Shrimp for Supper

Update of Grandpa's Roses

I recently shared the story about Grandpa's roses (April 19th). The bushes became heavy and weighted so.....off with their heads!























I used some glass bottles on my window sill to display in my kitchen.























And the smell.....heavenly!

Bluebird

Not the most quality of photographs, in fact I feel as though I should apologize for this one. Daily I watch several of these blue birds lit about in mine and my neighbors yards. I am determined to purchase a birdbird box in hopes I will have a better chance at getting that perfect bluebird photograph.

Beach Vignette

I love this beach inspired vignette found at one of my favorite stores: Pottery Barn

Carmello's Shaved Ice

Following family fun at the creek on Sunday we headed to Carmello's for some shaved ice. Our dog Miley has an appreciation for the lemonade and raspberry.




Sticky Fingers....

Family Day

After being gone for five days, I came home to a family who was eager to make up for lost time. I can honestly say that we are a family who loves our family time. Even my college aged son, who fully loves his college moments away equally enjoys and looks forward to coming home to quailtyfamily time. I cannot express what it means to me that those moments have never been ones he has avoided. The same can be said for all my children and my husband and myself. We relish it. We are truly crazy about one another. Its a blessing that fills me with such emotion and pride of my family.
We took advantage of the sunshine. Just long enough to throw down my suitcases, we headed to Buck Creek with the dogs for some old fashioned togetherness along the creek.

Home Again

I arrived home from my girls trip to such precious welcome home messages spread throughout the house. There were notes of different chalkboards....







When I saw this on the steps leading to my bedroom, I thanked Big Daddy (I had not read the note)
"No, that's not from me. Elaina did that." (Big Daddy)
"Really? How sweet!!!! But, Did She dig that up from my garden?"
Hearing my question Elaina answered, "Mom I got it from Ernie's (grandpa's). He allowed me to plant it for you." My precious, thoughtful child.


These sweet notes and messages are some that I will keep forever. It's nice to go on vacation, it's also nice to return home and know I was missed. And loved. How I am blessed.
Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Rainy Day Crawl

Despite what it might appear in the photos below, it poured down raining today (our last full day of vacation). The wind was strong enough to move large outdoor furniture across our balcony. That evening, I watched lighting rods touch the ocean on 2 occasions. We decided to make the best of the rain by doing some tshirt shopping and bar crawl to discover some of the islands best drinks.

We began at Lulu's, where we shopped. We did forgo the drinks with a consensus made last year...we weren't impressed by the drinks-and the prices of everything. From food, to t's to drinks, we felt everything over priced. Lulu's does have a great atmosphere though.



From Lulu's we headed to Mikee's at my request, for some of the best frozen daiquiri's on the island. We also each ordered appetizers to share, all of which were homemade. The girls raved on the food, drinks and our wonderful bartender, Cluttie.







We left Mikee's to head to Tacky Jacks to shop for more T's. The place was packed with other beach goers with similar ideas. Many had hoped to get drinks there, but the wait was ridiculous so they shopped the store. Carey and I stuck it out and got their famous "Bushwacker".....think a Wendy's Frosty with a touch of dark rum on top "to thin it out". Very good. But I think Cluttie's frozen drinks at Mikee's won me over. The rain subsided long enough to get an outdoor shot of our group.

Cool Day

With storms rolling in, the weather changed and became very breezy and cool. But that didn't stop us (myself, Melissa, Courtney & Carey) from enjoying the coast with a walk along the beach. I love that the landscape changes daily. For me that is a big draw. Though along the grand expander of the coastline I feel so small, it it there that I also feel closest to God. I can hear his voice so clearly. My spirit becomes rejuvenated. And I am most aware of the blessings and treasures God had given me. None of these being material things, but the things that are most important.

A Day of Run in the Sun

We spent today of our beach trip having fun in the sun. We took advantage of our condo lazy river and water slide.
As Jimmy Buffett says, "Growing older but not up." One should never loose their enthusiasm for life...especially when seen through child like eyes.