Summer, Santas, and Saturday at Serenbe

Happy Monday Morning all my prim pals.  Hoping your day is starting out with beautiful flowers and sunshine.  I have a lots to share with you this morning, so grab something cool to drink and rest your bones for awhile as we visit..

Summer arrived here at the homeplace with hot temps but pretty weather.  So how have you spent your first few days of summer?  Picnics, vacations, swimming or are so many of you like me..... crafting?  Yep as summer approached it found me busy cutting out outfits to go on my Santa ornaments.

Darbee Rae came for a visit and was excited to see Santas in the making.  She couldn't wait to get busy and help.  So what do you do with scraps from felt?

You make tiny Christmas stockings.  She was so excited to be using "Big Girl" scissors.  This was a first for her, but she did really good with them. Santas are almost done, awaiting a grungy bath and a day sunbathing outside.  Will share a photo when they are finished.

On Saturday we went out and about on somewhat of an adventure..  Now most of you know I have lived here all of my life.  So as our city grew, I thought I knew everything about our area.  So not true. Just recently we read about a community that was built about 30 minutes from here and it seemed to be such an interesting place.  We decided to check it out .Our son-in-law had to work, so I called and invited Holly and Darbee Rae to go along with us. 

Serenbe is a self contained green community.  It was the most interesting and fun visit as we explored the area.  Our first stop was the stables.  On Saturday morning vendors set up in the stalls and sale their goods.

We were pleasantly surprised.  There was a great selection of  items and booths to choose from.  No there were no prims but some great antiques and primitive items at really good prices.  We got lots of goodies I will share with you later.  Here is a sneak peek into the car.

As we were about to leave the stable area, Darbee Rae spotted these.

                                                           She had never seen live donkeys before.

       

Next we visited the General Store.  Such a neat place.  Everything was fresh and organic. Was so interesting to browse the shelves.

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Serenbe is also home to the HGTV Green Home.  I was so excited but you had to buy tickets in advance to tour the home.  Holly and I will be going back and doing that soon.  Again I will share the pictures when we do the tour. 

We were pleasantly surprised to find a model Bosch Net Zero Home that was open for touring. Net Zero  solution means no monthly energy bills with normal demand.  Wouldn't that be nice? 

This is a view from the stairs of the great room.  The house was decorated from Ballard Designs.  No its not prim but was so pretty and full of ideas

The house was full of creative window treatments.  Love how the panel in the bedroom was knoted up.  You will see this if you look clse behind the lamp shade. 

Loved the light fixtures throughout the home.  This one was in the master bedroom.

A view of the beautiful sunroom.  Loved the stripe material. 

Loved the glass containers covered in burlap. I thought this was a cute idea on the porch  All the large flower pots were wrapped with burlap as well.

We drove through the different residents.  This was all cottage style homes.  There are no front lawns on any of these homes, and that is for a reason.  All the homes have good size front porches so as to create a sense of community by fostering interaction among neighbors.  You know maybe this is where I need to live since I don't like outside. (ha)  Also  there is all natural landscaping  so that no toxic chemicals will be used.  Even the trash cans in the area of the shops are hidden in the ground as well as the recycle bins.  How neat is that?

There were many shops to visit as well.  Also resturants.  The  Blackeyed Susan was a neat bakeshop.  There was also a candy store, spa, dress shop, a repurposed store and many more.  As our trip came to a close we had to stop back at the General Store and get something cold and take a rest.  On their front porch of course.

All natural home made ice cream.  Yummy!

Well I can truthfully say I was NOT in prim city.  But was such a fun and interesting day.  Mr. P. did decide to take me to Spoon Sisters when we left there where I did get a few prim items and then out to Supper. 

Hope your weekend is now a happy memory in your mind and you have a nice week ahead .  I will be back soon and share some goodies Mr. P has spoiled me with. But now, I have kept you long enough as I have Monday chores to get done, and heck my clock is saying lunch time already.  Hmmm, maybe I'll fix some lunch and sit a little longer. (smile).  Until next time....

A New Purchase Calls for Another, and Another......

Good evening dear friends.  Hoping this Monday you took time to stop and smell the flowers. and see the beauty in your life.   Mr. P. came in from mowing the grass on Saturday afternoon and gave me these beautiful blooms.  Yep, HE is the one with the green thumb in the family.  I just love blooms scattered around in the house don't you?

