Friday, May 29, 2015

wrapping up the week ~ friday love

My oldest niece just graduated from high school. How can that be already? My sister and brother-in-law had a party for her this past Monday (Memorial Day). I hope that as a proud auntie, I have bragging rights. Miss S graduated with Honors.


And here she is, all decked out for her senior prom. She's such a beautiful young lady!
(Inside and out, of course.) 


I finally finished planting flowers in all the pots for the patio. This wicker stand is starting to fall apart from all the summers spent outdoors. I'll need to paint it and seal it. Lots of painting projects to do this summer.


The Columbine in my butterfly garden bloomed literally overnight. One day it was all green leaves and the next day - boom. Flowers. I always thought Columbine flowers looked like little crowns. ;-)

 
Mint and lemon balm (which is in the mint family) are taking over the herb garden!
Time to do some digging out.


Are you familiar with Ruth Reichl? I've been a fan of hers for many years. She was the editor of Gourmet magazine from 1999 - 2009 and was a restaurant critic for the LA Times and the NY Times. Two of her books, Tender at the Bone and Comfort Me With Apples are on my Favorite Books list. I've been wanting to read this book for awhile - it's been on my wish list - and it finally came out in paperback. I had a 20% off coupon from Barnes and Noble, so I finally ordered this book. Just finishing up another novel, so this one will be next.
 

Ah, it's the weekend. I spent the evening with a girlfriend...eating pizza, drinking wine and catching up on each other's lives. Tomorrow - Saturday - looks like a little day trip is in order.


14 comments:

  1. Congratulations to your niece! Your shelves in the garden with the plants look beautiful, a lovely thing to look at when you are sitting out! Hope you enjoy your book! xx

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  2. This books looks awesome, just added it to my TBR list!!

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  3. Oh, I want to be a part of your weekends. Ours is always . . . what job will we get done this weekend.
    Connie, is becoming an all work, no play,dull girl. Your niece is beautiful . . . now that high school is over, it will be interesting for you to see the journey she takes. When you are a smart girl, the sky is the limit:)
    Have a great weekend.
    Connie :)

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  4. Congratulations to your niece! I wish her all the best in the future. Your flowers are looking good. I enjoyed Ruth Reichel's writing when I was an avid Gourmet reader but haven't tried any of her books. I'll have to keep an eye out for them at the library. Thanks for the recommendation. :)

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  5. You must be so proud of your niece! I haven't even got 1/2 my flowers in the ground/containers yet! So good for you you already have. We have a lot of painting to do too, we started our guest room, and hire a contractor to restain the outside of the house and so on. But I guess that's what's summer all about?

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  6. She really IS a beautiful girl. Congratulations to her!!! Your flowers are beautiful,too! I am glad you got some time out with a girlfriend. That is so important and hard to do sometimes as we get busier and busier. xo Diana

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  7. Hi Melanie :)

    It sounds like you're going to have a lovely weekend. Me? I'm relaxing. I've been running around like a chicken with it's head cut off for weeks and I'm tired! BBQ is on the menu for tonight and Mr. Man is cooking... thank God! lol

    Congratulations to your niece :)

    xo,
    rue

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  8. Mint and lemon balm should really be contained, and they'll make you crazy! But don't they smell lovely?

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  9. Your niece is so lovely! Congratulations!

    I love your columbine. Why have I never planted it? It's not like I don't have a lot of shade! You've inspired me to do that next year.

    I have that book on my 'wish list' but haven't purchased it yet.

    xo
    Claudia

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  10. All the rain has made for beautiful gardens and lawns in our area this spring. Gray days, but green grass -- I guess it's a trade-off! Your niece is lovely. What a pretty prom dress she chose, elegant and tasteful. Congrats to her on her graduation.

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  11. Melanie,
    Spring beauty and blooms arrive so rapidly to once snow laden lands! You do have bragging rights about a niece that is obviously talented, bright and beautiful-such wonderful accomplishments and moments in life!
    Hope your Sunday is going very well,
    Hugs,
    Jemma

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  12. Congrats to your lovely neice and those columbine are beautiful!

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  13. Your niece looks darling...finishing high school is a huge milestone!
    Isn't it fun when blooms seem to pop out overnight in our gardens? Yours are beautiful!
    Mary Alice

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