Saturday Meanderings
It feels so good to get back to writing a Saturday Meanderings. The last two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind and I appreciate you understanding my lack of posting. Happy Saturday and let’s chat about what is going on.
The day after our houseguests left I excitedly left Phoenix to Orlando, Florida to meet up with 3 of my favorite blogging friends (Design Morsels and Chas Crazy Creations). For me, this trip would be full of creative ideas, new sites and new memories. I landed in Orlando late on a Wednesday night and got to see Celebration, Florida for the first time.
Celebration is a master planned community designed by The Walt Disney Company. The town, which has approximately 12,000 residents, is architecturally beautiful, fabulously landscaped, and impeccably maintained. Think Main Street USA but far better. My friend, Chloe, from Celebrate and Decorate lives in a gorgeous home with a large Southern front porch. Hosting our blogging get-together at her lovely home is such a treat.
The length of my trip was supposed to be Wednesday through Sunday. However, the very next day, I received notification that the Norwich, Connecticut police found my aunt dead in her home. My aunt, Gail, is the last of my father’s siblings and lived alone. Her death was unexpected as she was in good health, extremely active and independent (still driving) for her age of 100. She would have been 101 in August.
I ended my trip to Florida after one day and got the first flight up to Connecticut. With no children or living spouse, I am the person responsible to handle Aunt Gail’s finality and estate. Fortunately, I locate some documentation with her burial wishes and we had a lovely farewell ceremony the following week. Now probate begins and who knows when I will need to return to manage the rest.
The good news is that spring flowers are in bloom in Connecticut and my aunt has 3 very large lilac bushes. I cut armfuls and fill her home with their lovely scent. Azaleas and rhododendrons are also at their best.
Now I am back home in Phoenix and quickly had a day to do all the laundry from our last house guests. We are entertaining our new delightful house guests this week. So it’s been a bit busy and as a result, I’ve hardly spent time on my blog or social media.
While I was away, the sunflowers opened up and the birds are enjoying the fresh peaches on the tree.
Daydreaming
But life happens and we manage. Maybe as a result of experiencing a loss, you think ahead. Lately I am dreaming about designing my own home someday. Or at least thinking about being able to renovate a home exactly the way I want with an unlimited budget! Wouldn’t that be nice. But I seem to like several different styles. Which of these appeal to you?
Stark and serene?
Classic and clean?
Warm and elegant?
Or lots of character and charm?
Oops!
Do you remember last year when I changed the color of the front door from red to blue? Look what I just found! Ha! Funny how I did not notice the unpainted edge until now..ah, another project.
Just recently, I started reading a wonderful book series from Karen White. The House on Tradd Street is the first book of many and it is a brilliant, chilling story featuring a Charleston real estate agent who loves old houses~and the secret histories inside them.
I am looking forward to a quiet and relaxing weekend here at home. Thanks again for joining me today!
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.
Sorry for your loss. I myself am 86years young! Your aunt had great taste. iHave read the five books of Karen White, and I want more of these stories. I wish i”d had a home like your aunt Gails, when I was younger. Thanks for all the wonderful pictures.
Lollie
Lollie, You sound 86 years young! I love that! I am on my second Karen White book and am a big fan already. Thanks for your sweet comments.
I’m sorry for your loss. But reviewing your photos I myself love the door and the fact it has two colors, it’s unexpected, brings a smile to my face, it’s whimsical and has CHARACTER but maybe I see it through my photographic eye..
Katherine, thank you for your comments about my painting error on the front door. I use this door all the time but must not open it all the way to see the red! I like how you think!
We were all so sorry you had to cut your visit short. When I spotted the first photo, I thought, wow, that house in Connecticut looks just like one here in Celebration! HA! You put so much into this post, I don’t know where to begin, but toward the end, I think that I am of the “Warm and Elegant” style. What do you think? You saw my home. It is funny, my husband and I try to style our home a little more casual but it always turns out a little more formal in the end.
I thought that the edge of the front door at least coordinates with your spring wreath!!
I didn’t even get past the picture on the cover of the book, I LOVE a single house! The idea of having that extra door to your porch that you left open if you were welcoming guests is such a charming idea, isn’t it? I know it is a dated idea, and so Southern, but dreamy!
THAT BOOK SOUNDS FABULOUS!
I LOVED CHARLESTON!
SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR AUNT!
WOW 100…………….THAT IS SOMETHING!
YOU have good genes……….
THE DOOR IS FUNNY !!!I guess you never enter from the front so wouldn’t see THAT!
I’m so sorry for yourself loss Mary and that your trip was cut short. The flower photos are
Beautiful.
So sorry for your loss…
Big hugs to you.
Mary,
So sorry for your loss, it must have been a shock.
As for my favorite, warm and elegant.
Sorry for your loss, sounds like she was a a great, independent lady. Enjoy your many
memories.
I hope you have a relaxing weekend.
va in NC
It was so great to see you and we missed you the rest of our trip. I know there will be more coming soon. I’m so sorry for your loss and I’m glad you made it home safely. Hugs to you friend.
Mary, I’m so sorry got the loss of your Aunt. Regardless of her age, it’s hard and somehow, it’s saying goodbye to a whole generation.
I have read and enjoyed many of Karen White’s books. She tells a good story.
I’m so sorry to hear about your aunt Gail. She sounds like she was an amazing woman. I missed you and your posts.
Whips that you get to enjoy a relaxing weekend.
Hugs to you.