Saturday Meaderings

What a week! From houseguests to graduation ceremonies to the loss of a very dear friend, it has been one of happy highs and sad lows. Truly non-stop each and every day, I have lots to share with you as we chat about all good things this week. So pull up a chair, grab a delicious beverage and let’s get started.

A Big Academic Achievement

Our youngest, Elisabeth officially graduates from college (undergrad) this week. It’s almost hard to believe that our sweet, giggly girl is embarking on another chapter in her life. As we wait for the ceremony to begin, I feel so much gratitude that we live in a country that values education. Seeing the joy in the faces of families with first generation college graduates and hearing the remarkable accomplishments of students from every walk of life~what a beautiful Honors college graduation ceremony.

My heart is full knowing that our children realize the importance of giving back to the world and take pride in their own achievements. We are very lucky and blessed.

Harvesting Poppy Seeds

Do you know how poppy seeds are harvested? I find this so very interesting and want to share it with you. Each spring, Breadseed poppies literally pop up all over our property. The pretty flowers only last a day or two. After the petals drop, you are left with a seed pod.

After the pods have turned a silver gray, tiny vents will appear near the top of the pod.

Shortly after the vents appear, the stems of the plants start leaning over, self-seeding. Windy days, too, help spread the seeds.

If you take the pod and tap it into your hand, poppy seeds will fall out.

What better way to use fresh poppy seeds but in a Lemon Poppy seed Muffin recipe? An unexpected bake this week to use up freshly picked lemons and poppy seeds. Aren’t these cupcake wrappers pretty? The muffin mix goes right into them~then you bake! You can find something similar here.

Hummingbird’s Nest

The weather is just gorgeous and conducive to having a morning cup of coffee outside. As we are sitting in our front porch rocking chairs, we notice a very friendly hummingbird~flying persistently close to us. The second time this happens, I get a sense that we are invading someone’s territory. Looking up in the tree branch, I find this teeny, tiny nest~approximately 1 inch in diameter

Knowing the mother is off the nest as she is flying around us, I take my camera and hover it above the nest to find 2 wee eggs.

Look at the skill and intricacy of the nest building! When the mother bird sits on the eggs, you don’t even see her inside. Maybe we can get a live camera on this nest so we can watch Mother Nature unfold!

Garden Joy and Surprises

The first sunflower (seeds from Floret Farm) is showing its pretty face and all the others are ready to burst too!

My heavily guarded green bean plants survived their original nibbling to the ground (we think by a bunny) and is now producing so many green beans.

Blogging Friends in Town

While in Phoenix for a conference, I get to see 3 of my blogging friends this week. I always learn so much when I spend time with them. One evening we went to dinner at Lon’s at The Hermosa Inn.

If you live in this area and haven’t been here, this 1930’s luxury boutique inn is an absolute gem! The weather is perfect for dining outside. Unfortunately I didn’t get any pictures of all of us together. So grateful to know these three very talented women (Andrea from Design Morsels, Chas from Chas Crazy Creations and Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate).

How to Dispose of Old Paint

If you are anything like me, you have many cans of paint, plus countless cans of spray paint. Andrea from Design Morsels has a great post on paint disposal. It is inspiring me to take inventory and get rid of the old ones.

Making an Ice Bowl

An ice bowl is a spectacular way to display and serve shrimp or any cold seafood for a cocktail party. Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate will show you the step by step instructions so you can create one yourself!

I have not tried this but it looks like a project I can tackle!

5 Homemade Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Elizabeth from Pinecones & Acorns shares some great ideas for homemade Mother’s Day gifts that are attractive and easy. Check out these flowers in a vintage container as one suggestion.

If you are not sure what to get that special Mom in your life, you can see her post here.

Loss of a Dear Friend

Mike Smith has been a special friend for 50 years. We met when I was a senior in high school. Over the years, we have accumulated a treasure chest of memories. I am godmother to his fabulous daughter, Mollie. Words cannot describe this incredible man as God broke the mold after Mike was born. It has been a week of tears and laughter as I play back the movie of our lives together. He left a legacy of a beautiful family with 6 incredible children and a loving wife of 44 years. His achievements are countless and he made a lasting impression with everyone he met. Goodbye, dear friend. We will meet again.

If you missed my post on Thursday, there are some terrific suggestions on how to minimize the look of flabby arms~an unfortunate circumstance of aging! You can see it here.

Wishing you a wonderful relaxing weekend. Happy Mother’s Day to you! Do you have any special plans? I am wishing for some R&R as it’s been quite the hectic week. Stay healthy and be safe out there.