When we last visited I told  you I would share with you a purchase that the mister bought for me.  I was thrilled to get this piece of furniture.  I have wanted a settle like this for a long time.  I wanted to wait and share it when I had everything fixed up but this one piece is causing havoc for the mister. You see now I want a new coffee table, end tables, lamps,  the list goes on and on.  Bet he is rethinking this purchase.  (smile).  He says this fall after our big craft show, I will get my tables.  Guess I will have to be a good girl  and wait.  Are you ready?

I know, just had to fool  you a little.  Here it is.

Brought down this little black bench from upstairs until I can get my table.  Now I need a floor cloth,,, yes gota add that to my list.  Do you like it?  Now when you come to visit, you are welcome to sit there and we can talk about our love of prims all day long.

Because I had a big chair where the settle is, I had to find a new home for the chair.  If any of you have wicker furniture you know it is pretty, but for comfort, well lets just say it could be improved quite a bit.   If you look close you will see my big chair has a new home now in the sunroom  

                          

Sorry this picture is kind of dark.  It was dark and raining really hard this morning.

 This has become my new reading nook. Was so nice looking out this morning and watching the rain fall. Problem,,,,, I stayed too long and didn't get all done in the craft room I wanted to.  But there is always tomorrow....

I have really enjoyed  you stopping by to visit tonight.  Be sure to leave a comment or I will never know you were here.  Enjoy your evening and tell someone you love them. 

Until next time........

Come On In, Have Some Punch , I Have Lots To Share

Yep, I have lots to talk about today. Could be because I have not taken the time to sit and do a post in a while. I know I promised to do better and I will.... one day. 

I usually invite you to sit on the porch every Spring but didn't do much changing out here this season.  But it's such a perfect evening out thought you might like to join me as we catch up on happenings here and around the homeplace.

I made some Yummy Pineapple Lemonade Punch to share with you.  Your glass is already poured so if you like it I will share the recipe with you at the end of our visit.  That is if you are still with me. 

I ask Mr. P. to plant some Marigolds for me awhile back.  He has the green thumb in the family.  Wanted them so I could enjoy them from the porch.  You know I don't do outside too well.  I guess because I sat out there with him while he planted them,,,,, they died.  Yep. He could not believe it.  Not being defeated, back he went to the nursery and now I have pretty little plants just blooming so pretty.  Well, maybe I should say Mr. P. has some pretty plants blooming.  (ha)

I added this old coke crate to the porch and we had these old bottles.  Do you remember those heavy glass things?  I remember collecting them and taking them to the store up the road for a refund on the deposit to get spending money during the summer.  Yep, I am THAT old. 

I also added this flag banner on the old ladder for the holidays.  And brought out more seating with the black chair.

Don't you just love sitting on the porch before the bugs get to bad and the weather gets too hot?  Are you enjoying your punch?  Okay,,,, now for what I have been up to.

Saturday was a week ago, we went to a Bridal Shower for my nephew and his bride to be.  You all know Maudie as I talk about my  SIL all the time on my blog.  Well it is one of her sons who is getting married in July.  Everything looked so pretty.

The bride to  be.... Sarah.  Don't she look youmg?  This shower was so much fun.  If you know me, I can have a great time anywhere I go.  And this was no different.  The games,,,,,, boy did they have some good ones.  I was simply AWFUL!!!! at everyone of them. 

See all those X's on my paper.  Spices were passed around and you had to identify what they were.  Now I will be married 39 years next month, and have cooked all those years and I flunked even at this.  At the end I came to the conclusion, I have just been married too long to remember all this stuffl.

Although my progress in the craft room has been a pretty slow go, Mr. P. has been busy in the workshop.  I will show all his goodies before the Sept. Show, but caught this one on the way to storage. 

I think he did a great job, don't you?  Love that it has a drawer in the bottom for storage. Perfect for gloves don't you think? These old wood doors are getting hard to find in our area.

On  Thursday I had a very special day with Holly and Darbee Rae.  Darbee went to cheerleading camp at the High School in town during the week.  They were going to preform on Thursday morning.  She was so excited to know we were coming to watch.  This was my FIRST of many  activities I hope to attend as she starts Pre-K in the fall.

Sorry it is blured.  I had to zoom in too much as she was sitting across the gym.

