Last Weekend

Last Friday Hubby and I packed our weekend bags and headed down to Virginia to spend a few days with our son and girlfriend at their new apartment. I swear I aged 20 years by the time we got there - not because traffic was heavy but because of the way people drive. I guess it doesn't matter how long I've lived here, I'll never understand why some drivers have to sit in the fast/passing lanes which then causes other drivers to weave all over the place!?! For dinner we toyed with the idea of driving over to Alexandria but after seeing that traffic wasn't moving too fast on I-95 we settled with staying locally. We drove around the different shopping areas and finally picked Nando's. The restaurant is I guess Portugese and quite delicious. I think almost everything is chicken with sides, so I chose a medium heat sauce - Peri Peri - over a breast with a side of mash potato. YUM YUM!

Once we got back to the apartment complex we wandered around looking at all the facilities. They've thought of everything from two workout/gym areas, a nice pool with hot tub and comfy looking lounge chairs, outdoor flat screen tv's, a movie room, full kitchen with family room and even a games room. We stayed a while and played some pool and shuffle board before heading back up to the apartment for bed.

For breakfast the next morning, Hubby and I were made yummy waffles with eggs and bacon. We then searched google for somewhere to go kayaking. We found a place that was about 5 mins away. Unfortunately we didn't get any pix of us as we left our phones in the car so they wouldn't float away! Hubby actually lost his sunglasses and his watch! We kayaked and swam for about an hour before going back to the marina/rental place and traded out our 4 kayaks for 2 paddle boards. Hubby and son went off and did that whilst we stayed and watched the boats and other kayakers. We did get to have a quick go on the paddle boards when they came back and although it was brief I had fun and would definitely like to try it again.

For dinner that night we went out for Mexican food. Definitely one of my faves! After assembling a leaning desk from Crate & Barrel Sunday morning, Hubby and I drove home. What a fun weekend - I can't wait until next time.

I'm a little behind on my photo-a-day, so here are the ones from the week of the 13th July

The first is a butterfly bush that self-seeded by the pool that I'll dig out at the end of the season. Next are peppers and toms from our pots. This HUGE caterpillar next to a quarter ate two large toms and half the plant in about 12 hours! Starbucks! I would love a Sub Zero for my kitchen remodel (it's not going to happen!) Some mittens i'm finishing from last winter and finally a stick insect that was out sunning himself.

Enjoy these last days of July. Until next time...

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My Lights Are Up!!

The  other day Hubby and I finally put up our outside lights.  Ever since vacationing in Marbella (back in my early 20's) and eating out in "Orange Square" I've had this thing about having globe lights hanging around my deck!  I felt like a kid at christmas - and I love them!

During the day

A little difficult to see but at night...

And the best part of it all, is that it shows off my arbor beautifully - thanks dad and hubby!!

A follow-up from a previous post - I've returned all my library books without finishing them.  I just can't seem to get into reading at the moment.  I think for a couple of reasons - a) I don't want to get so engrossed in the book and do nothing else and b) I'm trying to do a little artwork each day along with weeding and a few other things!!  I know it's just a temporary lapse and I'll find that happy reading time again.

Here are last weeks photo-a-day

The first is a kids meal from Chick-fil-A.  Next is Maddie on the sofa during some thunder and lightening - usually it's no dogs allowed!  Another one of Maddie - her tail peeping under the bathroom door! The Vending machine at work.  One of the frogs that lives under the lower deck. Looking through the window from my armchair in the living room and lastly, breakfast last Sunday at Panera.

Had a fabulous weather day today, really low humidity with a high in the upper 80's.  It reminded me of vacationing in the South of France!  Hope your weather is good in your part of the world.  Until next time...

Inchies

My June Inchies calendar is done.  I ended up making the background look like pool water and I drew an umbrella and used stickers for my "Splash into Summer".  I'm pleased with the way it turned out and am continuing with July in the same way.

From my previous post - I did pick my gooseberries and although they looked great, they were somewhat tasteless.  Next year I'll have to plant a few more varieties.

L and I started the mermaid blankets for the girls to take to the birthday party and so far so good.  Whilst L was sewing them together I cut out a beach bag from some oilcloth that mum and I had bought last year from a quilt store somewhere in Lancaster.  Maybe I'll work on that before going into work this afternoon.  Pics to follow!

Here are my photo-a-day pics from 2 weeks ago!

The first is the stained glass dome at the mall.  The bunny was sitting by the path at the park. A gentle breeze was waving the flag.  We went shopping to Ikea!  Handel's always has good milkshakes!!  Most people would have taken pictures of the fireworks but I decided after treading on him in my flip flops whilst watching the fireworks - he'd make for a more interesting topic!!  And finally, my passion flower is blooming after about a 4 year lull.

Hope you're enjoying your summer.  Until next time...

It's July Already!

Wow! I can't believe it's July already.  I haven't quite finished my June Inchies.  I'm almost there, just have to colour in the background, so will show you on my next post.

I have a few other projects in the works - The Bean and Sissy have been invited to a Twins 1st birthday party at the end of the month and are hoping to take Mermaid dolls and blankets as gifts.  I'm just working out the details so L and I can make them!  I'll use my doll pattern that I made last year and change the legs to a mermaid tail/fin.  I'm also beginning to think about doing a Fall craft show.  This time though, I don't want to be consumed by it, so I'm going to challenge myself to be really organised!  I'll update my progress as I go.

We've almost finished our blueberries with help from the birds and will be picking some gooseberries later today.  I'm thinking gooseberry crumble and custard.  The English have the best desserts!

My pix for the week are a mish mash as usual!

The first pic is at the Barnes & Noble Starbucks cafe! Relaxing by the pool before the storm came through. Went with L to drop off clothing. Breakfast on the porch. Lemoncello Martini after seeing the Tall Ships in Philly - YUM. Our weekly trip to Target!! Saw this butterfly in my garden.  Can't believe I've been doing this for half a year already.  Have a great week.  Until next time...