Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Projects, a day trip, flowers and critters

Hello Friends ~ It is Tuesday evening and I’ve had a nice day today, actually, Sunday and yesterday were nice too.

Sunday my brother-in-law came down from where he lives an hour away and we installed the new a.c. We even had to deal with a nasty thunderstorm.  There is still trim work to be done, but we were pooped and that will be done another day.  At least it is nice and cool in here and I am so thankful.

When we took the old a.c. out we could see where it had been leaking for a short while and the framing had soaked up the water. It’s dried out now thankfully. I really enjoyed helping my BIL and am thankful for his time and help.

Old a.c.

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BIL taking out old a.c. housing. I asked him if I could take his picture and post it to my blog and he said ‘sure’. He and my dear husband are perfectionists and do great jobs in what they do.

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Downsized opening for new a.c.

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Ta da! New a.c.

After that I fixed a simple dinner of breaded talapia, green beans and (Idaho instant)mashed potatoes.

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I needed new curtains in the scullery as the lace ones I had in there were disintegrating. These are 6 crocheted panels, about 4x9 inches. A friend gave me a box of linens a long time ago so these were in my stash just waiting to be used for something.  I think these were for arms of chairs, back in the day when that was popular. They aren’t long enough, but they work for what I want and that’s to keep ‘boogies’ from looking in. Smile

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I won two pair of the curtains below from a blog a few years back. I had to shorten them and did so, sewing by hand.  They have bird houses, birds and flowers. And are so pretty.

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This afternoon after I got home from my little day trip, I used some lace to tie them back and just love the look. I can untie them at night.

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A new friend from the widow’s group called Sunday and wanted to know if I wanted to drive up to Ft. Pierce with her to meet friends of hers for lunch today.  She doesn’t like driving that far alone and thought I might like to go. It’s about an hour away and I took my camera.  We had lunch at Cracker Barrel, somewhere I’ve not eaten at before. I had spicy grilled catfish, with steak fries, with coleslaw and a homemade biscuit and blackberry cobbler with ice cream for dessert, iced tea to drink. Very nice and a very nice treat! I felt like I was on a mini-vacation and I enjoyed the stories told from years gone by as she and two of her friends have known each other since they were kids in little towns in Wisconsin.

Rocking chairs galore. I was sitting in a white painted one when I took this photo.  They had a nice shade of green ones too.

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This neat old piece caught my eye, with it’s lovely old rusty patina.

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When we went out to the car to leave, this tiny frog was on the driver side door.  He was more green than in this photo, as the flash went off, so washed out the coloring. He jumped on my hand before heading further down.

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Last night I was looking around for Miss Tork when it was time for bed.  I hadn’t heard or seen her in awhile and was wondering where on earth she was. Well, lo and behold she was in my ‘in box’. I had to get her picture, then told her that was a ‘no no’ and took her out of there.

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Here are more photos of the ‘Hugs-n-kisses- hibiscus. These flowers are all different and so beautiful.  I just love the colors. There was a little visitor on this bloom. I also loved the shadows and swirls.

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When we were nearing the end of lunch, I glanced down at the table top in front of me and I couldn’t believe what I saw.  These little sightings or physical bits and pieces in this shape always get to me, and this one especially today. A gift of love from God to me, a reminder that He cares and that my dear husband is with Him, and life goes and grows on in spite of my great loss.

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I’ll be working three days this week and that is a blessing, especially since I just had the a.c. expense.  Oh yea, on the way home the other day it was raining so I had to use the wipers and one of them started flapping some loose rubber. So I had to get them too on Sunday.

I have much to be thankful for though and I am thankful.

Love and hugs to all of you. 

Enjoy each day,

looking for the good,

not dwelling on what’s bad.

FlowerLady

37 comments:

GRACE PETERSON said...

Hello my dear friend. I love the message in the water-heart. So precious. How nice that you are meeting new friends. I love the lace curtains and the AC will be so nice. You're definitely keeping busy aren't you? The hibiscus and visitor are cute too. Take care.

It's Just Dottie said...

I am happy for you and pray Our Lord to bless you. Smiles, Dottie

Ruth Hiebert said...