Giving it her all in front of a gym full of folks.  I was so proud and sad at the same time.  My baby growing up so fast. 

Afterward we went to lunch and got a little shopping in.

Okay, if you want the recipe for the punch.... here it is.  I found it on Pinterest.  If you love pineapple as I do you will love it. 

Yummy Pineapple Lemonade Punch.

I cup of Countrytime Lemonade Mix

1 can Pineapple Juice ( chilled) 46oz.

2 cups cold water

2 can chilled Sprite.

Mis well, add ice if desired.  Garnish with lemon slices.

Well I have really enjoyed your visiting with me tonight.  See, normally you would not find me at home on a Sunday night as I go to night service at church.  But tonight I knew you would be coming to visit so I had to stay home.  I was bad!!   Hmmmmm , got to remember to invite you more often and maybe during the week next time.  

Next time I will share with you a wonderful new purchase Mr. P. bought  for me last week.  Can't wait to show you.   Can you guess what it is?  No, not my clothesline.  Still working on that one. 

Now you all have a wonderful week ahead.  If you miss me, I have promised to be a good girl and plant myself in the craft room next week.  Hmmmmm,,, hope the phone don't ring and someone want to go shopping.  

Until next time......

I Want To Move

Hello Prim Pals, Hoping you are all well.  The sun shined brightly  in my neck of the woods today.  All the evening storms passed us by, and I had lunch with my girls.  So I am a thankful lady.  And to make the day even better, I decided to visit with you  in the evening.

Why do I want to move you might be wondering.  Well first bear with me as I give you a little history as to why we ended up living where we do.  Mr. P and I were in our 20's when we decided to build our home here on this little hill.  We both were young but had given the idea much thought. Not a hasty decision.  We built our dream home on the land where my parent's old homeplace once sat.  My parents had built across the street. A family member lived next door and the house directly behind us was occupied by a wonderful couple around my parent's age. Swamp land was on the remaining side and there a house could not be built.   Couldn't have ask for better neighbors.  We knew as my parents grew older , we could care for them and stay in our home.  Mr. P's parents lived a mile or so away, so this would work out great in years to come.

Fast forward 34 years, and  the young couple who so thought we had our lives all planned out,,,,well we have found out there were many disappointments to be had.  Our family members who lived next door sold many years ago.  The older couple who was leaving their home to a son who would have been a wonderful owner.... the son passed away years before the parents from a massive heart attack.  Both these properties became rental.  Now don't get me wrong, I know some wonderful people who rent, actually some of my own family, but we have yet to get good neighbors.  Both families that occupy the houses have stolen from us. Our plans were to be here until my parents passed away, sell both houses and we would move out to the country with land for the Mister.  Well, my Dad dies, years later Mother goes to a nursing home, and because of her need to control , the house had to be sold.

Our neighborhood is definitely not what it use to be.  I know none of our neighbors by  name.  I love my humble home, just wish I could pick it up and move it with me.  And to make matters worse,,, we were sitting in the great room a few nights ago and I heard  a car .  I thougt it was out front.  Mr. P. said it was the neighbors across the street coming in.  But a few minutes later , I heard it speed off.  It was not the neighbors.  Which brings me to this post. 

This is Mr. P's goldfish pond.  Normally there would be 5 very large goldfish swimming in there happily.  This little pond had been their home for 7 years.   The mean folks in that car that night stole all 5 of our fish.  There is a gas light out front and I have the lamp on the porch that burns until 3 a.m. in the morniing.  Mr. P went out to get the paper the next morning and as he does every morning when he walks to the papter box he goes by and checks on the fish. All  5 of them were gone.  This is the small waterfaull and creek that flows into the pond.

No, an animal did not get the fish.  The Mister is pretty smart when it comes to wildlife and he said no racoon or heron could have gotten all 5.  These were large fish. None of the rocks were out of place either, and no tracks.  I just hope whoever got them , it was not just to be mean to those fish.. Hopefully they put them in a pond somewhere and did not dispose of them. Guess they needed them more than we did.

There will be more fish bought and we will once again start over.  Not to be defeated here. So those of you who are looking for a new home, please consider your surroundings.  Everything in life changes.  Things we can't do anything about, we grow to accept. And that is what we are going to do. Try and make the best of a bad situation.  We have a home full of love and we are blessed. But all is not bad.  You know I don't like outside.  That is Mr.P's love.  But I did sneek out to take pictures of the pond and snapped a few of his flowers to share with you.

