Saturday Meanderings
There is something very special about coming home. After another trip back east to manage my Aunt Gail’s affairs, coming home is well…so satisfying. My own bed, getting back into a routine and the dogs are always so happy to see me. And now I am at my desk writing my Saturday Meanderings so all is well with the world. Thank you for joining me today!
Weather
Being away is also making me realize how much I take the sunny weather in Phoenix for granted. Out of the 7 days we were back east, 1.5 days were sunny. The Memorial Day weekend had frigid temperatures and lots of rain. I am such a weenie when it comes to cold weather now that my blood has obviously thinned with the 299 days of sunshine we see here in the Valley of the Sun.
Even our higher temperatures I am enjoying! I am so thankful that I did put shade cloth over the tomato plants while we were out of town. If you missed this post which is part of a fun monthly gardening blog hop, click here.
My Stylish French Box
This box has a new name called My French Country Home Box. I do have a quarterly subscription, which is a complete treat. If you are looking for the very best French brands delivered to your door, then I cannot recommend this enough.
The theme this quarter is “Time for Moi-Même”~ which is all about taking some much-needed time for yourself. From the high quality floral pillow case above to Mademoiselle Saint Germain facial serum, the box is full of sumptuous indulgences.
Not only is this the perfect gift for yourself, but for others. You can order it only once or subscribe quarterly. My French Country Home also has a shop where you can buy some of the individual items in the box. And the fabulous news is that I am an Ambassador for them and will earn a small stipend if you order it through my blog site to their link here.
A New Friend from New Zealand
I admit that I am not a Facebook user. It just so happens I did look at my Facebook page and found a new sweet friend, Carol Karl from New Zealand. She generously shared my stenciled bathroom floor project with her subscribers. If you missed that post, here it is.
Carol’s blog is Living My Real Life and her interests are similar to mine~food, gardening, house renovation and she makes jewelry (I do not). It is hard to believe that someone so far away found my blog~ it is small world, isn’t it?
Apple Season
Being born and raised in Connecticut, I associate apple picking with cold weather, cute sweaters and autumn leaves. However, my Anna apple tree is full of apples that we pick in June…..in triple digit weather. Something is just not right about that. But I have a big crop this year so pie baking will commence soon!
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Connecticut will always be my first home. Though most of my adult life has been on the opposite coast, I love going back to my hometown of Norwich. Looking at it through more mature eyes, I have an appreciation now of those childhood gems.
High school at the Norwich Free Academy is filled with fond memories. During this recent visit, I tried walking the athletic field at Norwich Free Academy (NFA) to capitalize on the good weather, but it was closed to the public (probably a post-COVID thing). Instead I walked the campus (several times) noticing things I took for granted when I was a teenager.
Incorporated 1854, it is the only remaining privately governed, independently endowed academy in the state of Connecticut. Blending the very best of private and public education, NFA offered me a truly unparalleled four year student experience.
Between the history, gorgeous architecture of 12 unique buildings and stunning landscaping, this a-typical high school is more like a small college campus. I’ve never seen another high school campus like this one and I am grateful for the experience.
If I could only go back into my teenage body with my 65-year old eyes and see it all again….
Informative Posts
Andrea from Design Morsels is such a wealth of information. If you are wondering how high to hang pictures or how to do a gallery wall, check out her blog post here.
Kim from Shiplap and Shells is an incredible gardener and her sweet home in the Pacific Northwest is in nearly every magazine. If you want to covet her spectacular greenhouse, check it out here.
An Oldie but Goodie
This recipe is one of my husband’s favorites. Who doesn’t like Apple Cider donuts? Typically I make them in the fall, but since I did have some of the apple cider reduction in the freezer, they are easy to whip up.
Here is the original post. Not sure how easy it is to find apple cider now, but they are really good (and baked, not fried).
Thanks for Sharing
I just LOVE it when you send me pictures of something that inspired you through my blog. Thanks to my friend, Barb who made the coffee cake with blueberries for Memorial Day weekend and sending me this photo. Here’s the recipe again if you want something easy and delicious!
Well that’s a wrap! Have a wonderful weekend!
Just a reminder that any words that are italicized bring you to the source. If it is a product on Amazon, please note that I am an Amazon Affiliate. If you purchase something through my website, I receive a small (very small!) stipend, which doesn’t affect the price you pay at all. My goal is to make sourcing the items easy for you. Thank you for your continued support.
Mary Crozier, sister-in-law, is a true Renaissance woman! Mary wants fresh eggs she builds a chicken coop for her chickens and has fresh eggs for breakfast, baking, and a fresh “broken egg” for the family dog.. Mary knows how to entertain for a small family gathering to a large catered event in the homestead orchard. from living in a trailer w/three children to managing the contractor to complete the beautiful and fully functional home the family enjoys now and in the days ahead. if you know Mary you are truly blessed.
Janiece, thank you so much for the sweet comments and vote of confidence! It’s hard to believe we started in a double-wide here! But worth all the sacrifice as we truly enjoy being stewards of this magnificent historical home. We are so grateful to share it with you and Bruce.
I always love reading your Saturday meanderings Mary, always great information and things to share. I hope you are doing well with so much traveling and things going on. Sending you hugs friend.
I always enjoy your posts Mary even though I miss a few now and then. They ae always inspiring.
Cindy, you have had good reason to miss a few…..your schedule with selling two homes is super-human! Thanks for commenting.
This was such a fun blog post to read Mary. You had so many fun things to share with us. First of all, I will definitely have to check out the French box. The floral pillowcase you shared is right up my alley. And as I took a peek I think I will need to shop some more. Thank you for the link. So sorry about the weather when you went back home. That did not look like a fun drive. I so appreciate you featuring my blog. It was such a nice surprise. Hope you have an amazing weekend my friend.
Kim, I am so in love with the floral pillow case that I have ordered another one so I can put two on the bed in the master bedroom. The colors will be perfect with the existing duvet cover. And the quality is just superb. The French box is truly an indulgence….
I made it into your blog!! I am thrilled!! That recipe was fabulous.
Barb
Mary,
I love the French box idea. It’s right up my alley. How do I see/order it?
Blessings to you.
Renae, I provided a link to their website. I’m still not sure how they know you are ordering thru me. I will check that out as I have an email into them now. Still learning the behind the scenes stuff….You will love this box…I agree it is right up your alley!
A very fun and joyful blog today! Thanks Mary!
I needed some fun today because I have been suffering from hives after an attack of poison ivy. I worked 2 days in my shade garden a month ago and then paid for it since then. The Garden looks terrific but I do not. I should hire someone to weed next time.
Terrible weather on East Coast last weekend. But I am sure you enjoyed walking around your old school campus, that brings back youthful memories of blissful days with childhood friends.
Enjoy this weekend, Patty
Patty, OMG! You poor thing! I always got poison ivy and poison sumac growing up in Connecticut….horrible stuff. And a month of having hives. That sounds just awful. Wishing you a speedy recovery and yes, have someone else do the weeding. Thank you so much for your sweet comment and let me know when you are feeling better. Until then, I am sending healing hugs.