Europe

I am leaving for Europe tomorrow ( I know....lucky me!) and I know I will come 

back with a plethora ( just love this word) of ideas for new posts for the blog. 

Unfortunately I don't have a laptop to take with me so be patient 

and when I get past the jet lag I'll be back to posting again. 

I am so thankful for this chance to travel again..... 

and I know how blessed I am to have this opportunity.

We'll talk soon!

Germany

France

Switzerland

Austria

Czech Republic    

Wildflower--Lavender Mountain Lily

This is a picture from my dear son who is stationed in Afghanistan. 

How does something so lovely grow, much less thrive, in this cracked dry earth?

The power of nature is flippin' amazing!

Ixiolirion Tataricum

A variety of magnolia??

Punk Squirrel

I have been watching and waiting since I saw him/her down the street.... but I couldn't get a picture before he flew up a tree.

But finally he showed up in my neighbors yard!

His beige sibling in in the background but unfortunately is quite shy, unlike  this one 

who is pleased and proud how he looks.....as he should be! 

Why should he be just another gray squirrel like the everyone else!

Luffa~~Luffah

A question was posed to me from Kindle daughter in law. 

What is s luffa?

I thought for a nano second and said a sponge? 

Since she asked I was already second guessing my answer.

No it's not.

Its a gourd that you can grow in your garden. 

Who knew!!!! 

Guess who is planting Luffa seeds this year????? 

Yep.......That would be me!

Fossil Purse bzzzzzzzzzz

Kindle daughter in law and I are in a store and she spies the purse she can't live with out!

And it matched the outfit she had on....

 so it was a must have.

I happen to mention that when she's tired of it to PLEASE let me know.

So darn adorable!!

Fossil Purses

Spring Cleaning

 I'm ready to think more about Spring Cleaning instead of Snow Shoveling. Being able to open the windows and doors to air the house out to hear the birds singing, yes..... even the robins that begin singing at 4am. To be able to go out in the yard with out putting on coats, scarves, gloves, boots and still being cold. 

AND green grass, daffodils and tulips. And of course my violets.

Daily Wear Contacts

I decided to give daily wear contacts a whirl this year.
Why did I wait so long is my question to self??
            *Ultra comfortable...which my other ones weren't
            *Always clear....which my other ones weren't
            *Perfect for traveling
            *And no more solution to buy
If you're even a little bit tempted to try them....do it.
My eye doc gave me samples so I knew exactly what they would be like before I purchased them!

 I LOVE THEM!

And yes I have green eyes.

First Day of Spring Happiness

Happy First Day of Spring to all of you! Even tho it is only to be a high of 46 today 

 I woke up to a robin singing so I have hope that nicer days are on the way!

I am always so excited at the prospect of what's to come in the next couple months. 

I hope you are as well.

Dana Buchman Purse/Tote

I needed, no... so sorry, I wanted a new tote for when I travel. I love having one to keep all those "essentials" close by.
I saw alot of cute ones and I decided to check one more store and I found this on clearance. Really??? 
Why would it be on clearance?  Then on top of all that I had an additional discount so it was a absolute steal. I finished my shopping holding it tight because I just knew that if I put it down some one else would snatch it up. 

Beautiful right???

and under $30.

I just love it!

It's Dana!

I promise I'll take the plastic off soon!

           

So much fun!

Front Porch Swing

I've always loved front porches.

I've never had a front porch... but that doesn't stop me from dreaming of what mine might look like.

I would make time every day to enjoy it. 

Even if only for a short time.
Can you just imagine!!!
I guess I just did!

The house

The porch and flowers

The swing

Dinner at the Farm

I had the pleasure of eating at the farm last weekend. 
Impromptu---instead of a restaurant.
"Chef Chris" made spaghetti casserole---yum...and a must to make for dear husband.
An iceberg salad with all wonderful add ins including grapes
Garlic bread sticks
AND her homemade salad dressing....double yum!
She is such a kind hearted and loving person who is always inviting people in and sharing her wonderful food and company.

Travel

What is it about traveling that makes me feel so good?

There's the idea...the planning...the anticipation

The smile you have....like a big secret you can't wait to share

And of course the inside smile that makes me feel so giddy.

I get as excited about short trips as I do about long ones. 

Travel lets you walk away from the day to day life we all lead and 

meet new people, observe, learn, grow and experience our hearts desires. 

I have the opportunity for a big trip this year and I wish my inside smile could go on forever!

(Of course it would have to be a fairly large suitcase!)

Basset Hound Ears

Yet another day with more snow.

 It took me back to one of the first years that we had Tucker, my wonderful basset hound. 

He would run with the boys and his long floppy ears literally rotated like a propeller.

What a hoot!

Polar Vortex and Snow

OK... ENOUGH ALREADY

....

I live in Illinois not the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or Northern Minnesota or I don't know....somewhere it's cold and snowy all the time! ...to be continued...time to shovel

Alright so it was only about 4 more inches of snow.....I know quit whining

but look at my poor swing!

Hand Blown Glass Ornaments

Look at these lovelies! 

I actually made the orange/red one. My son wanted to take a short class locally and asked me if I wanted to go. 

"Of Course" I said

I'm always ready to try something new.

It surprised me that it was so hard to actually blow the glass but  what a fun experience!

It didn't come out like I imagined but I love it... because it was time spent with Andrew.

A beautiful present from dear sister

Avolie Glass on Etsy

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AvolieGlass