Nothing says the south like a big old Magnolia tree.  We have a huge one out front.  It was here when we built and we managed to save it.  But if you have one, you can share in our dismay when those leaves shed during the year. But the blooms are so pretty. Did you know if you breathe on the blooms, they will turn yellow?

A pretty Hydranga.  Hope I spelled that right.  You know I don't know beans about flowers.

An angel wing begonia.  Or so that is what the Mister said it was.

 

Two different kinds of lilies.  Love the red one.

Even though this has been somewhat of a negative post, one can find beauty in everything.  And to me these flowers are beautiful.  The mister keeps me in blooms for the inside in the summer.  Thank you Mister P. for your love of outdoors. Always heard opposites attract. 

Hoping you are having sunshine in your days and flowers in your hearts this week.  Until next time.

I Have Lost The Battle........

Yes, Although I feel I put up a good fight, I have lost out to the Mister on this one.  I will NOT be getting my clothesline.  If you remember this post  http://thrunanaswindow.blogspot.com/2011/08/hanging-out-to-dry.html  I was drying  Santa suits on the fence out back and was hoping for a clothesline before this Spring.  Well, here we are about a month before Summer and I will not be getting my clothesline.  Don't know what Mr. P. has against a clothesline out back, but  I have lost the battle.  So what is a lady to do when she needs to grunge up some ornaments? 

Yes, use the same old fence and bring on the ornaments.  Last year Santa Suits, today it's snowman faces.  I know it's not even summer, but the fall show we do will be here now before I am ready. 

At least it wasn't hot enough today for them to melt!  (LOL)   I was just wondering if I gave you girls my Mister's cell phone number and all of you started texting him telling him why I MUST have a clothesline , he would get disgusted and just maybe I would get one. (smile).  Oh well, Angela get over it.  I think since I just HATE to cook and don't use the oven much anymore , he thinks I should get some use out of it and dry my projects in there.  Hmmmm, rather do that than cook!!!!

Now, with that said , I want to thank all of you who have emailed me and showed your concern in my absence from blogging for awhile You ladies are just the best.  The last few weeks have been rough for me.  This was the first Mother's Day without my mother and it really got to me.  More than I thought it would. Just been in the dump for awhile.  But YOU,,, all my blogging friends came through and showed your love and concern.  Friends I have made thru blogging, most of you I will never meet in person, yet you all have touched my heart so deeply.  You cared and did not hesitate to show it where as some close friends  and some family never seemed to notice.  Guess we all get busy and caught up in our own lives at times.  But, with that said I am fine, and anxious to move on.  Pity party is over. 

I think when we last talked, I was excited to be going to a huge craft show.  Well, it was huge, very nice, and you know how many prim booths there was?   NONE!!

There were all kind of neat old buildings on the grounds.  It was called  the Cotton Pickin Festival as it was where an old cotton gin and warehouses were. 

Mr. P. and I enjoyed our day, the food was delicious but I was rather disappointed. Other than our food,  I spent a total of $4.oo and bought an old rusty bed spring made into a hanger. 

Well, I am hoping all of you are enjoying a wonderful weekend doing what makes you happy.  I am off to work on a few stitchery projects.  Take care and we will visit again soon..........

A Recipe and Plans for the Weekend

Good morning friends.  Happy Thursday to you all.  Well when we last visited I promised to be back to share a recipe with you all.  The weekend is almost here and if you are like me I can find almost anything I had rather do than spend time in the kitchen on the weekend.  My Mister would say and any day of the week as well. (LOL)  Okay, over the years, I have gotten burned out with cooking.  So much easier to just eat out.   Anyhow,,,, I found this recipe years ago and it has become a favorite of family and friends.  I don't know who posted the recipe to give credit to, but got it from the Taste of Home Cooking Forum.

It is quick and easy, has few ingredients and kid friendly.  Hope you enjoy it on a busy week night or for a  weekend quickie. 

Ravioli Casserole

2 (15oz.) cans of Beef  Ravioli

1 package of Taco Seasoning Mix

2/3 cup of water

1 pound ground beef

2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Brown ground beef in skillet.  Drain off grease and add the package of Taco Seasoning Mix. Mix 2/3 cup of water into the mixture and cook for about 10 minutes.  Place both cans of ravioli in 13x9 casserole dish.  Add ground beef mixture and top off with all the cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes until hot and cheese is melted.

