a gypsy caravan

summertime

::raw shell peas-a new favorite::

::strawberries for freezer jam::

::happy honey bees::

 ::black raspberry picking::

::paddle boating::

::eggs from a dear friend's chickens for breakfast::

::one of mary's favorite pastimes::

 

~hope your summer is off to a fun and relaxing start!

 

annie's kindergarten graduation

Some of our children are homeschooled and some attend traditional school.  Annie recently graduated from kindergarten at our parish parochial school.  She had a wonderful schoolyear and is looking forward to starting first grade in the fall. Her graduation ceremony was lovely and she received an award for being a peaceful presence in the classroom. Here she is with her school principal. 

We are so proud of you Annie! 

sisters

Taken on a family trip to Cedar Point Amusement Park 

“For there is no friend like a sister, in calm or stormy weather, to cheer one on the tedious way, to fetch one if one goes astray, to lift one if one totters down, to strengthen whilst one stands.”-Christina Rosetti

antiquing and thrifting

There are several nice outdoor antique shows in and around our town during the summer.  People set up tables in the park and sell their wares.  The kids and I had such fun looking around for things for the house.  Because this house is a bit bigger than our last, we have some nooks to fill. 

The girls looked for quite some time at the costume jewelry. 

There were many tables of linens. 

I thought I'd show you some of the things that came home with us.  First, know that I am borderline obsessed with old luggage and, most especially, train cases. So I was pretty thrilled when I found these for a few dollars each. 

and I was excited about this one too...

Vintage hat box

Wooden berry picking basket

two fabulous old cameras

I also found two suitacases for the girls room in which to store doll clothing as well as Barbies and All of Their Gear. When stacked, the suitcases look nice and also make the contents portable for visits to friend's houses or rainy day doll adventures on the front porch.

I also picked up some old bottles at a yard sale across the street last weekend. The home owner owned a restaurant in town and had been building an outside eating area on the place when he discovered all of the bottles buried on the site.  Many are from local dairies or other businesses.  I thought they looked pretty in the window. Reminded me of beach glass. :)

Thanks for visiting me. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead! 

 

someone bless these seeds i sow...

There have been so many sweet children willing to volunteer: soil haulers, rakers, planters, waterers, trellis builders, weeders... 

...and toddlers who think the entire gardening process is delightful.  She will be two next month.  I can hardly believe it. Wants nothing to do with being called a big girl. "No! Big Baby!" 

::pickling cucumber seedlings::

I'm grateful for big boys who see the wonder and excitement in growing a garden. Ben had quite a nice garden of his own years ago and I'm so happy to see him tending this one just as lovingly. There is great healing in growing things and working with one's hands. He wakes up every morning and waters the beds faithfully.

:: young celery::

::pinching the suckers from the tomato plants::

We have broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, hungarian wax peppers, banana peppers, spring lettuce, romaine, pickling cucumbers, tomatoes, celery and strawberries. When the early lettuce is finished, I will plant string beans.  And wax beans. I so love wax beans. 

What's growing in your garden?