the comments you so kindly leave for me.  There are times, however, when I sit down and read the nice things you have to say and I feel so happy, lucky, blessed and truly thankful to have come to know such a wonderful group of people.  It's like receiving a big warm hug and it feels so nice.

This may sound really strange, but somehow I think many of you will understand this.  Many years ago I saw Bette Midler on a talk show.  She had just lost both of her parents and she made the statement that no matter how old you are once your parents are gone you become an orphan.

I now know what she meant.  I accept the fact that my own parents are in a better place now.  I accept the fact that they both lived nice long lives and I was blessed to have wonderful parents.  I accept the fact that I am a grown woman, but there are times when I would love to feel their unconditional love once again.

In many ways I feel I receive that here ... from you ... and I often feel like my parents smile down on you for showing their daughter such kindness.

So, tonight I just want to make sure to tell you how much your words mean to me and to thank you.  As we head into November and pause to remember all that we are thankful for, you all will be at the top of my list.

 

Coffee Klatsching on the First Day of School

Today is the big day for the kids in my neighborhood.

Since my kids are no longer heading out for their first day of school, I was content to sit on the porch with my cup of coffee and watch the neighbor kids get on the bus.  The bus stop is right in front of my house.  As I drank my coffee I couldn't help but think about a yearly tradition the mom's had when I was going to elementary school.  If you read my previous post and saw the house where I grew up  you will know that the following scenario took place on that porch.

Back then ... think 1960s ... eek, I know ... long time ago.

Every year on the first day of school, all of the neighborhood moms would congregate on that porch and have a "coffee klatsch".  As we would be trotting off to school they would be sipping coffee, eating baked goods specially made for this moment and talking and laughing.  To the kids in my neighborhood the first day of school was synonymous with the mom's "coffee klatsch." 

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of this, but I do have the following picture that my sister gave me on my recent visit:

Here you see my mom and her dearest friends.  I think this was taken before we were born, but as you can see my mom loved a good "coffee klatsch" even then. 

I may not have to get any kids ready for the first day of school, but my thoughts are with children and moms everywhere as they begin a new school year.  May the first day go well and the year be a good experience for all.

Even though it still feels like summer, back to school time always gets me thinking about fall.  Once my coffee is finished I think I'll head out for a walk to see if there are any early signs of fall in the neighborhood.

Hope your day is a good one.

Who You Gonna Call?

 When my mom used to visit, she had the habit of leaving little gifts for me to find.  The magnet above was one such gift.  I found it after she left and had to laugh.  Back then we lived in different states, but talked on the phone at least once a week.  My mom was also an early bird.  Me ~ not so much.  In those days she would often call me when I was still lounging in bed thinking about starting my day.  I must admit that I often wondered why she had to call sooo early.

But, that was then and this is now.

Now, it wouldn't matter if she called at 5 a.m., I'd gladly pick up that phone and talk.  In fact, I might even follow the advice on her magnet and call her before she had the chance to call me.  If she were to call today I'd wish her a Happy 87th Birthday.

It's true what they say about absence making the heart grow fonder.

With that thought in mind I'm making it a higher priority to call my brother on a regular basis.  He lives on one side of the country and I'm on the other.  Though we get along just fine, distance makes it hard to feel close sometimes.  Sadly, there are times when I hesitate to call because I feel like I don't know him very well anymore.  I don't like that feeling so I've resolved to make a better effort at communication.  I think I'll call him at least once a month.  But I promise not to call at the crack of dawn.

Is there anyone that you've put off calling?

If so, now might be the best time.

Fondly Remembering 2 Special Moms

Today I am donning my pearls and apron in honor of a couple of special moms in my life.

I've taken out my mom's well loved cook book.  The cover is falling off and the pages are stained.  Notes are made in her neat handwriting and newspaper clippings, now yellowed, are taped to the insides.  It would have little value to anybody but me.  For me it brings back sweet and happy memories of my mom creating a warm and loving home for her family.  A home where the cookie jar was filled on Fridays.  Coming through the door after school the house was scented with the delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies.  Mom was there waiting to hear about our day at school.  Cookies and milk were waiting for us.  It was a simple time, but a time long remembered.  A time where a mother's kind gesture made children know, without a doubt, that they were loved.

One year ago today my mom passed away.  I thought it would be a good day to make her favorite cookies ~ oatmeal chocolate chip.  I am also planning to do a job I have been putting off for months ~ the dreaded closet cleaning.  But after I finish, I plan to sit down with a cookie and a glass of milk and remember the good times I had with my mom.  I will also take some of the cookies to the office tomorrow to share with my fellow employees.  I think mom would like that as she always tried to discourage us from being selfish. 

I will also be remembering another favorite mom ~ June Cleaver.  As a huge "Leave it to Beaver" fan, I was saddened to hear that Barbara Billingsley passed away on Saturday.  It has been so nice to hear Jerry Mathers (aka: the Beave) talk about what a nice lady she was.  It seems so refreshing compared to so much of what takes place in tv-land these days.

The people who love us and help to shape our lives may no longer be with us, but their memories live on in so many ways.  Recently I saw a lady from Ireland talking about their custom for keeping the memories of their loved ones alive at Christmastime.  She said after mass on Christmas day they pour a glass of whiskey and toast those who are no longer with them.  While I like the concept, I am not a whiskey drinker.  I'm interested to know if any of you have a custom for keeping the memory of your loved ones close at the holidays?  I would like to start a tradition like this.  Feel free to tell me about it.  I will be popping out of the closet now and then to do a little blog reading :).

One last thing I'd like to mention, as I was writing this post I received a call from Hospice.  They helped care for my mom in the last few months of her life.  They were wonderful at that time and have continued to be wonderful throughout the year.  With periodic phone calls they have let me know that they are there for me should I require someone to talk to.  What a blessing they have been.

 

Love,