I serve this casserole with a green salad and a loaf of fresh homemade bread.  Enjoy!

Today is cleaning day here at the Homeplace.  Funny, I was just thinking about how I have certain days to do a special chore.  Remember the old dishcloths that had each chore listed on it like wash, shop, bake, done on a special day?  Well I do laundry on Monday. And on Thursdays I clean house.  Now you know me ,that can change if someone calls and wants to GO somewhere.  But normally this is what I do.  Get everything done before the weekend.  The Mister only works half days on Friday so we go shopping, eat out, and do something fun on Friday evenings.  Can sure enjoy myself more knowing the homeplace is in order. 

This weekend is the Cotton Pickin' Festival in Gay, Ga.  We try and go to this every year.  It is our biggest craft show around.  The last few times there has been a few prim booths.  I am so hoping prims become more and more popular in our area. The weather is suppose to be beautiful, so I am excited to be going there on Saturday. Maybe I will find some goodies to share with you all. 

Hope you all have plans for a wonderful weekend.  Spend time with someone you love and tell them you do.  Until next time......

 

I've Waited Long Enough.......

Wow it is May already. Did we every have winter?  Hope you are all doing great and having a wonderful week thus far.   Did the title to my post get your attention?  Did your mind begin to roam in all directions?  Did you think I was going to make a huge announcment?  Like being pregnant,,,, Nope way too old for that,  maybe a giveaway,,  No that will come later, maybe  moving to a new location,,, no been here for 35 years and don't see moving in my future.  Could  it be I'm going to be a grandmother again, No that's not going to happen , so what could it be?  Well, absolutely NOTHING!!

I have been waiting for something wonderful to happen here at the homeplace so I would have something great to post about.  Everyday has been good, but quite and peaceful.  Not a lot going on.  So I have waited,,, and waited... and tonight just decided to get on and chat away.  I have been bad about commenting on your blogs and for that I am so sorry.  I have visited quitely but I promise to do better. Guess you could say I have been in a rut!!

But life is good, I am blessed and thankful.   Last week was spent shopping with my girls and cleaning out closets, drawers, and cabinets.  And on Saturday Holly and I had a huge yard sale.  Did great. At least I feel good about that and getting rid of some things.

As most of you know already I was an only child born to my parents when my mother was 33 years old.  She was also an only child so we have a rather small family as Holly is also an only child. Mr. P has one sister and 2  brothers.  His sister was small when Mr. P and I married.  In fact she was the flower girl at our wedding.   But as you all know time seems to close a gap as far as age is concerned.  Maudie and I have become really close over the years.  She and her hubby live in a town about 25 miles away but we get together often.  She knows we love old things and has been so kind over the years when she finds something she knows we will like or can use in our crafts. We share recipes, ideas and she has become a sister I never had. She would come over and watch Holly when she was little and has SPOILED  Darbee Rae in a good way.  Darbee love for Aunt Maudie to come and "play" with her.  Maudie has always brought her the BEST goodies in her very own bag. 

This is a picture of Maudie with Darbee taken earlier this year.  

This morning we decided to call Maudie, go to her town and do some shopping.  You all know us girls love to shop.  So off we went.  There is a resturant in town there called "Hog Heaven".  That is where I wanted to go for lunch.  Why do you ask?  Well the food is good, but nothing great, BUT they have something on their menu we can't find anywhere else.  Pipping Hot Pork Skins!!

They come to your table popping and sizzling.  And are so light and crispy.  SHHHH,,,, don't tell my doctor I had a few for lunch.  I just saw her this past week and got the results from my blood work.. This would not be a healthy food on my diet.  But once in a blue moon,,,, it can't hurt can it??   Had never tried dipping them in ranch dressing but they were delicious.  Even saved some for the Mr. and brought them home to him.

Today was a fun day spent with one very special Sister-in-law and my girls.  Shopping was fun.  Found a few things, but am one tired Nana tonight.  Hope you are all doing something fun this week.  Have a quick and easy recipe to share with you ,,, so will be back in a few days to do just that .  I promise!!

Until then, thanks for stopping by and letting me chat for awhile.  Will visit with you all soon!