This post is uplifting and happy. I am happy for you to have the a/c and all the pretty window coverings. Each window is so sweet and pretty.Have a wonderful God filled week.

Val said...

I love the water-heart. I love--and fully believe in--those signs. ♥

What a sweet time with new friends! And Cracker Barrel! I think I've only been to one once, but I remember it as good food in a cozy atmosphere too. I'm so glad you had a nice time--and a nice few days. :)

The air conditioning really is a blessing, as is your brother in law.

And you know I love your lace and home. ♥ So dear!

Terra said...

What a darling water heart with a message for you, and I am glad your AC is fixed. That lunch with friends sounds like a nice change of pace.

Kit said...

What a great trip for you! And glad you have a new AC. Thank heavens for family members that can help. :) Take care and have a great week! Love, Kit

Nancy J said...

Your view from lace tied curtains is so peaceful and inviting.. New A.C. and the hibiscus, truly beautiful bloom and photos. Enjoy the " new cool", fond greetings, Jean.

Gary said...

Good morning Lorraine,
Just drinking my first cup of tea before heading to work, and read this post of yours. How lovely and uplifting it is. Your BIL has made a very good job of the air con hasn't he. I love all of the glass candlesticks in your window. As for Miss Tork....cats and their lazy ways always bring a smile to my face. I had felt quite low this morning with all of the not so nice work lined up, but this, and your last three lines about not dwelling on the bad have given me a better spring in my step. Take care. And love the Hibiscus!

BernieH said...

It's great to hear you've now got a new air-con. Well done on BIL for helping to install it.

Your new curtains are simply lovely. I love the hooked-back look on those sheer curtains with the birds and flowers.

I think it's fantastic that someone in the widow's group invited you on an outing. What a great day you both had.

crafty cat corner said...

Thankyou for a lovely post Lorraine, its nice to know that you are feeling okay.
I love the water heart and I do think that there are signs like this for us if we care to look.
It bought a lump to my throat as I know how much something like this would mean to you.
God Bless
Briony
x

Sunray Gardens said...

It's great you have a BIL to help with these projects that have to be done. Lovely blooms also.
Cher Sunray Gardens

Antique ART Garden said...

What a awesome helpful brother-in-law you have! I know Mark would have been so proud of him for helping you like tat. Love the curtains, so glad you made some friends in your support group.The heart shape shows God's & Mark's love to you too. big hug, Gina

Betty said...

So glad you got the AC up and running. I love those curtains and that view is just beautiful.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Lovely post! :)

Wishing you a day filled with many blessings sweet friend. :)

jerilanders said...

With all our traveling, we often end up at a Cracker Barrel, they make the BEST biscuits, and the chicken n dumplings is yummy! So glad to see you enjoying yourself. I love the lacy curtain vignette and the water droplet is the perfect message for you!

Susan said...

So glad you got the A/c problem solved. You definitely need the A/C in Florida. What a treat to eat a Cracker Barrel (one of my favorite places). So glad you're making new friends at your widow's group. Take care Flowerlady!

Lynn said...

Seeing all is well at Plum Cottage makes my week.

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

So glad your BIL is handy! Lovely curtains, glad you are making new friends, your cat is funny and DH (and God) are looking out for you, dear FL! xo

Rebecca said...

♥ The curtains are precious - and I'm so happy the A.C. situation is fixed in such fine fashion.

I was eager to send you this paragraph and wasn't sure of another way.,.I enjoyed all of this garden and while there thought of the poignancy of continuing to garden after one’s partner has passed away. On this subject, I recommend the garden writer Mirabel Osler, of whose book A Breath from Elsewhere, Publisher’s Weekly wrote that she “addresses the neglected topic of coping with garden demands when one’s gardening partner dies or becomes ill. Drawing on her own experience, she offers suggestions for handling guilt, grief and moving forward in new ways.” This is a book I have not read (I was searching to see if her wonderful book A Gentle Plea for Chaos addressed that issue, because I remembered that she carried on their garden after her spouse died. It is now top of my “to read” list. *This was from http://tanglycottage.wordpress.com/ I thought the book might interest you :)

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Love this post.
Your lace curtains are wonderful
and I would like to have some for a window..
Happy about your A/C and so pleased about your mini-vacation.
God is always Good....

