The Burning Question

This weekend marked the official beginning of summer although it has felt like summer for awhile.


The long summer days are lush & green, sunny & hot.


But the fact is, I still find myself in Boston, when I am normally in France by this time in the summer season.


I have usually left before my day lilies bloom, but this year I am still here to enjoy their summery glory.


And of course staying in Boston means lots of opportunities to share in my grandchildren's many summer activities, which I love.


But the burning question is ....am I going to France this summer & if so when. In my last post's comments Menthe Blanche very politely asked just that question. Many of my French friends are emailing to ask too, as are family & friends here in the US.


I wish I had an answer. Although I long for the peace & tranquility of my village & little house in France, this year life is just much more complicated. With so many unanswered questions still left in Boston, I am unable to make my usual summer plans, for the moment anyway. But I do hope that will change soon.

Wishing each of you a very happy summer..... no matter if you have well laid plans or not.

Gone Fishing

Today was the first day of summer vacation for my grandson, Jack. What better way to start off the season right but to go fishing with his Granddad. I came along too, for the fun of it.


























No fish were caught, but being a beautiful day & all, there was a lot of exploring & climbing as well.



I am afraid that, that old adage ...." Gone fishing ".... is how I have been with this blog lately. Hopefully I will be back soon with something interesting to share.

In the mean time enjoy the small things & have a great weekend!

A Few Small Things

On the Patio

At least one part of getting our condo ready for sale has been pure joy. That is taking care of the patio, which is a job I enjoy every year. Tending & watching my plants & flowers grow is a peaceful, meditative process.


I love to plant different combinations of plants in a pot, creating a living tableau of colors & textures.


Even on a cloudy day like today the patio offers a pleasant respite.



I plant annuals every year at this time but I am also always happily surprised by the reappearance of perennials, like the pink columbine ....


....& the giant Monk's rhubarb that never fail to appear.


The blueberry bush gets bigger every year. The flowers need the help of bees to produce fruit though.


Today I saw this large jewel like rain drop that had collected on a lupin leaf.



It's beauty had a sad quality to me. It reminded me of a tear drop. Perhaps that is because today my thoughts have been with the people of Oklahoma who have lost so much.

A Walk on the Beach

Although, it was not what you would call a beach day per say, the chilly breezes did not keep the crowds away. It seemed like this weekend, everyone here in the Boston area, packed up their gear & headed for the beach.

Except for the occasional grey cloud, the sky was blue & the sun was out.

Sweatshirts were for the most part the preferred beach attire.

However, there were those few brave souls that did not let the chill bother them & went about enjoying the beach as if it were a hot August day.

All seemed to agreed that just hearing the sound of the surf & feeling the sand between their toes was the perfect way to welcome the changing seasons.

Nothing quite says spring to me, like the sight of the beach plum in bloom

And after an afternoon at the beach what could be better than a late lunch at the Clam Box in Ipswich.

A lobster roll & lobster bisque were the perfect finish to a lazy day at the beach New England style.

I hope your weekend was fun too!

This Week...

.....this week has flown by ...in a sort of blur ...& I can't believe we have already arrived at another weekend.
Last Sunday was calm & relaxed, & filled with....


......sunshine ...

...smiles...

.....sweet treats....


....flowers....


& family....
Here's hoping this weekend & every weekend will be full of the same!
Happy weekend everyone!

Happy Mother's Day

......to those of you that are celebrating Mother's Day today.....I hope it is a happy one....












.....& for everyone else a very happy end of the weekend!