Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning! I hope your weekend was everything you planned and then some! We enjoyed a pretty low-key weekend here, as documented by the lack of photos on my camera roll. Our weather couldn't make up its mind between bouts of rain and periods of stifling humidity. Both options made it easy for me to stay indoors for most of the weekend, switching seamlessly between cleaning and relaxation modes. I have worked out a fairly good system that currently works for me when it comes to cleaning. I have found that Saturday mornings are a perfect time for a good bathroom and bedroom cleaning. I strip the bed, wash the sheets, clean the bathroom, and vacuum before noon. I also clean out the fridge, toss any old or expired items, and make a list of meals for the upcoming week before placing a grocery order for Sunday. 

Then I shower, put on my cozy clothes/housedress, and am all set for the day. We had been going to Saturday evening mass, but since Flynn has been working Saturdays, we started attending Sunday evening mass, and we love it. Going to mass seems the perfect way to end a weekend and prepare for a new week. Afterward, we head to the condo, get some dinner, and sit by the beach. 

 

What are we watching this summer? Well, Big Brother, of course! This show began in the summer of 2000, and we had a tiny newborn, Peyton, plus a three-and-a-half-year-old, Madison, so we stayed close to home. We started watching it and have been hooked every summer since. It's just fun, and that is what summer should be. I am also reading quite a bit more, now that we are done with homeschool for the summer. This one was good! I recommend it for your next summer read.

One thing I do not do as much as I used to is bake. Thankfully, my girls do, and I am realizing the rewards of teaching them young! This is a recipe I have had forever! I made it a lot when the kids were young, but for some reason that escapes me now, I stopped. Madison remembered it, asked Peyton for the recipe, and made it a few days later. It is so good! I literally forgot how good it is! If you want to give it a try, here is a picture of the one Peyton sent to Madison, and Madison sent to me!

The beach was windy last night when we stopped, so this is the closest I could get while sitting by the window. It still takes my breath away every time I see it.

Not much to share from my early-morning walk, but this little guy wanted to say hello!

One of my very favorite things to do...walk on the dock over the water. I love the sound the wood makes beneath my feet, and the noise of the water splashing below. I love seeing the skyline covered in early-morning light and the thought that everyone is waking up to a brand-new day.

Well, I am off to start the day. I hope you all have a lovely Monday wherever you are in this world. Thank you for visiting! 

Billie Jo

Friday Photos

Good Friday morning, my friends. First up, I wanted to thank you for your kind words in response to yesterday's post on the passing of our dear friend Mary. She was an amazing lady and friend. We will miss her dearly. 

We are now smack dab in the middle of summer, and it certainly feels like that around here. I don't mean just temperature and humidity-wise, either. I am referring to the whole vibe, as my kids call it. Summer is slower and allows for more spontaneity around here. Dinner may be planned or maybe not. We eat outside and linger on the porch, letting dirty pots and pans sit in the sink while we visit as the sun goes down. We swim in the morning, or maybe at night. The laundry room is scattered with damp towels, and half-empty bottles of sunscreen are scattered everywhere. And it is good.

This week...

These guys watched lots of World Cup soccer.

We were the lucky recipients of Madison's amazing baking.

I took my early morning walks.

While Steve walked in the late afternoon, and for much longer too!

And, as much as I am living in the moment, enjoying summer and all that entails, I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge what is going on in my mind and in my planner! If you know me, you know!!! With apologies to all the summer lovers out there!

But I am just beginning to think about fall. I promise! Well, I am looking at fall decor online. And reading through cookbooks to find new fall recipes. And decorating my planner with leaves and pumpkins. But that's it! After all, the anticipation and planning are half the fun!

Have a wonderful summer weekend, my friends.

Thanks for visiting!

BillieJo

A Special Thursday Post - Blueberry Mary

Today, our family lost a very dear friend. We first met Mary through her husband, the happiest man ever, when Steve began getting blueberries from him. When he passed nearly fifteen years ago, we reached out to her, and she became one of our very closest friends. Her son was kind enough to bring her to our house for holiday celebrations, simple summer suppers, and to meet us at one of her favorite places, Pizza Hut. Because Mary always picked and prepared the most perfect blueberries, Flynn began calling her Blueberry Mary. And Mary loved that.

Mary was a beautiful lady. She was hardworking, classy, devout, intelligent, happy, and humble. From her, I learned how to make salmon cakes, play dominoes, and love all things blueberry. I saw her develop a beautiful friendship with my sweet mother and an interest in each one of my children as individuals. I learned of her love for her family and the joy they brought her. I watched her gracefully move through different stages of life, always looking at the bright side of things, no matter what.

Mary loved being busy. She loved puzzles and was very, very good at them. She loves a personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut, playing dominoes, and watching Wheel of Fortune. Mary always dressed nicely and carried herself like a true lady. She loved life and was so devout in her Catholic faith that I am certain Heaven is welcoming her today. 

Every person should be so blessed to have someone like Mary in their life. We are so thankful she was a part of our lives, and we will miss her so. It is worth noting that the day before she passed was National Blueberry Day, and Madison actually made a blueberry coffee cake that we have been enjoying. I like to think Mary had something to do with that. 

Billie Jo

What If

 
What if we could normalize...

Sitting on the porch in the evening, listening to music on an old-fashioned radio

Coming together as a family for dinner around the kitchen table 

Baking and serving homemade desserts made with real ingredients 

Sending cards in the mail just because

Embracing and prioritizing calm and the unstructured over the busy and the scheduled?

Have a wonderful day, my friends!

Billie Jo