(Lake Michigan)
(Phil on his 15th birthday, 2003)
Howdy! I can't believe how quickly this summer is flying. Here we are near the end of July already. I've been enjoying the long, warm, sun-lit days. Early mornings with iced coffee on the shaded patio are the best way to start the day. Or, if I'm feeling motivated and it's not too hot, a walk to the lake feels pretty darn good, too.
Can you believe we've been in our house for 32 years now? We moved ourselves with the help of a friend. And then Brian went right back to work. That left me alone to unpack and set up the house. Not fun with being four months pregnant and having a two-year old. No surprise I ended up sick and vomiting. Those were the days! Still so grateful after all these years for "Comfy House". It is our nest.
We may have a small plot of land, but July means being surrounded by hydrangeas and bee balm, coneflower and garden phlox, cosmos and salvia, and fresh herbs. We're growing cherry tomatoes and a couple of varieties of peppers this year, too.
We may have a small plot of land, but July means being surrounded by hydrangeas and bee balm, coneflower and garden phlox, cosmos and salvia, and fresh herbs. We're growing cherry tomatoes and a couple of varieties of peppers this year, too.
I thank You God for most this amazing day;
for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;
and for everything which is natural which is infinite which is yes.
(e e cummings)
Clementine has had a couple of UTIs in the past month, both resulting in vet ER trips : lots of worry, lots of money. She seems to be on the mend again, despite now being in stage 4 kidney disease. My sweet girl...she sleeps snuggled next to me every night.
Phil's 34th birthday would be tomorrow, July 21. 34!! How do you envision your child at that age when they didn't live past age 21? His birthday will always be celebrated by me and Brian. He made us parents. He is still our child and always will be. There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't think about him.
Ending on a sweet note...if you're looking for a super yummy, easy-to-make dessert that doesn't have a lot of sugar, you've gotta try King Arthur's Hot Summer Spoon Cake. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream. 😊
Phil's 34th birthday would be tomorrow, July 21. 34!! How do you envision your child at that age when they didn't live past age 21? His birthday will always be celebrated by me and Brian. He made us parents. He is still our child and always will be. There is rarely a day that goes by that I don't think about him.
Ending on a sweet note...if you're looking for a super yummy, easy-to-make dessert that doesn't have a lot of sugar, you've gotta try King Arthur's Hot Summer Spoon Cake. Best served warm with vanilla ice cream. 😊
How has your summer been going?
I love all your plants and flowers. Your yard looks great. 32 years is a long time to be in one house. We lived in our house in Arizona for 16 years. That is our record. That desert looks so yummy. I am glad that Clementine is hanging in there. Time goes so quickly. Happy 34th birthday to Phil in Heaven. I know you think daily of him. No matter what happens, our children are always in our hearts, and we never stop being their moms. Glad that your summer is going well. See you again soon!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and your family - know this is always a sad time for you all as you hold Phil close in thought and recall the good days long ago.
ReplyDeleteStay cool dear Melanie 💞
I adore your comfy home. It is brimming with love and incredible energy.
ReplyDelete34 years. Wow. He will forever be your child. ❤️
That spoon cake looks amazing.
Another very sweet thing is your kitty cat! Love photos of her. And the sun rays beaming down on your yard are breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteBrenda
34 years in your home is amazing. You have made it a beautiful nest. We lived in our first home where we raised our girls for 25 years but as you know we have been moving since lol! Phil will be forever in your heart and I love that you still celebrate his birthday. Have a good weekend. xoxo Kris
ReplyDeleteYour yard might be small, but you've created a delightful garden. It must bring you so much pleasure.
ReplyDeleteSummer is looking wonderful at your home. There is nothing like home grown tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteCurrently 110 F here at 5:45 p.m. Ugh! Trying to stay cool is top priority. Your yard looks so lovely and inviting. I think it's awesome you've been in your house for so long though I can't imagine how that feels as we moved every few years when I was growing up. Kuwait is the longest I've lived in any one place, and we've been in our current apartment for 21 years. I really can't even believe that. Sending hugs your way. Take care.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry I am reading this late and missed Phil's Birthday, a bitter sweet day. Remembering the love you had for him everyday is magnified on the day of his birth. I am sending you love.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blog
ReplyDeleteLove looking at your blooms in the garden. I see a plates in your arrangement, I collected plates and used them as a border at the back of my flowerbed. I wanted to use them around the front also but was concerned of rocks flying up when mowing so I only use them in the back. You don't see them in the summer but in the spring they really pop. Nice job on the plants.
ReplyDelete