Friday Photos

Happy Friday, my friends. I hope anyone who is affected by the smoke from the wildfires stays safe and sound indoors, if possible. Here in Maryland, we are under a Code Red Air Quality Condition, but I know some others are under Purple. I did not walk this morning because when I took Mocha outside, I could tell it was not something I wanted to be out in. I did snap one quick photo, and it looks a bit eerie, don't you think?

Speaking of Mocha...Yesterday was her birthday! My little Mocha turned eleven! She enjoyed some puppy spa time...well, actually, she had an appointment with the groomer, but I am sure she enjoyed it, and she got a few extra pieces of her favorite thing ever: American Cheese. We shared some pictures of her in our family group text. 

The moment I met her!

Home Sweet Home!

This picture from Mocha's first birthday illustrates just how long she has been in our family! Look at little Flynn!

Yes, she barks. A lot. But she also loves her people and is the best snuggler ever. And I am happy she is mine.

Peyton and Chris celebrated the seventh anniversary of their first date this week! Seven years seems like yesterday! They went to dinner at the same place, and Peyton wore the same blouse she wore on that very first date!

A few photos from my walks earlier this week...

And some really neat ones Steve took on his walk.

And if you are thinking...Why don't they walk together? The answer is this: I walk early in the morning. He sleeps later. He walks a jillion miles every day. I am happy to make it to one! I walk in quiet. He walks with a headset and makes phone calls. Totally opposite, we are! But we work perfectly together! 

Have a lovely weekend, my friends. Stay inside if you need to. I plan to venture out to Mass, and that is about it. I am going to snuggle on the couch and catch up with you all! And to those who comment or message me who don't have blogs, please know I appreciate your friendship and am thankful you are here!

Billie Jo

This Summer

 I am loving...

This not-too-sweet, not-too-tart Blueberry Lemonade...

Cutting a fresh pineapple and putting it in a glass container in the fridge every week, because nothing is better than good, fresh pineapple...

This. This moisturizing lotion that I wear every. single. day. It has SPF 30, and it does not smell! I hate putting sticky, heavy, smelly sunscreen on my face. Who doesn't? But this actually goes on lightly and without any fragrance. I am a huge advocate of sunscreen every single day, and this makes it so easy!

Early-morning walks when the entire neighborhood is still asleep...

Spending hours on the screened-in porch...

Especially with these three, a cup of coffee, and a good book...

Dinner and dessert at my daughter's house. Thank you, Madison...

And that I still have the privilege of making yummy summer lunches, even if they aren't on a colored plastic tray anymore.

Happy Wednesday!

Billie Jo

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