Day Trippin'

I've been very busy lately (unfortunately, not updating this blog!)

but wanted to let you know that my website and blog

have been undergoing a re-design (as you can see here).

I'm also busy processing through some new inventory

and will be adding that to my site soon.

Meanwhile, I needed a day of fun and so engaged in a single day

AAA motorcoach tour of some places in my area I've been

meaning to visit.

Today's update takes us to:

Schedel Arboretum in Elmore, Ohio

Who knew there were Redwoods in Ohio?

The bonsai nursery

The kitchen garden

The rose garden

It was a blistering hot day, but well worth the trip.  Hope you enjoyed your visit here today!

Reason for the Season

This is a total tearjerker video I picked up off of Susan Branch's website. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSMlIM9zLio

I celebrate the Red, White and Blue the whole month of July, so here's to all of our brave soldiers who help keep us safe and to their families who so graciously share them.

The Big 5-0

Oh, no - It's the Big 5-0!!!!

What a great birthday.  Lasted over a week!  My bunco group had an Irish themed gathering for me.  Here's me with the delish Bailey's Irish Creme cake that my friend, Mary, made:

The party was at Mary's house.  The group gathered their St. Patrick's day decorations and chipped in to help decorate.

My friend, MaryEllen, made this fun poster.



More decorations.

The lovely table that Mary set.

More decorations.

And here's some of the group, chatting as we do.  MaryEllen recited a list throughout the night of Irish sayings and toasts.



More decorations.

Here's the cake that Mary made.  Yum!



And my friend, Cindy, made this beautiful card for me, signed by the group.

They presented me with beautiful gifts.  This table book of Ireland. . . 

And this cookbook. . .

This is a pay-it-forward gift from MaryEllen.  I know who's getting this next!

And this beautiful Swarovski shamrock.  Just lovely.  Very thoughtful.

That night was so wonderful.  But it wasn't over yet!  More to come . . .

Thought for My Next 50 Years

Hoping this is how I'll react to my emotions when I'm 80 years old! Wooooo Hooooo!!!!