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

I like your curtains. Looks good. Glad you enjoyed your little trip. Cracker Barrel is one of those place we stop at on trips as there isn't one here. Enjoy the new AC.

Stacy said...

I'm so glad to hear that you got a new air conditioner... and had such fun on your day trip.

I loved, loved, loved the water droplet in the shape of a heart. I have a friend who lost her husband and a few months later was having a horribly emotional day... one like she hadn't had in a long, long time. Finally, she took a nap and when she awoke she found a photo of her husband in the middle of the kitchen floor. It had been on the fridge for years and never fallen before. She knew a higher power was sending her love and support and found such comfort in knowing that she wasn't alone. The signs are there - it's up to us to see them.

Hugs to you!

Darcie said...

How absolutely wonderful that you have a BIL to help you out, and I can only say how glad I am to hear that you have AC again. Such a must at this time of year.

Love the picture of your heart! How truly special is that! Made my heart smile for you.

gld said...

First, I want to tell you those are just outstanding pictures of the hibiscus bloom!

MIL is taking us the Cracker Barrel next. We have never been either.

Bless you BIL! So glad you have the AC up and running. The curtains are perfect for your cottage.

Have a wonderful day.

Lona said...

I am glad to hear you got a new AC. It is too hot in your area without one for certain. The new curtains are so cute and I think the doily one looks perfect there.
The hibiscus is just so lovely Lorraine along with it little occupant. :) Have a nice weekend and prayers.

Han said...

The new curtains look so pretty.
Have a great day :)

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

Now that is one special BIL and handy to have around. Love your new window and I like that garden style bumpout window you have so you can put flowers and such in there. Love the hibiscus and that moth was sure lapping up all the goodies. Hope you have a blessed weekend.

Becky said...

LOVE those lace curtains... no light and airy and GORGEOUS! I'm trying to catch up with everyone this morning as I'm way behind on reading blog posts. I'm so thankful your BIL is helping you with these projects around your home.

When I went to work for Cracker Barrel I got a tour of their "Antiques Warehouse"... it was amazing! AND HUGE! I only worked for them about 6 months - that was enough. I still go there to eat and we will be going there on the 24th for our son's birthday. So glad you had a little adventure!

Deb J. in Utah said...

Hello flower lady! I am new to your blog - found you fro Diary of a Stay at Home Mom. Love your blog! It is so interesting. I knew you were my kind of people when I saw all the books in your house! What is a home without some good books? I love your flowers too and love that you love the Lord. Will follow along and enjoy more of your lovely posts!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

It must be so nice to have a new ac up and running. The heat of summer can be so draining. I like both sets of new curtains. Hope your work is going well for you Lorraine.

Annie said...

Love your little lace curtains, and your positive eyes for seeing special things. Keep cool with that new AC!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, I'm back after a big birthday week. Trying to catch up a little on my blogging.

We love Cracker Barrel, Lorraine. Hubby always gets the chicken and dumplings and I usually get the meatloaf dinner... YUM.

So glad you got a new AC unit...That's nice of your BIL to help you. Glad you got to go on a little trip too... Those kinds of times are so important.

Hope the rest of your week went well.
Hugs,
Betsy

sharon said...

those hugs and kises are so striking arentthey? glad you a getting out!

flowerlady said...

What a lovely post,if you hadn't told us they were armchair covers no one would have known. As for the lace in the scullery window with the bird houses on I love it.Again so pretty with the curtains tied back.As for the water heart, it bought tears to my eyes, it was meant for a very special person to find it and they did. Hope you have another good week xx

Karen said...

Hello dear friend, I was happy to read that you have the new AC installed, what a relief. I'm glad you had the help of your brother-in-law.

The day trip sounded like fun, loved the water heart. It is late and I will write again soon. Hugs to you, Rainey.

Dawn said...

The lacy curtains tied back with all your sparkling, green glass candlestick holders is just adorable. It's like a picture from Southern Living.

Morning's Minion said...

The colors in the hibiscus are so spectacular--I thought at first the photos had been retouched. Amazing!